Thousand Dao Sect.

  The current scene was one of destruction, golden buildings were falling, two bodies with holes in their chests were falling to the left.

  A hawk with destroyed wings and feathers scattered all over the ground was lying lifeless.

  In the center of all this was a man. Voices he couldn't understand surrounded him, sounding as if they were asking questions, but his damaged body couldn't identify any sound.

  His chest hurt, he felt his blood draining away little by little.

  He laid his head on the ground, accepting his fate, he couldn't do anything to prevent it.

  As his eyes were closing, the voices that surrounded him were silenced, he witnessed a shadow descend upon him, it was a man with black wings and eyes as black as night.

  This time the man, Lin Huang, was able to hear it for the first time.

  The man said, "I'm sorry, master."

  Then the scene was destroyed and began to recede.

  He saw two young men cultivating.

  He saw a young girl being fought over

  He saw a hawk shouting to the heavens for power

  He saw powerful warriors fighting

  In the end, he saw the sect's territory that had been destroyed begin to rebuild itself and in the end

  He realized that he was still alive.

  Lin Huang returned to the present.

  His breathing was quickening. The familiar tightness in his heart returned.

  His hands became cold and trembling and a shock appeared in his eyes as he processed what had just happened.

  After the system ended the simulation, his mind was taken to the last moment, he took control of Lin Huang's body from the future for a few seconds and could feel what was happening to that body.

  When he finally died, everything went back to the present and he returned to the present.

  A boy stood in front of him and seemed to be saying something.

  Lin Huang didn't seem to hear, but slowly his focus returned to him and he felt himself once again integrated into his own body.

  "Master, are you okay?" Mo Yanluo asked with an anxious face. He had asked a few times and got no answers.

  Regaining his focus, Lin Huang replied.

  "I'm fine, Yan'er." He thought of some excuse before continuing. "Founding the sect buildings took a lot of my energy and I didn't feel well for a while, but that's gone now. Your master will rest and I'll get better."

  Mo Yanluo breathed a sigh of relief. He imagined that creating this entire sect was something magical and that it must really be tiring.

  "Okay, master. Take care." Seeing that everything was okay, he ran towards Xiao Tian who was sitting on top of a building staring at Lin Huang.

  He, who is spiritually connected to the master, felt an impact that also scared him. For a few seconds, he felt that he was dead and that his master had died, but then everything was back to normal. It was something so subtle, but he, who was a beast that was very sensitive to changes, noticed it easily. He used his bond with his master to convey the feeling.

  Lin Huang, feeling the beast's concern, smiled and conveyed the message that everything was fine. For simple things, they didn't need words; just conveying the feeling and meaning was enough for them to understand.

  The bird then made a "Kiieww" as if to say "I'm glad everything is okay" and then came down from the roof to play with Mo Yanluo.

  Lin Huang was shocked by the prediction. He would die in about 16 years? And worse, because of his disciple?

  He looked at Mo Yanluo who was currently chasing after Xiao Tian with a sword in his hand and an excited smile on his face. It was just a smiling child enjoying life. '

  He could not at all associate him with someone who could kill him.

  But after the two recent events, he had actually started to consider this possibility. The first was the dream and now this prediction. These were two very real feelings of death for him to ignore. He knew that Mo Yanluo was a pure child. The way he acted, the concerns he showed, were always in the sense of protecting someone. Even when he had the possibility of revenge, he did not use it.

  Looking back at the simulation, he noticed that the decisive factor ended up being the awakening of Yanluo's physique. He knew that his physique was demonic. One of the most hated throughout the continent.

  Lin Huang was ready to face challenges when he accepted him as a disciple. But he did not imagine that it would result in death. Luckily, he was not a man who relied on just one system.

  Using the location system, he asked a specific question. {System, is there any physique near me that can change a person's personality?}

  Yanluo was within his reach and with the system's response, he could easily understand clues about the future.

  [Ding, No]

  To Lin Huang's relief, the response was positive. At least now he could know that awakening the disciple's physique would not affect his mentality.

  But then he frowned. Why did Mo Yanluo disappear? And why did he apologize?

  From the simulation, he knew that the cultivators who attacked him did not receive any information about who he was and had to resort to fortune-telling.

