Within the Sect Qingxu Temple's spring, mountains in full bloom, spiritual energy dense, a peaceful scene. New disciples perspired profusely on the martial arena. Older ones either meditated in cave dwellings or took missions for resources. The sect operated systematically, seemingly completely recovering from demonic disaster's trauma, even radiating stronger vitality.
However, beneath this thriving surface, some unnoticeable undercurrents were quietly stirring. The source was that young Protector Elder's prestige now at its zenith—Tang Xiaoqi. The blue stone plaza outside the Technique Transmission Hall was again packed. Hundreds of disciples held breath, listening to that figure in cyan garments lecturing on the high platform.
Different from before, now Tang Xiaoqi's each lecture attracted not only eager inner disciples but many true disciples, even some Foundation Establishment deacons, specially coming to audit. He now lectured not merely on basic qi-introduction methods, but more on his understanding of dao techniques, heart tempering, and combat adaptation. His words often directly pointed to cultivation bottlenecks, combined with his own up-and-down experiences, accessible yet profound, captivating. More valuably, he never hoarded knowledge.
Questions from disciples, as long as they didn't involve core transmission secrets, he patiently answered, even personally demonstrating. ". Therefore, spiritual power circulation isn'temptinesseven moremeridians diagrams. One must understand its 'intent,' know its 'momentum,' to command it like arm and finger." Tang Xiaoqi flicked his finger, a strand of spiritual power tracing a mysterious path in the air, sometimes like a babbling brook, sometimes like a roaring river, drawing gasps of wonder from disciples below.
"Elder Tang is truly amazing! I heard when he first entered the sect, his aptitude was mediocre, entirely relying on personal effort to achieve today's accomplishments!" "More than that! Destroying the Shadow Snake Pavilion, strengthening the demonic entity's seal—that was a great merit saving all under heaven!" "We cultivators should take Elder Tang as our model! If we could get his guidance, even a word or two, it surpasses ten years of hard cultivation!" "I heard even other sects' true disciples privately call Elder Tang 'World-Purifying True Lord,' the younger generation's leader truly deserved!" Similar discussions spread widely among young disciples.
Tang Xiaoqi's image in their hearts had become deified—a perfect combination of effort, talent, virtue, and power, a benchmark capable of leading an era. This fanatical worship invisibly coalesced a force with him as the core, even faintly tending to surpass the Temple Master's and traditional elders' authority. This trend naturally caught certain people's eyes. Deep within the sect, in a cave dwelling brimming with spiritual energy, two white-haired, profound-aura elders were playing chess.
One was precisely the Discipline Elder, traditionally rigid and severe, True Immortal Xuan Gu (Liu Yun took over the Law Enforcement Hall's specific affairs; True Immortal Xuan Gu remained the Discipline Elder, higher in status). The other was Elder Ming Xin, who managed the sect's scripture inheritance. The game was stalemated. True Immortal Xuan Gu held a black piece, long not placing it, his gaze occasionally glancing toward the distant noise about Tang Xiaoqi's lecture beyond the cave dwelling.
"Hmph," True Immortal Xuan Gu ultimately heavily placed the piece on a corner of the board, breaking silence: "This sect's atmosphere grows more frivolous by the day. A young disciple, merely depending on some luck and fate, achieved some merits, and is praised to such heights—what kind of precedent is this!" Elder Ming Xin stroked his beard, pausing slightly before speaking slowly: "Xuan Gu Senior Brother, Xiao Qi child does indeed possess extraordinary talent, his heart nature is superior, plus he achieved incomparable merits. Young disciples admiring strength is normal." "Normal?" True Immortal Xuan Gu raised his voice, carryingwasfull: "Look at those disciples, opening and closing with 'Elder Tang,' do they still see us, these old fellows who've toiled for the sect hundreds of years? How many years has Tang Xiaoqi even been in the sect?
Now he ranks first among elders, participating in core decisions! Fine, but now even teaching, it's almost become his personal monarchy! Long term, where is sect law? Where is hierarchy?" He paused, lowering his voice, tone carrying unnameablesoursimultaneously surged onto his heart and worry: "Moreover, he bears that so-called 'Purification Origin,' the power source mysterious and unpredictable, and is closely related to Su Wan'er who came from the Shadow Snake Pavilion.
The Temple Master and Qingfeng nephew trust him greatly. This old man cannot help worrying: if this child's influence grows too great, supportinginto. if his heart nature changes, or he is backlashed by that power, won't our Qingxu Temple's thousand-year foundation be in danger?" Elder Ming Xin was silent briefly, placing a piece before speakingnot a bitnot a bit: "Senior Brother worries too much. The Temple Master and Qingfeng are no ordinary men; their arrangement has reason. I've observed Xiao Qi child for some time—he values loyalty and righteousness, his heart is with the sect, not a person who forgets his roots.
As for the power source, as long as used for righteousness, why investigate its roots? As for Su Wan'er. since the Temple Master has acknowledged her status, we shouldn't excessivelycomment." "We'll hope so." True Immortal Xuan Gu coldly snorted, clearly not fully convinced: "But the sect ultimately values inheritance and rules. Individual prestige shouldn't override sect law. As Discipline Elder, this old man must prevent certain things." Similar conversations, though not public, spread within small circles of several senior elders.
They weren't malicious toward Tang Xiaoqi personally, more an instinctive worry about traditional order possibly being broken, and subconscious resistance to their own authority and influence being challenged. Tang Xiaoqi's rise was too fast, too dazzling, breaking the sect's internal established balance and promotion path, making some accustomed to the original pattern feel discomfort and unease. These subtle changes naturally reached Tang Xiaoqi and Mu Qingfeng's ears. "Senior Brother, regarding some. discussions within the sect, have you heard?" Tang Xiaoqi assisted with affairs in the document room, seemingly casually asked.
Mu Qingfeng put down the jade slip, rubbing his brow, a helpless smile appearing: "A tall tree catches the wind, such has always been the case. Xiao Qi, your prestige is too high. Young disciples see you as an idol; some traditionally minded elders feel pressure—also unavoidable." He looked at Tang Xiaoqi, eyes clear and candid: "Don't trouble yourself over this. Sect development needs fresh blood, also needs breaking some conventions.
Your existence, your achievements, are themselves pushing the sect's transformation. As long as we act openly and selflessly for the public, mere gossip can't shake the foundation. Elder Xuan Gu and the others merely worry about the sect; timelongthe, they'll understand." Tang Xiaoqi nodded. He wasn't one to haggle over small matters, only didn't want to cause internal sect discord because of himself.
"I understand. I'll pay attention to my words and actions, try not to overstep." Mu Qingfeng patted his shoulder, smiling: "Do as you normally do. You're Qingxu Temple's Protector Elder, disciples' example—needn't bind yourself due to others' views. Just. when handling relationships with various elders, show more respect and communication." Tang Xiaoqi agreed.
He deeply understood that however strong individual power, one cannot advance alone outside the sect. These subtle internal changes were a subject he must face and handle on his growth path. This wasn't merely cultivation and strength testing, but more heart nature and wisdom tempering. He needed to find his own balance amid rising prestige and potential doubts—leading trends yet maintaining unity.
This perhaps required more caution and patience than facing a powerful enemy. Qingxu Temple's future needed not only powerful martial strength but internal harmony and cohesion.