Lin Qiang’s Choice
A heavy silence blanketed the clearing, the only sound the crackling of dying flames and the ragged breaths of the stunned cultivators. The amaranth-robed old man's gaze swept over the remaining members of the Brave Clan, their faces pale with terror, their bodies trembling like leaves in a storm. Fear had petrified them, not just the fear of the immense power displayed before them, but also the dread of returning to the clan empty-handed, their mission a failure, their young master and elder reduced to ashes.
"It seems all of you must burn into nothing,"the old man sighed, his voice carrying a hint of disappointment, as if he were merely disposing of insignificant pests.
Just as he prepared to unleash his power and erase them from existence, a lone Brave Clan cultivator stepped forward, his hands clasped together in a desperate plea. "Forgive us, senior," he begged, his voice trembling. "We dare not return to the clan without an explanation…"
The old man paused, his gaze softening slightly as he considered the cultivator's words. With a flick of his wrist, he sent a jade token hurtling towards the man. The cultivator's eyes widened in recognition as he beheld the symbol engraved upon the token: three swords crossing the skies, the emblem of the Three Swords Sect.
A gasp rippled through the crowd as the realization dawned upon them. This seemingly unassuming old man was an elder of the Three Swords Sect, a legendary figure from one of the most powerful and prestigious sects in the entire continent.
This detail also did not escape the sharp eyes of the other cultivators, especially the leaders from the Silver Clan, Sunflower Pavilion, Redwater's City Lord's Mansion and Cloud Clan.
"We greet the Elder of the Three Swords Sect!" Yun Jie, the Cloud Clan Patriarch, exclaimed, bowing deeply with clasped hands.
One by one, the other leaders followed suit, their voices filled with respect and a hint of fear. Sunflower Spear's arrogance vanished, replaced by a mask of forced humility. Yin Niu and Bai Wen, their faces pale and their bodies trembling, bowed low, their minds racing as they contemplated the potential consequences of their actions. Had they spoken out of turn, had they challenged the Forest Clan too aggressively, they might have shared the fate of the young master and Deng Li.
The old man merely nodded in acknowledgment, his expression unreadable.
"Senior," Sunflower Spear inquired cautiously, "what brings a figure of your esteemed stature here?"
The amaranth-robed elder glanced at his companion, the coral-robed middle-aged man, for a brief moment before answering. "I have come to accept a disciple," he announced, his voice carrying an air of authority that silenced the crowd. "Surely, you all understand the implications of attacking this place now?"
A disciple? An elder of the Three Swords Sect, a figure of near-mythical status, was taking a disciple from the Forest Clan?
The news struck the assembled cultivators like a thunderbolt, sending shockwaves through the clearing. The Three Swords Sect was a First-Rank power, their influence and authority surpassing even the Royal Family of the Soaring Country. They ruled over vast territories, encompassing numerous countries and countless cultivator clans. To be accepted as a disciple of the Three Swords Sect was an honor beyond measure, a path to power and prestige that most could only dream of.
In fact, the Royal Family paid tribute and sent talent to try to join the Three Swords Sect every couple of years. They ruled not only the Soaring Country, but many other neighbouring countries.
Sunflower Spear burned with envy, his previous arrogance replaced by a gnawing sense of inferiority. Yin Niu shivered, his mind racing as he contemplated the potential consequences of his actions against the Forest Clan. But it was Peng Cai, the City Lord of Redwater Town, who trembled the most. A member of the Forest Clan, a clan he had just attempted to destroy, was about to join the ranks of the Three Swords Sect? His future, his position, his very life were now in jeopardy.
"Child, won't you lead us in?" the coral-robed old man said, his voice gentle and his smile warm as he turned towards Lin Qiang.
"Of course, Senior," Lin Qiang replied, bowing respectfully as she led the way towards the Forest Clan's main hall.
Lin Huangfu snapped out of his daze, his mind still struggling to comprehend the rapid turn of events. Moments ago, they had been on the brink of annihilation, their clan facing seemingly insurmountable odds. Now, an elder of the Three Swords Sect was taking one of their own as a disciple? It was a miracle, a stroke of fortune that defied all logic and reason.
His eyes followed Lin Qiang, his heart swelling with pride. Just a visit from an elder of the Three Swords Sect would be enough to raise the Forest Clan's status in the entire country!
"Patriarch, please join us as well," Lin Huangfu said, extending an invitation to Yun Jie and the Cloud Clan members. He wasn't sure why the Cloud Clan had chosen to support them, but their intervention had been crucial in their survival. He felt a deep sense of gratitude towards them, and he wanted to ensure their safety as well. He also wasn't sure whether the retreating forces would harm them out of frustration.
Yun Jie hesitated, his mind still reeling from the recent events. He glanced towards the amaranth-robed old man, seeking his approval before accepting the invitation. He could not risk offending such a powerful figure.
