At noon, beneath the blazing sun over the Ananta mountain range, the core circle's mission hall bustled with activity as disciples entered the grand structure in an orderly fashion. Dominating the heart of the hall were four immense jade slates, each adorned with an array of requests and missions from both elders and disciples alike. After carefully examining these missions and their corresponding rewards, the disciples choose their assignments and headed to the counter. There, the elders handed them a jade stone containing all the mission details.

Following his unsuccessful attempt at manipulating Qi, Tian Mo departed from his chamber and took a leisurely walk around the Lotus Pavilion. This architectural wonder was a sight to behold, divided into four main sections: the administrative building, the cultivation quarters, the grand quarters, and the martial field. During his stroll, an elder extended a greeting, "Good afternoon, Young Master." The elder was garbed in a black robe adorned with gold and red patterns, signifying his esteemed role as a core elder. With hair as white as snow and eyes that emanated the profound wisdom of age, he embodied a sage-like presence.

"Good afternoon to you as well, Elder Jin. I trust you've been in good health."

Elder Jin chuckled warmly, "Ha ha... These old bones have been holding up well, Young Master."

Tian Mo smiled, appreciating the elder's humor, "Elder Jin, you jest. You are as vigorous as a young man."

Elder Jin laughed softly, "Ha ha... Young Master is polite, but as much as I'd enjoy a longer conversation, time is of the essence. The Sect Master requests your presence."

Tian Mo nodded, showing understanding, "Very well, then let us not prolong our delay."

With that, Tian Mo accompanied Elder Jin to the grand quarters. Notably, Elder Jin was one of the oldest and most loyal members of his father's faction, having been by his side long before he ascended to the position of sect master.

...

...

In the heart of the Divine Lotus Sect, within the serene confines of the Lotus Pavilion, a man dressed in flowing black robes stood in an aura of quiet concentration. His hand held a brush that moved with the grace of a dancer, creating intricate calligraphy strokes upon a parchment. Each line was a testament to his mastery of both martial and literary arts. This man, known far and wide as the sect master, was none other than Master Liang.

Sect Master Liang's ink-black hair, streaked with hints of silver, fell gently over his shoulders as he continued to craft the symbols with profound elegance. For years, he had led the Divine Lotus Sect with unwavering dedication, preserving its traditions and nurturing its disciples.

But today, as he put the brush down, he leaned back in his ornate wooden chair and turned his gaze to the open window, where a soft breeze whispered through the lush garden outside. He sighed, a heavy burden weighing upon his shoulders.

The elders of the Divine Lotus Sect had gathered earlier that morning. They came with complaints, their voices heavy with dissatisfaction. The reason behind their discontent was none other than Sect Maste's son, Tian Mo.

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Tian Mo's prowess in the intricate arts of runes and formations was undeniable, a blazing testament to his innate gift. However, in the realm of cultivation , his talent was quite lacking. Yet, The sect master Liang had poured the sect's valuable resources into his son's cultivation, hoping for him to breakthrough to the relam of Cultivator. For him, as a father, there was no limit to what he would do to give his child the best opportunities in life.

Initially, Sect Master had managed to suppress the murmurs of discontent from the elders with his might and supreme authority. But the situation had grown more precarious. Two of his rivals within the sect, Core Elder Hong and Core Elder Wu, had recently achieved a breakthrough, reaching the same realm as Sect Master himself. With newfound backing, their voices grew sharper, even some of the elders from his faction were showing signs of dissatisfaction.

Sect Master Liang's brows furrowed as he pondered the situation. He understood the elders' concerns. The Divine Lotus Sect had always been a place of excellence, where only the most promising disciples were nurtured. It had maintained its status as one of the most powerful sects in the land due to its unwavering commitment to martial and spiritual excellence. To some, the resources spent on Tian Mo seemed like a betrayal of the sect's principles.

However, as a father, Sect Master Liang was torn. He looked at the calligraphy he had just created, a profound quote from the sect's ancient texts: "The lotus blooms in adversity, and so shall our sect." He believed in those words with all his heart. To him, giving his son the opportunity to thrive was an embodiment of the sect's spirit.

As the sect master sat lost in thought, the heavy wooden door creaked open, revealing two figures entering in silence. The first was his son Tian Mo, a young man of striking appearance with short black hair and brows that resembled sharp swords. Following closely behind was Elder Jin, who had served the sect master faithfully for decades.

Tian Mo approached his father, the sect master, and offered a deep bow. "Your son greets you, venerable father," he respectfully greeted.

The sect master chuckled warmly, his eyes reflecting paternal affection. "No need for such formalities, Tian'er," he said, examining his son's face with care. "How's your health, my son? Did the recent breakthrough attempt leave you with any injuries?"

"No, father," Tian Mo replied confidently, straightening up. "I'm in good health. The vitality pill has worked wonders, and my injuries have healed remarkably."

A sense of relief washed over the sect master's features. "I'm pleased to hear of your recovery," he admitted, his tone softening. "Regarding your recent cultivation setback, don't let it weigh on your heart. An inner elder has discovered a woman in the mortal realm with a divine yin physique. Absorbing her vital yin will help you smoothly advance to the realm of a Cultivator. She possesses impressive cultivation potential and will become your concubine."

Tian Mo nodded obediently. "As you wish, lord father."

Leaning back in his ornate chair, the sect master's eyes sparkled with ambition. "I'm about to enter seclusion for several years. I believe I'm on the verge of breaking through the second step of cultivation."

"When I emerge from seclusion," he continued, "I hope you to breakthrough to the realm of Cultivator and excelling in the sect tournament. Show those old farts that my faith in grooming you was well-founded."

"Your son won't disappoint you, father," Tian Mo vowed with determination. "I'll make you proud. Wishing you a fruitful cultivation session."

The sect master stood up, drawing Tian Mo into a deep, heartfelt embrace filled with genuine affection. "Tian'er, you may go now. I have matters to discuss with Elder Jin."

With a final nod of understanding, Tian Mo stepped back and exited the room, leaving the sect master and Elder Jin alone, the air charged with the gravity of their forthcoming discussion.