Chapter 240: Chapter 53: The Second Golden Body_2
Instead of carrying the Tian Gang Sword on his back, Ah Dai now blends in with the average folks. However, he radiates a different aura than most ordinary people, setting him apart from the crowd.
Inside the Sword Sect’s main hall, Xi Wen takes the honored seat with the other six disciples scattered lower down. The solemn expressions on all of them tell a story. The Tian Gang Sword Sect’s current reputation on the continent primarily comes from the existence of a super master in the Sect: the Sword Saint of the Tian Gang. However, whether the Sword Saint has passed away or ascended to the Divine Realm, the Sword Sect will inevitably lose his protection.
Ah Dai stands alongside Lu Wen, the stifling atmosphere of the main hall making it nearly impossible for him to breathe. After a long silence, Xi Wen starts to speak: "Each of you, with Master now gone, we have to bear the burden of the Sect. This matter must remain a secret. Seventh brother, especially you, don’t let anything slip out. You’re very impulsive and prone to letting your tongue slip. Secondly, we need to keep this from Brother Two for now. He’s not getting any younger, I fear the shock might be too much for him if he found out about our Master’s situation."
Zhou Wen responds with a solemn nod, "Eldest brother, don’t worry, I will be careful."
Xi Wen sighs, saying, "Ah Dai, since our Master has passed on all of his skills and abilities to you, you have now taken on a heavy responsibility. Do you understand?"
With his head low, Ah Dai responds, "Elder uncle, do not worry. Whenever our Sect is in trouble, I am sure to return as quickly as I can."
Xi Wen continues, "I know you have many tasks at hand, including avenging your Master Owen. We will not delay you any longer, but, remember, wherever you go, you are always a disciple of the Tian Gang Sword Sect. If you ever deviate from this path, we will not forgive you." His voice grew stern by the end.
Ah Dai stays silent, merely nodding his head in response.
Lu Wen addresses his elder brother, "Shall I take Ah Dai to meet Brother Yan Shi now, and ensure they depart from the mountain as soon as possible?"
Xi Wen approves, "Okay, you may proceed, Brother Four. Starting from tomorrow, we seven and the third-generation disciples who have reached the sixth stage of the Birth Cycle Decisions, will start the practice of ’Life Change’ technique left by our Master to quickly enhance the strength of our Sect. Also, ensure your disciples practice their martial arts diligently. "
"Yes, Lead Brother."
Lu Wen takes Ah Dai and leaves the main hall, cautioning him as they go, "Ah Dai, be careful on your journey. If something arises that you can’t handle, return home. Remember, you always have a home here."
Ah Dai’s eyes well up with tears, images of the Sword Saint’s sacrifices for his well-being fill his mind. His heart sinks, "Fourth Uncle, once I’ve avenged Uncle Owen, I’ll definitely come back to visit you."
Lu Wen hands Ah Dai a wooden tube and explains, "In case of emergencies, uncork the stopper, and pour your true qi inside. This will emit a signal to summon help from any fellow sect members within a hundred-mile radius."
Right after he stores the wooden tube inside Dragon’s Blood, Ah Dai thinks how similar its use is to the scroll Xuan Ye gave him.
By now, they’ve arrived at Yan Shi and Yan Li’s residence. Lu Wen knocks a few times on the door, a deep, gruff voice replies, "Who is it?"
Quickly, Ah Dai responds, "Brother Yan Shi, it’s me, Ah Dai."
Upon opening the door and seeing Lu Wen, Yan Shi and Yan Li respectfully bow. Lu Wen dismisses them with a wave, "Alright, no need to be so formal, gather your belongings and get ready to depart with Ah Dai."
"Ah Dai has been allowed to leave by Old Master of the Sword?" asks Yan Li.
Ah Dai glances at Lu Wen, nodding, "Yes, it’s been over half a year. We should get going to help the Elves find their kin. We can’t afford to delay."
"Alright, I’ll head back then. Be mindful on your journey, do not act rashly," says Lu Wen. Patting Ah Dai’s shoulder, Lu Wen turns around and leaves.
After watching Lu Wen disappear into the distance, Yan Shi bursts into a hearty laugh, "Ah Dai, finally we can leave. It’s been so dull here. Let’s go inside, we need to start packing."
The brothers’ room is simple, nothing more than two beds, a table, and some necessities. As Yan Shi tidies up their clothes, he begins, "Ah Dai, you’ve changed a lot these past six months. The skill you used to cut the snake skin was incredible. If you used it to attack an enemy, I’m sure its power would be much greater."
Ah Dai scratches his head, "Big Brother, you’re too kind. You’re pretty amazing yourself."
Yan Li has already finished packing his belongings and laughs lightly, "Okay, you don’t need to flatter us anymore. I originally wanted to test my abilities against you, but after seeing the transformation of your energy yesterday, I concluded it wouldn’t be wise to compete against you. If you accidentally chop me with those yellow scissors of yours, that’d spell the end for me."
The excitement of Yan Shi and Yan Li seems alien to Ah Dai. After they’ve bundled up their things, the three slip out of the Sword Sect quietly. Led by Yan Shi, they follow the road down the mountain.
