"Sect Master, that man is here! He has arrived!"
"Less than ten li away, heading straight for our sect!"
"He will soon reach the mountain gate!"
"..."
In the council hall, reports arrived in ceaseless succession. Seated at the head, Wu Jiamin drew in a deep breath and looked toward the several rank-four elders around him. "He will arrive in an instant. Let us go outside the sect gate to greet him."
One elder was reluctant to go, cringing as he spoke. "What if... what if he came specifically to exterminate our sect? If we all go out to greet him together and he wipes us out in one fell swoop, what will we do? Shouldn't we leave one or two people behind in the sect?"
Wu Jiamin shot him a sidelong glare and snapped, "If anyone is going to die, it will be me, the sect master, first! What are you panicking about?!"
At these words, the elder hastily lowered his head in shame. The other elders dared not speak either, their hearts filled with admiration for Wu Jiamin, feeling that the new sect master was indeed someone who took responsibility!
In truth, Wu Jiamin was panicking uncontrollably at this very moment, cursing endlessly inwardly: *Granduncle pushed me onto the seat of sect master and had me apologize to Huang Tian, while he fled without a trace! What a shameless old bastard! Pah!*
Cursing aside, matters still had to be handled.
Rising from his chair, he said, "Enough. All elders and deacons, follow me out to receive him! Be on your best behavior. If anyone speaks out of turn during the reception and ruins this apology, don't blame this sect master for being ruthless!"
"Understood!"
In truth, there was no need for him to say it. Which elder or deacon would have such guts? The sect's honor belonged to everyone, but one's life belonged to oneself...
Led by Wu Jiamin, the group walked out of the hall, and before long, they reached the entrance of the sect's estate.
Dozens of people stood together, their expressions strange and uneasy, but not a single sound was uttered as everyone held their breath.
*Clack-clack—*
Horse hooves clattered against the broad road before the mountain gate, the sounds echoing clearly.
*He is here!*
The crowd instinctively tensed, their gazes fixed intently on Huang Tian as he rode toward them.
*Whoosh—*
A cool breeze brushed against them. Seeing so many people standing outside the entrance of the Guiyuan Sect, Huang Tian reined in his horse and slowed to a halt.
Seeing that Huang Tian had not started slaughtering people the moment he arrived, Wu Jiamin let out a massive sigh of relief. He took two steps forward, bowed deeply to the ground, and declared in a loud voice:
"Grandmaster Huang graces us with your visit today, bringing immense honor to our humble sect! On behalf of all elders and deacons, I respectfully bow to welcome you!"
As his voice fell, the dozens of people standing behind him fell to their knees and bowed to the ground one after another.
Looking across them, not a single person dared to raise their head, all trembling in fear.
Wu Jiamin continued, "There were indeed some minor misunderstandings between our humble sect and Grandmaster Huang. To express our remorse, we have specially prepared an apology gift for you, and we beg for your understanding."
Immediately, a deacon prostrating on the ground picked up a chest from the earth and carefully placed it before Huang Tian.
Upon opening it, inside were two Precious Elephant Sacred Fetus Pills and seven precious herbs several centuries old.
Looking at the prostrating members of the Guiyuan Sect, Huang Tian surveyed his surroundings and uttered his first words: "Where is Wu Xuefeng?"
Addressing the Supreme Elder directly by his personal name in front of so many Guiyuan Sect members—had anyone else dared to do so, they would have stepped forward long ago to punish the offender severely. But the one speaking was Huang Tian, the Huang Tian who had annihilated the Feihong Sect and slain two rank-three grandmasters!
No one dared object. Instead, they trembled intensely, unsure why he asked this, while inwardly reproaching Wu Xuefeng. *As our sect's Supreme Elder, you actually deserted right before the battle and slipped away early, leaving the rest of us to face this god of slaughter! How utterly dishonorable!*
Wu Jiamin silently cursed his granduncle a few more times before forcing a smile onto his face. "The Supreme Elder... he, he went to visit a friend. Perhaps he is in the deep mountains, or perhaps he went to another county or commandery. We truly do not know where he has gone..."
