[Rewards being settled... Obtained item/prop: Military Spirit Mask] [Experience reward: 93%] [Main storyline mission completed!] [叮! Character card reward activated. Reward item: Wind-Bringer Gloves.] [Settlement complete. Exiting the Spiritual Realm in three minutes...] "Phew, 93% experience points?" Zhang Yuanqing was thrilled. He never expected such an abundant reward—Summer Hou Ao had only earned 18% before. This was nearly equivalent to leveling up a full chapter, an exceptionally generous reward. Honestly... wait, I've always felt this way. Then it makes sense. First, Summer Hou Ao's outstanding performance in the chapter was only achieved twice—once when he shattered the ghost fleet, and once when he discovered the array's core—after that, he mostly played a supporting role. He had barely participated in the actual main storyline missions of levels 5 and 6. Second, Xiahou Aotian is at the late stage of level 5, and his 18% contribution is no less than the 50% from a level 4 Saint—this is already a conservative estimate. Finally, aside from not contributing during the ghost fleet phase, he played a pivotal role during the underwater segment and earned credit for defeating the boss; thus, a 90% reward is entirely justified. A level 4 Saint who completes the main story missions of levels 5 and 6 deserves such a reward. As his thoughts flowed freely, a familiar warmth spread across his forehead, and a dreamlike nebula of stars materialized. Immediately, a powerful surge of stellar energy flowed out from the seal, gently washing over his body, seeping into each cell and each bone. Under the steady infusion of this stellar force, his physical strength grew stronger and his aura became more mysterious and ethereal. Though he had not yet upgraded and thus had not acquired any new skills, after his experience points rose from 5% to 98%, his overall qualities improved by at least a factor of two. His Star-Dashing Technique now covers a significantly greater distance and allows for autonomous control of that distance. The allure of his star-magic has grown stronger, and combined with the techniques he has refined through recent study of the *Treatise on the Lunar Refinement of the Spirit*, he now can create rudimentary illusions. Except for swordsmen—a special profession—or those equipped with items or abilities that counter magic illusions, anyone with lower experience than him is affected by the illusion. Zhang Yuanqing immediately checked his attribute panel. 【Name: Yuan Shǐ Tian Zūn】 【Race: Human】 【Class: Star Official】 【Level: 4】 【Skills: Night Wandering — Night Wandering, Spirit Devouring, Spirit of the Moon, Moon's Roar, Enchantment, Spirit Scroll】 【Star Official — Stellar Astrology, Star Magic, Star Evading, Body of the Stars】 【Experience: 98%】 【Moral Points: 2800】 【Reputation Points: 210】 After clearing the Slayer's Raid dungeon and defeating the divine generals' subordinates, his reputation points rose to 240. However, after defeating Wei Yuanzhou, who belonged to the same lawful alignment, he lost 30 reputation points due "The reputation still isn't high enough. With only 210 reputation points, I can manage at most seven or eight lawful-aligned professions—especially if they have lower reputation values. After leaving the instance, I need to head out to hunt down evil-aligned professions." Only by killing more evil-aligned professions can I effectively target lawful ones. "98% experience points—just 2% short of the next level. What a pity… The spirit-absorbing ability draws upon the Yin energy, while the experience I need for upgrading comes from the Stellar energy." He stared at the 98% experience on his attribute panel, feeling deeply dissatisfied. A 5th-level Star Official can now master the Art of Stargazing—this truly marks a significant achievement. Yet, those final 2% experience points feel like an impassable barrier, utterly beyond reach. "Hmm, I think there's a way. Ancient cultivators could absorb the energy of practitioners of the same discipline by 'consuming' them—why can't a Spirit Realm traveler do the same? Although the method of upgrading differs, the fundamental principle of absorbing energy remains unchanged. As long as I receive pure Stellar energy, I'm certain I'll be able to level up." Zhang Yuanqing's eyes lit up, then he shook his head: "This method isn't very humane, and this kind of secret technique is only used by ancient cultivators. Old Banging, who prides himself on the orthodox path, certainly won't allow me to do this..." With a sense of regret, he opened his inventory to check the reward items. First came the military spirit mask—a white leather mask with a red sun on the forehead, black outlines around the eyes, and a slightly downturned smile, giving off a cunning demeanor. After holding it for a few seconds, the item's attributes appeared: 【Name: Mask of the Military Spirit】 【Type: Mask】 【Function: Shapes Personality】 【Description: During the Southern Song Dynasty, there was a renowned general known for his straightforward and rigid nature, often causing friction with colleagues. Unwilling to compromise his principles or flatter others, he believed that without change, his career would stagnate. Thus, he asked a close friend, a master of illusion arts, to create a mask for him. The mask came in four forms: white, yellow, blue, and gold.】 