16: Chapter 16 Seeking refuge with Xiujinlou?

[Over the following period, you cultivate diligently within the Heavenly Sword Dao Palace, striving to break through to the Nascent Soul Stage as soon as possible.

However, one day, Zou Xianyun sends you a message, inviting you to explore a secret realm together.]

[He tells you that the secret realm contains the inheritance of a mighty figure from the Spirit Ruins Realm named the 'Array Ancestor,' and he hopes you can seize the inheritance with him.

After you confirm the authenticity of the news with Daoist Baiyun, you agree to go with him.]

[Although Zou Xianyun is only at the Golden Core Stage, you do not rule out the possibility that he is someone from Xiujin Tower in disguise.

To be safe, you also have Daoist Baiyun assign a Nascent Soul Peak Dao Protector to accompany you.]

[It seems you overthought things; Zou Xianyun does not show any signs of abnormality.

To your delight, you actually encounter no difficulties along the way.]

[Furthermore, this Array Ancestor inheritance is even more profound than the ancient inheritance you comprehended in the Wanzhen Sect!

However, just as you are about to thank Zou Xianyun in your ecstasy, a single sentence from him leaves you frozen in place.]

['What a pity. No matter how great your talent, once tainted by that bloodline, you are destined to fall to the status of a pawn.']

[Before you can react to the meaning of his words, you find that a group of men in black has appeared out of nowhere, surrounding you.

The aura they emit is, without exception, entirely at the Nascent Soul Stage!]

[With these familiar techniques, you recognize at a glance that the group before you must be from Xiujin Tower.]

[Zou Xianyun also reveals his Nascent Soul Peak cultivation at this moment. Knowing you definitely cannot escape, you shout at Zou Xianyun, demanding to know why—at least let you die with some understanding.]

[Zou Xianyun shakes his head, only telling you that you have your bloodline and the things you've touched to blame; no matter how high your talent, you cannot survive.]

"Bloodline?? What is that?"

Chen Yuan, outside the simulator, is the most bewildered of all.

Isn't he just an ordinary human?

If there is anything different, it's that he has the simulator.

Could it be that the simulator can actually change his bloodline?

"No, why is this getting more and more like a mystery?"

Chen Yuan keeps watching with wide eyes, hoping Zou Xianyun will explain things a bit more clearly.

[He also tells you that in order to lure you out, they even utilized the Array Ancestor's inheritance.

Hearing this, you are completely shocked. This Array Ancestor inheritance before you was actually put out by Xiujin Tower as bait?]

[Seemingly seeing your shock, he smugly tells you that most of the inheritance secret realms in the Spirit Ruins Realm are now held in the hands of Xiujin Tower.

Aside from some that are handed over to the Upper World, the rest are provided for the Xiujin Tower cultivators stationed in the Spirit Ruins Realm to study.]

[This is also why Spirit Ruins Realm cultivators can grow so rapidly after joining Xiujin Tower.]

[Afterward, he speaks no more to you and casually delivers a killing blow.]

[You died! The moment your throat is pierced, you see a trace of regret in Zou Xianyun's eyes.]

[Starting the settlement for this simulation, you may choose one of the following rewards!]

[1. Golden Core Peak cultivation.]

[2. Sword Heart Clarity (2-Star Talent)]

[3. Array Ancestor Inheritance.]

[4. This simulation's experiences (in memory form)]

"I really... damn it, can't you just explain things clearly!"

Chen Yuan desperately wants to enter the simulator and give Zou Xianyun two good slaps across the face.

Just acting like a riddle-master—how is he supposed to know what's wrong with his bloodline?

"I choose option one."

Without hesitation, Chen Yuan chooses the cultivation.

Even though this was a hard-earned comprehension talent, Chen Yuan still feels that cultivation is more important.

"Otherwise, should I just join Xiujin Tower next time?"

Chen Yuan scratches his head, an idea instantly popping into his mind.

He also wants to figure out exactly what this bloodline Zou Xianyun mentioned is.

Could this be the reason why the Inspector kills him every time?

However, if even someone like Zou Xianyun at the Nascent Soul Stage could notice something was wrong with him, wouldn't joining Xiujin Tower be like walking into a tiger's den?

