Ming Xuan internally rolled his eyes but maintained his icy demeanor. "It matters not. I possess methods to aid in his cultivation. Bring forth Ye Chen. I intend to take him to the sect for cultivation."

The Ye family patriarch, buoyed by the prospect of a solution, eagerly affirmed, "Certainly, Senior. Please wait a moment. I'll fetch Chen'er immediately!"

With haste, he departed.

Ming Xuan sighed in relief.

Why all this fuss? A straightforward approach would have sufficed.

A Ye family member approached respectfully and queried, "Senior, how should we deal with this intruder?"

Observing Sun Wei, Ming Xuan decided to sever ties after exploiting him. It was time to impart the consequences of deception.

With a decisive wave of his hand, mIng Xuan proclaimed, "This individual has no affiliation with me. How you handle him is your concern. No need to seek my approval."

The Ye family member acknowledged the directive and summoned two individuals to escort Sun Wei away.

Ming Xuan watched Sun Wei's departure and then cast his eyes skyward.

I don't know him.

I don't know him.

I don't know him.

He lingered in this contemplative stance for a while.

Soon, the Ye family patriarch returned, accompanied by another individual.

This person, comparable in age to Sun Wei, possessed a striking handsomeness akin to Ming Xuan's eldest disciple, Long Aotian. However, where Long Aotian exuded an arrogant, sword-immortal-like aura, this young man radiated refinement and gentleness, akin to basking in a spring breeze.

At first glance, this individual appeared cultured and amiable.

This was Ye Chen?

A flawless temperament, yet hindered by his status as an incapable cultivator.

Such was Ming Xuan's initial impression of Ye Chen...

...

Days later, amidst the tranquil hills encircling Maple Leaf City, stood Ming Xuan, draped in a billowing white robe that elegantly fluttered in the breeze. His presence exuded an ethereal air, akin to a celestial entity gracing mortal realms.

Accompanying him was Ye Chen, dutifully trailing behind.

In those few days, Ye Chen had pledged allegiance to Ming Xuan as his Master and willingly consented to return to the sect for cultivation.

After freeloading the hospitality of the Ye family's mansion—ahem, I mean, after taking a few days to recuperate there—Ming Xuan resolved to escort Ye Chen back to the sect.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

Ming Xuan urged Ye Chen, saying, "Come along, the sect is just a short distance ahead."

Without uttering another word, Ming Xan enveloped Ye Chen in his Dharmic powers, conjuring clouds beneath their feet. Swift as the wind, they embarked toward the Sky View Mountains.

Ming Xuan steered the cloud through the skies, the silhouette of the Skyview Mountain gradually emerging.

He gestured the cloud beneath their feet to steadily move towards the Skyview Mountain.

High above the clouds, Ye Chen surveyed the landscape below, observing the majestic mountains and winding rivers unfolding beneath him. His gaze intermittently flickered to Ming Xuan's figure, his mind teeming with queries and intrigue.

Observing his Master's demeanor, Ye Chen couldn't ignore the air of enigma surrounding him. Being part of Maple Leaf City's Ye family, he held some knowledge about the renowned experts in the cultivation world, yet the name of his Master remained unknown.

There existed a singular likelihood: his Master stood among the apex cultivators, veiled in such elevated realms that knowledge about him eluded those at Ye Chen's current level.

Should his intuition prove true, his Master's sect might held formidable prowess.

Despite being a conjecture, Ye Chen harbored a resolute conviction within—this speculative notion already felt like an undeniable truth etched in his heart's deepest recesses.

As they neared the sect, Ming Xuan gestured ahead, proclaiming, "We've reached our destination, my disciple. Come on, I will take you to meet your Senior Brother. "

After five minutes of traversing, they stood before the grand mountain gate.

What deeds has my disciple accomplished in my absence? He's created an entrance to the mountain. Well, it's beneficial. It'll intimidate Ye Chen, making him believe this is a powerful sect.

Ye Chen in awe, beheld the majestic entrance, further affirming his belief in his Master's formidable prowess—a true powerhouse. The very essence of strength seemed to emanate from the entrance itself.

As they stepped through the mountain gate, an unexpected voice echoed through the surroundings.

