“Master, why even mention that beast? Just now, Heisuo was injured by Ling Xiao’s ‘Void Strike,’ and with the appearance of the Soul Clan expert, those two fled in disgrace.”
Shi Lei had also woken up by now. This guy was straightforward but absolutely an upright and loyal young man.
In his eyes, Ming Tian’s actions were worse than a beast’s.
A flicker of surprise passed through Master Baiyun’s eyes before they returned to their usual gloom.
“Ling Xiao, I have little to say as your master. In short, I was blind, focusing only on talent and forgetting the fundamental virtue of a martial artist. I’ve let you down. If you’re willing, one of those three spots is definitely yours!”
At this moment, though Master Baiyun was still alive, his heart was utterly dead, so he had no need to be polite with Ling Xiao.
He spoke purely from the heart.
“Alas, having offended Heisuo, I can only accept you as my biased master.”
Ling Xiao sighed.
His words lightened the heavy atmosphere slightly, and Master Baiyun’s mood seemed to improve a bit, though the despair was hard to shake off quickly.
“Master, I think the three spots should be competed for by everyone. Otherwise, some people will definitely be unconvinced.”
Feiyu suddenly spoke up.
“Unconvinced? Ling Xiao killed Zuo Leng—can any of you do that? If it weren’t for him, even Master’s ears would’ve been cut off by that beast Ming Tian, and you’re still unconvinced?”
Shi Lei roared.
“Then the remaining two spots can be competed for, right?”
Feiyu knew that Ling Xiao’s strength and contributions were undeniable, leaving no room for competition with him.
“Didn’t we reserve one spot for an outsider?”
Zhuhua asked.
“Not anymore, because it’s meaningless now.”
Master Baiyun explained, “I told you before that the third spot was given to someone else. Now I can tell you who—it was a disciple of one of my senior brothers. The reason was to prevent you from being suppressed by Demon Flame in the Yuehua Sect, as my senior brother is a Mortal Eighth Layer expert and could likely protect you.”
“But now you know, Demon Flame is a Celestial Realm expert. My senior brother wouldn’t dare offend him, so that spot is vacant. Those of you besides Ling Xiao, prepare to compete.”
“Master, if we enter the Yuehua Sect, will Demon Flame Heavenly Sovereign make things difficult for us?”
Dai Yuling asked.
“With his personality, he definitely will. But your potential isn’t remarkable, and he’s extremely arrogant. As long as you don’t stand out, he’ll be too lazy to bother with you. In fact, keeping you around makes him feel superior.”
Master Baiyun explained.
From his words, it was clear how despairing he felt. He had no faith that any of his remaining disciples could rise to prominence in the Yuehua Sect.
Even joining the sect smoothly would be a challenge.
Perhaps Ling Xiao could, as the boy was cunning and clever.
But to stand out and catch Demon Flame Heavenly Sovereign’s attention? That was highly unlikely.
So, Master Baiyun could only do his best and leave the rest to fate, treating this as some compensation for his disciples after this ordeal.
His disciples, meanwhile, were weighing the choices ahead.
Even if they earned a recommendation spot and entered the Yuehua Sect, would it really be worth it?
They’d likely face suppression and harassment from Demon Flame Heavenly Sovereign and his allies. It might not be excessive, but they’d never be able to cultivate as freely as other disciples.
This path of cultivation would be fraught with thorns, incredibly arduous.
It was practically a hellish mode!
In the Tianren Academy, after much deliberation, five people chose to leave.
They didn’t want to be tied to Master Baiyun’s sinking ship. By returning to the Ninja Clan, they’d have other chances to join different sects.
This path was too unwise for them.
“Well, looks like there’s no competition now. Ling Xiao already has one spot, Ling Yixue is gone, I’m from the Elephant Clan and not qualified to join the Twelve Sects, so I’ll probably leave soon too. That leaves Dai Yuling and Leng Mei.”
Shi Lei smiled. “You two got lucky, but think carefully about the difficulties you’ll face. If you’re not willing to go, come with me to the Elephant Clan. I have some influence there and can ensure you get enough cultivation resources, though they might not compare to the Twelve Sects.”
“Thank you, Brother Shi, but I want to try. Under their suppression, I want to see how far my martial path can go. I can’t let that beast Ming Tian have the last laugh.”
Though Dai Yuling was a girl, she was decisive and never indecisive.
“Wherever the young master goes, I’ll follow.”
Leng Mei’s response was even simpler.
Ling Xiao smiled. “I’m definitely going to the Yuehua Sect. Otherwise, Heisuo and Demon Flame Heavenly Sovereign would be disappointed, wouldn’t they?”
There was no trace of fear in his heart, only a fierce fighting spirit.
Because he’d discovered that the greater the pressure and difficulties, the more the potential of his Mountain and River Martial Soul would be unleashed.
With so many benefits, how could he give up?
The disciples’ reactions caught Master Baiyun’s eye, and a faint smile appeared on his face.
But it was quickly followed by helplessness and a sigh.
He understood the passion and impulsiveness of youth.
But as someone seasoned, he knew such choices were neither optimistic nor wise.
He didn’t say it aloud, only because he didn’t want to dampen his disciples’ enthusiasm.
He could only hope for a miracle.
“Alright, since the spots are decided, you three go rest. Ling Xiao, stay behind. I have some things to discuss with you.”
Perhaps due to his setbacks, Master Baiyun was now kinder than before, almost as if he were giving his last words.
Ling Xiao nodded. “Yes!”
After Shi Lei and the others left, Master Baiyun looked at Ling Xiao and said, “You’ve read the diary in the Hall of Transmission, haven’t you?”
Ling Xiao nodded awkwardly. “Yes.”
“Since you’ve read it, you should know about my past.”
Master Baiyun sighed. “To be honest, when I trained Ming Tian and Zuo Leng, my motives weren’t pure. I hoped they could surpass Demon Flame Heavenly Sovereign and avenge me!”
“That’s understandable!”
Ling Xiao didn’t think it was a big deal. A disciple avenging their master was only natural. If Master Baiyun had treated him as well as he did Ming Tian and Zuo Leng, he’d have taken up the task without hesitation.
“Demon Flame stole my sacred bone and is suspected of killing my wife and daughter. This grudge is irreconcilable.”
Master Baiyun gave a helpless, bitter smile. “But revenge is just a pipe dream. It’s all over now.”
“Master, you don’t know your daughter is still alive, do you?”
Ling Xiao had debated whether to tell Master Baiyun about this.
After all, it was like rubbing salt in his wounds.
But after some thought, he decided to speak, because he noticed Master Baiyun showed signs of suicidal tendencies.
Once a person’s heart dies, suicide becomes very likely.
Telling him this might cause more pain, but it could also save his life.
“She’s not dead? Who told you that?” Master Baiyun asked in shock.
“Heisuo!”
Ling Xiao sighed. “Before Heisuo left, he mentioned that Demon Flame Heavenly Sovereign had plans for your daughter. There are likely only two possibilities: either she was taken and raised by him, or he found out who rescued her.”
