Are you telling me that we old fogeys have been standing under the sun listening to your rambling for nearly an hour, and it was all the most useless drivel possible? Damn it, can you get any more shameless?

This is truly an act of utter audacity! To dare answer the Phantom Mansion Lord's question so directly to his face!

It seemed Jun Mo Xie was helpless: This old coot asking about that Shu Shu Wang business was purely to toy with this Young Master! If I said it had something to do with me, it would definitely come across as self-aggrandizing, showing no humility whatsoever, even suggesting boastfulness and shameless self-praise... indicating that even if I achieved something later, my limits would be quite narrow.

But if I claimed it had nothing to do with me, it would suggest a complete lack of confidence, meaning I likely wouldn't amount to much in the future either.

A cultivator spends their entire life pursuing the peak; how can one manage without sufficient self-assurance?

Jun Mo Xie could almost predict that the moment he answered according to the script they expected, he would immediately invite an onslaught of attacks! Because this was clearly a trap! No matter how I answer, it’s wrong!

From the malicious flicker in the eyes of that old fellow surnamed Miao, it was entirely clear...

With this Young Master’s wisdom, how could I fall for such a trick?

So, Young Master Jun simply launched into a sweeping discourse—quoting ancient and modern times, citing classics, weaving an intricate, cloud-shrouded narrative. Finally, concluding from these facts: Miracles are, by definition, unexplainable!

If you say they can be explained, then you can provide the explanation right now; this Young Master won't stick around to debate...

Everyone expected Miao Jingyun to fly into a rage this time.

Even Cao Guofeng and Bai Qifeng clenched their fists, sweating slightly. This kid was far too reckless. “Although this question is clearly designed to make things difficult for you, and it is indeed hard to answer head-on, your way of playing with him like this is truly too presumptuous. If Old Miao were to issue a single command, your glorious future might be cut short right here.” Unexpectedly, after hearing Jun Mo Xie’s final few sentences, Miao Jingyun’s face darkened for a long moment before suddenly breaking into a smile, saying, “Good lad... You certainly have a sharp tongue! Truly worthy of praise!”

He burst into a loud laugh, and the matter was strangely allowed to pass...

This outcome truly astonished the patriarchs of the great families.

Afterward, the group settled into casual conversation.

After politely responding to the remarks of several seniors, Jun Mo Xie, being quite astute, excused himself and returned to his room, avoiding further participation in the gathering of these old fellows.

However, Young Master Jun noticed that even after retreating to his room, eight or nine divine senses were still tightly locked onto him, following him closely. It seemed they were observing his every word and deed, even every subtle shift in expression, the contraction and relaxation of every muscle fiber across his body—nothing was too minute for their scrutiny...

Because only the most subtle details could reveal one's true reaction beneath any facade. Jun Mo Xie had no interest in accommodating them, merely sneering inwardly: The methods you employ are things I’ve long since tired of playing with. Since you are so concerned about me, I might as well give you another surprise...

With his mind made up, he sat down cross-legged, placing his palms upward toward the sky, closing his eyes, maintaining a focused posture of meditation with his gaze fixed between his nose and heart.

The several family heads exchanged startled glances, noting the astonishment and approval in each other's eyes: After just being questioned by such a towering figure as the Phantom Mansion Lord, which young prodigy could maintain their composure and immediately dive back into cultivation?

This was fundamentally impossible.

But the possessor of the Ethereal Body seemed utterly unconcerned, returning to his room and immediately entering a deep meditative state. “This level of steadfastness alone surpasses many of the so-called excellent youths currently in the Phantom Mansion.” “Truly worthy of being the possessor of the Ethereal Body; just judging by his bearing—unmoved by favor or disgrace—he already exhibits the demeanor of a true master.” Cao Guofeng and the others felt immense pride, feeling greatly honored.

Naturally, the master is happiest when the disciple excels...

Miao Jingyun curved his lips into an expression of subtle amusement, his face thoughtful, glancing at Jun Mo Xie several times... No one knew what thoughts were churning within his mind...

The group remained seated around the bamboo grove, chatting idly; no one showed any inclination to leave. It was obvious these men planned to stay for lunch.

A miracle had just occurred here; it warranted a celebration.

Cao Guofeng had anticipated this and waved his hand, ordering the kitchen staff to prepare quickly.

Just then, a flash of silver light suddenly pierced the air, and within that silver light, another ray of dazzling golden light majestically shot forth!

The direction of the golden light was precisely toward the room where Young Master Jun was currently situated!

Cao Guofeng and Bai Qifeng’s faces instantly changed drastically, and they swept past in a rush.

The assembled dignitaries were also startled and followed quickly to investigate.

Upon reaching the vicinity and examining the phenomenon closely, every person’s heart jolted, and disbelief etched itself onto their faces...

