Night deepened across the Azure Sky Sect, yet Li Xuan remained beneath the ancient tree in the outer courtyard, unmoving. The moonlight kissed the edges of his robe, revealing a stillness so perfect that even the insects dared not buzz near.
But within, his sea of consciousness roared.
> "[You've reached the threshold of Core Formation.]"
"[Initiating Heaven's Whisper Baptism.]"
"[Reward pending based on concealment level…]"
"[Evaluating Karma Interference: 0% — Supreme Hidden Path Achieved.]"
"[Generating Reward… Complete.]"
"[You have obtained: Stellar Vein Physique Fragment]"
"[Divine Technique Acquired: Heaven-Sealing Nine Layers Scripture]"
"[Rare Treasure Gained: Voidglass Pearl of True Reflection]"
Li Xuan slowly exhaled, calm and indifferent even in the face of these cosmic rewards.
> "As expected… the path of secrecy is more bountiful than any glory chase."
He gazed up at the stars, the light of a thousand constellations dancing in his eyes.
The Voidglass Pearl floated silently before him, reflecting not his outer appearance—but the glimmer of starlight, Dao patterns, and endless fate threads woven around his being.
> "[Warning: You were observed briefly tonight.]"
"[Observer: Yue Qingxue – Rank: Ice Dao Prodigy – Affection Level: Budding Curiosity.]"
A faint ripple passed through his eyes, then vanished like a stone beneath still water.
> "She's already sensed something…"
He tapped the pearl once, and it dissolved into his palm, absorbed seamlessly.
Li Xuan had noticed her presence—of course he had.
Even with all her stealth, his perception had long exceeded the confines of normal Core Formation cultivators. And yet… he hadn't acted. He had let her see a glimpse, just enough to stir her heart.
Not by accident.
But by design.
> "A snow lotus must first sprout cracks before it can bloom."
He didn't desire followers, nor romance.
But those destined to walk beside him… they would come in time. Not through force. Not through fate. But by their own choice.
> "[New Mission Generated.]"
"[Condition: Maintain Perfect Concealment for 100 Years Post-Core Formation.]"
"[Reward: ??? (System Authority Upgrade)]"
Li Xuan stood slowly. Leaves drifted from his shoulders like forgotten regrets.
The moon above dimmed for a brief moment—as if the heavens themselves blinked.
Then, he vanished.
---
Somewhere Deep in the Mountain
A hidden cave.
Boundless spiritual mist.
Inside sat Li Xuan in quiet meditation, surrounded by ancient formation patterns etched by his own hand—ones that shielded even against the Heavenly Dao's gaze.
This was his sanctuary. His Dao Field.
Here, no prophecy reached. No fate could track.
> "[Initiating Heaven-Sealing Nine Layers Scripture...]"
"[Cultivation increased.]"
"[Lifespan extended by 1,500 years.]"
Within seconds, his cultivation rose to Core Formation (Peak Stage), yet no trace of aura leaked. He remained invisible even to a Saint's senses.
> "Just a little longer," he whispered. "Until the world forgets me completely…"
So he could rewrite it when it least expected.