Cultivation System: Rise of the First Patriarch

Five years quietly passed.

During those years, the Crimson Empire remained peaceful and prosperous.

Under the guidance of Hong Se, Hong Yuanji successfully stepped onto the path of immortality. After consuming the Reconstruction Pill and cultivating the technique left behind by Zan Yunxiao, he officially became a Qi Refinement cultivator. Although his cultivation was still shallow, it marked the beginning of his immortal journey.

Meanwhile, the residence that Zan Yunxiao had ordered to be built atop the mountain was finally completed.

The grand residence overlooked the entire Zan Clan. Surrounded by dense spiritual energy and breathtaking scenery, it became the perfect place for seclusion and cultivation, befitting the status of the clan's Patriarch.

Not long afterward, Zan Yunxiao officially moved into the mountain residence.

Accompanying him were his two wives, Xueyun and Jin Feixue, along with his eldest son, Zan Tianming. All four intended to cultivate there, taking advantage of the rich spiritual energy gathered around the mountain peak.

As for Zan Wei, he had no intention of joining them.

After spending years immersed in cultivation, he found it rather dull compared to managing the clan.

Instead, he willingly assumed the role of Acting Patriarch, overseeing the daily affairs of the Zan Clan while Zan Yunxiao entered long periods of seclusion.

With Zan Wei's outstanding leadership and negotiation skills, the clan continued to flourish under his management.

Zan Feilan also made her own decision.

Rather than remaining with her father, she chose to cultivate alongside her two mothers on the mountain, hoping to further improve her strength.

Thus, the mountain residence gradually became the cultivation sanctuary of the Zan Family's direct lineage, while the bustling affairs of the clan below were entrusted to Zan Wei, allowing both cultivation and clan management to progress without interfering with one another.

Now...

At the summit of the mountain stood the newly completed Patriarch's Residence.

Built in the traditional style of immortal cultivators, the residence exuded elegance and dignity. White jade stone paved the spacious courtyard, while pillars carved with intricate dragon and cloud patterns supported the grand hall. The dark azure roof tiles shimmered under the sunlight, and the corners of the eaves curved upward like soaring phoenix wings.

Several pavilions and meditation rooms were connected by stone pathways, surrounded by ancient pine trees and flowering spirit gardens. A clear spring flowed from the mountainside into a tranquil pond filled with lotus blossoms, while wisps of spiritual mist drifted through the residence, giving it the appearance of an immortal abode hidden above the clouds.

Behind the residence was a secluded cultivation chamber carved directly into the mountain, where the spiritual energy was at its densest. The entire peak was peaceful, isolated from the noise of the world below.

Standing on the edge of the cliff, Zan Yunxiao clasped his hands behind his back.

A gentle breeze stirred his long robes as he gazed into the distance.

From the mountain peak, the entire Zan Clan lay beneath him.

The majestic clan manor, bustling streets, rice fields stretching toward the horizon, merchant caravans entering and leaving the city gates, and disciples training within the clan grounds were all clearly visible.

Looking at the prosperous scene below, a faint smile appeared on Zan Yunxiao's face.

"This view..."

"It was worth building this residence."

After one last glance at the flourishing clan below, Zan Yunxiao turned around and slowly walked back toward the residence.

As he passed through the spacious courtyard, his gaze swept across the grand halls, cultivation pavilions, meditation chambers, and the secluded cultivation chamber behind the residence.

In his heart, he had already decided its future.

This mountain residence would not belong to him alone.

One day, after he was gone or after generations had passed, it would become the sacred cultivation ground of the Zan Clan's direct lineage.

Only descendants with exceptional talent and sufficient contributions to the clan would be qualified to reside here and cultivate.

It would serve not only as the Patriarch's residence but also as a symbol of honor, ensuring that every future generation would strive to become worthy of ascending the mountain.

With that thought, Zan Yunxiao stepped into the main hall.

The mountain residence had finally fulfilled the purpose for which it had been built.

After settling into the mountain residence, Zan Yunxiao suddenly remembered the matter he had forgotten several years ago.

The locations of the righteous sects...

And more importantly, the Demonic Sect.

Without further delay, Zan Yunxiao left the mountain peak.

His figure drifted through the air before descending toward the inner grounds of the Zan Clan. Along the way, several disciples noticed him and immediately stopped what they were doing, respectfully bowing as he passed.

Before long, he arrived at the Alchemy Pavilion.

A faint medicinal fragrance permeated the surroundings, and wisps of smoke rose from the chimneys above the building. The hall was noticeably livelier than before, with disciples carrying spiritual herbs in and out while others sorted bottles of freshly refined pills.

Zan Yunxiao walked toward the room where Elder Dan refining some pills.

Inside, Elder Dan sat cross-legged before a crimson alchemy furnace.

The furnace emitted a steady glow as flames danced beneath it, and the rich aroma of medicinal herbs filled the room. Elder Dan's expression was solemn as he carefully controlled the fire with his spiritual energy, refining a batch of pills with complete concentration.