  Could it be that Mo Yanluo regretted being the reason for the search? Lin Huang thought that was the most plausible option.

  Still, he admitted it to himself. He was now a bit wary of Mo Yanluo. Although the physique did not change one's thoughts, it could not prevent the boy from changing his personality on his own in the end.

  He then focused on the other information. The first was about him being stuck in the golden core. Even Yanluo surpassed him, but he remained stuck at that level.

  Furthermore, the growth he showed in the simulation was very slow. Just the return of Mo Yanluo would be enough for him to grow far beyond the ordinary, making it impossible for him to remain stuck in the golden core level for 16 years.

  'This doesn't make sense. How could I be stuck in the Golden Core for 16 years with all these resources at my disposal?'

  He couldn't understand it. Just counting on his physique, he should easily surpass Mo Yanluo, but the opposite happened.

  Furthermore, during the entire simulation, nothing was said about the butterfly, only about xiao tian.

  Another important detail was that no great opportunities were mentioned.

  A theory formed in his mind. Could it be that the sect system can't simulate the existence of its own systems? Since Xiao Tian was outside the system space when it was simulated, he appeared in the story, but the butterfly never appeared.

  In addition, the simulated version of him did not actively seek new disciples or track opportunities. Even the 5-star one he had found was not mentioned.

  When he aligned these thoughts, he was certain that the sect's system would not be able to simulate the existence of systems. A divine system could not replicate existence, and that made sense. This gave him great peace of mind. The future was not necessarily something fixed. He would have to make an effort to change it. He did not want to die at the hands of this child he was already attached to.

  The other two pieces of information that made Lin Huang think were year 3 and year 8.

  [Year 3. A storm occurs in the southern territory. The land of a subsidiary alliance of the ancient Ancestral Demon Sect is discovered. The 6 major sects join forces to fight for the resources, causing many deaths on all sides. In the end, the Sword Sect emerges as the main victor. The Thousand Daos Sect remains hidden, protected by the natural formation of the mountains and the concealment array.]

  [Year 8. A powerful young woman is discovered in the east with the righteous Taoist physique sparking a huge battle to accept her as a disciple. In the end she joins the Celestial Jade Sect as an heir disciple]

  These two pieces of information were important to him. The main one was the resources. It would be a huge opportunity for him to find them before everyone else. He didn't know if the search system would release new general searches, but he at least had a direction that was south of his territory. This should correspond to the fragmented scene of the cultivators he saw fighting.

  If it was resources that made the major sacred sects leave their protected territory to then fight in a place with little spiritual energy, then the resources were definitely not simple things. If he could get his hands on them and then gift them to Yanluo, how rich would he be?

  Besides, wasn't the appearance of this mysterious young lady a gift to him as a master? In 8 years, she would appear, and looking at the fragmented image of a young woman with a sweet and incomparable beauty, she should have already been born. The fragmented image was of someone in their early 20s, perhaps.

  Lin Huang also frowned again. Two opposing physiques—Mo Yanluo's demonic and this girl's righteous—had appeared at the same time and in close proximity.

  He didn't dare say that it was just coincidences.

  Maybe there was a plot behind it? He didn't know.

  But one thing was undeniable. He wouldn't run away from accepting her as a disciple. Even if she somehow posed a danger to Lin Huang's life, he was now a man who had the ability to predict the future.

  As long as the enemy was planning to deal with him, Lin Huang would have already prepared to deal with him.

  Now a second question came to mind.

  {System, how can I simulate the future again}

  [Ding, the simulation is based on achievements and missions. Each mission issued by the system can grant different rewards. Host has received a free one for the achievement of founding the sect.]

  Mission 1: Disciple Foundation

  ? Objective: Recruit 10 disciples with cultivation talent

  ? Requirement: Minimum cultivation talent

  ? Reward: Unlock the Disciple Dormitory

  ? Progress: 1/10 (Mo Yanluo)

  Mission 2: Sect Establishment

  ? Objective: Create a basic set of rules and doctrines for the Thousand Dao Sect

  ? Requirement: Establish at least 5 fundamental rules and 3 cultivation principles

  ? Reward: Unlock the Sect Master's Room

  ? Progress: 0/8

  Mission 3: Notable Sect

  ? Objective: Spread the name of the sect until it becomes notable

  ? Reward: A simulation of the future

  ? Progress: 0%

  Looking at the three missions, Lin Huang understood. In order to grow, he would need to grow the sect as well.

