Chapter 4: Founding Ancestor

However, on the square outside the gates of Eternal Life Hall, Xiao Jue and Luo Qingxue were strolling.

Recalling the handsome yet stern white-clad man from just now, Xiao Jue felt a bit puzzled for a moment.

"Who exactly is that person? Why didn't Master take action against him?"

Luo Qingxue, dressed in green, had her arms crossed over her chest, lost in thought. After a while, she murmured, "I feel like I've seen that person before; I just can't recall where."

Hearing Luo Qingxue's voice, Xiao Jue frowned slightly, "No way, junior sister—I remember you weren't like this before."

"What, you're spouting that old line just because he's handsome? How cliché—this kind of talk is outdated by who knows how many versions."

Luo Qingxue slapped Xiao Jue's forehead, "What are you talking about? I'm serious—I really feel like I've seen him somewhere, I just can't remember right now."

Xiao Jue rubbed his own forehead and muttered, "Now that you mention it, I also feel like I've seen him before—he's familiar, but I can't place where."

"Huh, how strange."

Lost in thought, they eventually arrived beside the huge statue in the middle of the square.

They simultaneously looked up at the enormous statue before them!

And this statue was none other than the Founding Ancestor of their Eternal Life Sect, Li Zhangsheng!

A white-clad minister, handsome and unrestrained!

Xiao Jue and Luo Qingxue glanced at the statue, then recalled the face of the white-clad youth from earlier, and their pupils contracted in shock.

They exchanged a glance, both seeing deep shock in the other's eyes. After a long while, they simultaneously exclaimed, "No way?!"

Clatter!

Just then, the Sect-Protecting Grand Formation that enveloped the entire Eternal Life Sect vanished in an instant.

The Emperor's Soul that had permeated the Eternal Life Sect also dissipated along with it.

Xiao Jue and Luo Qingxue's expressions changed instantly, and they glanced at each other!

Whoosh! Whoosh!

They turned into two streaks of light and shot straight toward Eternal Life Hall.

At the same time, the other elders and disciples of the sect sensed the abnormality and all rushed to Eternal Life Hall!

Soon, Eternal Life Hall was packed with people, all gazing at Li Zhangsheng, who sat lazily on the chief seat, their eyes filled with doubtful uncertainty!

Who is he?

By what right does he sit on the throne of Eternal Life Hall?

You should know that, throughout history, only the Sect Master of Eternal Life Sect has been allowed to sit on the throne of Eternal Life Hall.

Among those present, aside from Xiao Jue and Luo Qingxue knowing Li Zhangsheng's identity, everyone else knew nothing about this white-clad youth.

They all shared a thought: after this white-clad youth and their Xuanji Elder Ancestor entered the main hall, the Emperor's Soul that had shrouded the entire Eternal Life Sect vanished.

Could the disappearance of the Xuanji Elder Ancestor's Emperor's Soul be related to this white-clad youth before us?

Did he scatter the Xuanji Elder Ancestor's Emperor's Soul?

Moreover, he is incredibly tough—when he forcibly stormed the mountain gate earlier, he bore wave after wave of attacks from the sect's disciples and elders without suffering any harm!

Even if he did scatter the Xuanji Elder Ancestor's Emperor's Soul, what can we do about him?

Some thought of this and felt a sudden sorrow—could Eternal Life Sect really be doomed to fall like this?

Just as everyone's minds were in turmoil, Xiao Jue and Luo Qingxue walked straight to the front and, with utmost respect, bowed to Li Zhangsheng seated above on the throne.

"Disciple Xiao Jue greets the Founding Ancestor!"

"Disciple Luo Qingxue greets the Founding Ancestor!"

They spoke in unison.

Both knew Li Zhangsheng's identity, so they understood in their hearts that Master's Emperor's Soul could not possibly have been scattered by the Founding Ancestor.

The disappearance of Master's Emperor's Soul must have some other hidden cause!

Meanwhile, the other members of Eternal Life Sect present, still immersed in sorrow, were stunned by Xiao Jue and Luo Qingxue's actions.

Founding Ancestor?

What Founding Ancestor?

Wasn't our Eternal Life Sect's Founding Ancestor supposed to have left the sect tens of thousands of years ago and never returned?

Moreover, this white-clad youth before us is so young…

Wait a moment—the members of Eternal Life Sect suddenly thought of something.

