For the next five days, Bai Yu focused solely on honing his swordsmanship, having encountered a Bottleneck on his path towards the Bone Forging Realm. Meanwhile, Wu Feng and Leng Wu returned from their missions.
While Bai Yu was engrossed in his training, a tall man with a powerful presence entered the courtyard.
He was clad in the white robes of an inner disciple, a stark contrast to the blue attire of outer disciples. Bai Yu turned, recognizing the man's cultivation level – mid Bone Forging Realm."Greetings," the man began arrogantly, "I am a messenger from the Skysword Faction. I've come to extend an invitation.
"Wu Feng, standing beside Bai Yu, interjected, "Our Azure Sword Sect houses various factions. Once you reach the rank of core disciple, the Sect encourages the Creation of your own faction as a way to foster healthy competition among its members."
"Heh," Bai Yu chuckled. "The Skysword Faction, founded by Li Feng, is one of the strongest, boasting him among the top five core disciples," Wu Feng explained, continuing, "However, despite their strength, their influence seems limited to the Main Sect and doesn't extend to branch sects like this one."
"I understand," Bai Yu replied, turning to face the tall, arrogant man. "My answer is no," he declared coldly."Are you certain?" the tall man boomed, a flicker of anger sparking in his eyes. "Senior Brother Li Feng is a core disciple of the Main Sect. He stands at the early Xiantian Realm, a feat achieved in his mere thirties!"
Bai Yu met the man's gaze with an icy stare. "My ambition lies in forging my own path upon reaching the core disciple rank. I have no desire to become another's subordinate.""You will regret defying Senior Brother Li Feng!" the tall man roared, storming out of the courtyard.
A tense silence settled after his departure. Wu Feng, his voice laced with concern, inquired, "Are you certain you made the right choice, Bai Yu?"Bai Yu's gaze remained unwavering. "Absolutely," he declared. "Subordination holds no appeal for me. My path leads either to the head of a faction or solitude.""In addition, Bai Yu said with a frown, "his arrogance is annoying." He then continued practicing his swordsmanship.