  At this moment, Mo Yanluo approached Lin Haung.

  "Master, master, some buildings and houses are closed, the doors are so hard and heavy that I can't open them. Can master open them for me?"

  Looking at the system, an interface appeared in Lin Huang's mind.

  None of the sect's buildings were open. He would need to open them over time.

  "Yan'er, master can't open them for now. I've spent a lot of energy and it will take me a long time to gradually open the other locations." He could only make an excuse. "'''''''''''''

  This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

  "'But where will we sleep, master? All the locations are closed."

  Lin Huang looked around and couldn't find where they could sleep. He could only look at the system. There was one mission he could complete today.

  Lin Huang looked at the available missions again. The second mission seemed to be the most feasible at the moment, as it didn't require him to leave the sect or recruit new disciples immediately. It also allowed him to open 1 building that seemed important.

  "Yan'er, why don't you take the opportunity to cultivate near the spiritual energy source? The energy there is purer and will help your physique grow stronger. In the meantime, I'll take a closer look at our new sect."

  Mo Yanluo nodded excitedly. "Yes, master! I'm going to practice that breathing technique you taught me."

  As the young disciple headed towards the central fountain, Lin Huang waited until he was out of sight. Only then did he mutter to himself

  {System, to complete the second mission, I need to create five fundamental rules and three cultivation principles, correct?}

  [Ding, correct. The rules and principles must reflect the essence of the Thousand Dao Sect.]

  Lin Huang walked around the sect's grounds, observing the still-closed golden buildings. "It shouldn't be that difficult. Let's start with something simple."

  He thought for a moment and declared, "First rule: Everyone must obey master."

  He waited for some reaction from the system, but nothing happened.

  "Second rule: No betraying the sect."

  ''Don't attack friends''

  ''Hand over all items to the sect master''

  ''Rule number 1''

  Again, no response.

  Lin Huang frowned. "These rules are basic to any sect. Why aren't they being accepted?"

  [Ding, the rules should reflect the unique philosophy of the Thousand Dao Sect, not just generic rules.]

  "I see…" Lin Huang sighed, realizing that he would have to try harder.

  He sat on a stone bench, watching Mo Yanluo in the distance, peacefully cultivating by the spring. The young man looked so innocent, so dedicated. It was hard to imagine that this child could one day…

  Lin Huang sighed, pushing those thoughts away. He focused on the mission again.

  "Let's try something more elaborate then. First rule: Cultivation must strengthen both the body and mind."

  Nothing.

  "Second rule: Wisdom is as important as power."

  Still nothing.

  Frustrated, Lin Huang stood up and continued walking. What would make a rule worthy of the Thousand Dao Sect? The name of the sect itself suggested multiplicity, diversity of paths...

  It was then that an idea popped into his mind.

  "A thousand daos complete 1 and 1 completes a thousand daos. The path is one but everyone is different."

  [Ding! First recorded fundamental rule: 1/5]

  Lin Huang's eyes widened, surprised at the acceptance of the system. It wasn't just a simple sentence, but something that carried philosophical depth, something that reflected the essence of what he envisioned for his sect.

  "So that's it… these aren't just rules, they're philosophical principles. This system in a cultivation world definitely wouldn't want simple things… We need catchphrases."

  Encouraged by his success, Lin Huang decided to delve deeper into the meaning of the Thousand Dao Sect. It wasn't just about setting arbitrary rules, but about defining a philosophy that would guide generations of cultivators.

  He approached a small reflective pond in the sect's garden, observing his own reflection in the crystal clear water. What did it really mean to lead a sect? What legacy did he want to leave behind?

  "Second rule: Respect the elders and protect the young."

  No response from the system.

  "Third rule: Seeking knowledge is as important as seeking power."

  Silence.