"Hmm, gone to visit a friend, has he..."
Huang Tian fell into thought. It seemed this Supreme Elder Wu truly valued his life more the older he became, having not the slightest concern for face or gossiping tongues.
He chuckled softly. With a flick of his foot, the moderately sized chest flew into his hand. He tied it to the side of the horse. "It would be rude to refuse such hospitality. I shall accept the gift."
Hearing this, everyone present let out a long breath in unison. The sound of their collective exhales was clearly audible, causing their faces to flush red, but they immediately realized: *So everyone was terrified. In that case, I haven't disgraced myself...*
"However!"
A single word caused everyone's hearts to leap into their throats.
Dozens of pairs of eyes stared nervously at Huang Tian. Wu Jiamin spoke in a fluster, "Whatever request Grandmaster Huang may have, please feel free to state it! Our Guiyuan Sect will spare no effort to fulfill it!"
"I do not need you to give me anything else. I merely wish to enter your noble sect's Scripture Pavilion for a look," Huang Tian said.
Wu Jiamin responded repeatedly, "Of course! Of course!"
He had thought Huang Tian felt the apology gift was insufficient; it turned out he merely wanted to enter the Scripture Pavilion.
For a major sect or power, the treasured texts in the Scripture Pavilion and Book Pavilion were indeed the bedrock of the sect. But ultimately, they differed from spirit herbs and elixir pills; if one person consumed a pill, another could not. Texts and martial skills were things anyone could read and were not consumables. Letting Huang Tian go inside wouldn't cost them a thing.
"Grandmaster Huang, please! After you!"
Wu Jiamin rose to lead the way. Huang Tian stepped forward unhurriedly. The dragon horse did not even need to be led; intelligent and spiritual, it followed closely behind him, holding its head high and stepping forward with great swagger, while the elders and deacons followed behind the dragon horse, filing into the sect grounds.
The layout of the Guiyuan Sect was similar to that of the Feihong Sect. Upon entering, the first thing that caught the eye was an enormous bluestone plaza, and further in the distance was an expansive, magnificent complex of buildings.
However, there was also a difference from the Feihong Sect: hardly a single disciple could be seen across the entire bluestone plaza. Yet Huang Tian could sense countless timid, curious, and anxious gazes directed toward him.
Evidently, the ordinary disciples of the Guiyuan Sect all knew he had arrived. Almost none dared wander before him, and most hid inside their quarters, cautiously peering through windows to watch the situation outside.
Wu Jiamin said, "Grandmaster Huang, our sect has arranged a banquet in the Reception Hall..."
"No need. I will go straight to the Scripture Pavilion," Huang Tian said briskly.
"Ah, ah, very well."
Wu Jiamin nodded repeatedly and looked toward the dragon horse. "We can feed this horse on your behalf."
With a wave of Huang Tian's hand, the dragon horse understood his intent and departed alongside a deacon.
As for whether anyone would dare touch the treasures on the horse's back?
Ha! Touch them, and the sect would be wiped out!
Under such circumstances, Wu Jiamin would be far more terrified than Huang Tian of anyone stealing the treasures on the horse's back.
Arriving at the Scripture Pavilion, there was not a single disciple inside. It made sense; with an existential crisis looming over the sect, who would have the heart to pick out martial arts or cultivation methods?
Wu Jiamin escorted Huang Tian inside and said with an accommodating smile, "Grandmaster Huang may read for as long as you wish. During this time, no one will enter to disturb you."
He had already planned to order that no disciples or members be permitted into the Scripture Pavilion for the time being. As for his motives: first, to give Huang Tian an exceptionally quiet environment, and second, out of fear that a disciple might accidentally offend Huang Tian and bring disaster upon the sect.
