Sky Capital Underground Base, Dispersing Spirit Space.

"No change in the concentration of Spiritual Energy detected at the Arctic Yellow River Station for 25 hours."

"No change in the concentration of Spiritual Energy detected at the Qinghai Province Monitoring Station for 16 hours."

"No change in the concentration of Spiritual Energy detected at the Antarctic Great Wall Station for 32 hours."

"Hainan..."

With each successive report, the young man slouched on the Dispersing Spirit Iron Throne, raised his head, looked at the several researchers in front of him, and said softly, "Are you ready?"

A middle-aged man replied, "The Scattered Spirit Magic Formation has been set up. The staff outside the Dispersing Spirit Space have all evacuated, and the surface base has completed its defenses. We are ready to begin at any time."

"But Ren Zuo, perhaps you should consider it again?"

"Yes, the increased Scattered Spirit coefficient is too high. Why not reduce it a bit?"

"Ren Zuo, you're going to be in agony!"

The young man exhaled gently and waved his hand.

"I've already... turned 21."

"There's not much time left until my fated limit."

The scholar hastily said, "With this Scattered Spirit Formation, you don't have to worry, Ren Zuo..."

"Really?" The young man gave a bitter smile. "When Ren Family Members turn 23 and their bloodline fully awakens, just how strong will I be? I can't even imagine it; can you?"

"Can this Scattered Spirit Formation really save me from Heavenly Punishment and Earthly Destruction?"

He sighed. "Any news from Ren Han, the ancestor?"

A young scholar shook his head. "No, same as before. Once the People of Immortal Palace disappear, no one can find a trace of them. Disaster Messengers, Truth Seekers, Handsome Monkey King... it's as if they have all left this world and returned to the Fairy Palace."

The young man smiled faintly. He didn't have much hope for this anyway.

"Better to rely on oneself than to ask others, and better to seek within the heart than to depend on external things. Now that the concentration of Spiritual Energy has completely stabilized, and I have recuperated to my best condition...

Let's begin then, everyone."

In the six days of the "Destiny" live broadcast, the People of Immortal Palace killed a total of five Sources of Disaster, causing the concentration of the world's Spiritual Energy to rise sharply. The young man had been constantly stabilizing his Cultivation these days, continuously adapting to his increasingly powerful self, even having to actively suppress his abilities, daring not to cast spells randomly.

The reason the Great Wall sought the space Transcendent in Lianjiang before was not only because the young man's identity was secret and could not be revealed at will. More importantly, at that time, his Cultivation had been expanding as fast as a rocket. He was unable to control the scale of his spellcasting, possibly tearing the entire base space in half with a casual rip!

The Scattered Spirit Magic Formation was originally sufficient. But with the Spiritual Energy concentration suddenly increasing by nearly double, it was like stirring a vat with a toothpick or tying noodles around a ferocious dog—barely adequate. It had to be locked down.

However, unlike the plan of the research personnel, who only intended to add just enough, the young man wanted to double it!

Scattering Spirit was in itself a very painful experience for Cultivators. Ordinary cultivators would be drained of their essence in no time within a Scattered Spirit area and subsequently turn completely into ordinary people.

But the young man was different. With the Ren Family Bloodline, he could be said to absorb the essence from the very soil, to gain nutrients from the north wind, refining Spiritual Energy from even the most diluted concentrations. The Scattered Spirit Formation could only inhibit him but could not sever his connection entirely.

However, compared to ordinary cultivators who suffered briefly, the young man constantly had to endure the torment of his essence being extracted—24 hours a day, 1,440 minutes, 86,400 seconds. He was never free from this state, a form of cruel execution exclusive to cultivators.

In the past, only a little bit of essence was taken out. After getting used to it and with the help of some spells, it generally wasn't a big problem for him. But this time, he intended to double the rate of Scattered Spirit. This meant his dispersal rate would suddenly increase, exceeding the limit he could bear!

Seeing the young man's determination, the research personnel could only sigh and, one by one, began to prepare.

"Do you really need to push yourself this hard?"

In the entire base, there was only one person who dared to speak so impudently.

