The Faceless Hermit

Outside, the night rain poured relentlessly, bringing a biting chill that crept into one’s bones. The doors to the cave residence suddenly burst open, and a figure cloaked in black strode inside.

Within, the room was a chaotic mess. Red candles flickered, dancers swayed gracefully, and Gu Xunhe and Chen Dayi were entangled in a brawl amidst the wreckage.

The elderly figure in the black robe frowned deeply, his voice cold and grim. “Young Master, come with me immediately.”

—

Gu Xunhe turned, squinting at the intruder. Recognizing the face, he sneered. “Elder Yuan Zhen, what brings you here so late?” Raising an eyebrow, he added with a wicked grin, “I’ve got wine, food, and beautiful company here. Why would I want to go out in the rain? Whatever it is, you can say it here.”

“You’ve been ordered to face punishment in Remnant Wind Valley, to reflect on your actions and await further judgment. Don’t waste time. I’d rather not make this unpleasant,” Elder Yuan Zhen said, his eyes filled with disappointment.

—

“Punishment? What for?” Gu Xunhe’s expression turned to shock. “I’m about to be appointed Young Master! Who besides my father has the authority to—”

“It’s the Sect Master’s decision. As for the Young Master position, I suggest you give up on that dream,” Yuan Zhen said, his voice icy. With a single move, he reached out and lifted Gu Xunhe into the air like a helpless chick.

—

“What?! What did I do wrong? I demand to see my father!” Gu Xunhe’s face turned pale as he struggled, but he couldn’t move an inch.

“The Sect Master doesn’t wish to see you,” Yuan Zhen replied coldly.

“No! This can’t be happening!” Gu Xunhe’s voice cracked as he roared, “It must be some schemer slandering me! Chen Dayi, gather the men and prove my innocence! Avenge me!”

His voice echoed in the wind as the dancers fled in panic, leaving only Chen Dayi behind.

Chen Dayi’s eyes burned red with fury, his demeanor like that of a lone wolf driven to madness.

—

On a Spirit Boat.

The glowing spirit boat soared through the sky. Inside, Gu Feiyan was laying down some ground rules with Qin Gou.

“First, don’t ask why I kissed you. Second, don’t you dare kiss me out of nowhere. Third, don’t think I don’t know about you slapping my butt!”

“Why did you kiss me?” Qin Gou asked innocently.

“You bastard!” Gu Feiyan growled, her teeth grinding. She wanted to bite him but instead narrowed her cold eyes and said frostily, “You’re my subordinate. That kiss was my way of rewarding you. I’ll kiss you if I want to, play with you however I like. Don’t expect me to take responsibility. What, are you going to resist, little dog?”

Though she tried to maintain her usual haughty demeanor, her heartbeat quickened, and her cheeks flushed. She felt utterly embarrassed.

—

Qin Gou rubbed his nose and asked, “Has the famous Third Miss of the Seed Demon Holy Sect, known as the ‘Calamity Beauty,’ ever rewarded her other subordinates like this?”

Gu Feiyan’s face turned scarlet. Gritting her teeth, she snapped, “Mind your own business!”

“I just wanted to say, if you have, I’d be jealous,” Qin Gou said sincerely.

She didn’t respond.

“Hmph.” With a cold snort, Gu Feiyan placed her hands on her slender waist and walked gracefully into the boat’s interior.

Qin Gou was left scratching his head, confused.

—

Moments later, Gu Feiyan reappeared, her eyes moist and tender, her voice tinged with urgency and shyness. “No, I haven’t kissed anyone else. Don’t misunderstand and start feeling sorry for yourself. No one will pity you except your mom!”

Blushing furiously, she stomped her foot and darted back inside.

Qin Gou stood there, his mouth agape, unable to form words.

Little Yan’s lost it!

But damn it, she’s so sweet…

But I think…

I think I’ve lost it too. (tln : LMAO heavenly master is blushing)

—

“I need to draw a lottery to calm down,” Qin Gou thought to himself.

The system immediately displayed the tempting image of a massive spinning wheel. Qin Gou’s gaze locked onto the bold characters for “Avatar Realm” written on the wheel. He wondered, If I draw an Avatar Realm entity while still in the Hidden Artifact Realm, what would that feel like? Would I truly be invincible among my peers? Or would I lack the spiritual energy to summon it fully?

—

He lightly flicked the pointer, and the wheel began spinning rapidly. Closing his eyes, Qin Gou waited.

The wheel was divided into categories: pills, artifacts, weapons, techniques, guardian spirits, life-bound spiritual tools, life-bound avatars, unique physiques, and bloodline inheritances. However, pills, weapons, and artifacts were of little use to Qin Gou, given the vast treasures already in his possession.

—

“Ding!”

The system’s notification rang out, and Qin Gou’s eyes snapped open.

“Congratulations, Host. You have drawn the juvenile-stage bloodline inheritance: Faceless Hermit.”

—

Qin Gou’s heart skipped a beat. He hadn’t expected to draw a bloodline inheritance, something he’d never even hoped for. After all… being human was fine.

The system quickly provided details about the Faceless Hermit bloodline.

—

Faceless Hermit (Demon Race, Juvenile Stage):

– Bloodline Talent 1: Rapid Regeneration. Though not physically robust like other demons, the Faceless Hermit possesses extraordinary healing abilities, allowing it to efficiently recover from moderate injuries such as cuts, burns, frostbite, and fatigue.

– Bloodline Talent 2: Mimicry Game. By staring at a humanoid creature for ten seconds, the Faceless Hermit can perfectly replicate their appearance and physique, altering its flesh and bones rather than merely disguising itself. (Juvenile stage allows storing up to two alternate appearances.)

—

Qin Gou immediately checked his profile. Under the bloodline section, alongside “Human,” a new entry appeared: “Faceless Hermit (Demon Race).”

—

He wasn’t alarmed, merely thoughtful. “I now possess a bloodline from the demon race, a group despised by the cultivation world. But this also means I can infiltrate the demon abyss, where even Avatar Realm cultivators fear to tread… where Kong Ling resides.”