The Sect Master’s disbelief-filled voice broke the silence. “These resources are beyond anything we could have imagined. With these, the Silver Fox Sect will rise to a level unmatched below the Divine Grade in the Aurora Zone.”
Shen Yuan’s expression remained calm. “Do not squander this opportunity. These resources are a foundation, but your own Will and Dao Heart will determine your success.”
The Grand Elder stepped forward, her expression solemn. “Young Master, while we are grateful for your guidance, there remains the matter of leadership during our absence. We cannot leave the sect unattended without a capable individual in charge. Do you have someone in mind, or shall we propose a candidate?”
Shen Yuan’s gaze turned to her. “Who among your ranks is qualified but did not enter the pagoda?”
The Ancestor exchanged glances with the Sect Master before replying, “Elder Lu Mei. She is one of our most loyal and disciplined members, though her cultivation falls slightly behind the others. However, her administrative skills and dedication to the sect are unmatched.”
Shen Yuan nodded thoughtfully. “Bring her to me. I will determine if she is suitable.”
One of the elders quickly left through the portal, which formed beside her to fetch Elder Lu Mei. Moments later, a woman in her late thirties entered the pagoda through the portal with the elder beside her.
Her demeanor was calm yet respectful, and her eyes radiated intelligence and resolve.
Shen Yuan studied her for a moment before speaking. “Elder Lu Mei, your sect leaders have recommended you to oversee the Silver Fox Sect during their absence. Are you prepared to bear this responsibility?”
Lu Mei bowed deeply. “Young Master Shen Yuan, it would be an honor to serve in this capacity. I will ensure the sect remains stable and disciplined in your absence.”
Shen Yuan’s gaze sharpened as he asked, “Then tell me, why had you not joined the 100 members who entered my pagoda at the start?”
She took a deep breath before sincerely speaking, “Young Master Shen Yuan, my cultivation is not as advanced as the others. I believed my presence would only hinder their progress within the pagoda’s trials,”
Lu Mei admitted, bowing slightly as if to emphasize her humility. “I chose instead to stay behind and oversee matters outside, ensuring the sect remained stable during their absence.”
Shen Yuan tilted his head slightly, his expression thoughtful. “A reasonable decision, though I suspect there’s more to it than just concern for stability. Regardless, before I place the sect under your command, I require one final assurance.”
He stepped closer, his tone taking on a weight that pressed down on everyone present. “Swear fealty to me on your Dao Heart. Only then will I entrust this responsibility to you.”
Lu Mei’s eyes widened briefly, but she quickly lowered her head in acknowledgment.
She straightened herself, her eyes flickered with hesitation before her expression turned resolute. “I, Lu Mei, swear on my Dao Heart to remain loyal to Young Master Shen Yuan. My actions, will, and soul will be aligned with his vision and command. If I betray this oath, may my Dao Heart shatter and my path to cultivation end.”
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The air grew heavy as her words carried the weight of an unbreakable vow. A faint ripple of energy radiated outward, signifying the Dao Heart’s acknowledgment of her oath. Shen Yuan nodded in satisfaction.
“Good,” he said, his voice turning soft. “Your sincerity is noted. From this moment forward, you are tasked with overseeing the Silver Fox Sect in the absence of its leaders. Ensure discipline, stability, and growth. If any internal strife arises, deal with it swiftly.”
Lu Mei bowed deeply. “I will not fail you, Young Master.”
Shen Yuan’s gaze swept over the assembled leaders once more. “The foundation is set. Now, it’s up to each of you to prove your worth. Remember, the survival and prosperity of the Silver Fox Sect depend on your actions. Do not disappoint me.”
The leaders bowed deeply in unison. “We understand, Young Master Shen Yuan!”
Shen Yuan’s gaze lingered on Lu Mei, his expression softening slightly as he addressed her. “Elder Lu Mei, your responsibilities are clear. Return to the sect and oversee its operations. Ensure that the disciples remain disciplined. Any issues that arise must be dealt with swiftly.”
Lu Mei bowed deeply. “Yes, Young Master. I will not fail you.”
With a flick of his wrist, Shen Yuan activated a portal leading out of the pagoda. Lu Mei stepped through without hesitation, her figure disappearing as the portal closed behind her.
Shen Yuan turned his attention back to the remaining leaders. “The rest of you,” he said, his tone sharp and commanding, “will focus solely on training. You have been given everything needed to elevate yourselves and your squads. I expect no less than absolute dedication. The trials within the pagoda will push you to your limits and beyond. Embrace them.”
The Ancestor, Sect Master, Grand Elder, elders, and disciples bowed in unison. “We understand, Young Master. We will not let you down.”
Shen Yuan nodded, his demeanor calm but firm. “Good. Remember, the path ahead will be arduous, but the rewards will be unmatched. Prove to me that the Silver Fox Sect is worthy of the resources I’ve bestowed.”
He waved his hand, and the spatial rings containing the elite training materials floated toward the remaining leaders. They accepted them with a mix of awe and determination, their eyes reflecting the weight of his expectations.
“Train hard,” Shen Yuan said, his voice softening slightly but still carrying an edge of authority. “When I return, I want to see progress—not excuses.”
The leaders bowed deeply again, their voices unified. “Understood, Young Master!”
‘Use time dilation feature as you see fit.’
He left one last command for the spirit before he turned around and exited the pagoda.
After exiting, he stood in the hall looking at the majestic form of the pagoda. With a single thought, he shrank the Ancestral Pagoda back into its miniature form and stored it within his dantian.
The mystical energy of the pagoda dissipated from the hall, leaving a profound silence in its wake.
Shen Yuan soon looked outside before slowly walking toward the exit. Once outside, Xueyan jumped down from his shoulder and took on her larger form, her crimson feathers shimmering under the sunlight.
She let out a low, melodious growl as Shen Yuan approached.
With a single graceful motion, Shen Yuan leapt onto Xueyan’s back. He cast a final glance at the acting leader of the Silver Fox Sect, his gaze lingering for a moment. “I have other matters to attend to. Do not waste this opportunity.”
Without waiting for a response, Shen Yuan signaled Xueyan, and with a powerful beat of her wings, they ascended into the sky.
The wind whipped around them as they soared into the horizon, Shen Yuan’s figure radiating an unshakable presence even as he disappeared from view.
…
…
As Shen Yuan soared through the sky on Xueyan’s back, the vast expanse of the Aurora Plains stretched beneath him. The wind carried with it the crisp scent of the nearby forest, where the ancient trees stood towering above the skies.
Xueyan glided gracefully, her powerful wings creating rhythmic beats that echoed in the open air.