Not long after this group of disciples set off to explore the secret realm, the first group of disciples who went to explore the secret realm actually arrived at the sect gate!

Judging from their smug and self-satisfied expressions, they must have gained a lot from this trip.

The team leader, Elder Liu Feng, and Master Jianming, along with several others, were talking together with sinister smiles on their faces.

"The disciples we led have all made considerable gains during this exploration of the secret realm. We must give them a surprise when we enter the sect later."

"Absolutely! To achieve the desired effect, I didn't even tell the sect leader that we were back, just waiting to see their surprised expressions."

"Hehehehe, it has to be you. Not only did the disciples gain something this time, but we also had some good gains. We must show off in front of those old geezers."

"Those guys were so unwilling to go out back then, I'll definitely see their regretful expressions later, hahaha."

Not only the elders, but also the disciples who knew each other well gathered together to chat.

"Junior Sister Tian Qiong, it seems you've had quite a successful trip?"

"Yes, not only is the concentration of spiritual energy in the secret realm high, which is conducive to cultivation, but there are also some special places that can help people comprehend the Dao. In just one month, my cultivation level has increased by the equivalent of a year's worth of work in normal times."

“Not bad, not bad either. I have also made some progress. While fighting a magical beast, I have further refined my swordsmanship and I think I am now capable of competing with Liu Yun.”

"Huh? I remember your spot originally belonged to Senior Brother Liuyun, right? Why are you competing with Senior Brother Liuyun?"

"That's right, he gave me his spot, and he even gave me a lot of pills so I could gain more. The reason I challenged him was to let him know that I hadn't let him down!"

...

The disciples guarding the mountain couldn't help but wear awkward smiles as they listened to their senior brothers, sisters, and uncles discussing the matter.

The way they looked at these people was full of pity.

The two exchanged a glance and decided it was best not to tell these people about the sect's overall development during their absence.

After all, if we told them, we wouldn't be able to see the innocent smiles on their faces.

The disciple guarding the mountain stepped forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Greetings, fellow disciples. Should I inform the sect leader?"

Liu Feng smiled slightly and said, "No need, we can go by ourselves."

The disciple guarding the mountain clasped his hands in a fist salute again and then stepped aside.

Liu Feng waved his hand: "Disciples, follow me to the main hall to see the sect leader."

After saying that, he summoned his flying sword and flew directly towards the mountain gate.

The disciples also summoned their flying swords and headed towards the main hall with high spirits.

Shenqing Zhenjun sensed this as soon as the group entered the sect's grand formation.

Take out the Creation Mirror and take a look; then you'll know what's going on.

Shaking his head, he felt both amused and exasperated.

Is Liu Feng planning to give me a surprise?

Looks like you've had a very fruitful trip?

Looking up, I saw that the elders, who had previously suffered from some hidden injuries and poisoning, now had abundant spiritual energy, like swords drawn from their sheaths.

I felt that Elder Liu Feng's wish to surprise me was probably going to be dashed.

They might even get a shock from their own group.

After looking around, Shenqing Zhenjun said, "Fellow elders and brothers, Elders Liu Feng and Jianming have already returned to the sect. In order to avoid them feeling resentful, shouldn't you tone down your auras?"

Elders Lishan, Yunzhongzi, and Jianchen exchanged bewildered glances.

Elder Lishan said somewhat awkwardly, "Senior brother, it's not that we're unwilling, but we really don't know how to accept it?"

Yun Zhongzi echoed, "Junior Brother Lishan is right. The aura emanating from us is a natural outward expression and is not something we can control."

Shenqing Zhenjun sighed helplessly, and could only let it be.

Liu Feng and his group moved very quickly and landed outside the main hall in no time.

Seeing all the elders in the room, a smile involuntarily appeared on his face.

The sect leader is really great; he even specially invited all the old brothers to come and welcome us.

Hmm, it seems like Junior Brother Lishan is doing quite well lately; look at his rosy complexion.

Senior Brother Yun Zhongzi is also quite good; his demeanor is even more impressive than before.

Uncle-Master Jian Chen... I'm speechless!

As if he had discovered something, Liu Feng's face suddenly turned red.

He pointed tremblingly at the people in the main hall, unable to utter a single word.

Jianming glanced at him, puzzled, and followed his finger to look into the main hall.

Wow!

Truly worthy of being the main hall of my Shushan Sword Sect!

Look at the sword energy filling the room, look at this aura of 'I am the only one who can do it'.

Look at this room full of youthful energy... Shall I blanch it?!

Energetic and vibrant?!

How do people covered in hidden injuries and lesions manage to be so energetic?!

Jianming pointed shakily at the main hall, unable to utter a single word.

Elder Lei Qianjun was completely bewildered by the expressions of his two old brothers.

Follow the two people's fingers.

I'll blanch it!

...

The elders outside the main hall all stood there, stunned.

So excited, my body was trembling slightly.

At this moment, the five people were already deeply in doubt.

Was it a group of us leading the search for opportunities in the secret realm, or the group in the main hall?

We have all clearly benefited greatly, so why do these people in the main hall look like they've gone out to seek good fortune?

And they reaped even greater rewards than we did!

Look at the phantom of that giant sword behind Uncle-Master Jian Chen!

So solid, so sharp and edgy, so... full of youthful vigor!

grass!

We're almost 500 years older than Uncle-Master Jian Chen, and our swordplay phantoms aren't even this energetic!

What about your erysipelas?!

What about your hidden injury?!

Are you trying to embarrass us all by being all radiant with precious light?!

And those next few too!

What are you hiding?!

Such a huge, phantom sword! You think you can hide in the shadows and we can't see it?!

When Shenqing Zhenjun saw their expressions, he knew that this matter could no longer be kept secret.

He sighed helplessly again.

I feel like I've sighed more today than I have in a whole year.

Slightly embarrassed, he said, "You junior brothers are back? Why don't you come in?"

Liu Feng felt he had been deceived.

No wonder they all kept passing the buck and refused to go back then.

He thought it was because of the deep bond between the sects and everyone being modest with each other.

As the pressure was gradually shifted to them, and seeing their firm stance, they eventually agreed.

I thought it would be a great job, and the trip was indeed quite fruitful.

Why do I feel like times have changed so much after not seeing you for more than a month?

Blanch!

angry!

The kind that can't be coaxed!