Within the participant resting area of the arena, Wu Yuan and Hao Shanjing swiftly recovered their strength with the aid of the spiritual liquid before getting up and departing.
Outside the rest area, a large crowd of disciples, including Kuang Long, Shi Yun, and others, had gathered. Lu Zhu and a large group of Golden Core followers had also rushed over from the world residence, and Qiong Sea King had hurried over. In total, there were hundreds of people in the crowd.
With the Amethyst Cradle hereditary disciple ranking battle about to begin, the majority of spectators had yet to leave the viewing stands. Otherwise, the crowd of people wishing to meet Wu Yuan and Hao Shanjing would have been far larger.
“They’re coming out.”
“Great Senior Brother!”
“Senior Brother Li Xia is too formidable!” The moment Kuang Long, Qing Guang, and the others saw Wu Yuan step out of the meditation chamber, they quickly swarmed over.
“Master.” Qiong Sea King simply elbowed his way through, making his way to the front, “I knew you’d take first place. No matter where you’re placed, even in the Dragon Star Immortal Sect, you’re the strongest Golden Core cultivator.”
“Heir.” Lu Zhu laughed, “Some might have doubted your capabilities before. But after this battle, not only will your fame echo throughout the sect, it will likely even spread to all the large sects on the immortal continent.”
“The Moonsilver Tournament will commence soon. By then, you will most likely be the hot favorite of the Golden Core Moonsilver Battle,” Lu Zhu said.
Wu Yuan gave a wry smile. The hot favorite? Not necessarily.
His battle with Hao Shanjing showcased their abilities, but geniuses like Xing Luo and Chen Jing would grow even stronger by then.
Furthermore, monstrous prodigies from the Moonsilver World as well as peerless geniuses from other sects would make their appearances.
Of course, Wu Yuan was not particularly worried. How many true geniuses would be willing to remain stagnant at the Golden Core phase for hundreds of years? That was tantamount to destroying one’s future.
The Dao was the internal foundation, while mana was the external foundation.
Only when one’s Dao comprehension reached a certain level could they control their abundant mana, allowing them to achieve seamless breakthroughs in mana cultivation.
Similarly, the higher one’s mana cultivation level, the stronger the soul, the clearer one’s understanding of the nature of all things in heaven and earth, and the faster the speed of Dao comprehension.
Cultivators who could comprehend True Intent (Lesser Law) at the Golden Core phase were one in a hundred thousand.
But at the Amethyst Cradle Reverend phase, grasping True Intent (Lesser Law) was a normal progression, no longer extraordinary. Apart from the fact that cultivators at higher phases were the most talented of their peers during their earlier cultivation phases, it also was also closely related to one’s soul and mana.
For Wu Yuan, he was only waiting for the Moonsilver Tournament to end, after which he would prepare to step into the Amethyst Cradle phase.
“Thank you all for your support. I would like to invite everyone to join me at the Dragon Treasure Tower for a celebratory feast,” Wu Yuan declared loudly.
“Haha, let’s feast until we’re sated.”
“Senior Brother’s victory is worthy of celebration,” the crowd responded in agreement, with no one refusing the invitation.
Due to the immense size of the sect and varied schedules of each individual, sect members often communicated in the voidrealm. Physical gatherings were exceedingly rare.
Swiftly, the crowd clustered around Wu Yuan, and they flew toward the distant teleportation array.
…
“I lost,” Hao Shanjing shook his head slightly, watching Wu Yuan and the others depart.
He didn’t feel much reluctance in his heart. It was a fair fight, and he had lost, simple as that.
Since his induction into the sect, he had lost many battles, but always kept his spirits high. Each time, he would strive to surpass his opponent.
Today, his mindset remained the same as well.
Suddenly, Hao Shanjing felt the scene around him change, as if the world was shifting. Everything grew blurry, then a figure in red robes appeared before him.
“Abbot,” Hao Shanjing immediately bowed in respect.
The fact that he comprehended the Longevity Dao was a secret known only to a few. The majority of the sect’s immortals, protectorates, and countless disciples only found out when it was revealed in his latest battle. The top echelons of the sect, however, were already privy to it.
