"Senior, I am not from a big family."
However, Xu Ning's next sentence exceeded Wan Ye's expectations.
"I grew up in a village in Kangyun County in State Feiyun."
Xu Ning added.
"Kangyun County in State Feiyun…"
Although Wan Ye didn't know exactly where Kangyun County was, he was certain that it must be a small place that he had never paid attention to before.
"To have such achievements with such a background, how rare, how rare!"
Wan Ye was very satisfied with Xu Ning. He basically had already recognized Xu Ning as the successor of his sect.
However, Wan Ye did not say his true thoughts immediately.
If he expressed it too eagerly, Xu Ning might be suspicious of his intentions, which would be the opposite of what he wanted.
Xu Ning also noticed Wan Ye's abnormality.
'This dao realm master seems to be satisfied with my aptitude…'
Xu Ning could feel Wan Ye's excitement.
Xu Ning noticed from Wan Ye's eyes that he seemed to have some kind of expectation for him.
"Xu Ning…"
Wan Ye calmed down and decided to build a good relationship with Xu Ning first.
"Senior…"
Xu Ning listened carefully.
"If I'm not wrong, this little thing should be a void beast, right?"
Wan Ye glanced at Gray and chatted with Xu Ning.
"Senior is right, it is a void beast."
Xu Ning did not hide anything.
After escaping from Wan Ye, Gray carefully hid behind Xu Ning. It looked at Wan Ye with a timid look in its eyes.
"Void beast…"
Wan Ye was speechless. "A void beast with such a pure bloodline is rare even in State Wansheng… It is indeed very rare to see one in State Jifeng."
Xu Ning smiled and did not respond.
"By the way, I came here to find my demon beast."
Wan Ye suddenly said.
Xu Ning was shocked when he heard that.
Gray, who was hiding at Xu Ning's feet, trembled.
'Sure enough, this dao realm master is here to find the cyan wolf demon beast…'
Xu Ning glanced at Gray, looking worried.
Gray's reaction just now was obviously abnormal, and it was caught by the old man. This directly showed that the loss of his demon beast was related to the two.
Even if he didn't interrogate Gray and him, he could ask the others in the Moon Gazing Sect.
It was almost impossible to hide the matter of him subduing the cyan wolf demon beast.
"The last place it disappeared was in this villa…"
Wan Ye added, "But although its aura has disappeared, I am certain that it is still alive. If I'm not wrong, you must have used some methods to hide it. Now, let it out…"
"This…"
Facing Wan Ye, Xu Ning didn't know whether to tell the truth.
When the other party said this, his tone was firm. If he continued to deny it, he might be angered.
But if he released the cyan wolf demon beast, the secret of the Demon Beast Scroll would inevitably be exposed.
"What? Are you worried?"
Wan Ye chuckled. "Don't worry, I know Cyan's character. After it escaped from me, it must have caused trouble. As long as you didn't kill it, I will definitely not punish you."
Xu Ning looked hesitant.
Although he was not completely certain, Xu Ning felt that the old man in front of him did not have any murderous intent.
If he really wanted to punish Gray and him, there was no need to be so friendly.
As a dao realm master, he had many methods to deal with him.
"Gray."
After a second, Xu Ning made a decision. He gently kicked Gray.
"Let the cyan wolf out…"
Xu Ning said to Gray softly.
"Oh?"
Wan Ye looked at Gray. At first, he thought that Xu Ning had used a technique to hide the cyan wolf demon beast, but now it seemed that it was the void beast.
Gray obeyed Xu Ning's orders.
It activated its bloodline power and threw the cyan wolf demon beast out of the Demon Beast Scroll.
When the cyan wolf demon beast was thrown out, its head hit the ground first.
It quickly got up and found that it had been released from the Demon Beast Scroll.
The cyan wolf demon beast was extremely excited when it saw Wan Ye.
"Master, you really came to save me!"
The cyan wolf demon beast shook its tail and leaned towards Wan Ye.
"I almost couldn't see you anymore!" The cyan wolf demon beast quickly cried. It turned its head and looked at Xu Ning and Gray with a smug and vengeful look in its eyes. "Not only did this human and beast beat me up, but they also locked me in an independent space. I suffered a lot…"
"Cyan, you fled without permission, and you still have the face to call me master?"
Wan Ye's face turned serious. "If you didn't provoke others, why would they attack you and imprison you?"
The cyan wolf named Cyan looked up at Wan Ye with a frozen expression.
Wan Ye actually scolded it instead?
This was not what it had expected.
"I have told you repeatedly not to play around and indulge your bloodline beast nature. If your beast nature activates, you will completely lose control yourself and become a murderous demon beast. If that happens, even if others don't mind, I will personally kill you."
