The sect initiation ceremony was still ongoing.
The entire scene was just Fang Jiuzhen bragging endlessly.
One was talking nonsense with conviction; the other was listening, blood boiling in excitent.
Lin Fan was so bored he was on the verge of falling asleep. If everything was really as incredible as Fang Jiuzhen claid, why was the sect in this sorry state?
Finally, perhaps feeling like he’d said too much and revealed too many secrets, Fang Jiuzhen abruptly shut his mouth, refusing to continue. This left Qin Heng visibly anxious—why had his master stopped talking?
He hadn’t heard enough yet.
"The initiation ceremony has concluded. From today forward, you are disciples of the Nine Heavens Immortal Sect. As long as I am here, I will ensure that you face no danger."
"Both of you are treasures hidden in the dust. Others may fail to see your potential, but I, your Sect Leader, have already recognized it. From now on, make sure to cultivate diligently."
Fang Jiuzhen didn’t hesitate to spin tall tales without fear of any bad karma.
In his mind, while he had managed to con the two of them into joining the Nine Heavens Immortal Sect, he couldn’t be too heartless and admit right away that they were entirely unsuited for the path of cultivation. Otherwise, his earlier lies would be exposed.
So, he decided to let them figure things out slowly on their own.
"Yes, rest assured, Master. As your disciple, I will not disappoint your expectations."
Qin Heng’s gaze was firm as he stared at Fang Jiuzhen.
Under normal circumstances, Fang Jiuzhen would absolutely offer so praise at this mont. But when he saw the intensity in Qin Heng’s eyes, he suddenly felt a pang of unease. When Qin Heng eventually learned the truth, would he be able to handle it?
Soon after.
A disciple walked in, holding two items—books related to cultivation.
"For the ti being, focus on studying these books. They will help you understand the basics of cultivation."
Fang Jiuzhen didn’t add many remarks, which puzzled the disciple delivering the books. This wasn’t like the Sect Leader at all. He was usually full of praise for new disciples, making them believe they were extraordinary, gifted talents.
In the end, the greater the hope, the greater the disappointnt.
But today was truly unusual.
A rare departure from the usual routine.
Back in his room.
Lin Fan imdiately flipped open the cultivation book, "Immortal Truth Record."
Examining it closely, he found so of the content he was looking for as well as other information that wasn’t there—it might be hidden. After reading it thoroughly, he felt he had a better grasp of things.
He had always wanted to know what lay beyond the Innate Realm for those possessing Spirit Roots.
From the book, he learned that the Innate Realm was considered trivial in the context of an Immortal Sect.
If one had a Spirit Root, even soone utterly helpless in combat could instantly beco an Innate Realm expert by consuming a single elixir.
This type of elixir might be common in the cultivation world, but in the mortal world, it would be considered a Supre Treasure.
"It’s really infuriating to compare oneself to others. Those truly born with golden spoons in their mouths can surpass years of another’s toil with a single elixir."
Lin Fan sighed. His own progression to the Innate Realm had been quick—simply by fighting and killing more people.
But for those without background or status...
Becoming an Innate Realm master would require imnse effort.
The Immortal Truth Record outlined two major realms within cultivation.
The Transcendent Realm and the Longevity Realm.
The Transcendent Realm consisted of five sub-stages:
Immune to All Disease, Reshape Three Flas, Refine Five Internal Organs and Six Hollow Organs, Clarity of Spirit, and Unity of Heaven and Man.
The Transcendent Realm did not involve the cultivation of Mana.
True to its na, the Transcendent Realm involved shedding one’s mortal body to achieve cultivation potential.
Only by attaining Unity of Heaven and Man and absorbing Spiritual Energy from heaven and earth could one be said to have truly entered the path of cultivation, stepping into the Longevity Realm.
Additionally, according to the book’s explanation...
The Longevity Realm had nine sub-stages:
Foundation Establishnt, Heavenly Destiny, Three Gods, Golden Core, Nascent Soul, Unity, Three Calamities and Six Hardships, Void, and True Immortal.
The book did not provide detailed descriptions of these stages within the Longevity Realm.
Perhaps Fang Jiuzhen felt there was no point in elaborating—after all, they wouldn’t be able to cultivate anyway.
"So it seems Fang Jiuzhen’s strength isn’t all that impressive."
Lin Fan knew that Fang Jiuzhen’s cultivation was rely at the fourth level of the Longevity Realm, the Golden Core stage.
True cultivators would certainly know Fang Jiuzhen’s actual strength.
