346: There has never been such a fruitful moment!

Mu Chengkong’s question made everyone present look at the White-robed Youth; they had, of course, heard what an unparalleled Prodigy he was.

And things were indeed as the former had said.

If your talent is unmatched, and you alone are enough to suppress your generation, then what is the meaning of their efforts? Even if they strive their entire lives, they can hardly compare to such a Prodigy.

After exhausting themselves with cultivation, there will still be Sect Elders who hold high hopes for them, comparing them to such a Prodigy, a Prodigy whose back they cannot even see. In this way…

What hope is there in cultivation?

Even the Outer Sect Disciple who were not present were sitting attentively before the spiritual light screen, pursing their lips and concentrating on this scene.

They awaited Lu Bai’s answer.

But…

No one expected this young Asked Sword Sect Sect Leader to say such a thing to them.

“The future of the Eastern Region belongs to you!”

This sentence echoed within the Dao Asking Sect, entering everyone’s ears, making them suddenly look up, their gazes, filled with shock, fixed on the White-robed Youth!

This…

It was the first time anyone had said such words to them.

Whether it was the higher echelons of the Sect, or the Saints preaching in the Holy Land, they might value their talent and cultivate them, but they would never believe…

That they were the future of the Eastern Region!

But now…

A top Prodigy, who dared to challenge a Holy Land with his Nascent Soul Middle Stage cultivation, had said such words to them. How could it not move people?

As these words fell, whether it was the people of the Dao Asking Sect or the powerhouses of Qingxuan Prefecture, all were silent or seemed moved.

“Senior Brother Mu’s words indeed gave me an Opportunity to perform,” Lu Bai slowly thought as his gaze fell on Mu Chengkong.

In this way, it should…

Be fine, right?

After an unknown amount of time, a powerhouse suddenly stood up and respectfully bowed to Lu Bai.

“Thank you, Sect Leader Lu! I have achieved Epiphany!”

“Listening to Sect Leader Lu’s words is worth more than ten years of my cultivation!”

Everyone stood up, and in a sense, completely acknowledged Lu Bai’s identity as the Sect Master, but he couldn’t bring himself to be happy.

Why…

Why haven’t the rewards dropped yet?

…

Watching this astonishing scene of everyone standing up and bowing, all thanking the White-robed Youth, the young man mingling at the edge of the crowd unconsciously puffed out his chest with pride!

That’s right, the White-robed Youth currently standing on the Dao Discussion Platform, silencing the powerhouses of Qingxuan Prefecture, was his Senior Brother Lu!

Xiao Qingyun was not at all surprised by these words that shocked countless people. When he was an unknown Disciple in the Outer Sect, Senior Brother Lu was able to teach him everything he knew.

Even on matters of the Dao of Sword, which many Elders and instructors avoided discussing, the White-robed Youth patiently guided him, leading him onto the correct path of cultivation.

What was so strange about saying those words earlier?

Xiao Qingyun looked up, a hint of proud smile unconsciously on his face, as he gazed at the White-robed Youth standing on the Dao Discussion Platform. A joy he had never felt even when breaking through a realm filled his heart.

Ye Chengying lowered her gaze to the sword hilt, her fair fingers quietly tightening, also expressing her agreement with Lu Bai’s words in her own way.

“Well said, the future of the Eastern Region is mine!”

Not far away, Meng Lang grinned, fully agreeing with Lu Bai’s words.

If he couldn’t achieve this, how could he complete… the unfinished task of his teacher, besieging that Holy Land with a Formation?

This young master is the future of the Eastern Region!

These words were shocking, but for them, the one who said them was Lu Bai.

So…

It seemed, it was also quite normal.

…

“This kid…”

Elder Ye watched the silent scene and breathed a sigh of relief. He hadn’t expected Senior Brother Mu, the Great Master of the Main Peak, to jump out at this critical moment.

However…

Elder Ye hadn’t even thought of the words Lu Bai had spoken. They were simply the perfect answer to this question, without any flaws.

The future of the Eastern Region, not only belongs to Lu Bai, but also belongs to… every Cultivator?

Thinking of this, a smile appeared on Elder Ye’s face.

The scope of this kid’s words truly made him seem like a Sect Master!

“Hoo… That kid Chengkong actually dared to contradict the Sect Master here.”

A Main Peak Elder raised his hand, wiped the cold sweat from his forehead with his sleeve, and let out a long breath, only then realizing his Elder’s robes were soaked.

He couldn’t imagine, if the Sect Master hadn’t answered, then… wouldn’t this Mu Chengkong have become a sinner of the Sect?

“Peak Master Ye, after this matter concludes, this old man will certainly deal with him strictly according to Sect rules!” the Main Peak Elder quickly said.

He did this also to ensure that the Sect would not impose too severe a punishment on Mu Chengkong after this matter concluded.

“This matter cannot entirely be blamed on Mu Chengkong. The Sect Master is truly too dazzling, causing us old fellows to neglect the growth of the Sect’s Disciple.”

