Near the exit on the far side of Gale Canyon, the Elder stood with his back straight, his green shirt fluttering in the mountain wind. He couldn't hide the genuine excitement and relief in his eyes. He gazed into the depths of the canyon, waiting for the boy who had completed his transformation.
Before long, a tall figure steadily emerged from the edge of the fierce black wind. It was Chen Yi. The scars on his body were still ghastly, but his spirit had completely changed. Like a divine sword drawn from its sheath, sharp and unable to conceal its brilliance, his breath, once dulled by long periods of immense pressure, was now strong and vibrant like a pine tree baptized by thunder.
Seeing Chen Yi approach, the Elder smiled genuinely, stepping forward to pat his shoulder. Warm, pure soul power poured into Chen Yi's body, moistening his dry meridians like rain, healing his wounds, and soothing his mental fatigue.
"A golden-level second awakening… Wonderful! Wonderful!"
The Grand Elder's voice was filled with uncontrollable excitement, repeating words enough to shake the history of the sect.
"Eight hundred years! Since the first sect leader began the second awakening, our sect has finally experienced a golden-level second awakening!"
"Xiao Yi, how do you feel?"
Chen Yi felt the hot, majestic power of his qi and blood, and the rapid recovery in response to the Elder's soul power.
"I feel great, Elder! I'm so full of strength now, I feel like I could topple a mountain with a single punch. If I ran to the Yun Tian Mountain range right now, I might even call myself king!"
Chen Yi's words were half-joking, reflecting the spirit of youth, but not entirely false. The improvement brought by the golden-layer second awakening was comprehensive and qualitative. The Elder couldn't help but laugh, a laugh full of relief, understanding that Chen Yi wasn't exaggerating. With his golden awakening, Chen Yi's strength was on par with an ordinary Soul Douluo, far surpassing others of his age and rank, making him a true hegemon if unleashed in Yun Tian Mountain.
After the Body Sect was officially established, the outlaws in the mountains had been cleared for purification, and now even Soul Douluos were rarely seen in the mountains.
"Let's go."
After a hearty laugh, the Elder composed himself and looked out of the canyon, regaining his usual calm.
"This is it—it's time to return to the sect."
During this period, while upholding the rules, he had observed Chen Yi's entire awakening process, combining the essence of the "Mysterious Heaven Skill" with his own soul power cultivation to reach the peak. He now had a clear idea and many breakthroughs regarding the core nodes of the secret methods exclusive to the Body Sect. He needed to return as soon as possible to meditate on these insights and put them into practice.
Chen Yi nodded in agreement. This trip to Gale Canyon had surpassed his expectations, and he needed to return to the sect to settle down and master this sudden surge of power. Without further delay, the two walked side by side toward the exit of the Gale Canyon.
…
At the canyon exit, many soul masters had gathered, filling the place with people and lively discussions. Most had been drawn by the laughter that had echoed through the wind earlier. Curiosity, doubt, and a touch of awe filled everyone's faces, their eyes fixed on the entrance to the deep canyon, guessing which powerful figure was inside and why he was so happy.
At the front of the crowd stood an old man in a turquoise robe, with a gaunt face and sharp, eagle-like eyes. His presence was calm, out of place in the bustling environment. He was Feng Ao, the Dean of Godwind Academy. Not long ago, a teacher responsible for maintaining order here had hurriedly reported that a suspiciously powerful figure had ventured into the most dangerous area of Gale Canyon. Feng Ao did not dare ignore the report and had rushed over, knowing that the temperament of those strong enough to reach this place was unpredictable. If one failed to show courtesy or, worse, angered such a person, the consequences could be unimaginable. In the world of soul masters, there was no shortage of disasters caused by a moment's carelessness.
Beside Feng Ao stood a handsome, capable young man—his grandson, Feng Xiaotian, the leader of the younger generation at Godwind Academy. Feng Xiaotian, seeing his grandfather's stern expression, comforted him quietly:
"Grandfather, since that powerful man came here quietly, he must have no ill intentions. Maybe he just used this place for training or something."
Feng Ao nodded slightly, about to say something, when suddenly his pupils constricted and his muscles tensed as if he had seen something incredible. Against the backdrop of the howling wind, two figures slowly emerged from the canyon entrance. Leading was a middle-aged man in a blue shirt, scanning the crowd with a faint smile at the corner of his lips, and speaking calmly:
"Quite lively here."
