Fortunately, these five years were not wasted. Without the system, he improved his cultivation level a lot through his own efforts.
Moreover, Taiqing truly lives up to his reputation as a sage; after studying Xiao Ning's system, he has actually been able to mass-produce the system.
This is indeed good news.
No, there's more bad news.
"May I ask, Your Majesty, what is the bad news?"
Thinking of this, Xiao Ning asked.
Upon hearing this, the Supreme Dao Ancestor paused in stroking his beard, a hint of embarrassment flashing across his face. He said, "Well, you should know that research is bound to encounter some unexpected problems. After disassembling and studying the core, we found that your sign-in system has some minor malfunctions and is now on the verge of collapse!"
To be honest, when he received this news from the original source, he was completely dumbfounded. He had borrowed the other person's system to conduct research, and already owed them a huge favor. Now, he had messed it up, and his debt of gratitude had grown even greater.
"???"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Ning froze instantly.
What the hell?
The system... has been ruined...
"Sage, what should I do?"
Xiao Ning was both amused and exasperated.
The original form of the sign-in system was a post-natal chaotic treasure forged by gathering the power of everyone before the destruction of a great world.
However, as it sailed through the chaos, it was gradually eroded by the chaos, leaving only a last glimmer of light, which evolved into the sign-in system.
For Xiao Ning, this was his golden touch, his only support in rising from humble beginnings.
Now, that powerful backer is gone?
Without a system, not to mention anything else, even going back to our home planet Earth would be difficult.
True immortals don't have the ability to travel across worlds, and besides, they don't have world coordinates, so they might get lost in the chaos.
"Don't worry, I won't take advantage of you or let you suffer any losses. After I finish studying the so-called system and am done with this matter, I will definitely compensate you!"
The Supreme Dao Ancestor thought for a moment and said, "What do you say about accepting me as your personal disciple?"
"!?!?"
Xiao Ning's eyes lit up, and he immediately knelt down and bowed, saying, "Disciple Xiao Ning greets Master!"
To take a sage as one's teacher, that's wonderful!
Even if we lose the system, it's not a loss.
As for his hometown, Blue Star, fortunately, he had left a clone behind, so his accidental disappearance wouldn't cause trouble for his family.
Besides, when I reach a higher level in the future, can't I go back again?
To be a disciple of the Supreme Sage—this is something countless people dream of!
It is said that the Sage Taiqing advocated non-action, and his only direct disciple was the Grand Master Xuandu, while his only nominal disciples were the Eight Immortals of Shangdong and the Nine Long-Eyebrowed Immortals of Shushan.
If one could become his personal disciple, that would truly be an incredible stroke of luck.
Worldly glory and success, or rising to prominence like a phoenix on a branch, are all child's play.
Xiao Ning naturally wouldn't refuse.
After all, the system has been ruined; that's a done deal.
If the Supreme Saint doesn't give an explanation, what can Xiao Ning do?
Where can I go to seek justice?
Fortunately, the sage was not an unreasonable person, and offered to take him as a disciple as compensation, so Xiao Ning naturally did not refuse his kindness.
"Get up first. This old Taoist is merely an avatar, conveying His message on his behalf. He has no authority to accept disciples on behalf of others!"
The Supreme Dao Ancestor flicked his sleeve and helped Xiao Ning up, saying...
"Thank you, Daozu!"
Xiao Ning bowed again.
The majesty of a sage is beyond the comprehension of anyone who hasn't reached the same level. Who knows if he even glanced at us? It's never wrong to be overly polite.
"Well, there's no need to say more. Just wait for his summons!"
The Supreme Dao Ancestor nodded, turned his head, and looked down at the lower realm.
"Young man Xiao, your Great Xin Empire has already unified the Southern Continent and been promoted to a divine dynasty. It is now sending troops to the Western Continent to attack Mount Ling!"
After the Supreme Dao Ancestor finished speaking, he made no move. Instead, a beam of light burst forth, transforming into a giant screen that floated before the two of them.
The images displayed on the screen were clearly those of Xiniu Hezhou, Xitian Lingshan, and Daleiyin Temple.
...
Countless warships, like dark clouds in the sky, hovered above the Great Thunderclap Temple. Above the warships, a large character for "new" fluttered along with the battle flag.
Warships are Da Xin's most prized secret weapon.