Chương 3: Trying to trick me into leaving the village?

"Buzz—" A gentle, mellow, yet profoundly deep flow of information silently entered his mind.

There were no earth-shattering phenomena, no mind-blowing shocks; the information flowed like a gentle stream, naturally seeping into the depths of his memory.

The Secret of Returning to the Origin of the Hidden Dragon: The Refining of Qi Chapter.

This technique was practically tailor-made for Chen Mo, for his eighteen years of life as a treacherous Taoist!

What surprised Chen Mo even more was that the operation path of this technique was 70% similar to the "Basic Qi Induction Technique" that he had been practicing for eighteen years!

It's just more subtle, more profound, and more... the greatest truths are the simplest!

Almost the instant the inheritance imprint was completed, the five-colored vortex in his dantian, which had been slowly and chaotically rotating, seemed to have found its center and spontaneously began to adjust its trajectory, becoming more solid and orderly!

Although his cultivation level did not improve immediately, he could feel that his efficiency in absorbing and refining spiritual energy had increased by at least 30%!

[The "Returning to the Origin Technique of the Hidden Dragon: Qi Refining Chapter" has been successfully activated!] Current proficiency level: Beginner (0/1000) [Technique Traits Activated: "Profound Concealment" (Increases aura concealment effect by 50%), "Return to Simplicity" (Spiritual energy purity slowly increases over time)] [Note: Subsequent chapters of this technique require meeting specific conditions or visiting specific locations to unlock.] Chen Mo was overjoyed, but on his face he still maintained the look of disappointment that came from learning that he had a useless spiritual root.

But a barely perceptible glint flashed deep in his eyes.

"Xiuer, come here."

When Master Xuanming spoke, his voice was gentle, yet carried an undeniable air of authority.

"Since you possess the Water Spirit Heavenly Meridian, you should focus on yourself and diligently cultivate without ceasing, so as not to fail the gift bestowed upon you by Heaven. The path to immortality is long, and you must remain single-minded."

That sounds nice, but the subtext is clear to everyone: stay away from that good-for-nothing.

Xiuer seemed to understand but not quite, and wanted to say something, but was stopped by a look from Master Xuanming.

Sun Dafu grinned gloatingly from the side. If it weren't for the presence of the immortal, he probably would have already made a sarcastic remark.

"Chen Mo," Master Xuanming turned his gaze to him, his tone calm and indifferent.

"Although your spiritual roots are mixed, you have a glimmer of hope for immortality. Would you be willing to follow me into the Heavenly Profound Sect and start as a menial servant in the outer sect? With diligence, you may be able to glimpse a path to longevity."

Outer gate servants.

He wasn't even a disciple.

Wang Laoshuan's expression changed, and he seemed to want to say something, but ultimately didn't dare to speak.

The villagers' eyes held a complex mix of emotions: sympathy, regret, and a hint of... among watching the spectacle.

Chen Mo took a deep breath, preparing to politely decline with a humble and fearful expression as usual.

"Ding!"

A notification sound, clearer and heavier than ever before, exploded deep within his mind!

Golden light bloomed at the edge of vision, coalescing into lines of magnificent, flowing characters: [The Heavenly Choice quest has been triggered!] 【Task Name: The Crossroads】 [Mission Description: The gates of immortality have opened, and opportunities lie ahead. Will you choose to step into the turbulent yet perilous world of cultivation, gamble on an uncertain future; or will you remain steadfast in your familiar and secure place, walking a solitary but safe path to immortality?] Option 1: Accept the invitation and join the Tianxuan Sect.

[Task Rewards: 5000 Experience Points, Complete Inheritance of "Minor Five Elements Escape Technique (Superior)" x1, Low-Grade Spirit Stones x30, Heavenly Profound Sect Outer Disciple Identity Token x1.] Option Two: Decline the invitation and remain in Matongli Village.

[Task Rewards: 1500 Experience Points, 1 Blueprint for the Special Building "Spirit Gathering Herb Hut (Beginner)", 1 Permission to Cultivate Spirit Field (Half an Acre), Title "Guardian of the Homeland" (Increases the training efficiency of all skills by 5% within the birthplace area).] Please make your choice within thirty breaths.

Chen Mo's heart skipped a beat.

Two choices, two paths.

Go to the Immortal Sect: 5, 000 experience points, a superior-grade escape technique, 30 spirit stones, and a formal identity.

This means a wider world, more channels for acquiring resources, and a more systematic cultivation environment.

But it also means exposure to risks, the constraints of sect rules, and the inevitable involvement in disputes and conflicts.

Staying in the village: 1, 500 experience points, a Spirit Gathering Cottage, half an acre of Spirit Field, and a title that increases cultivation efficiency by 5%.

This means absolute safety and complete freedom, allowing one to continue developing stealthily and building their own hidden foundation.

But it also means a scarcity of resources, a slow pace of cultivation, and the possibility of missing out on opportunities from the outside world.

The greatest gain is that I have obtained the "Returning Dragon to its Origin Technique".

Chen Mo quickly calmed down and began to weigh the options.

Go to the Immortal Sect; you'll find spirit stones, escape techniques, and plenty of experience.

However, the status of the outer sect servants is low. Even with his pseudo-spiritual roots of the five elements, he would still be at the bottom. How long could thirty low-grade spirit stones sustain him?

Escape techniques are good, but how many times can they be used within a sect?

Most importantly, how does he hide his secrets right under other people's noses?

How can I practice the "Returning Dragon to Origin Technique" with peace of mind?

Staying in the village means less experience and fewer resources compared to the immortal sect.

But the Spirit Gathering Cottage!

Spirit Field!

This is a treasure that can fundamentally improve his cultivation environment!

With the Spirit Gathering Cottage, even the spiritually sparse village of Matongli can gradually gather spiritual energy.

With half an acre of spiritual land, he could try planting the most basic spiritual plants and achieve partial self-sufficiency in resources!

Not to mention the 5% increase in all skill training efficiency—that's a long-lasting, permanent benefit!

Moreover, if he stayed in the village, he would still be the harmless Chen Mo, and no one would pay attention to a mortal with a useless spiritual root.

He could continue taking on daily tasks in the village, accumulating experience gradually, while secretly building his own training base.

The essence of the Way of Gou lies in stability, in concealment, and in using time to gain absolute security and a solid foundation!

Risks and rewards... Chen Mo's gaze lingered on the second option for a longer time.

The title "Guardian of the Homeland," coupled with the profound and unassuming nature of the "Returning Dragon to its Origin Technique," and the Spirit Gathering Cottage and Spirit Field, all contribute to this.

A clear path to immortality, one that belonged to him alone, gradually took shape in his mind.

Going to the Immortal Sect is a gamble.

Staying in the village is the safest and most stable option.

Chen Mo was never a gambler.

In a flash, Chen Mo raised his head, the bewilderment and disappointment on his face gradually fading away, replaced by a clear calmness, tinged with a hint of apology and determination.

He took a step back, bowed deeply to Master Xuanming, and spoke in a steady and clear voice:

"Thank you for your kindness, Master. However... I was born and raised here, and the elders in the village have treated me with immense kindness. Although the immortal sect is good, it is not my homeland."

"Furthermore, I know that I am dull-witted and even if I were fortunate enough to enter the immortal realm, I would probably not make any progress and would only disappoint the master's good intentions. I am willing to stay in the village, serve my elders, and live a peaceful life. That would be enough for me."

After he finished speaking, the village entrance fell silent.