There was a hint of murderous intent in Wan Ye's words.
Cyan lowered its head and pretended to be depressed.
After Xu Ning heard this, he thought of the terrifying murderous aura in the cyan wolf will apparition and the bloody fog released by the cyan wolf demon beast.
Judging from these methods, this cyan wolf was indeed bloodthirsty in nature.
"Lie down."
Wan Ye said to Cyan coldly, "I will decide how to punish you later."
Cyan wanted to beg, but after seeing Wan Ye's expression, he quickly stood aside.
"Xu Ning, you have spent a lot of effort looking after Cyan for me."
Wan Ye stroked his beard.
Xu Ning was taken aback, then said, "Senior, you're too kind…"
As he said that, Xu Ning was thinking.
The dao realm master in front of him was not dissatisfied with him imprisoning the cyan wolf demon beast. He even showed him kindness.
Moreover, he did not ask about Gray's method of imprisoning and releasing the cyan wolf demon beast, nor did he show any intention of offending them.
"I almost forgot…"
Wan Ye slapped his forehead. "I don't seem to have told you my identity yet."
"My name is Wan Ye, and everyone outside calls me Old Man Wan Ye."
Wan Ye revealed his identity.
"Old Man Wan Ye?"
Xu Ning was surprised.
Old Man Wan Ye was one of the reasons why the Jade Night Sect came to State Wansheng.
And now he appeared in front of him
"You are a disciple of the Yuelan Sect, so you should also know that the group of people from State Wansheng who came here are searching for my whereabouts."
Wan Ye said.
Xu Ning nodded. "I know."
"But do you know why they are looking for me?"
Wan Ye asked.
"They wish to obtain something called a sect token…"
Xu Ning said tentatively.
Xu Ning had heard Mi Xingye and Qiu Renshan mention this when he was still in the sect.
However, Xu Ning didn't know what a sect token was.
"Yes, th they came here for a sect token."
Wan Ye admitted.
"A sect token? What is it?"
Although Xu Ning didn't know why Wan Ye took the initiative to mention this, he listened carefully.
"Almost every state in the seventeen states of the Abyss North is extremely scattered, and it is difficult to form a monopoly. Even the Source Sect of State Feiyun can only lead some parties. It is impossible to achieve absolute control."
Wan Ye said, "But it is different in State Wansheng. State Wansheng is ruled by a dynasty, and the Imperial Court rules everything."
"State Wansheng is ruled by a dynasty?"
Xu Ning didn't expect this.
In Xu Ning's opinion, in a place like State Wansheng, where there were many strong people, the forces should be more scattered. He didn't expect for an Imperial Court to control everything.
Building a dynasty in the martial arts world was extremely difficult.
Not only did one have to have the strength to crush all parties, but one also had to ensure that there would be super martial arts geniuses appearing from generation to generation among the younger generation.
Once their martial arts geniuses could not keep up, the dynasty would suffer pressure from all sides, and it might even collapse.
"Yes, there is a grandmaster in the imperial family."
Afraid that Xu Ning didn't understand, Wan Ye explained, "A grandmaster is an unfathomable realm above the dao realm."
"Above the dao realm…"
Xu Ning's heart was beating fast.
This was still too far away for Xu Ning.
But now that he had heard this, he began to look forward to it.
"And sect tokens are issued by the Imperial Court for the official status of a sect to be recognized."
Wan Ye said, "Only by holding a sect token can you enjoy the protection of the Imperial Court, recruit disciples without any restrictions, and expand your power. While those sects without a sect token and without the recognition of the Imperial Court can only grab resources in the chaotic martial arts environment."
"Is that so…"
Although Xu Ning hadn't personally experienced the benefits of having a sect token, after hearing what Wan Ye said, this sect token was definitely a rare treasure.
"There are only two ways to obtain a sect token."
Wan Ye continued, "Either you reach the seventh stage of the dao realm and take the initiative to apply to the Imperial Court. And once the Imperial Court audits it, they will issue a sect token."
"Or you have to take the sect token from a declining official sect and replace its official sect status…"
Until here, Wan Ye revealed a look of helplessness in his eyes.
Xu Ning noticed this.
Instantly, he had a guess.
This Old Man Wan Ye was likely the successor of a declining sect.
He brought this sect token from State Wansheng to the seventeen states of the Abyss North.
And after the people of the Jade Night Sect heard this news, they came to find him, wanting to snatch the sect token and obtain the status of an official sect.
Sure enough, Wan Ye explained further.
His explanation was basically the same as Xu Ning had guessed.