The young man glanced sideways at the man in the hunchbacked tracksuit and chuckled. "How can I find a glimmer of hope without pushing myself to the limit?

I'm different from you. Your vast past has become your strength, whereas my unknown past is my curse."

You Jiu spat. "You think I want to inherit those things? But is this scattering of spirit energy really useful?"

"Probably?" The young man gave a bitter smile. "My path of cultivation is very different from yours; I rarely run out of spiritual energy... But when I was watching the livestream, I tried to use 'Omnipotence' to glimpse the Supreme Supreme and almost exhausted my spiritual energy. It was during that time I found that my Qi Cyclone underwent some minor changes."

"What changes?"

"It's just become a bit harder," the young man said casually. "That's why I'm thinking about significantly scattering my spiritual energy. With the severe flow of energy, maybe my Qi Cyclone... might undergo some delightful changes."

You Jiu said, "But you know the agony of scattering spirit energy, especially to this extent."

"Between life and death lies great terror. Compared to dying, what's a little pain?" The young man lifted his head to look at the densely piped ceiling and said, "It's only been a little over a year since the revival of spiritual energy... I want to live a few more years, to see just how far cultivators can go..."

"And furthermore, Fairy Palace, World Tree, Ren Naiser... where exactly are they? What exactly are they doing? Are they also protecting the world right now? I am so eager to be on equal footing with them and to learn the truth about the world from them..."

All these desires, all these expectations, required time and strength.

If he were to immerse himself in the glory of his lineage and the protection of the organization, the young man felt he would never be able to reach those forerunners standing at the pinnacle.

"You Jiu, this is my path of cultivation."

"You guys, hurry up and catch up."

You Jiu spat. "You freak, only a fool would take you as their goal. My aim is to have a palace with three halls, six courtyards, and seventy-two concubines, not to be an ascetic eunuch!"

BANG! You Jiu was sent flying out of the Dispersing Spirit Space.

Mr. Chuan and others were not surprised to see this. In the whole base, the only person who could be hit by Ren Zuo, or rather the one who could make Ren Zuo lose his temper, was You Jiu.

You Jiu dusted himself off and snorted as he walked out of the base. He was the last one to meet with Ren Zuo. The others had already discussed their cultivation matters with him and followed in You Jiu's footsteps, departing.

In the Great Wall, there was an unspoken benefit—the opportunity to receive guidance from Ren Zuo.

However, everyone knew that this unspoken benefit was far more valuable than other privileges, such as priority use of research results, unrestricted learning of spells on the internal network, or access to super spiritual energy gathering facilities. Ren Zuo, with his profound insight, could often pinpoint the problems in their cultivation at a glance. He would then advise whether they should engage in arduous practice, undergo combat training to assimilate their combat power, or take a relaxing trip to unwind.

Even the strength assessments of the Great Wall members were personally determined by Ren Zuo.

Three thousand li for Mr. Chuan, two thousand five hundred li for You Jiu, two thousand li for the Endless Monk—each assessment made by him was undisputed. The official benefits given to members of the Great Wall were also closely linked to this li system.

Ren Zuo was responsible for educational tasks and evaluations. He was friendly and endearing, and his poignant life story and destiny were enough to bring one to tears. Thus, the members of the Great Wall naturally held great respect for Ren Zuo. Many anxiously remarked, "Who knows how Ren Zuo will fare this time..."

"I hope Ren Zuo doesn't overexert himself. If it's too much, he can make progress gradually..."

"As long as he doesn't get injured, that's fine. Ren Zuo is a national treasure. If anything were to happen..."

You Jiu snorted coldly. "Don't worry about that guy! His life is full of ups and downs, and his destiny is fraught with hardships. He has long forged a heart that doesn't revel in material joy or lament personal sorrows, and he even has lofty ambitions. How could he possibly falter here?

You all should worry about yourselves instead! With your measly one thousand li or two thousand li, he is like a nine thousand li Feng Peng taking flight. He doesn't need your worries!"

"You yourself are only at two thousand five hundred li!" someone immediately retorted loudly.

"I'm going to become a recluse and cultivate!" You Jiu sneered. "Next time, I will definitely ride the Seven-Colored Clouds to greet the Queen!"

Meanwhile, back in the Dispersing Spirit Space, a scientist asked the young man, "Ren Zuo, we are ready."

The young man signaled them to stop and opened the computer beside him. He stared intently at the wallpaper featuring a Nine-Tailed Fox for a full 10 seconds before closing the screen and saying, "Let's begin."

I will definitely live to see you with my own eyes! For that, I can endure all pain!

Endurance is Ren Zuo's path of cultivation!

「Heavenly Lotus Academy, Teachers' Dormitories, Zhao Huo's Home.」

Under the intense scrutiny of various anime characters from eight figurine display cabinets, Zhao Huo supported himself with his hands and feet, crouching like a tiger. His upper clothing was already removed, and there wasn't a tremor in his entire muscular body.

His back would arch and then flatten from time to time, his spine undulating like a rising and hiding dragon.

He exhaled deeply, his breath like white smoke stretching a yard away. Inhaling deeply, his muscles became corded, the breath moving through his entire body.

This was a unique cultivation technique created by combining the inherited Body Tempering Technique, "Tiger Form Technique," with the "Mysterious Sovereign's Secret Records." It was a technique only he could use that allowed him to temper his body with Spiritual Energy and, at the same time, gather it!

Zhao Huo's knowledge of Body Tempering Fist Techniques was naturally not limited to the "Tiger Form Technique." But after trying over ten combinations, only the "Tiger Form Technique" proved effective. So, he naturally took "Mysterious Sovereign's Secret Record - Tiger Form" as his primary cultivation technique.

Zhao Huo had already reported his discovery through the education system, but it seemed the officials had not confirmed it yet.

He did not keep the "Tiger Form Technique" to himself but contributed it outright. In fact, Zhao Huo knew more than ten varieties of Body Tempering Techniques like the "Tiger Form Technique," which mimic wild beasts. However, those he had seen capable of utilizing such techniques couldn't be counted on one hand.

Besides him, all the others were elders over fifty years old.

In the new era, such martial skills were no longer popular. Ordinary mortals couldn't even get started without decades of dedicated practice, so they naturally couldn't be bothered to learn. This was why Zhao Huo, a genius so foolishly determined, was able to defeat all his opponents despite his young age in the new era—he was the only one who spent more than a decade practicing martial arts.

Therefore, even if the authorities discovered that the "Tiger Form Technique" could be combined with the "Mysterious Sovereign's Secret Records," they would not be able to find practitioners in a short time.

Perhaps for decades to come, Zhao Huo might be the only one able to cultivate the "Mysterious Sovereign's Secret Record - Tiger Form."

HUFF...

Feeling an explosion-like soreness throughout his body and an almost unbearable swelling of the Qi Cyclone, Zhao Huo, his face streaming with sweat, did not hesitate for a moment and once again circulated the cultivation technique!

He had spent too much time on Spirit Qi and "Mysterious Sovereign's Secret Record - Tiger Form," and could not afford to delay any longer!

Having been defeated straightforwardly by Ren Suo some days ago, although Zhao Huo seemed not to care much, he actually took it to heart!

Being crushed in one's area of expertise was intolerable, more so than anything else.

Especially since when he asked Ren Suo what martial arts he had learned, Ren Suo had answered in all seriousness, "Eye Exercises for Primary and Secondary School Students" and "The Second Set of National Primary and Secondary School Students' Broadcast Exercises: The Era is Calling." Zhao Huo felt an unbearable pain, as if he'd drawn a hundred times and won nothing. He had actually been defeated by a former young Vanguard Team member!?

But Ren Suo was, after all, a colleague and a friend who had treated him after defeating him and had helped him before during a comic convention stage play. So, there was only one option...

Forget it. He just wanted to break through to the third turn and then challenge—no, *beat up*—Ren Suo. Otherwise, the frustration was hard to bear!

And moreover, once he broke through to the third turn, Zhao Huo estimated he might also have the strength to contend with Dong Chengling!

That would make challenging Ren Suo even safer!