The old man nodded curtly, his gaze shifting towards the remaining cultivators. "As for the rest of you..." he began, his voice cold and dismissive, his eyes piercing through them like daggers.
The leaders of the White Clan, Silver Clan, Sunflower Pavilion, and Redwater City Lord's Mansion wasted no time in offering their farewells and retreating from the Forest Clan's territory, their dreams of plunder and domination shattered.
The amaranth-robed old man and his companion followed Lin Qiang and Lin Huangfu into the main hall, leaving behind a stunned silence and a sense of awe that would forever mark this day in the history of the Forest Clan.
News of the Three Swords Sect taking a disciple from the Forest Clan spread like wildfire throughout the Cloud Province, reaching the ears of cultivators and commoners alike. The once obscure and insignificant clan had become the center of attention, their fate forever intertwined with one of the most powerful sects in the land.
*
Within the Forest Clan's main hall, Yun Jie and the other Cloud Clan members were escorted to a separate pavilion reserved for honored guests. They were greeted by senior members of the Forest Clan and treated with the utmost respect and hospitality.
Meanwhile, in the main hall, the two enigmatic figures were received with reverence and awe. The coral-robed man took his seat at the head of the hall, while the amaranth-robed old man stood behind him, his posture suggesting the role of a servant or attendant.
Lin Huangfu, Lin Dong, and the Second Elder exchanged bewildered glances. The elder of the Three Swords Sect, a figure of immense power and prestige, was acting as a mere servant? Who, then, was this coral-robed man?
Lin Qiang prostrated herself before the two seniors, her voice filled with gratitude and respect. "This junior is eternally grateful to the Seniors for lending a hand!"
Lin Huangfu, Lin Dong, and the Second Elder followed suit, bowing deeply before the enigmatic figures.
"Rise, child," the coral-robed man said gently, a warm smile gracing his lips. "I initially came with the intention of taking you as my disciple, but I find myself interested in your clan."
Confusion washed over Lin Huangfu and the others. So, it was this man who wished to take a disciple, and not the elder of the Three Swords Sect?
"Are you disappointed?" the man inquired, his smile widening as he observed Lin Qiang's reaction.
"Not at all, Senior," Lin Qiang replied, her voice polite yet her eyes betraying a hint of sadness. "It would be an honor to become your disciple."
"Are you unhappy that it is not the elder from the Three Swords Clan taking you as a disciple?" He teased her.
"It is not that," Lin Qiang shook her head and waved her hands,"I… there was someone I wanted to follow."
"Qiang'er, you…" The Second Elder was frightened to death she would refuse this heaven-sent opportunity.
Lin Dong stepped forward, his gaze meeting Lin Qiang's with a mix of understanding and encouragement. "Can you follow him the way you are right now? Can you be of any help?"
Lin Qiang fell silent, her eyes downcast. She knew that Ming Ren, with his exceptional talents and mysterious past, faced countless enemies and obstacles. Nevermind the clans of Bluecloud, even the Brave Clan, and probably the Sunflower Pavilion had their sights on him. Even if she were to follow him, what could she truly offer?
The coral-robed man observed the exchange with interest, his curiosity piqued by the young woman's hesitation. He had offered her one of the greatest honors in the cultivation world, yet she seemed reluctant to accept, her heart torn between duty and admiration. In any other case, he would question her state of mind for cultivation. But, due to Jana's influence, he had little choice in the matter in the first place.
"There is no need to worry," Lin Dong reassured her. "He is not one who requires assistance at this moment. Do not let doubt cloud your judgment and cause you to miss this invaluable opportunity. Don't throw away this opportunity foolishly with doubts. Your status alone as a disciple of the Three Swords Sect will be invaluable to help."
Lin Huangfu nodded in agreement. "The East Elder speaks wisely. We, the Forest Clan, will do everything in our power to support our benefactor, to repay his kindness and ensure his safety. This, I swear upon my honor."
The coral-robed man stroked his beard thoughtfully, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. 'A benefactor?' he mused. 'They do not seem to be referring to the senior within the woods...'
Lin Qiang's eyes shone with newfound determination as she bowed once more, her voice filled with conviction. "Disciple Lin Qiang thanks Master for his guidance!"
The coral-robed man smiled, seemingly unfazed by her initial hesitation. "Good," he said. "We shall depart within a few days, so make the necessary preparations."
"Yes, Master," Lin Qiang replied, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension.
The amaranth-robed old man turned his attention towards Lin Dong. "You also possess the qualities of a worthy disciple," he stated, his voice carrying a hint of approval. "Would you be willing to become my disciple?"
Although Lin Dong's talent paled in comparison to Lin Qiang's, he possessed a True Element and, more importantly, the bloodline of Jana, the hundred-eyed colossal pegasus. Lin Huangfu and the Second Elder exchanged envious glances, their minds struggling to comprehend the sudden elevation of their former peer. To become a disciple of a figure capable of effortlessly slaying a late-stage Spirit Gate cultivator, an elder of the prestigious Three Swords Sect, was an honor beyond their wildest dreams.