"Now that my sect token is in my hands, if I can't find a suitable successor, my sect can only be destroyed…"
Wan Ye then stared at Xu Ning with hope in his eyes. He asked Xu Ning with a sincere attitude, "Xu Ning, are you willing to help me rebuild my sect?"
Chapter 219 Swallow Heron Sect
"You want me to rebuild your sect for you?"
Although Wan Ye's previous attitude made Xu Ning realize that he held some expectations for him.
But Xu Ning still felt that this was ridiculous.
"Senior Wan Ye, you are thinking too highly of me…"
Xu Ning refused without hesitation.
His current strength was not even in the dao realm.
Even if he advanced to the dao realm and went to State Wansheng, it would be too difficult to rebuild a declining sect bare-handed.
For him, this was not a good thing. "It's not that I think highly of you, but with your talent, you can definitely become the foundation of a sect in State Wansheng." Wan Ye persuaded, "Only core disciples of top sects and the princes and princesses of the royal family can condense six attribute seeds in their twenties. Moreover, they are all built on countless resources. If they were in your environment, they might not be able to do better than you."
"But Senior Wan Ye, I am now a member of the Yuelan Sect, it is inappropriate to join another sect."
Xu Ning gave another reason to refuse.
Wan Ye laughed when he heard this.
"You don't need to worry about that at all."
Wan Ye said, "When you go to State Wansheng, you will know that it is very common to enter a sect for the second time. Some top geniuses are not normally discovered at the beginning, so they would be relegated to enter some small sects. But once their talents are fully displayed and the small sects can no longer accommodate them, they will leave."
"Moreover, those small sects that they have stayed in previously will also be very supportive. Because once those geniuses gain a foothold in a large sect and become big shots, they will become their backers."
Wan Ye said earnestly, "You may not have experienced this in the seventeen states of the Abyss North, but when you arrive in State Wansheng, you will find that this is very normal."
"Young geniuses from outside of State Wansheng are all the same when they come to State Wansheng. Geniuses flow into State Wansheng every year. They entered sects on their own, but in order to pursue a higher level of martial arts, they would change sects after reaching State Wansheng."
Wan Ye tried his best to persuade Xu Ning. "If you really have concerns, you can ask your sect master. He will definitely support you in this."
"This…"
After Wan Ye said this, Xu Ning looked troubled.
He saw Wan Ye's sincerity, but this might not be a good thing for him.
"Xu Ning, do you think of this responsibility as a shackle?"
Wan Ye noticed Xu Ning's thoughts.
"That's right."
Xu Ning did not hide anything. "State Wansheng is definitely full of challenges, and I don't have any confidence that I can rebuild a powerful sect there."
"Don't worry." Wan Ye continued to persuade, "Although the sect is in decline, talents are everywhere. If you can go to State Wansheng, there will naturally be resources to help you rebuild the sect."
"Before the previous sect master died, he hid all the treasures of the sect. As long as you agree to accept this sect token, you will naturally inherit all of them. After inheriting those treasures, you can definitely recruit disciples and gather the people's hearts."
"Moreover, there are tons of resources in the sect that can help your cultivation. With these resources, your cultivation speed will be extremely fast. Isn't it better to control the resources of an official sect than to be a core disciple of a large sect?"
There was even a hint of temptation in Wan Ye's tone.
'Tons of resources…'
After hearing Wan Ye's words, Xu Ning was really tempted.
For Xu Ning, resources were energy points, and energy points were the foundation of his martial arts.
After advancing to the dao realm, it was inevitable that he would go to State Wansheng.
If he accepted it, once he arrived there, he would immediately have resources to support him, which would make his life much easier.
"How is it? Are you willing to accept my s
sect token?"
Wan Ye saw Xu Ning was moved and quickly asked.
"Senior Wan Ye, please let me think about it."
In fact, Xu Ning was already leaning towards accepting the sect token, but this matter was too important. He still needed time to think carefully, weigh the pros and cons, and consider some details.
"Sure."
Wan Ye knew that he couldn't force Xu Ning.
Only after careful consideration could he make a decision to firmly rebuild his sect.
Otherwise, if he agreed on impulse, he would hesitate in the future.
"By the way, Senior Wan Ye, what is the name of the sect you mentioned?"
Since he was already moved, Xu Ning wanted to know more.
Wan Ye smiled. "Our sect is called the Swallow Heron Sect."
"The Swallow Heron Sect…"
Xu Ning whispered and slowly nodded.
Rebuilding the Swallow Heron Sect was likely to become an important challenge for him.
"Senior Wan Ye, according to what you said, the Heron Swallow Sect is an official sect and is protected by the Imperial Court, but why did it still decline?"
