Chapter 854: Chapter 850: Starting with Ji Dantong
A stream of energy like a clear spring instantly enveloped Xiao Tian completely. The frightening wound on his back was slowly being repaired, although its efficiency seemed disappointing.
This situation didn’t exceed Sun Miaohan’s expectations; the greatest use of the Fairy’s Tears was to restore one’s own True Qi. Although it had some effect on healing wounds, it wasn’t comparable to treasures specifically designed for repairing injuries.
Yet now, with no other available options, it was better than nothing, slightly stronger than having nothing at all.
Aware that Xiao Tian had previously sealed his True Qi inside, unable to withstand such a large influx, Sun Miaohan had to rely on her extraordinary willpower to precisely control the energy, allowing it to stay on the surface and slowly heal the external injuries without letting it seep in even a tiny bit.
This kind of work that required immense focus was exhausting her Spiritual Power considerably. Soon, beads of sweat began to form on Sun Miaohan’s forehead, yet she endured the fatigue and continued with the healing process, which was more effort than results.
As time went by, the red cinnabar on Sun Miaohan’s forehead gradually faded, requiring at least another half month before it could be used again.
However, she didn’t care at all, focusing all her attention on Xiao Tian, without feeling she was wasting precious resources!
——
Meanwhile, in the core area of Heartbreak Valley, within the pavilion where Sect Leader Xu Ming resided.
Ji Dantong sat across from Xu Ming. Both remained expressionless and silent, making the atmosphere in the room heavy immediately.
After a while, Xu Ming said, "Since Miaohan can still break the seal, it seems she is temporarily safe."
Ji Dantong agreed, "Yes, even if she can’t win, she can still escape, right? Furthermore, she has the Fairy’s Tears with her, so there should be no trouble."
Xu Ming nodded slightly, but his thoughts were not as straightforward as Ji Dantong’s.
Though according to common sense it seemed so, Xu Ming, who had clashed openly and secretly with Wind Blade Valley multiple times, knew well that it was an extremely patient sect.
Normally, they might not show any signs, but at critical times, they always seemed to have unforeseen trump cards.
This is one of the reasons for Heartbreak Valley and Profound Spirit Valley’s continued partnership for years, only maintaining suppression without further action.
Given their usual style, it’s hard to say whether Tao Zhenghao has progressed rapidly over these three years, already surpassing the methodical Ji Dantong.
Thinking about this, Xu Ming couldn’t help but hesitate about whether to accelerate the progress of disciplining the disciples’ strength?
Although outsiders considered Xu Ming a very competent strict teacher, never relaxing the standards of disciples’ strength, compared to Profound Spirit Valley and Wind Blade Valley, he could only be considered mediocre.
Moreover, the seemingly strict Xu Ming secretly allowed some opportunistic actions by disciples, like temporarily boosting strength to the passing line through medications before regular examinations, as long as the discrepancies weren’t too severe or excessive, allowing them to pass.
Looking back now, Xu Ming felt his approach was highly inappropriate. These disciples ultimately couldn’t stay forever under his protection, and once such opportunism became habitual thinking.
Venturing beyond the sect would spell disaster since real combat, unlike regular tests, allows no deception.
Should one fail, what follows would be the difference between life and death!
Though Heartbreak Valley has similar policies, allowing disciples to travel outside once reaching certain standards, it was always near the sect, posing almost no threat of life-threatening danger.
In such situations, no one foolishly considered it a real journey to gain insight, knowing well that though the sect claims to offer no rescue in danger, it was merely a gesture.
When true danger strikes, the sect surely sends aid, and with such assurance, adventuring with a mindset of tourism and games, what is the point of existing?!
With a preliminary plan, Xu Ming began implementing it step by step; understanding the principle of progressing gradually.
Though his authority vastly differed now compared to when he first took over as sect leader, transforming established rules in one go was impossible.
And Xu Ming’s first step plan was...
"Dantong, what stage has your Cultivation Technique reached?"
"Ah?!"
Ji Dantong couldn’t help but feel surprised, not understanding why his master Xu Ming suddenly asked about his strength, but he truthfully replied, "Second stage, first section."
Upon hearing the answer, Xu Ming frowned slightly, "That’s not right. I remember during the examination half a month ago, you were already at the second stage, first section."
"Last time, it was indeed so, but later wasn’t I accompanying Xuanxuan in practice? So..."
Before he could finish, Xu Ming decisively interrupted, "So, starting today, set aside matters concerning Xuanxuan, and focus on enhancing your own strength."
"..." Ji Dantong was astonished, not knowing what he had done to make Xu Ming suddenly reach such a decision.
However, before he could speak further, Xu Ming asked softly, "What do you think is the fundamental reason for our concern about Miaohan this time?"
"Being alone without assistance, and you as a master can’t ignore the disciples’ safety!" Ji Dantong thought for a while, sincerely replying while subtly flattering.
Normally, Xu Ming might play the stern master, scolding briefly, then letting him go.
However, this time Ji Dantong’s scheme was doomed to fail; Xu Ming, whose mind was already made up, couldn’t be swayed by one compliment.
"You’re not entirely correct," Xu Ming, unappreciative, said, "Ultimately, it’s still Miaohan’s own strength, not reaching a reassuring level for me."
After finishing, Xu Ming added, "You wouldn’t want me worried about you, right?"
Though words were endless, Ji Dantong whispered just one word in response, "Yes!"
Xu Ming awaited this answer, and upon hearing Ji Dantong’s response, stated promptly, "Good, then quickly enhance your strength, reaching the second stage, second section before we talk again."
"But..."
Ji Dantong intended to argue that reaching the second section would take almost half a year; wouldn’t it mean no chance to go out during this period?
Yet Xu Ming allowed no room for argument, announcing firmly, "No ’but’, go back and think carefully about how to enhance your strength; feel free to ask me if confused. Hopefully, next examination, you can give me a pleasant surprise!"
"Ha..." Ji Dantong instantly sensed the "surprise."
Next examination?!
Did it mean only three months left for him to prepare?!