His voice wasn't loud, but strangely, it overpowered the howling of the canyon and reached everyone's ears. There was a hint of comfort and joy in his tone, clearly showing he was in an excellent mood. Behind him was a young man who looked about ten years old, tall and bright-eyed, with sharp features. His clothes were tidy, though scars still hadn't fully healed.
Most of the soul masters present looked at the two with a mix of confusion and suspicion—they didn't recognize these two, one old and one young. But Feng Ao, Feng Xiaotian, and some other well-informed soul masters who had attended Grand Martial Academy's opening ceremony, their faces changed dramatically as if struck by lightning.
Almost reflexively, Feng Ao stepped forward, bowing deeply and respectfully to the man in the blue shirt while still ten paces away. His voice was filled with irrepressible excitement and reverence:
"Godwind Academy pays its respects—behold, the Wisdom Brain Douluo and the Young Sect Master Chen of Body Sect!"
"Wisdom Brain Douluo? Young Sect Master Chen of the Body Sect?"
"It's them?!"
Feng Ao's words were like a stone thrown into a calm lake, stirring up huge waves in the crowd. News about Grand Martial Academy's opening and Chen Yi, was predicted to break through the Douluo title before thirty, had already spread across the continent, hotly discussed and admired by countless soul masters.
These two were among the strongest in the world; one a rising sun, regarded as the Son of Destiny destined to be invincible in the future.
At this moment, these legendary figures stood before them. How could anyone not be shocked?
After a brief stunned silence, all the soul masters—regardless of sect or cultivation—bowed and saluted in unison, their voices surging like a tidal wave:
"Greetings the Wisdom Brain Douluo!"
"Greetings Lord Chen, the Young Sect Master!"
The Grand Elder, the Wisdom Brain Douluo, nodded slightly, sweeping his gaze peacefully over the crowd. His voice was calm but clear to all:
"No need for such ceremony."
Seeing that the two seemed to be in good spirits and not displeased by the gathering, Feng Ao calmed down. Glancing back at Gale Canyon, he recalled the joyful laughter he'd heard earlier and couldn't help but feel a tightness in his chest. He cautiously raised his head and asked:
"Forgive me, Wisdom Brain Douluo, for asking, but your sect's journey to Godwind City's Gale Canyon this time…"
Feng Ao didn't finish, but his meaning was clear. Gale Canyon was not only the most important cultivation ground in the Godwind City area but also the core training site that Godwind Academy relied on to train elite students—its importance was self-evident. If a great power like the Body Sect took a liking to this treasured land, Godwind City and the scattered cultivators nearby would be powerless to defend it.
The Grand Elder saw through everyone's worries and concerns with his vast soul power. He waved his hand dismissively:
"Dean Feng, you need not worry. We came this time only to use this special environment to help our young sect master complete his cultivation. Now that the matter is finished, we will leave soon.
Moreover, the Body Sect has no interest in this place."
His words were like a needle calming the waves in everyone's heart. At these words, everyone let out a sigh of relief; as long as the Body Sect didn't covet Gale Canyon, all was well!
Feng Ao smiled sincerely, his attitude growing more respectful:
"Understood. Today, to witness the Wisdom Brain Douluo and the young Lord Chen's presence is truly a blessing for the younger generation!
If you are willing, it would be an honor for Godwind Academy to host you briefly in Godwind City and let our students learn from your teachings."
He knew not to miss this opportunity—a chance to get close to the two absolute core figures of the Body Sect would be a huge boon for the academy's future. But the Elder shook his head gently, his tone calm but firm:
"I appreciate your kindness, Dean Feng, but we have urgent matters to attend to at the sect and cannot stay long. Please forgive us for declining your hospitality."
Feng Ao couldn't hide his disappointment, but he understood that such powerful people had their own rules and could not be forced. He suppressed his regret and replied respectfully:
"Then we dare not detain you further. May I escort you out, and hope for the honor of welcoming you both again in the future."
The Elder nodded slightly and, without another word, prepared to leave with Chen Yi.
At that moment, Feng Xiaotian, who had quietly been watching Chen Yi, suddenly clenched his fists, bowed deeply, and called out loudly:
"Wisdom Brain Douluo, Young Lord Chen, please wait!"
…
Bonus chapter at 300 PS