Chapter 801 - 18: Eavesdropping

Chapter 801: Chapter 18: Eavesdropping

Having met Fang Qingning a few times, there wasn’t much interaction. She was cheerful and ambitious, but couldn’t seem to inspire the other disciples. On the other hand, Fang Chi was chatty and full of energy every day, always proclaiming his desire to advance to the Earth Level. But no one in the sect took him seriously. Besides Fang Qingning, it was Cai Qingfeng who had real influence, and a significant portion of the sect’s funds had been borrowed from him.

After observing, it was clear that Cai Qingfeng simply had a childhood affection for Fang Qingning. This time, in inviting Elder Wang, the Cai Family played a part, along with help from other friends.

Wang Zhigao’s arrival was like a shot of adrenaline for the Martial Heart Sect, providing a powerful boost for their revival. The entire sect was filled with hope, and during meals, the disciples spoke with noticeably louder voices.

After eating, Gan Jiu and Idiot Zhu cleaned up the leftovers, while the disciples headed up the mountain to the training grounds to await Elder Wang’s arrival.

Gan Jiu quickly cleaned up, "Master Xin, we’re done, let’s go eavesdrop."

"Eavesdrop?"

"Yeah, a kitchen hand who doesn’t want to become an Inner Sect Disciple isn’t a good Outer Disciple. Otherwise, why are we here? Elders of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect aren’t people you meet every day, they teach and enlighten. Who knows, maybe we’ve got talent ourselves!" Gan Jiu said.

Idiot Zhu nodded fervently.

Li Xin looked at Idiot Zhu and Fatty Nine, finding them amusing in their act of playing dumb. He decided to join them in their little game, seeing how hard they had been working these last few days.

In the spacious training grounds, all the Inner Sect Disciples stood very neatly. Under the blazing sun, they still stood tall and proud. A major reason for the fall of the Martial Heart Sect was a broken chain of tradition, much of it being absorbed by the Ten Thousand Swords Sect. Even someone as gifted as Fang Qingning couldn’t break through, nor could Fang Chi. The sect’s burdened siblings, given their talents, would fare far better in a superior sect. But with Elder Wang’s arrival, things were different; he could fill in the most crucial gap.

The wait was long, and the sun was unbearable, but no one moved. Surely this was a test, and everyone had to put forth their best. Huddled in the shaded grasses by the wall’s corner, Gan Jiu and Li Xin quietly waited.

Around two in the afternoon, Elder Wang appeared on the training grounds, accompanied by the Fang siblings and Cai Qingfeng.

The disciples’ gazes were as fervent as the sun above. Wang Zhigao was of medium height, had a square face, ordinary looks, deep wrinkles, and appeared like an average old man. The people around him, Fang Qingning, Fang Chi, and Cai Qingfeng dared not speak a word.

Wang Zhigao’s sharp gaze swept over the disciples, exerting immense pressure. His eyes slightly relaxed, as before arriving, he worried that only scraps remained. Good thing, they were only half-scraps.

"You all join the ranks," Wang Zhigao said calmly. ℯℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

Fang Qingning, Fang Chi, and Cai Qingfeng returned to the lineup. Whether in terms of seniority or strength, Wang Zhigao’s arrival was a godsend for the Martial Heart Sect.

"Now, according to your usual training, pair up and fight, showcasing your full strength," Wang Zhigao’s voice resonated.

The disciples immediately paired up and fought without any extra words or actions. Elder Wang’s prestige was absolute.

Everyone unleashed their Spiritual Ability with all their might, aware that being noticed by Elder Wang meant an entirely different future. If one became a closed-door disciple, then even if the Martial Heart Sect lost its Yellow Level evaluation, they would still achieve greatness.

Even Fang Qingning didn’t dare slack off, and both she and Cai Qingfeng displayed their ultimate skills, sword qi rampant.

Wang Zhigao watched expressionlessly, regretting somewhat; Lang Beichen had provoked him. Indeed, leading the Martial Heart Sect back up would undoubtedly make the Ten Thousand Swords Sect look bad. Fueled by alcohol, he had been full of high spirits, forgetting what kind of scraps were left behind.

Originally, there was hope for the Fang siblings because of their strong foundation and top-tier talent. If adequately trained, their combat strength was bound to soar. But now, seeing numerous foundational issues, he despised starting from scratch.

The hearts of the numerous disciples began to sink. Despite giving their all, Elder Wang’s expression grew increasingly displeased. They could see the disdain and annoyance.

Fighting gradually ceased without anyone noticing when it stopped. The whole training grounds fell silent as everyone hung their heads, knowing they couldn’t meet Elder Wang’s standards.

Wang Zhigao took a deep breath. Damn it, he was on a pirate ship. Surrendering now would make him a laughingstock to those dogs in the Ten Thousand Swords Sect. Now, he had to treat a dead horse as if it were alive. "Tomorrow morning at five, gather here."

He left without another word, despite it being the hottest time in the Divine Land, everyone felt as if they had fallen into an icy abyss.

"Qingning, don’t be discouraged. That’s just Elder Wang’s nature. Though he looked displeased, he didn’t lose his temper. That’s as good as it gets," Cai Qingfeng said.

Fang Qingning nodded, "Continue training!"

Everyone soon recovered. He hadn’t scolded them. Elder Wang was notoriously a firecracker; even top-tier Divine Land talents were berated by him like dogs. So, they were relatively fortunate.

All at once, everyone’s spirits lifted, and the training grounds became lively with practice sounds.

"Wow, wow, Elder Wang really has an aura. Master Xin, let’s come every morning. Based on my experience, tomorrow he’ll definitely bring out some unique skills. Let’s invite Old Gu too!" Gan Jiu said excitedly.

Li Xin nodded. He could sense the extraordinariness of Elder Wang. Actually, the disciples present were decent, with most at the Level of Three Lives and Four Lives. Their sword qi was stable, indicating excellent control of Spiritual Ability. They ranked high in the Canon Law School, but how high was yet to be seen.

They sat against the wall, and Fatty Nine remarked, "As expected of Elder Wang, one of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect’s five great elders. It seems he’s dissatisfied and will surely bring out a trump card later."

"He just left like that, doesn’t the Ten Thousand Swords Sect mind?"

"They want to, but can’t control him. Elder Wang holds a position with the Celestial Destiny Sect." Gan Jiu said, "It’s said Elder Wang’s swordsmanship has reached the Transformation Realm, and his Void Fierce Slash is invincible. Sadly, the top swordsmanship of the Martial Heart Sect, Thousand Wheels Undying Slash, has been lost. Maybe Elder Wang knows it."

The splintering and downfall of the Martial Heart Sect, followed by the rise of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect, wasn’t only about resources. Many key arts were inherited by the Ten Thousand Swords Sect. But, since they stem from the same source, some instructions might help in resurgence.

Li Xin thought of something else. The status of the Celestial Destiny Sect was immensely advantageous, embodying the Divine Land’s secret core. Integrating there could answer many questions.

Gan Jiu flatteringly looked at Li Xin, "Master Xin, the status in the Celestial Destiny Sect means every member is exceptional, geniuses among geniuses, one in ten thousand – a perfect match for you..."

While the two were talking, someone suddenly appeared before them. Li Xin and Gan Jiu quickly stood up, "Sect Master."