After his breakthrough, Qi Chuan reported directly.
"Qi Chuan, you have now advanced to the Qi Refining First Layer. You are formally granted your identity, along with a token, a magic robe, and two pieces of Spirit Stone."
The next day, on a flat area of Red Dust Peak, a middle-aged man wearing steward attire smiled and said.
He was sent by the family.
Any Immortal Seed that advances to the Qi Refining First Layer receives this treatment.
"Thank you, Steward."
Qi Chuan cupped his hands, then stepped forward to accept the bestowed items with both hands.
A token that was entirely red like jade, with some natural patterns, resembling tree patterns.
This was made from a famous kind of Spirit Wood from Red Maple Valley, the Red Maple Wood.
The front was carved with the undulating contours of Red Maple Valley, clouds floating above, with a "Qi" character embraced by the clouds.
The back had "Qi Chuan," along with a line of small characters indicating that Qi Chuan was a member of the Qi Family, and any attempts to harm him would be strictly investigated.
This was the identity token of the Qi Family.
With this item, he was truly considered part of the Qi Family Main Lineage, receiving the Qi Family's protection, and entitled to two Lower Grade Spirit Stones annually as tribute.
The standard magic robe slightly resembled a Daoist Robe from his past life, with a few red maple leaves embroidered on the sleeves, natural and exquisite. Enhanced with an array, it could adjust size moderately, repel dust and water, and protect the wearer from insects.
The two Lower Grade Spirit Stones were square and the size of a fingernail. On holding them, one could feel the Spiritual Qi inside; they were the common currency in the Cultivation Realm.
A man is judged by his clothes, and when Qi Chuan donned the magic robe, he immediately transformed in temperament, truly resembling a disciple of a cultivation clan, completely different from when he wore brocade.
Not far away, those Immortal Seeds exited the tile-roofed houses, casting envious glances in this direction.
"I can't believe Qi Chuan reached the Qi Refining First Layer so quickly."
"It's only been a month, right?"
"As expected of an Eighth Grade Spirit Root; we with Ninth Grade can't compare."
The Immortal Seeds sighed internally.
They, like Qi Chuan, had their Spirit Roots tested on the same day, joined the main lineage, and received their cultivation methods.
But now, while they were still diligently cultivating, Qi Chuan had already broken through and gained a formal identity.
Such a clear difference from just a one-grade gap?
"No need to thank me, Qi Chuan. Even the Preaching Elder was surprised by your quick breakthrough. However, in the Qi Refining Realm, each layer is more difficult than the last, with several bottlenecks that trap many clan cultivators. Work hard, and perhaps you'll achieve something in the future."
After bestowing the items, the steward encouraged Qi Chuan with a few words before leaving.
Qi Chuan placed his hand on the magic robe on his chest, sensing the token and Spirit Stones within, feeling somewhat satisfied and reassured inside.
Having a formal identity meant another layer of protection.
He could also start accessing some family resources, speeding up his own cultivation.
As he pondered, another figure appeared, coming up from the foot of the mountain.
"The steward just left, and someone else is coming?"
While Qi Chuan was surprised, the person had already reached the peak. It was a handsome old man with gray hair, whose face had endured the elements, giving a sense of aging. Still, his weary eyes revealed a look of expectation.
"Which one of you is Qi Chuan?"
The old man arrived at the peak, his breathing slightly hurried. He scanned the group with his gaze before loudly asking.
"That's me."
Hearing this, Qi Chuan stepped forward. This person came to find him; could it be...
"Are you Qi Chuan? I am your grandfather!"
The old man's eyes lit up as he gazed at Qi Chuan, speaking loudly.
The Immortal Seeds in the distance were all surprised as they watched this scene.
Qi Chuan's mouth twitched as he stepped forward to pay his respects as a junior, saying, "Qi Chuan greets Second Grandfather. Have you seen Uncle's letter?"
"That's right, Ah Chuan, I am your Second Grandfather!"
"I just returned from a mission, received the letter, and came here to find you."
Qi Baicang accepted Qi Chuan's respect, happily patted his shoulder, and seemed quite pleased, saying, "Think of me, Qi Baicang, entering the main lineage at ten years old, and cultivating for more than fifty years, always lonely. Now finally to have a descendant, isn't it wonderful!"
After speaking, his eyes belatedly fell on Qi Chuan's attire, and he paused in surprise, "This is the family's bestowed magic robe. Ah Chuan, you've already reached the Qi Refining First Layer?"
"Yes, Second Grandfather, I just broke through." Qi Chuan nodded.
"So fast? Only a month has passed since the Spirit Testing Ceremony? Good... good! Haha!"
Qi Baicang calculated the time and became even happier, "What is your Spirit Root?"
Such a quick breakthrough must mean an excellent Spirit Root.
"Lower Eighth Grade." Qi Chuan replied.
"Eighth Grade Spirit Root..." Qi Baicang was a bit surprised by this, as it was unexpected.
"It seems that you are highly compatible with the Evergreen Technique to have broken through at such speed."
"And an Eighth Grade Spirit Root isn't bad either. Your Second Grandfather, I, have only a Lower Ninth Grade Spirit Root."
After chatting for a while and understanding the circumstances, Qi Baicang looked around at Red Dust Peak and suggested, "Come with me. Since you've reached the Qi Refining First Layer and gained a formal identity, there's no need to stay here at Red Dust Peak. Although my cultivation isn't great, I do have an independent peak."
"Alright." Qi Chuan naturally agreed, as an independent peak was certainly better than Red Dust Peak.
Thus, Qi Chuan bid farewell to the other Immortal Seeds and, under their gazes, left Red Dust Peak with his Second Grandfather.
Soon, they arrived at an ordinary mountain peak that seemed somewhat chaotic.
Several cabins were situated casually on the peak, with some Spirit Fields cultivated with unknown crops around.
"These cabins were all personally built by your Second Grandfather. I've tidied one up, and from now on, it's where we grandfather and grandson will live, undisturbed by anyone."
Qi Baicang said cheerfully to Qi Chuan.
Looking at the disordered wildness of the mountain peak, Qi Chuan was speechless for a moment. If not for feeling that the Spiritual Qi here was indeed better than that of Red Dust Peak by a bit, he might not have been inclined to move here.
However, an independent mountain peak was indeed better than Red Dust Peak, primarily due to its tranquility and freedom from others' constraints.
Very quickly, Qi Baicang prepared a cabin for Qi Chuan to settle into.
Soon after, he prepared a hearty dinner and invited Qi Chuan to eat together.
"Ah Chuan, eat to your heart's content. Many of these are ingredients containing a trace of Spiritual Qi. I just brought back a batch of supplies from the Murong Family, with some gains, so I can afford these things."
Qi Baicang waved his hand as he spoke.
"The Murong Family?" Qi Chuan looked up involuntarily.
Qi Baicang nodded, "Another cultivation clan, they have a decent relationship with our Qi Family, though they are quite far away. Being weaker in cultivation, I only participated in the transportation this time."
"Second Grandfather, are there many cultivation clans like our Qi Family?" Qi Chuan asked curiously.
"Indeed, there are quite a few. The Murong Family, Ye Family, Xiao Family... including our Qi Family, are all strong clans with Foundation Establishment ancestors guarding them. Besides those, there are minor clans and declining clans, supported only by those at the Qi Refining Late Stage, or even Middle Stage."
"However, all the surrounding clans are under the rule of the Wind Moon Sect, dependent on their whims!"