Xuan Ji suspected that the Demon Cult might possess an ancient Teleportation altar, enabling communication between the Demon Cult on the Tianwu continent and the Tianlong continent. This explained their simultaneous resurgence a year ago.
"If that's the case, the Demon Cult will continue to operate covertly until the Demon Emperor is resurrected. Their primary objective must be to locate Xue Yao," Xuan Ji speculated.
"What is it, Patriarch Mu Ji? Do you recall anything about the Demon Emperor?" Master Wang inquired, curious if Mu Ji, having lived for over a thousand years, remembered that era lost to history.
"No, not at all... I just find the title 'Demon Emperor' rather comical. If he's anything like his followers, I could slay him multiple times over," Xuan Ji joked, nearly causing Master Wang and the others' jaws to drop at his audacity to mock the Demon Cult's revered figure.
Historical records revealed that the Demon Cult had nearly conquered the world, only thwarted by the First Martial Alliance Leader's efforts in sealing them behind a massive mountain fortress. However, details regarding the fate of the Demon Cult followers had been lost, causing people to gradually forget their existence.
"Alright, let's put an end to this conversation. It's getting late, Master Wang. You should rest up for tomorrow's journey," Xuan Ji concluded the discussion, fearing that Master Wang's incessant questions might lead to a slip-up, jeopardizing his disguise.
Master Wang smiled broadly, feeling privileged to have engaged in such a lengthy conversation with a Realm of Immortality expert. Such individuals were known for their aloofness and tendency to prioritize their own needs, making them difficult to converse with.
"In that case, I shall retire to the carriage. Patriarch Mu Ji, if you require anything, do not hesitate to wake me. If it is within my power, I will gladly assist you," Master Wang replied, cupping his fist in respect.
Xuan Ji simply nodded, taking a sip of his tea.
The Heavenly Emperor Realm experts resumed their places around the bonfire, some chatting amongst themselves, while others opted to sleep. None dared to approach Xuan Ji, fearful of incurring his displeasure. One wrong word could potentially cost them their lives.
Li Ruoqing, however, was different. Her gaze remained fixated on Xuan Ji's dimensional ring. Utilizing her Star Aura Technique, she sensed a constant flow of spiritual energy emanating from it, flowing into the Meridian points on Xuan Ji's hand.
"Could he have a vast quantity of monster crystals within his dimensional ring? He's already undergone a thousand years of secluded meditation, yet his resources seem endless," Li Ruoqing mused.
"Young Miss Ruoqing, have you joined a sect? Your martial talent seems quite remarkable," Xuan Ji's voice suddenly reached her ears.
Startled, Li Ruoqing wondered if Xuan Ji had detected her using the Star Aura Technique to examine his spiritual energy.
"I briefly joined a small sect during my initial cultivation days, but after reaching the Heavenly Emperor Realm, I returned to the Li Clan. My attempts to enter larger sects have been unsuccessful," Li Ruoqing responded. "According to the examining Elders, my martial arts are still subpar."
A hint of dejection colored Li Ruoqing's expression as she acknowledged her shortcomings. Had it not been for Li Fei's recommendation, Master Wang wouldn't have included her in the escort team.
"I believe you possess great potential, but close-combat might not be your forte. Perhaps consider shifting to assassination-based martial arts, given your ability to sense spiritual energy," Xuan Ji suggested.
He had been genuinely surprised when Li Ruoqing managed to lock onto his position while he was concealed within the tree branches, even with his tortoise amulet suppressing his spiritual energy.
"But the Li Clan only practices close-combat martial arts, specializing in Sword and Spear techniques," Li Ruoqing pointed out. Even when joining sects, disciples typically continued to refine their clan's martial arts, treating the sect's teachings as supplementary.
"Hmm..." Xuan Ji pondered for a moment before retrieving a martial arts scroll. "Take this. Learning another sect's martial arts is generally taboo, but considering I am an Elder of this sect, consider yourself my disciple. And... remember, once you've mastered it, strive to enter your desired large sect."
Xuan Ji refrained from mentioning the Eternal Sword Sect, as it didn't exist on the Tianwu continent.
Li Ruoqing was overjoyed at the prospect of becoming an indirect disciple of a patriarch and inheriting his martial arts legacy.
She immediately bowed before Xuan Ji, touching her forehead to the ground three times. "Disciple Li Ruoqing expresses her gratitude to Master Ji."
Li Fei, Zhao Wu, and the others watched in astonishment. They hadn't expected the young woman considered the weakest among them to receive such fortune.
"Hmm, Patriarch Mu Ji... what about me—" Li Fei began, but Xuan Ji raised his hand, cutting him off.
"You are a bit too old, while the others, though talented, are not suited for my inheritance. This young lady is the only one present who aligns with my martial arts lineage," Xuan Ji explained.
Li Fei could only smile wryly, rejected even before revealing his preferred martial arts.
Zhao Wu, too, had hoped to receive some swordsmanship pointers from Xuan Ji, despite having no intention of joining a sect due to his high-ranking position within the Zhao Clan. However, with Xuan Ji seemingly uninterested in offering further guidance, he abandoned the idea.
Li Ruoqing immediately delved into studying the martial arts bestowed upon her, practicing diligently throughout the night and occasionally seeking clarification from Xuan Ji.
She felt an urgency to master it, sensing that their paths might not cross again for a long time.
Li Fei observed Li Ruoqing's progress as he sipped his tea, choosing to stay awake throughout the night. He wanted to gauge the extent to which Li Ruoqing could grasp Xuan Ji's teachings.
Upon returning to the Li Clan, he planned to inform the Clan Leader about Li Ruoqing becoming a patriarch's indirect disciple. He was certain the Clan Leader would be delighted and offer his support in helping Li Ruoqing join the Kunlun Sect, a prominent sect in Huayang City.
"Hmm? Are my eyes deceiving me?" he muttered, sensing a surge in Li Ruoqing's spiritual energy.
"It appears her new martial arts perfectly complement her talent. In due time, I have no doubt she'll become the strongest Heavenly Emperor Realm expert in Huayang City," Zhao Wu commented.
"What?" Li Fei exclaimed in surprise. "Just one additional martial art is enough to propel her to the top? Hahaha... the Li Clan's future looks bright. It's been far too long since we've had an expert capable of shaking the Tianwu continent." He chuckled, brimming with pride.
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