"You are cultivating using what grade technique?" The sect master exclaimed, his eyes widening in disbelief as he heard Kai Ren casually mention the grade of the technique.

One could hardly blame him for being so shocked. Ancient-grade techniques and martial arts were the zenith of what could be harnessed in the mortal realm.

Their rarity was such that the mighty Emerald Peak sect, with all its grandeur and power, possessed only two, left behind by the sect's founding ancestor.

Techniques and martial arts in the mortal realm were classified into seven grades: mortal, yellow, green, black, earth, heaven, and ancient.

Each grade was divided into four sub-grades: low, mid, high, and peak, similar to cultivation stages.

For Kai Ren to have such a cultivation technique was genuinely unprecedented. In Sect Master Lian's eyes, the danger Kai Ren and the Emerald Peak sect would face if this secret were exposed increased tenfold.

A genius could be nurtured or eliminated, but an ancient-grade technique was a treasure that could not be casually obtained, even if one scoured the entire mortal realm.

"Hmm, is that really that surprising, master?"

Kai Ren asked, tilting his head slightly, his brow furrowed in confusion. He noticed the sect master's shocked expression. Of course, he knew the reason behind it, but as the saying goes, you can't tell if the food is tasty without tasting it.

Kai Ren understood that mentioning his use of an ancient-grade technique would shock anyone from Azarion, though he didn't fully grasp the underlying reasons.

"Ahem, it is indeed surprising,"

the sect master said, regaining his composure, though a flicker of desire flashed in his eyes. "But the more important question is, can you pass it down to others?" His voice carried a hopeful, almost pleading tone.

"Of course, I would not take it for free. I will compensate you with any five heaven-grade cultivation techniques from the sect's technique hall."

Kai Ren's expression turned serious, and he shook his head slowly.

"Unfortunately, I cannot pass it on to others. I don't understand much of the technique myself, and from what I know, to pass a technique on to others, you need to have mastered it to at least a greater level. Otherwise, mistakes can occur during the transmission, leading to Qi deviation during their cultivation."

The sect master sighed deeply, a mixture of disappointment and acceptance washing over his face.

"Well, that's okay. Just make sure not to tell anyone about it, not even the sect elders. Upon learning that you possess an ancient-grade technique, we don't know who might succumb to their desires."

His voice was stern, but a fleeting hint of regret crossed his face before he quickly masked it with a determined expression.

Kai Ren nodded solemnly, understanding the gravity of the situation. He felt the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders, knowing that if his secret were revealed, it could bring unimaginable consequences.

The room fell silent, the air thick with unspoken concerns and the shared understanding of the precarious path ahead.

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After sensing the tense atmosphere in the room, the sect master decided to lighten the mood by sharing something personal. With a gentle smile, he began,

"Well, since you've already told me about your past, I suppose it's only fair I share mine."

Still absorbing the weight of their previous conversation, Kai Ren looked up curiously. The sect master's eyes gleamed with a mix of anticipation and nostalgia.

"So, let's start with my name, shall we?" he said, his voice profound. "My name is Lian Shen. That is the name known to the world. However, my real name, which very few people know, is Lian Hua, and I am not a man."

The revelation hit Kai Ren like a thunderbolt. His eyes widened in shock, and he felt a jolt run through him, rendering him momentarily speechless. "You... you're not a man?" he stammered, trying to process the information.

Sect Master Lian Hua nodded, her eyes softening. "Yes, Kai Ren. I have lived my life under the guise of Lian Shen to protect myself and the sect. In a world where power often dictates safety, certain truths are best hidden."

Kai Ren's surprise slowly gave way to understanding. He saw the vulnerability in her eyes, the weight of the secrets she had carried. "But why?" he asked softly, leaning forward, genuinely curious and concerned.

Sect Master Lian Hua sighed, the sound heavy with memories.

"When I was young, I discovered that being a woman in this world, especially in the cultivation realm, came with many challenges and dangers. I adopted this identity to lead the Emerald Peak sect and ensure its prosperity. It wasn't an easy decision, but it was necessary."

Kai Ren nodded, admiration mingling with his initial surprise. "That must have been incredibly difficult."

"It was," Sect Master Lian Hua admitted, her voice tinged with pride and sorrow. "But it was also empowering. It allowed me to protect those I cared about and to guide the sect to greatness. Sharing this with you now is a testament to my trust in you, Kai Ren."

Feeling honoured and more connected to his Master than ever, Kai Ren straightened up. "Thank you for trusting me with your secret, Master. I promise to protect it as fiercely as I would my own."

Sect Master Lian Hua smiled warmly, the tension in the room dissipating. "I know you will, Kai Ren. And remember, strength comes not just from techniques or power, but from understanding and trust."

"But, Master, I don't understand why you haven't returned to your original identity now that you are strong enough?" Kai Ren asked, genuinely confused.

"You could say that I have already gotten used to living my life as a man, and it won't be easy to change it back," Lian Hua explained, her voice calm but thoughtful. "The outside world, even the people in the sect, would be in an uproar. After all, most of the elders do not even know about my true identity."

Kai Ren nodded slowly, trying to wrap his mind around the complexities his master faced. Lian Hua continued, "I've lived as Lian Shen for so long that it has become a part of who I am. Revealing the truth now could create chaos and distrust, which could be detrimental to the stability of the sect."

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Kai Ren let the topic drop. "I think that's enough about this topic. Let's move on to something else," Lian Hua suggested, offering a gentle smile.

Kai Ren agreed, sensing the need for a change in conversation. "How did you reach the Emerald Peak sect, master?"

"I was brought here by the previous sect master," Lian Hua began, her eyes distant as she recalled her past.

"Like you, I don't know much about my parents as I was abandoned right after birth. According to what my master told me, he saved me from a beast when he was returning to the sect after a mission."

Kai Ren leaned in, fascinated by the story. "So, you were raised here in the sect?"

"Yes," Lian Hua replied, her voice tinged with nostalgia and gratitude.

"The previous sect master took me in and raised me as his own. He taught me everything I know about cultivation and leadership. Under his guidance, I eventually grew strong enough to lead the sect."

Kai Ren felt a newfound respect for his master. "It must have been a difficult journey."

"It was," Lian Hua admitted. "But it was also rewarding. The sect is my family, and I would do anything to protect it. As you are now part of this family, Kai Ren, I hope you find the same sense of belonging and purpose here."

Kai Ren smiled, feeling deeply connected and loyal to the sect and his master. "Thank you, Master. I will do my best to honor the teachings and the trust you've placed in me."

Lian Hua nodded, her eyes reflecting a mixture of pride and hope. "I do not doubt that you will, Kai Ren. Now, let us focus on your training. The path ahead is challenging, but I believe you have the potential to achieve greatness."

The conversation shifted to matters of cultivation and training, the atmosphere in the room now lighter and filled with a renewed sense of purpose and camaraderie.

The bond between master and disciple had grown stronger, forged through shared secrets and mutual respect.