"Disciple Long Aotian extends his heartfelt welcome to Master's return!"

The voice resonated, enveloping them from every direction, akin to heaven's voice.

Ye Chen was caught off guard.

Could this voice be of his Senior Brother?

His Senior Brother seems too strong ...

...

Sky View Mountain lay veiled beneath clouds and mist, an aura of tranquility enveloping its surroundings. Yet, an unusual atmosphere pervaded the Wujin Bianhua Sect.

Within Ming Xuan's abode, an intense silence lingered as three pairs of eyes met, the air growing palpably stagnant. Each individual harbored their own contemplations.

Ming Xuan found himself in a daze, casting his gaze upon his first disciple, Long Aotian. Over the past few days, a remarkable transformation has overtaken him, with his presence now exuding a commanding aura.

This transformation, undoubtedly, must be attributed to the Ancient Asura Physique. Ming Xuan couldn't fathom how the trash manual he acquired from the system's store had fallen into his disciple's hands. What bewildered him even more was Long Aotian's comprehension of that particular manual.

"Life's a twisted game," thought Ming Xuan to himself, frustration simmering beneath his breath. "Unfair as it can be, it's crystal clear—I'm not just lacking; I'm truly bereft of any real talent. A sorry soul stumbling in this world of cultivation. Having a system is a stroke of luck in this ruthless world. Without it, I shudder to imagine my fate in this cutthroat realm."

On the contrary, Long Aotian was equally taken aback. His gaze upon Ye Chen was accompanied by a swirl of conflicting emotions.

"Master has accepted another disciple? Have I disappointed him so much that he chose to take someone else? Does Master's affection for me wane?"

Meanwhile, Ye Chen, positioned at the far end, observed Long Aotian and then directed his attention to their Master.

"Why does my Senior Brother appear mightier than our Master? It must be an illusion. Yes, it has to be."

A prolonged silence ensued as they all locked eyes. Eventually, it was Ming Xuan who broke the silence.

"Alright, why are you all standing here for? Chen'er, explore Skyview Mountain. Ao'er, stay for a moment. There's something I need to discuss with you," Ming Xuan directed, signaling for Ye Chen to proceed while retaining Long Aotian.

Don't inquire why he made Long Aotian stay. His expression seemed to indicate that he had faced some sort of betrayal. Ming Xuan needed to stabilize his prized golden chick, avoiding any unpredictable actions that might arise.

Ye Chen, in perfect compliance, offered no objections. With a respectful bow, he affirmed, "I shall dutifully adhere to Master's instructions."

Before departing, Ye Chen nodded his head at Long Aotian in a courteous acknowledgment. Having received the nod, he dutifully exited the hall.

Now, only Ming Xuan and Long Aotian remained within the hall.

Ming Xuan assumed a composed air, taking his seat on the main hall's throne. He regarded Long Aotian with an indifferent gaze and remarked, "Ao'er, it appears you've made substantial strides in my absence."

Upon hearing his Master's words, Long Aotian responded respectfully, "All credit goes to Master's invaluable guidance. Without your counsel upon departure, this disciple wouldn't have achieved such significant progress."

Guidance upon departure? You deciphered that seemingly worthless manual on your own. Sigh, there are no words I can muster for you.

With solemnity, Ming Xuan addressed Long Aotian, "Ao'er, I'm genuinely impressed by your advancements. Initially, I intended to keep a certain secret concealed, but circumstances have altered my plans. Pay close attention to what I'm about to disclose."

Long Aotian comprehended the gravity underlying his Master's words and nodded affirmatively.

"Let me begin from the outset. My cultivation journey commenced at the tender age of five, originating from an ordinary mortal family. Enduring numerous adversities and trials, I've forged my path to attain the stature I hold today. Along this arduous path, I've experienced an array of emotions—hate, love, envy, pride, happiness, and fear. To further increase my cultivation level, I embraced the Dao of Ruthlessness. It led me to end the lives of countless individuals, numbering in the billions. The sheer intensity of this carnage stained the sky crimson, compelling even Immortals and Buddhas to kneel before me. After eons of contemplation upon the Dao, I founded a sect to amass faith power. My sect drew multitudes, all eager to become disciples, contributing to its illustrious following.