chapter 6: Divine Invitation and a Sister's Peril

Li Tian sat cross-legged in meditation, his mind immersed in the tranquil energy of the valley. The protective formation the system had erected hummed softly around him, ensuring that no disturbance from the outside world could reach him. The White Lunar Tiger lay beside him, lazily basking in the moonlight.

Then, the familiar chime of the system echoed in his mind.

(System Notification: Your disciple, Li Feng, has officially stepped onto the path of cultivation. Rewards granted: A spiritual pet, cultivation pills, and a new system function!)

Li Tian’s eyes flickered open as a golden light coalesced before him. A jade bottle containing potent cultivation pills materialized, alongside a small, glowing egg. The egg pulsed with faint spiritual energy, indicating that whatever creature lay within was not ordinary. But it was the system’s mention of a ‘new function’ that intrigued him the most.

(System Notification: New function unlocked—Divine Invitation. This ability allows the host to enter the dreams of others, communicating with them while influencing their subconscious.)

Li Tian’s lips curled into a satisfied smile. This ability was more than just useful—it was a game-changer. The restrictions of the valley had long confined him, preventing him from personally overseeing matters outside. Now, with Divine Invitation, he could exert influence beyond his physical limits.

(System Notification: Due to the host’s accumulated progress, a cultivation breakthrough has been triggered!)

A sudden surge of energy coursed through his meridians. Li Tian quickly composed himself and focused inward. The spiritual energy within his dantian condensed rapidly, reinforcing his foundation and pushing him beyond the limits of the Qi Condensation realm. The moment his cultivation solidified, his body radiated a newfound strength.

(System Notification: Congratulations! You have entered the Foundation Establishment realm!)

A profound sense of power filled him, his spiritual perception expanding noticeably. The system had once again proved its worth. He exhaled slowly, adjusting to his new cultivation level. But before he could bask in his achievements, another notification interrupted him.

(System Notification: External crisis detected. Immediate attention advised.)

Li Tian’s brow furrowed. “What crisis?”

The system wasted no time in responding.

(The Li family is facing trouble. Your younger sister, Li Xue, has drawn the ire of the Holy Son of the Heavenly Demon Sect. The situation is escalating.)

A cold glint flickered in Li Tian’s eyes. His family had always been his soft spot. The mere mention of danger to them made his killing intent surge. But frustration followed—he still could not leave the valley.

Then, he recalled his newly acquired ability.

“Divine Invitation…” he murmured, closing his eyes. Without hesitation, he focused his mind on his father, Li Wei.

A faint pulse of energy extended outward, bridging the gap between reality and the dream world. In an instant, he entered his father’s subconscious.

Inside the Dream Realm

Li Wei stood on a quiet mountain path, gazing at the endless night sky. The surroundings were eerily calm, almost too serene. He furrowed his brows, sensing something unusual.

“Father.”

Li Wei turned sharply, his eyes widening as he saw Li Tian standing before him. His son looked stronger, more composed, exuding an ethereal presence.

“Tian’er?” Li Wei whispered in disbelief. “Am I dreaming?”

Li Tian smiled. “Yes. But this is not just an ordinary dream.”

Li Wei stared at him, emotions swirling within. “Are you… real?”

“I am,” Li Tian affirmed. “And I do not have much time. Father, tell me about the situation with Li Xue.”

At the mention of his daughter, Li Wei’s expression darkened. “It’s bad. The Holy Son of the Heavenly Demon Sect took an interest in her. He desires her as a concubine, and his people have been harassing our family ever since she rejected him. Their sect’s influence is too vast… I fear we won’t be able to resist for long.”

Li Tian clenched his fists, his aura fluctuating with barely restrained fury. He had expected minor troubles, but this was outright oppression. Yet, he knew he could not directly intervene.

“Father, I want you to send Li Xue here, to the valley,” he said after a moment. “I will protect her.”

Li Wei hesitated. “To the valley? But…”

“I will provide directions. It will be safe. Arrange for her to leave immediately.”

Li Wei was silent for a long moment before nodding. “If this is the only way to protect her, then so be it. I will arrange for her brother to escort her.”

Li Tian gave him a reassuring look. “Trust me, Father. This is the best course of action.”

Li Wei took a deep breath, nodding firmly. “Very well.”

The dream began to fade. Li Wei’s vision blurred, and soon, he found himself waking up in his chamber.

Reality: The Li Family Household

Li Wei sat up, his breathing uneven. He wiped his forehead, his mind still reeling from the dream. Could it really have been Tian’er? The memory of the conversation remained vivid. If it was truly him, then his words had to be genuine.

But what if it had just been his mind playing tricks?

Then, he recalled his daughter’s predicament. Whether the dream was real or not, he could not ignore the solution it presented. He made up his mind.

With swift movements, he left his room and knocked on his eldest son’s door.

Li Jun opened it moments later, rubbing his eyes. “Father?”

“Prepare yourself. You are escorting Li Xue to a safe location.”

Li Jun’s sleepiness disappeared instantly. “What happened?”

“I will explain on the way. Go wake your sister.”

Heavenly Demon Sect’s Influence

Meanwhile, in a lavishly decorated courtyard within the territory of the Heavenly Demon Sect, a young man sat lounging with an arrogant smirk. His long black robes bore the sigil of the sect, marking him as someone of high status. His name was Mo Ling, the so-called Holy Son.

“My patience is wearing thin,” he muttered, swirling a cup of wine. “If that girl does not submit willingly, then I will take what is mine by force.”

His attendants shuddered, aware of his notorious temper.

A masked elder beside him chuckled. “Young Master, why not give her family a few more ‘gentle’ reminders of your power?”

Mo Ling’s smirk widened. “Indeed. Perhaps a little pressure will make her more… obedient.”

Unbeknownst to him, his actions had already set off a chain of events beyond his comprehension.

And in a secluded valley, a storm was brewing.

Li Tian, now a Foundation Establishment cultivator, was ready to face what was to come.

Chapter end