Chapter 291: The Candle Order is Issued; Liu Qing Changes His Mind, Chooses Another Prodigy, and Prepares a Grand Gift in Advance.

[Minor Five Elements Mystic Escape]

[Proficiency: 3/100]

Li Xian and Nangong Liuli studied the "Fundamentals of the Five Elements" and "Treatise on Extraordinary Escape Techniques" for several days and felt they had gained a great deal. Nangong Liuli was intelligent and insightful, with a broad perspective; she could answer Li Xian's questions. However, her understanding of the principles of the Five Elements' response and evolution was far inferior to Li Xian's.

"Five Elements Fundamentals" and "Treatise on Extraordinary Escape Techniques" are foundational doctrines. However, the annotations in the book contain the essential points. Yan Hao was proficient in the Five Elements Extraordinary Escape Techniques, but whenever he had free time, he would still read "Five Elements Fundamentals" and "Treatise on Extraordinary Escape Techniques," and record any insights or reflections he had in the book.

Li Xian studied the annotations carefully and thoroughly. He recorded his doubts in the book, but did not ask Yan Hao for answers. He thought that even if Yan Hao agreed to teach him the Five Elements Escape Technique, it would be inappropriate if Yan Hao became annoyed by frequent searches.

Li Xianxiu studied the 'Five Elements', practiced the Remnant Demon Spear by day, circulated the five internal organs at night, and sparred with Nangong Liuli in his spare time. They cooperated sincerely, and time passed quickly. The appointed time had arrived.

Nangong Liuli sat under the shade of a tree, studying her books. She was increasingly surprised by Li Xian's quick thinking. The two of them began studying the Five Elements at the same time, but Li Xian had already surpassed her. She secretly encouraged herself and studied even harder, unwilling to fall behind.

Li Xian left through the side door and headed southeast.

"That Senior Liu Qing looked down on me, but then asked me to come to her residence in three days. Why is that?"

They soon arrived at Qingxinju.

The place was quiet and secluded, with the occasional soft chirping of birds and animals. Li Xian gently knocked on the bamboo door. The "tap-tap" sound rang out, light and lingering, without disturbing anyone.

A moment later.

Yan Hao opened the door, his expression quite strange. After hesitating for a moment, he said, "Come in!"

Passing through the pear orchard, one comes to the hall. Several people are already seated in the hall, including Ambassador Shi, Chu Liuqing, and the extradition envoy Jin Shichang.

Ambassador Shi said, "Miss Liu Qing, are you really not going to stay a few more days?"

Chu Liuqing shook her head slightly and said, "No need. Something urgent has come up, so I must take my leave today."

"General Manager Shi, thank you for your hospitality recently. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, please feel free to contact me."

Having already learned the whole story, Chief Envoy Shi knew that further persuasion was useless, so he said helplessly, "Alright then... but that matter..." When he mentioned "that matter," Chu Liuqing looked away, so he wisely refrained from elaborating further.

At this moment, Li Xian and Yan Hao arrived in the hall, and the atmosphere became quite somber. Chu Liuqing glanced at them indifferently, then ignored them, stood up, and said, "Let's stop here. Chief Envoy Shi, is the boat ready?"

"The ship is ready," said Chief Envoy Shi. "Then let's set off ahead of schedule," said Chu Liuqing, walking straight out of the pavilion. To the southeast of the island, there was a town called "Flower Pomegranate Town," similar in size to Peach Blossom Town. A few miles from the pavilion, around Flower Pomegranate Town, lay a harbor.

Chu Liuqing was in a hurry, and Chief Envoy Shi accompanied her to see her off. Chu Liuqing was indifferent and aloof. As she passed by Li Xian, she did not give him a second glance. Her figure was fleeting, and she was already far away from him.

Li Xian found this strange. Yan Hao sighed softly, "Some things are entirely dependent on fate. If it's meant to be, it is; if it's not, it isn't. There's no need to think too much about it." Li Xian was puzzled, "What does Vice Envoy Yan mean?"

Yan Hao said, "Even if it doesn't work out, we should still see them off respectfully. Let's hurry and follow them." Li Xian and Yan Hao used their light footwork to follow behind Chu Liuqing, Chief Envoy Shi, and Jin Shichang.

The clear water flows gently, with waves rolling in and out.

A flower boat is suspended in the lake.

Beside the flower boat, Chu Liuqing, her face veiled in white gauze, held a long sword in her right hand and bowed to the crowd, saying, "Let's leave it here." Chief Envoy Shi bowed back and smiled, "Wishing Miss Liuqing all the best."

