On the Golden Turtle Island, the Holy Mother of Fire suddenly remembered Biyun, the junior brother who had arrived some time ago. She found it curious that he hadn't left his cave since his arrival.
"Disciple, go visit your Uncle Biyun and invite him to our cave for tea," she instructed her student, Hu Lei.
Hu Lei, a general from the Jiameng Pass and a fourth-generation disciple of the Jie Sect, immediately bowed and left to fetch Biyun. Hu Lei, who would later meet his end at the hands of Princess Longji, was now under the Holy Mother of Fire's command.
When Hu Lei entered Biyun's cave, he greeted him with a bow. "Uncle Biyun, you haven't left your cave since arriving on the island. My master, fearing you might be bored, has invited you to her cave for a chat."
Though Hu Lei's words were polite, his tone carried a hint of disdain. In his eyes, Biyun was a coward—hiding on the island instead of avenging his master's death.
Biyun, however, saw through Hu Lei's attitude but chose to ignore it. The Holy Mother of Fire had left a good impression on him, and he didn't want to offend her by refusing.
"Since it's Senior Sister's invitation, I naturally can't refuse. Please lead the way," Biyun said with a smile, following Hu Lei to the Holy Mother of Fire's cave.
Inside, the Holy Mother of Fire had prepared spiritual tea and snacks, warmly welcoming Biyun.
"Junior Brother, you've been cooped up since arriving. Today, I've prepared some spiritual tea for you. Please, enjoy," she said, her demeanor friendly and inviting, a stark contrast to Hu Lei's hostility.
Biyun felt reassured. Visiting her had been the right decision.
"Thank you, Senior Sister. I've been focused on my cultivation and haven't had the chance to visit. I appreciate your concern," Biyun replied, his admiration for her growing.
The Holy Mother of Fire was radiant, her beauty unmatched among the Jie Sect's many immortals. Her title as the Holy Mother of Fire was well-deserved.
As they drank and chatted, the atmosphere grew warm and intimate. The Holy Mother of Fire's glances became more frequent, her eyes conveying a subtle affection.
The evening wore on, the moon rising high as they enjoyed tea and wine. The Holy Mother of Fire's cheeks flushed, her eyes soft and alluring. Biyun found it increasingly hard to maintain his composure.
"Junior Brother, we've had such a delightful conversation. Why don't you stay tonight, and we can continue discussing the Dao?" she suggested, her voice tender.
Biyun was taken aback. Stay the night?
Just then, a system prompt appeared in his mind, snapping him back to reality.
[Surviving on the Golden Turtle Island]
Option 1: Stay in the Holy Mother of Fire's cave and take things further.
Reward: Low-tier innate spiritual treasure, the Wind-Fire Unity Sword.
Option 2: Pretend to hesitate, stay in her cave, but remain respectful.
Reward: Mid-tier acquired spiritual treasure, the Twin Dragon Halberd.
Option 3: Politely decline, saying, "Senior Sister, I'm grateful for your kindness, but my heart is set on avenging my master. I'll return another time to discuss the Dao with you."
Reward: Five hundred years of basic cultivation, +100 to basic comprehension.
Biyun quickly made his decision. The first two options, while tempting, carried some risk. The third, however, offered two foundational rewards—a first.
Looking at the beautiful and gentle Holy Mother of Fire, Biyun reluctantly said, "Senior Sister, I'm grateful for your kindness, but my heart is set on avenging my master. I'll return another time to discuss the Dao with you."
With that, Biyun hurriedly left, afraid he might give in to temptation if he stayed any longer.
As Biyun fled, the Holy Mother of Fire's lips curled into a smile.
"Junior Brother has some self-control. I almost got carried away. Still, forming a Dao partnership with him wouldn't be a bad idea. He's just a bit too inexperienced."
Biyun, of course, was unaware of her thoughts. As he left, Hu Lei, who had been waiting outside, watched him go with a mix of disdain and resentment.
"This Biyun isn't even as strong as I am. How could he possibly deserve my master? What a joke," Hu Lei muttered to himself.
"I'll find a way to teach him a lesson and make sure he knows his place."
Hu Lei had noticed the subtle exchanges between his master and Biyun, and he wasn't happy about it.
Back in his cave, Biyun wasted no time. The system's reward notification chimed.
[Ding! Congratulations, host. Reward: Five hundred years of basic cultivation, +100 to basic comprehension has been awarded. Please check your rewards!]
Biyun was thrilled. Five hundred years of cultivation was a significant boost, and the +100 to comprehension was even more valuable.
In the Primordial Chaos, what mattered most?
Lineage and innate talent—these determine one's potential, fortune, and destiny.
Comprehension was a direct reflection of one's talent. Improving it meant greater gains in understanding the Dao.
As for fortune and destiny, those were even more elusive.
Take, for example, the Sons of Destiny or the Children of Heaven—these were beings blessed by fate.
Biyun, however, had little fortune or destiny, which was why he was only a third-generation disciple of the Jie Sect.
"Let's absorb these five hundred years of cultivation and see what changes it brings," Biyun thought eagerly.
If he could break through to the Heavenly Immortal realm, it would be a game-changer.
For Biyun, strength was the ultimate priority. Everything else was secondary.
With this in mind, Biyun focused on his cultivation, determined to make the breakthrough as soon as possible.