The Whale Island Lord?
Ling Xiao couldn’t help but frown.
According to Ling Wuhen, this Whale Island was likely related to the sect mission he had accepted, as it was a maritime force, and its general location was very close to the target area of the mission.
It seemed he really had to make a trip!
Having made up his mind, Ling Xiao put the matter aside and focused on guiding the martial arts of Ling Luo, Ling Shuang, Ling Zhan, and others, while also arranging Long Chen’s position within the Divine Sword Sect.
Long Chen was ultimately appointed as the sect’s Protector, a role higher than an elder. He wasn’t required to manage sect affairs, only to ensure its safety, allowing him to focus on cultivation.
Lin Bei was appointed as a Supreme Elder, sharing the responsibility of overseeing the Divine Sword Sect with Master Baiyun.
Most matters proceeded smoothly, but one issue made Ling Xiao frown.
His grandfather, Hong Qi, had disappeared.
Hong Qi left a letter saying he had important business to attend to and told Ling Xiao not to worry.
However, the letter didn’t specify what this business was.
“Brother, when Grandpa left, he said he thought he’d be a useless man his whole life. But seeing your success, he suddenly felt he could still give it a shot, so he decided to leave,” Ling Luo added.
“Useless? Give it a shot?”
“Oh, right, Grandpa mentioned something about a gate?”
“The Gate of Heavenly Selection?” Ling Xiao exclaimed.
“Yes, that’s it! Brother, you know about it!”
Ling Xiao was genuinely shocked. Could Hong Qi have once been near the Gate of Heavenly Selection?
He sighed helplessly, hoping his grandfather would stay safe. No matter how great Hong Qi might have been in the past, he was now just an ordinary person. Ling Xiao prayed nothing would happen to him.
Hong Qi’s unannounced departure showed his determination, and Ling Xiao couldn’t stop the old man from pursuing the path he chose.
“I don’t know much about the Gate of Heavenly Selection either. It’s a very mysterious and dangerous place. You’ll learn more once your cultivation reaches a certain level,” Ling Xiao said, fondly ruffling Ling Luo’s hair with a smile.
“Mm!” Ling Luo’s eyes gleamed with determination.
With Ling Xiao as his role model, Ling Luo had no intention of slacking off.
Hong Qi’s matter weighed heavily on Ling Xiao’s mind.
But with his current cultivation, he could only gather information within his means, making him even more eager to improve his strength!
Without reaching the Heavenly Realm, he wouldn’t even qualify to go to the Divine Phoenix Continent!
He wished the Four Sects Martial Arts Competition would come soon, hoping to gain some insights or benefits from it.
That night, Ling Xiao discussed with the Divine Sword Sect’s leadership about the disciples participating in the Four Sects Martial Arts Competition, ultimately deciding on Ling Wuhen and Ling Yihang.
Although Long Chen was stronger, Ling Xiao felt it unnecessary to reveal the Divine Sword Sect’s trump card so early.
In others’ eyes, the Divine Sword Sect was just there to make up numbers. Even if they lost, it wouldn’t matter much, and it might even ignite the sect’s collective passion for cultivation.
Ling Wuhen was in his twenties, and Ling Yihang was only slightly older than Ling Xiao, so both met the competition’s eligibility criteria.
That evening, Ling Xiao helped Ling Wuhen and Ling Yihang clear their meridians and gifted each a set of high-grade Gold Rank martial arts.
While he had top-grade Gold Rank martial arts, their current cultivation levels couldn’t handle them, even with his assistance.
High-grade Gold Rank martial arts were already good enough.
He spent the entire night guiding their cultivation, with Ling Luo, Ling Shuang, and Ling Zhan observing and occasionally asking questions.
As for the rest of the Divine Sword Sect, Lin Bei and Long Chen would guide them, so Ling Xiao didn’t need to worry.
“At this rate, you two should reach around the fifth level of the Mortal Realm by the time of the Four Sects Martial Arts Competition. Go into seclusion now and use the sect’s pills and spirit fruits freely, no need to hold back,” Ling Xiao said before preparing to leave. He still had a sect mission to complete, and with the Divine Sword Sect’s matters settled, it was time to go.
However, just as he stood up, news arrived.
“The Whale Island Lord is leading his disciples toward Tianfeng City, coming with aggressive momentum, clearly looking for trouble.”
Upon hearing this, Tianfeng City was thrown into panic, with many packing their belongings to flee.
The city gates were overcrowded.
It seemed the Divine Sword Sect’s efforts over this time still weren’t enough. The people of Tianfeng City had so little faith in the sect that they were terrified by any random threat.
“Ling Wuhen, Ling Yihang, focus on your seclusion. Master Baiyun is busy disciplining his daughter and has no time. Everyone else, follow me to the city gates!” Ling Xiao decided to confront the Whale Island Lord. This was a prime opportunity for the Divine Sword Sect to show its strength, so Long Chen, Lin Bei, and the others would all take action.
At the East City Gate, facing Longmen Port, almost everyone was fleeing outward, and even those staying in the city were filled with dread.
Suddenly, a voice boomed from the sky, loud as thunder.
“People of Tianfeng City, fear not! This is the Divine Sword Sect’s territory. No matter who comes, the Divine Sword Sect will protect you!”
Few believed Ling Xiao’s words.
Most remained skeptical.
With dust rising in the distance and a large group approaching, escape was no longer an option. Those at the city gates retreated back into the city, watching the Divine Sword Sect, hoping for a miracle.
“I heard the Whale Island Lord is a giant whale transformed, with immense strength. Even a peak ninth-level Martial Vein Realm martial artist was swallowed by him in one bite!”
“I heard that too. Even the experts sent by General Lin Ze couldn’t do anything to him.”
“Can the Divine Sword Sect handle this?”
“How could the Divine Sword Sect be stronger than the Governor’s Mansion?”
The current governor of Baiyun Province was Lin Ze, who controlled both military and political power in the province. He had harshly suppressed the Blue-Eyed Clan and the Ninja Clan, earning the deep admiration of Baiyun Province’s people.
Those fleeing were heading to Yun Kong City.
In their minds, the Divine Sword Sect couldn’t compare to the Governor’s Mansion. If the Governor’s Mansion couldn’t solve the problem, the Divine Sword Sect stood even less of a chance.
“Those who harmed my Whale Island disciples, come out and face your death!”
Amid the panic, a black shadow swooped toward Tianfeng City like an eagle, his voice exploding like thunder in the air.
Many martial artists and ordinary citizens felt an immense pressure bearing down, making it hard to breathe.
But as the pressure passed through Ling Xiao’s body, it quickly dissipated. Those standing behind or beside him instantly felt an incredible relief.
This Supreme Sect Leader was impressive!
This Divine Sword Sect was formidable!
These were the truest thoughts in people’s hearts.
For ordinary people, it was simple: they respected whoever could protect them.
Though they might seem fickle, they were just trying to survive.
