The news of Fang Hao’s successful Foundation Establishment spread through the Outer Sect like it had grown wings.

"Did you hear? That Fang Hao, who started as a servant, actually succeeded in Foundation Establishment!"

"And a Nine-Rank Dao Platform at that! My god, this Aptitude is Heaven-Defying!"

"Bao Zhijian is going to have a headache now, hehe..."

Fang Hao ignored these discussions and went straight to the Deacon Hall to handle the procedures for promotion to the Inner Sect.

When the Deacon Disciple saw it was him, his attitude was incredibly enthusiastic: "Senior Brother Ning! Congratulations, congratulations! This is the Inner Sect Disciple manual, this is your identity token, and this is..."

Fang Hao took the items and looked at the heavy cyan Inner Sect token, feeling deeply emotional. From the dusty servant token, to the white Outer Sect token, and now to this cyan Inner Sect token, he had walked this path for four whole years.

Returning to Courtyard 27 in District Ding, Li Xuan and Zhu Pang were already waiting.

"Junior Brother Ning! No, I should call you Senior Brother Ning now!" Zhu Pang patted his shoulder with a grin. "Not bad! You reached Foundation Establishment so quickly!"

Li Xuan also smiled: "You’re an Inner Sect Senior Brother now, don’t forget us Outer Sect Junior Brothers!"

Fang Hao looked at these two fellow Disciples who had shared the courtyard with him for many years, feeling warmed inside: "What are you saying! Without your help, I wouldn’t have made it to this day."

He took out two jade bottles and stuffed them into their hands: "A small token of my appreciation, take it."

The two opened them and were instantly stunned—foundation establishment pills! And they were high-quality foundation establishment pills at that!

"This... this is too valuable!" Li Xuan hurriedly declined.

Zhu Pang also stammered: "You can’t do this, you can’t! Do you know how many Spirit Stones a single foundation establishment pill is worth?"

Fang Hao held their hands down: "Just accept them. I refined nine, used seven myself, and these two were meant for you all along."

Seeing that the two were still trying to decline, Fang Hao smiled: "What, do you not see me as a brother anymore?"

Li Xuan and Zhu Pang looked at each other and nodded heavily: "Alright! We will remember this favor!"

At this moment, Chen Feng came out of his room. Seeing this scene, his expression became quite colorful. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but finally let out a cold snort and slammed the door as he left.

Fang Hao shook his head and ignored him. Everyone has their own ambitions; you can’t force it.

He packed his luggage, though there wasn’t much to pack. The most important things were already in his storage ring. Fang Hao took one last look at the small courtyard and turned to leave.

After leaving the courtyard, he sent two communication talismans to Liang Ling and Lin Wan: "A small gathering at Full Fortune Tower at Shen hour today to celebrate my entry into the Inner Sect. I hope you, Senior Sister, will grace me with your presence."

Full Fortune Tower was the best restaurant in the Sect market, usually frequented by Inner Sect Disciples and Elders.

As soon as Shen hour arrived, Fang Hao was already waiting in a private room. First, Lin Wan came in, skipping and jumping: "Junior Brother Ning! Congratulations, congratulations!"

Then Liang Ling arrived, still as cold and clear as the moon, but her brows and eyes were softened slightly: "Congratulations on your successful Foundation Establishment."

Fang Hao stood up to welcome her: "Thank you for gracing me with your presence, Senior Sister."

When the food and wine were served, the three raised their glasses. Lin Wan was the most lively, chattering non-stop: "Senior Brother Ning, you didn’t see Bao Zhijian’s face when he heard you succeeded in Foundation Establishment, hahaha..."

"Wan’er, watch your words," Liang Ling coughed lightly.

Lin Wan stuck out her tongue, but still couldn’t help laughing.

As they were chatting and laughing, the door to the private room was suddenly pushed open. Bao Zhijian stood at the doorway with a few followers, his face gloomy.

"Yo, so lively?" Bao Zhijian said sarcastically, "Junior Brother Ning...? Successful Foundation Establishment, what a grand display!"

Fang Hao stood up calmly: "Does Senior Brother Bao have business here?"

"Can’t I come to offer my congratulations if I have no business?" Bao Zhijian swept his gaze over the food and wine on the table, "Quite lavish! Looks like you’ve earned quite a bit from Alchemy, haven’t you?"

Lin Wan couldn’t help but say: "Bao Zhijian, you are not welcome here!"

Bao Zhijian sneered: "That’s a strange thing to say, Junior Sister Lin. Is this restaurant owned by your family?"

Liang Ling said indifferently: "Senior Brother Bao, if you have no business, please leave."

Bao Zhijian stared at Fang Hao, a fierce look flashing in his eyes: "Fang Hao, don’t think you’re so great just because you’ve reached Foundation Establishment. The waters of the Inner Sect are very deep!"

