"Enough for today." Letting out a sigh, Li Yan stood and began returning the books to their shelves one by one.

  When he looked up, he noticed the dim reflection on the great mirror at the library’s center—the sunlight it once reflected was gone—the sun had already set.

  Stepping out of the Shadows Knowledge Pavilion (Yǐng Zhī Gé), Li Yan was greeted by the cool touch of the night breeze.

  The sky above was clear and vast, scattered with countless stars shining over the dark silhouettes of the mountains. He stretched slightly, feeling both weary and fulfilled from a day spent immersed in study.

  He began walking toward the smallest mountain, where the sect’s food stalls lay, guided by the faint luminescence of lamps mounted on stone pillars on either side of the path.

  As he walked, Li Yan murmured to himself, "According to what I learned today, I finally understand why Senior Yao Fuhuo told me to solidify my cultivation instead of rushing to advance further."

  His expression grew thoughtful. In those hours of study, he had come to see the truth of it. His cultivation had advanced six stages at once with Yao Fuhuo’s help—an unnatural leap.

  Without her warning and his decision at that time to follow her advice, his foundation would’ve been fragile—high on the surface, yet hollow beneath.

  Now, thanks to her advice and his growing knowledge, Li Yan’s path felt grounded—firm as bedrock beneath his feet.

  Li Yan had barely taken a few steps when his gaze caught sight of an approaching figure—a tall man clad in crimson robes embroidered with silver patterns of mountains and stars. His presence stilled the air around him.

  Li Yan recognized him instantly—Ji Hong, the sect leader of the Shadow Haven Sect (Yǐng Xū Zōng).

  He bowed slightly yet respectfully. "Good evening, Sect Leader."

  Ji Hong’s expression softened into a faint smile. "Good evening, Li Yan. And why are you referring to me today as Sect Leader, instead of Elder Ji, as you called before?"

  Li Yan smiled in response, "I thought calling you the same way as others is better."

  Ji Hong shook his head, "It didn’t matter, you can call me Elder Ji."

  After a pause, Ji Hong added, "I was looking for you. Do you have time?"

  A flicker of surprise crossed Li Yan’s face. "Looking for me?"

  Ji Hong nodded. "Yes. There’s something I wish to discuss with you." His tone was calm, almost casual, yet carried an undertone of weight. "But since it’s also dinnertime… why not share a meal first?"

  Li Yan smiled faintly. "Of course, Elder Ji. It would be my honor."

  "Then let’s go," Ji Hong said simply.

  Before Li Yan could respond, Ji Hong placed his hand on his arm. In an instant, the world around them blurred—the path, the glowing stones, the mountains—all dissolved into streaks of light.

  In the next instant, Li Yan found himself standing inside a grand hallway. The air was faintly perfumed with sandalwood and lotus. Lanterns of polished jade lined the walls, their glow reflected in marble floors smooth as still water.

  Ten heavy wooden doors stood on either side, each engraved with delicate runes. At the far end loomed a single, massive door, carved with the emblem of the Shadow Haven Sect—silver mountains and stars.

  Li Yan took it all in with quiet awe, though his mind lingered more on what had just occurred. He had been teleported before—Yao Fuhuo’s was swifter and far more refined—but even so, Ji Hong’s teleportation was what he hadn’t expected from him.

  Curiosity stirred within him. "Elder Ji," Li Yan began carefully, "may I ask… what is your cultivation level?"

  "According to my knowledge, only cultivators at the Cosmic Enlightenment Realm (Qi Venerable) can perform teleportation. Does that mean you’ve reached that realm?"

  Ji Hong smiled as he walked toward the great door at the end of the corridor. "A perceptive question, Li Yan. You’re right—Qi Venerables can teleport freely."

  "But those who reach the Transcendent Mastery Realm (Stage-Peak) can also harness this ability, though it’s not as smooth or ranged as theirs."

