(Core: System's Appraisal Technique in Action, Picking Up Divine Artifacts, Attracting the Elder's Attention, Solidifying the Foundation for Reversal, Planting Seeds for Sect Internal Strife)
The commotion in the martial arts arena quickly attracted the outer sect elder, Zhou Xuan.
Zhou Xuan had originally come to reprimand the troublemaking disciples, but upon sensing Lin Chen's Qi Refining Ninth Layer cultivation, a flash of surprise crossed his eyes: "Lin Chen? Your cultivation..."
Before Lin Chen could speak, Zhao Feng wailed and scrambled to his feet: "Elder Zhou, he's using evil techniques! And he's slandering me for colluding with demonic path cultivators. You must seek justice for your disciple!"
Zhou Xuan's expression darkened, and just as he was about to speak, Lin Chen directly presented the evidence manifested by the system, along with the low-grade spiritual artifact jade pendant from Zhao Feng's waist: "Elder, this jade pendant contains secret messages between Zhao Feng and demonic path cultivators. A simple probe will reveal it. Moreover, my cultivation was restored through my own fortuitous encounter, absolutely not through evil techniques."
Zhou Xuan took the jade pendant and probed it with spiritual power. His face instantly turned ashen, and he immediately ordered the disciples to seize Zhao Feng.
After dealing with Zhao Feng, Zhou Xuan looked at Lin Chen with eyes full of appreciation: "You've restored your cultivation, and your temperament is steady. You're quite the promising talent. Come with me to the Treasure Pavilion and pick a suitable magical artifact."
Lin Chen was delighted inside, knowing this was an excellent opportunity, and immediately agreed.
Inside the Treasure Pavilion, various magical artifacts and pills were displayed in dazzling array. Zhou Xuan allowed him to choose freely. Lin Chen activated the Heavenly Dao Appraisal Technique, his gaze sweeping over the shelves, quickly locking onto an inconspicuous piece of black iron in the corner.
[System Prompt: Meteor Black Iron, high-grade refining material, can be refined into a mid-grade spiritual artifact. Its surface is covered by turbid qi, making it hard for ordinary people to discern.]
"Elder, this disciple chooses this piece of black iron."
Zhou Xuan was stunned for a moment, then smiled: "Quite pragmatic. Though this black iron is unremarkable, its texture is tough and durable, making it suitable."
Lin Chen thanked the elder and was about to put away the black iron when the system prompted again: [Hidden compartment in the Treasure Pavilion's crossbeam, containing an ancient Body Tempering Scripture, perfectly suited to the host's spiritual roots. Retrieve quickly.]
Lin Chen remained composed, pretending to adjust his sleeves. With a flick of spiritual power from his fingertip, he silently opened the compartment and tucked a yellowed ancient scroll into his bosom.
[Golden Finger in Action Again]
[Ding—Ancient Body Tempering Scripture detected, automatically recorded into the system. Can be cultivated directly by consuming spiritual energy. After cultivation, physical strength doubles.]
[Orbit Mission 2/3: Cultivate the Body Tempering Scripture to入门 level. Rewards: Meridian Widening Pills x2]
As they left the Treasure Pavilion, Zhou Xuan suddenly spoke: "In three days, the sect's inner sect assessment will take place. Are you willing to participate? If you pass, you'll be directly promoted to the inner sect, with resources doubled."
Lin Chen bowed in salute: "This disciple will not disappoint!"
He knew this was the true beginning of his rise. With the Heavenly Dao Orbit System, let alone the inner sect assessment—even looking across the entire cultivation world—he could carve out a path to the heavens!