Immortal Lord Yunmiao's figure appeared in the garden.
He was still clad in a simple Daoist robe embroidered with Dan Meridian patterns, his long beard reaching his chest, and his complexion ruddy.
He did not intentionally exude pressure, but the naturally flowing Dao rhythm of a Golden Immortal Grandmaster still caused Li Taiqing, who was beside him, to feel his spirit tremble, and he quickly bowed in salute.
"Master."
Han Xuanji slowly opened his eyes, rising to greet him, his expression calm.
Li Taiqing also quickly followed with a salute: "Disciple greets Grandmaster!"
Immortal Lord Yunmiao's gaze swept over Han Xuanji, a hint of undetectable admiration and relief flashing in his eyes, before it landed on Li Taiqing, his smile becoming even more benevolent:
"Hmm, not bad. Excellent bone structure and a condensed Sword Heart. You've taken on a good Disciple."
Immortal Lord Yunmiao had long known about Li Taiqing's existence; he was a Disciple Han Xuanji had taken in the Lower Realm.
But this was their first formal meeting.
As he spoke, he flicked his sleeve, and a warm white jade Medicinal Pill bottle gently floated towards Li Taiqing.
"For our first meeting, this bottle of Medicinal Pills is for you to strengthen your foundation and cultivate your essence. I hope you will cultivate diligently without ceasing, and not fail your Master's expectations."
Li Taiqing received the Medicinal Pill bottle with both hands, feeling its warmth and the refreshing Medicinal Pill fragrance. He knew it contained incredibly precious Immortal Pills, and his heart was stirred. He bowed deeply again:
"Many thanks for Grandmaster's generous gift! Disciple will certainly strive hard!"
In these past few days, he had also learned of Han Xuanji's status, and at the same time, he knew that this benevolent middle-aged Cultivator before him was the famous Purple Firmament Peak Lord, a Golden Immortal Grandmaster!
An existence even more powerful than his Master in his previous life.
"Disciple, this is a good opportunity. As the Sect's Dao Child, you should speak your mind."
"The Sect's treasure vault, it encompasses all things. I haven't had the chance to see it yet."
Han Xuanji recalled the legends about the Myriad Phenomena Garden of the Lingxu Heavenly Palace.
The Dao rhythm in this place should be profound; it could be said to be the accumulation of the Lingxu Heavenly Palace over countless years.
"However,"
Immortal Lord Yunmiao's tone shifted, a meaningful smile appearing on his face,
"According to the rules, even a Dao Child, if they wish to enter the core treasure vault, must first pass through the 'Myriad Laws Refining Heart Path'.
This Path was established by the Ancestral Master, not to make things difficult, but to temper the Disciples' Heart-Nature and verify their Dao Heart, lest Disciples bite off more than they can chew, or lack sufficient Heart-Nature and instead be burdened by heavy treasures."
Immortal Lord Yunmiao looked at Han Xuanji, his eyes filled with trust:
"Although this Path has some intricacies, with your ability, it should be no problem. Consider it a small warm-up before acquiring treasures."
His words were full of confidence in Han Xuanji.
Han Xuanji's ability to endure solitude and not emerge into the world already indicated his perfectly harmonious state of mind and clear spiritual platform. Coupled with his extraordinary Comprehension Ability, his future achievements would likely surpass his own.
As his Master, he only needed to protect him; he would not interfere too much.
Han Xuanji's expression remained unchanged upon hearing this, he merely nodded faintly:
"Disciple understands."
The Sect's action was also to test his strength and Heart-Nature.
On the path of cultivation, high Aptitude means a fast start, but not necessarily a long journey.
Leaving Li Taiqing to cultivate in the Myriad Phenomena Garden, Han Xuanji took a step, his figure unpredictable, and instantly arrived at a certain place deep within the Lingxu Heavenly Palace.
On a cloud-shrouded mountain peak, an ancient and magnificent palace stood. Behind the palace, there was no ordinary mountain path, but a winding road leading upwards, disappearing into the depths of the sea of clouds, composed of countless jade steps shining with different rune-like glows.