Shaking his head, Chen Yuan dismisses the idea.

What is he lacking right now?

It's nothing more than cultivation and time!

The further a cultivator progresses, the harder it becomes to advance. Don't be fooled by how he went from the Qi Refinement Stage to Golden Core in less than a few days.

Chen Yuan estimates that without a fortuitous opportunity, he would likely remain in the Golden Core Stage for a long time.

With the support of Xiujin Tower, he might be able to reach the Nascent Soul Stage faster.

Although the Upper World invasion is over a decade away, he has many things to do in the meantime.

For example, how did his two older brothers cultivate to the Deity Transformation Stage or above?

Or what exactly is going on with his bloodline?

Furthermore, without reaching the Nascent Soul Stage, the threat of Xiujin Tower will always exist.

Chen Yuan shakes his head; he feels there are too many things in this Spirit Ruins Realm waiting for him to explore.

"Seriously, can't I just be allowed to cultivate in peace until Ascension?"

Chen Yuan feels a bit of helplessness.

Looking out the window, the scenery of the Qinglan Sect remains the same.

He plans to rest for a few days.

The recent continuous, high-intensity simulations have left his spirit a bit exhausted.

"Chen Yuan, a Senior Brother from the Pill Hall is looking for you!"

Just as his mind is wandering, a shout comes from outside the door.

"Pill Hall Senior Brother?"

Only then does Chen Yuan snap back to reality, remembering that he had only gone to the Pill Hall yesterday.

Simulating too much has made it a bit difficult for him to distinguish reality.

Walking out of the room, the person standing outside is none other than Liu Yiming.

And the moment Liu Yiming sees Chen Yuan, he is also somewhat surprised.

He finds that he actually cannot see through this Junior Brother before him.

One must know that he is at the Foundation Establishment Peak cultivation, yet he cannot see through Chen Yuan.

Could it be that this Junior Brother of his has already stepped into the Golden Core Stage?

"Junior Brother Chen, Master Gu requests your presence. Please follow me."

Liu Yiming smiles and cups his hands to him, tossing his various stray thoughts to the back of his mind.

"Master Gu Bei?"

Chen Yuan is startled, then remembers it must be because he solved the test questions yesterday, which caught Gu Bei's attention.

If nothing unexpected happens, this visit is because Gu Bei wants to take him as a disciple.

Thinking of this, Chen Yuan cannot help but smile wryly.

The Master Gu Bei who he needed to look up to just a few days ago—now, he could practically be Gu Bei's teacher.

However, Chen Yuan says nothing and follows Liu Yiming to Gu Bei's residence.

What meets his eyes is an old man with a sage-like air and a kind, benevolent countenance.

However, from the previous simulations, it can be seen that Gu Bei's character is indeed quite good.

He was even willing to hand over his inheritance jade slip to Chen Yuan.

Although his own alchemy cultivation has already far surpassed Gu Bei's,

in Chen Yuan's heart, Gu Bei is also his teacher.

Furthermore, Chen Yuan has not yet had time to digest the alchemy inheritance he obtained from the Sea Palace Archipelago secret realm.

Mainly because these few simulations were spent exploring other areas of the map.

"Master, Junior Brother Chen has arrived!"

As Liu Yiming's voice rings out, Gu Bei's sharp gaze turns toward the two of them.

But his eyes widen the moment he sees Chen Yuan.

"This... Senior, your presence honors my humble abode. Please forgive the lack of proper hospitality."

Gu Bei bows with cupped hands, leaving Liu Yiming beside Chen Yuan stunned in place.

"Senior? Master, isn't this Junior Brother Chen? Where is there any senior?"

"It is no matter. I have come to visit Master Gu, so there is no need to worry about those formalities."

Chen Yuan's indifferent voice rings out, stopping Gu Bei from scolding Liu Yiming.

Liu Yiming cannot see it, but as a Third-Order Alchemist with outstanding Divine Sense, Gu Bei had long since seen that Chen Yuan's cultivation was extraordinary.

He was even a notch above Sect Master Zhao Shuyue.