In a hidden cave perched on a cliff, Gu Xuan successfully retrieved the treasure concealed within. It was a fire ganoderma that had matured over hundreds of years, its entire body a vibrant red, exuding a hot breath mixed with potent medicinal properties that were immediately apparent.
"Nice one!" Gu Xuan exclaimed, his face lighting up with a smile as he placed the valuable herb into his storage bag, preparing to leave the cave.
Suddenly, a line of information appeared before him:
"You have successfully intercepted ten instances of other people's fate-turning opportunities, achieving the achievement of 'Chance Plunderer.' You have obtained the qualification for a primary fate extraction. Do you want to extract it immediately?"
Gu Xuan paused, momentarily stunned by the unexpected notification. "There are achievements?" he mused, quickly regaining his composure. "Draw it right away!"
This was destiny! Although he had acquired numerous opportunities and even altered his own fate, he had not been able to increase his destiny points. After all, fate was largely predetermined, and changing it was nearly impossible.
But now...
He had a chance to enhance his life!
"This is quite the surprise!" A look of excitement crossed Gu Xuan's face as he considered the implications.
"Eligible for the primary fate extraction, the lowest white fate can be obtained, and the highest purple fate can be obtained. The probabilities are as follows: white 80%, blue 15%, cyan 4.5%, and purple 0.5%!"
"It's being drawn, please wait!"
Gu Xuan couldn't help but complain about the low odds for the higher-quality fates, but he remained hopeful. After all, even a white fate would be beneficial.
"The extraction is complete!"
"You got the cyan fate [Talent Root Bone]!"
[Talent Root Bone]: The celestial and human postures are extraordinary, making it easier to comprehend any martial arts and greatly enhancing the foundation of Taoism.
"I actually got a cyan fate!" Gu Xuan's eyes widened in disbelief.
The chance of obtaining a cyan fate was only 4.5% with the primary extraction qualification, which translated to less than one in twenty. He had not held out much hope and thought that even a blue fate would be a good outcome. Yet, he had unexpectedly drawn the cyan fate directly!
This was a stroke of incredible luck!
"The fate has been assembled. Please pay attention to check."
A new prompt appeared, and at that moment, Gu Xuan felt a shift occurring within his body. His mind became clearer, and he sensed a strengthening of his foundation.
As he looked inward, he saw that the innate pure yang bone within him radiated a bright golden light, its aura enhanced by threefold. The change also affected the surrounding bones, which now bore traces of golden essence.
"The cyan fate is truly remarkable!" Gu Xuan thought, joy swelling in his heart as he reveled in the transformation brought about by [Talent Root Bone].
He decided to check his information:
[Name]: Gu Xuan
[Realm]: Fifth layer of True Spirit Realm
[Fate]: Unremarkable (white)
[Fate]: Talent Root Bone (cyan)
[Life Script]: (Supporting role in "Mortal Cultivation Biography")
[Recent Turning Point]: Your destiny has changed, and there seems to be a fog in front of you, making it difficult to see the future.
In the fate column, the gray [Smear of Early Death] had vanished, replaced by the blue [Talent Root Bone]. The recent turning point had also shifted.
Gu Xuan contemplated the new description. "Can't see my future clearly?" he pondered. "It's likely because my fate has been in flux due to my recent opportunities, making it difficult to ascertain what lies ahead!"
With a newfound sense of purpose and excitement, Gu Xuan left the cave, ready to explore the next opportunity that awaited him.
Returning to his senses, Gu Xuan shook off the lingering thoughts and focused on the opportunities he had meticulously recorded. He realized that he had already obtained all the major opportunities worth noting. The remaining ones were minor opportunities that, while not particularly appealing, now seemed worth pursuing due to his recent achievement.
"However..." he mused, "I should prioritize the Hunyuan Dao tire first!"
He knew that if he could acquire the primordial embryo, it would be a significant boon for his cultivation. The minor opportunities could be addressed later, either as he passed through or upon his return. The Hunyuan Dao tire was crucial; it could determine his path to becoming a true disciple of the Holy Land and potentially even a Holy Son in the future!
With that thought in mind, Gu Xuan made his decision. "Set off!"
"Qingzhu County, Heifeng Village!"
Three days later, Gu Xuan stood at the foot of a mountain in Qingzhu County. The early morning mist enveloped the area, obscuring the buildings on the mountainside, which he knew to be Black Wind Village—the target of his mission.
Without hesitation, he began his ascent.
"Stop! Who are you? How dare you come to our Black Wind Village!" A loud shout rang out, interrupting his thoughts.
A group of bandits emerged from the grass beside the path, their eyes sharp and their bodies stained with blood. Gu Xuan quickly assessed the situation—there were six of them, all at the fourth or fifth level of the Forging Realm. They posed little threat.
Without a moment's hesitation, he drew his sword.
"Chong!"
The sound of the long sword unsheathing sliced through the air, and a flash of cold light caught the bandits off guard. Before they could react, they felt a sharp pain in their necks. In the next instant, their heads rolled away from their bodies, blood spraying like a macabre fountain.
The six bodies collapsed to the ground, lifeless.
Gu Xuan's expression remained calm and composed as he gripped the Qingsuo sword and continued his ascent up the mountain. He encountered more bandits along the way, but each time, he dispatched them swiftly before they could raise an alarm.
Before long, he arrived at the entrance of the cottage. By now, he had already eliminated dozens of bandits, clearing out anyone wandering outside.
Standing at the door, he could hear the raucous noise of revelry coming from within. After a brief moment of perception, he estimated that at least a hundred bandits were gathered inside. However, their cultivation levels were low, mostly at the Forging Realm, with only one or two stronger auras indicating the presence of the cottage leader at the True Spirit Realm.
Feeling reassured by the disparity in strength, Gu Xuan strode confidently into the cottage.
"Come, come and drink... drink!" A drunken bandit stumbled forward, mistaking Gu Xuan for one of his comrades and offering him a jug.
Gu Xuan shook his head, bemused by the lack of vigilance. "After robbing a vassal force of the Holy Land, they haven't even strengthened their defenses? This is truly a recipe for disaster!"
Without further ado, he unleashed a sword energy, slicing the bandit in half with ease.
Then, like a gust of wind, Gu Xuan darted through the cottage, beheading every bandit he encountered. The chaos of the revelry quickly turned to panic as the realization of their impending doom sank in.
Gu Xuan moved with precision and grace, the Qingsuo sword dancing through the air as he cut down the unprepared bandits. They were no match for his skill, and the once-lively atmosphere of the cottage was soon replaced by the grim silence of death.
With each bandit that fell, Gu Xuan felt a surge of confidence. He was drawing closer to his goal, and the Hunyuan Dao tire awaited him. Nothing would stand in his way.