47: Phoenix's indestructible body, accepting disciples

Time flew by swiftly. In the blink of an eye, half a year had passed since the Lin Family's full clan assembly and the implementation of the new systems.

During these six months, the massive machinery of the Lin Family operated with increasing smoothness.

The contribution point system thoroughly ignited the enthusiasm of all the Family's younger generation and affiliated forces.

The Mission Hall bustled with activity every day, with various tasks being rapidly accepted and completed.

The Contribution Hall was even more crowded. The valuable items on the exchange list made everyone covetous, driving them to desperately earn contribution points.

Although Lin Dao had not made a public appearance, he observed everything from the shadows, nodding in satisfaction.

The seven branches each fulfilled their duties with remarkable results.

The War Hall (Red Branch), under the leadership of the Acting Clan Head, had eradicated several ill-advised evil Cultivator gangs and hostile Sects around the area that dared to challenge the Lin Family's authority, greatly boosting their prestige.

The Internal Affairs Hall (Orange Branch) managed Family affairs in an orderly and systematic manner, significantly improving resource allocation efficiency. Complaints of unfairness had almost completely disappeared.

With a massive influx of resources, the Alchemy and Artifacts Hall (Yellow Branch) and the Talisman and Formations Hall (Green Branch) saw the emergence of many promising talents. The Medicinal Pills, Magical Artifacts, Talismans, and Formation Plates they produced not only met the Family's internal needs but also began to be sold externally, earning the Family vast amounts of Spirit Stones.

The Shadow Hall (Azure Branch), acting as the eyes and ears of the Lin Family, quietly extended its reach across the Nine Provinces, continuously transmitting all sorts of intelligence back, allowing Lin Dao to know the affairs of the world without ever leaving his residence.

The External Affairs Hall (Blue Branch) was busy receiving the various powers that came to visit and seek cooperation daily. The Lin Family's influence grew with each passing day.

The Legacy Hall (Purple Branch) was not idle either, constantly organizing, deducing, and perfecting the various Cultivation Techniques and Secret Manuals in the Family's collection. This made the holdings within the 'Pathguard Pavilion' increasingly rich and immensely attractive.

The entire Lin Family presented a scene of thriving prosperity and vigorous development.

The pale golden canopy of the Family's Luck became increasingly solid and its coverage broader.

Although the three Saints, Lin Hao, Ye Chen, and Lin Yun, were not with the Family, their names and deeds, relayed through the Shadow Hall's intelligence and rumors circulating outside, continuously inspired the Lin Family's younger generation.

Lin Hao had gained the recognition of an ancient Sword Intent deep within the Sword Tomb, condensing a supreme Sword Soul. He was currently training in the Western Region, challenging various sword path Masters with his blade, remaining undefeated. The name 'Azure-robed Sword Saint' was gradually rising.

Ye Chen had wreaked havoc in the Ancient God's Battlefield with his Ancient Desolate Sacred Body, growing stronger through combat. His power increased wildly. It was said he could already contend with old monsters of the Heavenly Soul Realm. The moniker 'Golden War God' struck fear in the hearts of those around the Black Wind Mountain Range.

After emerging from the Starfall Secret Realm, Lin Yun's whereabouts became even more elusive. However, the phenomenon of his 'Star Pupil' had long spread. On the rare occasions he appeared, the mysterious and powerful Pupil Techniques he displayed were impossible to guard against, earning him the respectful title 'Star Pupil'.

The three had fully attained the qualifications to contend with the true Prodigies of the Nine Provinces!

...

Within the Lin Family's main estate, in the Quiet Room of the Ancestral Hall.

Lin Dao slowly opened his eyes. The Nirvana Realm aura flowing around him was deeper and more profound than half a year ago.

With the continuous feedback from the Family and his own arduous Cultivation, his cultivation had stabilized at the Peak of the first level of the Nirvana Realm, not far from the second level.

"Hoo—" He gently exhaled a turbid breath. Chaotic light swirled in his eyes as he deduced the workings of heaven's secrets.

Suddenly, his mind stirred slightly. A faint, intangible sensation transmitted from the southeast direction.

The feeling was weak, yet it carried a Dao charm that seemed capable of incinerating all things while also containing boundless vitality.

