"Hey, system, why are you called the Immortal's Codex System?" Xuan Yuan asked, still eyeing the faint golden runes lingering in his mind.
The reply was calm, almost aloof:
"Because I was once meant to be a Codex—a book with a world of its own. Due to certain… changes, I now exist as a system. Increase your strength if you wish to know more."
Xuan Yuan frowned thoughtfully. A Codex with its own world? So there's more to this than just a cheat system. Fine, I'll call you Codex from now on.
The Codex pulsed.
Ding! Host is recommended to explore system features.
"Alright, let's see the overview panel."
A golden screen unfolded within his consciousness.
Name: Xuan Yuan
Age: 15/300 (soul inheritance detected)
Identity: Second son of Xuan Han, 3rd Elder of the Xuan Clan
Talent: Supreme Immortal Veins
Aptitude: Godly
Cultivation Realm: True Core – Initial Stage
Cultivation Technique: Heavenly Xuan Water Flow (Heaven Rank, Middle Grade)
Inventory: Saint-grade Heaven-Traversing Flying Boat, Saint-grade Spirit Gathering Array, Earth-grade Defensive Robe, Yellow-grade Space Ring, Yellow-grade Spirit Bow
System Features:
Sign-In: One reward per day
Mission Corner: Tasks and hidden objectives (Locked)
System Shop: Exchange points for treasures (Locked)
Unknown Features: To be unlocked with host's growth
Xuan Yuan's eyes sparkled. "Sign-In, missions, a shop, and mysteries still sealed? Not bad. As long as there's no gambling gacha, I can live with this."
He leaned back, thoughtful. Now then, my cheap siblings…
His elder brother, Xuan Jian, is ten years older, already in his senior year at the Imperial Azure Flame Academy. A prodigy admired by peers, the kind of older brother who made everyone in the clan beam with pride. His eldest sister, Xuan Yue, is even fiercer and warlike, currently at sea with their father, guarding and fighting at the borders against threats. Cold to outsiders, yet she doted heavily on her younger brothers, and especially cared for him who was not talented enough to cultivate. And finally, the youngest and the cutest little brother, Xuan Hao—barely a few months old, babbling nonsense all day—is staying at Liang clan with their mother.
This left Xuan Yuan here alone. Well, not entirely alone.
The courtyard door creaked open.
"Little Yuan, it's time for lunch. I made your favorites."
A mature woman entered. This was Madam Lan, his mother's most trusted retainer and friend. She was with her mother since her childhood and came to Xuan clan together. She has been watching over all the siblings since their birth.
Xuan Yuan groaned. "Aunt Lan, how many times have I told you to knock first? What if I wasn't wearing clothes?"
She chuckled, amused. "Oh, it's not like there's anything I haven't already seen."
His face flushed crimson. Clearly, his predecessor had been caught one too many times.
She ushered him to the dining hall. The table was set with fragrant rice, glazed meats, and steaming soup. As he ate, she sat opposite him, studying him intently.
Her gaze was sharp enough to make him put down his chopsticks. "What's wrong, Aunt Lan? Why are you staring at me like that?"
"You seem… different," she said slowly. "I can't explain how. Just… changed."
Xuan Yuan forced a laugh. "Maybe the nap helped."
Inside, he sighed in relief. Looks like the Codex is concealing my realm. Good. Otherwise she'd notice I leapt straight to True Core.
Because he knew exactly what she was capable of. Aunt Lan was no simple retainer. He still remembered when he was eight: a mid-stage Nascent Soul elder mocked him as trash in front of others. Aunt Lan had raised a single hand and swatted the man through three walls, leaving him coughing blood. Since then, no one dared question her strength—but her true cultivation remained a mystery.
She watched him finish his meal, then finally spoke again, voice gentle. "Eat well, Little Yuan. You'll need your strength as we'll be leaving soon."
Yuan arched a brow. "Exile already? That fast? And you're coming with me?"
She chuckled lightly. "Yes, ofcourse I will come. If not, who else will keep you alive in the journey ? Afterall, your parents do not just have fewer enemies. As for exile, that is what the clan believes. Officially, you're being sent away to avoid the pressure of cultivation politics. But the truth is deeper."
Her tone lowered, steady and firm. "Your father had a fortunous encounter before leaving for the borders where he got to know secret information along with a map and instructions. The Southern Secret Realm… you've heard of it?"
Yuan frowned. "Who hasn't? A low grade secret realm and opens every decade. Families and sects in Desolate South send their disciples in to temper themselves and fight for treasures. What of it?"
She nodded. "What most do not know is that the realm has layers. The usual trials are well-known: herbs, spirit beasts, ancient weapons. But hidden within is something else — a path capable of reshaping one's very talent. A rebirth few would even dream possible."
Her gaze sharpened. "Your father learned of this by chance. After discussion, your parents decided to take the chance,and have entrusted me with the knowledge — and with you. That is why we are going south. To seize this chance."
Yuan's fingers tightened around his chopsticks. So that's the plan, Father? You're gambling everything on a secret no one else knows. Pretend to exile me, send me off quietly, and let the world think I'm gone. Meanwhile, slip me into a realm that could change everything.
Of course, Yuan smiled inwardly. Joke's on you, Father. My talent's already been reborn. But don't worry… I'll make good use of it, it will also give good reason for my increased talent and strength.
He set down his bowl. "Alright. If my parents have arranged this, I'll trust them. When do we leave?"
"In two days," Madam Lan said calmly. "So eat well and rest. We have a long road ahead."
Her eyes lingered on him, as if measuring the boy she had watched grow up against the destiny that may be waiting for him. She sighed internally, hope this works.
Yuan leaned back, lips curling faintly. Secret realm, huh? Fine. Let's see what it offers. With Codex in my hands, even destiny will have to wait in line.