Though Master Baiyun’s advice was undoubtedly sound—specializing in one aspect, advancing to the Mortal Realm first, and then developing the other two later would work just as well—Ling Xiao had a different perspective. He believed that since the Ninefold Martial Vein stage was about building a foundation, focusing on only one aspect would lead to an imbalance, creating a “lame leg” situation. Once he advanced to the Mortal Realm, such an approach would likely reveal significant flaws.
Thus, he resolved to cultivate his soul, internal energy, and body concurrently.
This had always been his approach—*Soul-Burning Art*, *Snow Lotus True Solution*, and *Heavenly Dragon Golden Body*.
Combined with his *Shadow Cultivation Secret Technique*, he was fully capable of progressing all three in tandem.
“Alright, the questioning is over. Go back and prepare, move to Baiyun Temple to live. It’s freer and quieter here, more suitable for cultivation.”
After all twelve had asked their questions, Master Baiyun waved his hand.
“Master, your disciple has an impertinent request, I hope you’ll grant it.”
Ling Xiao hadn’t forgotten his plan.
“Speak!”
“The fragments of the Seven-Star Flower, could you gift them to your disciple?”
Ling Xiao asked.
“Ling Xiao, are you mad? How dare you make such an outrageous request?”
Feiyu challenged.
He genuinely feared Ling Xiao would offend Master Baiyun, resulting in all the new disciples being expelled.
“No matter, but can you tell your master what you intend to do with those fragments?”
Master Baiyun waved a hand, silencing Feiyu, and turned to Ling Xiao.
“Your disciple is merely curious.”
Ling Xiao, of course, wouldn’t reveal the truth.
“Very well, since the shattered Seven-Star Flower can’t be revived, take it if you like.”
Master Baiyun glanced at Ling Xiao. Truthfully, he always found this youth peculiar—transparent yet unsettling, as if something was being overlooked.
Perhaps he was overthinking. Just a boy without a special physique, what could be so remarkable about him?
With a wry smile, Master Baiyun granted Ling Xiao’s request. As he said, the shattered Seven-Star Flower was no different from ordinary glass shards.
Ling Xiao carefully stored all the Seven-Star Flower fragments in his storage ring. He didn’t dare open his Mountain River World here, fearing Master Baiyun might sense it.
Possessing a treasure invites trouble, the Mountain River Martial Soul was too extraordinary, and he feared Master Baiyun might grow covetous, which would spell trouble.
After the ten new disciples left, Master Baiyun turned to Ming Tian and Zuo Leng, who remained in the True Spirit Hall, “You two have been with me for three years, excelling in all aspects. From today, I will teach you my ultimate techniques. Study them well.”
Zuo Leng and Ming Tian exchanged glances, their faces alight with joy.
Over the past three years, though they had received much guidance and learned many things from Master Baiyun, they had never been taught his true ultimate techniques.
This Mortal Realm martial artist was cautious, even with true disciples, testing their loyalty and other qualities over a three-year transition period.
Of the ten new disciples taken today, aside from Ling Yixue, none could compare to these two youths in talent.
As for Ling Yixue, she was special, and Master Baiyun had no intention of teaching her his ultimate techniques, keeping her close for other purposes.
…
Leaving the True Spirit Hall, Feiyu immediately blocked Ling Xiao’s path.
“Ling Xiao, you’re insane. We’ve just become Master Baiyun’s disciples, and you dare make demands of him? Are you trying to get us all kicked out?”
At that moment, Ling Xiao’s mind was focused on the Mountain River World, his soul already within, studying how to restore the Seven-Star Flower.
Based on his analysis, the Seven-Star Flower could indeed be restored using the creation ability, but it required certain materials.
“One high-grade treasure weapon, one hundred Gang Qi Pills, one thousand-year snow lotus, and ten natural crystals!”
This was the list provided by the Mountain River Martial Soul.
He had Gang Qi Pills and a thousand-year golden snow lotus, but he lacked a high-grade treasure weapon and natural crystals.
His Ice Glass Sword and Clear Wind Sword were only ordinary treasure weapons, insufficient.
As for natural crystals, they weren’t expensive—one thousand taels of gold each, ten for ten thousand taels.
He could afford that.
The issue was that natural crystals were rare, especially high-quality ones.
“Ling Xiao, I’m talking to you!”
Seeing Ling Xiao silent for a while, Feiyu was clearly annoyed.
Ling Xiao snapped back to reality, glancing at Feiyu, “If Master Baiyun would expel us over something so trivial, he’s not much of a master. Do you think he’s that kind of person?”
“You! That’s just sophistry!”
Feiyu roared.
“Sophistry? Was my request excessive? Just some Seven-Star Flower fragments. Or do you dare swear you’ll never ask Master for anything?”
Ling Xiao asked calmly.
“I—”
Feiyu, of course, couldn’t swear. His whole purpose in becoming Master Baiyun’s disciple was to gain benefits.
If he made no requests, what was the point?
His targeting of Ling Xiao today was merely an excuse to vent.
“What’s that? If there’s nothing else, step aside, I have things to do.”
Ling Xiao no longer feared Feiyu.
Though Feiyu was a peak Seventh Layer Martial Vein martial artist, Ling Xiao wasn’t confident he could win, but Feiyu couldn’t harm him either.
“Hmph, I don’t know what you’re so arrogant about, a mere four-and-a-half-star potential, not even as good as Die Wu or Zhu Hua, let alone Senior Brothers Zuo Leng and Ming Tian.”
Feiyu snorted coldly.
“Exactly, among you lot, only Ling Yixue is somewhat decent, but her control over her potential is abysmal.”
Feiliu stepped forward, “You should know, when Senior Brothers Zuo Leng and Ming Tian were tested, their potential reached a full seven stars, and their Seven-Star Flowers didn’t shatter. Their potential is no less than Ling Yixue’s, and their control surpasses hers.”
“Hear that? Potential without control is useless, it means nothing.”
Feiyu sneered at Ling Xiao, “Don’t think your rapid cultivation makes you special. With poor potential, you’ll never reach the Mortal Saint Realm, so behave yourself in front of us.”
“Is that so? I’d like to see who reaches the Mortal Saint Realm first.”
Feiyu and Feiliu’s words shocked the other geniuses.
But Ling Xiao was different, though surprised, he wasn’t discouraged, instead, it ignited a fiercer fighting spirit.
“Big talk!”
Feiyu scoffed.
Ling Xiao said no more, stepping forward to leave Baiyun Temple.
As the group exited Baiyun Temple, they found many people waiting outside, including Yin Ran, Hua Nongying from the eliminated Hidden Dragon Camp, and Li Xinghui, Shi Yulian from Tianren Academy.
Additionally, Lin Ze, Wan Ben, the true master of Baiyun Temple, General Jiuyue, and others were present.
Ling Xiao even spotted old enemies, Shi Long and Li Yunsheng.
They were now working for Wan Ben on behalf of the Ren Clan, thriving.
“Ling Xiao, I challenge you!”
Abruptly, Li Xinghui stepped out from the crowd, glaring coldly at Ling Xiao and shouting.
