C11 Faang Yi!

"From now on, don't call me 'senior' anymore. Just call me Zhou, got it?" The spirit continued, "You must know that the rule of survival always respects one's own strength. My current magical power is probably equivalent to the tenth level of the Awakening Realm, which is not much different from your level of cultivation."

"I see. This book is like an incarnation of my system, but that was a close call. Zhou, at the tenth level of the Awakening Realm, might not be a match for the Chief Elder. It's a good thing the Chief Elder didn't understand the book before and was subdued by Zhou," Ling Han mused. "It's fortunate that Zhou managed to subdue him."

"Alright, this sect is too insignificant; it's probably just an obscure, nameless faction that can't offer you the spiritual energy and resources you need for your cultivation. You should leave here and explore the world outside," Zhou suggested.

"The outside sects?" Ling Han pondered, a thought striking him, "Bai Ning'er has also left this place. If I venture out, could I find her?"

As Ling Han thought of Ning'er, he found himself momentarily lost in thought. Indeed, she was the only kind-hearted girl he had come to know for a long time.

"What's the matter?" Zhou, having merged with the book, inquired from within its pages.

"It's nothing. Zhou, so you can enter the book," Ling Han deflected, steering the conversation away.

"Yes, my spirit is the manifestation of this divine weapon's power of faith, allowing me to move freely within the book," Zhou explained. "Now, channel your genuine energy into this book immediately."

"Alright!" Ling Han exhaled a stream of purple genuine energy into the book, which began to transform with his actions.

What was once a brick-sized tome had now shrunk to the size of a speck of dust, rendering it virtually undetectable. At that moment, the tiny speck clung to Ling Han's forehead.

"Okay, Ling Han. Originally, you would have needed to use your blood to consecrate me in order to wield my true form. However, since I've absorbed the strongest system within you, it's as if you've already consecrated me with your blood," Zhou explained. "The strongest system in your body is not only imbued with your vital essence but also carries the most extraordinary breath of faith in the world."

"Yu, how are you communicating with me right now?" Ling Han inquired. He could sense someone speaking in his mind, but the book had become too small to pinpoint the source of the voice.

"The same way the system used to send you notifications before. But it seems I've become your new system!" Yu explained. "If you attune your spiritual sense, you'll understand."

"I see, spiritual sense communication! The old system was inanimate, but now it has transformed into Yu!" Ling Han had an epiphany and promptly acknowledged his understanding to Yu.

"We mustn't delay. I'm off to join a reputable and trustworthy sect." Without hesitation, Ling Han departed from the ancestral hall.

Outside the sect, he reflected, "I was once a disciple content to cultivate quietly within these walls. Now, as I leave, I realize there's nothing left here to hold me back." The image of Bai Ning'er steadied his resolve as he strode away from the sect.

In the heart of a lively city, Ling Han adopted the guise of a well-versed scholar, savoring simple delicacies at a quaint tavern.

"I wonder what stir the Chief Elder's and my disappearance will cause within the sect." He pondered, idly twirling his chopsticks.

Over the years, Ling Han had amassed a modest sum of silver through his Awakening, ensuring he could comfortably maintain the appearance of a cultured young man.

A commotion nearby disrupted his musings. Ling Han left a silver ingot on the table and stepped out into the bustling marketplace.

Outside, cultivators clashed fiercely, their skirmish sending ripples of powerful air currents, stronger than genuine energy, in all directions. Ling Han recognized these as astral force, the same energy the Chief Elder had wielded against him. Yu had informed him of its nature.

"Hmm, there are cultivators at the Astral Force Realm involved? Best not to get involved," Ling Han decided, observing the two cultivators at the forefront of the onlooking crowd. Realizing the battle was beyond his current capabilities, he dismissed the urge to spectate any further.

"Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!" Suddenly, a woman with a hint of seductive charm approached Ling Han and inquired, "Young Master, with seventy percent genuine energy at the Perfection Stage, you must have reached the seventh level of the Awakening Stage, haven't you?"

Her voice was as captivating as her demeanor, naturally possessing an alluring quality.

Yet Ling Han was no stranger to beautiful women, and this slightly seductive lady paled in comparison to Bai Ning'er. Ning'er's ethereal grace was the essence of her stunning beauty, something this woman couldn't hope to rival, even at her best.

"May I ask why you've stopped me?"

Since Ling Han was on his way and the woman was in his path, he posed the question to her.

"I didn't intend to obstruct your way, Young Master. Seeing someone as young as you with such advanced cultivation, I couldn't help but express my admiration. Please accept my apologies." The woman, with her coquettish air, looked quite pitiable as she spoke. An average cultivator at the seventh level of the Awakening Stage might have been immediately charmed and forgiving.

But Ling Han was not just anyone, and he had Zhou by his side to caution him.

"Be wary of this woman. Her sudden approach is unlikely to bode well!" Zhou, apparently disinterested in women, advised Ling Han.

"Indeed, unsolicited kindness is often a prelude to mischief!" Ling Han was not one to be easily provoked and sensed her ill intent.

"Do you still hold a grudge, Young Master?" The beguiling woman, noticing Ling Han's silence, spoke with a whimper, her eyes seemingly glistening with tears.

Little did she know, Ling Han's attention was occupied by his conversation with Zhou.

"Not at all, you've done nothing wrong. How could I possibly be upset with you?" Ling Han responded with impeccable integrity, leaving no room for criticism.

As expected, the woman's tone softened further upon hearing Ling Han's words, and she proposed, "Young Master, you are so cultured and knowledgeable. I would truly like to become friends with you. Would you be interested?"

Ling Han was dressed as a scholar, and his demeanor, neither servile nor overbearing, marked him as a person of distinction.

"Friends?" Ling Han was momentarily taken aback. He hadn't anticipated such a remark from her.

"I do not know you, nor am I acquainted with your name. How can we be friends?" Ling Han said with a smile.

"Fate brings people together," the woman replied. "My name is Faang Yi. I'm nineteen and reside within Lunar Crest Keep."

"My name is Ling Han."