Elder Ye shook his head and slowly sighed.

“The fault also lies with us Peak Masters and elders; we were too hasty.”

Elder Ye’s words were not without reason.

Some Elders and Peak Masters in the higher echelons knew that the Sect once had a secret history: in the past, it was a Holy Land, standing at the pinnacle of the Eastern Region.

Any Disciple with the potential of a Saint would be cultivated with all their might, but this strategy, on the contrary, affected ordinary Sect Disciple.

“Fortunately, Chengkong’s Heart-Nature is good. I’m afraid a Heart Demon has already formed within him. I only hope he doesn’t continue to…”

However…

Just as Elder Ye finished speaking, no, even before he finished, Mu Chengkong, who had been deep in thought with his head bowed for a long time, looked up again.

It was as if he had an Aura of breaking the casserole to get to the bottom of it, wanting to thoroughly discuss the Dao with Lu Bai right here!

“Thank you, Sect Master, for clarifying, but… this Disciple still has one question.”

Mu Chengkong bowed to Lu Bai, posing a Soul-searching question to his former Junior Brother, now the Sect Master.

“I, Mu Chengkong, am the Main Peak’s Great Master, at the Nascent Soul Middle Stage, and my talent among the Sect’s many Disciple is passable.”

“But… the Three Gods Realm cultivation method that the Sect Master preached earlier, I could only glimpse some outlines, and when I tried to think deeper, I became confused. Can such a person as I truly be called ‘the future of the Sect’ by the Sect Master?”

After speaking, Mu Chengkong stared intently at the White-robed figure.

When Lu Bai preached earlier, he might have, like those powerhouses, gained some understanding and knowledge, but…

Mu Chengkong understood, but only a little.

This was also the reason why Mu Chengkong’s many thoughts had settled in his heart earlier, finally erupting and causing him to stand up and discuss the Dao with the Sect Master.

He simply… couldn’t understand.

…

“This time… it’s not good. When it comes to cultivation talent, even a Saint cannot give a perfect answer.”

Elder Ye’s face darkened.

If a Saint had the answer, then… why would so many Holy Lands still set high thresholds and only recruit Prodigies from various prefectures?

Just as he looked at Lu Bai with worried eyes, he found that this little rascal didn’t seem worried at all; on the contrary, he seemed even more excited?

Elder Ye: [・_・?]

Was he too old to keep up with the current era of the Eastern Region?

Or rather…

Had Lu Bai already anticipated this step?

…

Of course, Lu Bai hadn’t anticipated this step, but just as he was thinking about how to continue this segment, Mu Chengkong arrived, bringing… a question for discussion!

As expected of the Main Peak’s Great Master, his ability to save the situation is indeed strong, huh…

Based on what Mu Chengkong said, Lu Bai calmed down, thought carefully for a moment, and then looked at him and slowly said,

“Cultivation is a matter of personal effort. I, the Sect Master, was also just an ordinary Outer Sect Disciple of the Sect at first, but…”

“From the very beginning, I never slacked off in my daily and nightly cultivation. No one in the Outer Sect had seen the Time of the Tiger (3-5 AM), but… I had,” Lu Bai paused, then continued.

“I have been to the Nanguan Mountains, the land of monsters. I have been to the strongholds of evil Cultivator. No one dared to confront a Holy Land, but I dared.”

Lu Bai didn’t know when Opportunity would fall upon him; he could only prepare to seize the chances that came his way!

Just like now, Mu Chengkong’s follow-up question.

“As the Asked Sword Sect Sect Leader, I have only one sentence to offer everyone present,” Lu Bai said with a solemn expression, his gaze sweeping over Xiao Qingyun and the others, slowly speaking.

“As Heaven maintains vigor through movements, a Superior Man should constantly strive for self-improvement!”

Rumble!

This rolling sound echoed in the minds of all Cultivator present. Ye Chengying’s jade hand, gripping the sword hilt, slowly relaxed, and Meng Lang froze slightly.

Even Xiao Qingyun, who was extremely familiar with Lu Bai, was utterly shocked by these words!

However, there was a subtle difference: he wasn’t shocked by the words themselves, but rather, Xiao Qingyun understood why Senior Brother Lu had left the Sect without him before!

Nanguan Mountains, evil Cultivator strongholds, Holy Land pressure…

Just thinking about these terms made him feel immense pressure, so he looked up at the White-robed Youth.

“Senior Brother Lu…”

Even though Senior Brother Lu was now the Sect Master, beyond his pursuit, Xiao Qingyun would still, as the former expected, constantly strive for self-improvement in his cultivation!

Some were earnestly discussing the Dao, some achieved Epiphany, and some stayed in the corner, their faces gloomy because of Lu Bai’s words.

Were their Eastern Region Academy… being used as a negative example?

…

Lu Bai was very pleased.

The breeze swept by, carrying away the clouds. Time passed little by little. Just when he thought it would be like before, falling on deaf ears.

By Lu Bai’s ear, however, a series of “ding” notifications appeared, like a raging storm, bombarding him!

