"Without the System's rewards, I'm afraid I would have been stuck at this Bottleneck for a long time."
Han Xuanji shook his head and didn't think much more of it.
Who says the System isn't a part of his hard work? He stood up, stretched his limbs, and felt the surging power of the Five Elements within him as he mentally calculated his next plans. After a year of secluded cultivation, the changes in the outside world were even greater than he had imagined.
He took out a Transmission Jade Slip and probed it with his Divine Sense; unread messages were piled high, several times more than when he last emerged from seclusion.
Most of the messages were from people he didn't know at all—Disciples from Hun Family branches, Cultivators from other forces in Qianhun City, and even several who claimed to be managers of various chambers of commerce or organizations. Their words were filled with flattery, subtly or overtly inviting him to come "sit and chat."
He ignored them directly, picking only a few important ones to reply to.
Hun Qianxue's message was short and powerful.
It essentially asked Han Xuanji to attend a Family council meeting, saying he would be given a surprise.
"A surprise?"
Han Xuanji murmured to himself, feeling somewhat curious.
Hun Qianling's message also mentioned this, likewise speaking of a surprise, which piqued Han Xuanji's curiosity even further.
Besides that, it detailed what had happened in the Hun Family over the past year.
Han Xuanji spent a good while reading through the long string of information.
On the Eternal Continent, a year is negligible, but this year had indeed seen the Hun Family's reputation soar. After the news spread, the number of prodigies coming to join the Hun Family was several times higher than in previous years.
Among them were even S-rank Talents, all renowned prodigies from far and wide.
Hun Qianxue's position as the Family Head was now secure, and Hun Qianling's status had risen accordingly; she had already begun to hold power within the clan.
In her messages, Hun Qianling thanked Han Xuanji many times, her gratitude coming straight from the heart.
"Things are looking up..."
Han Xuanji thought to himself, then silently replied to the messages, indicating that he had emerged from seclusion.
For now, his arrival hadn't affected the situation on the Eternal Continent, but it had a positive impact on those around him.
Once he reached a certain Realm, Han Xuanji planned to bring over his Disciples from far-off Chaos, as well as the Immortal Ancestor and others.
Their Aptitude was top-tier in Chaos and wouldn't be considered poor on the Eternal Continent; with his cultivation, their achievements would certainly not be lacking.
Not to mention, by then, his own abilities and status would be beyond comparison.
Pulling back his thoughts, Han Xuanji noticed that his sent message hadn't received a reply yet. Just as he was wondering why...
...he discovered that Hun Qianling had already appeared outside his Immortal Cave.
Han Xuanji waved his hand, letting her in.
After greeting him, Hun Qianling began to chatter about the events that had occurred in the Hun Family over the year, all of which were things she had mentioned in her previous transmissions.
"You have no idea, after the news of you reaching the top of the Five Elements Heavenly Ladder spread, the entire Hun Family exploded."
Hun Qianling grew more excited as she spoke, gesturing animatedly.
"Those people who used to speak ill of you have all tucked their tails between their legs; they take a detour whenever they see me."
"My brother's prestige has also soared, and those old fogies in the clan no longer dare to wag their tongues behind his back."
Han Xuanji listened quietly, nodding from time to time.
Han Xuanji shook his head. "It's because your brother is capable himself; it doesn't have much to do with me."
"Stop being so modest."
Hun Qianling waved her hand and changed the subject.
"By the way, you have to attend the Family council meeting in a few days."
"What meeting?"
"Firstly, to officially announce the upgrade of your benefits, plus a big surprise. Secondly..."
Hun Qianling paused and gave him a meaningful look.
"Ling Feng will formally apologize to you at the meeting."
Han Xuanji's brow twitched slightly.
Hun Qianling explained.
"Actually, Ling Feng has wanted to apologize to you for a long time, but you've been in secluded cultivation, so he couldn't find the chance."
"Using the Family council as an opportunity, he can make things clear in front of everyone. It can be considered giving you an explanation. From then on, the grudge will be settled, saving any future trouble."
Han Xuanji laughed inwardly.
An apology?
Someone like Ling Feng was likely unwilling deep down.
However, since he proactively brought it up, it meant he wasn't completely stupid.
Although he hadn't taken this person to heart, the man had ultimately disgusted him.
If no explanation was given, he wouldn't openly retaliate, but if an opportunity arose in the future, it would be inevitable for him to "take care" of him in passing.
Now that the other party had offered an olive branch, there was no need for him to be haughty.
"Alright, then I'll go."
Han Xuanji nodded.
Hun Qianling clapped and laughed.
"That's the spirit! Don't worry, my brother has prepared a great gift for you; I guarantee you'll be satisfied."
Han Xuanji glanced at her, his curiosity growing.
...
Three days later, the Hun Family Discussion Hall.
This hall was one of the oldest and most solemn buildings of the Hun Family. It was built entirely from Ten-Thousand-Year Profound Stone, with carved beams and painted rafters inside. Dozens of seats were arranged on both sides, with a Core Disciple or Elder standing behind each one.
Deep within the hall, a dark gold seat sat high above; that was the position of the Family Head.
When Han Xuanji stepped into the hall, it was already filled with people.
His gaze swept over the crowd, finding many unfamiliar faces, presumably the powerful figures from various branches of the Hun Family.
Several gazes landed on him—some curious, some scrutinizing, and some with a faint, lingering sense of awe.
"Xuanji is here, please sit."
Hun Qianxue sat in the main seat. Seeing Han Xuanji enter, he smiled warmly and gestured for him to sit in the first chair on the right.
That position was second only to the Family Head.
Han Xuanji nodded slightly and, without declining, walked straight over and sat down.
A low murmur of discussion immediately broke out in the hall.
That seat was usually occupied by the most senior Elders in the clan. Giving it to a young junior now showed how much Hun Qianxue valued Han Xuanji.
Hun Qianling sat opposite him and gave him a wink, signaling him to be at ease.
Hun Qianxue stood up and looked around; the discussion in the hall immediately fell silent.
"I have gathered everyone here today primarily for two things."
Hun Qianxue's voice was not loud, yet it clearly reached everyone's ears.
"First, regarding Han Xuanji."
He looked at Han Xuanji and spoke solemnly.
"Xuanji reached the top of the Five Elements Heavenly Ladder, winning great glory for our Hun Family and proving the value of an S-rank Talent. Those comments that questioned and slandered him back then now seem utterly absurd and laughable."
The hall fell silent, and many people lowered their heads.
"Our Hun Family was established on talent and respects strength above all."
Hun Qianxue's voice gradually rose:
"Since Xuanji has proven himself, I will not mistreat him."
"From this day forward, Han Xuanji's benefits will be raised to the highest standard for S-rank Talents—his annual Family Contribution Points will double, he will be rewarded with one million Contribution Points, and he will be allowed to choose one treasure from the Hun Family Treasury as a reward for reaching the top of the Five Elements Heavenly Ladder."