  Lin Huang sighed, realizing that he needed to go beyond the obvious. These weren't bad rules, but they lacked the philosophical depth that the system seemed to demand, as well as a profound effect when spoken.

  He then looked at Yanluo and for some reason remembered the time when he had demanded only one coin from the blacksmith. With that in mind, a sentence formed.

  "The sharpest sword is not the one that cuts everything, but the one that knows when not to cut."

  [Ding! Second fundamental rule recorded: 2/5]

  A smile appeared on Lin Huang's face. Now he was starting to understand. These were not simple rules of conduct, but reflections on the nature of power and cultivation.

  He continued his walk through the sect grounds, passing by trees that swayed gently in the breeze. This time he remembered how much he had bought the egg that had spawned Xiao Tian. About the negotiation where the seller had chosen to sell it at a fair price after a gentle conversation.

  "The wisest tree is not the tallest, but the one that knows when to bend its branches."

  [Ding! Third fundamental rule recorded: 3/5]

  Lin Huang felt a growing satisfaction. Each rule he accepted seemed to resonate with something deep within him, as if he was discovering truths that had always been there, just waiting to be articulated. '''''''''

  He climbed a small hill within the sect's territory, where he could see Mo Yanluo still meditating peacefully by the spring. In the distance, majestic mountains rose, their peaks lost in the clouds.

  This time, he thought back to his journey so far. From his first death to now. He had been trying to grow in power, and at times, he felt anxious as if he might die again at any moment. He was not appreciating each moment. As if to remind himself, a phrase popped up.

  "Those who seek only the top of the mountain miss the journey that transforms them."

  [Ding! Fourth fundamental rule recorded: 4/5]

  Just one more rule, Lin Huang thought. He reflected on what he truly wanted for his sect. The Thousand Dao Sect would be different from the others. It would not reject talents based on origins or past. He would accept anyone who showed potential and commitment.

  He approached a small stream that ran through the sect's gardens, watching as different currents joined together into a harmonious flow.

  There, fish of different colors swam together. This was what he wanted.

  "The river does not ask the drops where they came from before accepting their joint journey to the sea."

  [Ding! Fifth fundamental rule recorded: 5/5. Fundamental rules complete.]

  Lin Huang felt a surge of satisfaction. The five fundamental rules were established, each carrying a profound meaning that reflected his vision for the Thousand Dao Sect.

  Now only the three cultivation principles remained. He figured that these should be even more essential, distilled to their purest form.

  "System, should the cultivation principles be elaborated like the rules?"

  [Ding, the cultivation principles must capture the essence of the Thousand Dao Sect's cultivation method in its most fundamental form.]

  Lin Huang frowned thoughtfully. If the rules were complex, perhaps the principles should be simple, straightforward, yet deeply meaningful.

  "First principle: Strength."

  [Ding! First registered cultivation principle: 1/3]

  Lin Huang frowned, surprised at the system's acceptance. Strength? Was that really what defined the essence of the Thousand Dao Sect?

  "No… strength alone is not what defines our sect," he muttered to himself. "System, can I change the principle that has already been registered?"

  [Ding, the host can change the principles until all three are confirmed.]

  Lin Huang breathed a sigh of relief. He needed something that truly captured the essence of what he envisioned for the Thousand Dao Sect. Something that would complement the fundamental rules he had established.

  "First principle: Harmony."

  [Ding! First principle of cultivation changed: 1/3]

  Lin Huang smiled. Yes, harmony. The ability of different elements to work together, complementing each other instead of competing. It was much more suitable for the Thousand Dao Sect than simple brute force.

  Now, what else would be essential? What would define the ultimate goal of cultivation?

  Lin Huang gazed at the sky above, watching as the clouds seemed to float freely, unattached to earthly concerns. Cultivation was not just about power or technique, but about rising above worldly limitations. The scene of the two saints who had decimated the place where he was born with a sword technique flashed through his mind. Even though he was an insignificant being, he somehow knew exactly what had happened.

  "Second principle: Transcendence."

  [Ding! Second cultivation principle recorded: 2/3]

  Lin Huang nodded in satisfaction. Transcendence perfectly captured the ultimate goal of cultivation, to overcome limitations, to continuously transform oneself, to reach states beyond the ordinary.