【Note 1: In life, who isn't living behind a mask Note 2: After each use, it's difficult to regulate emotions—joy, anger, sorrow, or excitement—within one hour. As the owner of the mask, he naturally understands both its functions and costs. White-faced persona: characterized by cunning and deceit, skilled in plotting and strategic maneuvering. Yellow-faced persona: bold and combative, temperament fiery, perpetually angry. Physical strength and skill intensity increase by 20%. Blue-faced persona: upright and resolute, unyielding and defiant; never daunted, always driven by a spirit of resistance and refusal to yield. Endurance improves by 50%, and it can withstand three mental attacks. Golden-faced persona: dignified and commanding, capable of inspiring awe and exerting three mental strikes. "This item is incredibly powerful and visually stunning—switching facial masks during battle really commands attention." Zhang Yuanqing felt both delighted and concerned. Simply the yellow mask alone offered a 20% experience boost. His worry, however, was whether the mask would cause him to experience mental fragmentation after prolonged use. With a complex mix of emotions, he donned the mask, only to feel a sudden chill across his face. Soon, he sensed a surge of energy merging into his consciousness, and upon looking at his face, he found it clean and unmarked—completely blank. The mask had seamlessly integrated into his inner awareness! Zhang Yuanqing was first startled, then deeply pleased. This meant the mask could also be used in dreams. Indeed, as a magician's tool, it made sense—saint-level magicians, known as Dream Masters, are capable of operating within dreams. He then reached for the additional item granted via his character card: a pair of pale blue half-finger gloves made of leather, with a pleasing appearance. 【Name: Wind-Wielder Gauntlets】 【Type: Gloves】 【Function: Wind Blades, Flight】 【Description: The Wind-Wielder Gauntlets enable the wearer to ride the airflow and fly for up to five minutes. Released wind blades can cut through solid steel and generate strong gusts of wind.】 【Note: You still won't come down, are you planning to stand shoulder to shoulder with the sun?】 This must have been one of the most commonly used items during the Magus Sovereign's stage, as it effectively addresses the common limitation among Sovereigns—being unable to fly. The wind blades compensate for my lack of long-range offensive power, and the gusts of wind are particularly effective against the Mist Sovereign. Indeed, it's an exceptionally cost-effective piece of equipment—Zhang Yuanqing feels both delighted and slightly concerned. The Wind-Wielder Gauntlets come with a modest cost: flight is limited to five minutes. Beyond that, the wearer will continue ascending into space, eventually reaching the sun, which would be fatal for a Sovereign. However, as long as the duration is well managed, this limitation becomes negligible. Whether it's a wind blade, flight, or gale, these are all highly cost-effective abilities—qualities that should make them ideal props for foreign wind mages. The main concern isn't the cost of the item itself, but rather that the Magus might frequently use it. "I wonder if a Master-level scholar could slightly adjust its appearance so that we can temporarily set it aside and try it out again once we've reconnected with Lian San Yue..." Zhang Yuanqing was extremely satisfied with the two props—they partially offset the loss of returning the Fumagong Staff and addressed several of his key weaknesses. With the Yin-Yang Wheel and the Holy Infant included, this dungeon run has been a resounding success. Finally, he retrieved the rule-based component from the Xie family—the Infant's Head. [Name: Holy Infant (Incomplete)] [Type: ???] [Function: Healing, Fostering] [Description: The Holy Infant is a failed creation of an Supreme Being, and thus exists in the world as a solitary entity. It often weeps, attempting to summon companions through its cries.] 】 【Note 1: An infant's cries can sometimes bring life, but at other times, they can be fatal.】 【Note 2: Do not complete its body; otherwise, an unimaginable disaster will unfold.】 "Indeed, quite fatal—not just fatal, but profoundly eerie... And furthermore, the attribute description of this item contains a tremendous amount of information." Zhang Yuanqing murmured to himself. The ellipses in the description seemed deliberately omitted. Was the work of some Supreme Being a failure? And if so, were all such failed works rule-type items? What level of existence was that Being? Moreover, the information about the Saint-Infant's body being incomplete explains why the Xie family's primary line could enter the realm with only a single head—and why they could only bring one head. Yet, Zhang Yuanqing still did not know how to unlock or resolve this rule-type item. Perhaps he could inquire with the Xie family. He secured the Saint-Infant's head and then turned to Xia Shu and the others, saying: "The time is nearly up. Goodbye, everyone. I'll be in touch whenever I can." "As soon as he finished speaking, the countdown precisely ended, and the blue sky and sea quickly blurred. ... Jiangnan Province, Leather City. Historically known as Baimu City, Leather City is located at the southernmost tip of Jiangnan Province, bordering Fujian Province, and serves as the main base of the Lingjing noble family, the Xiaohou family. Outskirts, Xiaohou Villa Community. A small manor covering four mu of land. The current head of the Xiaohou family is currently "cleaning" materials in the underground forge, preparing to cast equipment. Suddenly, the array protecting the