This place was the Trial Grounds before the Lingxu Heavenly Palace's core treasure vault, named Myriad Laws Refining Heart Path.
Compared to the Heart Refining Road at the Sect's entrance, this Path was undoubtedly much more profound.
According to Sect regulations, all Sect Disciples, regardless of status, who wished to enter the treasure vault to select treasures, besides needing corresponding contribution points or special permissions, had to pass through this Path to verify their Dao Heart.
This rule had existed since the establishment of the Sect.
Han Xuanji, in a green robe, stood silently before the palace.
"Finally, I've arrived here."
He calmly looked at the Heart Refining Road, where light flowed.
He had long heard various legends about this Path.
It was said that this Path would conjure different trials based on the challenger's cultivation, Aptitude, and even state of mind, directly targeting their inner self. True Disciples had once been deeply trapped within it.
Due to Han Xuanji's arrival, the Sect even temporarily closed this place, opening it only for Han Xuanji.
At this moment, many Immortal Venerables, including the Sect's powerful figures who knew Han Xuanji's identity, all simultaneously turned their gaze towards this place.
Celestial Venerable Yuheng smiled slightly:
"Yunmiao, your Disciple's Heart-Nature is terrifyingly serene."
"This time, I wonder how much of his Genius he will reveal."
Immortal Lord Yunmiao respectfully replied:
"Disciple believes he will not disappoint Master."
Compared to the previous Dao Children of the Lingxu Heavenly Palace, Han Xuanji had not displayed glorious achievements, nor did he seem to possess an overwhelming cultivation Aptitude. Becoming a Dao Child was seen by some as somewhat opportunistic, feeling that his talent did not match his position.
After all, the Sect was not without Geniuses.
Han Xuanji's cultivation path, compared to others, was not special, even too ordinary.
However, the more one understood Han Xuanji, the more one realized that this child was deeply hidden.
Celestial Venerable Yuheng nodded, a hint of curiosity and expectation in his eyes:
"Let's see how he handles it. The Path set by the Ancestral Master is no ordinary feat; the higher one's Aptitude, the harder it is to pass."
In a palace over a sea of stars.
Jiuyu Xianzun's face was solemn, Law runes flickered around him, and his aura was vast.
His brows were slightly furrowed, his gaze carrying a hint of scrutiny and doubt:
"This child's promotion to Dao Child, though he rendered great service, he usually lives in seclusion, his achievements are not prominent, and the outside world finds it difficult to gauge the depth of his cultivation progress."
He was the one most skeptical of Han Xuanji's strength, and this observation was for the purpose of verification.
Previously, due to Han Xuanji's significant contributions, coupled with the strong endorsement of the Chief of the Sword Lineage and the Chief of the Pill Vein, and with several other powerful individuals remaining neutral, he naturally couldn't object. He only felt a bit of pity for the Disciple he had taken in earlier.
The Sect would only have one Dao Child. As long as Han Xuanji didn't commit any major mistakes, it would naturally be impossible to revoke his Dao Child position.
"Master, who is this Senior Brother Dao Child?"
Beside Jiuyu Xianzun, a beautiful young girl asked curiously.
"A Senior Brother from the Dan Meridian. You will know when the time comes."
Jiuyu Xianzun did not elaborate.
Han Xuanji's identity was known only to a very small number of people in the Sect, considered a major secret of the Sect.
Therefore, when the Jade Spirit Sect dared to pry into his identity, it was immediately severely punished... Han Xuanji vaguely sensed the considerations of the Sect's high-ranking officials, but he was not worried at all.
Anyway, he had already received most of the benefits. Even if he were no longer the Dao Child, he would not suffer any losses.
He would live his life as he always had.
"[Detected a Seven-Star Sign-in Location: 'Myriad Laws Refining Heart Path'. Do you wish to sign in?]"
He had originally thought he could only sign in at the treasure vault, but he didn't expect such a pleasant surprise.
"System, sign in at this location."
Han Xuanji silently recited in his mind.
Signing in upon reaching a new important location was a routine.