Chu Liuqing nodded lightly, her beautiful eyes glancing at Li Xian intentionally or unintentionally, but she didn't speak. Instead, she said to Jin Shichang, "Please ask the envoy to escort me out of the altar."

After a while, the flower boat sailed away on the waves, and the misty air of Dongran Lake gradually enveloped it. Chu Liuqing, Jin Shichang, and the others had all left the island.

Shi Yufei said, "Alas! What a pity, what a pity!" He patted Li Xian's shoulder lightly. Li Xian asked, puzzled, "Master Shi, this matter is quite confusing. Could you please explain it to me?"

Chu Liuqing's distant attitude was puzzling.

Shi Yufei was reluctant to bring it up, but then he realized that this matter was an excellent test of one's character, so he immediately asked, "Do you really want to know? The matter has already happened and is irreversible. Some things are better left unsaid. But if you know the reasons behind it, regret, jealousy, and resentment will accompany you for life. It is also very possible that your martial arts will come to a standstill because of this."

Li Xian thought to himself, "What you're saying, Chief Envoy Shi, is so strange. It's as if I've lost a great opportunity. Come to think of it, I've recently made quite a lot of progress. Why would I feel regretful, jealous, or resentful?" He asked, "Chief Envoy Shi, please speak."

"Very well, let's go back to the residence and talk," said Chief Envoy Shi. He grabbed Li Xian's shoulder, leaped up, and moved with incredible speed, disappearing through the bamboo forest. In just a few breaths, he was back at the Jingxin Residence.

Yan Hao slowed down slightly, landing steadily in the courtyard. The three sat down in the stone pavilion, and Chief Envoy Shi said, "In this matter, you unknowingly missed a great opportunity."

Li Xian was very curious and pressed for an answer. Chief Envoy Shi said, "You already know about the 'Candle Sect.' The Candle Sect was destroyed, and sparks flew everywhere. But the Forbidden Demonic Sect has a deep foundation that should not be underestimated. Even a centipede with a hundred legs does not die easily. The Candle Sect has always had remnants that are secretly gathering strength to reignite."

"The former Chu Liuqing was not only a venerable figure of the Candle Sect, but also the most orthodox member of the Candle Sect, possessing a portion of its secrets. The remnants of the Candle Sect have gone into hiding, their reputation has faded, but if they were to reappear, it would surely shock the world. The Candle Sect is accumulating power and secretly plotting. At this time, it is extremely difficult to enter the Candle Sect; one must be introduced and obtain the 'Candle Token' to do so."

“Three days ago, you displayed your talent in the art of spear, mastering the Candle Demon Spear Technique. You are truly destined to join the Candle Sect. Venerable Chu originally intended to pass on the Candle Token to you and recruit you into the Candle Sect.”

Ambassador Shi smiled faintly and said, "You may not know the significance of this matter, nor the opportunity it presents."

Li Xian took the opportunity to ask.

Ambassador Shi replied, "The Candle Sect is too glorious; no other power in the world can rival its awe-inspiring power!"

"The candlelight illuminates the world, I am the sun and moon. The world is one, and I teach all without discrimination."

"How dare the villains of the world utter a sound in this shock?"

"People say that my Candle Sect is a scourge to the world. It is true that the Candle Sect was lax in its control of its members in its later years. But the Candle Sect was not like that during its glorious period. My Candle Sect indulged in its desires and could not guarantee that its members would remain pure. But when the sect rules were strict, we would never stoop to doing evil deeds."

"The Candle Sect has been destroyed for a long time, and there are no records of it in writing. But ask the sons of powerful families if they know about the Candle Sect. They probably do! Even after a thousand years, it will be hard to forget it completely."

“They both fear the might of my Demonic Sect and envy the past of my Candle Sect.”

"The Candle Token of the Candle Sect has a special significance. It was once a token used by the Candle Sect to display their identity. Even in the heyday of the Candle Sect, very few people possessed the Candle Token."

Li Xian exclaimed, "So that's how it is."

Ambassador Shi said, "The Candle Sect has a profound foundation, and the Candle Token represents one's status. To obtain a Candle Token is already a great honor!"

"The Candle Cult is vast and sophisticated, with an extremely strict hierarchical order. Since the Candle Token represents status, it naturally has different ranks."

"The Candle Token of Venerable Chu is of the highest rank. Obtaining her Candle Token and joining the Candle Sect through her introduction will elevate one's status within the sect by a significant margin. The abundant resources of the Candle Sect will naturally be readily available. Treasures, wealth, connections, and martial arts are all within easy reach."

"Even though the Candle Sect has been defeated, its foundation is still formidable. It should not be underestimated."

"If you obtain Venerable Chu's Candle Token, your status will be completely transformed, and you may even sit with me. You will have free access to the Water Altar, and many beneficial things will come your way. Even if you cause a great disaster outside, you can hide in the Water Altar and remain safe and sound."

"It can truly be described as soaring to the sky."

"You might even be able to follow Venerable Chu and learn from him, gaining access to the true martial arts of the Candle Sect. That kind of inheritance is truly a unique opportunity. You come from a hunter's background, yet you have such cultivation; you are certainly not a fool. You should know that the path of martial arts is as difficult as climbing to the heavens. But it is also much easier if you have a benefactor to guide you."

"You were destined for such great fortune, but unfortunately, yesterday was completely different. But you can't blame yourself; it's fate."

Yan Hao sighed softly.

Li Xian said, "So that's how it is. There are such implications."

He was greatly astonished when he heard slogans such as "Candlelight illuminates the world, I am the sun and moon, the world is united, my teachings are for all." He believed that the Candlelight Cult had committed countless evil deeds, acted arbitrarily, and were all ruthless and vicious people.

The doctrines, however, are quite elegant.

No wonder it has attracted worldwide attention and is an enemy of the world! Aristocratic families and powerful clans occupy resources and tightly control the essence of martial arts. The Candle Sect's desire for its inclusive approach inevitably leads to conflict with these families and clans. The fact that the Candle Sect later became a mixed bag is also closely related to its doctrines.

Shi Yufei continued the conversation, clarifying the whole story: "Yesterday evening, Chu Liuqing suddenly received a letter from a young prodigy from the Lishan Sword Sect who had entered the Huaiyin Prefecture's Ranking of Talents, who wanted to join the Candle Sect."

"Venerable Chu only has three Candle Tokens. She must have been extremely careful, and after much deliberation, she decided to give the Candle Tokens to that prodigy. But you... are destined to be separated from him."

"To be honest... we can't blame Venerable Chu. She came here for that outstanding talent. If the Candle Sect wants to revive, it must recommend an extraordinary genius who can shoulder the weight of the sun and moon, awe the four seas, and command respect from the heavens to the underworld. That's why they are secretly selecting and recruiting talents."

Shi Yufei observed Li Xian's expression and, seeing his relaxed and composed demeanor, felt greatly relieved. He stroked his beard and smiled. Unlike Chu Liuqing, he felt that Li Xian, despite his humble origins and young age, had achieved such success, demonstrating a skill no less impressive than that of a young prodigy. Li Xian, however, thought, "This thing was never meant for me. What's the pity that it passed me by? My encounter with Venerable Chu was merely a fleeting one; do I expect her to be kind to me?"

Completely unconcerned, Li Xian asked, "Chief Envoy Shi, what is that young man's name?"

Shi Yufei said, "His name is Shan Guyun, and he is a highly skilled disciple of the Lishan Sword Sect."

Li Xian said, "This disciple is curious and has no intention of offending anyone. Since Shan Guyun is already a senior disciple of the Lishan Sword Sect, does he really want to join the Zhujiao Sect? The Lishan Sword Sect is one of the five major sword sects, with a very prestigious reputation, and should be considered a righteous sect."

Shi Yufei smiled and said, “Of course I am willing. Although the Lishan Sword Sect has a great reputation, when it comes to martial arts and swordsmanship, it is far inferior to my Zhujiao. If you want a peaceful life, the Lishan Sword Sect is a good place, but if you want to reach the top, the Zhujiao is a better choice. This Shan Guyun is indeed a rare genius with a clear sword heart, glassy sword bones, and the talent of the Azure Sky.”

Li Xian asked again, "Such a hero, how could the Li Shan Sword Sect be willing to let him go?" Shi Yufei said, "That's why Venerable Chu needs to personally intervene. Do you think she's going to plead for him? As long as Shan Guyun agrees to join the Candle Sect, Venerable Chu will take him away."

"It's no use no matter who tries to stop us."

"Speaking of which... a good show is about to unfold in the next few days. When Venerable Chu makes another move, it will surely be earth-shattering. With the Candle Token from her, Shan Guyun can immediately begin practicing the 'Nine Swords of Guyun,' a superior martial art of the Candle Sect! Such abundant blessings are truly enviable."

