Chapter 18: First Sage in a Thousand Years?

As the days pass, Soft Feather and I continue to have our daily adventures, exploring different parts of the world and discovering new things. Every morning, I arrive at Spirit Butterfly Island, using my authority over fooling to avoid detection by the overprotective father. Soft Feather would then sneak out with me via a space gate, and we would set off on our journey.

Meanwhile, back on the island, Venerable Spirit Butterfly's anxiety had reached its peak. He has resorted to extreme measures, putting the island on permanent lockdown and increasing the number of guards patrolling the premises. However, his efforts prove futile as I continue to outsmart him, utilizing my cultivation skills and knowledge to evade detection.

Despite the island being under permanent lockdown and the tight security, we manage to sneak out with ease. Sometimes, we would even play a game of hide-and-seek with the guards, using our cultivation techniques to remain invisible or create distractions. We felt invincible, like nothing could stop us from having our daily adventures.

It is like a game of cat and mouse, with me being the cunning cat and Venerable Spirit Butterfly being the helpless mouse. Over time, I got to know all of his tricks, and he got the knowledge of how I sneak her out, but I was always one step ahead.

Soft Feather and I often share a laugh at the expense of her overprotective father, marveling at the lengths he will go to keep her safe. Despite his anger and frustration, we both know that he only wants what is best for his daughter.

During our adventures, Soft Feather and I have grown even closer. We share stories and jokes, and I teach her more about cultivation and the wider world. Soft Feather's enthusiasm and curiosity are infectious, and spending time with her has become the highlight of my day.

Meanwhile, Spirit Butterfly's shock therapy seems to be working. He is slowly coming to terms with the fact that Soft Feather is growing up and becoming more independent. While he still glares at me whenever I visit the island, he no longer tries to stop us from leaving, after all the previous days made him lose too much face.

As we continue to sneak out and explore the world, Soft Feather's cultivation has been improving rapidly. She has been working hard to perfect her techniques, and I am amazed at how quickly she is progressing. With all the knowledge and skills I have imparted to her, I am confident that she will soon break through to the next level.

One day, as we are discussing her progress, I recall a particular story about Song Shuhang. In the original, he was able to become known as the First Sage in a Thousand Years after breaking through the Inborn stage.

Soft Feather looks at me with a questioning gaze, wondering what I am thinking about. "Zenith, is there something on your mind?" she asks.

I reply with a smile, "Soft Feather, I have been thinking about a story of someone. In the story, that a person was able to become known as the First Sage in a Thousand Years after breaking through the Inborn stage."

Soft Feather looks puzzled, "I don't understand, dear. What does that have to do with me?"

I explain to her, "Well, Soft Feather, with your rapid progress in cultivation, you are on the verge of breaking through to the next level. And I have decided that the first sage in a thousand years will be named Soft Feather." Even if Song Shuhang is my disciple, I just took you in on a whim, I thought.

I sit down with Soft Feather, taking a deep breath before starting to explain. "Soft Feather, I have been thinking about your cultivation progress, and I believe I have a plan to help you become the First Sage in a Thousand Years."

As soon as I mention the possibility of Soft Feather becoming the First Sage in a Thousand Years, her eyes widen with surprise and disbelief. She stares at me for a moment before stuttering out a response.

"The First Sage in a Thousand Years? Me?" she says, her voice filled with shock and disbelief.

I nod, "Yes, Soft Feather. You have been working hard on your cultivation and I believe you have what it takes to achieve this feat."

Soft Feather seems to be at a loss for words as she tries to process this information. Becoming the First Sage in a Thousand Years is something that she never even dared to dream about, and the thought of it leaves her feeling overwhelmed and overjoyed at the same time.

"But how can I achieve this?" she finally manages to ask, her eyes full of determination.

"We need to find many people who are about to ascend and let them interfere with your tribulation," I say.

Her eyes widen in surprise. "What do you mean by interfere, Zenith?"

I take a moment to gather my thoughts before continuing. "When you are about to break through to the next level, you will face a tribulation. This tribulation is designed to test your strength and resolve. By finding many people who are about to ascend and allowing them to interfere with your tribulation, we can make it stronger, enough to reach the 8th Stage."

Soft Feather's eyes widen in disbelief as she realizes the gravity of my words. "Dear, that is nothing but suicide! How can I possibly do that?" Even though she likes to do all sort of extreme things, suicide is an entire different matter.

I nod in agreement. "Yes, it is considered to be one of the most dangerous things a cultivator can do. But with our combined strength and knowledge, I believe we can achieve it. It will be a difficult journey, but I am willing to take the risk for you to become the First Sage in a Thousand Years."

Soft Feather looks at me with admiration and gratitude, realizing the depth of my commitment to her. "Thank you, Zenith. I trust in your plan and I am willing to do whatever it takes to become the First Sage in a Thousand Years."

I smile at her, feeling proud of her determination and eagerness to learn. "Together, we will achieve great things. Now, let's start planning and gathering the people we need to make this happen."

As we discuss the plan to strengthen the tribulation, I realize that finding enough cultivators willing to interfere in the ascension process would be a difficult task. Soft Feather looks concerned as we try to come up with a solution.

Suddenly, a thought occurs to me. "Soft Feather, I may have an idea. There is a certain sect that should have long been eliminated, in my opinion at least."

Soft Feather looks at me quizzically, "What sect do you mean, Zenith, dear?"

I reply with a mischievous grin, "The greatest Demonic Sect in existence, the sole Demonic Giant, the Limitless Demon Sect!"

Soft Feather gasps in shock, "Are you serious? That sect is infamous for their demonic cultivation and evil deeds. They have caused so much chaos and destruction in the cultivation world."

I nod my head confidently. "Yes, Soft Feather. I have done my research, and I believe that they will be the perfect 'allies' for us." I stop for a moment before continuing, "Think about it, Soft Feather. Although, some of the members of this sect have been cultivating for a long time and are extremely powerful. I am sure I can 'convince' to get some of their disciples to interfere in the ascension process. It will greatly strengthen the tribulation, without us needing to protect additional deadweight."

Soft Feather looks at me with a mix of surprise and excitement. "I see what you're getting at, dear"

I lean in closer to Soft Feather and lower my voice, "However, we need to keep this plan a secret from anyone else, especially from your father. If he finds out, he will surely try to stop us."

Soft Feather nods in understanding, "Don't worry, Zenith. I won't tell anyone about our plan."