After saying this, he snorted coldly and left with his people.

The atmosphere in the private room became somewhat dull for a moment. Lin Wan said angrily: "What a buzzkill!"

Liang Ling looked at Fang Hao: "Be careful. Bao Zhijian has quite a bit of influence in the Inner Sect."

Fang Hao nodded: "Thank you for the reminder, Senior Sister. I will be careful."

After a few rounds of drinks, Liang Ling suddenly asked: "Since you have entered the Inner Sect, you should choose an Immortal Cave. Do you have any place in mind?"

Fang Hao’s heart stirred, and he probed: "Is there any vacancy near your Immortal Cave, Senior Sister?"

Liang Ling was slightly taken aback, a flicker of emotion that was hard to detect flashing in her eyes: "Over by me... it’s already full."

Lin Wan interrupted: "Senior Sister Liang’s area is a popular zone, there hasn’t been any free space for a long time! But I know of a few good ones..."

After the meal, Fang Hao went to the Inner Affairs Hall to select an Immortal Cave. As expected, just as Liang Ling had said, "Ice Mist Peak" where she was located was already full. In the end, he chose an Immortal Cave at the more distant "Green Bamboo Peak".

Although it was a bit far from Liang Ling, this Immortal Cave was indeed quite good: abundant Spiritual Qi, a quiet and secluded environment, and even a small Spirit Medicine garden.

Fang Hao began to carefully arrange his new home. First, he set up three layers of defensive Formations, then opened up an Alchemy room, a cultivation room, a Spirit Medicine garden...

The one he put the most effort into was the cultivation room. He specifically set up a Spirit Gathering Formation and inlaid the remaining Mid-Grade Spirit Stones around it to ensure sufficient Spiritual Qi during cultivation.

After working for three days, the Immortal Cave finally looked the part. Fang Hao stood in the courtyard, looking at his new home, feeling satisfied.

This is a true Immortal Cave for Cultivation! It’s countless times better than that small courtyard in the Outer Sect!

After everything was settled, Fang Hao began to plan his future cultivation.

Foundation Establishment is just the starting point; there is still a long road ahead. First, he had to consolidate his Realm, then practice Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivation Techniques, and also practice Foundation Establishment Stage Spells...

"Right, I still need to go to the Scripture Pavilion to choose a Cultivation Technique." Fang Hao remembered this important matter.

Inner Sect Disciples can choose one main Cultivation Technique for free, along with several Spells. This was crucial for Fang Hao.

Arriving at the Scripture Pavilion, after the Elder guarding the pavilion checked his identity token, he let him in.

The Inner Sect Scripture Pavilion was much more imposing than the Outer Sect’s, with an overwhelming array of Cultivation Techniques. Fang Hao was dazzled and didn’t know how to choose.

Just as he was hesitating, a familiar voice rang out: "I suggest you choose the Myriad Manifestations Heavenly Scripture."

Fang Hao turned around; it was actually Liang Ling: "Senior Sister?"

Liang Ling said indifferently: "The Myriad Manifestations Heavenly Scripture is all-encompassing, most suitable for Cultivators with multiple Spiritual Roots. And... it was created by Junior Martial Uncle Xuan Yun."

Fang Hao’s heart shook. Master Xuan Yun! That Senior who gave him the Legacy!

He immediately found the Myriad Manifestations Heavenly Scripture. Upon reading the introduction, it was indeed incredibly profound, perfectly connecting with the Myriad Manifestations Heaven Swallowing Art; it was a perfect Cultivation Technique for the Foundation Establishment Stage!

"Thank you for your guidance, Senior Sister!" Fang Hao said gratefully.

Liang Ling nodded slightly and turned to leave.

After choosing his main Cultivation Technique, Fang Hao selected a few Foundation Establishment Stage Spells: the advanced version of Sword Control Art, "Dividing Light Sword Shadow", the defensive Spell "Five Elements Spirit Shield", and a movement technique called "Shrinking the Ground to an Inch".

Returning to the Immortal Cave with his gains, Fang Hao began to Cultivate with single-minded devotion.

The cultivation of the Foundation Establishment Stage was indeed different. The Spiritual Power was more refined, his understanding of heaven and earth was deeper, and his cultivation speed was faster.

Bao Zhijian, although he would pick fights from time to time, didn’t dare to go too far. After all, Fang Hao was now an Inner Sect Disciple, not an Outer Sect Disciple who could be easily manipulated.

One day, while Fang Hao was cultivating, he suddenly received a notification from the Sect: All Foundation Establishment Disciples must participate in the "Secret Realm trial" in three months!

"Secret Realm trial?" A light of anticipation flashed in Fang Hao’s eyes. A new challenge had arrived.