Chapter 234 - 152: The Entire Sect in an Uproar

Chapter 234: Chapter 152: The Entire Sect in an Uproar

"It seems you really are here for the ’Three Flowers Gathering at the Top’.

"For so many years, looking across the entire Eastern Domain, apart from the South Mountain Sword Saint back then, it has been ages since any outside prodigy dared to come to Thousand Sects Island to fight for the opportunity of the ’Three Flowers Gathering at the Top’.

"You are the ninth person in a hundred thousand years to dare step foot onto Thousand Sects Island during such a sensitive period. Your mental fortitude puts this old man to shame.

"However, if you do not mind, I and the Beardless Sect are willing to lend you a helping hand."

Perhaps intimidated by his own overactive imagination, Master Beardless’s eyes were filled with shock as he surprisingly took the initiative to offer an olive branch to Jiang Hao. The appearance of this mysterious youth seemed to show this Sect Leader, who had spent half his life struggling, a glimmer of hope. However, faced with Master Beardless’s proactive offer, Jiang Hao did not feel much excitement. Instead, his pupils subconsciously contracted.

"Senior wishes to lend me a hand, and I, Qin Fan, am endlessly grateful.

"However, pies don’t just fall from the sky. Your assistance probably comes with certain conditions.

"Do you want me to join the Beardless Sect?"

Earlier, when they were at the Cyan Mist Sect, Jiang Hao had clearly heard the conversation between Master Beardless, the Evergreen Saint Venerable, and the Cyan Mist Sect Leader. As the saying goes, one does not accept a reward without merit. When someone unrelated to you announces their intention to help, they definitely have an ulterior motive.

Hearing this, Master Beardless’s aged eyes revealed a hint of sincerity, but he smiled bitterly. "You misunderstand. The Beardless Sect has long since fallen into decline. With a figure and status like yours, how could I have the face to make such a demand?

"I have no other desires; I only hope to make an exchange with you.

"You have just arrived at Thousand Sects Island and have yet to establish a firm foothold. If you have the backing of the Beardless Sect, it will undoubtedly be beneficial to your goals here.

"I swear right here and now: if you are willing, you may take and use everything the Beardless Sect owns from now on. Cultivation Techniques, martial arts, Secret Techniques, medicinal pills, Spirit Veins, and so on—you will have the independent right to use them all without needing to ask the sect for permission.

"I only wish to exchange all this for a title for you, and... a promise."

As Master Beardless finished speaking, Jiang Hao couldn’t help but freeze in surprise. The old man had probably already formed this plan back when he helped him leave the Cyan Mist Sect. It seemed the situation of the Beardless Sect was even more dire than he had imagined; otherwise, the other party wouldn’t have made such an absurd decision. However, the higher the authority granted, the more terrifying the requested promise would likely be.

Of course, for Jiang Hao at this moment, the condition was indeed very tempting. After all, he was a newcomer in an unfamiliar place. With the Beardless Sect behind him, whether it was scouting out the situation on Thousand Sects Island or gathering information, it would be a significant and indispensable aid.

"Senior, please go ahead and explain. I might not necessarily be able to agree to it."

Although somewhat tempted, Jiang Hao did not rashly agree. At the very least, he needed to know the old man’s demands first. If it was too harsh, the loss would naturally outweigh the gain. Just because he hadn’t established a foothold yet didn’t mean he couldn’t do so on his own.

Hearing this, a trace of bleakness and decline flashed through Master Beardless’s eyes. He sighed deeply and said, "I only wish to exchange all this for you taking on the identity of an honorary disciple.

"Rest assured, it is merely an honorary title. Your personal freedom will not be restricted by the sect in any way, and you may ignore all sect rules and regulations."

After he spoke, this dignified Saint actually seemed somewhat cautious.

"Would you mind taking on this title?

"Of course, if you do mind, or if you have unspeakable difficulties, just pretend I never brought it up. In the future, if there is anywhere on this Thousand Sects Island where you need the Beardless Sect, feel free to ask. As long as it is within my power, I will do my absolute best."

Despite his words, the underlying meaning was very clear. If Jiang Hao was willing, the level of support the Beardless Sect provided would be unimaginably massive. But if he was unwilling, then everything would simply be a matter of "doing his best."

The real reason Master Beardless asked this was because he was secretly afraid of offending the terrifying figures standing behind this youth. Examples included the Nine Great Saint Venerables of Nanling, the South Mountain Sword Saint, the Pill Saint of the Divine Pill Pavilion, and others. Who knew if the youth had even more terrifying connections beyond these giants—such as his own master—and whether those people would mind him taking on such a title.

Hearing this, Jiang Hao slightly raised his eyes. "And what exactly is this promise you mentioned, Senior?"

Whether he minded or not depended on the requirement first. The old man had just brought up the honorary disciple title and asked if he minded, but what was the actual catch?

Master Beardless’s eyes grew even dimmer. Seemingly using all his life’s strength, he spoke, "I know you are definitely not a mere serpent in the mountains, but a true dragon hiding in the mortal world. One day, you will soar into the Ninth Heaven.

"Inside the Cyan Mist Saint Hall, it wasn’t that you couldn’t withstand that trace of Dao-entering coercion; you were merely hiding your true strength.

"The injuries to your internal organs were intentionally self-inflicted by taking advantage of the situation.

"To be able to mobilize your own power to injure yourself while under a trace of Dao-entering coercion... your true strength is something even I, who can see through the Concealment Art, cannot gauge.

"It is unfathomable and utterly shocking."

Master Beardless first delivered a barrage of flattery before finally getting to the main point. He turned to look at Jiang Hao, giving off the aura of a hero at the end of his road.

"I have no other thoughts. I only hope that you can promise me one thing: when I pass away in meditation in the future, protect the Beardless Sect in my stead for three thousand years. After three thousand years, the debt of gratitude between you and the Beardless Sect will be wiped clean.

"If you agree, even if I have to risk this old life of mine, I will definitely help you seize the ’Three Flowers Gathering at the Top’."

Having finished speaking, the old man looked at Jiang Hao with eyes full of expectation. The latter, however, was caught somewhat off guard.

Three thousand years—for Cultivators who could truly reach that realm, it was nothing more than the snap of a finger.