Chapter 27: True Successor Identity Revealed

"Come here, Meiyu'er~" Jin Wuyuan called out affectionately to his granddaughter. In response, Jin Meiyu could only glance around, embarrassed.

She didn’t mind her grandfather’s affectionate tone in private, but in front of so many strangers—whom she would be staying with for an unknown period—it was mortifying.

The Sect Master and Elders had already schooled their expressions, recalling serious memories from their past to maintain a stoic demeanor.

Despite her embarrassment, Jin Meiyu stepped forward, not wanting to disrespect her grandfather.

"My granddaughter is a genius, just like her grandfat— No, your future will surpass mine."

"..."

Jin Meiyu turned completely red as her grandfather picked her up like a child and spun her around.

Realizing that this was neither the time nor place for such displays, Jin Wuyuan set her down and cleared his throat. "So, is she now eligible to enter your sect?"

"Yes, yes, she can," the Sect Master replied after a brief communication with the Ancestor.

"But as you can see, she has been tested with the highest level of talent—the same as your Ancestor and me. I trust you won’t disappoint me."

Though Jin Wuyuan spoke in his usual tone, a formidable aura burst from him, radiating intimidation.

"Ask him what he wants directly," the Ancestor's voice echoed in the Sect Master’s mind. Following the instruction, the Sect Master turned to Jin Wuyuan and asked, "What is it that you desire?"

"True Successor." The two simple words struck like a thunderclap in the hall, shocking the Sect Master and the elders.

"What?!"

Jin Wuyuan only wanted to confirm his suspicions. He knew that the man in charge would never allow someone affiliated with another power to become the True Successor.

"Wait!!"

The sudden shout diverted everyone's attention. The Sect Master, Inner Sect Elders, Jin Family guards, and Jin Family members turned toward the source.

A disciple, clad in an outer sect robe, was rapidly climbing up the steep mountain.

"Who are you?" an Inner Sect Elder asked, irritated. This was an important discussion—who dared to interrupt?

"Disciple Long Chen greets the seniors. I was asked to visit the Talent Stone after a month to show my progress and determine if I was capable of cultivation." Long Chen saluted as if interrupting such an esteemed gathering was of no consequence to him.

In truth, he had adjusted his words. He hadn’t been specifically asked to visit the Talent Stone, especially since it had produced no reaction a month ago. What could possibly change now?

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

The gathered elders exchanged glances, clearly annoyed by the sudden interruption. However, before anyone could reprimand Long Chen, the Sect Master raised a hand, signaling for silence. His gaze lingered on the young disciple with mild interest.

Using his divine sense, the Sect Master probed Long Chen and was astonished to find that this supposedly untalented disciple had reached the Sixth Level of Qi Condensation.

"Long Chen, is it?" The Sect Master stroked his beard thoughtfully. "You were tested a month ago, and the Talent Stone showed no reaction. Why return now?"

Long Chen straightened his back. "This disciple was given another chance, and I wish to prove that my fate is not as ordinary as it once seemed."

"An outer sect elder will test you. Go back down." The Sect Master was pleased to discover another talent but was puzzled—why had the Talent Stone failed to react if Long Chen was capable of cultivation?

'What do I do now, Master?'

[Calm down. Let me think.]

Before the master in Long Chen’s ring could come up with a solution, Long Chen felt an intense pressure bearing down on him.

"What is your bone age, boy?" Jin Wuyuan asked from the sidelines, intrigued by this sudden appearance of a Sixth Level Qi Condensation disciple.

"Long Chen! Go back. An elder will test you," the Sect Master interjected sharply, acting impatient while secretly passing a divine sense message to the elders, instructing them to act nervous and cautious around Long Chen, as if he had a special identity in the sect.

Long Chen hesitated, confused as to why this middle-aged man was barking orders at him.

"These juniors don’t know how to treat their disciples," Jin Wuyuan scoffed. "There are so many elders gathered here—why not let him challenge one?"

The Sect Master maintained his composure and responded, "Yes, you are right, Senior. My bone age is 18 years old."

"Oh? An 18-year-old at the Sixth Level of Qi Condensation?" Jin Wuyuan lost interest instantly. At that age, he had already reached the next realm. He shook his head. "Could someone like this truly become the True Successor of a sect in this domain?"

'Friend, your standards have really lowered,' Jin Wuyuan mused, recalling his younger days when his friend had impossibly high expectations, even for making acquaintances.

Little did he know that Long Chen was not the True Successor at all.

Jin Wuyuan’s brow twitched as he noticed Long Chen glancing at Jin Meiyu repeatedly, his eyes harboring a hint of something Jin Wuyuan did not like. Men and women understood such gazes all too well, and he had no tolerance for anyone looking at his granddaughter in such a manner.

If this boy weren’t the sect’s True Successor, Jin Wuyuan would have gouged out his eyes without hesitation.

Long Chen felt an overwhelming killing intent and didn’t even know where to look.

The weight of Jin Wuyuan’s gaze bore down on him like a mountain, making his back tense instinctively. A bead of sweat trailed down his temple as he struggled to maintain his composure. He had only looked at Jin Meiyu out of curiosity—perhaps admiration—but to an overprotective grandfather, it was an unforgivable offense.

Sensing the tense atmosphere, the Sect Master cleared his throat and forced a smile. "Ahem. Senior Jin, this disciple is merely an outer sect member. He is unrefined in manner, but he holds some promise. Please, do not take offense."

Jin Wuyuan scoffed but withdrew his killing intent. He wouldn’t waste energy on a nameless junior. If the boy amounted to something in the future, then perhaps he would reconsider.

Long Chen, relieved, exhaled slowly. So this was the pressure of a true powerhouse? Just one look, and he had felt as though he was teetering on the edge of death.

But he wouldn’t back down.

Taking a deep breath, he turned toward the Talent Stone. He had come here with a purpose, and he would not leave empty-handed.

"Sect Master, may I test myself again?"

His voice was steady, but inwardly, he was anxious. His master had yet to respond with a solution, so he could only rely on himself.

The elders whispered among themselves. A disciple whose talent had been deemed nonexistent wanted to test again? Even if he had reached the Sixth Level of Qi Condensation, the Talent Stone wouldn’t have simply 'missed' his potential a month ago.

The Sect Master, ever calculating, nodded. "Very well. You may proceed."

Long Chen stepped forward, placing his palm against the stone. His heart pounded.

And then—

Nothing.

A minute passed. Then two. The Talent Stone remained utterly dormant, mocking him.

The silence was deafening.