Qin Chen and Liu Qingcheng stepped onto the teleportation array, a blinding light engulfing them as space warped around them.
In an instant—
FLASH!
The familiar surroundings of the Azure Sky Sect's Core Disciple Hall materialized before them.
Qin Chen immediately sensed the eyes of a couple Inner Elder's who managed the building watching him.
After all, his return was already an event in itself.
Not only had he walked into the Crimson Hellstorm Domain alone, but he had returned unscathed.
The rumors were bound to spread.
However, before Qin Chen could even begin digesting the massive gains he had made in the realm—
A sharp gasp echoed through the chamber.
One of the present elders, an older man with a composed yet sharp demeanor, froze in place.
His eyes widened in complete shock.
"Liu… Qingcheng?"
At the sound of her name, the room went dead silent.
The disciples who had been whispering about Qin Chen suddenly forgot about him.
All gazes shifted to the crimson-haired girl standing beside him.
And then—
BOOM!
A figure flashed into the chamber, moving faster than most could even process.
In an instant, a young man stood in front of them, his expression filled with shock, disbelief, and overwhelming emotion.
His features were similar to Liu Qingcheng, albeit sharper and colder.
Yet, at this moment, his usual aloof expression had completely shattered.
"Qingcheng…?" His voice was barely above a whisper.
The Second-Ranked Core Disciple, Liu Chenqing.
The entire sect held their breath.
This was the man who had dominated the rankings for a while now.
A cold, ruthless cultivator who had never shown any emotions during a battle.
And now?
He looked like he was on the verge of tears.
Liu Qingcheng's eyes trembled as she stared at him.
Her little brother—who was now taller than her—stood before her.
For three years, she had been trapped in a living death.
For three years, she had assumed she would never see him again.
And now?
He was right here.
"Qingcheng—" Liu Chenqing moved instantly, pulling her into a tight embrace.
The entire hall erupted in murmurs.
"He… he actually lost his composure?"
"Liu Chenqing, the emotionless sword genius—crying?!"
"This… this is insane!"
Qin Chen simply stood to the side, arms crossed, watching the reunion unfold.
For all his cold arrogance, Liu Chenqing was still human.
And for that, Qin Chen respected him.
After a long moment, Liu Chenqing finally released his grip, stepping back.
His face was unreadable, but his eyes still held deep emotion.
Then, he turned to Qin Chen.
His gaze was piercing—not out of hostility, but gratitude.
"You… you saved her. When I received the message, I almost didn't believe it." His voice was quiet.
Qin Chen smirked. "You could say that."
Liu Chenqing stared at him for a long moment.
Then, suddenly—
He bowed.
The entire hall gasped.
The Second-Ranked Core Disciple—one of the strongest geniuses of the Azure Sky Sect—bowing to someone?
This had never happened before.
"I, Liu Chenqing, owe you a debt I can never fully repay," he said solemnly.
"If you ever need my help, I will not hesitate."
Qin Chen raised an eyebrow.
He hadn't expected something this extreme.
But, a favor from Liu Chenqing?
That… was definitely worth something.
"Alright," Qin Chen finally said, smirking. "I'll remember that."
Liu Chenqing nodded before turning back to his sister.
"I need to take her to recover. The Sect Master must be informed as well."
The elder from earlier, still recovering from the shock, quickly nodded.
"Yes… Yes! Liu Qingcheng's return must be reported immediately!"
With that, Liu Chenqing gently placed his hand on his sister's back, guiding her away.
But just before leaving, Liu Qingcheng paused, turning back to Qin Chen.
For the first time since waking up, she smiled.
"Thank you," she said softly.
Then, in a flash, the siblings were gone.
Leaving behind a completely shaken Core Disciple Hall.
Ding!
[Hidden Mission Complete!]
[Mission: Restore the Lost Phoenix – Completed.]
[You have rescued Liu Qingcheng, returning a lost genius to the Azure Sky Sect. A feat the system did not expect you to accomplish this early.]
[Processing Hidden Reward…]
Qin Chen raised an eyebrow.
Oh? So that was the hidden mission?
The system had expected him to complete it later—meaning that he had once again exceeded expectations.
A smirk played on his lips.
As expected of me.
Then—
Ding!
[You have received the Blood of the Ancient Vermilion Phoenix.]
A vial materialized in front of Qin Chen, floating midair.
Inside, a single drop of deep crimson-gold liquid shimmered with a terrifying aura—far more potent than any treasure he had ever seen.
His golden eyes flickered.
This blood…
It was alive.
It pulsed faintly, as if it carried the very will of the ancient flames sealed within it.
Ding!
[Ancient Vermilion Phoenix Blood]
-A single drop of pure Vermilion Phoenix bloodline essence.
-The Vermilion Phoenix is a sacred beast of flames, said to rival dragons in power.
-Those with diluted bloodlines may use this to awaken or purify their lineage.
-If absorbed by a compatible cultivator, it can drastically enhance fire affinity, vitality, and rebirth capabilities.
-Warning: Not fully compatible with Fire Sovereign Dao Body. Currently of little use to host.
Qin Chen's eyes narrowed slightly.
A treasure beyond value… yet useless to me?
He pondered for a moment, rolling the vial between his fingers.
This bloodline… belonged to Liu Qingcheng.
Or at least, something close to it.
Her mythical flame beast bloodline was likely a diluted version of the Vermilion Phoenix, which explained why she had struggled against the Sovereign Flames.
But now that he had this?
He could simply give someone a Vermilion Phoenix Bloodline, what kind of outrageous thought is that?
A ridiculously rare chance.
His lips curled slightly.
He didn't know what he'd do with this yet—
But he knew one thing for certain:
The entire cultivation world would kill for this.
And for now?
It was his.
He stored the vial, his mind already shifting to the Mythical Lottery Spin next.
The real prize was still waiting.
Even after Liu Qingcheng had left, the hall remained silent.
Every single disciple was processing what had just happened.
Qin Chen, however?
He simply yawned.
His job here was done.
But, before he could return to his residence to begin digesting the insane gains he had made—
A sect elder cleared his throat.
"Qin Chen."
Qin Chen lazily turned to the man. "Hm?"
The elder's expression was complicated.
"You just completed your first Core Disciple Mission… and you returned with the lost Third-Ranked Disciple. You are aware of how absurd that is, correct?"
Qin Chen smirked.
"Is it?"
The elder nearly choked.
This kid… was a monster.
And he knew it.
The elder sighed before shaking his head. "Your accomplishments will be formally acknowledged soon. For now, return to your residence. The Sect Master will likely wish to speak with you soon."
Qin Chen nodded, finally able to retreat back to his residence.
As he walked away, he could feel the unwavering gazes of the other Core Disciples.
Some in awe.
Some in jealousy.
But one thing was clear—
Qin Chen was no longer just the unknown 'newcomer'.
He was a monster who had completed an impossible mission and returned stronger than ever.
And the entire sect now knew it.