Chapter 304: Looking Back and Moving Forward

...

Next day.

Early in the morning, a large crowd gathered in the square of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Almost all the disciples of the sect had gathered here. Because, this day was the annual grand event of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

At the break of dawn, Zeng Yi stopped his cultivation and hurried from the Divine Sword Peak to the sect's square.

How could he miss the sect's grand event?

When Zeng Yi arrived at the square, it was already packed with people. Every person was energetic and filled with excitement, their eyes gleaming with a desire for battle.

In this grand event, every spirit fight would be watched by the high-ranking members of the sect, and even the sect master would preside over it. If one could showcase their skills in the fights and catch the eye of an elder, they might be selected as a direct disciple.

No disciple of the sect would miss such an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities. They had been preparing for this day for a long time.

Of course, the spirit fights wouldn't start immediately; there were many ceremonies to be conducted beforehand.

Zeng Yi, standing on the square, also noticed some familiar figures; the girls from the Red Sakura organization. They were maintaining order in the venue.

After more than a month, Zeng Yi had come to know about the Red Sakura organization better. Because of their prestige within the sect and the respect they received from the disciples, the sect bestowed great power upon them. The work of the Red Sakura organization was mainly to assist in managing the disciples.

Zeng Yi felt that the Red Sakura organization was like the student council in his previous life's school.

After about half an hour, all the disciples on the square had lined up in formation.

A few minutes later, the Sect Master, Ning Fengzhi, appeared at the venue with two Title Douluo by his side - Chen Xin and Gu Rong. The three of them walked slowly towards the direction of the main stage.

As the trio appeared, all the disciples and sect elders' gazes converged on them, their faces showing excitement and respect.

Ning Fengzhi walked up to the main stage, his hands clasped behind his back, looking down at the spirited disciples below, and a sense of pride welled up in his heart.

This was the future of his Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect!

As a sect that excelled in Auxiliary Martial Spirits, becoming one of the top sects on the continent and one of the Upper Three Sects was not an easy feat. Apart from Ning Fengzhi himself, others would find it hard to comprehend this feeling.

As an auxiliary sect, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was seen as the most desirable target by every other force, like walking amidst a pack of wolves where even a slight misstep could lead to a fall into an abyss.

With the accumulation from generations of Sect Masters, leading up to his own succession as the Sect Master, under Ning Fengzhi's capable management, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had finally reached the most glorious moment in its history.

Not only did they have the most prestigious auxiliary abilities throughout the continent, but they also had significantly enhanced their combat strength, even in the aspect where others believed the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to be weak.

Leaving aside the fact that they had two Super Douluo level powerhouses, Sword Douluo and Gu Rong, guarding the sect, which was enough to deter any smaller influences, the elite Battle Spirit Masters under the sect were not inferior to anyone.

Apart from the Martial Spirit Hall, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was also the richest sect. With such wealth and abundant resources, wouldn't they be able to nurture powerful Spirit Masters? Even if it were a pig, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect could turn it into a spirit beast with a cultivation base of ten thousand years, let alone talented individuals.

Hong Jie was the best evidence, at the age of nineteen, she had reached the Spirit Ancestor level—such strength and talent could be said to be on par with the three Golden Generation geniuses of the Martial Spirit Hall, surpassing any other force.

Except for the Clear Sky Sect, which had closed its doors more than a decade ago, Ning Fengzhi was not very clear about it; the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect, also one of the Upper Three Sects, dared to compare itself with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?

Although the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect boasted two twin star geniuses in this generation, the talents within their sect were not inferior to those twin stars, or even stronger. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect could only boast of the title of the top attack-type Martial Spirit.

Thus, when it came to combat power, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect fell short.

It's a pity that they couldn't admit their own inferiority to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Their self-esteem was truly laughable.

Who in the world would actually think that the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect could surpass the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?

Could there be such idiots?

Now, the sect had even welcomed an outrageously talented individual like Zeng Yi, and his daughter's Martial Spirit had evolved into the legendary Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, with even greater potential.

As long as the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was given enough time to grow, Ning Fengzhi believed that there wouldn't be any force on the continent that could threaten them.

As he imagined the future scenario, there were times where Ning Fengzhi would even wake up chuckling from his dreams.

Looking at the disciples below, full of expectation and admiration, Ning Fengzhi laughed "It seems that everyone is in good spirits today!"

Next, Ning Fengzhi gave an inspirational speech, signaling the start of the opening ceremony.

As the strongest disciple of the sect, Zeng Yi stood at the forefront of the formation. Watching Ning Fengzhi on the stage delivering a passionate and eloquent speech, Zeng Yi couldn't help but feel a familiar deja vu.

