2

One day later, at the Lingyun Hall of the Liuyun Sword Sect.

Inside the solemn and dignified hall, the atmosphere was unusually tense. Almost all the elders and deacons of the sect who were qualified to take on disciples, from the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage to the Golden Core stage, were present, sitting on both sides of the hall, their eyes fixed on the young man in blue robes in the center of the hall with burning eyes.

Shen Yuan changed into the standard cyan disciple robe of the Flowing Cloud Sword Sect. The wide sleeves accentuated his tall and straight figure, and coupled with his refined and otherworldly appearance after awakening the "Seven Luminaries Chaotic Body," he exuded an aura that drew attention wherever he stood. However, his expression was calm, as if the intense gazes around him were irrelevant to him.

[Wow! Host, look! That red-nosed uncle on the left is practically drooling! And that old lady on the right has eyes wide like saucers! How does it feel to be the center of attention, host?]

Bella was chattering excitedly in his mind, jumping around.

Shen Yuan had a headache. "You haven't stopped for a moment since you transmigrated. Shut up!"

However, Bella simply replied, "Hehehe~"

Seated in the main seat was the sect leader of the Flowing Cloud Sword Sect, a middle-aged Taoist with a lean face and profound aura, and a cultivation level of late Golden Core stage.

He cleared his throat, silencing the slight commotion in the hall, and said, "The reason I have summoned all the elders today is for this young man, Shen Yuan. His aptitude... has been confirmed by myself and my two senior uncles; he is indeed the rare 'Seven Luminaries Chaotic Body,' a sign of the great prosperity of our Flowing Cloud Sword Sect!"

"hiss--"

"It's actually true!"

"Let our Flowing Cloud Sword Sect rise again!"

Despite prior rumors, the sect leader's public announcement still caused a collective gasp of surprise within the hall.

"Shen Yuan."

The sect leader spoke gently, "According to the sect's rules, someone with your extraordinary talent can choose a master from among the elders, based on their own destiny and the cultivation methods they practice. What are your thoughts?"

Shen Yuan knew this was a problem; choosing either option would be disrespectful to the others, so he passed the buck back. He bowed respectfully, saying, "This disciple is new to the immortal sect and knows nothing about sect affairs. I leave everything to the sect leader and elders to decide."

These words immediately caused an uproar in the hall.

An elderly man in black robes, with a dignified face and a hint of sword energy surrounding him, spoke first, chuckling, "Hehe, Senior Brother Sect Leader! My cultivation technique, the 'Gengjin Sky-Splitting Technique,' is unparalleled in its power and strength, and it needs such a talented and promising young man to inherit my mantle! This lad is truly fit to become my disciple!"

"Bullshit! Li Laohei, your cultivation technique is too evil, don't ruin this Chaos Body! Sect Leader, I have studied the 'Thick Earth Bears All Things Technique' for hundreds of years, and I am best at solidifying the foundation and guiding potential. If I teach this child, he will surely lay the most solid foundation for his Dao!" A chubby old man in a yellow robe immediately retorted.

A still-attractive female elder joined the fray, "Hmph, solidify the foundation? Fatty Wang, you're turning him into a tortoise! ​​Heh. Sect Leader, this young man seems quite meticulous; I'm the most suitable person to teach him. All my disciples are women, so I can take excellent care of him!"

"Eh? Junior Sister Liu, you're wrong! How can a man be raised by a woman? He should have soaring spirit! He should learn swordsmanship from me!"

"Follow me in alchemy!"

"Follow me in weapon crafting!"

Inside the main hall, a group of elders who usually exuded an air of otherworldly wisdom were now arguing like market vendors over a single disciple, completely lacking any semblance of their esteemed status.

"Shut up, all of you!"

The sect leader was exasperated by the sight and had to raise his hand several times to quiet the scene. He secretly pondered that Shen Yuan's physique was too special, and it seemed that no matter who he entrusted with it, someone would be dissatisfied.