But among their group, all of whom were stuck at the Innate Realm, there was no way anyone could tell unless Fang Jiuzhen admitted it himself.
Just another pitfall to worry about.
If trouble ca knocking, Fang Jiuzhen might not actually have the strength to protect them.
Sitting cross-legged, Lin Fan fell deep into thought.
What should he do next?
In the world of Martial Arts, he’d already hit the ceiling. His realm couldn’t advance further, though his Inner Strength could continue to improve—but Inner Strength was rely physical power and couldn’t compare to the Mana wielded by cultivators.
Unless he could acquire a Spirit Root, or find a new path forward in Martial Arts.
He had read in novels before about Martial Immortals.
But those were just nonsense tales.
Without a comprehensive and systematic approach to cultivation, how could he possibly figure it out on his own?
"Forget it, let’s try cultivating first."
The five stages of the Transcendent Realm didn’t involve Mana at all; he wondered if soone without a Spirit Root could still succeed in training toward them.
These five stages involved honing both the external and internal aspects of the body to their peak state.
"Green Profound Mystical thod."
A foundational Dharma Gate.
Gradually.
Lin Fan sat cross-legged on his bed, entering a ditative state and using the techniques described in the Green Profound Mystical thod to begin cultivation.
But as ti passed...
"Damn it, what a load of crap!"
Lin Fan threw the Green Profound Mystical thod aside. Mystical thod, my foot! After ditating this whole ti, he didn’t feel a single thing.
It seed cultivation really placed overwhelming importance on Spirit Roots.
Without Spirit Roots, it was impossible even to get a single chance.
This was completely unfair.
Lin Fan stopped cultivating. He had to find a way to break through his current predicant. Being stuck at the Innate Realm wasn’t an acceptable situation, and it would affect future developnts as well.
Pushing the door open, he stepped outside.
He decided to seek out You You. That man was a helpful sort—perhaps spending too much ti in this place where there was no competition or scheming had helped him achieve a level of detachnt.
Arriving at You You’s residence, Lin Fan saw him in the courtyard, using Inner Strength to casually flip the soil with a hoe. Vegetables commonly found in the mortal world were planted all around.
"Brother You, hope I’m not disturbing you," Lin Fan asked, standing outside the courtyard.
You You looked up and imdiately grinned, "Ah, Junior Brother Lin! Not disturbing at all, co on in!"
Inside the house.
Lin Fan got straight to the point, asking, "Brother You, what would happen if I left this place now to venture outside?"
You You was brewing tea for Lin Fan when he paused after hearing the question. Then, he replied, "Don’t even think about it—the outside world is far too dangerous. Risking death is almost guaranteed."
"Has Martial Arts really reached a dead end? You’ve been in the Immortal Sect for so long; have you never heard of a path beyond the Innate Realm in Martial Arts?" Lin Fan wanted to know whether Martial Arts could progress further. If it could, he wouldn’t need to dwell on the issue of Spirit Roots anymore.
You You laughed and said, "Look at ; to this day, I’m still stuck in the Innate Realm. If Martial Arts truly had a path beyond this, would I still be here?"
"Brother Lin, don’t overthink it. Being able to witness the scenery of the Immortal Sect as a mortal is already quite remarkable. Countless people in the mortal world dream of seeing this, but never get the chance."
"Perhaps one day in the future, our descendants will be born with Spirit Roots. We can tell them what we saw and heard in the cultivation world, sparing them countless detours."
Lin Fan felt helpless. He couldn’t accept this outco, saying reluctantly, "What kind of person is the Sect Leader?"
"That’s one thing you don’t have to worry about. The Sect Leader is actually a good guy—he just loves to, well... brag. I’ve been here for ten years and know a few things. Our Nine Heavens Immortal Sect is indeed an Immortal Sect, but for so reason, the Sect Leader has never been able to recruit disciples with Spirit Roots."
"Without disciples, the sect would lose its legacy. So, every ti there’s an Immortal Sect examination, the Sect Leader brings back a few Innate Realm disciples."
"As for the deception, it’s just to prevent you all from running off."
You You had once tried to run away, but by the ti he figured things out, it was too late. He eventually decided to let it go, finding that he’d grown accustod to the sect life, to the point where returning to the mortal world would feel strange.
Lin Fan thought for a mont, gaining so clarity before expressing his thanks and saying farewell.
He now planned to find Fang Jiuzhen.
Even if he had to coax him, he’d convince him to take Lin Fan outside to explore.
Opportunities had to be fought for.
As long as he could make it through the most difficult beginning, the rest of his journey would surely be smooth sailing.
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