Mortal: Li Feiyu, who came from the realm of a supreme being

At the highest point of Tianxing Island's sacred mountain, the clouds and mist dissipated, and starlight descended.

Jin Kui knelt on one knee, his posture extremely respectful: "Your subordinate Jin Kui pays respects to the two saints."

After a moment of silence in the void, a warm and deep male voice rang out: "Junior brother, what is the current situation?"

"Reporting to the two Saints, for the past forty years, the situation in the outer seas has been stable, the righteous and demonic paths have remained dormant, and everything in the Star Palace is as usual. However, there are two matters that I believe need to report to you both."

Wen Qing's voice followed, clear and melodious with a hint of curiosity: "Oh? What is it?"

"About forty-eight years ago, the Holy Mountain Reception Hall discovered a disciple with a metal-type celestial spiritual root named Li Feiyu. His identity has been verified; he is a member of a collateral branch of a small, disbanded family on Thorn Island, with a clean background. Because of his rare talent, I dared not neglect him, so I entrusted him to Elder Ma for personal instruction and placed him on the sixty-ninth floor of the Holy Mountain, where he has been cultivating with Ling Yatou ever since."

"A Celestial Spiritual Root?" Ling Xiaofeng's voice held a hint of interest. "I didn't expect that after hundreds of years, the Star Palace would receive another disciple with a Celestial Spiritual Root. Letting him cultivate with Ling'er shouldn't be a problem. But what kind of person is he? What realm is he at now?"

Jin Kui respectfully replied, "I have been in the Pseudo-Core Realm for many years and can form my Core at any time, but it seems that I am deliberately suppressing it, as if I want to wait for Ling Ya. However, she is a bit special, and this is the second thing I want to report to the Twin Saints."

Tell me about it.

"Besides his innate spiritual root, this child seems to possess extraordinary talent in the path of cultivation techniques," Jin Kui said. "He independently chose the ancient cultivation technique 'Three Eternal Radiance Technique,' which no one in the Scripture Pavilion had ever mastered. He picked it up extremely quickly and his cultivation progressed smoothly. Later, Elder Ma, on the orders of his subordinates, tested him with some profound incomplete scrolls. This child was able to decipher and deduce them, not only proposing ways to repair them but also guiding Ling Yatou through the bottlenecks in her cultivation, making her progress much smoother."

"Could it be that a Nascent Soul cultivator has possessed my body?" Ling Xiaofeng blurted out.

"What are you saying, my husband?" Wen Qing said reproachfully. "Junior Brother is always reliable in his work. Would he overlook these things? He must have already verified that there is no problem before he told us."

Ling Xiaofeng quickly replied, "What you say is true, Madam. However, throughout history, those who can independently deduce cultivation techniques of the same realm are extremely rare, so it's understandable that we are surprised and doubtful."

Jin Kui took out a jade slip and held it up with both hands: "About four years ago, he voluntarily offered up a secret technique he created himself, called the 'Soul Coffin Technique.' This technique is specifically designed to prevent possession and is ingeniously conceived. Out of caution, I had it tested and verified over three years, and it is indeed effective. It is truly a unique and original method."

As soon as he finished speaking, two divine senses probed into the jade slip almost simultaneously.

After a brief silence, they both exclaimed in surprise.

"These secret techniques... are truly wondrous."

"Excellent." Wen Qing's voice held a hint of contemplation. "He's actually a peerless genius capable of creating techniques..."

She didn't continue, but Ling Xiaofeng already understood what she meant.

If the Star Palace has any fixed and stable lineage, it is probably the dual cultivation secret method of the two saints.

Their final sprint has yielded a clear result—they still couldn't break through.

At this point, it's time to plan for the future of the Star Palace.

"Madam, are we thinking about the same thing right now?" Ling Xiaofeng asked meaningfully.

Wen Qing pondered for a moment: "Well... regarding that matter, we first need to consider Ling'er's wishes, and secondly, we also need to see that kid in person before we can make a final decision."

"You are right, madam."

Wen Qing suddenly asked again, "Junior brother, do you think Ling'er and he are a good match?"

Jin Kui hesitated for a moment before speaking, "This matter concerns the future of the Star Palace, and I dare not speak rashly. However, based on my observations over the years, Li Feiyu is a man of exceptional talent and temperament, and he gets along well with Ling'er. In the past, Ling'er... rarely got close to others, but in recent years she has often consulted him on cultivation difficulties, and he has always been able to guide and resolve her doubts, enabling Ling'er to make quite smooth progress. As for him himself... he has a clean background, does not covet external things, is single-mindedly devoted to the Dao, and has no close personal relationships with anyone."

He paused, then continued, "Moreover, this boy's extraordinary talent in the path of cultivation is perhaps even more precious than his Heavenly Spiritual Root aptitude. About three or four years ago, when he was instructing the young master on cultivating earth-based techniques, he mentioned a theory that... I have never heard of before."

