Chapter 228 - 227: Sect Leader
Chapter 228: Chapter 227: Sect Leader
"Elder Chen."
Before the hall’s entrance, two middle-aged Stewards with steady auras and sharp gazes stood solemnly. Upon seeing Elder Chen Xuan, they bowed slightly.
Elder Chen Xuan nodded slightly. "Inform the Sect Leader that Chen Xuan has brought the newly promoted True Disciple, Fang Han, for an audience."
"The Sect Leader is already waiting in the hall. Elder, True Inheritor Fang, please enter."
One of the Stewards stepped aside to clear the path, his tone respectful.
Elder Chen Xuan straightened his robes. Fang Han also took a deep breath, calming the slightly quickened beat of his heart caused by the solemn atmosphere, and followed closely behind, stepping into the hall.
The interior of the great hall was exceptionally vast. The dome hung high above, and light streamed down from the glazed skylight at its peak, illuminating the hall brightly.
The floor was paved with obsidian, polished smooth as a mirror. On either side stood golden pillars carved with coiling dragons, so thick that it would take several people to encircle them, emanating an invisible pressure.
The entire hall was spacious and silent, with only the faint echo of their footsteps on the stone floor.
At the far end of the hall was a throne made of purple sandalwood.
At this moment, a person was already seated upon the purple sandalwood throne.
The man appeared to be in his forties, with a refined face and temples lightly touched with frost. When he blinked, it was as if the sun, moon, and stars swirled within his eyes, which were as deep as an abyss, daring no one to meet his gaze directly.
He was dressed in a deep purple robe. Though no powerful aura emanated from him, he naturally became the center of the entire hall, as if he were one with the world itself.
He was none other than the current Sect Leader of the Qingxuan Sect, the fifth-ranked peerless expert on the Qingyang County Martial Artist Ranking—Chen Tianyuan!
Although Fang Han had never seen the Sect Leader before, the moment he saw this man, he was certain of his identity.
That profound and immeasurable bearing, like still water and a towering mountain, was far beyond that of any ordinary Elder.
He quickly composed himself, focusing his gaze downward, not daring to show the slightest neglect.
Elder Chen Xuan took a few steps forward, stopped at the foot of the jade steps, and bowed in salute, his voice steady.
"Sect Leader, the new True Disciple, Fang Han, has been brought."
Fang Han followed closely, performing a deep bow with proper etiquette, his voice clear yet respectful.
"Disciple Fang Han pays his respects to the Sect Leader!"
From the throne, Chen Tianyuan’s gaze slowly descended, sweeping over Fang Han as if it had substance.
In that instant, Fang Han felt his entire body tighten, as if he were being seen through completely. Even the Inner Qi flowing within him seemed to stagnate for a moment.
Fortunately, the feeling came and went quickly.
"You may rise."
Chen Tianyuan’s voice was calm, yet it carried an undeniable authority as it slowly echoed through the hall.
"Fang Han, in just over a year since joining the Sect, you have broken into the top thirty of the general rankings and earned the position of a True Inheritor. Such progress is rare, even in the hundred-year history of the Qingxuan Sect."
His words were level, revealing little emotion, but the affirmation within them was clear.
"This disciple is unworthy of such praise. It is all thanks to the Sect’s nurturing and the Elders’ teachings that this disciple was able to advance at such a speed."
Fang Han lowered his head, his tone humble.
’In front of a figure like Chen Tianyuan, any trace of arrogance is foolish.’
Chen Tianyuan nodded slightly, seemingly quite pleased with Fang Han’s neither humble nor arrogant attitude, and continued.
"On the path of the Martial Dao, Talent, temperament, and opportunity are all indispensable. Your Root Bone is extraordinary, your comprehension is superb, and what is even rarer is your calm and steady temperament, coupled with unceasing diligence. This is the foundation for great achievements."
He paused for a moment, his gaze seeming to pierce through the hall and into the vast distance, carrying a faint, almost imperceptible sigh of emotion.
"Remain humble and patient, and persevere. In the future, the Realm of a Grandmaster may be within your reach."
These words were already a mark of extremely high praise and expectation.
A flicker of emotion also crossed Elder Chen Xuan’s eyes. ’The Sect Leader’s regard for Fang Han seems even greater than I had anticipated.’
The Realm of a Grandmaster, a Realm above that of a First Grade Martial Artist, was a transcendent state, like something from a legend.