Just then, sensing someone's arrival, Elder Dan slowly opened his eyes.

When he saw Zan Yunxiao standing at the entrance, he immediately rose to his feet.

"Greetings, Patriarch."

He cupped his fists respectfully, a warm smile appearing on his face.

"What brings you to this old man's alchemy room today?"

Zan Yunxiao didn't waste any time with pleasantries.

He looked at Elder Dan and asked calmly,

"Elder Dan, I have a question."

"I'd like to know where the righteous sects are located."

Elder Dan was slightly surprised by the question, but he quickly nodded.

"The righteous sects aren't on this continent, Patriarch."

"They're on another continent."

Zan Yunxiao frowned slightly.

"Another continent?"

This was the first time he had heard such a thing.

He had always assumed the Crimson Empire and its neighboring kingdoms occupied the entire world.

Looking at Elder Dan, he asked,

"Which continent are you referring to?"

Elder Dan smiled faintly before explaining.

"The world is far larger than most people realize."

"The land where the Crimson Empire is located is known as the Western Continent."

"It is one of the more peaceful regions in the world."

"For many years, there have been no large-scale wars between cultivator sects here."

"That is why the cultivation world of the Western Continent has entered a relatively peaceful era."

He paused before continuing.

"But the continent where I was born is different."

"It is known as the Central Continent."

"The Central Continent is the true heart of the cultivation world."

"Countless righteous sects, demonic sects, ancient clans, and powerful factions reside there."

"Competition is constant."

"Wars between sects are commonplace."

"Today's victor may become tomorrow's ruin."

"It is an era of endless chaos."

Zan Yunxiao listened quietly, his interest growing.

So...

The world was much larger than he had imagined.

Elder Dan sighed softly.

"I was born in the Central Continent."

"My Azure Flame Sect was once considered a respectable righteous sect."

"But..."

His expression darkened.

"The sect gradually fell into corruption—"

Before he could continue, Zan Yunxiao suddenly raised his hand.

"Stop."

Elder Dan immediately fell silent.

"I already know you're from the Azure Flame Sect."

"Let's get straight to the point."

Zan Yunxiao looked directly at him.

"Between the righteous sects and the demonic sects..."

"Which side is stronger?"

Elder Dan blinked in surprise.

He had been abruptly interrupted before he could finish his explanation.

For a moment, he even wondered if the Patriarch had become impatient or was dissatisfied with his long-winded storytelling.

Remembering the incident five years ago—when he had talked through the entire night before waking up with a sore neck—Elder Dan subconsciously straightened his back.

He no longer dared to ramble.

"The righteous sects are stronger, Patriarch."

He answered immediately.

"Although the demonic sects are powerful and numerous, they are constantly fighting among themselves for resources and territory."

"On the other hand, the major righteous sects occasionally unite against common enemies."

"Because of that, the righteous path has maintained the upper hand for many years."

After finishing his answer, Elder Dan cautiously looked at Zan Yunxiao.

This time...

He wisely decided not to add another ten-hour story unless the Patriarch specifically asked for it.

Meanwhile, Zan Yunxiao fell into deep thought after hearing Elder Dan's explanation

"If the righteous sects are stronger..."

"Then perhaps I should visit the Central Continent in the future."

After all, if the System truly issued a mission related to the Demonic Sect, he would at least know where to begin.

The thought of destroying one of the demonic sects quietly settled in the back of his mind.

Just then, another question occurred to him.

He looked at Elder Dan.

"If the Central Continent is filled with powerful cultivators..."

"Why haven't they invaded the Western Continent?"

"Their strength should be more than enough to conquer this place."

Elder Dan pondered the question for a moment before shaking his head.

"I'm not entirely certain, Patriarch."

"However, I have a guess."

"The spiritual energy in the Western Continent is far thinner than that of the Central Continent."

"There, spiritual energy is abundant and cultivation resources are countless."

"In comparison, the Western Continent is considered a barren land."

He smiled bitterly.

"Most Central Continent cultivators wouldn't be interested in a place with such poor cultivation conditions."

"They gain nothing by coming here."

After saying that, Elder Dan glanced around the Zan Clan.

A strange expression appeared on his face.

"Although..."

"The Zan Clan is an exception."

He could clearly feel the dense spiritual energy surrounding the clan.

Compared to when he had first arrived years ago, the difference was like heaven and earth.

The spiritual energy here had become so rich that it rivaled many cultivation families of the Central Continent.

To Elder Dan, it was nothing short of unbelievable.

"If outsiders from the Central Continent discovered this place..."

"I'm afraid countless forces would become interested."

His expression turned solemn.

"The current spiritual energy within the Zan Clan is far beyond what should naturally exist in the Western Continent."

Zan Yunxiao remained silent.

He naturally knew the reason.

The clan's prosperity, the mountain's spiritual veins, and the various rewards granted by the Eternal Ancestor System had gradually transformed the surrounding environment.