Xu Ning wanted to know more.
After hearing Xu Ning's question, Wan Ye sighed.
"Sit down and talk."
Wan Ye sat on a stone bench in the courtyard.
Xu Ning followed him and poured a cup of tea for Wan Ye before sitting on the side.
As for Gray, it curled up in the corner, as if this would give it a sense of security.
When Cyan, who was leaning against the wall, saw Gray approaching, it bared its teeth and showed a fierce expression, as if it was provoking Gray.
Gray ignored this.
"It is true that the Imperial Court protects official sects, but it only protects official sects from the harm and invasion of those unofficial sects. But regarding the competition between official sects, except for plundering and slaughtering, they do not concern themselves with anything else. State Wansheng is essentially a martial arts world where the strong prey on the weak. But because of the intervention of the Imperial Court, the competition is relatively gentler, and there is not too much bloodshed."
Wan Ye took a sip of tea and continued, "Although compared to those unofficial sects, the way for official sects to obtain resources is relatively stable. As long as they don't provoke trouble, they can ensure the continuation of their sect. However, if you want to further develop and expand the benefits of your sect, you can only take risks."
"And the decline of the Swallow Heron Sect was because of this."
"I was an elder of the Swallow Heron Sect. The previous sect master, which is my senior brother, wanted to obtain more resources and gather more talents. Thus, he took the initiative to break into the resource circles of those unofficial sects and compete fiercely with them. Moreover, at the same time, the competition between our sect and other official sects did not stop."
"In this aggressive environment, Senior Brother couldn't control the situation. After making a wrong decision, he offended a princess of the royal family and was suppressed. Then, under the joint attack of an official sect and an unofficial sect, the Swallow Heron Sect collapsed."
This seemed to trigger Wan Ye's most painful memory. He only talked about the general situation with not too much detail.
"In that incident, more than half of the core disciples in the sect were killed or injured, and the high-level combat power of the sect was dealt a devastating blow. Faced with sects who wanted to completely devour the Swallow Heron Sect, the Sect Master had no choice but to disperse the Swallow Heron Sect and hide the resources left behind by the sect. He knew that he had let down the seniors of the sect, so he took revenge alone and died in the end."
Wan Ye stopped.
After a long time, he said, "When we dispersed the Swallow Heron Sect, Senior Brother gave me the sect token. However, he did not leave behind any instructions. Perhaps he also felt that there was no hope of rebuilding the sect…"
"But I still held the hope, so in order to avoid people with ulte ulterior motives, I hid in the seventeen states of the Abyss North and concealed my identity, hoping to find a suitable successor, but it has been fruitless so far. Now that a hundred years have passed, the storm in State Wansheng has basically been quelled. There may not be many people who still remember the Swallow Heron Sect."
"Although it is sad, this is also an opportunity… At least when we rebuild the sect, our enemies will no longer notice us, giving us plenty of opportunities and time to rebuild…"
Wan Ye said a lot.
Xu Ning felt that when Wan Ye explained to him, it was actually a form of confession.
According to what Wan Ye said, it had been a hundred years since he left State Wansheng and arrived at the seventeen states of the Abyss North
In that period, he definitely couldn't tell anyone about this. Xu Ning might be the first person to have heard his story.
"Senior Wan Ye…"
Xu Ning asked another question in his mind. "Since you have always wanted to rebuild the sect, why don't you do it yourself? Why do you need to find a successor?"
Wan Ye shook his head. "I can't."
"You can't?"
Xu Ning raised his eyebrows.
"When I was chased into the Endless Sea Abyss by my opponent at that time, I was seriously injured and my realm fell. Now, my body is completely exhausted, and I am about to reach the end of my life at any time now."
Wan Ye's words were bleak, but he was relatively calm.
He seemed to have thought this through.
"Moreover, even if I rebuild the sect, the others who were dismissed back then will not listen to my call to gather again. At the same time, it will be difficult to recruit new disciples because everyone knows where my upper limit is. They all know that if they follow me, they will definitely not be able to rebuild a powerful sect, and they might even be seriously injured again."
"But you are different… You are young and have great potential. When you arrive in State Wansheng, you can mainly improve your strength and rebuild the sect on a small scale. When you completely mature, you can take the initiative to attack and intimidate everyone. If you can advance to the high level of the dao realm, not only will you be able to rebuild the sect, but you can also let the Swallow Heron Sect return to its former glory."
Wan Ye's calm eyes were lit ablaze again.
Xu Ning could feel Wan Ye's strong desire and persistence to rebuild the Swallow Heron Sect.