"Disciple Ji Changfeng pays respects to Sect Leader Uncle and Uncle Cang Song."
Ji Changfeng bowed respectfully to Daoxuan and Cang Song.
Daoxuan nodded slightly.
A trace of admiration flickered in his gaze as he looked at Ji Changfeng. "Nephew Changfeng, after months in seclusion, have you broken through to the Upper Purity realm?"
At his words, Wan Jianyi and Cang Song turned their eyes to Ji Changfeng.
It was well known.
The Taiji Xuanqing Dao had three major bottlenecks: the fourth layer of Jade Purity, Upper Purity, and Supreme Purity.
These realms were formidable barriers.
Countless cultivators had been stalled by them.
Had Ji Changfeng crossed this threshold?
In that moment, under the scrutiny of the three elders, Ji Changfeng gave a faint smile. A wisp of the Taiji Xuanqing Dao's true essence emanated from him.
Upper Purity!
Undeniably Upper Purity!
The sight brought a surge of joy to Daoxuan and the others.
To break through to Upper Purity in just five years of cultivation?
What kind of talent was this?!
"Hahaha!" Cang Song laughed heartily, his voice brimming with delight. "No wonder that boy Qi Hao couldn't withstand a single move from Nephew. So you've already reached Upper Purity!"
"Oh?" Daoxuan raised an eyebrow, glancing at Cang Song with surprise. "Junior Brother Cang Song, isn't Qi Hao your head disciple? Why would he clash with Changfeng?"
"Sect Leader Senior Brother, here's what happened…" Cang Song began respectfully, recounting the events from start to finish.
Ever since learning that Wan Jianyi was alive, his respect for Daoxuan, the sect leader, had grown sincere.
Cang Song glanced at Ji Changfeng, sighing with admiration. "That one line from Nephew Changfeng—even I couldn't help but feel stirred. Such boldness!!"
"What line?" Wan Jianyi asked, curiosity piqued.
Daoxuan also looked over.
Cang Song smiled, his expression growing solemn. "Those I've defeated are never worthy of being my rivals. I'll give you time to catch up, until you…"
"…can no longer even glimpse my shadow!"
The words struck Wan Jianyi like a thunderbolt.
His blood surged, his heart ablaze.
He was transported back to the days when he led his fellow disciples to storm the demonic sect's stronghold.
Alas…
Wan Jianyi let out a quiet sigh.
Back then, he too had been this dashing, this spirited, this peerless… but…
There's always a price for such bravado.
Like his arm, severed by the Vermilion Bird Saintess of the Ghost King Sect.
Wan Jianyi shot Ji Changfeng an exasperated look. "You brat, spouting such arrogant words every day—watch out, or someone will put you in your place…"
He had to admit.
Ji Changfeng was indeed more dashing than he'd been.
Those brazen lines.
Each one bolder than the last.
Tch.
How had he never come up with such slick words back in the day?
Wan Jianyi felt a twinge of envy.
Ji Changfeng smiled lightly. "Senior, rest assured, that won't happen…"
His current strength rivaled the older generation's Upper Purity masters. Unless he crossed paths with some cunning old fox, he was in no danger.
Let alone being put in his place.
Wan Jianyi shook his head. After a moment's hesitation, he suddenly said, "Would you… be willing to take me as your master?"
The words stunned the group.
Daoxuan's eyes narrowed, a faint, knowing smile playing on his lips.
Cang Song's eyes widened, darting between Wan Jianyi and Ji Changfeng. In that moment, only one thought filled his mind.
Senior Brother Wan is taking a disciple?
Oh no! I didn't bring any gifts!
Ji Changfeng blinked, caught off guard. He hadn't expected Wan Jianyi to propose taking him as a disciple.
Wan Jianyi frowned. "What? You're unwilling?"
"It's not that I'm unwilling."
Ji Changfeng shook his head, explaining, "Senior, I've already taken a master…"
But before he could finish, Wan Jianyi cut him off.
"I know you're under Tian Buyi. So what? That Fatty Tian can't teach you anything worthwhile. You'd be better off with me…"
Wan Jianyi waved impatiently. "If Tian Buyi has any complaints, tell him to come find me!"
Ji Changfeng understood.
Daoxuan, standing silently nearby, hadn't objected. Clearly, this had been planned…
Without further hesitation, Ji Changfeng acted.
Under the witness of Daoxuan and Cang Song, he bowed deeply to Wan Jianyi, his voice ringing clear. "Disciple Ji Changfeng pays respects to Master!"
Over the years, each time he visited Tongtian Peak, Wan Jianyi had tested his swordsmanship and even taught him the Ghost-Slaying True Art.
In name and deed, Wan Jianyi was already his master.
