"I’ve already told you—today is different. Ethan is no ordinary disciple; his status is extraordinary. The old elders of the Demon Sealing Cave watch him closely. Anyone daring to attack him is inviting death upon themselves," Lyralei said with solemnity, her voice steady and commanding.
Lilith’s eyes narrowed in curiosity.
"The Demon Sealing Cave? How does this kid have anything to do with that place?"
Lyralei shook her head slightly, a knowing smile on her lips.
"Don’t pry too much. All will be revealed when the time is right."
She raised a finger and added sternly, "And from now on, don’t call him just ’Ethan.’ Show him proper respect."
Lilith blinked, a flicker of confusion crossing her face. Still, she bowed her head in assent—when the Empress spoke, obedience was not optional.
"I will keep watch on him, but no longer need to spy secretly?"
"Exactly," Lyralei replied. "Just check in now and then, ensure his safety."
Lilith bowed once more. "Understood."
Though she didn’t comprehend the full scope, Lilith sensed something immense had shifted in Ethan’s standing within the sect.
From the Empress’s words, she understood that the sect was sparing no effort to guard him.
The very air seemed electrified with the promise of danger to those who opposed him. With Lyralei’s formidable temper and influence, even the boldest dared not disobey her will. Tʜe source of this ᴄontent ɪs n͟o͟v͟e͟l͟f͟i͟r͟e͟.net
"Those elders, those trapped disciples—they waste their days drowned in regret, their strength waning," Lilith mused quietly.
"Yet Ethan, locked away in the Serene Mirror Lake, moves steadily forward."
Confused but practical, Lilith pushed thoughts aside, resolving to follow orders without question.
Lyralei did not depart far.
As Ethan stopped, she glanced over her shoulder. "You followed me."
A soft smile played at her lips.
"Though he talks tough, I sense a heart that beats for the sect, for the goodness for the sect."
She turned to face him. "Ethan, when did you arrive? What do you seek here?"
Ethan slowed, caught slightly off guard.
’I just received a new task. After packing up, I came back with my fishing gear.’
He lifted his fishing rod and a humble wooden bucket.
Lyralei smiled knowingly.
"Alright then, let’s get down to business."
Pause. Ethan blinked, confusion marring his brow.
"Why so quiet? Didn’t you come here for something else?"
Ethan grinned mischievously. "Senior sister, I came to fish."
Fishing rod brandished, bucket in hand.
The silence that followed was heavier than a storm.
Lyralei’s lips twitched, struggling to hide her rising irritation.
"Is that the sum of your life’s ambition—fishing?" Her voice held restrained frustration.
Ethan shrugged, undeterred. "I’m also dedicated to other pursuits, I assure you. Let me enumerate."
He raised his hand and counted on fingers.
"Fishing and cultivation, eating and drinking, and—"
"And the necessary bodily functions," he added with a grin.
"In leisure, I tend to plants—herbs, flowers, spiritual vines.
Mornings are for walking—gentle steps to ease the aches of prolonged training.
Each day, I strive to maintain a balanced mind and body."
Lips pressed tight, Lyralei’s irritation almost bruised the air.
"That’s enough. I understand," she said abruptly. "Go catch your fish."
With a wave, she turned her back.
But just as she began to leave, she paused.
"You would do well to reconsider my earlier words. The Ancient Sect’s spiritual trials approach, and the future of our sect rides on them."
Ethan raised a brow. "If the matter is urgent, why not let the saint speak to me herself?"
Lyralei’s frown deepened.
’If Seraphina truly wished to speak with reason and apologize, she would have by now.’
With a soft sigh, she vanished into the breeze.
Ethan muttered, shaking his head, "If only she’d give up sooner—this dance wastes precious time."
Returned to his usual spot, Ethan set out his lowly fishing bench, gathered bait, and settled into relaxed meditation.
[Mission: 1001st Fishing Expedition—In Progress]
[A milestone looms: Industry over toil, but leisure is folly.]
[Complete the task to unlock further rewards and open the world map.]
"Rewards? A world map?" The sparkle in Ethan’s eyes grew brighter.
His system was simple—just a task-giving device at best—so a new function was welcome change.
He dreamed of the day it would evolve—a living map to answer heartfelt questions, a guide through uncharted lands.
Stepping back into contentment, he placed his fishing rod between stones, crossed his legs on the bench, and hummed a drifting tune to the symphony of gentle waves.
Suddenly, the rod jerked sharply.
With a powerful tug, Ethan reeled in a massive herring, scales glinting silver and blue, weight heavy in his hand.
[Task Complete: 1001st Capture—Herring]
[Reward: Purple Flame Chalcedony]
[Milestone achieved: Mastery of Industry]
[New Items Unlocked: Super Gacha]
[Unlocked Feature: Interactive World Map]
"Finally, something new," Ethan grinned.
Though the map might prove simple, the promise of exploration stirred his blood.
He dreamt of an updated system—interactions, guidance, companionship in the unknown.
They promised the hilarious simplicity of a gacha machine.
He summoned the gacha from his inventory.
It was bigger than a goose egg, deceptively weighty.
The herring he caught felt weightless compared to this curious orb.
Releasing it, the capsule slammed into stone, creating a fresh crater.
Dazzled, Ethan knelt, unearthing the shimmering orb.
"Open..." he whispered.
The gacha spun wildly, lights flashing wildly until...
A crystal-clear crack appeared.
The capsule shattered with a sharp snap.
From within emerged a red iron clock of palm-size.
Its weight bore down on Ethan’s hands, making him stagger.
Cracking veins flexed in his arms as he braced the heavy relic.
"Good lord, this is heavy!" he marveled.
As a purely physical cultivator, strength was his greatest ally; yet even he was taken aback by the clock’s heft.
"This must be no ordinary spiritual clock," Ethan admitted, awe painting his features.
[Artifact Acquired: Chaos Clock]
[A divine spiritual weapon. When used and energized with condensed divine power, it can suppress all things.]
100 power stones - 1 Extra Chapters
200 power stones - 2 Extra Chapters
Capsule - 1 Extra Chapters
Massage Chair - 3 Extra Chapters
Luxury Car - 5 Extra Chapters
Magic Castle - 15 Extra Chapters
Thanks for the Inspiration capsule: @Achillios