“Hao Shanjing, how many years have you trained with the sect?” Abbot Wu, dressed in red robes, looked down at the burly figure.
Hao Shanjing was substantially larger in size than him. Yet, when the two stood together, it was Abbot Wu who gave off the impression of an insurmountable mountain, towering and majestic.
“Master, I have been part of the sect for over sixty years. Thanks to the sect’s nurturing, I have made some achievements,” Hao Shanjing replied respectfully.
“There’s no need for such formalities,” Abbot Wu responded with a smile.
Only then did Hao Shanjing relax slightly.
“Do you remember what I said to you when you first grasped the Longevity Dao?” Abbot Wu asked with a smile.
“I remember,” Hao Shanjing nodded. “You said you would find me a suitable teacher, but I had to give my all at the Dragon Star Immortal Sect and secure first place.”
“I’m ashamed to have disappointed you, Abbot,” Hao Shanjing replied with a bitter smile.
“Haha, I am very satisfied with your performance. Why would I be disappointed with you?” Abbot Wu laughed. “Your battle with Li Xia could have swung in either direction.”
“Do not feel inferior to Li Xia. Li Xia’s strength is not only attributed to his innate talent but also the guidance of our founding ancestor. You, on the other hand, have been navigating your path alone,” Abbot Wu laughed.
Hao Shanjing nodded, a trace of pride in his eyes.
He had walked his cultivation path alone, stepping through the initiate threshold of the Longevity Dao in just over a hundred years. He knew that he had given his all.
“The sect has prepared the same rewards for both you and Li Xia,” Abbot Wu said with a smile. “Also, I have found a teacher for you.”
Hao Shanjing’s eyes lit up.
“In ten days, I will send you to the Moonsilver World. There, a High Immortal or perhaps even an Archimmortal who has achieved deep insights into the Longevity Dao will take you as their disciple,” Abbot Wu declared.
Hao Shanjing was dazed for a moment, then his expression shifted abruptly.
” Abbot, I swear I have no thoughts of betraying the sect,” Hao Shanjing started to kneel.
However, an invisible force stopped him and held him upright.
“Relax, I am not accusing you of betrayal. Your transfer to the Moonsilver World was already planned out by the sect’s highest echelons.” Abbot Wu said with a smile. “I told you to give it your all in the Dragon Star Tournament so that you would demonstrate your capabilities to the immortals in the Moonsilver World.”
“That’s why they sent you a special recruitment invitation.” Abbot Wu added with a slight smile. “Otherwise, if you followed your original plan to transition quietly to the Amethyst Cradle phase, the Moonsilver World would not take notice of you, let alone extend a special recruitment invitation.”
“But why, Abbot?” Hao Shanjing was increasingly perplexed.
“Everything is for your benefit.” Abbot Wu stated with a sigh. “Within our sect, there are a few immortals who have grasped the Longevity Dao, but their understanding is not profound enough to guide you. Allowing them to mentor you would be a waste of your talents.”
“Only in the Moonsilver World can you obtain sufficient resources and guidance to unveil your potential. There, Archimmortals and High Immortals with great understanding of the Longevity Dao reside.” Abbot Wu asserted. “Your departure is for your own good.”
Abbot Wu seemed genuinely sincere. His voice had a captivating quality, as if it were infused with a charm spell.
“But what about the sect?” Hao Shanjing remained puzzled.
“The original mission of our Dragon Star Immortal Sect is to empower each disciple. If we had suitable instructors available, I would be unwilling to let you leave. Unfortunately, we don’t have any,” Abbot Wu replied with a smile.
“Besides, be it the Moonsilver World or the sect, they all ultimately belong to the immortal hall. At the end of the day, your growth is our utmost priority.”
“I am indebted to the sect, and have no way to repay this kindness. If I achieve success in my cultivation in the future, I will do everything in my power to repay this debt.” Hao Shanjing felt moved.
After decades of nurturing by the sect, he had developed a profound attachment to it. He never anticipated that the sect would willingly transfer him out.
