After Zhang Xian finished speaking, Li Miaoyin and Xuanwei, who were standing nearby, wore expressions of mild displeasure.

“Hah,” Yu Yun let out a self-mocking laugh. “I’m already a dying man. I’m not afraid of you.”

“Wanting to die isn’t that easy,” Zhang Xian countered.

He walked to Yu Yun’s bedside. With a series of crisp thuds, he produced a row of jade boxes: Heart-Seizing Heaven-Mending Lotus Seeds, Immortal Ascension Grass, Immortal Ascension Pills, and Marrow Cleansing Fruits.

Although the others couldn’t identify the treasures, a rich, ancient herbal fragrance instantly filled the room. It was clear at a glance that these were no ordinary goods.

“This is…” Li Miaoyin was stunned.

“Come on, everyone gets a share.” Zhang Xian beckoned them over and began distributing the items.

[Ding! Gifted to Li Miaoyin]

Several days later, under the restorative power of the pills, Xuanwei regained his youthful appearance. Yu Yun was not only able to get out of bed but could walk with ease.

Beyond that, each of them experienced a profound evolution in their Spirit Roots. Xuanwei and Yu Yun reached High-Grade status, while Li Miaoyin—the most talented of the group—achieved a Supreme Spirit Root.

“The Duke is becoming increasingly unfathomable,” Xuanwei sighed, gazing up at the massive flying vessel hovering in the sky.

“Treasures that enhance Spirit Roots are worth a fortune,” Li Miaoyin added. “Yet to him, they seem as common as cabbages. It’s simply unbelievable.”

Sitting in his wheelchair, Yu Yun felt a pang of regret. It was unclear whether he was sad he couldn’t “join his senior sister” in the afterlife or simply overwhelmed by yet another massive favor from Zhang Xian.

Zhang Xian descended from the vessel. Over the past few days, he had patrolled nearly the entire small world without detecting further intruders.

“Tell me about those Muling Sect disciples,” Zhang Xian said, turning to the details of the attack.

Xuanwei recounted the events in meticulous detail.

“Is it possible they were from an evil sect?” Zhang Xian asked.

“No,” Li Miaoyin shook her head. “Their Dao Essence was too familiar. In Shuicheng City, the Muling Sect and the Shuiyun Sect have a long history. Neither Xuanwei nor I could mistake their techniques. They even knew the names of several senior elders. They weren’t impersonators.”

“The Muling Sect emphasizes harmony and tranquility. They have an excellent reputation as healers. That is exactly why we let our guard down.”

Zhang Xian nodded. He remembered hearing of them during his time in Shuicheng City.

“Perhaps those disciples simply harbored malicious intent, thinking they could act without consequence in a small world,” Xuanwei sighed. “If not for the tools you gave us, Duke, we would be dead.”

“Two things bother me,” Zhang Xian noted. “First, the Qi Refining disciple tried to kill you without mercy, but the Foundation Establishment leader held back against Miaoyin. They wanted you dead, but they wanted her alive.”

“Hah, maybe they’re just as lustful as you,” Yu Yun remarked dryly.

Zhang Xian ignored the jab and continued. “Second, this world has no spiritual energy. To return to the main realm, they would need to set up a costly array requiring at least thirty mid-grade spirit stones. That’s a high price for a casual visit.”

Are they targeting me? he wondered. It seemed unlikely. His only real enemy was Zhao Chengyue, and if Zhao had found him, he wouldn’t have sent such weak pawns.

“I need to investigate this when I return,” Zhang Xian said. “If we only kill the small fry, their elders will eventually come seeking revenge. That would be a headache.”

The group fell silent. Zhang Xian then pivoted the conversation. “Setting that aside… Miaoyin, have you heard of Li Fuxi?”

“That’s my family’s founding ancestor!” Li Miaoyin exclaimed. “When I was still in the Shuiyun Sect, Ancestor Fuxi was already at the mid-stage of the Golden Core. She was the top talent in Shuicheng City.”

“She later joined the Yunmiao Sect and rose through the ranks. That’s why the Shuiyun Sect curried favor with us, allowing the Li family to prosper. Why do you ask?”

“I’ve joined the Yunmiao Sect myself,” Zhang Xian explained. “She is currently my master. I noticed you look a bit like her.”

Li Miaoyin shook her head. “I’ve seen Ancestor Fuxi once. Her beauty is peerless; I couldn’t possibly compare.”

“Senior Sister! What nonsense!” Xuanwei declared. “You are the most beautiful woman in my heart!”

Yu Yun rolled his eyes so hard they nearly disappeared into his skull, mentally cursing Zhang Xian again.

This guy definitely saw how beautiful their ancestor was and sprinted to become her disciple. He realized he had no hope with Senior Aunt Miaoyin and moved on to her ancestor. Outrageous!

“I have another concern,” Zhang Xian said. “I’ve fabricated an identity as a young master from a powerful hidden world to deter enemies. But if my true name or this world’s location is exposed, the peace here will end.”

“I must resolve the Muling Sect matter entirely.”

“Don’t be rash,” Li Miaoyin cautioned. “Their Sect Master reached the mid-stage of the Golden Core over a century ago. He isn’t someone you can challenge yet.”

“No need to panic,” Zhang replied calmly. “Three years ago, I repelled Zhao Chengyue, the head of the Zhao family. The Muling Sect is only slightly stronger than them, right?”

“The Zhao Family Head? Zhao Chengyue?” Xuanwei gasped.

“Yes. The old man tried to kill me with an array, but I forced him back. Besides, there is no ‘Zhao Family’ anymore. I’m good friends with the head of the Cloud Raiment Pavilion; she helped me wipe them out.”

“See that flying vessel? That was a gift from her.”

“The Pavilion Head… Yun Wanqing? Gave that… to you?” Xuanwei’s voice cracked.

“Indeed.”

Xuanwei sucked in a sharp breath. It sounded like a fairy tale. Suddenly, he winced—Li Miaoyin had pinched him hard.

“Why are you so excited about the Pavilion Head?” she hissed. “Still thinking about other women?”

“No! Absolutely not!”

Before departing, Zhang Xian left behind a hoard of spirit stones and magical tools.

[Ding!]

A system prompt sounded. Zhang Xian pulled out a puppet and handed it to Li Miaoyin.

“Fellow Daoist Miaoyin, your cultivation is the highest here. This puppet avatar will serve as your ultimate defense.”

“Equipped with spirit stones, it matches your strength. It carries high-grade tools it can detonate in an emergency. If things get dire, you can blow up the entire puppet. I’ll feel the destruction even across spatial boundaries, and I’ll come back immediately.”

Li Miaoyin accepted it without ceremony. She already owed him too much for it to matter.

[Ding! Successfully gifted Mysterious-Grade Puppet Avatar. Triggering return reward: Earth-Grade Puppet Avatar x10]

[Earth-Grade Puppet Avatar: As long as the spiritual core is intact, the puppet cannot be destroyed. Capable of exerting strength surpassing the host.]

Holy crap, I struck gold! Zhang Xian was elated. Months of effort in the sect paled in comparison to a single system reward.