The argument inside the hall subsided slightly, and everyone awaited the sect leader's decision. Suddenly, a clear, ethereal, and authoritative female voice rang out from outside the hall:

"This child is destined to be with my Ice Cloud Peak."

A chilling aura enveloped the entire Lingyun Palace before the words were even spoken, causing all the arguing elders to shiver. The elders with lower cultivation levels even felt their spiritual energy circulation become somewhat sluggish.

A figure in pure white, accompanied by petals formed from condensed ice crystals, appeared silently at the entrance of the main hall.

The newcomer was dressed in an immaculate moon-white Taoist robe. Tall and slender, her long, black hair cascaded down her back, held in place by a simple jade hairpin. She was as cold as ice, as if sculpted from ancient, unyielding jade. Her azure eyes swept over the assembled crowd, devoid of joy or sorrow, only revealing an unfathomable chill.

The spiritual pressure emanating from his body has reached the level of a pseudo-infant, and he is only one step away from truly forming an infant!

"Huh? It's Uncle Mu!"

"Senior Sister Mu...?"

"How did she get out of seclusion?"

A series of hushed gasps rippled through the hall. The elders who had been arguing most fiercely earlier now showed a hint of apprehension and even fear on their faces.

Shen Yuan looked at the female elder who had suddenly appeared. Her aura was extremely strong, and the icy spiritual pressure was not deliberately targeted at anyone, but it made the temperature in the entire hall drop significantly.

The sect leader was slightly taken aback when he saw the newcomer, then stood up and asked in a polite tone, "Junior Sister Mu, you've emerged from seclusion?"

"So you mean..."

The one who arrived was none other than the strongest and most unconventional Golden Core cultivator in the Flowing Cloud Sword Sect—the Peak Master of Ice Cloud Peak, Mu Hanyan. She had reached the peak of the Golden Core realm at less than two hundred years old, and her combat power was unparalleled among her peers. Furthermore, due to the characteristics of the "Ice Heart Annihilation Path" she cultivated, she had always only accepted female disciples, resulting in a very small number of her followers, but each one of them was an elite.

Mu Hanyan's gaze fell on Shen Yuan, her icy gaze seemingly able to penetrate everything, making Shen Yuan feel as if he had been seen through from the inside out. However, Bella in his mind was still shouting things like "Take her down".

"This boy is destined to be with my Ice Cloud Peak." Mu Hanyan simply repeated it, her tone completely unchanged.

"His physique is not something that ordinary cultivation methods can handle. Forcing him to cultivate other methods will only harm him. My 'Ice Heart Nirvana Path' can help him concentrate and calm his mind, allowing him to gradually control and master the chaotic power within his body."

"Besides..."

She paused slightly, her gaze sweeping over all the male elders present. "Ice Cloud Peak is tranquil. Male disciples are not allowed here, which can keep them away from outside disturbances and allow them to concentrate on their cultivation. All of you fellow disciples already have many disciples under your tutelage, so why compete with me for this one?"

While there was some truth to her words, they couldn't silence the crowd. Of course, since she had already spoken, there was no way to stop her.

The elders' faces turned pale and then red. They couldn't afford to offend Mu Hanyan's strength and status, and what she said did make some sense. They had never heard of how Shen Yuan cultivated his physique; they only knew that he had extremely high talent, but they really had no idea how to teach him.

The elder surnamed Liu was still unwilling to give up: "Senior Sister Mu, you've always only accepted female disciples, this..."

Mu Hanyan glanced at her indifferently: "I set the rules. Shen Yuan is different."

“……”

Seeing this, the sect leader felt reassured. Mu Hanyan possessed formidable strength and had a close relationship with the Supreme Elder. Although she was cold-hearted, she was extremely protective of her own. Ice Cloud Peak was indeed undisturbed, making it the most suitable place to protect and nurture a genius like Shen Yuan with extraordinary talent. Letting her take him in was indeed the best choice.

"In that case..."

"What Junior Sister Mu said makes sense."