Throughout history, many astonishingly brilliant talents had been trapped at the Peak of First Grade. They seemed only a step away from the Grandmaster Realm, yet could never cross that gap in their entire lives. The Sect Leader himself was one such case.
’For the Sect Leader to believe Fang Han could one day reach the Grandmaster Realm shows just how much importance he places on him.’
"This disciple will remember the Sect Leader’s teachings and will certainly cultivate diligently, so as not to disappoint the high hopes of the Sect and the Sect Leader!"
Fang Han bowed again, his tone firm.
Chen Tianyuan withdrew his gaze and said slowly, "Since you have become a True Inheritor, you should be rewarded. I will bestow upon you a suit of Golden Silk Armor."
Fang Han’s heart shook. He bowed and said, "Thank you for your generous gift, Sect Leader!"
’I’ve seen the Golden Silk Armor in the Sect’s Weapon Pavilion before. It’s the finest among Top-Grade Armor, requiring a full 10,000 Contribution Points to exchange for.’
’Its value even surpasses that of many offensive Top-grade Weapons.’
’The Sect Leader is being so generous. This level of regard is indeed far beyond ordinary.’
Chen Tianyuan waved his hand, his tone returning to neutral. "Go. Cultivate well. True Disciples enjoy the Sect’s prioritized resources, but you must also bear the corresponding responsibilities. Conduct yourself well."
"Yes, this disciple takes his leave!"
Elder Chen Xuan and Fang Han bowed again and slowly withdrew from the Sect Leader’s Hall.
Only after walking out of the hall’s entrance and feeling the sun and air on his skin again did Fang Han finally let out a slight sigh of relief.
’The formless pressure from facing the Sect Leader, Chen Tianyuan, was truly immense.’
"The Sect Leader has very high expectations for you."
Elder Chen Xuan looked at Fang Han, his tone carrying a trace of warning, but also a measure of gratification.
"This disciple understands. I will not fail to live up to the expectations of the Sect Leader and the Elder."
Fang Han said solemnly.
At that moment, a middle-aged Steward who had been waiting outside the hall hurried forward and bowed respectfully to Elder Chen Xuan and Fang Han.
"Elder Chen, True Inheritor Fang, my surname is Zhao. I am acting on the Sect Leader’s orders to guide True Inheritor Fang to the Weapon Pavilion to receive his reward and handle the matter of moving into the True Inheritance Courtyard."
Elder Chen Xuan nodded and said to Fang Han.
"In that case, you go with Steward Zhao. The rules of the True Inheritance Courtyard are slightly different from those of the Sub-Branch. Ask Steward Zhao if you have any questions. If you encounter any difficulties in your cultivation, you can also come find me at the Sub-Branch."
At Fang Han’s current level of strength, he no longer needed to attend the fixed monthly lectures. He only needed guidance when he occasionally encountered difficulties, which was why he told Fang Han to seek him out at the Sub-Branch if he ran into trouble.
"Thank you, Elder!"
Fang Han once again bowed to Elder Chen Xuan.
’This Elder has always looked out for me, a kindness I will remember well.’
Elder Chen Xuan nodded slightly, said no more, and turned into a streak of green light, disappearing into the distance in an instant.
"True Inheritor Fang, please follow me."
Steward Zhao wore a perfectly measured smile as he turned to lead the way.
His attitude was respectful but not fawning, a clear sign that he understood the decorum required to serve in the Sect Leader’s Hall.
"Thank you for your trouble, Steward Zhao," Fang Han replied politely.
The two left the Sect Leader’s Hall and headed toward the Weapon Pavilion, located halfway up the mountain.
Along the way, Steward Zhao proactively explained some of the privileges and duties of a True Disciple to Fang Han, such as the right to view secret manuals of Middle Grade and below, and the Sect missions he might have to undertake.
Fang Han listened carefully, committing the details to memory.
’The treatment of a True Disciple is indeed far superior to that of an ordinary Inner Sect Disciple. Correspondingly, however, the Sect’s expectations are also higher, and they will sometimes even assign dangerous missions for the sake of tempering.’
Upon arriving at the Weapon Pavilion, the disciple on duty saw Steward Zhao and Fang Han. His attitude became even more respectful, especially when he noticed the new Jade Token at Fang Han’s waist, which represented a True Inheritor.
After verifying the Sect Leader’s command token, he quickly retrieved the Golden Silk Armor and solemnly handed it to Fang Han.
