Mo Tian Sheng was feeling stifled inside; the fine meat meant to be kept in the pot was snatched away by the Sect Leader!
It’s true, arriving early is not as good as arriving at the right time!
"Like? How is he like?"
This sword sect’s true disciple secretly grumbled to himself.
The Sect Leader’s words were too much!
Especially the phrase "very much like me" was simply dismissive!
It was widely known that Sect Leader Yan Xin was a late bloomer.
In his youth, he was not particularly outstanding in talent.
Whether it was in cultivation speed or sect advancement, everything was methodical.
Emphasizing "steady" rather than "fast."
Bai Qi, who had not yet reached adulthood, already displayed his exceptional talent by performing the Sword Slash Divine Technique.
Compared to the Sect Leader’s accumulation and growth, his profound Dao nature was strikingly different.
As he sat alone in the central hall, Mo Tian Sheng scratched his ear, contemplating another attempt.
After having managed to outlast Junior Brother Jiang and Junior Brother Chunyu, how could he easily relinquish the position:
"The Sect Leader has been in closed-door cultivation for a long time and may not have enough energy to guide. Would it not be better for Tian Sheng to take charge of nurturing and disciplining, what do you think?"
That subtle, cloud-like voice seemed to contain a hint of amusement:
"No harm done, I have sat in meditation for ten years, like a decayed wood or stubborn stone, unmoved by thunder, it is time to come out and walk around."
Joy flashed in Mo Tian Sheng’s eyes, but he forcefully suppressed his surging emotions:
"Sect Leader has finally achieved great success and wishes to break through the Life and Death Barrier?"
Back then, Yan Xin killed his disciple Kou Qiuyue at the Nu Yun Riverfront, and returned to the mountain gate only three days later, announcing his secluded cultivation and handing over authority to the peaks’ leaders.
If not for Mo Tian Sheng taking that step to break through the Divine Power Secret Realm and suppressing the restless elders’ factions.
The Sword Sect’s millennial foundation might have been thrown into turmoil!
Afterward, Mo Tian Sheng sought an audience with the Sect Leader, and they had a confidential conversation.
Yan Xin explained the cause, stating his body had suffered damage and required recuperation.
He also intended to delve deeper into his understanding of the Sword Dao to further ascend.
The essence of the Divine Power Secret Realm lies in "change."
Change means transformation.
The aim is to shed the mortal shackles, mastering true skill, cultivating supreme arts, and extracting various True Essence Divine Marrow, refining it thoroughly within the physical shell.
Thus, reaching the heights of legendary Immortals, Buddhas, Gods, and Demons!
This grand realm does not have neatly distinct divisions.
Only vague boundaries like "Seven Changes," "Twelve Changes," "Nineteen Changes," etc.
Yan Xin, a long time ago, possessed the mid-realm cultivation of "Divine Power Twelve Changes."
If he could further advance, reaching the Upper Realm, the Meridian Sword Sect could return to the ranks of the top Upper Sect.
"There is still some distance to the Nineteen Changes."
The voice was calm as water; the world’s most supreme had only comprehended up to Twenty-One Changes.
"However, continuing to sit idly, there is little room for advancement, so I might as well focus on nurturing the younger generation.
I’ve been an unworthy Sect Leader, ashamed before the ancestors throughout history."
Mo Tian Sheng was silent, for he knew well the Sect Leader was referring to the incident where Senior Brother Kou betrayed the sect and fell into the Turbid Tide.
In the past, the disciple duo’s dual Divine Techniques in Meridian Sword Sect was once considered a marvel, envied by all.
Who could have predicted the ensuing catastrophe?
"Sect Leader, Senior Brother Kou, he..."
Mo Tian Sheng’s expression darkened, wishing to pursue the inquiry.
"Do not bring up bygone matters.
You have captured Zhao Pijiang’s trusted general; he will not let it slide.
I’ve drawn a Sword Qi River a hundred miles outside Yihai Prefecture.
Erzhu Long and Zhao Pijiang likely won’t take action.
They are adept at military tactics, preferring to wait for the right moment, favorable terrain, and then decisively secure victory.
Without being ninety percent certain of defeating me, they won’t engage."
That voice gradually took shape, forming a hazy human figure like a wisp of blue smoke.
"Sword Qi River?"
Mo Tian Sheng’s eyes sparkled; he gazed towards the direction of the Nu Yun River, vaguely glimpsing the scenery, admiration rising in his heart.
This is genuinely One Sword Births Ten Thousand Laws!
The mystical ultimate realm that all sword cultivators dream of!
"Since the Sect Leader is preparing to come out of seclusion, how should Bai Qilang be arranged? Should he be directly guided back to the Sword Sect Mountain Gate, to pay respects in the Ancestor Hall, or remain outside for now?"
Mo Tian Sheng asked solemnly.
"In my view, this child is different from ordinary people; his fate belongs to the correct seal, characterized by the vigor of gold and fire, complemented by water, eternally thriving, subtly as if existing, in mutual enhancement.
From a fisherman’s son to where he stands now, it shows he has some luck; let him continue to stay in Yihai Prefecture, granting him the status and treatment of a true disciple.
Once the time is right, then return to the mountain gate."
That voice crossing the void was an extension of Yan Xin’s will; his true self remained in the back mountain of Meridian Sword Sect.
"Replying to the Sect Leader, I am of the same thought. Bai Qilang is unlike those aristocratic families; he grew up in the countryside and may not easily adapt to the Upper Sect life.
Moreover, I am idle, so I can take care of him as needed, to prevent him from going astray."
Mo Tian Sheng stroked his long beard, agreeing and complying.
As the saying goes, proximity to the water, the first to enjoy the moon.
If sent back to the mountain, I surely couldn’t compete against the Sect Leader.
But if left in Yihai Prefecture, I could slowly cultivate a master-disciple relationship.
"Do as you suggest, but the rules must not be abandoned; he still has to visit Sword Discussion Sea Shenxiu Peak.
Otherwise, other disciples may not be convinced. With Bai Qilang’s roots, he is material worthy of cultivating as a Daoist, a leader of the Upper Sect, how could he not command respect?"
Like blue smoke, the vague figure seemed not to see through Mo Tian Sheng’s little schemes, hands behind his back, quietly awaiting Bai Qi to brew the tea.
"Uncle, good tea is ready!"
The Sect Leader appeared like a phantom bubble; Bai Qi quickly walked into the central hall, passing through, breaking it apart.
Before that wisp of divine intent dissipated, it transformed into a clear gaze as if staring intently, gently falling on the young man’s shoulder.