As the Sect Master of the Wandao Sect, Zheng Dongliu is not reclusive and aloof. On the contrary, he regularly takes a group of direct disciples to roam the Inner Sect and Outer Disciples for ’inspections.’
From the Deputy Sect Master to the sect’s menial workers, he is well aware of all.
Being a highly respected elder in the cultivation world, Zheng Dongliu conducts himself with righteousness; thus, the Wandao Sect is united and firmly maintains its position as the top sect in the cultivation world.
Descending along the stone steps connecting various parts of the sect, Zheng Dongliu, back straight and hands clasped behind, walked with steady steps. Although not releasing any spiritual power, his lean figure exudes the momentum of a tiger descending the mountain.
Those encountered within the sect respectfully made way, standing aside and saluting, acknowledging the Sect Master.
Zheng Dongliu also smiled warmly and returned the salute, resembling a kindly elder.
Behind him, the group of direct disciples from Taiyi Peak, resembling a pack of small beasts, have already made their mark in the cultivation world.
According to the rules of the Wandao Sect, once a direct disciple reaches Harmonization, an Inner Sect member reaches the Unity Realm Stage, or an Outer Disciple reaches Sitting and Illuminating, they can leave their disciple status and establish their sects outside. However, though some leave, more choose to stay because the Outer Disciples aspire to join the Inner Sect, and the Inner Sect strives to become direct disciples—who knows what might happen with consistent effort?
Among them, choosing to become a direct disciple means inheriting the master’s legacy and shouldering the responsibilities of the Wandao Sect.
Because becoming a direct disciple is a mutual choice.
The reason for this rule is that some disciples come from dynasties and prestigious families, and some of them are destined to return to their families after completing their studies, making it impossible to stay in the Wandao Sect.
Therefore, the direct disciples of Wandao Sect symbolize its future.
"I calculated, the Sect Master usually ’inspects and guides’ every half year, but this time it hasn’t been half a year yet," Zhao Shize whispered to Guan Wen, "Why do you think it’s early this time?"
With each breakthrough, a cultivator’s lifespan significantly increases. However, under the existing cultivation system of the Human Clan, half a year is a milestone for early-stage cultivator progress. Thus, Zheng Dongliu conducts biannual inspections.
"Perhaps it’s because Senior Brother has reached Harmonization," Guan Wen whispered back, "Though not the youngest Harmonization, he’s the youngest Mid-stage Harmonization Realm. Moreover, with over five thousand new disciples recruited this year, it’s surely to let those junior brothers and sisters witness Senior Brother’s prowess. Wouldn’t you agree, Second Senior Brother?"
Saying that, Guan Wen again tried to reach out to touch Pure Yang Boy Jiang Wuya, who quickly dodged and glared at her: "Just follow the Sect Master and Senior Brother, stop asking so many questions."
Guan Wen rolled her eyes at Second Senior Brother, then looked again with reverence at the Sect Master’s back.
It’s widely known that under Zheng Dongliu’s leadership, the Wandao Sect became the leader of the cultivation world.
Furthermore, he abolished the position of Supreme Elder with a simple reason: the Wandao Sect doesn’t need a ’backbone’ like the Supreme Elder to stand out in times of crisis. Each should do their duty, instilling awe across the world, preventing anyone from daring to humiliate the sect—a sharp ’sword’ in itself!
In the Sect Master’s words, the Divine Presence Realm powerhouses qualified to be Supreme Elders are longtime virtual elders at this level; instead of wasting resources on them for seclusion, they should do more, guide more disciples, witness the alternation of day and night, the mountains and rivers, the myriad aspects of life. It’s undoubtedly more beneficial than mere seclusion.
After all, Divine Presence and Divine Concealment are profound realms linked to the heavens and earth. What’s the significance of only knowing seclusion?
Because of this, the Sect Master offended many back then, but all were subdued by his might.