...

In another universe, a certain old man who was wearing a pointed white hat while smoking a pipe, with a soft smile gave a nod signifying his approval.

...

It was like the opening ceremony of a sports meet in his previous life, where the school leaders would give a speech to ignite the students' passion and enthusiasm.

But for those listening below, it just made things more boring.

After all, they had heard the same words every year, and had even given speeches themselves.

Even Zeng Yi, at the Spirit Ancestor level, felt his legs weakening.

"Alright, I'm done speaking for the sect."

Upon hearing this, Zeng Yi couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief, feeling that he had finally been released. However, the next sentence from Ning Fengzhi almost made Zeng Yi fall to the ground.

"Give a round of applause to welcome Zeng Yi to the stage." After Ning Fengzhi finished speaking, he also clapped his hands to applaud.

Zeng Yi was dumbfounded. Was this part of the plan too? Why didn't anyone inform me in advance? If I had known, I could have prepared a speech. But now, I'm empty-handed, suddenly asked to speak on stage, isn't this teasing me?

Zeng Yi looked up and saw Ning Fengzhi smiling down at him. From his gaze, Zeng Yi understood that this person was playing a trick on him.

Is it because I teased him a little last night? He's getting back at me like this? Isn't he the Sect Master? It's amusing how small-minded he is.

"Good luck, my dear. I'm really looking forward to your speech." Hong Jie's playful voice came from behind. Zeng Yi turned his head and saw her smirking, causing him to roll his eyes.

Hong Jie was quite happy; this was originally her job. Every year at this time, the strongest disciple of the sect would come up on stage to deliver a speech, declaring the start of the sect's grand tournament. In previous years, she had done this job.

However, a month ago, Zeng Yi defeated her in the spirit fight and became the new number one. So, this honorable task had to be handed over to Zeng Yi.

Now, Hong Jie was eagerly watching Zeng Yi on stage, facing the entire audience of disciples and elders, with a nervous expression.

Just imagining Zeng Yi being nervous and unable to speak, Hong Jie found it quite amusing.

He's really cute!

Amidst the enthusiastic applause and expectant gazes, Zeng Yi had no choice but to brave it and step onto the main stage.

As he ascended the stage, Zeng Yi first glared fiercely at Ning Fengzhi and then faced the disciples below.

Although he was being watched by thousands of people, Zeng Yi didn't feel nervous at all because he had experienced this kind of scene many times before.

When he earned money at the Spirit Arena, he was always watched by countless spectators, right?

Zeng Yi had long gotten used to it, but this time, he wasn't here to battle; he was here to deliver a speech.

Looking at the sea of people below, Zeng Yi pondered to himself. Should he just casually say a few words to fit the occasion and then step down? Or should he give them a dose of inspirational words to nourish their spirits?

In the eyes of the audience, Zeng Yi hesitated for a moment, but he didn't have any nervousness. He just wanted to speak whatever came to mind and see how it would turn out.

"Good morning, everyone. I believe you all know me, but let me introduce myself anyway. That's right, I am the most handsome man in the sect, Zeng Yi."

This opening line left the entire audience momentarily stunned, even Ning Fengzhi behind Zeng Yi was taken aback. He didn't expect Zeng Yi to be so unorthodox in such a solemn occasion.

But Zeng Yi paid no attention to the reaction from below and continued "Today, it's quite unexpected for me to be able to come up on stage and speak on behalf of everyone. But when I think about it, it's not really surprising. After all, someone as handsome as me is bound to be the protagonist. So, it's only natural for this to happen."

After hearing Zeng Yi's words, the disciples below burst into laughter. They hadn't expected the strongest disciple of the sect, Zeng Yi, to have such an eccentric and non-serious personality. It was really amusing.

Following Zeng Yi's words, the solemn atmosphere in the venue became relaxed.

Zeng Yi continued "For this speech, I won't say words of encouragement because I think you've all had enough of that. Instead, let me share something fresh with you, a piece of Spirit Chicken Soup."

[T/L Note: Spirit chicken soup is a Chinese internet slang that refers to inspirational words that are meant to motivate people.]

Ning Fengzhi was somewhat flustered, wondering what this guy was up to. Couldn't he be serious for once? He regretted letting Zeng Yi come up to speak, but now that it had happened, he couldn't immediately ask Zeng Yi to step down.

Ning Fengzhi looked at the disciples below and realized that they were looking forward to what Zeng Yi had to say.

Chen Xin and Gu Rong sat on the side, both watching Zeng Yi's mischief with smiles on their faces.

