It took a good while for Qi Yuan to snap out of his daze.

Yet, despite the initial shock, his heart remained as calm as a stagnant well.

The original host’s clansmen meant absolutely nothing to him. Even if they all dropped dead this instant, it would be difficult for him to squeeze out a single tear.

Originally, he had expected the System to issue a cliché “Return of the King” task—something involving disguising himself, returning to the family, and slapping the faces of those who had looked down on him.

Just thinking about that kind of cringe-inducing script made his toes curl.

He hadn’t expected the genre to shift so abruptly. The System had swapped the script for the even more melodramatic “Tragic Backstory” trope: the exiled trash vows revenge after his clan is annihilated.

Truly worthy of being called a Dog System. Every move is completely unpredictable.

After a moment of contemplation, Qi Yuan decided to accept the task.

Putting aside the sentimental nonsense, the reward alone—[Clear Dao Heart]—was something he couldn’t afford to pass up.

Although cultivators possessed vast supernatural powers and long lifespans, they were still subject to the same seven emotions and six desires as mortals. Over long periods of cultivation, negative emotions inevitably accumulated.

Usually, a firm Dao Heart would suppress these feelings. But if one’s foundation wasn’t stable enough, these buried emotions would surge forth during critical breakthroughs, manifesting as Heart Devils.

Heart Devils were born from desire and were notoriously difficult to banish.

If not handled in time, the consequences ranged from a drastic change in temperament to the crumbling of one’s Dao Foundation. In severe cases, one would suffer Qi Deviation and die, their cultivation dissipating into nothingness.

Like the Heavenly Tribulation, the Inner Demon Tribulation was a terror that made every cultivator pale.

For Qi Yuan, the [Clear Dao Heart] was practically custom-made. His cultivation had skyrocketed recently, and his biggest fear was that his mental state hadn’t kept pace with his raw power.

In gaming terms, he had leveled up too fast. If his stats were high but his mentality was weak, he was prone to drifting off course.

If he could obtain this Talent, he wouldn’t have to worry about Heart Devils for a long time.

With his mind made up, Qi Yuan composed himself and began to strategize.

He remembered Qi Yao mentioning that the Qi family’s Wangchu City was just a remote, backwater town within the Xia Kingdom. The family patriarch was merely a stubborn old man at the mid-Foundation Building stage—a cautious soul who never stirred up trouble.

In the cultivation world, obscure little families like the Qi Clan were as common as dirt. Why would they suddenly offend a demonic cultivator and invite total annihilation?

Could it be… that demoness Ji Chan’er did it?

Qi Yuan’s heart skipped a beat, but he quickly dismissed the idea.

Ji Chan’er was actively trying to woo him. In her eyes, he was already a cold-blooded, iron-willed Great Demon who wouldn’t blink if his entire family died. She had neither the motive nor the need to dirty her hands with the Qi family.

After pondering for a moment, he retrieved a communication jade talisman from his storage space.

As soon as he activated it, a soft, pleasant voice drifted out.

“Qi Yuan, what do you need?”

Although her tone feigned indifference, the slight lilt at the end betrayed her suppressed joy.

Qi Yuan narrowed his eyes slightly and asked calmly, “Fairy Ji, not long ago, the Qi family in Wangchu City was slaughtered to the last man. Do you know anything about this?”

Ji Chan’er fell silent for a moment before replying slowly.

“It wasn’t me.”

“Oh.”

Qi Yuan responded simply, then followed up. “Do you know which demonic faction usually operates around Wangchu City?”

After another pause, Ji Chan’er spoke again, her voice firmer.

“Qi Yuan, I will go investigate this matter personally. I will give you an accurate answer soon.”

Qi Yuan nodded. “You can investigate if you wish. But I only need to know who the suspects are.”

His voice dropped an octave, becoming stern.

“Regardless of who the culprit is or what their cultivation level may be, do not act on your own. And absolutely do not attack them.”

“I will settle this matter with my own methods. Do you understand?”

From the other side of the talisman, Ji Chan’er snorted coldly, sounding pleased.

“You’re right. The man of Ji Chan’er cannot possibly lack the courage to face his enemies head-on!”

“I will find the culprit and leave them for you. Whether you can take revenge with your own hands… that will depend on your ability.”

Qi Yuan was long accustomed to her tsundere logic—saying no with her mouth while her body was honest. He smirked slightly and replied, “Good. I’ll await your news.”

He had originally planned to issue a sect mission for the Sanctuary’s disciples to investigate. But since Ji Chan’er had volunteered, that was even better.

She was a high-ranking demonic cultivator; investigating a crime committed by her “peers” was right up her alley.

Besides, the task had a two-month limit. Even if she came back empty-handed, he would still have plenty of time to go handle it himself.

Qi Yuan put away the talisman, a flash of cold intent flickering in his eyes.

Several days passed in a flash.

Deep within the Exquisite Sanctuary.

Brilliant rays of light shimmered through the air, and auspicious mists rose in spirals.

A towering, sky-obscuring giant tree stood majestically in the center of the forbidden grounds. Its trunk was like a pillar supporting the heavens, piercing through the clouds. Its branches were lush and vibrant, blooming with flowers of a thousand colors.

The crown of the tree was so high it vanished into the firmament. If one looked closely, a magnificent pavilion could be seen nestled among the highest branches, floating amidst the clouds like a celestial palace.

Inside the pavilion, a girl who appeared no older than sixteen or seventeen sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion.

She was breathing in the rhythm of the world. Her body was shrouded in a dreamlike, seven-colored haze, giving her an aura that was lofty, ethereal, and ancient beyond measure.

Despite her youthful appearance, this female cultivator was a terrifying existence at the late Great Ascension realm!

Suddenly, the meditating girl trembled. Her long eyelashes fluttered, and a strange expression flickered across her fair, jade-like face.

She abruptly opened her eyes and tapped the empty air, sending a ripple of spiritual light outward.

Moments later, a voice filled with utmost reverence echoed from outside the pavilion.

“Honored Ancestor, what are your instructions?”

The girl’s voice was icy cold, hiding a trace of imperceptible tension.

“I have a task for you.”

Outside, the guard maid immediately knelt, pressing her forehead to the floor. “Please instruct me, Honored Ancestor.”

The girl nodded slightly.

“Tell the Sect Master: Effective immediately, operate the Sect’s Grand Formation at full capacity.”

” aside from the guests invited to the celebration, no cultivator of unknown origin is permitted within a hundred miles of the Exquisite Sanctuary.”

Her eyes narrowed.

“Pay special attention to certain old monsters at the Great Ascension realm. If anyone is found infiltrating… exterminate them with full force!”

Huh?

The maid was stunned by the inexplicable order. However, she dared not question it. She immediately bowed and withdrew to execute the command.

Meanwhile, aboard the Supreme Mystery Treasure Ship.

Song Cheng, Hall Master of the External Affairs Hall, stood respectfully at the bow. He pointed toward the horizon.

“Holy Scion, we have entered the Exquisite Sanctuary’s sphere of influence. We should arrive at Reed Flower City, just outside their mountain gates, by tomorrow.”

Qi Yuan waved his hand dismissively. “Continue at full speed. We should try to reach Reed Flower City before nightfall tomorrow so everyone can rest.”

Just then, he felt a vibration in his storage space.

The compass he had kept stored away was flickering wildly. Its needle spun like a fan before abruptly slamming to a halt, pointing firmly in a single direction.

Qi Yuan’s expression changed. He quickly retrieved the compass.

His gaze swept over the needle, and he froze.

Could it be… that the lost Primordial Divine Beast is hiding inside the Exquisite Sanctuary?