In this world, the realm of cultivation is divided into nine distinct stages: the Body Forging Realm, Spiritual Realm, Core Realm, Divine Wheel Realm, Divine Spirit Realm, Divine Altar Realm, Divine Palace Realm, Virtual God Realm, and Transformed Spirit Realm.
Among them, the Divine Wheel Realm serves as a major watershed. Countless cultivators find themselves stranded at the Core Realm, desperately seeking to take that single step forward yet remaining unable to do so.
In most sects, those who reach the Divine Wheel Realm are qualified to serve as Elders. In certain smaller sects, even the leaders themselves reside in the Divine Spirit Realm.
Once a cultivator reaches the Divine Altar Realm, they gain renowned status throughout the lands and become honored guests of major factions. Upon reaching the Divine Palace Realm, one becomes a true overlord of an entire region.
As for those above the Virtual God Realm, they are supreme powerhouses whose presence is akin to legendary dragons, rarely showing their true forms to the world.
Qin Ting's father is precisely one such formidable expert of the Virtual God Realm. The world respectfully refers to him as Emperor Qin, though virtually no one knows his true name.
Some interested observers speculate that Emperor Qin has already taken half a step past the threshold of the Transformed Spirit Realm. However, as Emperor Qin has not personally made a move in over a century, opinions regarding his exact level of power remain varied and uncertain.
As for Qin Ting, he entered the Divine Wheel Realm at the age of sixteen. His talent can only be described as peerless, to say nothing of the fact that he possesses the Purple Morning Divine Body. Within the Profound Heaven Sect, there is immense support for him to assume the position of Holy Son.
If he can break through to the Divine Spirit Realm with the aid of the Five Cloud Pill, he believes it will completely silence those who secretly oppose him.
Qin Ting gazed at the Five Cloud Pill resting in his palm and spoke in a clear, measured voice: "Withdraw. I am entering closed-door cultivation."
A voice immediately responded from outside the hall: "Yes, Young Master!"
Qin Ting sat cross-legged upon the jade cultivation platform at the center of the hall and swallowed the Five Cloud Pill. In an instant, a vast wave of spiritual energy surged into his dantian.
Although this spiritual energy was immensely powerful, it felt as gentle as a soft breeze rather than violent or turbulent.
Qin Ting knew this was precisely the magic of the Five Cloud Pill. Closing his eyes, he quietly began to refine the surging spiritual energy.
One month later.
Qin Ting opened his eyes with a look of deep satisfaction. The Five Cloud Pill truly lived up to its legendary reputation.
He had successfully refined all the spiritual energy contained within the elixir and broken through to the Divine Spirit Realm, yet his foundation showed not the slightest sign of instability.
'What a splendid treasure,' Qin Ting mused inwardly with a faint sigh. The desire for Villain Points within his heart burned even brighter.
Qin Ting asked in his mind: 'System, is there any other way to obtain Villain Points aside from completing tasks?'
The crisp, mechanical voice of the system promptly replied: [In addition to main tasks, the system will occasionally issue temporary tasks that award Villain Points upon completion. Furthermore, whenever the host's conduct is judged by the system to align with villainous behavior, corresponding Villain Points will also be awarded.]
Qin Ting nodded in satisfaction. It appeared that if he wished to grow stronger, he would have to become a truly villainous figure. The prospect felt remarkably pleasant.
Qin Ting pushed open the grand hall doors and stepped outside.
Beyond the doors lay a majestic complex of jade palaces. The entire palace grounds were constructed atop a grand mountain range that contained several times the concentration of spiritual energy found in the outside world, making it a supreme blessed land for cultivation.
And this entire mountain range belonged exclusively to Qin Ting.
Hundreds of people inhabited the palace grounds—all maidservants, attendants, and guards serving Qin Ting, responsible for overseeing his daily life. Their lineages had served the Qin Family for generations, making them entirely worthy of trust.
Nie You was standing patiently beside the entrance to the hall.
