“Roar!!!”
It wasn’t the first time the red dragon had worked for the Extraordinary Control Bureau. As its massive, mountain-like form appeared, the vicinity of the Extraordinary General Administration activated its protocols, clearing a spacious landing area for the dragon to descend and rest.
“Dragon destroys the airport!”
Rex Sanchez bellowed excitedly, repeating a phrase it had picked up somewhere.
With an impressive burst of speed, it accelerated, dove, and executed a flamboyant landing maneuver. Its powerful impact gouged deep ravines into the ground with its claws, showcasing the brute strength and overwhelming presence of a holy-level dragon.
Nearby staff were unfazed by the spectacle.
They were accustomed to such scenes and immediately began working to repair the damage caused by the dragon’s arrival.
But soon, something caught their attention.
A civilian staff member assigned to coordinate with Rex Sanchez approached the dragon and casually asked if the strength test had gone well.
The civilian was stunned. “What? Not only is he a real Holy Domain Magister, but he also defeated you?!”
The revelation left the staff member shocked and elated. His voice trembled with excitement. He fully understood how monumental the emergence of a Holy Domain warrior was for humanity.
“This… this… this is incredible!”
“No, I need to report this immediately and contact this Holy Domain powerhouse again!”
He turned to leave when a calm voice drifted from above.
“No need to contact me. I’m already here.”
The emergence of a Holy Domain Magister, a true Chinese compatriot—not an alien or someone from another world—sent shockwaves through the Extraordinary General Administration.
When it became known that Xu Xi had arrived in person, the news sparked even greater commotion.
Within five minutes of the staff member’s report, the area was secured, isolating it from the growing crowd of extraordinary beings eager to catch a glimpse.
“Holy Domain? That’s practically a god!”
“This is insane—I’m so jealous!”
“Boss! Boss! Look at me—I’m your long-lost half-brother!”
The chatter of envy, awe, and admiration filled the air until Xu Xi, escorted by staff, entered the interior of the administration building.
“Mr. Xu, is it alright if I address you this way?” asked one staff member respectfully.
“That’s fine,” Xu Xi replied calmly.
Inside, the corridors gleamed with bright lights and silver-white metallic walls inscribed with Buddhist scriptures and Taoist talismans, ensuring no evil spirits could infiltrate.
Awaiting him was a Nascent Soul stage cultivator, who, though remarkable in his own right, appeared insignificant in Xu Xi’s presence. Fully aware of this disparity, the monk kept his demeanor humble.
“Mr. Xu, please follow me,” the monk said politely. “Your authority within the General Administration, as well as your Extraordinary House points and benefits, have been upgraded. Details are available on the platform.”
The process was astonishingly efficient. Before Xu Xi had even finished a glass of water, his status as a Holy Domain Magister was officially recognized, along with all associated privileges.
“No further testing of my strength?” Xu Xi asked with mild curiosity.
The monk chuckled. “There’s no need. If the red dragon acknowledges your strength, it’s beyond question.”
Xu Xi nodded, understanding the weight of the dragon’s respect. Dragons, whether Eastern or Western, were notoriously arrogant. Their pride in their bloodlines led them to disdain all other creatures. The only way to earn their submission was through overwhelming power.
“This way, Mr. Xu,” the monk said, gesturing down a corridor. “Our director is waiting for you.”
“The director?”
“Yes. The one who defeated the red dragon with a single sword.”
“Ah, I see.”
Xu Xi’s earlier suspicions were confirmed. The figure who subdued Rex Sanchez was indeed a swordsman and the chief director of the Extraordinary Control Bureau.
“I’ve encountered gods in the simulated world,” Xu Xi thought. “But I’ve never met an immortal. I assumed I’d encounter one in later simulations, but to think it would happen in the real world…”
After weighing the risks, Xu Xi decided to proceed. “With the Eternal Teardrop, there’s no threat to my safety. He can’t be an Immortal Emperor; otherwise, the earth wouldn’t survive his presence.”
He advanced down the silver corridor. As he neared its end, the environment suddenly shifted, blurring into a serene natural setting.
Gentle streams trickled nearby, and bamboo leaves rustled softly in the breeze. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, reflecting off the water’s surface to create a tranquil, picturesque scene.
In the center of this idyllic setting, Xu Xi spotted a thin figure practicing swordsmanship alone. The man, though elderly, moved with grace and freedom, wielding his sword with calm precision. No magical power or techniques accompanied his movements, yet the sheer sharpness of his strikes seemed capable of cutting through the heavens.
What truly caught Xu Xi’s attention, however, was the style of the sword itself—a distinct design from the Forest Sword Peak lineage of the Heavenly Sword Sect, characterized by the unique withered vine sword refinement technique.
“Traitor,” the man said, his voice calm but tinged with reproach. “It’s been a long time. Don’t you even greet your master anymore?”
The sword immortal sheathed his blade, and the surrounding sword energy dissipated, retreating into the withered vine sword. As the man turned, his familiar face came into view.
“Li Wanshou,” Xu Xi murmured in disbelief.
The master of Forest Sword Peak. The very master from Xu Xi’s first simulation world.
“Master?” Xu Xi was momentarily stunned before bursting into laughter. “I admit my mistake.”
The duo exchanged smiles.
There was no tearful reunion or overwhelming excitement—only a calm, familiar warmth, as if they had simply resumed their roles as master and disciple.
“Sit down,” Li Wanshou said, gesturing to a stone table.
They seated themselves across from each other. A light breeze rustled the bamboo leaves, some of which steeped in hot water, filling their cups with fragrant tea.
After a brief exchange and an update on Xu Xi’s current situation, Li Wanshou sighed deeply. “I don’t know what circumstances brought my rebellious disciple back from the dead, but I’m glad you’re here.”
The old man smiled warmly but quickly switched to a stern expression, slamming the table as he stood.
“You traitor!” he yelled. “You were so promising, yet you chose to dabble in barbarian magic? It’s superficial and vulgar! The immortal way is the only righteous path!”