A crooked idea suddenly sprouted in Jun Xuan's mind.
"Maybe I can steal this guy's book."
But the idea was quickly dismissed.
"This place is barren. Even if that book is special, what can it offer me? Besides… I have the system. The ultimate cheat."
With that, he turned and left the alley.
---
Back at the Jun Clan's new residence in the Hundred Mountains, a majestic aura lingered over the towering peaks. Clouds drifted lazily around floating islands, and spiritual energy condensed in visible mist.
Upon arrival, his son Jun Tian greeted him at the gate, his expression serious.
"Father, the royal clan of the Great Daluo Dynasty is requesting an audience. Should we drive them away or...?"
Jun Xuan raised an eyebrow, a trace of disdain flashing in his eyes.
"Can any random cat or dog meet this ancestor?"
Jun Tian bowed. "Then I shall meet them in your stead and see what they want."
"Mm. Go."
---
About an hour passed.
Jun Tian returned, a strange look in his eyes. "Father, it turns out… a Blue Spirit Secret Realm is about to open."
Jun Xuan leaned back lazily on his golden throne. "Oh? And?"
"The Zutian Sect was one of the nine sects originally allowed entry. Now that they've been wiped out, the royal clan wants us to take their place in the secret realm."
"Oh?" Jun Xuan chuckled lightly. "Now they want to include us among the nine? Weren't they quite proud before?"
Jun Tian nodded. "They said they had no choice. The qualifications are based on territory and sect inheritance. Now that we've taken over the Hundred Mountains and Zutian's headquarters, we naturally inherit their right to enter."
"Is that so…" Jun Xuan's fingers tapped on the armrest of the throne rhythmically. "What do they gain?"
Jun Tian replied, "They request we send some of our juniors to the capital in advance. They will be escorted along with the other sects when the secret realm opens in one month."
Jun Xuan smiled faintly. "So, they want to monitor our clan's geniuses. A subtle probe."
Jun Tian's eyes sharpened. "Shall I reject them?"
"No need." Jun Xuan waved his hand. "Let's send some of the younger generation. Let the world witness the brilliance of the Jun Clan."
---
Ding!
[New System Mission Unlocked!]
> Blue Spirit Secret Realm: Display Your Might
Send 5 Jun Clan juniors into the secret realm.
At least 2 obtain high-tier inheritance or treasures.
Reward: Clan advancement progress +10%, 9th Rank Secret Realm Map (Fragment), 5000 Luck Points, Random Supreme Talent Awakening Pill ×1
Jun Xuan's eyes narrowed slightly. "Interesting… Supreme Talent Awakening Pill?"
He opened the system to check its details.
> Supreme Talent Awakening Pill
Grants a completely new talent. May evolve one's potential to a higher rank based on physique compatibility and luck.
Cannot be used by the host. Clan members only.
"Hahaha! With this, maybe we can create another peerless prodigy."
---
The next day, Jun Tian gathered over a hundred young disciples in the main plaza. From them, five were chosen after testing talent, comprehension, and combat power.
Among them were:
Jun Hao: Already forming a Spirit Body from the Spirit Bone Pills. Ruthless, ambitious, and proud.
Jun Yuan: The one who defeated Jun Hao before. Calm, strategic, with monstrous comprehension.
Jun Xue'er: A girl with a Frost Vein Body, recently awakened under the Spirit Gathering Formation.
Jun Long: A brawny youth with a Divine Beast Phantom Physique
Jun xuans grandson.
Jun Bai: A silent, sword-wielding cultivator with terrifying battle instincts.
Each of them stood proudly before the crowd.
Jun Xuan, overlooking from the sky island, nodded in approval. "Good seedlings. Very good."
He waved his sleeve, and five jade pendants flew out, landing in front of them.
"These are Clan Guardian Talismans. They'll activate once to protect you from a fatal blow. Use them well."
The five knelt in respect.
"Thank you, Ancestor!"
---
Meanwhile, in the capital city of the Great Daluo Dynasty...
Inside the Royal Palace, several elders sat around a long jade table.
One of them frowned. "This Jun Clan has risen too fast. From near extinction to occupying one of the Nine Seats… Are we truly going to let them enter the Blue Spirit Secret Realm?"
Another older man said gravely, "If we block them now, we risk turning them against us. Their current strength already surpasses the other major sects."
"But their foundation is still shallow," said a third voice, calm and cold. "If any accident were to occur inside the secret realm…"
A sinister smile spread on a few faces.
---
Back at the Jun Clan, Jun Xuan stood alone at the edge of a floating island, gazing into the distance. His voice was low and calm.
"Secret realm, huh?"
He clenched his fist lightly, and the spiritual energy roared like waves.
"Then let this be the beginning of the Jun Clan's legend across the continent."