Is It Reasonable for Me to Start a Sect at 12?

Suddenly, Jiang Youfu felt the sensation within his body, which had been simmering beneath the surface, intensify dramatically.

In the next moment, he saw a radiant, multicolored spiritual aura burst forth from within him.

This aura then condensed into a cluster in front of him, hovering in midair.

The colorful light continued to shift and change.

Eventually, it solidified into the shape of a book, suspended in the air before him.

Once the light completely dissipated, the book, formed from spiritual essence, gently fell into Jiang Youfu's hands.

Looking at the book, which was not made of paper and ink, Jiang Youfu was stunned.

This thing had emerged from his own body.

He glanced at the cover of the book.

The glowing characters on it read: The Original Heart Sutra - Chapter of Immortal Cuisine.

In the next instant, he felt spiritual energy from all around him rush toward him, pouring into his body in a frenzy.

Then, his cultivation level began to soar rapidly.

Qi Refining Stage Seven,

Qi Refining Stage Eight,

Qi Refining Stage Nine,

Qi Refining Perfection,

Foundation Establishment!

It was as if someone were performing a spiritual energy infusion, and in the blink of an eye, his cultivation had skyrocketed from Qi Refining Stage Six all the way to Foundation Establishment!

At the same time, Lin Xiao, who was still by Qin Jianghe's side on the Path of Reflection, suddenly received a system notification:

[Congratulations to the sect disciple Jiang Youfu for independently comprehending and generating a branch cultivation method of The Original Heart Sutra: The Chapter of Immortal Cuisine. Due to this breakthrough, he has successfully established his foundation and has been bestowed with heavenly spiritual energy. Rewards have been sent to your personal storage. Please check and allocate them accordingly.]

Lin Xiao was taken aback by the sudden news.

He couldn't understand how Jiang Youfu had managed to comprehend a new cultivation method just by going home to cook a meal.

And not only that—he had advanced to the Foundation Establishment stage in one go!

However, this didn't stop Lin Xiao from feeling happy for him.

Who would have thought that Jiang Youfu was so talented!

He could even comprehend a new cultivation method on his own.

Lin Xiao could somewhat understand this, though. After all, his own cultivation methods were synthesized using the system's method synthesis function. But Jiang Youfu had managed to comprehend a new method entirely on his own, using only his Qi Refining level.

Even though the name of this new method indicated that it was a branch of The Original Heart Sutra, it still marked the path that Jiang Youfu had independently carved out in his cultivation journey.

In other words, this was his foundation for cultivation.

And isn't that what Foundation Establishment is all about?

He had found his own foundation, so the heavens blessed him with spiritual energy.

Although Lin Xiao hadn't been the one to achieve this, he was genuinely happy and proud of his brother.

No doubt about it, Jiang Youfu was truly remarkable!

Then, Lin Xiao remembered the rewards mentioned by the system, noting that this time, there was an additional instruction to check and allocate them properly.

He opened his personal storage to take a look.

There, he saw three new items.

[Immortal Cuisine Spirit Ladle], [Immortal Cuisine Spirit Knife], and [Immortal Cuisine Cauldron].

It was obvious that these items were meant for Jiang Youfu.

Lin Xiao used the identification function on them:

[Immortal Cuisine Spirit Ladle, top-tier Heaven-grade magical tool, growth-type, can be upgraded as its owner's cultivation and understanding deepen. Usable only by cultivators of The Chapter of Immortal Cuisine from The Original Heart Sutra. Effects can be comprehended and added by the cultivator.]

[Immortal Cuisine Spirit Knife, top-tier Heaven-grade magical tool, growth-type, can be upgraded as its owner's cultivation and understanding deepen. Usable only by cultivators of The Chapter of Immortal Cuisine from The Original Heart Sutra. Effects can be comprehended and added by the cultivator.]

[Immortal Cuisine Cauldron, top-tier Heaven-grade magical tool, growth-type, can be upgraded as its owner's cultivation and understanding deepen. Usable only by cultivators of The Chapter of Immortal Cuisine from The Original Heart Sutra. Effects can be comprehended and added by the cultivator.]

Seeing the results from the identification function, Lin Xiao smiled.

Not only had Jiang Youfu created a new cultivation method, but he had also gained an entire set of tools along with it.

Lin Xiao thought that once Jiang Youfu returned, he would hand these items over to him.

After closing his personal storage, Lin Xiao noticed that Qin Jianghe, who was beside him, seemed to be regaining consciousness.

Sure enough, not long after, Qin Jianghe suddenly opened his eyes.

He looked around in confusion for a moment before realizing where he was.

It turned out that everything earlier had just been a dream.

Letting out a long breath, Qin Jianghe smiled at Lin Xiao and said:

"Brother Xiao, you didn't lie to me."

With that, he took a step forward.

There were no obstacles in his way.

It was clear that he had passed the Path of Reflection's test.

On his journey back, he had been worried that he might not be able to pass the Path of Reflection and return to the sect.

But Brother Xiao had assured him that he would succeed.

Seeing him fully awake, Lin Xiao stood up and used a dust-removal spell on himself before smiling and saying:

"Of course. How could the Path of Reflection I set up reject any of you?"

After cleaning his clothes, Lin Xiao said to Qin Jianghe:

"Come on, let's head back to the sect."

Qin Jianghe smiled contentedly:

"Alright."

The two walked back to the sect, their path covered in peach blossom petals.

On the way, Lin Xiao asked:

"What are your plans now that you've returned?"

Qin Jianghe replied:

"The security agency is currently being managed by my two cousins and Yu Xiao. They've gotten the hang of things now, so it's fine if I'm away for a while."

After pausing for a moment, he continued:

"I returned this time because Baldy mentioned in his letter that you're planning to enter seclusion for a long time. While discussing sect matters with him, I had some ideas, so I came back to talk with you all in person."

Hearing this, Lin Xiao nodded:

"I see. You've had a lot on your plate, Jianghe—managing business outside while also worrying about sect matters."

Qin Jianghe laughed heartily and said:

"It's been a while since we last met, and now Brother Xiao, you're suddenly being so polite. We're brothers—no need for formalities.

Besides, I didn't come back just because of business. Truth be told, I wanted to see how the sect has changed, walk the Path of Reflection, and see if I've changed too.

I've been away for so long—I missed everyone."

When they returned to the sect, Lin Xiao took Qin Jianghe on a tour, showing him all the new structures and introducing the new disciples.

He then handed him a white key to the sect's treasury.

"This is the key to our treasury. You're our financial elder, so keep it with you. I also gave Baldy a key so that in your absence, the sect's needs can be handled by him."

After that, Lin Xiao showed him the small garden at the entrance to the secret realm and recounted his experiences in Yuanling City and the Icefield Secret Realm.

Finally, he showed Qin Jianghe the natural platform where he would be entering seclusion.