「Two months later.」

From a secluded courtyard in Phoenix River Town, a figure emerged, heading towards the gates of Phoenix Creek Sect.

This figure was Hong Yuan, but not Hong Yuan’s original body.

Before considering victory, first consider defeat. The successful immortal ascension of the Sword Tao incarnation was due to favorable circumstances: the right time, place, and popular support. Furthermore, it had Li Ziyang, a great hero, as fuel, which ultimately led to its success.

As for the Power Tao incarnation’s Saint Achievement Immortal Transcending Tribulation... honestly, Hong Yuan wasn’t very confident that the Power Tao incarnation could successfully transcend. After all, the Power Tao incarnation possessed one of the Ten Extreme Bodies, the widely renowned Great Power True Martial Body.

For this reason, Hong Yuan specially created another incarnation with a blank slate. If the Power Tao incarnation failed to transcend the tribulation, then this blank slate incarnation would inherit all the Power Tao Worms and Divine Powers, becoming a brand-new Power Tao incarnation.

It would be best if the Power Tao incarnation succeeds in the tribulation. However, even if it fails, it doesn’t matter; it would have paved the way for the original body, increasing the success rate for its tribulation. Only a 99% success rate is not much different from failure.

With such a mentality, Hong Yuan felt extremely relaxed. He walked leisurely towards the gate, feeling content.

Today, the sky was clear and the sun shone brightly. Along the path, birds chirped and flowers filled the air with their fragrance. Walking on the bluestone path, Hong Yuan was engulfed in a solid sense of satisfaction, which made the corners of his mouth slightly turn up.

Everything was developing in a positive direction. Even his Demonic Body, currently preparing for the Ten Thousand Domains struggle, was full of drive.

Before long, Hong Yuan stepped into Phoenix Creek Sect. After completing the entrance procedures at the Deacon Hall, he returned to Phoenix Fire Peak. From there, he immediately hastened to the White Frost Stone House to report to his master, Lin Daoyan. His ability to deal with people was effortless, and he was entirely composed. It was no wonder that in Lin Daoyan’s eyes, the only disciple able to fulfill his wish was Hong Yuan.

Thus, in the eyes of others, Hong Yuan had merely gone for a trip to Nanyang County, finished his True Disciple assessment, and returned to the sect. Everything was natural and logical.

"Yuan, congratulations on becoming a True Disciple. You’re amazing," Lin Yiru said with a beaming smile, her eyes full of joy and pride for Hong Yuan.

"Thank you, Yiru. I heard from Brother Wushang that you’re about to become a third-tier Alchemist. It seems you’re not far from a True Disciple position yourself," Hong Yuan responded warmly, with impeccable manners.

In another corner of the main hall, Zhu Wushang couldn’t help but stand up from his carved red chair, patting Hong Yuan on the shoulder. Zhu Wushang looked pleased. "Well done! You’ve made us proud!"

"Congratulations, congratulations," Zhao Gonghe, in the corner, also hurriedly congratulated Hong Yuan, his eyes filled with envy.

Zhao Gonghe had taken Lin Daoyan as his master and joined the sect at the same time as Hong Yuan. The subsequent development of the two could not have been more different; they were far apart. Although to outsiders, Zhao Gonghe seemed to lead a glamorous life, commanding authority, he knew too well he was far behind his junior brother, Hong Yuan. Whether it was martial arts aptitude, artifact refining talent, or even resolve and character, he couldn’t compare to Hong Yuan.

Over ten years, Zhao Gonghe gradually let go of the idea of competing with Hong Yuan. No matter how his family and wife egged him on, he remained unmoved. His wife was an elder’s granddaughter, and he had long given up on pursuing Lin Yiru. Zhao Gonghe understood well that the gap between him and Hong Yuan was too vast—they weren’t even on the same level, so why bother comparing?

"Yuan, come in," an aged voice called out from the study. It belonged to Lin Daoyan.

At this moment, Lin Daoyan was sitting in his armchair, eyeing a jade Tao Seal on his desk.

Hong Yuan walked in lightly and respectfully greeted, "Master."

Lin Daoyan looked up, his eyes smiling as he watched his disciple.

Strong and robust, with a determined face, an aura like the blazing sun at its zenith—what immense vitality!

"Sit down, no need to be formal."

"Thank you, Master."

"I have heard about your deeds in Nanyang County. Well done. You must have already felt the benefits of a good reputation. However, I must tell you this: never be encumbered by fame. Always act in your own best interest."

"Disciple understands, Master, rest assured."

"Haha, I have confidence in your character, but I fear you might be harmed by the treacherous in the future."

"Master..."

"Let’s not talk about this. I have arranged a position for you: Master of Rainbow Fire Peak!"

Lin Daoyan pushed the jade Tao Seal on his desk towards Hong Yuan.

This was his last political legacy in the Refining Equipment Hall. In the final moments, Lin Daoyan ultimately chose Hong Yuan, a disciple first-rate in both character and talent. He had elevated Hong Yuan to the position of Master of Rainbow Fire Peak!

Within Phoenix Creek Sect, a Peak Master holds a very special status. They rank just below the Elders and the nine Phoenix Creek Tutelage. Some exceptional Peak Masters can even rival Elders. And as an auxiliary peak of Phoenix Fire Peak, Rainbow Fire Peak held its own weight even among the many peaks of the Refining Equipment Hall. Thanks to Lin Daoyan’s arrangements, Hong Yuan became a Peak Master with real authority. The Refining Equipment Hall would only consider these authoritative Peak Masters for new Elder positions, offering Hong Yuan the chance to become an Elder in the future.

For Hong Yuan, Lin Daoyan’s favor was undeniably great!

"Master, how can this be right? Brother Wushang is more qualified than I am," Hong Yuan said, immediately pushing the Tao Seal back.

"Wushang is adequate at maintaining his position but lacks the drive to advance," Lin Daoyan said, his hand firm, and Hong Yuan found he could not push the Tao Seal back.

Finally, after three refusals and persistent persuasion, Hong Yuan had no choice but to accept the responsibility.

And this made Lin Daoyan appreciate Hong Yuan even more.

"Considering the time, Qing Song Academy should be finishing classes soon. Go pick up Yue’er, and don’t forget to assume your new duties tomorrow." Lin Daoyan waved his hand, urging Hong Yuan to leave.

Once the disciple had left the study, Lin Daoyan felt as though a weight had been lifted. He lazily reclined in the chair and closed his eyes for a rest.

The younger generation has their own fortunes. I’ve paved the way; now it’s up to Hong Yuan to walk it.

On his first day as Master of Rainbow Fire Peak, with Zhu Wushang’s help, Hong Yuan quickly sorted out the various duties and took control of personnel appointments. With the personnel appointments settled, the following tasks became much easier. All the political maneuvering and attempts to undermine superiors were crushingly overpowered by the residual clout of his master, Lin Daoyan.

Just after a short seven days, Hong Yuan had made a name for himself within the Refining Equipment Hall, and his reputation had even spread throughout the Sect.

Power is the best tonic for a man, enough to make him radiant.

A mere position of a Peak Master meant little to Hong Yuan; after all, in his Demonic Body, he was still the sovereign of myriad demons.

But to others, Hong Yuan, wielding power and wealth and still single, had undoubtedly become the most sought-after eligible bachelor within Phoenix Creek Sect! Every time he paused somewhere, Hong Yuan could feel the excessive warmth of the female practitioners around him, which left him somewhat helpless.

Thus, for the time being, Hong Yuan’s affairs in Phoenix Creek Sect had settled into place.