  Only the third principle remained. He watched Mo Yanluo practicing and remembered that this disciple might one day kill him. He needed to be very careful, very careful not to hurt the child and not to do anything stupid... He needed...

  "Third principle: Discernment."

  [Ding! Third cultivation principle recorded: 3/3. Mission complete!]

  The moment the word "Discernment" was accepted, Lin Huang felt a subtle vibration run through the ground of the sect. He quickly turned to the main golden gate, which began to tremble slightly. The five fundamental rules and three cultivation principles began to manifest on the surface of the gate, engraved in ancient characters that seemed to pulse with a life of their own.

  The gate emitted a soft glow that gradually intensified, creating a spectacle that attracted Mo Yanluo's attention, who stopped his cultivation to watch the phenomenon with wide eyes.

  "Master! What's going on?" the young disciple shouted, rushing towards Lin Huang.

  Lin Huang watched in amazement as the words permanently fixed themselves on the gate: Harmony, Transcendence, Insight, three pillars that would support all the paths of the Thousand Dao Sect.

  When all the 5 rules and 3 principles were finished being written on the gate, a new movement emerged.

  [Ding, Mission 2: Sect Establishment Complete]

  [Sect Master's Hall Cleared]

  Lin Huang watched in amazement as the words permanently fixed themselves on the gate: Harmony, Transcendence, Insight—three pillars that would support all the paths of the Thousand Dao Sect.

  "It's the sect recognizing its core principles, Yan'er," Lin Huang replied, keeping the fact that he had completed a system mission to himself.

  Before Mo Yanluo could ask any more questions, a stronger tremor shook the ground of the sect. This time, it wasn't just the gate that reacted. An intense golden glow appeared in the center, above all the other buildings.

  Lin Huang and Mo Yanluo simultaneously looked up to witness an impressive spectacle. Amidst the clouds, a majestic structure began to materialize—a pavilion suspended in midair, supported by nothing but pure spiritual energy. Its columns were white jade with golden veins, the curved roof glistening like dragon scales under the sun.

  "The Sect Master's Hall," Lin Huang muttered, instinctively recognizing the purpose of the structure.

  Mo Yanluo's mouth dropped open, his eyes reflecting the golden glow of the floating pavilion. "How… how is this possible, master? A building that floats without support?"

  Lin Huang smiled faintly. "The Thousand Dao Sect doesn't follow the ordinary rules, Yan'er. This hall represents the master's position—above all paths, yet connected to each of them."

  As he spoke, an ethereal staircase began to form, connecting the ground to the suspended pavilion. The steps seemed to be made of condensed light, solid enough to support weight, yet translucent like crystal.

  "Come, Yan'er. Let's see what the Master's Hall has to offer."

  The two of them walked up the luminous staircase, each step revealing that the steps were more solid than they looked. As they approached the pavilion, Lin Huang could feel an astonishing concentration of spiritual energy that was even more potent than the source itself.

  As they entered the pavilion, they were greeted by a surprisingly spacious interior. In the center was a black jade table with a 3D map of sorts. In the center of the map was the Thousand Dao Sect, and around it was a dark mist that made it impossible to see. In the area where the sect was, two dots could be seen. One red and one blue.

  Lin Huang quickly understood, the red one meant him and the blue one Mo Yanluo. This map would be able to reveal the whereabouts of anyone in the sect.

  "This place is amazing!" Mo Yanluo exclaimed, slowly turning around to take in every detail.

  Lin Huang approached the central table, and upon closer inspection, it seemed to be a living map. He ran his hand over the surface, and the map responded to his touch, expanding the area his fingers touched.

  "This hall will be the command center of the Thousand Dao Sect," Lin Huang said, more to himself than to Mo Yanluo. "From here, I will be able to observe everything that happens in our territory and plan our next steps."

  As he explored the hall, Lin Huang noticed a small jade tablet next to the meditation area. On it were inscribed the words:

  "He who rules a thousand paths must first rule himself."

  Lin Huang smiled. This hall was not only a symbol of authority, but also a reminder of responsibility.

  "Master," Mo Yanluo called, "Shall I move it too?"

