Chapter 280: Chapter 214: I’ve Come Today to Say 3 Sentences and Handle 1 Matter

"Xuanming is clearly a man who understands the bigger picture and knows his priorities."

Luo Qingya sat in the seat of honor as palace maids served fresh tea and spiritual fruits.

This Foundation Establishment Grand True Master, a man of Profound Merits and Virtues with a Fifth Layer Chongqing Cloud hovering above his head, spoke with a smile:

"These are the fire dates from Nanheng Ridge. They take fifteen years to ripen. Your timing is perfect, Xuanming. Please, try one."

Luo Xuanming picked up a bright red fire date and took a small bite. It was crisp and tender. A rich wave of Spiritual Qi melted in his mouth and flowed straight down his throat.

"I have long heard that Elder Qingya keeps a ’Nine-Violet Li-Fire Treasure Tree’ in his courtyard, and that its fire dates aid in the Cultivation of one’s Life Essence. Having tried one today, I see its reputation is well-deserved."

Luo Qingya’s demeanor was amicable, like that of a kindly elder:

"You established a branch manor on Dangyin Ridge, preventing the Taifu Sect from claiming all the glory for themselves. That is a great service. The first reason I’ve summoned you back is to recognize this contribution."

A warmth spread through Luo Xuanming’s chest. He knew the clan elder was about to offer him a reward, and he lowered his head in response.

"Thank you for your high regard, Elder."

Luo Qingya lifted his teacup, his tone casual.

"This merit, combined with the clan’s official support, is enough for you to go to the Hall of Merits and select another True Skill or a related Daoist Technique."

Even with Luo Xuanming’s solid self-discipline, he couldn’t help but feel his heart pound with excitement at those words.

To reach the Perfection of the Foundation Establishment Realm, one must succeed in Gathering the Five Elements and cultivate five corresponding techniques.

He currently had only two, leaving him far from his goal.

’If the clan is willing to nurture me, pour resources into my training, and grant me an Opportunity...’

’...then harmonizing all five techniques, perfecting my Life Essence, and attaining a Golden Position might not be impossible!’

"In the halls of the Upper Court, many Elders are set to step down and retire in the coming years."

Luo Qingya continued, extending an olive branch:

"You have served the Sect well, your Cultivation is strong, and you have ample experience. I believe you are more than capable of holding a high position and presiding over a hall."

Luo Xuanming could no longer contain his excitement. He rose and clasped his hands in a salute.

"If I am able to obtain this position, I will never forget your immense kindness, Elder!"

Luo Qingya was quite satisfied with this declaration. Years ago, Luo Xuanming had been a strong candidate to become the True Inheritance of Gen Feng. But then the True Monarch had personally appointed Gu Changling, granting him the Opportunity for Foundation Establishment. Gu Changling seized the chance, became a True Master first, and took the high position.

The reason was simple.

Since this person would represent the Luo lineage and the Six Ridges of a Hundred Rivers, the most crucial quality was dependability.

Gu Changling’s desire to seek the Dao was too strong; he wouldn’t necessarily prioritize the interests of the Luo lineage.

An outsider, in the end, was still an outsider—not as pliable as one of their own.

"What I am about to say is for your ears alone. The moment you leave Nanheng Ridge, I will deny I ever said it."

Having laid out the benefits, Luo Qingya’s tone shifted as he cut to the heart of the matter:

"Xuanming, in your opinion, what is most important for achieving the Dao?"

Luo Xuanming pondered for a moment before answering calmly:

"In my humble opinion, there are a thousand paths for a thousand people, each one different. As for myself, I believe the most important thing can be summed up in a single word: momentum."

Luo Qingya murmured, "Oh?" and gestured with his eyes for him to continue.

"Cultivation is not a solo endeavor, nor is it a personal achievement. That is why we have great families to provide support and masters and disciples to help one another."

Luo Xuanming’s tone was earnest:

"In my eyes, from something as grand as the inheritance of a Daoist Lineage to something as small as the continuation of a Dharma Lineage, the core principle is the same: to succeed in one’s Dao Skill, one must first be lifted up by the masses.

This is true for a True Master, and it is true for a True Monarch!

Without momentum to rely on, even a great roc that strikes the water and soars ten thousand leagues will eventually run out of strength. Just think back to... Shao Yang. Wasn’t that his exact predicament?"

A look of approval appeared in Luo Qingya’s eyes. Luo Xuanming was truly a standout talent of the clan; his perspective had long since surpassed that of an ordinary Lower Cultivator.

"I know my own aptitude is merely average. I cannot compare to the stunning talents of the Upper Court’s True Inheritances, but my advantage lies in my self-awareness.

I am clear that whether or not I succeed in my Dao Skill depends entirely on your recommendation, Elder, and the will of the True Monarch. I would never dare, nor would I ever, defy my superiors."

Luo Xuanming bowed low, his posture the very picture of humility.

This was the sliver of an Opportunity he had bitterly awaited for eighty years. If he failed to grasp it, his future on the path of Cultivation would surely stagnate. There would be no hope of cultivating all five techniques and advancing to the rank of Grand True Master.

"Very good. Xuanming, your words resonate deeply with me."

Luo Qingya was deeply impressed. ’The Luo lineage of the Six Ridges of a Hundred Rivers needs exactly this kind of obedient and reliable talent!’

’If Gu Changling doesn’t dare contend with that new Daoist, then I’ll simply find a new True Inheritance for Gen Feng.’

’The Yanfu Vast Land is never short on Dao Material. Whether on the Nanzhan Continent or the Dongsheng Continent, when have the two Daoist Lineages of Immortal and Demon ever lacked for Foundation Establishment True Masters, or even True Monarchs Dongtian?’

’There are countless brilliant talents suppressed at the bottom, all of them hoping for a chance to rise.’

’Ancestral Master Mingxuan’s sudden appointment of an outsider as Daoist caught the Eight Peaks completely off guard, but how can hundreds of years of schemes and preparations be abandoned over a single decree?’

’For the sake of Gen Feng, and for the sake of the clan, I must push someone else forward to compete with that Daoist Jiang, who has yet to be formally enthroned.’

"Xuanming, sit down, and listen to what I have to..."

Before Luo Qingya could finish, the sound of a great chime rang out—vast and immense, it filled the heavens and shook the earth.

The Grand True Master frowned slightly. Nanheng Ridge was his private retreat for cultivation. Without his personal summons, no outsider was permitted to enter.

Anyone who broke the rules and trespassed would trigger the great mountain-warding formation, and even a Foundation Establishment Grand True Master who had perfected all five techniques would suffer for it.

’And yet, as I listen to this melodious, lingering chime... the great mountain-warding formation—its core suppressed by numerous Magical Treasures—has opened its gates on its own?’

Luo Qingya shot to his feet, then stopped abruptly and turned to reassure Luo Xuanming.

"Wait here a moment, Xuanming."

"Please, tend to your business, Elder. Don’t mind me." 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

Luo Qingya strode calmly out of the great hall. He looked up to see fiery clouds unfurling across the sky, shot through with five-colored light in a display of immense power.

In an instant, a streak of Profound Light shot across Nanheng Ridge, broke through layer after layer of restrictions, and landed before the hall.

The visitor was a young man in an aquamarine Daoist Robe, and he was holding a calico cat.

Luo Qingya was taken aback. As a clan elder of the Luo lineage, he had seen a magical portrait of the Daoist and naturally recognized Jiang Yi.

Despite the man’s abrupt appearance, the Foundation Establishment Grand True Master showed no trace of alarm. He slowly stepped forward and offered a salute: