Published: February 24, 2025
“Your disciple will understand soon,” Dantai Xuanzhong replied with a mysterious smile.
As they soared through the Sea of Clouds, Tan Yun felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. He had no idea what awaited him at the end of this journey.
“Master, is this about my cultivation?” Tan Yun asked, trying to gauge the situation.
Dantai Xuanzhong nodded slightly. “Indeed, your potential has been noticed by the Sacred Sect. It is time for you to receive proper training and guidance.”
Tan Yun's heart skipped a beat. He had always aspired to be a part of the Huangfu Sacred Sect, and now that opportunity was finally within reach.
As they flew higher, the scenery below changed from vast seas of clouds to towering peaks that pierced the sky. Tan Yun marveled at the breathtaking view, feeling a surge of inspiration coursing through him.
After a while, the two landed on a majestic peak that seemed to radiate an otherworldly aura. Dantai Xuanzhong turned to Tan Yun, his eyes serious. “This is Coiling Dragon Peak, a sacred place where many powerful cultivators have honed their skills.”
Tan Yun looked around in awe. The air was thick with spiritual energy, and he could feel his spiritual sense sharpening.
“Here, you will learn the formation techniques and alchemical arts that are essential for your growth,” Dantai Xuanzhong continued. “You have the potential to become not just a cultivator, but a leader of the Huangfu Sacred Sect.”
Tan Yun felt a sense of pride and responsibility wash over him. He knew that with great power came great responsibility.
“Thank you, Sovereign. I will do my best to live up to your expectations,” Tan Yun vowed earnestly.
Dantai Xuanzhong smiled approvingly. “Good. Now, let us begin your training.”
With that, the sovereign gestured, and a flurry of spiritual wine and spirit stones appeared around them, setting the stage for Tan Yun's transformation into a formidable cultivator.
Without any visible movements from Dantai Xuanzhong, Tan Yun was held aloft by an invisible force.
Dantai Xuanzhong flipped his right hand, and a white robe appeared, which he tossed to Tan Yun. “First, take off your servant’s robe. After you change into this, this sovereign will explain further.”
“Yes, Sovereign.” After removing his servant’s robe and putting on the well-crafted white robe, Tan Yun received Dantai Xuanzhong’s approval. “Hmm, indeed, a person relies on their attire, and a horse relies on its saddle; you look quite impressive.”
“Thank you for your praise, Sovereign.” Tan Yun replied neither too humbly nor too proudly.
Dantai Xuanzhong smiled and said, “Today, this sovereign brought you to Huangfu Fang City not only to broaden your horizons.”
“Secondly, I want to see if you have management capabilities. Perform well today for this sovereign, and do not make mistakes.”
Tan Yun felt a bit perplexed, like a monk who couldn’t grasp the situation, but he immediately responded, “Disciple obeys. May I ask what Sovereign will test me on?”
Dantai Xuanzhong looked at Tan Yun with appreciation. “Do you still remember the forty-eight-character strategy you mentioned on the way back from the eternal immortal sect? If you remember, recite it for this sovereign again.”
“Disciple remembers, disciple obeys.” Tan Yun, filled with confusion, recited fluently, “Endure burdens, lower oneself, match resources, wealthy sect.”
“Ding jiu mai, unified sacred sect, mutual benefit, gathering spirit stones.”
“Supply sacred formation, increase strength, annihilate eternity, war god palace.”
“Unified heavenly punishment, battle of heroes, establish control over the world, peaceful anarchy.”
Dantai Xuanzhong nodded and said, “As long as you remember.”
“Now, this sovereign has already, according to your proposal, endured burdens, lowered himself, and invited the sect masters of all first to third-rate cultivation sects in the central region of the Heavenly Punishment Mountain Range to Huangfu Shengxing.”