Li Xian's mind trembled slightly. The Remnant Sun and Decaying Blood Sword he practiced was a superior martial art, requiring the combined cultivation of Yin and Yang to fully unleash its effects. Practicing it alone only allowed him to barely reach the intermediate level, and even then, its effects were often secondary. However, its characteristics such as 'Bathed in Yang Essence,' 'Yang Yuan Sword Qi,' and 'Heart Fire' had already shown remarkable promise, from which Li Xian had benefited to this day. The combination of Yin and Yang could also nourish life, prolong life, and prevent aging. Li Xian had reached the pinnacle of the first and second levels, but he had yet to fully grasp the 'Yin Yang Immortal Couple Sword.' In the past, when he and Wen Caishang combined their swords to defeat Zhang Hu of the Tai Xin Sect, Wen Caishang, lacking internal energy, was unable to truly reveal the exquisite nature of their swordsmanship.

This must be a great pity.

The name 'Nine Swords of Lone Cloud' alone exudes a sharp and aloof aura, suggesting immense power. He felt a slight envy, but considering that martial arts such as the Remnant Spear, the Five Visceral Turbidity Repelling and Yang-Gathering Scripture, and the Five Elements Mystic Escape Techniques still required gradual practice, his envy gradually faded.

"Martial arts, martial arts, is my way. I only ever need to compete with myself. I don't need to be angry if others look down on me."

Yan Hao sighed, "Venerable Chu is so kind to him." She recalled how, a few days ago, she had been moved and hesitant when she saw Li Xian wield the Remnant Demon Spear. However, she ultimately hesitated to impart her knowledge, while showing great enthusiasm towards Shan Guyun.

Shi Yufei said, "It is true that Shan Guyun is exceptionally talented. However, he is also from my Flower Cage Sect, where his status is low. Venerable Chu only has three Candle Tokens, so he must be cautious. This is quite unfortunate, as we are ultimately just lacking in fate."

The moon and stars are sparse.

Li Xian, carrying a blade of grass in his mouth, slowly circled the island. Dongran Lake was vast and boundless, shrouded in mist, its shore invisible. Lotus flowers, aloe vera, and aquatic trees grew in the lake, while venomous snakes roosted in its depths. This ordeal had taken up a whole day. Li Xian stretched his limbs and relaxed his mind, reflecting on what he had heard that day, feeling both astonished and bewildered.

Seemingly by the slightest deviation, he transformed himself, joining the Forbidden Demonic Sect and attaining a very high position within it. Li Xian saw a blue lotus swaying in the wind, and using the Seven Star Steps, he plucked the lotus seeds one by one from the lotus pod before leaping back to the shore.

He peeled back the lotus seedpod and put it in his mouth. The taste was slightly astringent and somewhat bitter, but with a sweet aftertaste, and it was said to clear the liver and improve eyesight. Li Xian leisurely popped one into his mouth at a time, thinking, "Since I began practicing martial arts, I've encountered countless cold and indifferent people. Although Chu Liuqing looks down on me, Chief Envoy Shi and Yan Hao have been very kind to me. They don't have to abide by the bet on the Remnant Spear, yet they are willing to teach me the Five Elements Mystic Escape Technique; this is a great favor. My blessings are already better than many others."

Back at Qingniu Residence, I made a pot of lotus seed and fish soup today. It was delicious!

After a night of wind and rain, Li Xian returned to his room to rest. He sat cross-legged on the bed, calming his mind and focusing on clearing away impurities from his internal organs, thus promoting the flow of Yang energy. Suddenly, he felt a radiant glow bursting from his pores, and his hair seemed to float slightly. He exhaled a breath of pure air that lingered and did not dissipate.

[The Five Viscera's Guide to Avoiding Turbidity and Meeting Yang: The Five Viscera Chapter]

[Proficiency: 3986/8000 Minor Mastery]

[Proficiency +1]

With daily practice, his proficiency gradually increased, and his martial arts foundation became increasingly profound. Li Xian suddenly felt curious. He had recently gained many skills, including the second realm of martial arts, the Divine Ghost Robe, the Remnant Demon Spear, and the Five Internal Organs' Turbidity-Avoiding and Yang-Gathering Scripture, but he rarely revealed them. Coming back to his senses, he realized that his current strength, when used at full power, was already extremely formidable.