On the body of the Ethereal Body possessor, one half shimmered with brilliant silver light, while the silver light on the other half was gradually transforming into gold—a phenomenon that appears only when breaking through from the Silver Profound Realm to the Gold Profound Realm.

Cao Guofeng began anxiously rubbing his hands: “How could he break through at this precise moment... How could he break through now... This, this, this... No sense of timing!” Seeing Saint Emperor Cao's expression filled with frantic irritation, and the faces of the other six Saint Emperors showed only shock and worry...

The shock among the family heads was even deeper!

It turned out that even Saint Emperor Cao was unaware of this breakthrough by the Ethereal Body possessor beforehand! Meaning this was a spontaneous, natural breakthrough!

In an instant, everyone’s expression shifted!

One must remember that when Mo Jun Ye first arrived, his strength was low, only at the Mid-Stage Silver Profound; he still had two levels to traverse before Gold Profound: High-Stage Silver Profound and Peak Silver Profound. Even reaching Peak Silver Profound required comprehension and considerable fortune to break into Gold Profound...

But no one could have imagined that in the span of these short five or six days, this boy had actually managed to break through directly to the Gold Profound level! This rate of advancement was truly shocking!

Although he had consumed the Seven-Colored Sacred Fruit previously, the medicinal power of the fruit, unless activated by the Exquisite Lotus, would only remain in the meridians nourishing the body, having no immediate effect on increasing actual power...

Furthermore, when he first arrived, he was in a near-death state from severe injuries. Even if the Seven-Colored Sacred Fruit pulled his life back from the brink, he would still require significant recuperation. Who would have thought he would achieve a realm breakthrough in just five or six days?

Near death and struggling five or six days ago, achieving a qualitative leap five or six days later?

This astonishing reality utterly exceeded the comprehension of everyone present.

Everyone was left gaping in awkward silence. “To say that everyone present had reached the Saint Emperor level, with many being family heads, meant that anyone who reached this stage was a genius among geniuses! But even the greatest genius... had never even heard of such miraculous cultivation speed!” “A true anomaly!” “You few—did you feed him anything these past few days!”

Miao Jingyun looked intently at Jun Mo Xie, then turned to ask Cao Guofeng.

“No! Absolutely nothing nourishing was consumed! We considered that after recovering from serious injury, consuming tonics immediately might cause adverse effects; everyone understands that basic principle...”

Cao Guofeng rubbed his hands, still looking anxious.

He was currently in the middle of the breakthrough; everything depended on him alone now!

It was no wonder Saint Emperor Cao was so anxious. If they could have lent a hand before or after, it would have been possible, but at this exact moment, it was absolutely forbidden!

“Oh... Nothing consumed...” Miao Jingyun let out a deep breath. “Under everyone’s gaze, the silver light on Jun Mo Xie’s body completely transformed into dazzling golden light, then flashed brightly once and vanished entirely, receding into his body, leaving no trace of light...”

This was the manifestation of a complete and successful breakthrough—eyes popped out all over the place!

No master’s guidance, no prior substantial accumulation, no special preparation, and seemingly no consumption of any spirit medicine or heavenly treasure to assist the breakthrough—this youth... actually broke through under such bizarre circumstances, and entirely outside of everyone's expectations—broke through inexplicably!

And it was the most complete and maximal breakthrough!

All the family heads turned and stared fixedly at Cao Guofeng, Bai Qifeng, and the other Seven Saint Emperors, their gazes openly expressing envy and jealousy! Why was it that this kind of prime material fell into the hands of Cao Guofeng and the others? It was like the finest cabbage being rooted up by a pig—a complete waste of good material. If only we had encountered him... how wonderful that would have been?

Only Old Master Miao Jingyun’s reaction was slightly different; beneath the sharp gaze of envy and jealousy, there was a hint of hidden joy. However, being worldly-wise, he immediately turned away and said to Cao Guofeng, “Old Cao, look at the time. We’ve made the effort to come all this way; you wouldn't let your old brothers leave hungry, would you? How is that lunch you ordered coming along? This old man is genuinely a bit hungry now. Are you going to be bankrupted by one meal? Hurry up and serve the food!”

The way he spoke suggested that, given Old Master Miao’s cultivation, not eating for a meal—or even ten days—would cause him no hunger. It was clear he wasn't truly hungry, but merely using the topic of food to divert everyone’s attention.

Cao Guofeng clearly felt that the Mansion Lord’s attitude toward him seemed much more casual; this casualness signified approval, recognition, and... intimacy!

Saint Emperor Cao was self-aware; although his own strength was quite considerable, reaching the Third Level of Saint Emperor, this level of strength wasn't enough to warrant the Mansion Lord treating him with such special consideration. The only explanation for all of this lay with the treasure-disciple who had successfully broken through inside!

Cao Guofeng suddenly felt a surge of excitement!

It wasn't entirely because of Miao Jingyun’s sudden warmth; more importantly, it was for his own disciple!

He truly is putting on a good show!