---
Li Tian stepped through the portal, the roar of the waterfall echoing as he emerged from the hidden realm. The air of the Nine Heavens Realm felt thinner, less saturated with spiritual energy, but to his immortal senses, honed over a millennium, even this mundane world pulsed with life. He glanced at the night sky, the stars aligning as they had a decade ago. Due to the time dilation of the hidden realm, only ten years had passed outside while he had cultivated for a thousand.
"Ten years," he murmured, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Enough time for change, yet not enough to erase my roots."
His thoughts drifted to his clan—his parents, his rivals like Li Feng. What had become of them? But such musings were fleeting. As an Earth Immortal, he had transcended mortal concerns. His path now stretched toward the heavens, guided by the system and the destiny it promised.
The system's voice resonated in his mind, crisp and commanding.
**[Host has returned to the Nine Heavens Realm. New Quest: Locate Your First Dao Companion at the Jade Lotus Sect.]**
**[Location: Eastern Continent, Jade Lotus Sect.]**
**[Reward: Dual Cultivation Technique (Immortal Grade)]**
Li Tian's heart stirred. "Tell me more about her," he said, his voice steady with curiosity.
**[Dao Companion Profile: Lin Xue, Core Disciple of the Jade Lotus Sect.]**
**[Cultivation: Peak of Nascent Soul Realm.]**
**[Background: A prodigy of the sword, renowned for her fierce independence and unparalleled combat prowess. She is destined to walk the path of the Dao with you.]**
"Lin Xue," he repeated, the name carrying a weight he could feel in his soul. A sword cultivator at the peak of Nascent Soul—an extraordinary feat in the outside world. Anticipation flickered within him. What kind of woman was she? How would their fates intertwine?
**[Guidance: Travel to the Eastern Continent. The system will provide directions en route.]**
With a thought, Li Tian summoned the Windrider Boots, their silver runes glowing faintly. In an instant, he took flight, the world blurring beneath him as he sped toward the Eastern Continent.
---
### **A Changed World**
The journey revealed a Nine Heavens Realm subtly altered by time. New villages dotted the landscape, and pockets of spiritual energy felt richer, as if the land itself had awakened in his absence. Along the way, he encountered a band of bandits terrorizing a small settlement. With a casual wave of his hand, he unleashed a surge of immortal energy, scattering the attackers effortlessly. The villagers bowed in awe, but Li Tian offered only a nod before resuming his flight. Such acts were trivial now, though they warmed his heart faintly.
As the Eastern Continent loomed closer, the system spoke again.
**[New Sub-Quest: Assist the Jade Lotus Sect in repelling an impending beast tide.]**
**[Reward: Increased favor with Lin Xue and the sect.]**
"A beast tide?" Li Tian mused, his brow lifting. "A challenge for them, perhaps."
**[Affirmative. The Jade Lotus Sect is a dominant power in the Eastern Continent, but the beast tide threatens their stability. Your aid will earn their trust.]**
He nodded, already envisioning the opportunity. This was a chance to showcase his strength and forge a bond with Lin Xue and her sect.
---
### **Arrival at the Jade Lotus Sect**
The Jade Lotus Sect emerged from the horizon, its mist-veiled peaks adorned with pavilions and glowing lotus blossoms. Spiritual energy flowed harmoniously, a testament to the sect's mastery of water and wood techniques. Li Tian descended gracefully at the entrance, where two disciples in green robes stood guard, their Core Formation auras flickering like candle flames before his immortal might.
"I am Li Tian, a wandering cultivator," he said, cupping his hands respectfully. "I seek an audience with your sect leader."
The guards hesitated. "The sect leader is in seclusion," one replied. "State your purpose."
Before Li Tian could respond, a clear voice cut through the air. "Let him pass. I sense no ill intent."
The guards parted, revealing a woman in a white robe embroidered with lotus motifs. Her aura was calm yet potent—an elder, no doubt. She regarded Li Tian with sharp eyes.
"I am Elder Mei Ling," she said. "What brings you here, wandering cultivator?"
Li Tian inclined his head. "I've heard of an impending beast tide. I offer my strength to assist your sect."
Her expression softened. "Your timing is fortunate. We welcome any aid against the coming threat. Follow me."
As they traversed the sect's grounds, Li Tian observed disciples practicing fluid, precise techniques amid lotus-lined paths. Elder Mei Ling led him to a grand hall where elders and core disciples convened. At the center stood a young woman with piercing eyes and a sword at her back, her presence magnetic. Li Tian knew at once—this was Lin Xue.
"Lin Xue, this is Li Tian," Elder Mei Ling said. "He's here to help us with the beast tide."
Lin Xue's gaze met his, cool and appraising. "We are grateful, but the Jade Lotus Sect does not lean on outsiders."
Her tone was edged, but Li Tian smiled. "I don't question your strength, Miss Lin. Think of my aid as a gesture of respect."
She arched a brow, intrigued by his composure. "Very well. Prove your worth in battle, and you may stand with us."
---
### **The Beast Tide**
At dawn, the beast tide struck—a roaring flood of spirit beasts crashing from the forest. The sect's disciples met them with dazzling arrays of techniques, water and wood energies intertwining. Li Tian wove through the chaos like a shadow, his immortal power felling beasts with effortless precision.
A colossal serpent, its scales black as night, breached the lines, lunging toward Lin Xue. She raised her sword, poised to strike, but Li Tian flashed to her side.
"Allow me," he said calmly.
With a flick of his wrist, he unleashed a storm of wind blades, shredding the serpent's defenses. It thrashed in rage, but Li Tian pressed forward, his strikes unrelenting. Moments later, the beast collapsed, lifeless.
Lin Xue stared, her composure faltering briefly. "You… are no mere cultivator."
Li Tian chuckled. "Perhaps not."
As the tide receded and the sect cheered, Elder Mei Ling approached. "Your strength has saved us much, Li Tian. We are in your debt."
Lin Xue said nothing, but her gaze lingered, curiosity sparking within it.
---
### **A Destined Encounter**
That night, Li Tian stood on a balcony overlooking the lotus ponds, the air cool and fragrant. The system's voice chimed.
**[Quest Complete: Assist the Jade Lotus Sect in repelling the beast tide.]**
**[Reward: Increased favor with Lin Xue and the sect.]**
He smiled, though his mind lingered on Lin Xue—her skill, her fire. Footsteps broke his reverie, and he turned to see her approaching, her expression guarded.
"Why are you truly here?" she asked, her voice low.
Li Tian met her gaze. "I was led here by a force—a system that guides my path. It told me our destinies are linked, that you are to be my dao companion."
She tensed, her hand brushing her sword. "Dao companion? You speak boldly."
"I mean no disrespect," he said swiftly. "The choice is yours. But the system believes together, we can reach heights beyond imagination."
Lin Xue studied him, then laughed—a sharp, bright sound. "You're fearless, I'll grant you that. But I bow to no fate. If you wish my companionship, earn it."
Li Tian's smile widened. "I'd have it no other way."
As she walked away, the system spoke again.
**[Quest Complete: Locate Your First Dao Companion.]**
**[Reward: Dual Cultivation Technique (Immortal Grade)]**
A jade slip appeared in his hand, its runes shimmering. He glanced at it, then at Lin Xue's retreating form, a quiet thrill rising within him. The journey had just begun.