Those with resentment left the sect, while the reverent continued to serve dutifully, holding reverence.
Later, all resources saved from not maintaining Supreme Elders were used to nurture the younger generation. Once they grew up, they fully replaced the old generation, freeing the Wandao Sect from internal troubles.
During the generational transition, Zheng Dongliu single-handedly shouldered the entire Wandao Sect.
Because of this, though in his Divine Concealing Realm with an ideally longer, resolute life, he began to show signs of aging at just over ten thousand years old.
Just thinking about the Sect Master’s glorious history, Guan Wen couldn’t help but admire in her heart. If living in the same era as the Sect Master and as a Wandao Sect member, life would surely be spectacular.
So she softly asked Jiang Wuya about the Sect Master again, knowing that Second Senior Brother’s master, Deputy Sect Master Ji Wenchang, was the Sect Master’s senior disciple.
"Jin’an, come over here."
Zheng Dongliu lowered his voice a bit, and Jiang Wuya and the others knowingly fell back a bit, leaving private space for the Sect Master and Senior Brother.
Lu Jin’an fell half a step back following beside the Sect Master, and Zheng Dongliu transmitted his voice: "How is the Underworld?"
Lu Jin’an thought for a moment before replying: "Emperor Fengdu is very busy. Upon hearing from a disciple that another era of great turmoil is approaching, he felt quite vexed."
"Hahaha, still the same old self..." Zheng Dongliu burst into hearty laughter, "I almost feel sorry for him."
"The Sect Master is much like him," Lu Jin’an quietly said, "Both have their steadfast commitments."
"We’re just doing what needs to be done, no need for flattery," Zheng Dongliu shook his head, his tone shifting, "Having talked so much with him, you’ve learned quite a bit, haven’t you?"
"Indeed," Lu Jin’an smiled slightly, "Disciple’s Great Dao has been achieved."
"Good, good, good." Zheng Dongliu stroked his beard with a smile, turned his head to him, his voice growing slightly heavier, "This time, the old man’s birthday banquet is not for me but for you. I want you to inherit the position of Saint Heir!"
Lu Jin’an slightly bowed his head, responding without hesitation: "Disciple obeys."
Zheng Dongliu nodded and looked forward again, his gaze somewhat dimming.
Lu Jin’an knew what the Sect Master was thinking.
The Wandao Sect had appointed Saint Heirs before, but they all died—all perished by murder.
Because the Saint Heir is established by Zheng Dongliu as the successor of the Wandao Sect, so the Upper Realm and foreign races show no mercy.
They don’t want to see a second Zheng Dongliu.
Hence, Lu Jin’an understood all too well what being the Wandao Sect Saint Heir signifies.
Zheng Dongliu, with hands behind his back again, softly spoke: "You mustn’t emulate those deceased, striving to become an old man like me...
The old man merely managed to hold onto this place."
Lu Jin’an nodded, his voice calm: "I am not the Sect Master."
Listening to Lu Jin’an’s unwavering response, Zheng Dongliu’s emaciated face broke into a broader smile: "Good, good, becoming an Immortal isn’t about becoming someone else... May I ask, you pursue immortality for what purpose?"
"For..." Lu Jin’an’s voice paused, a bit of helplessness surfacing in his gaze.
If it were before, he would have answered ’becoming immortal’ or ’transcendence’ without hesitation, but now thoughts of his master, Nanzhi, senior sister, and a figure who left him trembling involuntarily surfaced...
"Hmm?" Zheng Dongliu curiously eyed Lu Jin’an, "Is this hard to answer?"
Lu Jin’an took a deep breath, softly speaking: "Freedom."
Currently, he truly yearns for ’freedom,’ after all, they’re always ’after’ him with intentions."
Hearing Lu Jin’an’s answer, Zheng Dongliu’s laughter grew warmer.
The term ’freedom’ is profound and mysterious.
The old man gently stroked his beard: "Good!"