  Li Yan’s eyes widened. The revelation stunned him.

  Someone at the peak of Transcendent Mastery stood only one step away from the Cosmic Enlightenment Realm (Qi Venerable)—the level just below the Nirvana Attainment Realm (Qi Saint).

  In Yan Tian’s memories, such individuals were exceedingly rare.

  "Incredible," Li Yan murmured, his tone filled with genuine respect. "So, Elder Ji… you’re truly just one step away from the Cosmic Enlightenment Realm (Qi Venerable)?"

  Ji Hong gave a humble nod. "You could say that. But that final step is the hardest to cross."

  They continued down the corridor until they reached the towering door. Ji Hong pushed it open gently, revealing a spacious living hall furnished with blue couches around a central table.

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  Shelves of dark wood lined the walls, displaying ancient vases, scrolls, and crystals that shimmered faintly under the soft golden light.

  Ji Hong led Li Yan through an open archway to the left, which opened into a grand dining hall. A long table of dark spiritwood dominated the room, polished until it gleamed like a mirror.

  Overhead, crystal chandeliers cast a gentle, radiant glow that danced upon porcelain dishes filled with steaming, aromatic food.

  Five individuals were already seated around the table, their presence immediately commanding attention. Each exuded distinct power and status—elder or senior disciples of the Shadow Haven Sect.

  As Ji Hong and Li Yan stepped into the dining hall, a gentle stillness settled over the room. The five cultivators turned their attention toward them. Their eyes briefly lingered on Li Yan, measuring his cultivation, his bearing, and perhaps, the reason Ji Hong had brought him here.

  Li Yan paused at the doorway, silently assessing the gathered figures. He could feel their auras—like sleeping dragons beneath still waters.

  The first figure was a woman in her late thirties, her beauty refined rather than ostentatious. She wore the green robes of a sect elder, their soft sheen catching the light from the chandeliers above.

  Her long raven hair cascaded down her back like a dark waterfall, framing a calm yet commanding face. Her eyes—deep black and filled with quiet wisdom—held a sense of mystery that hinted at decades of experience.

  Beside her sat a man in his early forties, his features resembling Ji Hong’s. Dressed in black robes symbolizing his cultivation at the Celestial Integration Realm (Qi Emperor), his presence radiated calm strength. His tied-back hair and steady brown eyes projected strength and composure in equal measure.

  Across from them sat a woman in her early thirties, her silver hair a striking contrast against her dark robes—another Qi Emperor. Her beauty was captivating yet cold, her gaze as intense as a blade’s edge. Her figure combined strength and allure, her posture poised with quiet confidence.

  Next to her sat a young man in his early twenties, clad in brown robes—marking him as a Qi Harmonization Realm (Qi Grandmaster) cultivator. His youthful face, framed by tousled dark hair, carried a hint of arrogance, but his sharp eyes revealed focus and intelligence.

  The final figure was a young girl, no older than sixteen. Her azure robes marked her as a Qi Channeling Realm (Qi Master), yet her presence carried an unmistakable vitality. Her long, silvery hair framed sharp, youthful features, and her black eyes glimmered with mischief and confidence.

  Ji Hong turned slightly, his voice calm yet carrying authority. "Come, let me introduce my family."

  Li Yan nodded, stepping forward as Ji Hong smiled faintly and gestured toward the first woman. "This is Cao Lian, my wife. She oversees the Alchemist Hall and serves as one of the sect’s senior elders."

  Li Yan bowed slightly, his expression one of respect. Cao Lian inclined her head with quiet grace, her black eyes studying him with thoughtful calm.

  Ji Hong then turned toward the man and woman, both wearing black robes. "This is Ji Lin, my son," he said, indicating the man with the powerful aura, "and his wife, Bai Ru."

  Li Yan’s expression remained calm, though he marveled inwardly. "Son? He looks like a younger brother than a son…"

  Then he remembered what he had learned today, that such things were common in this cultivation world.

