Cultivation: Starting from a Mortal Bone

The Flame Guard immediately presented their identification—an ardent red token akin to flames.

On the token, a vivid dragon seemed poised to spring forth and soar into the sky at any moment.

Though merely a token, it bore the majestic imperial might of the Great Yan Empress!

Such a thing could not be falsified.

”Hall Master Duanmu Hong of Cyan Mist Hall, greets the esteemed Flame Guard!”

Duanmu Hong’s face was startled, the stirred Spiritual Power instantaneously subdued, and he promptly stepped forth to pay respects.

It’s said that each Flame Guard is personally trained by the supreme Empress, akin to the extension of her will.

Even one who presides over the ten regions as a hall master dares not show the slightest disrespect.

”Per the Empress’s command, I have come here with matters of importance to inquire!”

The Flame Guard spoke; perhaps due to wearing a mask or special handling, her voice sounded... peculiar.

”Please!”

Such important matters must not be discussed here.

Duanmu Hong invited this Flame Guard into the Main Hall.

Once the grand doors were sealed shut, the token in the Flame Guard’s hand slowly began to levitate.

”Duanmu Hong!”

The voice of the Empress echoed like a dragon’s roar, piercing through the void and resounding abruptly from the token, though only as a transmission, it contained unmatched imperial might, moving the heart.

Duanmu Hong’s body shivered as if seized by an invisible force, involuntarily bowing towards the token, his voice mingled with unmistakable reverence and tremor, and he called out loudly: ”Duanmu Hong, welcomes the holy decree of the Empress!”

”Arise, and answer my inquiries!”

For protocol, a hall master isn’t qualified to meet the Empress.

The Empress choosing to transmit her voice personally reflects a certain understanding of this elderly hall master.

Duanmu Hong, albeit not moved to tears, demonstrated his excitement unmistakably.

This was undoubtedly a great honor, indeed a recognition of sorts from the supreme one!

”At your command!”

Duanmu Hong responded, rising somewhat unsteadily, and once he steadied himself, the Empress’s authoritative yet gentle voice sounded again: ”I ask you, has anything happened in the sealed location?”

Regarding this matter, Duanmu Hong had long reported upwards, and though he didn’t mention Qin Yu, it concerned the Ancient Array; the higher-ups, upon learning, had to verify before reporting it up the chain.

”Empress, the Ancient Array in the sealed location has been repaired...”

Before the supreme Empress, Duanmu Hong naturally dared not harbor any deception, thus narrated everything that had happened at the Array Hub completely and without omission.

This included Qin Yu’s comprehension of the Star Prison Array!

”Oh, comprehended the Star Prison Array.”

The Empress had expected this, and merely awaited confirmation, so it didn’t come as a major surprise.

However, this matter is significant!

Even at the level of the Immortal Country, it is of importance!

Such hidden dangers aren’t exclusive to the region of Cyan Mist Hall.

No one has been able to comprehend the Ancient Array laid down by prior sages; without the ability to repair it, it can only be patched as much as possible.

Thus, they asked directly about Qin Yu’s situation.

”Qin Yu, cultivator from Cyan Mountain Sect in Yunlan Domain...”

Duanmu Hong spoke of Qin Yu’s background, including the time in Lin Xian City.

The Flame Guard, due to wearing a specially-made mask, naturally showed no facial expression changes, yet far across at the Great Yan Imperial Capital, a flicker of...

Surprise.

In her assumptions, one who comprehended the Ancient Array must be a prodigy nurtured by the Cyan Mist Hall’s Hall Master, yet the truth was unexpectedly astonishing.

It turned out to be an unknown junior cultivator from Loose Cultivator City.

Even a figure at the hall master level might not enter the Empress’s sight.

Not to mention, just a small cultivator from a trivial Immortal Sect-affiliated city in the vast Immortal Country.

Duanmu Hong also shared detailed information collected by Luo Lizhu.

To protect Qin Yu, he naturally did everything he could, even refraining from rashly reporting about Qin Yu.

Yet in front of the supreme Empress, he certainly had no reason to hide anything.

Moreover, if Qin Yu could enter the Empress’s sight, he would naturally receive better protection, and Duanmu Hong could rest assured.

Thus, he shared observations of Qin Yu’s personal traits.

Such as being loyal and upright.

Being willing to forgo opportunities to join an Immortal Sect for the sake of his mortal Dao Companion.

And so on.

Such individuals are rare, yet naturally, there are many in the vast Immortal Country.

Like Duanmu Hong.

So, the Empress would not overestimate, but rather find... acceptable.

At least not a base person.

Moreover, the Empress was most concerned about...

Qin Yu’s Root Bone!

Coming from Loose Cultivator City, the Root Bone would naturally not be of high quality.

Even if Qin Yu’s character were base, as long as the Root Bone’s quality was high, the Empress was confident she could correct it.

If the Root Bone were too low, it wouldn’t be fixable.

Or else it might bring mere disappointment.

In many things, a low Realm prevents achievement.

”It should be a Spirit Bone, possibly a Top Grade Spirit Bone.”

Duanmu Hong couldn’t be certain because something on Qin Yu blocked Qi Mechanism; nonetheless, from the pace of Qin Yu’s cultivation advancement, he judged a rough estimate.

”Top Grade Spirit Bone...”

Indeed, the Empress’s expression swiftly regained composure.

Top Grade Spirit Bone is the pinnacle in Yunlan Domain.

However, in the scope of the Immortal Country, it’s merely a junior cultivator within a small region.

Even if.

Though he were merely Lower Grade Dao Bone, perhaps he could still cultivate somewhat.

Yet, it’s merely Spirit Bone!

Disappointed!

”Are you certain?”

The Empress asked, evidently carrying a last shred of hope.

”This...”

Duanmu Hong could only mention Qin Yu’s recent cultivation speed.

This pace is certainly brisk!

Taking into account cultivation technique, resources, and numerous factors, a Top Grade Spirit Bone can hardly break through to Golden Core so swiftly.

Considering that Qin Yu could even spare the time to raise Spiritual Power strength a tier higher.

Indicating that during that time, he didn’t dedicate all his time to boosting cultivation level.

Perhaps...

He truly could be a Dao Bone.

That holds a bit of hope.

Not much, but enough to verify, right?

”Yan Yu!”

The Empress called the name of the Flame Guard.

”At your service!”

”Should this person truly have comprehended the Star Prison Array, follow him and safeguard his path for a year!”

Though termed safeguarding, the Empress’s true intent was to have this Flame Guard observe Qin Yu for a year.