HUFF...

I'm almost at the third turn! Zhao Huo confirmed through both body and Qi Cyclone, keenly grasping his cultivation state.

Another Circulation began. Zhao Huo, merging martial arts with the cultivation method, was pioneering a new path.

Martial Arts was Zhao Huo's path of cultivation.

"Little Jiu, time to go to bed."

Having finished the Threefold Circulation, Dong Chengling, drenched in sweat, picked up a towel to wipe her brow, then said to Little Jiu, who was cheerfully playing with a cell phone on the couch.

"I just started!" Little Jiu's tiny feet wiggled back and forth, and she twisted her body around in protest.

"Then you need to finish it up after I take my bath," Dong Chengling had anticipated this. She also knew how long Little Jiu took to play a game, which is why she'd told Little Jiu to play her 'last game' before going off to bathe.

By the time she finished her bath and came out, Little Jiu could only pout and put down the phone. Seeing this, Dong Chengling smiled, picked up Little Jiu, brought her to the bed, and asked, "Which book shall we read today?"

Little Jiu blinked her eyes. "Let's continue with the martial arts novel we didn't finish last time! The one with Little Fox Huang Rong and the silly Brother Jing!"

"Alright."

Dong Chengling held Little Jiu, quietly reading the text from the book with a clear and pleasant voice. Her intonation shifted with the plot, immersing Little Jiu in the story's ebbs and flows.

Twenty minutes later, Dong Chengling closed the book. Little Jiu immediately turned and hugged Dong Chengling, rubbing her little head against Dong Chengling's chest. "Just a little while longer, please!"

"No, it's time to sleep," Dong Chengling said seriously, tapping Little Jiu's forehead.

She took Little Jiu back to the guest room, tucked her in, turned off the lights, then went back to her own bedroom. It was precisely 11 o'clock.

Cultivation, relaxation, rest—all were carried out methodically and meticulously.

Even though Dong Chengling felt she was on the verge of the fourth transformation, she didn't get excited and cultivate through the night, nor did she become complacent.

Temperance was Dong Chengling's path of cultivation.

The ripples caused by the "Destiny" live broadcast had not settled down yet.

The substantial rise in spiritual energy density, the secrets revealed during the broadcast, the precarious future of Earth, and the potential meddling of Fairy Palace in worldly affairs… All of these spurred cultivators to practice more diligently.

Ren Suo saw that everyone he knew was cultivating diligently these days. Ren Xingmei hadn't even stayed at his house anymore. Gu Yueyan and Lin Xianyu even joined Dong Chengling's arduous training sessions on Saturdays and Sundays. Qiao Muyi would often tag him in her circle of friends, force-feeding him bitter truth bombs, and sometimes she would even call him, insisting on piercing Ren Suo's heart before stopping.

Everyone was making strides, and Ren Suo was no exception.

Nearing noon, Ren Suo opened his eyes to find himself sitting upright on the cushion.

He wasn't surprised at all. He went to the bathroom to brush his teeth, wash his face, then made a cup of black tea for himself and settled down in front of the computer in the bedroom, ready to embark on a new day's adventure.

"...HMM?"

As the computer screen lit up, Ren Suo immediately felt something was wrong. How could the 27-inch display with a 1080P resolution look so harsh to the eyes?

It was fine yesterday!

At that moment, Ren Suo suddenly thought of something and gave his Qi Cyclone a slight nudge.

Then his expression froze. He then regained his composure and muttered to himself with mature restraint, "It's about time..."

"But now, I'll need to buy a 4K monitor... Do Third-turn Cultivators have these kinds of unexpected expenses?"

Ren Suo, after more than ten days of cultivating in his sleep, finally completed the last bit of his progress bar (about 4.2%), becoming a Third-turn Cultivator.

In those ten days, he hadn't wasted a second of his waking hours. Relying entirely on his strong self-discipline, utilizing only his subconscious and the idle time afforded by sleep, along with the "Mysterious Sovereign's Secret Record - Mortal Shedding" he had acquired beforehand, he effortlessly advanced to the third turn.

_____ is Ren Suo's path of cultivation.

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