  Without waiting for Master's response, Yanluo began to move the map excitedly. He skillfully zoomed in and out.

  "Look, master, isn't this Chenzhong City?" He commented after his little fingers easily located the city he had once been to.

  "And this one, master, is saying that it is Bianyuan Cheng?"

  Lin Huang looked at the two cities and noticed that some territories were lit up, without the black mist. These were places he had already visited.

  "Yanluo, each city is a place we have already been to," Lin Huang said, looking at his first disciple with a genuine smile.

  "Master, wouldn't it be nice if we explored the whole world together?" Mo Yanluo asked with a huge smile, thinking about exploring the entire map with Lin Huang.

  "Yes, Yan'er, one day we will walk across this entire map."

  This was a promise Lin Huang made to himself and that child. Even if he might want to kill him in the future, he would create a reality where master and disciple could explore the world together.

  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  While the master and disciples were talking.

  The Qiankun world was not at peace. Especially among the major forces of this world. All the entities opened their eyes the moment the sect was formed.

  On a towering peak, where the winds were like blades that cut through the flesh. A cultivator sat naked with a single sword on his lap in deep meditation.

  His body was wounded, bleeding and quickly recovered, only to bleed again and recover. But despite the injuries, the man continued in deep meditation with no sign of waking up.

  Until he opened his eyes. And looked in all directions, but could not find a target.

  That simple gaze caused several people even on the horizon to feel such great pressure that they were forced to kneel.

  "Please Venerable Master Feng, show forgiveness." An unknown man knelt down upon feeling the gaze.

  "Old Feng, it's disrespectful of you to spy on me." A mysterious voice spoke to the swordsman.

  ''Is the master still alive?'' An elderly man with a white beard commented with tears in his eyes.

  Then a voice that sounded deep and mysterious came from the mouth of that naked cultivator.

  ''A new force has been born. I feel that the swords feel anxious. Investigate.''

  Then he closed his eyes again, it was unknown who he was talking to.

  Elsewhere, in an abyss so deep that not a ray of light could be seen.

  A formless figure awakened. When it moved, one could hear the sound of chains.

  With a slurred voice, as if each word took an eternity, the figure spoke. ''A… new… piece… on… the… board…'' Then the formless figure closed its eyes again and the abyss once again returned to silence.

  In a distant, flowery valley, where petals danced gently in the wind and the atmosphere was enveloped by an aura of absolute serenity, a stunning woman sat in meditation. Her beauty was ethereal; her long hair shone like moonbeams and her skin seemed to be made of the purest porcelain. She was surrounded by spiritual flowers that exuded divine fragrances.

  Suddenly, her eyes slowly opened. They were like two crystal clear lakes that reflected the stars of the night sky. A slight frown indicated her dissatisfaction with the disturbance she had felt.

  "Who dares to disturb the peace of the Qiankun world?" she murmured softly, her voice melodious like the song of birds at dawn.

  She took a deep breath and closed her eyes again before adding,

  "No disturbance will be greater than my cultivation."

  With that, she returned to her deep meditation, completely ignoring the chaos that was beginning to form around her.

  In a dark, stinking alleyway in some city, a miserable-looking old man shuffled among his filthy clothes. His wrinkled face was streaked with dirt and cheap wine, and his unkempt beard was covered in the remains of food that looked days old. A bottle of cheap wine rolled from his hand as he sat up abruptly, his eyes opening with startling clarity.

  "Hah!" he exclaimed, taking a swig from the nearly empty bottle. "I felt that! I really felt that!" He laughed, the sound turning into a phlegmy cough. When he recovered, he looked up at the sky with a smile that showed no teeth. "These times are getting more and more fun! Finally something to shake these old bones with!"

  A merchant passing by the alley glared at the drunken old man. "Shut up, old drunk! Your madness is scaring away the customers!"

  The old man only laughed louder, his eyes shining with a knowledge that belied his miserable appearance. "Madness? Maybe! But not blind!"

  He drank the last sip and threw the empty bottle aside, which shattered against the wall. Then, to the merchant's surprise, the old man lay down again among his rags and began to snore instantly, as if nothing had happened.

  That day, for an unknown reason, many forces were left without sleep.