“Haha, there’s no need for repayment.” Abbot Wu laughed. “In the future, when you become an Earth Immortal and graduate from discipleship, you can always rejoin the sect once more. If you gain sufficient strength, you may even become the First Veteran Elder of the sect.”
“As long as you are willing, the sect welcomes you back at any time.” Abbot Wu chuckled, “Do not bear any burdens or baggage in your heart.”
“Disciple understands. Thank you, Abbot Wu. I am grateful for all the sect has done.” Warmth spread through Hao Shanjing’s heart.
Soon, Abbot Wu watched Hao Shanjing leave, and the smile on his face faded significantly.
Whoosh~ An elderly man in purple robes appeared out of thin air.
“Abbot, you actually took the initiative to let Hao Shanjing go?” the elderly man in purple robes asked softly.
“I have carefully observed his nature. He’s exceptionally independent, and well aware of his talents.” Abbot Wu replied softly.
“In the future, he may aspire to become an Earth Immortal or even a High Immortal, but without a mentor, he may not make any truly great achievements.”
“Within the sect, indeed there is no suitable immortal to guide him. Instead of waiting for Hao Shanjing to understand all this, harbor dissatisfaction, and consequently resent the sect, it’s better to let him go willingly.”
“The sect can benefit, and we can maintain a friendly relationship.” Abbot Wu stated calmly, “In the future, perhaps he’ll be willing to return to the sect. If not, it isn’t a huge loss for us.”
“But if he does rejoin us, the Moonsilver World will simply be helping our Dragon Star Immortal Sect cultivate an immortal for free. Why not?” Abbot Wu shook his head.
“Abbot, you indeed possess strategic foresight,” the purple-robed elderly man chuckled.
“Let’s go.”
…
The banquet at the Dragon Treasure Tower lasted over four hours. After it ended, the crowd dispersed, with most preparing to watch the hereditary disciple ranking battle.
Wu Yuan, along with his entourage of followers, returned to his world residence.
Before he could enter the meditation chamber, his eyes narrowed slightly.
Hm? Wu Yuan had received a message from his master: Come to Dragon Star quickly.
He gave an order to Lu Zhu before making his way to the teleportation array.
Soon after, Wu Yuan arrived at his master’s residence on Dragon Star.
The place was still as serene as ever, with clear springs and lush hills. Aside from the giant floating hall, nothing had changed.
High Immortal Nan Yin wore his usual dirt-covered attire. He lounged in a deck chair outside the hall, lazily basking in the sunlight with his eyes half-closed. He appeared utterly content.
“Master.” Wu Yuan flew forward, bowing respectfully.
“Did you win?” High Immortal Nan Yin asked.
“I won.”
“Not bad, that Hao Shanjing kid is quite strong. When I set this goal for you five years ago, I didn’t have much hope that you would win this battle.” High Immortal Nan Yin laughed heartily, “This shows that over the past five years, your strength has improved significantly, and you haven’t been slacking off.”
“It’s all due to Master’s guidance.” Wu Yuan laughed.
“Don’t flatter your master, I never buy into that kind of thing.” High Immortal Nan Yin shook his head, “How do you feel about your battle with Hao Shanjing?”
“He’s very strong.” Recalling the recent battle, Wu Yuan spoke in a low voice, “The Longevity Dao is indeed worthy of being an Intermediate Law. Whether it’s recovery or vitality, it’s frighteningly powerful. If my soul wasn’t stronger than his, I’d probably have lost this battle.”
Indeed, Wu Yuan had relied heavily on his stronger soul to win. In terms of Dao comprehension, Wu Yuan guessed that he was probably at a disadvantage.
“It’s good that you recognize this,” High Immortal Nan Yin said with an ambiguous smile. “Any other thoughts?”
Wu Yuan hesitated before replying, “Master, Hao Shanjing’s saber technique feels somewhat familiar to me, as if I’ve seen it somewhere.”
“But I can’t seem to remember,” Wu Yuan shook his head.
“It’s only natural that you find it familiar,” High Immortal Nan Yin grinned, exposing a row of yellow teeth. “I have been constantly urging you to comprehend the Longevity Dao, how could you not find it familiar?”
