Chapter 494

The Grand Elder wore the same expression.

This left everyone staring at one another in silence.

Why did the ancient clans, considered infinitely powerful in the eyes of the world, sound so... insignificant in the mouths of the Grand Elder and Senior Sister Hua?

Regarding this.

Meng Zhangqing smiled slightly.

Just based on Senior Brother Zhang Sect's words upon their departure, the ancient clans of the Southern Region might truly be unworthy of notice before Zijiazong Sect.

At the same time, his heart grew cold and indifferent.

If Senior Sister Hua had not been present today, the situation would surely have been dire; after all, no matter how strong he was, he could not possibly be a match for the Marquis-Sealing Mirror!

The further one advances in cultivation.

The greater the gap between major realms becomes.

It is extremely, extremely difficult to cross!

Unlike before.

When he was in the Sea Opening Realm, he could still rely on the "Linglong Daluo Sky" to kill someone in the Creation Realm by leaping a realm!

Therefore, if he encounters people from these two powers in the future.

He must definitely collect some 'interest'!

——

More than a month later.

He finally returned to the Great Xuan Sect.

And the news that Meng Zhangqing had swept through numerous great teachings and led the Great Xuan Sect to first place.

Had long since spread throughout the entire Tianlingzhou!

Everyone within the Zong Sect had made preparations to welcome him!

Various brilliant fireworks bloomed across the sky!

All disciples, Elders, and high-ranking officials broke out of seclusion together, including Zhang Sect, standing before the Shanmen!

Waiting for him!

When the cloud boat appeared and drew near.

The sound rose like a tidal wave!

"Welcome back, my lord Shao Sect!"

Meng Zhangqing stood at the front of the cloud boat.

He smiled slightly.

And returned the salute in kind.

"You have all been too kind."

Whoosh whoosh whoosh!

Figures appeared on the cloud boat one by one; they were Xi Yingqing, Mo Shukuang, Shangguan Zhi, and others.

"Good lad!"

"Truly worthy of being our sect's future Zhang Sect!"

"Hahaha, sweeping through the young generation of the Southern Region once again!"

"Pity I wasn't present; otherwise, I would have thoroughly mocked those old fellows—no good back then, and even less so now!"

Shangguan Zhi laughed loudly.

As a sword-wielding warrior, he was always straightforward, speaking his mind without hesitation.

"Not bad; you have already reached ten-tenths of Sword Intent."

Mo Shukuang walked over and patted Meng Zhangqing on the shoulder.

His eyes were filled with shock and emotion.

Clearly, even for them, whose experiences were extremely rich, they had never seen an existence who had reached ten-tenths of True Intent at such a young age.

Barely in his early twenties.

Truly excessively terrifying.

"Senior Brother, Senior Sister."

Meng Zhangqing returned their gaze with a smile.

"I actually evaluated you from a higher perspective, but now it seems I still vastly underestimated you."

Xi Yingqing said with a smile.

His left arm was empty.

Only the sleeve danced lightly.

"Senior Brother overestimates me."

Under the gaze and praise of so many, even Meng Zhangqing's thick skin found himself somewhat embarrassed.

"Ding!"

"Xi Yingqing's favorability has increased to three stars!"

"Attributes pending selection!"

"Triggered extra reward: Attribute Selection Card ×3!"

"Ding!"

"Mo Shukuang's favorability has increased to two stars!"

"Attributes pending selection!"

"..."

Suddenly, a continuous stream of notification sounds rang in his mind!

Meng Zhangqing was stunned.

Immediately, joy surged in his heart.

Good heavens!

This was truly something he had not expected.

Affinity had suddenly increased!

And not for just one person.

It was for so, so many!

All the senior brothers and senior sisters present whom he had added as friends instantly gained affinity!

But upon careful thought, it was only natural.

After all, he had led the Zong Sect to take first place in the Southern Region Talent Battle!

Replicating the glory of nearly two hundred years ago!

Such a performance.

Who wouldn't have a huge increase in affinity?

"It's simply a bountiful harvest!"

Meng Zhangqing's spirit was invigorated!

However, now was not the time to sort things out; he would deal with it later.

"Meng Zhangqing is far more brilliant than you were back then. In a while, you should step down."

The Great Elder walked over and said.

His eyes were still filled with dissatisfaction.

All along, the Great Elder had been very displeased with the Zhang Sect, often keeping the words "step down" on his lips.

Especially after Meng Zhangqing appeared.

It was even more so.

Upon hearing this.

Xi Yingqing immediately let out a speechless laugh.

"At the very least, we must wait until the youngest junior brother steps into the Marquis-sealing realm."

"Hmph, then let you stay a while longer."

The Great Elder felt there was sense in that, so he went along with it.

As for the others, they exchanged a smile.