"An interesting sensation... It seems to faintly resonate with my Lin Family's Luck, yet exists independently outside of it." Lin Dao became intrigued.

At his Realm, a sudden premonition was never without cause.

He pondered for a moment, then decided to investigate personally.

The Family was now on a stable track. With the Acting Clan Head and the seven branch leaders present, no major issues were likely to arise in the short term.

It was also time for him to move about. Secluding himself constantly was of no benefit to the Dao.

Without alerting anyone, Lin Dao's figure flickered, merging into the Void Realm as he silently departed from the Lin Family's main estate, heading towards the sensed southeast direction.

His speed was extremely fast. With his Nirvana Realm cultivation fully unleashed, he traversed mountains and rivers with ease, covering vast distances in a single step.

Several days later, he arrived at the area indicated by the sensation—a place called the 'Ten Thousand Flames Mountain Range' at the border between Qing Province and Yan Province.

This area was dotted with volcanoes, the air scorching hot, and Fire-attribute Spiritual Qi exceptionally active.

That unique sensation became clearer here.

Following the sensation, Lin Dao arrived outside an inconspicuous small valley deep within the mountain range.

A faint crimson mist permeated the valley entrance, carrying a scorching aura. Ordinary Cultivators likely wouldn't dare approach.

Lin Dao took a step inside. The scene before him made him raise an eyebrow slightly.

The valley was not the hellscape of molten rock one might imagine. Instead, it was lush and green, with many heat-resistant peculiar plants growing.

In the center of the valley was a small hot spring. The water, however, was a crimson red, bubbling and gurgling, emitting pure Fire-attribute energy.

But what caught Lin Dao's attention was not the hot spring, but the scene beside it.

A little girl who looked to be about ten years old, wearing coarse clothes patched in many places and faded from washing, her small face dirty, but her eyes exceptionally bright, like burning flames.

She sat cross-legged by the spring with her eyes closed, her hands forming a strange seal.

What was astonishing was that the pores all over her body were autonomously inhaling and exhaling the scorching Fire-attribute energy within the valley. Especially the mist steaming from the crimson hot spring seemed drawn to her, madly surging into her young body.

Her aura had shockingly reached the Peak of the Spirit Sea Realm!

Peak Spirit Sea Realm at ten years old! What did this mean? At that age, Lin Hao and Ye Chen were probably still struggling in the Acquired and Innate Realms!

This was no longer just a Genius; this was a Prodigy!

Moreover, Lin Dao could clearly see that deep within the little girl's body, in the depths of her Bloodline, a faint, indistinct Phoenix phantom exuding a supreme aura was floating and sinking!

That Dao charm of scorching heat coexisting with vitality originated precisely from this!

"The Phoenix Undying Body..." A flash of understanding and awe passed through Lin Dao's eyes.

This was a legendary supreme divine Physique, even rarer and more powerful than the Ancient Desolate Sacred Body, the Star Pupil, and others!

Those possessing this Physique were naturally attuned to the Great Dao of Fire, possessed extremely tenacious vitality, were nearly indestructible, and had immeasurable growth potential!

No wonder it could stir his senses. The great Luck this little girl carried was probably even more profound than that of Lin Hao and the other two combined!

She was a true 'Daughter of Luck'!

At that moment, the little girl seemed to have reached a critical point in her Cultivation. Her small face suddenly turned pale, her body trembled violently, and the aura around her became chaotic. The crimson energy rampaged wildly within her, seemingly on the verge of going out of control!

She clenched her teeth tightly, a trace of blood seeping from the corner of her mouth. She was clearly enduring immense pain, but her gaze was incredibly stubborn, refusing to give up.

"Greed leads to indigestion; haste makes waste," Lin Dao spoke calmly. His voice was not loud, yet it carried a strange, soothing power that directly transmitted into the depths of the little girl's mind.

Simultaneously, he flicked a finger. A wisp of incredibly pure Chaos Qi traversed space, silently entering the little girl's body.

That wisp of Chaos Qi acted like the most masterful harmonizing agent, instantly calming theviolent Fire-attribute energy within her, guiding it back to tranquility, and even nourishing her Meridians and that slumbering Phoenix Bloodline in turn.