Lin Dong bowed respectfully, his voice filled with gratitude. "Senior, I am humbled by your offer, but I must respectfully decline. I have already pledged my loyalty to another, a master whom I intend to follow and serve."
"Lin Dong, you...!" Lin Huangfu and the Second Elder exclaimed in unison, their voices a mixture of shock and disbelief.
"Your devotion is commendable," the amaranth-robed elder acknowledged, a hint of admiration in his voice. With a flick of his wrist, he sent another jade token flying towards Lin Dong. "This token symbolizes my authority within the Three Swords Sect. Should you ever change your mind, it will grant you entry into our ranks."
"I am eternally grateful for your generosity, Senior," Lin Dong replied, bowing deeply.
Lin Huangfu and the Second Elder wanted to beat Lin Dong up, tie his hands, and send him to the Three Swords Sect, but they knew that forcing him would be futile. Besides, Lin Qiang's acceptance as a disciple was already a momentous occasion for the Forest Clan.
"I had initially planned to depart with my new disciple immediately," the coral-robed old man said, his voice filled with contemplation, "but your clan's Laws and Arts have piqued my curiosity. To think that such a small and unassuming influence would possess techniques of such quality... Heaven-Tier Laws and Arts... it is truly remarkable."
Lin Huangfu hesitated, unsure of how to respond. He couldn't lie to their saviors, but he also dared not reveal the true source of their newfound power: the mysterious young man named Ming Ren.
"There is no need for concern," the old man reassured him, sensing his hesitation. "I care little for the origins of these techniques. However, I would be interested in acquiring them through a fair exchange."
"Senior, you have already saved our clan from certain destruction," Lin Huangfu replied, his voice filled with gratitude. "We are more than willing to offer you our arts and pill recipes as a token of our appreciation."
Even if these individuals had not intervened on their behalf, how could a small clan like the Forest Clan refuse a request from such powerful figures?
"While Body Tempering Realm techniques hold little value to me personally," the old man admitted, "adding them to our collection would be beneficial. In exchange, I shall provide you with compatible Spirit Sea and Spirit Gate Laws and Arts, techniques that will further enhance your clan's strength and ensure your continued prosperity." He gestured towards the amaranth-robed old man. "As for the pill recipes, this old man is an alchemist of some renown. Present them to him, and he shall reward you accordingly."
While he didn't expect much from the Pill Recipes of the Forest Clan, he at least could help them out some.
The answer came like a thunderbolt in the minds of those of the Forest Clan. The prospect of acquiring Spirit Sea and Spirit Gate Laws and Arts was like a dream come true for the Forest Clan. Such techniques would elevate their status and transform them into a force to be reckoned with within the Cloud Province.
Lin Huangfu wasted no time in presenting transcribed manuals of their arts and the pill recipes created by Ming Ren.
The coral-robed man examined the Laws and Arts with a discerning eye, while the amaranth-robed old man perused the pill recipes.
As the coral-robed man delved deeper into the intricacies of the Forest Clan's techniques, his initial curiosity transformed into a sense of awe and wonder. Even at his level of cultivation and understanding, he found himself learning and gaining insights from these seemingly simple arts.
'To think there would be such a clean and pure style of cultivation...' he mused, his mind marveling at the efficiency and effectiveness of each technique. 'It is as if a supreme sage had spent countless lifetimes refining these arts to perfection, leaving no room for improvement without the introduction of profound principles or rare elements. This level of mastery... it does not seem like the work of a mere mortal. Could it be the work of someone from the Upper Realms? No, that is highly unlikely. This mystery... it must be connected to that benefactor of theirs.'
Meanwhile, the amaranth-robed old man initially glanced at the pill recipes with a dismissive air. What could this small, insignificant clan possibly offer him, an alchemist who stood at the pinnacle of his craft, with few rivals in the entire world?
However, as he continued to read, his mind became increasingly engrossed in the recipes. The ingredients were simple and commonplace, yet the refining process and the combinations were unlike anything he had ever encountered. Each recipe was a masterpiece of ingenuity and efficiency, utilizing basic materials to create pills of exceptional potency and effectiveness.
The amaranth-robed old man slipped into a state of deep contemplation, his mind unraveling the mysteries hidden within the pill recipes. He entered a rare and profound state of enlightenment, his understanding of alchemy expanding exponentially as he absorbed the knowledge contained within those simple pages.
The coral-robed old man watched in astonishment as his companion's aura shifted and pulsed with newfound insights. He could barely contain his excitement as he realized what was happening.
"Enlightenment!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with awe and reverence.
Ming Ren's pill recipes, created with the knowledge gleaned from countless lifetimes within the Bright Scripture, had illuminated the path to a higher level of understanding for the amaranth-robed old man, an alchemist who had already reached the pinnacle of his craft.
Ming Ren's pill recipes enlightened him in the way of alchemy!