"Oh?"

"He said that the five elements can be regarded as 'five states' rather than fixed attributes, and demonstrated the method of 'using metal to generate earth, briefly simulating earth-type spiritual power'. Although it was only a brief simulation and far from changing one's spiritual root, its thinking... was completely different from the principles of the current mainstream cultivation methods."

Jin Kui took out a recording bead: "I find this theory as astonishing and its depths beyond my comprehension, so I have recorded its contents in detail. Because it involves the fundamental principles of the Five Elements' mutual generation and restraint, I dare not make any judgments on my own, so I have come today to report to the two sages."

Two divine senses probed in again.

This time, the silence lasted even longer.

After a long silence, Wen Qing finally spoke: "Go and bring this boy here so we can have a talk with him personally."

"Yes."

……

Nearly fifty years after entering the Star Palace, Li Feiyu finally stepped onto the luminous steps and ascended to the top of the sacred mountain step by step.

This is not a palace or building, but an observatory that seems to have been carved from a corner of a star. There are no walls on all sides, only countless floating stones that drift and swirl, intertwining starlight and spiritual energy. Further up is a huge, strange rock, where the Twin Saints of the Celestial Stars must have been in seclusion.

"Disciple Li Feiyu pays respects to the Two Saints."

He knelt on one knee, his posture respectful. Yet, he was already on high alert, concealing his aura perfectly, revealing only his pure Pseudo-Core Realm cultivation, his face showing a restrained tension—just the right amount.

A gentle yet seemingly penetrating divine sense swept over him, like a refreshing breeze.

Li Feiyu felt a chill run down her spine, but her face remained expressionless.

"No need for formalities." Wen Qing's voice rang out, clear and calm, with a hint of scrutiny. "The Grand Elder has already reported your situation in detail. You possess a metal-type Heavenly Spiritual Root, are skilled in cultivation technique deduction, and even have created your own secret techniques... It is truly fortunate that you have come to the Star Palace."

"This disciple is humbled." Li Feiyu remained bowing. "It is all thanks to the Star Palace's shelter, Elder Ma's guidance, and Elder Jin's favor that this disciple has been able to cultivate in peace. I have made some progress, but I dare not claim to be talented."

"No need for such modesty," Ling Xiaofeng said, his voice deep and straightforward. "The 'Three Eternal Radiance Technique' is an ancient cultivation method, obscure and difficult to master. How did you pick it up so quickly? Have you encountered a similar inheritance before?"

Li Feiyu's mind raced, already prepared: "Reporting to the Holy Venerable, this disciple comes from a rural background. By the time I learned of my potential for cultivation, my family had already scattered, and I had never been exposed to any lineage. As for how quickly I can learn it... detailed feelings are hard to describe, I just feel that it should be practiced that way. Any parts that are not smooth can be adjusted slightly."

"Oh?" Ling Xiaofeng became interested. "Let us see the 'Three Eternal Radiance Technique' you've been cultivating."

Li Feiyu was prepared and took out a jade slip, presenting it with both hands.

A moment later, Ling Xiaofeng's voice rang out, tinged with doubt: "Your cultivation technique... how come it only covers the Core Formation stage? What about the Nascent Soul stage?"

"Your Majesty, I am foolish," Li Feiyu said frankly. "I can only deduce the next realm's cultivation method based on the content of the cultivation technique and my own understanding, and I cannot deduce it across realms. The original Nascent Soul chapter of the 'Three Eternal Radiance Technique' is too incomplete, and many descriptions are obviously out of touch with the present world, so it needs to be completely rewritten. I plan to devote myself to deducing the Nascent Soul part after I form my core."

Silence fell upon hearing this.

Two divine thoughts converged in the shadows.

"Madam, take a look at this Core Formation stage cultivation technique..."

"I've read it. It's written...perfectly. It's not just barely usable, it's a truly orthodox cultivation method that can be practiced."

"How could a pseudo-Core Formation cultivator deduce a cultivation technique of this level?"

That's why I said this child's talent is nothing short of extraordinary.

After a moment of silence, Wen Qing's voice rang out again, this time gentler: "Your understanding of the principles of cultivation techniques is unique. We've also seen the 'Soul Coffin' secret technique you presented; its design is ingenious and its effects are extraordinary. What's even more remarkable is that you're willing to voluntarily offer up such a self-created secret technique. Why?"

Li Feiyu's expression was calm, with the unique look of a young man, a mixture of ambition and caution: "Reporting to the Holy Venerable, this disciple comes from humble origins and has cultivated for decades. Although I have not formally experienced the world, I know that people's hearts are treacherous, and the cultivation world is only worse. Methods such as possession and soul control are hard to guard against. The original intention of this disciple in creating this technique was to add a layer of protection for myself."

