Chapter 94: Chapter 23 Tribal Changes_2
Feng Ping considered, saying, "On the surface, it doesn’t seem to be different from mine, but it seems to weigh a lot more. Although his skills are not as good as mine, he didn’t lose much in a hard fight."
Xi Wen nodded, saying, "That’s right. The kid is likely not a fourth-generation disciple, but a third-generation one. And, he probably didn’t use the fifty-six-kilogram Tian Gang Sword commonly used by third-generation disciples, but the seventy-two-kilogram Tian Gang Heavy Sword, mixed with mysterious iron, which we second-generation disciples use."
Lu Wen gasped in astonishment, exclaimed, "Eldest Brother, are you saying...?"
Xi Wen nodded, sighing, "Only he could have trained such an exceptional disciple! It’s been thirty years, and finally, there is news of him. Come on, fellow disciples, let’s ask our master to come out of seclusion. Upon hearing his news, the master will surely be delighted." As he spoke, a shadow of regret appeared on Xi Wen’s face.
Feng Ping was confused and didn’t know who Uncle Master was referring to. However, as all who were present were his seniors, he didn’t feel it appropriate to ask more and just waited in silence.
Xi Wen and the other six second-generation disciples of the Tian Gang Sword Sect arrived outside a seemingly ordinary cave behind the mountain. This was the place where the famed Sword Saint of the Tian Gang, who had been known for nearly seventy years, practiced in seclusion. The mountain breeze stirred the clouds, constantly colliding with the peak. Everyone there was a top martial artist in the continent, their bodies emitting a faint white glow of True Qi, shutting out the damp mist.
Arriving outside the cave, the seven disciples, led by Xi Wen, stood side by side, simultaneously paying their respects, "Please come out, Master." Their voices were not loud, but the wrapped-around True Qi penetrated deeply into the cave.
After a while, a clear voice sounded from within the cave, "What has happened that you all interrupted my cultivation?"
Xi Wen bowed towards the cave, saying, "Master, there might be news of Junior Brother. Fifth Brother’s disciple, Feng Ping, encountered a young man in the territory of the Red Charming Clan. The boy is not even twenty years old, but he has cultivated the Vitality Art to the fourth realm. According to him, his master has passed away. I think, only Junior Brother could have trained such an exceptional disciple."
It was silent inside the cave. Xi Wen and the others could do nothing but wait quietly for the guidance of the Sword Saint of the Tian Gang. In their eyes, the Sword Saint was equivalent to a divine figure.
After a long time, the clear voice sounded again, carrying a hint of deep sadness, "Old Nine has been gone for so many years, and I didn’t expect him to die away from home. Ah, it’s fate playing tricks on us! Pass on my Sect Leader Command, order all disciples of the Tian Gang Sword Sect to search with all their might, and find the whereabouts of the boy as soon as possible and bring him back to me. Xi Wen, I am old, and I won’t be intervening in the sect’s affairs anymore. From today, you will be the second-generation Sect Leader."
Xi Wen was taken aback and immediately knelt on the ground, trembled, "Master, I’m terrified. Please withdraw your order."
"I am old, and my time is near. The role of the Sect Leader should have been handed over to you long ago. This is my command, and you cannot disobey," said the Sword Saint.
Upon hearing the Sword Saint mentioning his impending death, Lu Wen and the others immediately knelt on the ground, collectively yelling, "Master—"
The voice of the Sword Saint softened significantly, "I have lived for over one hundred and ten years and am the oldest among the Four Sword Saints. The lifespan of a human is limited. The future of the Tian Gang Sword Sect relies on you all. The Descent of the Blood Sun, a millennium catastrophe, is about to arrive, which the church can’t resist. The undercurrents on the continent are gradually surfacing, and you all need to take on the responsibility for all the lives in the world. When the holy calendar completes a thousand years, monsters will inevitably descend upon the world. Alas, I’m afraid I won’t be able to keep up with that day. You must assist the church in exterminating these monsters, do you understand?"
"We will follow Master’s orders."
"Good, Xi Wen, you must find that boy as soon as possible. The matter with Old Nine is my greatest regret in life. I was too selfish. I hope to fulfill this wish before I die," said the Sword Saint.
After riding horses at high speed for over two hours, Ah Dai, who’d never ridden a horse before, felt as if his entire body was about to shatter, especially his waist and buttocks, which had already gone numb from pain.
Yan Shi lightly pulled the reins, slowing down the pace. He glanced at Ah Dai riding beside him, asking, "Brother, how do you feel about riding a horse?"
Ah Dai wryly smiled, saying, "Brother Yan Shi, my bones are nearly shattered. Have we not reached your tribe yet?"
Yan Shi laughed heartily, saying, "It’s always like this for first-time riders. Cross this forest, and we’ll be there. Hold on a little longer."
Stretching his limbs, Ah Dai said, "Brother Yan Shi, the environment of your Pu Yan Tribe is really good, with so many forests. Don’t you have cities?"
Yan Shi nodded, saying, "It is Mother Nature who has nurtured the people of Pu Yan Tribe, how can we destroy it? The city? What’s the use of a city? It’s nothing but a deforestation construct. Nature has its own rules, and if you don’t treat it well, one day it will revenge on you. Even if humans acquired God’s power, they would absolutely not be able to contend with nature!"
Ah Dai scratched his head, saying, "Brother Yan Shi, I don’t quite understand your words, but I feel you’re absolutely right. Compared to cities, I prefer to stay in the fresh air of the forest." Speaking of the forest, he naturally thought of the Illusive Forest and Goris, the Flame Wizard whom he had not seen for five years. A hint of sadness involuntarily appeared on his face.