  Once a cultivator reached the Qi Harmonization Realm (Qi Grandmaster), time itself slowed its grip on their appearance. By the Transcendent Mastery Realm (Qi Ancestor), one’s appearance stopped changing and remained the same even after centuries.

  Ji Hong’s hand shifted toward the young man in brown robes. "This is Ji Hao, my grandson."

  Ji Hao nodded politely, his expression disciplined and unreadable, though a faint pride gleamed in his eyes.

  Finally, Ji Hong gestured toward the young girl in azure robes. "And this is Ji Xin, my granddaughter."

  Ji Xin’s eyes gleamed with a spark of curiosity as she studied Li Yan openly, her lips curving ever so slightly.

  Li Yan cupped his hands, his tone courteous and steady.

  "Greetings, everyone. It is my honor to meet you all. I am Li Yan."

  At Li Yan’s introduction, all five of their expressions shifted—some with surprise, others with measured curiosity.

  Cao Lian was the first to speak, her voice calm and melodious, tinged with amusement. "Ah, so you’re Li Yan. I’ve heard quite a bit about you."

  Li Yan inclined his head with a modest smile. "I’m honored, Elder Cao. I hope the rumors are favorable."

  Cao Lian’s lips curved slightly, her gaze softening. "Quite favorable," she said warmly. Yet, behind that serene tone, Li Yan sensed curiosity—her eyes traced him subtly, as if comparing rumor to reality.

  Ji Lin leaned forward, his elbows resting lightly on the table. His expression remained unreadable, but his gaze carried the sharp focus of a man accustomed to authority.

  "Indeed," he said evenly. "It’s rare for someone with your background to end up here. Naturally, we were… intrigued."

  Across him, Bai Ru remained silent. She offered a faint, polite smile, her dark eyes cool but observant. Though her demeanor seemed composed, her gaze carried precision—assessing, weighing.

  Li Yan could tell she was studying him as carefully as any cultivation manual.

  Beside her, Ji Hao—his posture more relaxed—offered a friendly nod. "I hope you find yourself at ease here," he said in an easy tone, a welcome contrast to the quiet tension of the others.

  Li Yan returned his smile sincerely. "Thank you, Senior Ji Hao. I’m grateful for the hospitality and look forward to learning from everyone here."

  Sitting quietly beside her brother, Ji Xin gave a soft nod. Her expression remained calm and distant, but her gaze lingered on him longer than the rest—calculated, thoughtful, and quietly measuring.

  Breaking the silence, Ji Hong took the head seat and gestured toward the table.

  "Enough introductions. Li Yan, come—join us. It’s been a while since we’ve had a guest here."

  With a quiet nod, Li Yan took his seat. Before him lay an exquisite spread—bowls of steaming rice, glistening vegetables, roasted meats sliced to perfection, and rare delicacies that released a harmony of fragrances.

  The elegant arrangement spoke of both wealth and discipline—refined taste tempered by tradition.

  Ji Hong raised his porcelain cup, the steam from the tea curling faintly in the air. "Let us share this meal in good company."

  The others mirrored his gesture. Their faces were calm, yet every glance carried subtle meaning—approval, curiosity, silent judgment.

  Li Yan lifted his own cup and joined the toast.

  The first few moments of the meal passed in companionable quiet. Porcelain clinked softly against wood. The faint murmur of polite conversation, a low laugh from Ji Hao’s side, and the rustle of silk sleeves gave the room a gentle warmth.

  And yet, beneath that serenity, Li Yan could feel it—the careful observation in every glance, the weight of silent appraisal. Each person at the table, he realized, was trying to glimpse the truth behind his calm composure.

  Still, Li Yan calmed as he took another sip of tea, matching their calm with his own quiet confidence.

  Whatever they hoped to uncover, he would reveal only what he chose. The rest would remain hidden—until he decided otherwise.