Zeng Yi continued "I once heard this phrase, 'There are no waste Martial Spirits, only waste Spirit Masters.' What do you all think of this saying?"

"Listen, this phrase sounds good, philosophical, and inspiring. Blaming one's poor Martial Spirit for being weaker than others is nothing but an excuse for being a waste, right? Wrong! It's just that you haven't practiced seriously and diligently. Laziness and decadence are your excuses. Do you know that there are people out there who, with what you consider the most useless Martial Spirit, Blue Silver Grass, can defeat Spirit Masters whose levels are much higher?"

After hearing these words, the people below started discussing among themselves. How could that be? How could the supposedly useless Blue Silver Grass Martial Spirit have such power?

Even Chen Xin and Gu Rong couldn't help but shake their heads, finding it ridiculous.

Zeng Yi smiled and continued "When I hear such words, my heart immediately fills with excitement and fervor, urging me to practice diligently."

"But then, I think it's not right. My Martial Spirit is not rubbish, so I don't need to work as hard as those Spirit Masters with rubbish Martial Spirits."

Hearing Zeng Yi's words, the disciples below burst into laughter.

Senior Brother Zeng, this is too much!

Then, his gaze turned serious.

"Actually, every piece of spirit chicken soup has two sides, and if you view it from a different perspective, it becomes poison. Just like that phrase I mentioned earlier: 'There are no waste Martial Spirits, only waste Spirit Masters.' If you flip it around, doesn't it imply that a formidable Spirit Master must not have a lacking Martial Spirit?

But think carefully, in reality, a strong Spirit Master must indeed possess a good Martial Spirit, which ensures their innate spirit power isn't low and their talent for cultivation isn't poor. Naturally, they can cultivate into strong Spirit Masters.

However, if you possess a Martial Spirit of inferior quality, your innate spirit power will certainly not be high, and the quality of your Martial Spirit will restrict your cultivation talent. Even if you work hard and try your best, it will be difficult to break through the bottleneck of Spirit power.

This is the reality, quite comical indeed."

Zeng Yi continued "But through the height of Spirit Power and the strength of one's ability, people judge others as waste and negate their efforts, sweat, and hard work in cultivation journey, ultimately labeling them as waste.

But in my opinion, those who mock others are the real waste."

Upon hearing Zeng Yi's words, the disciples below fell silent.

"I believe true strength isn't just limited to power; it can also be reflected in other aspects. So, that phrase should be reversed: there are waste Martial Spirits, but there are no waste Spirit Masters.

Why do I say this? During the awakening of a Martial Spirit, as long as there is spirit power, it can be cultivated. Even if it's just half a level of spirit power, it can still be cultivated into a Spirit Master. Just imagine the status and nobility of a Spirit Master on the continent. I believe everyone has had a dream of becoming a Spirit Master before awakening their Martial Spirit. Anyone capable of cultivation, even with just a bit of innate spirit power, will seize that tiny opportunity with all their might. As long as they become a Spirit Master, they can change their destiny.

Although the process may be difficult, harsh, and might take ten years, dozens of years, or even a lifetime, perhaps in the eyes of those with higher innate spirit power, these people are merely waste, lacking cultivation talent. But think about it, is this unwavering perseverance and dedication really not worth recognition?"

"So, there are no waste Spirit Masters — what determines our own worth is not the end goal but the journey we've taken. This is the only thing that truly makes you feel alive.

Even if the path is filled with thorns that prick your whole body, even if it ends in failure, it proves that you have walked that path. This unforgettable memory of perseverance will forever remain in your heart, even if you don't want to remember it, it will still exist and make you stronger.

With these experiences, whether joyful or painful, when you look back on them, you naturally move forward."

After finishing his spirit chicken soup, Zeng Yi looked at the pensive crowd below and nodded, satisfied with his performance. Then he smiled and said "I'm done speaking. Next, I hope everyone enjoys themselves at this sect tournament and leave with beautiful memories."

Instantly, the stage erupted in a wave of enthusiastic applause, even Ning Fengzhi, Chen Xin, and Gu Rong behind Zeng Yi couldn't help but join in the applause.

Ning Fengzhi watched Zeng Yi's figure and felt a sense of gratification. The reason he had let Zeng Yi speak on stage and also be the supervisor and referee of the sect tournament was to deepen Zeng Yi's connection with the sect. Now it seems that Zeng Yi had not let him down; he already had a place in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's future.

Yes, you are the brightest star of the sect's future!

Below the stage, Ling Yunfei's eyes were filled with moving tears as he looked at Zeng Yi, clapping vigorously and tears streaming down his face.

"Truly worthy of being my master! You speak with such talent!"