Time flows like a rushing river. In the blink of an eye, a year has passed.
"I've spent the bulk of my rest duration, but I've finally broken through to the sixth level of the Jade Essence Realm. Once I confirm the plot has started and Zhang Xiaofan is on the mountain, it'll be time to head down, find some fortuitous encounters, and forge my own signature Dharma treasure."
Lucian Qing sat on his lounge chair, casually swiping through his system interface.
Attribute
Details
Name
Lucian Qing
Location
Qingyun Sect, Central Plains
Realm
Taiji Pure Essence Path - Jade Essence Level 6
Techniques
Wood/Water/Earth Array Runes, Spirit-Gathering Array, Sword Kinesis, Sound Transmission, Qingyun Escape, Big Bamboo Peak Sword Styles, Basic Taoist Arts
Work-Rest Balance
Current Rest: 60 Days and 12 Hours
Over the past year, Lucian discovered that converting his rest duration twice in rapid succession allowed him to maintain a state of "Constant Enlightenment." The results were, frankly, overpowered. Without this "cheat," there was no way he could have jumped from Level 3 to Level 6 in less than a year.
But his greatest achievement wasn't just the level-up; it was his original research. By cross-referencing Earth-Vein scrolls with his observations of the natural world, he had successfully decoded several elemental runes. He discovered that combining Wood, Water, and Earth runes in a specific sequence created a "Geomantic Spirit-Gathering Array" that significantly boosted the local concentration of spiritual energy.
Since Big Bamboo Peak had few disciples and plenty of space, energy density wasn't an issue for them. However, for crowded peaks like Sun-Facing Peak or the main Tongtian Peak—where disciples fought for time in the Taiji Caves—this was a game-changer.
Knowing he was already famous (or infamous) as a "slacker genius," Lucian decided to secure his standing. He refined dozens of array disks using Big Bamboo Peak's Black Bamboo and rare ores, then had Tian Buyi and Su Ru present them to the Sect Leader.
At first, Daoxuan and the other Peak Lords were skeptical. But after testing them? Total conversion."One set? Do I look like a beggar? Give my peak ten more immediately!"
Consequently, Lucian's status skyrocketed. Daoxuan was so impressed—and protective of this "strategic researcher"—that he gifted Lucian the Six-Harmony Mirror (originally the prize for the Seven Peaks Tournament) just to ensure he wouldn't die on a whim. Even the crabby Peak Lords of Dragon Head and Sun-Facing Peak sent him rare materials and pills out of gratitude.
They were, however, increasingly annoyed with Tian Buyi. "How does that fat gardener have such absurdly good luck? Everything falls into his lap!"
Lucian had now gathered most of the materials for his personal weapon, missing only a few core components that even Qingyun didn't possess. He knew the "Soul-Devouring Pearl" was hidden in a cold pool deep in the bamboo forest, but he had no intention of touching it.
"A man as handsome and upright as me can't go around using a treasure that leaks black smoke. It doesn't fit my 'Bright and Majestic' persona. I'll leave that to Xiaofan. Though... if I could forge a 'Human Emperor's Banner' that specifically targets the demonic sect, that might be fun."
As his thoughts wandered, a voice drifted in from the distance.
"Lucian Qing! Let's go to Tongtian Peak and check on Xiao Luo!"
A streak of red light swept across the sky as Tian Ling'er arrived on her Amber Vermilion Ribbon. She had reached the 4th level a month ago and was currently obsessed with flying everywhere.
"Let's go," Lucian agreed. It was time to see if the timeline was shifting. If Puzhi from the Tianyin Temple was going to visit, it would be around now.
He took to the skies on a decent quality flying sword. Despite Ling'er's treasure being far superior, Lucian's sheer cultivation and technique meant he left her in the dust within seconds.
"Stupid Lucian! Just because your cultivation is higher, you won't even wait for me!" Ling'er yelled at his disappearing back. "I hope you end up alone forever!"
"I can hear you, you know," Lucian's voice whispered directly into her ear.
Ling'er jumped, looking around wildly. "Huh?"
"Don't bother looking. I've developed a little technique called Thousand-Mile Sound Transmission."
"So cool! Teach me, teach me!" she shouted.
"Later. You're too slow. I'll wait for you up ahead."
When she finally caught up, Lucian slowed down. "Stop bad-mouthing me or I'll definitely hear it. I'll teach you the transmission later, and maybe a better sword-kinesis technique to help you fly faster."
They landed on the plaza of Tongtian Peak and headed straight for the Azure Water Pool, the resting place of the Water Kirin.
During a previous visit, the Spirit Venerable (the Kirin) had given Lucian the "Protagonist's Special Treatment"—which is to say, it nearly blew him off the mountain in a fit of rage. Eventually, it realized Lucian was there to give Xiao Luo (the turtle) a chance at evolution and calmed down, but not before making Lucian look quite disheveled.
They reached the pool and saw the Water Kirin napping on the dry bank.
"Venerable One, this disciple wishes to ask how Xiao Luo is faring? Does he require assistance?" Lucian asked loudly, bowing.
The Kirin didn't even open its eyes. It just tilted its head toward the center of the pool. Lucian looked and saw no turtle, only a massive, silent whirlpool spinning in the depths. Xiao Luo was still absorbing the Kirin's essence.
Finding no way to retrieve his pet yet, Lucian turned toward the Jade Crystal Hall. He needed to sniff around for news of a visiting monk