Although judging by their brief contact, he felt Huang Tian did not seem as volatile and irritable as rumors claimed, being cautious was always better than being careless.
Huang Tian gave a slight nod.
Seeing his satisfaction, Wu Jiamin rejoiced inwardly. "Then we shall take our leave."
With that, he waved his hand, and the group withdrew from the Scripture Pavilion with him, leaving Huang Tian alone inside to browse the books.
When everyone walked out of the Scripture Pavilion, they looked at each other, their faces filled with relief.
Wu Jiamin's steps grew even lighter, and he issued orders: "From this day forth, no disciples within the sect may enter the Scripture Pavilion!"
As for the duration, he did not specify; he had no idea how long Huang Tian would remain inside. But however long he stayed, that was how long the restriction would last!
This command quickly spread throughout the Guiyuan Sect. Rather than inciting resentment among the thousands of disciples, it caused them to breathe an immense sigh of relief.
Our sect, at least, will not perish!
As long as it doesn't perish, that is enough, more than enough!
All of a sudden, the atmosphere within the Guiyuan Sect grew even more joyous than a festive celebration, and smiles appeared on everyone's faces.
Several days flowed past like water.
Over these days, the Guiyuan Sect gradually returned to its normal state. On the bluestone plaza, disciples began appearing to practice martial arts, numerous handymen busied themselves with sweeping and cleaning in peace, and the elders cultivated as usual.
If not for Huang Tian still being in the Guiyuan Sect, and the order forbidding anyone from entering the Scripture Pavilion still in effect, the sect's thousands of members would have almost forgotten Huang Tian was there.
Yet whenever they passed by the Scripture Pavilion from time to time or occasionally looked up in its direction, a strange sensation inevitably welled in their hearts.
"A true man ought to be like this!"
The might of a single man pinning an entire sect into utter submission!
This was a true powerhouse!
"If one day I could be half as formidable as Huang Tian, even if I died the very next day, it would be worth it!"
On the bluestone plaza, a blue-robed disciple tired from practicing martial arts sat on the ground, sighing with profound emotion.
"Haha! Grand ambitions, rock-bottom potential!" teased a youth holding a longsword seated beside him.
The blue-robed disciple rolled his eyes speechlessly. "My potential isn't high, but yours isn't necessarily any better."
"Just a joke, just a joke!" the youth with the longsword laughed, then looked up toward the Scripture Pavilion, as if he could see an awe-inspiring, majestic dragon coiled within!
Merely by coiling within the pavilion, that giant dragon forced thousands across the sect to bow their heads; should it soar from the abyss, it would shake the world and strike terror into countless hearts!
"You're right. If one day I could possess such awe-inspiring majesty, even dying would be worth it..." the youth with the longsword murmured.
Their eyes gleamed with longing, their hearts filled with yearning.
Suddenly, cries of astonishment arose from the direction of the Scripture Pavilion, rippling over like ocean waves. Astonished, the two stood up to look.
There they saw a heroic youth, straight as a pine, walking out of the Scripture Pavilion with the stride of dragons and tigers.
"That's... Huang Tian!!"
Crying out in hushed tones, the two were thoroughly thrilled.
Indeed, it was excitement, not terror!
Or rather, excitement overwhelmed their fear.
The disciples looked toward Huang Tian as if gazing at a shining star, parting like a receding tide to clear a path.
Having heard that Huang Tian had emerged from the Scripture Pavilion, Wu Jiamin rushed over immediately, accompanied by several elders.
As well as Wu Xuefeng, with his white beard and white brows!
Indeed, upon hearing that Huang Tian had accepted the apology gift and had not embarked on a slaughter within the sect, Wu Xuefeng had deliberated repeatedly and finally returned to the Guiyuan Sect.
Holding a thick booklet in his hands, Wu Xuefeng offered a genial greeting with a smile. "A few days ago, Brother Huang came to visit our humble sect, but I happened to be away visiting a friend and was unable to personally host you. I am truly ashamed. I offer this modest gift to express my apologies, and I hope Brother Huang will accept it."