Fang Han took the soft armor. It was entirely golden. As he ran his fingertips over it, he felt a cool, pliable texture.
’Applying a little pressure, I can feel its distinct toughness. At my current level, I probably couldn’t break through this armor even with a full-power attack.’
’With this armor for protection, my life-saving ability will undoubtedly increase dramatically.’
Steward Zhao, standing to the side, looked at the soft armor in Fang Han’s hands, which was shimmering with a faint golden light. An unconcealable trace of amazement flashed in his eyes as he spoke in a low voice.
"True Inheritor Fang, to be honest with you, I have served in the Sect Leader’s Hall for many years and have witnessed no fewer than ten disciples become True Inheritors. But you are the very first one to be gifted such a precious piece of armor by the Sect Leader. The Sect Leader’s regard for you is truly extraordinary."
Hearing this, Fang Han just smiled faintly and said nothing more, carefully placing the Golden Silk Armor inside his robes.
’This special attention is both a motivation and a pressure.’
After leaving the Weapon Pavilion, Steward Zhao led Fang Han to the True Inheritance Courtyard.
The True Inheritance Courtyard was located halfway up the mountain. The environment was quiet and secluded, dotted with pavilions and towers, and was far more exquisite and spacious than the Sub-Branch.
Each True Inheritance Villa was spaced far apart from the others, ensuring that the disciples’ cultivation would not be disturbed.
Steward Zhao showed Fang Han several currently vacant villas. In the end, Fang Han chose one numbered "Thirty-five," a courtyard with a small grove of green bamboo that made for a rather elegant and peaceful scene.
"True Inheritor Fang has a good eye. Although Villa Thirty-five is a bit remote, it is very quiet and suitable for secluded cultivation."
Steward Zhao said with a smile.
"Since you’ve made your choice, I’ll register it for you now. According to the rules, each True Inheritance Villa is staffed with five maids and five servants to take care of daily life and courtyard maintenance."
"Does True Inheritor Fang have any specific requirements for these people? I could help keep an eye out and make arrangements."
Steward Zhao’s words carried a clear intention to build a good relationship.
’Fang Han is so highly regarded by the Sect Leader; his future is limitless. Forging a connection with him now has every advantage and no disadvantage.’
Fang Han pondered for a moment, then said:
"Thank you for your kind offer, Steward Zhao. As for the maids, they just need to have pleasant features and be quick and capable. The servants just need to be honest, dutiful, and diligent."
’It isn’t that I have any particular preferences, but the maids will often be by my side and receive visitors. If their appearances are too unsightly, I’d lose face, and I wouldn’t find it pleasing to look at them either.’
’As for the servants, they just need to be steady and willing to work hard.’
Steward Zhao understood perfectly and nodded in agreement. "I understand. I will certainly select suitable people for the True Inheritor."
"I’ll be troubling you then," Fang Han said, cupping his hands in thanks.
After completing all the necessary procedures with Steward Zhao at the True Inheritance Courtyard’s affairs office, the two parted ways.
Fang Han did not go to his new residence immediately, but first returned to Room C-7 in the Sub-Branch.
He didn’t have much luggage—just a few changes of clothes, some daily necessities, and, most importantly, his Cultivation Elixirs. He quickly finished packing.
He picked up his simple bag and walked out of Room C-7, where he had lived for more than a year.
Outside, a few familiar disciples like Xiao Chen and Shi Meng were already waiting. Even the usually cold Yun Qianyue and the perennial loner Li Feng were standing not far off.
"Fang Han, congratulations!"
Xiao Chen stepped forward and clapped Fang Han firmly on the shoulder, his face filled with sincere joy and a hint of imperceptible envy.
’Those who can become True Inheritors are the true geniuses of their respective branches. With my talent, it will be very difficult for me to ever qualify for that rank.’
’I’m naturally extremely envious of this unattainable position of a True Inheritor.’
"Congratulations, Senior Brother Fang!"
Shi Meng, Huang Ling’er, and the others also offered their congratulations, their eyes filled with complex emotions and envy.
Although they had joined the sect in the same year, Fang Han was now a True Inheritor. His status was above theirs, so they had to address him as Senior Brother.
Fang Han returned their salutes one by one. His gaze swept over the crowd, finally pausing for a moment on Yun Qianyue’s face.
Yun Qianyue’s bright eyes, visible above her purple veil, met his for an instant, and she gave a slight nod.