With a spine as majestic as a divine mountain, a perfect and extraordinary form, pure Qi clothing, the Blood-Spitting Manual, and the Flying Serpent Hand, the foundation is solid, and progress is steady. Steadfastly move forward.

This continued for the next few days.

Li Xian's Five Elements Escape Technique and Remnant Demon Spear have steadily improved, and his Blood-Spitting Technique has reached its peak, increasing his internal Qi by several zhang, bringing his Qi Lake to eighty-two zhang. His blood spitting is like fire, capable of burning for several zhang, and the blood spitting forms a cocoon, which is extremely solid and thick.

The Demon Spear, with its power flowing naturally, has reached the pinnacle of power.

【Broken Demon Spear】

[Proficiency: 124/15000 (Mastery)]

[Description: You studied the ghost painting, deeply understood its meaning, mastered the Remnant Spear technique, comprehended the celestial sound of 'Ghostly Cry,' and witnessed the initial stage of martial arts!]

Through the initial scene, Li Xian vaguely glimpsed the complete picture of the 'Demons and Monsters Painting'. Coincidentally, the Remnant Painting was a copy of the original, which was later burned and torn up, hence its name. In the initial martial arts scene, a painter was copying the original painting, and Li Xian, taking advantage of this situation, was able to glimpse the true picture of the demons and monsters.

I benefited greatly from the improved marksmanship.

If he were to observe further, even without obtaining the true essence of the demons and monsters, Li Xian could still cultivate the 'Demon and Monster Spear'! Li Xian, with his calm and collected nature, considered this matter far too far in the future, as idle speculation would waste his energy. He temporarily put it aside and focused on studying the 'Ghostly Wailing Sounds'.

The wailing sound is a melodious, ethereal sound, produced by the collision of bones throughout the body, creating a unique and wondrous effect. This sound begins at the 'Jade Pillow Pass,' resonating between the ribs, and consists of seventeen repetitions. It sounds like the wailing of ghosts, and when used while wielding a spear, it adds an extraordinary touch.

Those who heard it were gradually affected, experiencing fear, panic, gloom, nightmares... all sorts of strange phenomena. Li Xian's martial arts foundation was further strengthened. He knew that the application of martial arts was crucial in actual combat. Therefore, he attempted to combine the 'ghostly wails' with the many martial arts techniques he had already mastered.

Li Xian has mastered four types of sounds: 'Guardian Sound', 'Attack Sound', 'Yang Sound', and 'Ghostly Cry Sound'. The 'Yang Sound' and 'Ghostly Cry Sound' are contradictory in their sound principles; when played simultaneously, the 'Yang Sound' will mask the 'Ghostly Cry Sound'. However, if the 'Ghostly Cry Sound' is used simultaneously with the 'Thunder Finger Technique', the Thunder Finger Technique will immediately become chilling and ghostly, making it even more difficult to predict.

Its many uses depend on the situation.

The martial arts have made great progress, and the other paths have not been neglected either.

【Minor Five Elements Mystic Escape】

Proficiency: 13/100

Li Xian and Nangong Liuli studied the "Five Elements Basics" and "The Theory of Extraordinary Escapes"... They had accumulated many doubts, so they went to Yan Hao to seek answers and clarification.

Yan Hao was a genius of the Five Elements Escape Technique; what others found difficult, he found easy. Therefore, his words were ambiguous and vague, making them extremely difficult for others to understand. Fortunately, Li Xian was well-prepared, having accumulated knowledge before seeking the solution. After repeated contemplation, despite Yan Hao's ambiguous words, Li Xian always managed to grasp their meaning.

After this back and forth, Yan Hao was very happy and became even more willing to teach the Five Elements Escape Technique.

As Li Xian's cultivation deepened, his thinking broadened, and he gradually became able to discuss matters related to this Dao with Yan Hao. Yan Hao was extremely fond of the Five Elements Mystic Arts, thus neglecting his martial arts. For many years, he had been "admiring his own talent in solitude," inevitably leading to loneliness.

He and Li Xianjian were implicitly both teacher and friend.

Meanwhile, Nangong Liuli was also studying the Five Elements Mystic Escape Technique. At first, she could keep up with him, barely maintaining a tie. Gradually, however, Li Xian surpassed her by a large margin.

Every time she raised a question, Li Xian was able to answer it. Nangong Liuli came from a wealthy family and possessed a dignified and intelligent appearance, but in reality, she was extremely ambitious. Seeing this, she studied even harder, but felt an increasing invisible pressure. She found herself falling further and further behind Li Xian.

Every evening, they would talk at the dinner table. It was no longer just "talking," but rather instruction. Nangong Liuli would ask questions, and Li Xian would provide answers.

Nangong Liuli sighed softly, having no choice but to accept it. Her talent was indeed remarkable, and her progress in the Five Elements Mystic Escape technique was extremely rapid.

...

...

Several more days passed in the blink of an eye.

Li Xian was practicing martial arts in the inner courtyard when he suddenly sensed something. The strands of hair he had shaved and hidden in the crack of the vermilion gate sensed someone visiting. He immediately glanced at Nangong Liuli. Nangong Liuli and Li Xian had spent a long time together and were vaguely connected. She returned to her bedroom and hid herself away.

Li Xian practiced martial arts as usual, and then went to open the door when the knocking sounded.

"General Manager Shi, what brings you here?" Li Xian asked.

Shi Yufei smiled warmly and said, "I came to see you." He walked into the mansion, looked around, and saw that the scenery was very simple. He said earnestly, "No problem, this won't do. I heard from Yan Hao that you are serious about martial arts and quite attentive to the Five Elements Escape Technique. However, the courtyard of the mansion also needs to be decorated with time."

"Your residence is indeed quiet and secluded, but it's rather bare, with yellow mud still on the ground. Martial arts training is not only about seeking power, but also about seeking survival."

These words were extremely sincere. Li Xian smiled and said, "What General Envoy Shi said makes sense, but I am short of money and really have no spare cash."

Shi Yufei said, "Very well, I didn't come here to talk to you about this." He sat down in the stone pavilion and said leisurely, "Have you heard the recent news?"

Li Xian asked in confusion, "What news?"

Shi Yufei said, "It's normal that you can't go out and don't know. That matter is related to you, yet it's also unrelated to you. It concerns Venerable Chu and Shan Guyun."

Li Xian was immediately intrigued. Shi Yufei continued, "Some time ago, Venerable Chu recruited Shan Guyun. I anticipated that this matter would not be peaceful. And indeed, just as I predicted, it caused a great commotion!"

"That day, Shan Guyun betrayed the Lishan Sword Sect, enraging the sect. They wanted to forcibly detain Shan Guyun, but Venerable Chu quietly appeared, raised his sword and cleaved the tower, shaking the surrounding area. He then took Shan Guyun and sailed away in a light boat."

"The Lishan Sword Sect still wouldn't let go. Venerable Chu said, 'Is the Lishan Sword Sect so petty, only taking in and never giving out, even trying to prevent its disciples from joining other sects?' The people from the Lishan Sword Sect replied, 'His leaving the sect is a small matter, but the involvement of our sect's martial arts is a big one! Until this matter is settled, none of you will leave.'"

"The atmosphere was incredibly tense, even the river's waves stopped. Venerable Chu said, 'These miscellaneous sects' martial arts are worthless; only you would consider them treasures.' The Li Mountain Sword Sect was furious, and several elders rushed into the river to stop them. The scene was truly a rare sight. The wind howled and the river roared, the sword light chilled the entire land, Venerable Chu stirred up the river and traversed the waves, his sword energy soaring into the sky, sweeping the mad wolf up to the heavens. The Li Mountain Sword Sect was defeated one by one, powerless to stop him, and watched as Chu Liu lightly sailed away."

Shi Yufei explained in great detail, observing Li Xian's reaction. Chu Liuqing had abandoned him for the more troublesome Shan Guyun; such a feeling would be difficult for anyone to reconcile. Moreover, it involved wealth and status, a meteoric rise to power, and a dramatic turnaround in fortune, making one's thoughts even more complicated.

Seeing Li Xian remain calm, Shi Yufei grew increasingly impressed. He recalled his own youth, a time when he lacked such composure, and suddenly thought:

"The decision of Venerable Chu may not be correct. Although Shan Guyun is indeed talented, he is by no means unique. Hua Wucuo's open-minded nature is more suitable for the style of our Candle Sect."

"Do you think a prodigy like Shan Guyun can reignite the Candle Sect? I think it's far from enough."

"This flower is indeed fine; if it were properly cultivated, it might bring even more surprises."

His eyes were sharp, and he tapped his fingers as he pondered, having prepared a grand gift before his arrival.

(P.S.: I need to adjust my schedule and find a routine. I've been a bit busy lately, but I'll definitely be updating frequently. I hope this time I can hold out longer. Lady Wen is coming back soon.)

(End of this chapter)