I am the Dao Ancestor

The sun crept over the horizon, casting a golden glow across the peaks of the Azure Sky Sect. Ling Hao stood before the Task Pavilion, a sense of accomplishment warming his chest. In his hand was the claw of the Demon Claw Boar, proof of his success in his first mission.

As he stepped into the pavilion, the familiar hum of activity greeted him. Rows of disciples moved between task boards and counters, exchanging proofs of completion for Contribution Points, the currency that allowed them access to resources and privileges within the sect.

Ling Hao approached the counter where Zhao Wu, an elderly sect administrator, greeted him with a sharp look.

"Young one," Zhao Wu said, adjusting his jade monocle. "This is your first mission, isn't it?"

"Yes, Senior Zhao," Ling Hao said respectfully, placing the bloodied claw on the counter.

Zhao Wu examined the claw, his wrinkled fingers running along its edges. After a moment, he nodded approvingly.

"Good work. You completed this alone?" he asked, giving Ling Hao a critical glance.

"Yes, Senior."

Zhao Wu chuckled dryly. "Impressive. Most new disciples return either empty-handed or barely alive. But this... this shows promise."

The older man reached beneath the counter and retrieved a jade slip. Holding it over the claw, he muttered a chant, causing the slip to glow faintly. Ling Hao watched as Zhao Wu registered the mission as complete and transferred the points to his sect token.

"Well done," Zhao Wu said, sliding the token back to Ling Hao. "You've earned yourself 100 Contribution Points for slaying the Demon Claw Boar. Use them wisely."

Ling Hao bowed politely. "Thank you, Senior Zhao."

Before he could leave, Zhao Wu cleared his throat. "Hold on a moment, boy. If you've just earned Contribution Points, I suggest you visit the Celestial Trade Hall and get yourself a proper storage ring. Carrying everything on your person isn't practical, especially as you take on more advanced missions. Trust me, it's an essential tool for any cultivator worth their salt."

Ling Hao nodded, grateful for the advice. "I'll do that. Thank you."

---

The Celestial Trade Hall was one of the most vibrant locations within the Azure Sky Sect. It stood at the heart of the sect, a vast building adorned with carvings of mythical beasts and golden accents that glimmered in the sunlight.

As Ling Hao entered, he was greeted by an array of dazzling items displayed in glass cases—cultivation techniques, rare herbs, spiritual pills, weapons, and even exotic beast eggs. Disciples of all ranks roamed the hall, some haggling over prices, others admiring the treasures they hoped to someday afford.

Making his way to a counter labeled "Spatial Treasures," Ling Hao approached a young attendant dressed in a silver robe.

"I'd like to purchase a storage ring," Ling Hao said, showing his sect token with the newly added Contribution Points.

The attendant smiled warmly. "Of course. We have several varieties available, each differing in capacity and quality. For beginners, I'd recommend this one."

She presented a simple silver ring adorned with faint engravings that shimmered in the light.

"This storage ring can hold up to a hundred cubic meters of items and costs 50 Contribution Points," the attendant explained. "It's sturdy, reliable, and perfect for someone just starting out."

Ling Hao examined the ring, sensing the faint fluctuations of spatial energy within it. It was simple but effective—exactly what he needed.

"I'll take it," he said, handing over his token.

The attendant registered the purchase and returned the token along with the storage ring. Ling Hao slipped the ring onto his finger, marveling at the convenience it would bring.

"Remember to bind the ring to your spiritual essence," the attendant advised. "It won't function otherwise."

Following her instructions, Ling Hao focused his Qi and imprinted his spiritual essence into the ring. A faint hum resonated as the ring acknowledged him as its owner.

Satisfied, Ling Hao left the trade hall, eager to test his new possession.

---

Returning to Peach Blossom Peak, Ling Hao felt a renewed sense of belonging as the familiar sights of his home came into view. The vibrant peach blossoms danced in the wind, and the serene atmosphere reminded him why he felt so drawn to this place.

Yue Ling was reclining on a stone bench near the edge of the peak, a jug of wine in hand. She looked up as Ling Hao approached, her sharp eyes scanning him from head to toe.

"So," she drawled, taking a lazy sip from her jug. "You're back. And alive, no less. Did you complete the mission?"

Ling Hao nodded, a hint of pride in his voice. "Yes, Master. I slew the Demon Claw Boar and earned Contribution Points for it."

Yue Ling raised an eyebrow, setting her jug aside. "Oh? Not bad, brat. Let me see the proof."

Ling Hao smirked, raising his hand to activate the storage ring. With a thought, the demon claw appeared in his hand. Yue Ling's expression shifted to one of approval as she examined it.

"Looks like you've done well for your first mission," she said, tossing the claw back to him. "What did you spend your points on?"

"I bought a storage ring at the Celestial Trade Hall," Ling Hao replied, showing her the silver ring on his finger.

Yue Ling laughed heartily. "Good choice. At least you're not as reckless as I thought. A storage ring is an essential tool for any cultivator. Now, tell me, how was the battle?"

Ling Hao recounted his experience in the Crimson Wood Forest—the tracking, the fight, and the lessons he learned along the way. Yue Ling listened intently, nodding occasionally but offering no interruptions.

When he finished, she leaned back with a thoughtful expression. "You've taken your first step on the path of a cultivator, but don't let this small victory go to your head. The world beyond the sect is vast, and the dangers you'll face in the future will make that boar look like a harmless rabbit."

"I understand, Master," Ling Hao said, his voice firm.

Yue Ling's lips curled into a faint smile. "Good. Rest for today. Tomorrow, we'll begin working on your sword techniques. The ability to ride a sword is impressive, but the ability to wield one with mastery is what sets true cultivators apart."

Ling Hao bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Master."

As he walked back to his quarters, Ling Hao felt a surge of determination. With every step, he was moving closer to his goal of becoming a powerful cultivator. He knew the road ahead would be filled with challenges, but for the first time, he felt ready to face whatever came his way.

---

That night, as Ling Hao meditated in his room, the storage ring resting on his hand served as a reminder of his progress. In just a few short months, he had transformed from a farmer boy to a disciple with promise. And while he still had a long way to go, he knew that with his master's guidance and his unwavering resolve, he could carve a path forward in this boundless world of cultivation.