Fifteen days passed in a blur. Zhong Shan, carrying his large blade, stood in the grandest palace of the Kaiyang Sect—the Kaiyang Hall.
Inside the hall stood twenty-five third-generation disciples. Among them, three were newly recruited a year ago, while the other twenty-two were seasoned third-generation disciples, all at least at the sixth level of the innate stage, possessing true essence.
Zhong Shan stood slightly towards the back, next to Nan Ba Tian, listening to him introduce the various individuals. Tian Ling'er, however, was nowhere to be seen.
Within Kaiyang Hall, there were three grand armchairs placed at the forefront, facing north, east, and west respectively.
Soon, a group of people flew in from outside, landing at the hall's entrance, and then each group stood behind one of the grand armchairs.
To the west stood five women, to the east six men, and to the north only four people.
Nan Ba Tian whispered, "These are the second-generation disciples, all at the Golden Core stage. After our meeting, they will probably have their own."
"Hmm," Zhong Shan nodded slightly.
"The west group is from Snow Bamboo Peak, the east from Flame Mountain Peak, and the north from Kaiyang Peak," Nan Ba Tian explained.
"Senior Brother," the second-generation disciples greeted respectfully towards the entrance.
Zhong Shan looked over to see a man with a pale face and wearing a black robe. He had sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, with a striking crimson mole between his brows, exuding an air of heroism. He wore a black sword at his waist and walked slowly towards the north side, standing behind the grand armchair.
"Senior Brother Tian Sha," Nan Ba Tian whispered to Zhong Shan.
"Hmm," Zhong Shan nodded. He could feel the powerful aura emanating from Senior Brother Tian Sha. It wasn't directed at anyone in particular but seemed to be a natural extension of his personality and cultivation technique.
The arrival of Senior Brother Tian Sha drew everyone's attention.
After he took his position, he glanced towards Snow Bamboo Peak, seemingly searching for someone. Seeing the adoring expressions of the women there, he frowned and looked away, not finding who he sought.
"Senior Brother, you're here!" Tian Ling'er's excited voice suddenly called out from outside the hall.
Tian Ling'er ran into the hall, stopping in front of Senior Brother Tian Sha.
"Ling'er?" Senior Brother Tian Sha frowned slightly at her.
"I've reached the ninth level of the innate stage! Soon, I'll reach the Golden Core stage, and then I can openly call you Senior Brother!" Tian Ling'er said joyfully, as if just talking to him made her incredibly happy.
"Congratulations," Senior Brother Tian Sha replied politely.
"Hmm!" Tian Ling'er nodded enthusiastically, thrilled to receive his blessing.
"Ling'er, where are you standing?" Tian Xingzi's stern voice called from outside the hall.
Seeing her father, Tian Ling'er stuck out her tongue playfully and quickly ran over to Zhong Shan and Nan Ba Tian.
From outside, Sect Master Tian Xingzi, Flame Mountain Peak Master Xuan Xinzi, and Snow Bamboo Peak Master Gu Shuangzi slowly walked in.
The three leaders entered and approached the grand armchairs, sitting down and looking at the twenty-six elite third-generation disciples of the Kaiyang Sect.
"Except for the three of you who were informed half a month ago, everyone else knows the purpose of this gathering: an expedition for training," Tian Xingzi said.
"Yes," the disciples responded. The three newcomers who had been informed half a month ago also responded.
"Now, does anyone wish to withdraw from the expedition?" Tian Xingzi asked.
The hall was silent. Clearly, everyone was eager to go on this expedition. Even the other two newcomers showed no hesitation.
"Good. This expedition is not only to broaden your horizons and refine your skills but also has another purpose," Tian Xingzi continued.
As he spoke, he waved his hand, and a phantom appeared in his palm, formed by his magical power. It was the image of a handsome man in a white robe, with a pale face that looked somewhat frail. He held a purple fan and appeared very elegant.
"Remember this person. This is the latest information I have received. His name is Hao San, and he is also at the innate stage, protected by one or two individuals. If possible, capture or kill him and bring back his body. The sect will reward you with a fourth-grade magical treasure and a fourth-grade pill," Tian Xingzi announced.
Fourth grade? Zhong Shan was shocked. Fourth-grade items were incredibly valuable. The Sect Master's treasures were only around fourth or fifth grade.
"Yes," the disciples responded excitedly.
"Regardless of whether you find him or not, everyone must return in a year," Tian Xingzi said.
"Yes," the disciples answered immediately.
"Good. Prepare yourselves and set off when you're ready," Tian Xingzi instructed.