Huang Tian cast a glance; written upon the booklet were the words *Handbook of Breakthrough Insights of Past Grandmasters*.
This thing...
"Fellow Daoist Wu is very thoughtful." Huang Tian received it.
Seeing him accept it, the heavy boulder in Wu Xuefeng's heart finally fell to the ground, and his smile widened as he chuckled. "Brother Huang has been at our sect for days, and today is your first time emerging. I wish to host a banquet to share wine and conversation with you, Brother Huang."
"No need. I have finished reading the books; it is time for me to take my leave."
Huang Tian shook his head and looked toward Sect Master Wu Jiamin. "Bring my dragon horse."
Wu Jiamin froze. Leaving already? Isn't that too fast?
Could he have finished reading all the books in the Scripture Pavilion in just a few days, or did he only pick out the few most top-tier martial skills to read?
Recalling certain rumors regarding Huang Tian's comprehension, he swallowed hard.
*He couldn't have truly read and mastered all several thousand martial arts of our sect, could he?*
With mixed emotions in his heart, Wu Jiamin instructed a deacon, "Go bring Grandmaster Huang's dragon horse."
"Yes!"
Soon, the spirited dragon horse was led over. The bundles and chest remained on its back, everything inside intact and undamaged.
Leaping onto the horse, Huang Tian swept his calm gaze across Wu Xuefeng and the others, uttering only two words:
"Farewell!"
Sensing his will, the dragon horse let out a neigh, leaped past the crowd, and galloped like an arrow out of the Guiyuan Sect.
Without pausing in the slightest, within mere dozens of breaths it vanished completely from everyone's sight.
"This..."
Gazing toward the now invisible Huang Tian, everyone felt both relieved and oddly empty.
Relieved, naturally because the star of slaughter had departed.
Empty, because these past several days felt truly like a dream...
In the daze, someone suddenly let out a long sigh. It was hard to tell what that sigh meant, but everyone could feel the overwhelming relief in it.
Smiles broke out across the faces of Wu Jiamin and the others.
Only Wu Xuefeng stroked his beard and sighed with emotion, "Moving like a dragon wherever he goes... why was such a figure not born into my Guiyuan Sect..."
Huang Tian naturally could not hear Wu Xuefeng's sighs. After departing the Guiyuan Sect, he was in no hurry to return to the commandery seat, but instead continued toward the remaining three great sects.
The entire journey went exceptionally smoothly.
At every sect he arrived at, the sect master and Supreme Elder personally came outside to welcome him and offer an apology gift.
And the apology gifts were shockingly identical: each consisted of two Precious Elephant Sacred Fetus Pills and seven precious herbs several centuries old.
Evidently, they had taken their cue from the Guiyuan Sect.
Whatever the Guiyuan Sect compensated, they matched in kind.
That way, they at least wouldn't make a mistake.
Presenting these spirit pills and precious herbs naturally pained their hearts immensely, but no matter how much it hurt, they had no choice but to offer them, lest they incur the wrath of that star of slaughter—which would truly be their undoing.
After accepting the gifts, Huang Tian would enter the sect's Scripture Pavilion, seemingly not worried in the slightest about any ambush within. This left everyone marveling, admiring his boldness and supreme confidence in his own strength.
Once he finished reading the books, he did not linger, swiftly departing for the next sect.
Thus, galloping across the Four Great Sects, traveling thousands of li, and factoring in the time spent in each sect's book pavilion, more than a month slipped by.
Over this month and more, Huang Tian's fame grew even greater. Every major power across Kunyun Commandery etched firmly into memory the youth who rode for thousands of li and moved like a dragon among the clouds. Truly:
His name overawed the commandery as though held in his palm,
While the banners of the four sects drooped low beneath his gaze!
Chapter 113