He paused, then continued, "Later I realized that this technique might be beneficial to the Star Palace. The Star Palace has treated its disciples well, and since I have gained something from it, I dare not keep it to myself. Moreover... I privately believe that offering this technique might prove my worth and earn me a more stable cultivation environment, as well as the opportunity to encounter more profound principles in the future."

Ambition beneath the honesty, progress beneath the caution.

A hint of consideration appeared in Wen Qing's eyes.

After a moment of silence, she finally asked the most crucial question: "The Grand Elder said that you once discussed the Five Elements with Ling'er, mentioning the theory that 'the transformations of the Five Elements are viewed as states.' Where does this theory come from?"

Pressure is creeping in.

Two divine senses landed on him, awaiting his explanation. This was not a simple inquiry, but an exploration of his "talent".

Li Feiyu had already prepared his explanation and calmly said, "Your Majesty, in recent years I have been reading ancient books and have come across many interesting sentences. For example, the 'Heavenly Questions' says: 'In the beginning of time, who transmitted the Way? Before heaven and earth took shape, how could we investigate it? In the darkness and obscurity, who could fathom its depths?' Another example is mentioned in the 'True Explanation of the Mysterious Cave': 'The changes of the Five Elements, if pondered to the utmost, may lead to divine understanding.'"

He paused slightly, as if organizing his thoughts: "This made me think that since the ancient sages were able to open up the path of cultivation in chaos, why can't we rethink the Five Elements themselves? Existing cultivation methods all talk about the generation and restraint of the Five Elements, but is the principle of generation and restraint just a superficial phenomenon? If we regard the Five Elements as five 'states' rather than fixed and unchanging 'attributes', perhaps we can open up another path."

"For example," he raised his hand, a wisp of golden light appearing in his palm. The golden light gradually solidified, eventually taking on a hint of earthy yellow, "Gold represents 'contraction' and 'condensation,' while earth represents 'bearing' and 'stability.' Is it possible for some kind of channel to exist between these two states? I tried to use gold to generate earth. Although I couldn't truly change my spiritual root, I could temporarily simulate earth-elemental spiritual power. This is the prototype of my idea."

He withdrew the ray of light and said humbly, "However, this disciple's cultivation is still shallow and knowledge is still limited, and many things are still unclear to me. These are just some immature ideas, which cannot be organized into a complete cultivation method, so please do not take them seriously."

Silence fell once again in the void.

After a long silence, Wen Qing finally spoke, her tone carrying a complexity she herself didn't realize: "You... are very good."

Ling Xiaofeng also said, "Your talent is rare. There's no need to wait for Ling'er to help you form your core. Reach it as soon as possible and don't delay."

Li Feiyu was slightly taken aback, then bowed and said, "This disciple will obey the imperial decree."

"By the way," Ling Xiaofeng suddenly asked, "what's your impression of Ling'er?"

Li Feiyu was taken aback, then said earnestly, "Senior Brother Ling is kind and gentle, diligent in his cultivation, and has excellent comprehension. However, he explored on his own in his early years, so his foundation was slightly unstable. Over the years, I have found that Senior Brother has been sincere to me, and I respect him in return. If I were to give an impression... he is a friend worth making."

Wen Qing suddenly chuckled, a hint of mischief in his voice: "How sincere is your 'Senior Brother'? Can't you tell?"

A perfectly timed hint of embarrassment appeared on Li Feiyu's face. After a slight hesitation, he still said frankly, "I dare not deceive the Holy Venerable. Senior Brother Ling... I felt something was different when we first met, and as we spent more time together, I naturally became aware of it. However, there must be a reason for a man to dress as a woman. If it is not necessary, I will simply maintain my original form of address."

On the Yuanci Divine Mountain, Wen Qing and Ling Xiaofeng exchanged a glance, a hint of satisfaction flashing in their eyes.

"Alright, you may leave now," Wen Qing said. "Aim to form your core as soon as possible."

"This disciple takes his leave."

Li Feiyu bowed, took a few steps back, and turned to leave.

Starlight shone down, illuminating his back as he descended the steps.

Wen Qing withdrew her probing divine sense and asked softly, "What does my husband think?"

Ling Xiaofeng pondered for a moment and said, "He is calm and composed, neither arrogant nor humble, and possesses amazing talent, yet he is not conceited. More importantly... he saw it, but pretended not to."

"Yes," Wen Qing smiled slightly, "this sense of proportion is the most precious thing."

The two looked at each other and understood what the other was thinking.

"If Ling'er is willing, let's settle things after he forms his core," Wen Qing said.

"Madam is right," Ling Xiaofeng immediately agreed. "If this matter can be settled, it will be a great hidden danger for the Star Palace."