Lin Dong glanced between Wang Yan, Jiutian Taiqing Palace, and Dao Sect.
Wang Yan had now become the new leader of Yuanmen. Ling Qingzhu hailed from Jiutian Taiqing Palace, destined to become its next Palace Master. And Ying Huanhuan—his fellow disciple—was the beloved daughter of Dao Sect and most likely its future sect master.
In truth, no matter which force he chose, it would be a political minefield. So Lin Dong simply chose not to choose.
"I just came to participate. I have no intention of joining any sect," he said with a smile that masked the deeper meaning in his heart.
Lin Langtian followed suit. "Same here. I've gained enough from this journey."
Though his words were mild, inwardly he had already surpassed his former obsession with Lin Dong. Now, his ambitions stretched much farther.
Next came Wang Yan, Qin Shi, Huang Pujing, Wu Yun, and Chi Hao—all of them echoed similar sentiments. After all, they had all grown tremendously through the opportunities they seized in the ancient battlefield. For them, joining a super sect was unnecessary—unless they were offered its leadership outright.
The woman from Jiutian Taiqing Palace turned to Mu Lingsha.
"What about you?"
Mu Lingsha smiled faintly and looked toward Ye Feng. "I have no intention of joining any sect. Staying by my master's side is good enough."
Ye Feng then turned his eyes to Ying Huanhuan. "Huanhuan," he said, "didn't we say we'd go home? Let's go visit your sect."
---
Dongxuan Territory—a land of endless dynasties, rise and fall, and fierce competition.
Though dynasties flickered across the land like stars in the night sky, the true rulers above them were the eight great super sects: Yuanmen, Jiutian Taiqing Palace, Dao Sect, Wanguimen, Fugu, Jianzong, Honghuang Palace, and Shenzong.
Each sect held power enough to flatten entire nations with ease.
Among them, Dao Sect, nestled in the vast southwest mountain ranges, loomed like a giant. Shrouded in mist, the sprawling mountains stretched for hundreds of thousands of miles. Countless dynasties relied on Dao Sect's influence and protection to survive.
At its heart stood a massive, bowl-shaped light barrier, stretching thousands of feet wide. Inside it were countless ancient halls, each carrying the weight of forgotten centuries. From the sky, the place resembled a divine city, bustling with life.
Suddenly, in the skies outside the barrier, space twisted—hundreds of figures appeared.
"Welcome to Dao Sect… Huanhuan? You're back?"
An old elder stepped forward, blinking in surprise as he recognized her.
"Yes," Ying Huanhuan replied softly.
"Come. Follow me inside," the elder said. "But know this—none of you are considered formal disciples of Dao Sect yet."
As he spoke, he formed a hand seal. The protective barrier rippled as a path opened. The formation hidden in the light shield was terrifying—once fully activated, it could instantly annihilate even those in the Shengxuan Realm.
Dao Sect's training grounds were divided into four main halls, named after elements of heaven and earth. In the original timeline, Lin Dong had joined the declining Hall of the Wilderness.
After some time, a vast mountain came into view. At its summit stood grand palaces, and at its very top, surrounded by clouds, was a spacious bluestone platform.
Massive stone pillars lined the platform like silent sentinels. Dozens of figures stood atop them, emanating profound auras.
At the center, three middle-aged men stood with their hands behind their backs. Their presence was commanding—calm, refined, and undeniably powerful.
"Are these the top ten from this year's Hundred Dynasties War?" one of them asked, casting a glance at Lin Dong, Lin Langtian, and the others.
"It's a pity none of them are willing to join our sect," another said with a wry chuckle. "Still, they're Huanhuan's companions—and that Wang Yan, becoming the new master of Yuanmen… that's something!"
Another elder turned to Ying Huanhuan, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Huanhuan… your cultivation... why can't I see through it?"
The man wore simple robes and cloth shoes, his aura gentle and reserved. Yet his presence held weight. This was Ying Xuanzi, Sect Master of Dao Sect—and Ying Huanhuan's father.
"Father," Ying Huanhuan stepped forward and greeted him softly.
Ying Xuanzi stared at her in stunned silence.
"You… Ice Lord…"
He couldn't believe what his spirit sense was telling him.
Ying Huanhuan nodded.
"You've recovered your past strength?"
"Yes."
"And your master... is here too?"
Ying Xuanzi's gaze shifted, finally landing on Ye Feng. Out of everyone present, he was the only one whose cultivation level Ying Xuanzi could not discern.
"You… must be the Chaos Saint?" he asked cautiously.
"Yes," Ye Feng replied with a calm smile. "My name is Ye Feng. Ye, as in leaf. Feng, as in mountain. Today, I come with a purpose."
"And that is?"
"I've come… to propose marriage."
"Marriage proposal?" Ying Xuanzi was caught off guard.
"To whom?" he asked.
"To myself."
"And the bride?"
"Your daughter. Ying Huanhuan."
The air froze.
"You two… but aren't you—master and disciple?"
"Who said a master and disciple can't fall in love?" Ying Huanhuan interjected before her father could argue. "That's just worldly prejudice. If I have a second chance at life, I'll live for my own happiness. I love him. Father, do you agree?"
Ying Xuanzi looked speechless. "Child, why are you answering for him before he even speaks?!"
He turned to Ye Feng, eyes sharp. "Ye Feng, I'm afraid your proposal won't work."
Ye Feng stared back at him calmly.
Boom!
Though the sky had been clear moments ago, dark clouds suddenly gathered overhead. Thunder rolled, and streaks of lightning danced in the heavens.
The Dao Sect elders looked up in alarm.
"What's the meaning of this?" Ying Xuanzi frowned, now visibly uneasy. Did Ye Feng intend to intimidate him?
"Father!" Ying Huanhuan quickly explained. "You can't blame him. If he becomes upset… the sky itself reacts. He is the sky."
"You're speaking nonsense," Ying Xuanzi snapped, clearly not buying it. "Even if he's powerful, that doesn't give him the right to skip tradition. If you're proposing marriage, you should at least bring a betrothal gift. You came empty-handed and expect to marry my daughter? That's not how things work!"
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