The sect leader looked at Shen Yuan with a serious expression, "Shen Yuan, Elder Mu is the number one Golden Core cultivator in our sect. To be taught by her is an immense opportunity for you. Are you willing?"

All eyes in the hall once again focused on Shen Yuan.

Shen Yuan could feel Mu Hanyan's icy gaze fixed on him. This beautiful fairy had a very strong aura and was clearly not someone to be fooled. But this was probably the best option right now, at least it would avoid most of the unnecessary trouble.

He stepped forward, bowed respectfully to Mu Hanyan, and said in a respectful tone, "Disciple Shen Yuan is willing to become a disciple of Master."

Mu Hanyan looked at him and smiled slightly.

"good."

She uttered only one word, flicked her sleeve, and a gentle spiritual **** lifted Shen Yuan up. "From this day forward, you are a disciple of my Ice Cloud Peak. Let's go."

After saying that, he ignored everyone in the hall and took Shen Yuan, transforming into a streak of ice-blue light that disappeared outside Lingyun Hall in an instant, leaving the elders in the hall looking at each other in bewilderment.

[Ding! Congratulations, host, on successfully joining the sect "Ice Cloud Peak," under the tutelage of Mu Hanyan (Peak Golden Core). Background power assessment: Significantly improved!]

At this moment, Shen Yuan was enveloped by Mu Hanyan's pure and gentle spiritual power, flying towards the depths of the Flowing Cloud Sword Sect. The mountains and rivers below rushed past, and soon, a unique snow-capped mountain range came into view.

That's Ice Cloud Peak.

The entire mountain peak appears to have been sculpted from millennia-old ice, with snow that never melts, reflecting a dazzling, translucent light under the sun. Clouds and mist swirl among the peaks, a condensed and persistent icy fog that makes the entire mountain resemble a fairyland.

Mu Hanyan carried him straight to the summit. The closer they got, the colder the air became, but the cold didn't harm the body. It was mixed with pure spiritual energy from heaven and earth, making people feel refreshed and their minds sharper. For Shen Yuan, who possessed the Chaos Body, this environment was even better. His internal potential operated spontaneously, greedily absorbing this high-quality spiritual energy.

The summit is flat, with several exquisite palaces and pavilions, all constructed from some kind of icy blue jade and crystal-clear cold wood, blending perfectly with the icy and snowy environment of the entire mountain, forming a harmonious whole.

Mu Hanyan led Shen Luo to a grand hall with a plaque bearing the words "Ice Glass Palace" hanging above its entrance. The hall doors opened silently, and an even stronger chill rushed out.

"Come in." Mu Hanyan's voice remained cold as she stepped into the hall first.

Shen Yuan followed closely behind.

The interior of the main hall was spacious, with a few coiled ice pillars supporting the ceiling, and only a few futons and an ice jade table.

Only now did Shen Yuan have time to take a closer look at his cheap master.

Mu Hanyan was tall and slender, almost the same height as Shen Yuan despite being a woman. Her moon-white Taoist robe perfectly accentuated her slender waist and long, straight legs. The collar and cuffs of the robe were embroidered with faint silver cloud patterns, giving it a cool and elegant feel.

Her skin was as white as mutton-fat jade, and her features were so exquisite that she seemed like a celestial being descended to earth. Having cultivated ice-based techniques for many years, she possessed a cool and aloof air. Most striking were her long, flowing black hair, reaching her waist and hips, cascading down like a waterfall, which accentuated her sculpted, ice-like face, making it appear even more cold and beautiful. Only a simple ice phoenix hairpin adorned her hair; the phoenix was lifelike, the pearl shimmering, but it paled in comparison to her own extraordinary beauty.

[Wow! Host! A stunningly beautiful, aloof, and mature female master! Her looks! Her aura! Her figure! Absolutely worth SSR+++!]

Bella was flooding Shen Yuan's mind, making him practically drool.

