Return To The Sect Again.

Everyone, including Alex, stood on the ship's deck, eyes downcast in shame. None dared meet Old Chang's gaze.

"Hmm, this is surprising," Old Chang mused, a smile touching his lips. Behind him stood several elders, their expressions resembling lifeless zombies.

"I had expected about ten of you to come here," he continued, his gaze sweeping over them.

"Seems I overestimated the talents of this generation... They are much lesser than I thought," he said, looking at the disciples, disappointment clear in his voice.

"When I mentioned expecting ten, I meant not more than 80. Each of you possessed superior techniques, pills, potions, weapons, and attacks. However, none of you used any of these resources. Instead, you chose to settle your grudges amongst yourselves," he stated, his gaze now focused on the disciples.

"This is truly disheartening," he added in a cool tone.

Everyone's spirits sank, consumed by their sense of shame. Not only did they fail in their plan, but they had also forsaken it entirely.

"But..." Old Chang's voice resonated once again, breaking the silence.

"In this battle, you've experienced true warfare. This experience far surpasses going through a hundred life-and-death struggles. And it's not just disappointment that's present here. This battle revealed unique talents, and they are more than sufficient to compensate for all those trash who perished," he said, his gaze shifting to a few individuals and then to Alex.

"So, I forgive you all... NOW, LET'S EAT!" Old Chang's hearty laughter echoed as a table laden with a feast appeared on the deck.

Everyone stood flabbergasted.

"WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!! GO EAT! This marks your first taste of real war. Let's celebrate this!" Old Chang declared, settling at the table and digging into the dishes, a genuine smile lighting up his face.

Stunned, the gloomy atmosphere dissipated, replaced by the sound of eager footsteps as they rushed to sit down and partake in the bountiful meal. The food was exquisite, melting away the tension that hung in the air.

--

On the deck designated for sleeping, Alex yearned to leave and rest. Exhaustion weighed heavily upon him.

"Zhi Li, come here for a moment," Old Chang's voice called to Alex from his spot on the deck, gazing out at the sky, his voice old and worn.

"What can I assist you with, Grand Elder Chang?" Alex asked, bowing respectfully.

"Call me Old Chang. That title no longer suits me," Old Chang replied.

"Do you see that?" He pointed towards a star in the sky, a star shining like a brilliant moon.

"Yes... a beautiful star," Alex responded sincerely, appreciating its splendor.

"That star is called Heaven's Gate. Once, everyone could unlock it with their power," he said, a wistful tone in his voice.

"It used to illuminate the world, announcing the arrival of a new ascender in our realm. It has been 8000 years since it last shone," he continued, his gaze fixed on Alex. "Who do you think will be our next ascender, Zhi Li?" he inquired.

"Hmm... perhaps you, sir," Alex gestured towards Old Chang.

Old Chang chuckled, "HAHAHAHAHA... No, not anymore. Perhaps in my youth, but now, I am but an old man burdened with broken pride, heart, and will. I can never be a realm ascender again... not if I have a choice," he added, his gaze dropping.

"I've pondered this for a long time, which is why I chose to be a teacher and elder to all of you instead of focusing on cultivation in the sect. A regular elder would have been sufficient to guide your generation through its quandaries," Old Chang said, looking around at the sleeping disciples' area.

"I wanted to witness it... to see the champion of our world... the one who would ignite our world's..." he paused, catching his words before they slipped out,

"ignited what by? Sir Chang." Alex was invested in this. he never knew this information even existed ever sect.

"Hahaha, you can't know that yet. Anyway, my greatest desire is to witness the first ascender in our world after 8000 years. And... you might just be my greatest bet, I must say. You could be the one to lead us to glory," he smiled like a kind elder.

"I'm not forcing you to shoulder this burden, mind you. But before you decide whether to be the sect's hero, a shadowy protector, or none of these and just leave, please consider my wish," he said earnestly. "Now, you should get some rest. We'll be in the sky for another three hours."

Alex nodded and made his way towards the disciples' sleeping area, deep in thought.

His mind was a whirlwind of conflicting ideas. He wanted to conceal his power to avoid trouble, but still...

With a shake of his head, he settled into his bed, ready to sleep soundly.

Old Chang smiled, gazing at his hand as golden energy radiated from it. He muttered with a tinge of melancholy, "Seems like i weren't the one you should have chosen." With a final glance upwards, he headed towards the area where the elders slept.

--

The next day dawned.

"WAKE UP, EVERYONE! WE'VE ARRIVED!" Old Chang's voice resounded, rousing everyone from their slumber.

They emerged from their sleeping quarters, peering outside at the sunny day. But more importantly, they were back from their mission.

"Take a bath, rest some more, then head to the Contribution Hall to redeem your badges. Tomorrow, you'll participate in the tournament. Use your points wisely now, as we descend."

BOOOOOOM!!!

The ship descended with Old Chang at the helm.

BOOOOOOM!!!

BOOOOOOM!!!

A forcefield activated, and beams of light manifested in the sky, forming swords. Old Chang displayed his identification talisman, causing the swords to vanish entirely.

They descended towards a large open area, where other ships were landing.

"Go ahead. Don't disappoint in the tournament," Old Chang and the elders surged through the sky.

"I'm still so tired. What about you, Big Brother Li?" Chang Li stretched, addressing Alex. But Alex's mind was elsewhere.

"Me too. We can redeem points in the afternoon. I'm going to bathe now. Bye!" With that, he departed.

"Wait, Big Brother Li!" Chang Li called out, but Alex was already gone.

Chang Li headed to bathe as well.

--

In the bathhouse.

"Ahh, this is the life... Ahh..." Alex slipped into the water, fatigue melting away. It was pure relaxation.

Gazing upwards, he muttered to himself, "Shiny Heaven Star, huh? Should I reveal it? Should I unveil my talent?" His thoughts didn't refer to the system; that was something he would never expose, even if it meant his life.

He pondered his talent: becoming strong. He considered revealing his power, eliminating a few people, and creating an illusion that it was his cultivation talent. However, that was far from the truth.

As he ruminated, a voice echoed in his mind.

"Teacher!"

"GUUFGHGHH!!!" Startled, Alex leaped

out of the bath, his face as pale as a sheet. Quickly wrapping himself in a towel, he looked around.

"Oh... it's... you..."

End of Chapter.