forge is attacked, and a series of spell-like incantations flicker, signaling an alert to the master. Xiaohou Qian furrowed his brows, opened an ancient mirror on the forge table, and saw the scene outside the forge door. Standing there was a young man with a handsome appearance, wielding a short sword and cutting through the protective array. How did this young man get here? Xiaohou Qian frowned, feeling somewhat puzzled. Xiahou Ao Tian is the grandson of his seventh brother, a direct descendant of the Xiahou family. This young man possesses exceptional talent and has already distinguished himself among his peers in the family, far surpassing the younger members of the Xiahou Chi line. Yet he is notably rebellious and self-assured. While the younger generation of the Xiahou family holds the "Tian" rank in their spiritual realm titles, Xiahou Ao Tian personally felt the original titles lacked elegance and thus changed them to "Ao Tian"—a clear sign of rebellion. He frequently ridicules his contemporaries, using terms such as "dullard," "mediocre," or "waste—your parents couldn't even nurture a placenta." When elders in the family express disapproval and reprimand him, he retorts, "Thirty years in the east, thirty years in the west; don't underestimate the young." or "Today you treat me with all manner of difficulties, but tomorrow I shall be at your mercy." In short, he is a persistent and troublesome child of the late-blooming generation. Xiahou Qian had originally intended to ignore him, but the persistent interference from the array's warnings disrupted his concentration and prevented him from focusing on his craft. "Master Xue, what could have disturbed your refining process?" Xue Hou Qian took a deep breath, trying to remain composed and courteous. "Master, please take a look at this sword." Xue Hou Ao Tian handed over the bright, long sword in his hands. Xue Hou Qian accepted it and examined it closely, then exclaimed, "What a fine sword! A top-tier piece from the Saint Realm—how did you acquire it?" As if he had been waiting for exactly this response, Xue Hou Ao Tian immediately lifted his chin proudly. "I'm not one to boast, but since Master doesn't mind asking, I'll share this with you. I just came out of a quest realm..." Before he could finish speaking, Xue Hou Qian interrupted him, "You've entered a quest realm? You didn't even report it! Xue Hou Ao Tian, are you truly ignoring our household regulations?" Xue Hou Ao Tian replied, "My entire life has been guided by my own actions—what need do I have to report to anyone? Master, please don't interrupt me." Xue Hou Qian possessed excellent composure, yet when facing this younger relative, he couldn't help but feel a surge of hypertension. He The quality of equipment is directly proportional to the difficulty of the dungeon. "Rank S, Cliff Mountain Sea," Xiaohou Ao Tian replied eagerly, lifting his chin with a clear desire to be praised. Cliff Mountain Sea?! Xiaohou Qian was genuinely stunned, standing motionless for several seconds before the elderly head of the household, with silver hair, narrowed his eyes and asked, "You haven't even cleared the S-tier yet. Who have you matched with?" Xiaohou Ao Tian grew furious. "Uncle, thirty years of eastward flow, thirty years of westward shift—don't underestimate the young!" "Have you used the energy package?" "...Uncle's insight is truly commendable. Uncle truly deserves the title of head of household." Xiaohou Ao Tian's momentum waned. "Who have you matched with?" "Yuanshi Tianzun..." As for the others? Who were they? After finishing his meal upon returning from the dungeon, Xiaohou Ao Tian had completely forgotten them. The protagonist was constantly busy—how could he remember the names of minor characters? Xiaohou Qian pondered for a long time, then sighed, and said, "What do I need them to do? I've already given them to Yuan Shǐ Tian Zūn." Xiahou Ao Tian said. The head of the Xiahou family immediately understood, and sighed again, "This young man is truly exceptional. Back then, he held back the family's dissent merely out of goodwill toward the Songhai branch—so he didn't make a mistake at all." He paused, then asked, "How is your relationship with Yuan Shǐ Tian Zūn? Have there been any conflicts?" "Of course not. He deeply admires me and has expressed his desire to follow me, to become my junior. He even said that if I agree, he will come to the Xiahou family and humbly apologize, taking responsibility for his actions. But I've asked to consider it further." Xiahou Ao Tian stood with his hands behind his back. Xiahou Qian chuckled, "That's right—the energy package costs can be paid in installments!" Xiahou Ao Tian heard this and was overjoyed, quickly rushing back to reclaim his sword. "I had actually planned to sell the sword to the family to settle the debt. Hmph! Uncle Gong has poor taste—he simply Xiaohou Aotian left satisfied. As he was just stepping out of the manor, he suddenly remembered he had forgotten to request his uncle to post an announcement on the family's internal forum. After a few seconds of thought, he stopped a passing shuttle bus, asked the security staff to step down, and took the shuttle himself, driving away from the manor. Then, he grabbed a large speaker from his inventory, pressed the recording button, and declared loudly: "Xiaohou Aotian, completed S-tier mission: Cliffs of Yashan Sea." He set the playlist to repeat, tossed himself back into his seat, and began touring the family's residential complex.