[Quick! Raise her favorability! Max it out! Then we can... hehehe... temporarily borrow Master's power and appearance, wouldn't that be awesome... uh, walk sideways in the sect!]

Shen Yuan was speechless and temporarily ignored Bella's nonsense.

"Master."

Mu Hanyan turned around, her clear, azure eyes falling on him.

"Once you enter my Ice Cloud Peak, you must abide by my rules."

"First, no one may enter the forbidden area on the summit without being summoned."

"Second, the internal martial arts manuals and classics shall not be privately transmitted to outsiders without permission."

"Third, focus on your spiritual practice and avoid causing trouble. That's all."

"Disciple obeys." Shen Yuan replied immediately.

Mu Hanyan nodded slightly in satisfaction, then flipped her hand, revealing an ice-blue jade slip and a storage bag in her palm.

She handed the jade slip to Shen Yuan, saying, "This is the 'Ice Heart Technique,' not a primary cultivation method, but rather a method for calming the mind and refining spiritual consciousness. Your physique is special, and your spiritual energy is complex, making you prone to being troubled by distracting thoughts and causing your spiritual energy to become restless. This technique is perfect for you. Practice diligently and first solidify your foundation."

He then handed over the storage bag: "Inside are inner disciple's robes, pills, spirit stones, and daily necessities for mortals. Your cave dwelling is in the 'Listening Snow Pavilion' on the southeast side. Go and settle in first. Come back here in three days; I want to check your progress in the 'Ice Heart Technique.'"

Her arrangements were clear and organized, devoid of any unnecessary enthusiasm, yet without any harshness; it was entirely a businesslike yet responsible attitude. This left Shen Yuan completely bewildered. Logically, shouldn't someone with his extraordinary talent be taught step-by-step first? However, he also thought it was quite good, as this would give him more time to develop the system's functions.

"Thank you, Master."

Shen Yuan accepted the jade slip and storage bag. When his fingertips touched Mu Hanyan, he felt a cool sensation that vanished in an instant.

Mu Hanyan said no more, only waving her hand slightly to indicate that he could leave.

Shen Yuan bowed and turned to leave the Ice Glass Palace. Two pretty female disciples were already waiting outside, apparently pre-arranged guides.

"Junior Brother Shen, please come with us."

The two female disciples glanced at Shen Yuan curiously a few times, seemingly quite surprised by the sudden appearance of a male disciple on the peak. However, they remembered the recent rumors about a disciple with extraordinary talent and wondered if it could be him. But they didn't ask.

Shen Yuan followed them along the path toward the Listening Snow Pavilion on the southeast side. Looking back at the Ice Glass Palace standing atop the peak, he could barely make out the blurry yet exquisitely beautiful figure inside.

This seemingly cold and unapproachable master, however, provided him with the "Ice Heart Manual," which was indeed exactly what he needed at the moment. Now, under the protection of this peak Golden Core cultivator, he should be able to better conceal his secrets and utilize the power of the system to gradually ascend to the pinnacle of life.

As for the target of the "account theft"...

Shen Yuan's gaze swept over the two slender white-clad senior sisters leading the way, and he recalled Mu Hanyan's stunning beauty and unfathomable strength.

Bella dutifully started popping up the analysis report again.

[Target A locked: Senior Sister A, the guide. Appearance rating: B+. Strength: Late Qi Refining stage. Potential: Low. Recommendation: Can be used as initial practice material.]

[Target B locked: Senior Sister B, the guide. Appearance rating: A-. Strength: Early Foundation Establishment stage. Potential: Medium. Recommendation: Invest some favorability points; keep her as a temporary backup.]

[Current ultimate target: Mu Hanyan. Appearance rating: SSS+. Strength: Peak Golden Core. Potential: Extremely high. Status: Extremely dangerous; gaining favor is extremely difficult. Recommendation: Proceed with caution and plan carefully.]

Shen Yuan shook his head and chuckled, asking the two senior sisters who were guiding him about matters concerning the sect along the way.