Objective Two: To face the genius junior brother Lin Feng.
The junior brother is exceptionally intelligent and cultivates at an extremely fast pace, making him a favorite among many.
On one occasion, Lin Feng excitedly showed Ling Xiao his newly acquired family heirloom, the "Mysterious Tortoise Shield."
The shield was ancient and heavy, radiating a powerful defensive aura.
Ling Xiao smiled gently and praised, "Junior Brother Lin, you have a good opportunity. This treasure is unparalleled in defense and will surely be of great use in the future."
However, the instant his gaze swept over the thick spiritual light emanating from the Xuan Turtle Shield, Jiang Chan keenly sensed an undercurrent: "The Xuan Turtle Shield... an ancient treasure, with unparalleled defense... If it were in my hands, combined with the Heavenly Evolution Sword Technique, it would be both offensive and defensive, what would I have to fear? What a pity..."
A strong sense of possessiveness surged like an undercurrent, but it was instantly overwhelmed and smoothed over by the thought that "we are fellow disciples and should not covet each other."
Objective 3: When faced with precious magical artifacts or resources.
Ling Xiao remained as indifferent as ever, regarding external matters as fleeting clouds.
However, when an elder mentioned with a hint of regret in front of everyone that although Ling Xiao was strong, a certain ancient treasure, the "Haotian Mirror," might be more suitable for another elder's personal disciple, Ling Xiao's smile remained gentle, and he responded humbly.
But at that very moment, Jiang Chan caught a fleeting, almost imperceptible ripple in the depths of his heart—an anger born of being offended: "The Haotian Mirror? Hmph, if I weren't focused on the foundation of my Daoist cultivation, such an external object would be within my grasp. Why would I need anyone else's opinion?"
This hint of anger was like a pebble thrown into a lake; the ripples quickly disappeared, and the lake returned to calm.
These dark thoughts are all subtle, fleeting, and intense.
Jealousy, greed, arrogance... this "perfect" senior brother has all the weaknesses of human nature, but they are suppressed deep in his consciousness by his strong will and carefully maintained persona, never to see the light of day.
They are all dark and intense enough.
But Jiang Chan always felt that something was still missing.
He's missing a "nuclear bomb" that can detonate instantly and has enough power to pierce through his Dao heart.
Until... the previous footage reappeared.
The sect's secret hall.
The atmosphere was solemn and respectful.
Huge dragon-shaped pillars support the towering dome, and the air is filled with a faint, calming sandalwood fragrance.
Master Qingxu sat cross-legged on the cloud bed, his aura as deep and boundless as the sea.
Ling Xiao stood respectfully to one side, his posture upright and his expression extremely respectful, like the most perfect sculpture.
...
“Lingxiao,” Master Qingxu’s voice was calm, “I will soon be in seclusion to attempt to break through to the Nascent Soul realm. This ‘Nine-Turn Spirit-Nourishing Lotus’ is a treasure of our sect. It can protect the primordial spirit and nourish the foundation of the Dao, making it an immense aid in breaking through the Nascent Soul barrier…”
...
"Why?! I've devoted myself to the sect, poured countless efforts into it, strived for perfection in everything, and endured countless trials and tribulations to reach this point of perfect Golden Core! This Nine-Turn Spirit-Nourishing Lotus was supposed to be a peerless divine object to help me condense a perfect Golden Core and forge an unparalleled foundation! It's mine! It should have always been mine!!!"
"Master... he has a long lifespan! His foundation is profound! Although breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage is dangerous, it's not impossible without this lotus! Why... why couldn't he wait a little longer?! This lotus would be even more beneficial to me once I've condensed my perfect Golden Core! Why... why couldn't he give it to me?! Give it to me!!!"
But his face remained devout and focused, and his eyes did not waver in the slightest, as if the dark, world-destroying thought had never appeared.
"Congratulations, Master! This disciple wishes you great success! With the protection of the Divine Lotus, Master will surely achieve your goal in one fell swoop!" Ling Xiao bowed deeply, his voice steady and gentle, without the slightest hint of anything amiss.
Inside the secret hall, the radiance of the Divine Lotus remained sacred.
Jiang Chan curled up inside the jade pendant, feeling the jealous magma that had been forcibly suppressed but was accumulating in her deep consciousness like an active volcano. She had only one thought in her mind: After searching around, this thorn was poisonous enough!
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