Cautious until I reign supreme

Being accepted as the sect master's direct disciple granted me a certain level of protection, but it also placed me under greater scrutiny. The attention of rival sects would undoubtedly shift toward me, increasing the dangers I faced.

It was time to activate my system functions.

Until now, I had lacked the necessary spiritual stones, but with my family's tragic death, all their possessions now belonged to me. My grandfather had accumulated vast wealth and resources, making me one of the richest disciples in the sect.

I commanded the system:

"System, display the functions available for activation at my current power level."

A translucent panel appeared before me.

---

System Functions Available:

1. Devouring System (1/2 of the target's power upon death)

A. Talent – 50,000 Top-Grade Spiritual Stones

B. Cultivation – 30,000 Top-Grade Spiritual Stones

C. Skills – 20,000 Top-Grade Spiritual Stones

Condition: The target must be personally killed by the host.

Note: Devoured talent, cultivation, and skills will be converted into Talent Points, Cultivation Points, and Skill Points, which can be used to upgrade the host's abilities accordingly.

2. Relationship Function (100,000 Top-Grade Spiritual Stones)

0 – Neutral

30 – Good Opinion

50 – Friends

80 – Love

99 – Willing to die for you

100 – Puppet

-30 – Bad Opinion

-50 – Enemy

-80 – Killing Intent

-100 – Obsessed with killing you at any cost

Additional Effect: Displays mental status of the target.

---

3. Identification Function (100,000 Top-Grade Spiritual Stones)

Allows the host to see through disguises, hidden abilities, and real identities.

Other Functions: Locked.

---

I exhaled slowly, my mind steady. Without hesitation, I transferred 3 lakh top-grade spiritual stones into the system, activating all available functions.

With this, I had finally unlocked the true potential of my system.

Just as I began planning my next steps, the sect token at my waist suddenly vibrated, signaling an approaching visitor near my Immortal Mansion.

I frowned.

Until now, I had deliberately avoided interacting with other disciples. Misunderstandings, arrogance, and unnecessary conflicts were too common in this world. Staying low-key was the safest path.

Packing up my things, I walked toward the protective array, a powerful barrier capable of stopping even peak Divine Soul Transformation powerhouses.

Standing outside was a handsome young man—Ye Chen, the second true disciple of the sect master.

Cautiously, I activated the Identification Function.

---

Name: Ye Chen

Cultivation: 1st divine soul transformation Realm (Disguised) → True Cultivation:4th divine soul transformation Realm)

Talent: Top-Grade Fire and Wind Spiritual Root

Sect: Heaven Sword Sect (Secret Affiliation: Blood Demon Sect)

Cultivation Technique: Heavenly Demon Devouring Cultivation Technique (Heaven Grade)

Martial skills : blood sword (major accomplishment), heavenly sword ( major accomplishment), sword qi (30%)

Combat level: 6th divine soul transformation realm

Mental Status: Curious about the youngest disciple. Plotting how to devour your talent to enhance his own.

---

My pupils shrank.

A spy… and worse, he's already targeting me

As I stepped out, Ye Chen greeted me with a gentle smile, exuding the aura of a kind and caring senior brother.

"Junior Brother, I am your Second Senior Brother, Ye Chen. Nice to meet you."

His voice was warm, his demeanor amiable—as if he were truly looking out for me.

If I hadn't activated the Identification Function, I might have been deceived by his benevolent act, believing him to be a sincere and trustworthy senior. But inwardly, I remained on high alert.

Hiding my wariness, I returned his smile and replied, "Greetings, Senior Brother."

Ye Chen nodded and spoke again. "You've already been accepted as a direct disciple, yet you rarely come out to interact with the other disciples. You should socialize more with your fellow brothers and sisters."

I responded calmly, "I've been in an important breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment Realm, so I haven't had time to meet everyone. Apologies, Senior Brother."

Ye Chen's eyes flickered with amusement upon hearing this. Reaching the Foundation Establishment Realm at the age of 10 was extraordinary. His admiration, however, wasn't genuine—it was filled with greed and calculation.

'A prodigy like this… I must devour his talent.'

Feigning casual interest, Ye Chen smiled and proposed an enticing offer.

"Junior Brother, I recently discovered a secret realm near the sect. Only cultivators at the Divine Soul Transformation Realm and below can enter. There are surely many treasures inside that will be beneficial for your foundation establishment. Why don't we explore it together?"

Hearing this, my vigilance intensified.

'So, he's already planning to make his move…'

I knew this so-called secret realm was nothing but a trap—a carefully laid scheme to lure me into a vulnerable position where he could devour my talent and cultivation.

Hiding my suspicions, I refused with a gentle smile.

"I appreciate Senior Brother's kindness, but I already have all the necessary resources from my grandfather's inheritance. There's no need for me to take any risks."

Ye Chen's expression darkened ever so slightly, but he quickly masked it with another smile.

Yet, in his heart, envy and greed burned fiercely.

'So, this brat not only has heaven-defying talent but also inherited immense resources? If I can't take his talent now, I'll steal everything he has…'

After exchanging farewells, Ye Chen left with a polite smile, his demeanor unchanged. However, Xu Tianran knew better—beneath that friendly façade lurked a dangerous predator.

As soon as Ye Chen was out of sight, Xu Tianran's expression darkened. Urgency and a sense of looming threat weighed heavily on him.

Without hesitation, he turned and entered his cave dwelling, sealing the entrance behind him.

'I need to act fast. Ye Chen won't give up so easily.'

His cautious nature had saved him once again, but he knew this was only the beginning.