The group stared in confusion.

"Wang Jixuan?"

"Is it you?! The peerless genius that Tai Ye persuaded for days and nights without success, only to plunge into the Heavenly Tribulation and be struck dead!"

"Oh dear, I have always used you as a cautionary tale within the sect, saying you were reckless, and that cultivation requires steadiness, and that one must not be frivolous with their Dao Heart... you know..."

Master Wang looked a bit embarrassed.

Fortunately, Xiao Huating spoke promptly: "My teacher succeeded on the first attempt, it was just that the Heavenly Dao secretly increased the difficulty."

"Exactly, that's it!" Zheng Shiduo's serious expression made it seem like he was present during the Crossing Tribulation.

Master Wang laughed awkwardly and waved his hand: "It was indeed reckless, but since you all remember me, there's no need to thank me, I'm just helping back in the hometown."

Murong Zhengyi sighed: "I grew up hearing your stories."

"Next topic, next topic."

Wang Jixuan quickly changed the subject:

"Finding a place to retreat is mandatory, there's no way to discuss it with others, nor let anyone leave, else it'll be trouble in the future.

"I hope you all can mentally prepare for this.

"If you can't accept it, self-elimination is the only option."

"We understand."

"Rest assured, although there are some stubborn ones among us, we older ones understand how severe the situation is."

"We are well aware of how terrifying the Dark Sect is."

"By the way, Senior Wang."

Murong Zhengyi asked with a respectful gesture:

"Where are you going next? It sounds like you plan to part ways with us."

"Yes, the cause and effect around me are too great, staying with you for too long might harm you."

Wang Jixuan sighed softly:

"You don't pose much threat to the Heavenly Dao, and I asked that senior to set up a large array which has some ability to obscure divine insights.

"I need to hide somewhere even more secluded."

The group looked knowingly.

Someone asked: "Nephew Jixuan, how did you end up provoking the Heavenly Dao?"

"That's hard to explain briefly."

Wang Jixuan pointed to Mu Dan beside him:

"It's probably because my maid is so outstanding that even the Heavenly Dao is enviously red-eyed."

Mu Dan blushed and covered her face shyly: "Oh my, boss, don't say that, Mu Dan will feel embarrassed."

The elder cultivators smiled, assuming Wang Jixuan was joking.

But he was actually telling the truth.

…

After a brief meeting where Wang Jixuan made some arrangements, he planned to relax and take on the role of a hands-off manager.

He wanted to build a ceremonial tomb for his uncle;

And spend some time with Amina to strengthen their relationship, attempting to break the Core Circuit's constraints using immortal methods for a third upgrade.

But before all this, Master Wang arranged a meeting with Murong Zhengyi.

He could see how Murong Zhengyi had become the leader of these cultivators through the experience of this incident.

The experts in Nascent Soul, Unification, Crossing Tribulation, and Mahayana who had come along likely recognized the close friendship between Murong Zhengyi and Wang Jixuan, thus they supported Murong Zhengyi.

So, Wang Jixuan went with the flow, invited Murong Zhengyi for a walk, and handed him the resources to take back, helping Murong Zhengyi truly shoulder the leadership responsibilities.

This guy made quick progress after consuming an Immortal Pill.

Having survived this disaster, Murong Zhengyi himself had become much more composed, losing the last touch of noble family's son's flamboyance and playfulness.

Along the bamboo path, Wang Jixuan and Murong Zhengyi walked side by side.

Master Wang walked steadily on the moss-covered Stone Plate in cloth shoes.

Murong Zhengyi's hands were tucked in his sleeves, showing no sign of awkwardness.

"What are your plans ahead?" Master Wang asked.

"Taking one step at a time, living one more day, if possible."

Murong Zhengyi sighed gently with closed eyes:

"We who were once frogs in the well have, in such a short time, not only learned the full view of Heaven and Earth, but we have also leaped out of the well.

"It truly isn't easy, truly isn't easy.

"Right now, I just want to know one thing... this Dark Sect, this Heavenly Dao, what is their ultimate agenda, why are they targeting us? What have we done wrong?"

Wang Jixuan shook his head: "Perhaps, cultivation itself is a mistake."

"Perhaps, living is seen as a mistake in the eyes of the Heavenly Dao."

Murong Zhengyi smiled bitterly:

"Right now, even the chances of becoming an immortal are slim, but I will give my all to cultivate, to comprehend, to breakthrough, to become strong enough to confront the Heavenly Dao and demand an explanation!"

"Don't get stuck on it."

Wang Jixuan patted Murong Zhengyi's arm, speaking softly:

"Advising you might not be quite right, but the reality is, we pose no threat to the Heavenly Dao.

"After I set out on my journey, I'll continue to find methods to grow stronger and seek opportunities for counterattack, but I won't act rashly until I'm sure.

"Don't let emotions control you, young man, you should be adept at thinking and keeping calm.

"The Heavenly Dao is not omnipotent; otherwise, we wouldn't have survived until now. It surely has become somewhat corrupted, polluted, or developed its own selfish desires, etc. These arguments are clichéd, but it's certain it isn't invincible, with clear weaknesses.

"Without reaching the level of Golden Immortal, one cannot even have a seat at the table in the Immortal Realm, you get what I mean?"

Murong Zhengyi nodded slightly.

He showed Wang Jixuan a faint smile, wondering: "If you are that genius who becomes Mahayana in a century, then... are you older than me now?"

"Of course!"

Wang Jixuan held his chest high:

"This Senior is in his third lifetime, the second lasted six thousand years, so I am merely six thousand years older than you."

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