In an instant, everyone's divine sense swept toward the huge statue standing in the square outside Eternal Life Hall's gate, comparing it to the white-clad youth seated on the throne!

It doesn't matter if you don't compare them, but once you do, handsome and unrestrained… they are practically identical!

Good heavens!

Everyone was greatly shocked!

No wonder he's so handsome.

It turns out he is our Eternal Life Sect's Founding Ancestor!

Our Eternal Life Sect's Founding Ancestor has returned?!

In an instant, everyone in Eternal Life Sect immediately followed Xiao Jue and Luo Qingxue, excitedly and reverently bowing down, saying:

"We pay our respects to the Ancestor!"

Everyone's hearts were filled with inexplicable excitement.

Originally they thought Eternal Life Sect would decline along with the dissipation of the Xuanji Emperor Realm's Emperor's Soul.

Who would have thought the Ancestor would actually return!

You should know, rumors say the Ancestor is an existence even more terrifying than the previous Seven Emperors!

His strength is unimaginable!

On the throne, Li Zhangsheng, wearing an air of leisure, glanced lazily at the crowd below and gave a casual smile, saying:

No need for formalities; it seems the statue standing in the square isn't just for show.

Li Zhangsheng naturally knew these people had scanned the statues in the square with their divine sense, compared them to him, and recognized him.

"Ancestor Master, may I ask… about Master…" At this moment, Xiao Jue asked hesitantly.

Upon the Ancestor Master's return, the Master's imperial soul dissipated.

Before, Master often lamented this and that to them; the pressure was off the charts.

Xiao Jue secretly wondered: could it be that with the Ancestor Master's return, Master's pressure was finally released, completely liberated, and he passed away?

Li Zhangsheng lowered his brows and glanced at Xiao Jue and Luo Qingxue standing before the crowd; he understood—these two must be disciples of Yang Xuanji.

Primeval Saint Body, Yin Divine Body—both are qualifications for Emperor Realm; not bad picks!

"Your Master has gone to sleep." Li Zhangsheng said lightly and cheerfully: "From now on, for any matters of Changsheng Sect, just come to me."

These disciples—either they ascend and enjoy blessings, or they go to sleep and rest!

In the end, Changsheng Sect still needs me to personally hold the reins!!

A bunch of unworthy disciples!

Never mind; since there's nothing else to do, I might as well casually manage it!

"Sleep… sleep?" Xiao Jue muttered strangely.

Is this sleep an eternal slumber, or…

Li Zhangsheng saw their doubt and then casually explained: "In short, he's not dead!"

"Oh oh!"

Hearing this, the members of Changsheng Sect exhaled as if a great burden had been lifted!

This generation were basically nurtured single-handedly by Elder Ancestor Xuanji; their feelings for him are extraordinary!!

Knowing he wasn't dead, they naturally breathed a sigh of relief in secret!

"Who is the current Grand Elder of Changsheng Sect?" Li Zhangsheng asked after glancing at everyone.

As his words fell, a vigorous old man stepped forward, wearing a gray robe, his face lined with wrinkles, and respectfully replied: "Reporting to Ancestor Master, I now hold the position of Grand Elder of Changsheng Sect; my name is Shen Qiongcang."

Li Zhangsheng looked at Shen Qiongcang; he indeed seemed like a reliable person.

The role of sect Grand Elder is generally to manage the sect's trivial affairs.

Li Zhangsheng nodded and said: "Before, all the sect's affairs were handled by you, right?"

"Yes, Ancestor Master!"

"Keep the sect running as before; if there's anything you can't resolve, come find me." Li Zhangsheng gave a simple instruction, naturally unable to handle everything personally.

As long as the sect encounters trouble, a slight intervention will suffice.

"Understood, Ancestor Master!" Shen Qiongcang nodded; looking up at Li Zhangsheng, he felt much more at ease.

You must know, Changsheng Sect was once vast and prosperous; even now diminished, a skinny camel is still bigger than a horse.

Shen Qiongcang understood that with the disappearance of Elder Ancestor Xuanji's imperial soul, many powers would soon sense it.

Those surrounding lineages naturally won't stay idle, eyeing Changsheng Sect's territory and resources like tigers.

If the Ancestor Master doesn't return, ceding territory and resources will be essential to seek a night's peace!

