Chapter Eight: Wang Sheng’s Sudden Departure

Yuan Hao.

A resounding name, famed far and wide, known as an "unparalleled prodigy." Although his father is Tian Haoming, the head of the foremost sect, and his noble status needs no further explanation, Yuan Hao has never been arrogant or overbearing. Instead, he has devoted himself ceaselessly to cultivation, never knowing fatigue or fear.

Bathed in the aura of a protagonist, Tian Hao perhaps inherited his father’s talents, proving his own worth with strength. He defeated countless geniuses along his path, causing many to bow before him and call him their elder brother.

Legend has it that by the age of eight, Tian Hao could already channel qi; by thirteen, he had achieved Foundation Establishment; and by his early twenties, he was already a master of the Spiritual Void, recognized as a genius who could not be surpassed.

His left hand wields the Hao Yuan Hammer, a weapon of overwhelming force and fierce power; his right hand commands the Skychill Sword, wielded with exquisite mastery and blinding speed. It is said that when these two weapons combine, they unleash a storm of ice and thunder, breaking all before them, each complementing the other's strengths and weaknesses—slaying enemies across realms is mere routine.

Yet no one knows the origins of these legendary weapons. All that is known is that Tian Hao, with these two weapons, created his own techniques. He once faced a formidable Spirit Silence practitioner without flinching, and even slew him...

But what surprised everyone was that such a peerless genius would take notice of a mere martial artist, someone not even considered a true cultivator.

One must understand that Tian Hao is now more mysterious and exalted than ever; even spending a fortune could hardly persuade him to act.

...

"This little brother Tian Ming, would you be interested in joining our sect? As everyone knows, our sect ranks first on the continent, and the benefits are praised by all. We offer an unrivaled environment for cultivation, exclusive attire, techniques, secret arts, and even servants’ livery."

Clearing his throat, Pei Xu looked at Tian Ming with a beaming smile, his eyes ablaze with interest.

Pei Xu, a disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect with a wealth of experience, naturally grasped the opportunity to curry favor. As the atmosphere between Tian Ming and Wang Sheng grew slightly awkward, he could no longer hold back and finally spoke.

"This... Senior Wang Sheng, what do you think?" It sounded tempting—this was Tian Ming’s first impression—though he felt there might be a catch...

After a moment’s thought, Tian Ming turned to see what Wang Sheng thought.

"I don't know. I've never joined any sect," Wang Sheng replied coolly, sensing Tian Ming’s gaze.

What Tian Ming didn’t know was that Wang Sheng was in fact a rogue cultivator, unattached to any sect—a fact widely known to the public. However, Tian Ming was new to this continent and needed others’ perspectives. Clearly, Pei Xu hadn’t realized this.

"Thank you for your kind offer, Brother Pei. It’s not that I don’t want to join, but I don’t wish to be seen as someone who slipped in through connections. I want to earn my place through my own efforts. So, I’m sorry, Brother Pei," Tian Ming replied apologetically, shaking his head.

Though protected by Pei Xu, he could hardly avoid gossip, which was something Tian Ming wished to avoid.

...

"It’s nothing. Everyone has their aspirations. I respect your character a great deal. If you ever enter the inner court by your own merit, I, Pei Xu, will personally welcome you." Pei Xu smiled regretfully, offering comfort.

Though slightly embarrassed, Pei Xu still maintained a pleasant demeanor. After all, one never knows when paths may cross again—building good relations is always wise.

"Mm." At this, Tian Ming merely nodded.

Wang Sheng seemed somewhat surprised by Tian Ming’s answer, and glanced at him several times. His expression remained indifferent, but it was clear he took notice.

...

"By the way, Tian Ming, these are our outer court disciples—perhaps, in the future, they will be your senior brothers and sisters." Suddenly recalling something, Pei Xu waved to some people a few miles away, then turned to Tian Ming.

Those who had been waiting impatiently finally heard Pei Xu’s call and hurried over.

"Senior Wang Sheng!"

Several outer court disciples greeted Wang Sheng with cupped hands.

Wang Sheng nodded casually, not slighting them.

Among them was a young woman, perhaps in her early twenties, dressed in a pale purple robe. Her waist-length hair was tousled by the wind, a few playful strands flying across her face. She wore no ornaments, just a light blue ribbon loosely binding a lock of hair. Beside her stood a handsome young man of similar age, undoubtedly at the height of his looks, his ink-black hair draping over a white robe, with a simple white band tying a few locks at the back. He exuded an icy aura, as cold as his sword. Another companion, less imposing but with a warm smile, watched the appraising Tian Ming kindly—though not as stunning as the other two, he would still be considered a celebrity in Tian Ming’s former world.

"So these are the outer disciples of the Heavenly Sword Sect," Tian Ming thought, nodding to himself—they were indeed extraordinary.

As Tian Ming observed the approaching disciples, they too looked at him with curiosity, wondering why their senior and the esteemed Wang Sheng would treat a young newcomer with such respect. Although his display with that magical artifact had caught some attention, they dismissed it as a trivial parlor trick, unworthy of true cultivation. His clothes were luxurious, but without strength, what use was it? Merely a pretty face.

"Ahem, I need not say more, right?" Pei Xu cast a stern glance at the others before turning to Tian Ming and speaking softly to one among them.

Clearly familiar with Pei Xu, though a bit reluctant, they quickly nodded in understanding.

"Tian Ming, little brother, I’m Han Kai, seventh stage of Foundation Establishment. This beautiful lady here is Lian Zimin, third stage; I can introduce you if you wish! And this is Xie Xin, fifth stage," Han Kai said enthusiastically, but his expression shifted suddenly as if struck by a sudden ache at his waist, and he quickly composed himself.

"Tian Ming. You can just call me Xiao Ming. I hope you’ll all look after me."

At this moment, Tian Ming’s gaze grew distant and ethereal...

He showed no sign of delight at meeting these prominent figures, for he realized he was the weakest among them—all the others possessed higher cultivation than he.

Save for Han Kai, who seemed friendly enough, the other two had an unsettling gaze. Meeting their eyes even briefly felt like plunging into a world of icy coldness...

If he had to see them every day, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Thus, he was all the more grateful for his earlier decision—it had been the right one.

Nevertheless, Tian Ming did not let his emotions show; he would not embarrass the other side, and so cupped his hands in greeting.

"Wait, where is Senior Wang Sheng?"

Suddenly realizing Wang Sheng was gone, Tian Ming looked around in surprise.

The others, Pei Xu excepted, were equally puzzled—how could such a prominent figure vanish in an instant?

As this important person disappeared, the onlookers rubbed their eyes in disbelief.

"Where did he go?"

"Are my eyes playing tricks? He was just standing there!"

"As expected of Senior Wang Sheng—even his departure is so striking."

"‘Departure’? Mind your words! Such a person would never let you watch him at will!"

...

Just as Tian Ming grew bewildered, a familiar voice sounded in his mind.

"Tian Ming, I have matters to attend to. Once resolved, perhaps I’ll seek you out again. Remember—not to disappoint those who have placed their hopes in you, including myself. Have faith in yourself, and remember the words you just spoke."

With this, Tian Ming finally felt at ease...