“Ding, the Host’s words have led the bound target Xiao Qingyun to achieve Epiphany, successfully completing a deep exchange, earning reward: [Martial Emperor Sutra (Incomplete Manual)]!”

“Ding, the Host’s words have led the bound target Ye Chengying to gain insight into the Dao of Sword, successfully completing a cultivation exchange, earning reward: [Sword Domain] related comprehension experience.”

“Ding, the Host’s words have led the bound target Meng Lang… earning reward: [Nine Heavens Sword Prison Formation!]”

Hiss…

This time, it was Lu Bai’s turn to gasp. His previous plan was to use this Dao discussion Opportunity to complete a large-scale cultivation exchange.

But he hadn’t expected to receive such generous rewards. So far, Lu Bai had never experienced such a bountiful harvest!

This wave, a small profit!

For a moment, dazzling panels flashed before Lu Bai’s eyes, making his heart pound “thump, thump”!

[Martial Emperor Sutra (Incomplete Manual)]: A secret manual created by the ancient Martial Emperor after improving the Lingwu Canon he created in his youth. When activated, it can make Martial Intent penetrate the spiritual core, greatly stimulating one’s own power.

Although it is an Incomplete Manual, it is no weaker than a Saint-level technique.

[Sword Domain]: The expansion of the nascent Sword Domain. A vast Domain can be unfolded in an instant. All who enter the Domain are under the sensing of the sword, and a sword strike is made in a single thought.

[Nine Heavens Sword Prison Formation]: Heaven-grade Formation.

Suddenly…

A series of dazzling scenes flashed through Lu Bai’s eyes, captivating his mind. In an instant, he was immersed in these numerous images.

After a long while, he slowly exhaled a turbid breath.

“Martial Emperor Sutra Incomplete Manual, Sword Domain… I didn’t expect these rewards to be given in batches, and with after-sales service,” Lu Bai sighed softly in his heart.

He had previously gained the Lingwu Canon and a nascent Sword Domain through interactions with Xiao Qingyun and Senior Sister Ye. After his strength grew, he rarely used them, but now…

While many powerhouses were immersed in silence due to Lu Bai’s words during the previous Dao discussion, Lu Bai also achieved an Epiphany at this moment.

It was just that the effect of this Epiphany was a little more terrifying than anyone else present.

A moment later, when Lu Bai opened his eyes again, his world seemed to have undergone a tremendous change in an instant.

With the Sword Domain unfolded, combined with the Supreme Sword Body and Lu Bai’s profound Sword Intent, it almost exhibited an effect similar to a Yuanshen Realm powerhouse activating their Primordial Spirit.

“Hoo…”

Lu Bai took a deep breath. At the same time, he slowly assessed his current combat power in his mind, conservatively estimating.

“This preaching was indeed the correct choice. Now, I might be able to try directly confronting a Primordial Spirit!”

His gaze also swept around. In the state of an unfolded Sword Domain, the things he saw seemed to slow down even more.

So much so that…

The people who had been mingling in these crowds from the beginning, concealing their Aura, seemed to appear naked before Lu Bai.

Completely exposed.

Are they… unable to hold back anymore?

Lu Bai’s eyelids lifted slightly, his eyes clear and bright. With a feeling of anticipation, he announced the end of this Dao Asking Sect Dao discussion.

“If there are no objections, this Dao discussion will conclude now!”

However…

Just as his voice fell, an uninvited voice rang out. The sound waves transformed into ripples that spread throughout the Dao Asking Sect, even causing some Disciple to lose their footing and fall to the ground.

“Since Sect Leader Lu said that the future of the Eastern Region belongs to all of us, as the Vice Dean of the Academy, this old man has something I wish to inquire about.”

Rumble!

As the words fell, figures floated in the sky, not many, only three. But… a Half-Saint and two Yuanshen Realm Cultivator standing in front—such a lineup was enough to sweep through any top Sect in Qingxuan Prefecture.

“Why does Sect Leader Lu specifically target my Eastern Region Academy, and even… imprison a Half-Saint from my Eastern Region Academy?!”

The questioning voice thundered like heavenly lightning, resounding throughout the entire Sect. This immense roar caused many powerhouses gathered here to listen to the Dao to retreat in alarm.

“Eastern Region Academy!!!”

Their faces were filled with horror. Although they had heard rumors of the Dao Asking Sect imprisoning a Half-Saint from the Eastern Region Academy, they hadn’t expected…

The Eastern Region Academy would choose this critical moment to come to their doorstep and demand accountability!

Immediately, many powerhouses of the Dao Asking Sect appeared, forming a clear standoff, with no one daring to act rashly.

But…

“Target your Academy? Imprison a Half-Saint?”

Lu Bai smiled slightly, casually flicked his white sleeve, and stepped forward into the air. The Yin Yang Sword appeared in his hand. Faced with this terrifying lineup, he showed no signs of backing down.

Instead, he spoke with immense arrogance.

“Your Eastern Region Academy… thinks too highly of itself!”