"Yes," the disciples responded and then began to disperse.
As Zhong Shan was about to leave the hall, he suddenly heard Tian Xingzi's voice in his mind, "Zhong Shan, Ling'er, Ba Tian, meet me at Zhong Shan's Listening Water Pavilion."
Zhong Shan paused, and the other two did as well, but none of them turned back. They left the hall and headed towards the Listening Water Pavilion.
Inside the hall, the Sect Master and the Peak Masters, along with the second-generation disciples, probably had more to discuss.
At the Listening Water Pavilion.
"Who do you think this Hao San is? Why does my father want him killed?" Tian Ling'er sat at the stone table, resting her chin on her hands as she gazed at the waterfall in front of her.
"I'm not sure. Tian Bo must have something important to tell us," Nan Ba Tian said.
Meanwhile, Zhong Shan busied himself preparing supplies, including a large amount of dried food and some medicinal herbs he had found in the mountains, making simple travel provisions.
An hour later, Tian Xingzi descended from the sky.
"Father, why did you take so long? We're about to leave!" Tian Ling'er exclaimed impatiently.
"Haha, can't wait?" Tian Xingzi smiled at her.
"Tian Bo," "Sect Master," they greeted him.
"Yes, you're about to set off. I have a few things to say to you. Ba Tian, this is a good opportunity for you to train. Understand the ways of the world, and only use the protective treasure I gave you in times of extreme danger," Tian Xingzi instructed seriously.
"Yes," Nan Ba Tian replied.
"You will be traveling alone, relying on yourself. Learn to be independent," Tian Xingzi said.
"Yes," Nan Ba Tian nodded respectfully, though he felt Tian Xingzi was being overly cautious.
"Alright, you can go now," Tian Xingzi said.
"Ling'er, Brother Zhong Shan, I'm leaving first," Nan Ba Tian said.
"Take care," Zhong Shan nodded.
"Go on," Tian Ling'er said, nodding as well.
With that, Nan Ba Tian left.
As soon as Nan Ba Tian was gone, Tian Xingzi turned to Tian Ling'er.
"Ling'er, while you're out, I have one requirement: stay by Zhong Shan's side and listen to him in all matters," Tian Xingzi said seriously.
"Father, Zhong Shan's cultivation isn't even higher than mine," Tian Ling'er pouted, clearly unhappy.
"In the Kaiyang Sect, you can do as you please, but outside, you must listen to Zhong Shan. I'm making this clear now. If Zhong Shan returns and says you didn't follow his instructions, you won't be allowed to visit your mother's grave for fifty years," Tian Xingzi said sternly.
"Father, how can you say that!" Tian Ling'er was immediately flustered. Other punishments she could tolerate, but not being allowed to visit her mother's grave?
"Only if you agree to my condition will you be allowed to leave. Otherwise, you will stay in the Kaiyang Sect and cultivate until you reach the Golden Core stage," Tian Xingzi said firmly.
With a bitter expression, Tian Ling'er looked at her father, then at Zhong Shan. Reluctantly, she thought about it. After all, Zhong Shan was her friend; she could still get him to do what she wanted.
"Fine," Tian Ling'er said.
"Good," Tian Xingzi nodded. He then turned to Zhong Shan.
"Ling'er is in your care," Tian Xingzi said.
"Sect Master, rest assured. In a year, I will return Ling'er to you safe and sound. I promise," Zhong Shan said solemnly.
"Good," Tian Xingzi nodded approvingly.
Then, with a flip of his hand, Tian Xingzi produced an empty spirit pearl.
He handed the spirit pearl to Zhong Shan and said, "Consider this your reward for looking after Ling'er. If you find a Sumeru Stone and place it inside, it will become a storage item."
"Thank you, Sect Master," Zhong Shan said, accepting the pearl.
Storage items, as Zhong Shan had recently learned from Tian Ling'er, required a spirit pearl and a Sumeru Stone to create an internal space. The more Sumeru Stones used, the larger the internal space.
However, Zhong Shan didn't plan to use the spirit pearl for storage but rather as a component for a hidden weapon.
"Be careful out there," Tian Xingzi said.
"Yes, Sect Master," Zhong Shan nodded.
"Alright, alright, Father, you can go now. You're so long-winded," Tian Ling'er said impatiently, clearly eager to set off.
"Alright, I'll leave now," Tian Xingzi smiled and then stepped onto a white cloud, flying away.
"Let's go," Tian Ling'er said immediately.
"Have you prepared your things?" Zhong Shan asked.