As for Dazhu Peak…
Per Daoxuan's words, Ji Changfeng would remain a disciple of Dazhu Peak, since Wan Jianyi couldn't appear publicly.
From this moment, Ji Changfeng had two masters.
Both were of Qingyun Sect, so the distinction hardly mattered.
In that moment, a rare smile spread across Wan Jianyi's face. He solemnly helped Ji Changfeng to his feet, patting his shoulder lightly.
"Good! Good! Good!"
Three goods in succession, each brimming with his joy.
Cang Song watched silently, tears streaming down his face…
As if witnessing Senior Brother Wan take a disciple was the greatest honor of his life.
"My fine disciple, I've little left to teach you. You've already mastered what I could offer, but…"
"As long as you haven't reached Supreme Purity, I'm still qualified to be your master!"
A confident smile curved Wan Jianyi's lips.
With his words, a powerful aura erupted from him.
The true essence of the Taiji Xuanqing Dao swirled around him.
Supreme Purity!
The realm of Supreme Purity!
Cang Song's jaw dropped.
Daoxuan, beside him, smiled wordlessly.
Over the years, both he and Wan Jianyi had broken through to Supreme Purity. If Ji Changfeng followed suit…
Qingyun Sect would boast three Supreme Purity masters!
With such a foundation, plus the Immortal-Slaying Sword, they could dominate the world!
"Senior Brother Wan, you… you've reached Supreme Purity?" Cang Song stammered, still in shock.
This was Supreme Purity!
A realm only the legendary Ancestor Qingye had ever attained…
And now, his Senior Brother Wan had reached it?!
Wan Jianyi glanced at Cang Song, his tone pointed. "Just Supreme Purity. Daoxuan broke through years ago. What's there to fuss about?"
Cang Song's shock deepened.
He stared at Daoxuan, his respect growing even stronger.
"I never imagined Sect Leader Uncle and Master had both become legendary Supreme Purity masters!" Ji Changfeng exclaimed, feigning astonishment.
Wan Jianyi waved dismissively. "Mere Supreme Purity, nothing worth mentioning, nothing worth mentioning…"
Oh, Wan, there you go showing off again.
Ji Changfeng's lips twitched.
Nothing worth mentioning, huh? Fine, I'll remember that.
Daoxuan chuckled, patting Ji Changfeng's shoulder. "Nephew Changfeng, keep working hard. In a while, this old man will have a gift for you."
"A gift?" Ji Changfeng's curiosity stirred.
His mind raced. Could it be the Six Harmony Mirror, awarded only to the Seven Peaks Tournament champion?
At that moment, Cang Song sighed softly, a touch embarrassed. "Nephew Changfeng, don't mind me. I didn't bring anything worthwhile when I came. I'll make up for the congratulatory gift next time."
Ji Changfeng quickly waved a hand. "Uncle Cang Song, what are you talking about?"
No one cared about congratulatory gifts.
But Cang Song was stubbornly particular, especially when it involved Wan Jianyi. He wouldn't let it slide easily…
With no other choice, Ji Changfeng said, "Uncle Cang Song, there's really no need for a gift. If you insist, how about helping me with something instead?"
"What kind of help? Speak freely, Nephew!" Cang Song declared, waving a hand grandly.
Ji Changfeng glanced cautiously at Daoxuan before speaking slowly to Cang Song. "Uncle Cang Song, I've heard the Seven Peaks Tournament matchups are decided by a draw. I was hoping you could pull some strings…"
"Could you arrange it so that in the final four, I'm paired against a Xiaozhu Peak disciple named Lu Xueqi?"
Cang Song froze.
He hesitated, not agreeing immediately, and looked to Daoxuan.
After all… Daoxuan was the sect leader.
Daoxuan pondered briefly. "Lu Xueqi? If I recall, she's the disciple Junior Sister Shuiyue took a few years ago. Remarkably talented, and she was entrusted with the divine sword Tianya…"
"My fine disciple, have you taken a fancy to her?" Wan Jianyi interjected with a grin.
Ji Changfeng coughed lightly.
He didn't respond.
He had taken a fancy to her, but…
He couldn't exactly admit that he'd been smitten with Lu Xueqi since their first meeting four years ago, could he?
Bah!
That'd make him a beast!
What? You say that's Naiqi?
Ahem, fine, I'll stop pretending.
I'm a beast…
The old foxes exchanged knowing smiles.
Seeing Daoxuan's lack of objection, Cang Song waved a hand, agreeing to Ji Changfeng's request on the spot.
"No problem!"
"Leave it to me!"
Daoxuan smiled silently, not reprimanding Cang Song's underhanded meddling.
After all…
Geniuses had their privileges.
Especially a prodigy like Ji Changfeng.
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