Seeing Qin Ting emerge, Nie You's eyes brightened with joy as he bowed in salute: "Young Master."
Before Qin Ting could speak, Nie You sensed the subtle shift in his aura and exclaimed in pleasant surprise: "Young Master, have you broken through to the Divine Spirit Realm?"
A trace of faint pride stirred within Qin Ting, and he gave a slight nod of affirmation.
Nie You said with genuine delight: "Young Master possesses peerless talent and is bound to become a legend of the age. The Patriarch will surely be overjoyed when he learns of this!"
Qin Ting replied calmly: "Very well, no need for pleasantries. Since you are waiting here, you must have gathered the information regarding Ye Qiu?"
Nie You smiled respectfully and said: "Indeed, Young Master. We have thoroughly investigated Ye Qiu's background."
"Ye Qiu was born in Qingcheng, a small border city within Fu State, and hails from the Ye Family—one of the four major families of Qingcheng. His talent was astonishing during his youth, reaching the Body Forging Realm at the age of eight and achieving the Great Perfection of the Body Forging Realm by ten."
"However, for reasons unknown, his cultivation inexplicably regressed over the next five years between the ages of eleven and sixteen, dropping back down to the Seventh Stage of Body Forging."
"Then, starting the year before last, his growth suddenly exploded. Within a single year, he stepped into the Spiritual Realm and helped his family become the undisputed head of Qingcheng."
"Afterward, he traveled to the capital of Fu State and made quite a name for himself. It is said that the Qianyuan Sect even extended an invitation for him to join as a disciple, but he flatly rejected them."
The Qianyuan Sect was likewise a sacred ground of cultivation in the Eastern Wasteland. Although it could not quite match the stature of the Profound Heaven Sect, its foundation was not to be underestimated.
Qin Ting pondered for a moment before suddenly asking: "How is Liu Susu doing these days?"
Liu Susu was Ye Qiu's childhood sweetheart, whom Qin Ting had taken in as a maidservant that day in Moon Valley.
Nie You replied: "Miss Liu is currently cultivating in the rear hall. Following your instructions, Young Master, I bestowed upon her the Illusion Scripture and provided her with Moon Condensation Pills. Miss Liu's talent is remarkably good; she successfully broke through to the Core Realm a few days ago."
Nie You hesitated for a brief moment before continuing: "Young Master, there is one more matter. Song Changge has emerged from closed-door cultivation."
Qin Ting's eyes narrowed slightly: "Oh?"
Song Changge, also a True Disciple of the Profound Heaven Sect, had long been at odds with Qin Ting. Six months ago, he engaged in a duel with Qin Ting and suffered a decisive defeat.
Following his loss, he announced a period of secluded cultivation, declaring that the day he emerged would mark the moment he washed away his humiliation.
Nie You said: "He sent an emissary with a formal challenge, inviting you to face him on the Sword Discussion Platform three days from now. However, now that you have stepped into the Divine Spirit Realm, Young Master, it seems Song Changge is destined to be trampled underfoot once more."
Qin Ting smiled indifferently: "To issue a challenge immediately upon coming out of seclusion, it seems he has made quite a few preparations."
Nie You bowed his head and reported: "According to our operatives, someone secretly provided him with a powerful magic treasure. We are currently investigating the exact identity of his backer."
Qin Ting gave the matter a brief thought before speaking in a calm tone: "It appears certain people within the sect simply cannot wait any longer."
Nie You asked: "Should this subordinate make some preparations in advance?"
Qin Ting flicked his sleeves, his voice turning cold: "No need. I wish to see for myself who in this sect dares to stand against me. This incident should prove quite effective in flushing them out."
"Hmph, it seems I have been far too low-key of late. Some people tend to forget the pain once their scars have healed!"
Observing Qin Ting's commanding presence, Nie You felt deep reverence from the bottom of his heart. He bowed deeply and declared: "This subordinate is willing to throw away his life for the Young Master!"