The host and guests enjoyed themselves thoroughly. After the banquet, Ren Yuanhao returned to the room arranged by the Sect Leader.
Just then, the System's voice, filled with worry, suddenly sounded.
"Ren Yuanhao, you forcefully circulated the 'Dao Hai Liu' and caused your internal true qi to become extremely violent. The 'Nine Yang Divine Skill' is also an extremely dominant internal cultivation method. The clash between the two will surely harm you. For now, do not cultivate it; just memorize the incantations."
"En, I know. But to be honest, I don't dare to circulate my true qi randomly now. Every time I do, I feel like my body is about to explode, with a blockage in my throat."
Ren Yuanhao sat cross-legged. Currently, the only things that could help him regulate his internal true qi were the 'Bi Hai Chao Sheng Jue' and parts of the 'San Fen Gui Yuan Qi'. However, both methods could only alleviate the discomfort, not repair the tiny breaches caused by the 'Dao Hai Liu' worm.
If his body were to be compared to an acupuncture meridian map now, his major blood vessels and meridians would be like waterways after a flood. Although the flood had receded, the damaged waterways and fields needed clearing and reshaping to function normally. What's worse, at this very moment, the water and earth attribute true qi were clashing, coupled with the gradual manifestation of the side effects from the 'Xi Xing Da Fa'. The 'Xuan Huang Pearl', which had not undergone 'expansion' through 'Xi Xing Da Fa', could hardly withstand the aftereffects of the surging true qi.
Ren Yuanhao naturally understood the subtle changes brought about by this series of events and knew how to resolve them. However, it was much easier said than done.
"You must know the reason. Of course, it's also my fault for instigating you to absorb the 'Xuan Huang Pearl'. But at that time, your dantian was shattered, and your true qi was insufficient. Absorbing the 'Xuan Huang Pearl' was beneficial for reuniting your true qi. However, I was still careless, and I never expected the events here to unfold so quickly."
The System sounded somewhat guilty, but Ren Yuanhao didn't mind at all.
"Everything that happens here is fated. It's my tribulation, and I can't escape it. All I can do now is to tightly grip my sword. Only it can help me overcome this difficulty."
The System's voice was somewhat relieved hearing Ren Yuanhao's optimistic outlook.
"Seeing your current state, I feel much more at ease. I originally thought you would experience immense psychological pressure when you mentioned Jiangcheng, but I didn't expect you to be so calm. Ren Yuanhao, you've changed."
Ren Yuanhao shook his head. "No, I haven't changed. Actually, I've always fantasized about being a great hero. However, after being troubled by work, loans, and daily necessities, I felt completely lost. If it weren't for your appearance, I might not have realized that I could actually become a hero in the eyes of others."
Ren Yuanhao chuckled. "In fact, during crucial moments, I still rely on you, Miss. I even know that without you, I'm just a loser submerged in the masses. Of course, I'm still a loser now, but if I don't do many things, I might not even be able to keep the title of loser. Honestly, every time I'm outmatched or encounter a hurdle, I've often thought of running away. But when I turn back, the people I want to protect are standing behind me. Seeing their eager eyes, I suddenly feel that it's not me saving them, but they are saving me."
Clapping sounds echoed from within the illusion.
"Good. Having this thought is enough to show that I didn't choose the wrong person. Next, to deal with potential dangers, I strongly suggest you use two thousand points to upgrade the System's security level to 'Medium' again. It should at least be able to withstand ultrasonic devices."
"But I have to pay back my debts! I've accumulated a huge debt now~"
"There's a saying, 'many debts do not oppress the body.' Do I make you feel that anxious about repaying them?"
Hearing this, Ren Yuanhao felt tears welling up.
"Hey, hey, hey, are you moved to tears? Don't worry, I promised to protect you back then, and I will definitely protect you. Speaking of our bond, that's the most solid thing."
"That's right. From now on, for you and me, there will be no parting in life, only separation in death."
"En~ I can actually be immune to your cheesy words now. Has my thick skin also become like yours?"
The System teased.
"Sorry, Miss, I won't take the blame for this."
"Alright, the System is preparing to go offline to upgrade the security level. It will take about 24 hours. Do you have anything else you need to tell me?"
Ren Yuanhao tapped his head, a smile on his face. "No more. We'll probably meet again at the 'Grand Competition Venue'."
"That's right. That 'Dragon Pond' sounds quite good. Make sure you grasp the opportunity. Oh, by the way, I have one more thing to remind you. It seems there's a treasure hidden in this Chaoyang Sect, but I can't quite pinpoint what it is. See if you can explore it tomorrow."
...
Ren Yuanhao was removed from the illusion by the System. Feeling bored, he resorted to reading the 'Nine Yang Divine Skill' using the talisman wood. Although he wasn't practicing it, the cultivation method and incantations were already imprinted in his heart.
By the time he had fully memorized the incantations, the east was already starting to lighten.
The valley was filled with a strong, damp atmosphere. Pushing open the window, he could see layers of mist obscuring the clusters of tall and short buildings, their forms hazy and indistinct, like a mystical illusion, beautiful beyond compare. The crescent-shaped lake lay like a curved saber across the valley, its edge sharp and fierce, so much so that even an unintentional glance could be wounded by its sharpness.
Ren Yuanhao closed the window and lay down on the bed, finally closing his eyes for a brief rest.
He didn't know how long he had slept when he vaguely heard the calls of many birds and beasts in the courtyard. Ren Yuanhao pushed open the window and saw a girl in white, her form elegant and untouched by the mundane world, Han Ling Shuang, standing before a monkey with red fur, continuously throwing bananas in front of it.
The monkey was also extremely agile. After eating a banana, it would start rolling around, seeming quite happy. However, after seven or eight bananas, the monkey grew displeased, refusing to move no matter what banana Han Ling Shuang threw.
"Hey, little sister, it's tired of eating. You need to change its taste."
Ren Yuanhao had barely slept the entire night, yet his spirit was still good. He wondered if merely recalling the 'Nine Yang Divine Skill' had such an effect.
Lost in thought, the monkey performed a few somersaults and then dashed towards the roof of the massive building constructed along the valley in the Chaoyang Sect.
"Not good! This naughty monkey is going to cause trouble in the Scripture Pavilion again!"
Han Ling Shuang appeared to be about to chase after the monkey, and Ren Yuanhao followed closely behind her. Before long, the monkey led them to a collapsed, low-lying building.
Before them lay waist-high wild grass, within which were scattered piles of broken tiles and rotten wood. At the far end stood a half-collapsed ancient structure, with a stone tablet slanted into the earth.
"Trespassers will be killed upon violation?"
Han Ling Shuang looked bewildered. "Speaking of which, how have I never discovered such a place in our Chaoyang Sect?"