The little girl's body shuddered. The chaotic aura rapidly settled, and her pale complexion regained its rosy hue.

She opened her eyes in surprise, looking towards Lin Dao, who had appeared at the valley entrance at some unknown time.

Her eyes were large and bright, like two burning gemstones, now filled with wariness and curiosity.

"You... who are you?" The little girl stood up, instinctively taking a step back, adopting a defensive posture. Thoughimmature, it vaguely followed a method.

Looking at her feigned composure that couldn't hide her nervousness, Lin Dao found it somewhat amusing. He spoke in a gentle tone, "A passerby. I saw you Cultivating here, nearly succumbing to Qi Deviation, so I offered assistance."

The little girl blinked, sensing the unprecedented comfort within her body and the power that had helped her. The wariness in her eyes lessened slightly, but she still maintained her distance. "Thank you... You're very strong. I've never met anyone as strong as you."

Lin Dao smiled faintly, neither confirming nor denying. Instead, he asked, "What is your name? Why are you Cultivating alone here? Where is your Family?"

Mentioning Family, the little girl's eyes instantly dimmed. She stubbornly pursed her lips and whispered, "My name is Phoenix Spirit. I don't have a Family anymore... The village was destroyed by bad people. Only I escaped... I hid here. The energy in this hot spring can make me stronger. I want revenge!"

Lin Dao understood in his heart.

To bear such a divine Physique yet end up here, she must have experienced a major upheaval.

He looked at Phoenix Spirit, at the latent Phoenix Bloodline within her, capable of shaking the Nine Provinces.

How could such an uncut jade be allowed to gather dust? She was fated to join his Lin Family and attain the Great Dao!

"Phoenix Spirit," Lin Dao spoke, his voice carrying an indisputable authority and allure. "With your current strength, you cannot achieve your revenge. Moreover, if the fact that you possess a special Physique were to leak, it would attract more, even more powerful enemies. You would never know peace."

Phoenix Spirit's small face paled. She clenched her fists tightly. She knew Lin Dao spoke the truth.

"Do you wish to become strong? Truly strong. Strong enough to control your own destiny, strong enough that no one dares to bully you." Lin Dao looked at her.

"I do! Of course I do!" Phoenix Spirit almost shouted without thinking, flames burning in her eyes.

"Then, are you willing to take me as your Master?" Lin Dao stood with his hands behind his back, a vast, starry, and profound Chaotic Dao charm naturally flowing from him. "Entering my tutelage, I can impart to you the supreme Great Dao, guide you in developing your divine Physique, and provide you with resources and protection.

In the future, not to mention revenge, even roaming the Nine Provinces freely and enjoying the heavens and earth would not be difficult."

Phoenix Spirit was stunned, staring blankly at Lin Dao.

She could sense that the person before her wasPowerful beyond imagination, countless times more powerful than all the bad people who destroyed her village combined!

Moreover, he had just saved her. That power was warm and strong.

Take him as her Master?

She felt somewhat bewildered, but also tempted.

Her intuition told her that this person might truly be able to change her fate.

After hesitating for a moment, Phoenix Spirit took a deep breath, as if making a certain resolution.

She walked up to Lin Dao and, imitating how the adults in her village used to worship the mountain god, knelt down with a thud, respectfully kowtowing three times.

"Disciple Phoenix Spirit pays respects to Master!"

Her voice was clear and crisp, carrying a slight tremble, yet exceptionally firm.

A satisfied smile appeared on Lin Dao's face as he accepted her bow. Then, he gestured with his hand to help her up. "Rise."

A gentle force lifted Phoenix Spirit to her feet.

"Since you have entered my tutelage, you are now a member of the Lin Family," Lin Dao said. "This Revered Master's Dao title... you may address me as Revered Master for now. Come, follow me home."

"Home?" Phoenix Spirit looked up with her small face, her eyes filled with confusion and a hint of anticipation.

"Mm, home," Lin Dao nodded. With a sweep of his sleeve, an intangible force enveloped Phoenix Spirit.

In the next moment, the two vanished from the small valley in the Ten Thousand Flames Mountain Range.

In the air, only Phoenix Spirit's slightly astonished voice faintly remained:

"Revered Master, where is... our home?"

"Qing Province, the Lin Family."