If mishandled, there's a high chance of facing the risk of extermination.

After all, circumstances outweigh man!

However, Shen Qiongcang now just wants to say: if you've got the guts, come clash—let's see who's tougher!

Who can be tougher than our Ancestor Master?!

"Well, that's it; go about your business." Li Zhangsheng said casually, then looked at Xiao Jue and Luo Qingxue: "Your Ancestor Master has gone to sleep; from now on, you two will follow me in cultivation."

"Yes, Ancestor Master!"

Xiao Jue and Luo Qingxue felt somewhat excited inside!

You must know, during Changsheng Sect's most glorious era when the Seven Emperors stood side by side, those seven emperors were taught by this very Ancestor Master before you!

Being able to cultivate under him naturally brings great benefit!!

"Oh right, from now on call me Sect Master, not Ancestor Master; it sounds like an old monster." Li Zhangsheng corrected.

For a young, handsome gentleman like him, being constantly called 'Ancestor Master' makes him look too old—what propriety is that!

Although he is indeed a hundred-thousand-year-old monster, he still has a childlike heart!

"Yes, Sect Master!"

The members of Changsheng Sect also changed their address in unison!

……

The next day, Li Zhangsheng lay on a rattan chair in the rear mountain, leisurely drinking.

Xiao Jue and Luo Qingxue stood behind Li Zhangsheng, reporting to him the current state of Changsheng Sect!

Now, Changsheng Sect, aside from Li Zhangsheng, has only six Saint Realm powerhouses holding the fort.

Grand Elder Shen Qiongcang is at the peak of the Saint Realm!

The others are at the early or middle stage of the Supreme Saint Realm!

With this lineup, if Li Zhangsheng didn't return, among Saint-level lineages they'd only be at the tail end!

Their territory is pitifully small—only a few spirit veins, and the medicine fields are just a few scattered patches.

"This decline isn't just a little." Li Zhangsheng shook his head.

If I don't return, Changsheng Sect could very well be carved up by other forces.

"How old are you two now, and what is your cultivation?" Li Zhangsheng asked again.

"Reporting to Elder Ancestor, I am 150 years old, Qingxue is 142; we both are at the early stage of Supreme Sovereign Realm." Xiao Jue replied.

Li Zhangsheng nodded; cultivators differ from mortals—over a hundred years old is still young, equivalent to a mortal's twenties; to have Supreme Sovereign Realm cultivation at this age also counts as a heavenly prodigy!

As long as we give them a stable time to grow, in the future proving the Dao and becoming Emperor is no problem.

I suppose Yang Xuangi regards these two disciples as the future hope of the Longevity Sect.

"My seven disciples must have left behind quite a few cultivation methods and martial arts before their ascension," Li Zhangsheng said again.

"Yes, Sect Master, the Seven Emperor Elders each left behind a comprehension stele before their ascension."

"However, comprehending that stele is extremely difficult; since they left, only the master, me, and Qingxue can grasp its profound truths."

Xiao Jue replied, after all, it's a stele left by an Emperor Realm expert, so naturally it's not something ordinary people can casually comprehend.

"Those seven little brats really went overboard with the difficulty," Li Zhangsheng muttered with some complaint, then immediately said: "Since you already have the cultivation methods and martial arts, you must be lacking resources now."

"That's easy to handle; soon someone will come delivering it."

Although Li Zhangsheng has lived for a hundred thousand years, he is completely ignorant of the cultivation methods and martial arts of this world.

Of course, he doesn't need it either!

From the past to now, no matter what he encounters, he just finishes it with a single plain attack!

Oh right, now he probably can't even use a plain attack!!

Since his seven disciples left behind cultivation methods and martial arts, he no longer needs to worry about that.

As for resources, hehe, he's skilled at scrambling for resources.

"The Holy Maiden Fen Yiran of the Blazing Heaven Sect has come to visit!"

"Just then, a voice suddenly exploded out of thin air above the Longevity Sect."

Li Zhangsheng followed the sound and saw several red figures drifting over from the distance!

Behind him, Xiao Jue's expression also changed slightly upon hearing the sound!

"Someone can't sit still this quickly; let's go, follow me to take a look." Li Zhangsheng rose leisurely, brushed off the wrinkles on his sleeves, and slowly headed toward the Longevity Hall.

Xiao Jue and Luo Qingxue closely followed behind him.