With no one else to stop them, Ruan Qing'an and Shen Changlin stayed in the mortal realm for half a day before returning to the cultivation world.
Compared to the mortal realm, the concentration of spiritual energy in the cultivation world is astonishingly high, with the Wan Dao Sect, the leading sect among all sects, being the highest. In the sacred cultivation grounds, one can even see the spiritual energy flowing like liquid with the naked eye!
Inside the Gate of Ten Thousand Paths, towering peaks rise amidst swirling celestial mists. As the sunset glows, everything is enveloped in light, creating a magnificent and awe-inspiring spectacle.
Along the way, Shen Changlin was even dazzled by the sights.
Following Ruan Qing'an's footsteps, Shen Changlin arrived at the main hall of the Wandao Sect. Above the hall gate were the two large characters "Wandao" written with supreme power!
So this is the Myriad Paths Sect...?
Shen Changlin looked up, his mind reeling.
Just then, a voice came from inside the hall: "Come in, Elder Ruan. You've had a hard time on this mission to the mortal realm."
Ruan Qing'an did not linger and led Shen Changlin inside.
"Elder Ruan Qing'an greets the Sect Master."
"Disciple Shen Changlin greets Sect Master."
Zhan Hongyuan was sitting in the main seat. When he saw the two of them approaching, he swept his divine sense over Shen Changlin and looked at Ruan Qing'an: "Elder Ruan, you've had a hard time. Were you injured on your way back?"
"It's alright."
Nguyen Thanh An simply replied with two words.
Seeing this, Zhan Hongyuan smiled helplessly: "Elder Ruan, you are the youngest and most talented among all the elders, so why are you more lifeless than us old men?"
However, Zhan Hongyuan was only concerned about this matter and had long been used to Ruan Qing'an's cold face, so he didn't ask any more questions.
Nguyen Thanh An was also happy to have some free time.
—She was growing to like the original owner's character more and more. She could openly slack off, and when she didn't want to act or wanted to be lazy, she only needed to keep a blank expression.
Zhan Hongyuan looked at Shen Changlin and chuckled: "To step from the mortal realm into the immortal realm to cultivate and seek the Dao and immortality is a kind of fortune, but—our sect has gained a prodigy."
"I believe this is also a blessing for my Myriad Paths Sect."
Upon hearing this, Shen Changlin touched his nose sheepishly and bowed in the same manner as Ruan Qing'an had done before: "Sect Master, you flatter me."
"The extraordinary phenomena of heaven and earth, and the worship of all saints, are not worthy of such praise."
Zhan Hongyuan chuckled, then changed the subject: "Shen Changlin, you must be exceptionally talented to have made such a move. Even though my Wandao Sect personally brought you back, you still need to participate in the sect entrance test. This is a necessary procedure; otherwise, it would be unfair to others."
"Shen Changlin, do you understand?"
Upon hearing this, Shen Changlin bowed and said, "Understood."
That being said, there's no such thing as true fairness. The Myriad Paths Sect could easily have overpowered everyone else to accept him as a disciple. However, Shen Changlin guessed that Zhan Hongyuan simply wanted to test his potential. After all, seeing is believing, and seeing—
Why not put him to a direct test to show how important he is?
Shen Changlin could vaguely guess Zhan Hongyuan's thoughts.
At this moment, Zhan Hongyuan said, "But you don't need to worry. Shen Changlin, with your talent, it won't be a problem."
"Thank you for your kind words, Sect Master."
Shen Changlin looked flattered and quickly said.
Looking at the respectful manner of the young prince, Zhan Hongyuan couldn't help but nod slightly. He seemed to be a kind-hearted child.
Seeing that everything had been dealt with, Ruan Qing'an stepped forward, raised his hand and said, "If the sect leader has nothing else to say, I will take my leave."
"Go ahead, is Elder Ruan going into seclusion again?"
Ruan Qingan did not answer, but simply nodded slightly.
Zhan Hongyuan couldn't help but chuckle: "Elder Ruan, you still need to pay attention to the balance between work and rest. You will still need to be present for the sect entrance test later. Among all the peak elders, you are the only one who has not yet accepted any disciples."
"I have no intention of taking on disciples, Sect Master."
"Elder Ruan, you should reconsider."
Although Zhan Hongyuan said this, he still subtly revealed a hint of toughness. He waved his hand slightly and said, "Go down."
Ruan Qing'an said nothing more, then bowed and left.
037: [Ancestors, are we abandoning the male lead?]
Upon hearing this, Ruan Qing'an chuckled: "Why should I care about him? According to the original owner's character, he doesn't care about anything except cultivation. And according to the original owner's status, what right does a disciple who hasn't even entered the sect have to talk to me, little system?"
But...aren't we supposed to be trying to win over the male lead?
"Who said that having a strategy guide means I have to take the initiative?"
Ruan Qing'an smiled inwardly, then vanished in a flash.
Since it's already a matter of affection, then—let him chase after her. It'll be more interesting if he gets the upper hand...
Shen Changlin subconsciously turned around to look, but only saw Ruan Qing'an's tall and slender back. She was still wearing that plain white Taoist robe, her posture was upright, and she was as aloof and cold as the bright moon in the sky.
From beginning to end, she never looked back even once.
Seeing this, Shen Changlin's eyes darkened slightly, and he sighed softly, wondering when he would have the chance to catch up with her.
Noticing Shen Changlin's momentary lapse in concentration, Zhan Hongyuan shook his head and said, "Don't worry too much. Elder Ruan is always like this. She was ordered by me to come and take you back to the Myriad Paths Sect. Now that her mission is complete, she will naturally return to her Yanlai Peak to cultivate in seclusion."
With that, Zhan Hongyuan called over his disciple: "Take Shen Changlin and stay in the outer disciples' quarters for now."
“Shen Changlin, we will make arrangements after the sect entrance test.”
Shen Changlin cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your concern, Sect Master."
After Zhan Hongyuan raised his hand, the disciple bowed and left, taking Shen Changlin with him from the main hall of the Wandao Sect.
After they all left, only Zhan Hongyuan remained in the hall.
At this moment, Zhan Hongyuan stood up, and in the next instant, his figure flashed and disappeared. When he reappeared, he was already below the main hall—no one could have guessed that there was actually a small secret realm below the main hall of the Wandao Sect.
The secret realm was desolate and lifeless, like a dead little world, appearing extremely bleak. In the center of this small secret realm, there was a floating coffin.
It is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, with a simple and ancient style.
Not only that, but it was also filled with the stench of death and decay.
Zhan Hongyuan's figure appeared in front of the coffin, but a voice suddenly came from inside the coffin: "What is it, Sect Master?"
The voice sounded exceptionally old and weak, as if it were on its last breath.
But Zhan Hongyuan bowed respectfully and said, "Junior Zhan Hongyuan greets the Supreme Elder."
"Ahem... You are the sect leader, there's no need for such formalities."
Zhan Hongyuan then stood up: "Elder, Elder Ruan was attacked when he went to pick up Shen Changlin."
“Chen Changlin…”
"Oh, so you're the one who caused the strange phenomenon in the mortal realm. Ruan Qing'an doesn't seem like the type to tell you these things. She only cares about going back to cultivate after the mission. It seems the sect leader already knew about her ambush."
Hearing the Supreme Elder's words, Zhan Hongyuan remained calm and composed: "I knew something bad would happen when Elder Ruan went out this time!"
\u0005\u0005\u0005\u0005\u0005
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com