Chapter 210: The Old Man Questions

Upon hearing Jiang ShanHai's words, the Qingyun Sect members were simply stunned, mouths agape.

They looked at each other, faces filled with shock, ecstasy, and disbelief.

They seemed to be mutually confirming whether they had hallucinated.

I thought the benefits offered by the Illusory Moon Sect were already enough to stir the heart, but I never expected the God-Governing Sect to be so crazy, offering conditions that could be called heaven-defying, making them hard to resist.

The elders of the Azure Cloud Sect were excited, their inner feelings like surging waves, unable to calm for a long time; some even trembled slightly in their hands, wishing they could immediately answer for the three disciples.

However, only Grand Elder Mao Ping maintained an unusual calm.

He knew very well that two of the three disciples were Lin Yang's; he understood Lin Yang's personality completely—carefree and unconstrained, yet extremely protective of his own.

Given Lin Yang's nature, he would absolutely not allow his disciples to pursue further studies in other sects.

No matter how tempting the conditions offered by the other side.

Seeing this, the Grand Elder hastily spoke up to stop everyone, his tone solemn and firm: "I know you are all extremely excited now, and your hearts are moved by these favorable conditions, but please do not rush to decide."

"Don't forget, Li Yilan and Ye Xiaozi are Lin Yang's disciples."

Upon hearing this, everyone felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured from head to toe, and they gradually calmed down.

Lin Yang's status in the hearts of the Azure Cloud Sect members is supremely lofty and majestic; he is not only extraordinarily powerful.

He also shows utmost care for the sect members on ordinary days, so naturally no one would dare to send his disciples off to accept invitations from other sects.

At that moment, an elder had a sudden inspiration, quickly walked to the Grand Elder's ear, lowered his voice, and spoke softly in a volume only the two of them could hear.

"Grand Elder, among these three disciples, Li girl and Ye girl are Lin Yang's disciples; we must certainly fully respect Lin Yang's and the two girls' wishes."

"But the opportunity is rare, and Shi Hao is not."

"Such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—we could completely give this fate-changing chance to Shi Hao, right?"

Upon hearing that, the Grand Elder's eyes lit up instantly, as if after groping in darkness for a long time, he finally saw a glimmer of light.

He couldn't help but a smile appear at the corner of his mouth; it seemed he already had a mature and thorough plan in mind.

Having made a decision in his heart, the Grand Elder stood tall, spine like a pine, his steady gaze sweeping over the Illusory Moon Sect Leader Nangong Batian and the God-Governing Sect Leader Jiang ShanHai in turn.

His demeanor revealed the calm and composure characteristic of the senior powerhouses of the Azure Cloud Sect.

He cleared his throat slightly, his voice like a great bell, and said: "Well, since you two are so direct, I won't beat around the bush either."

"In this Qingzhou Grand Competition, our Azure Cloud Sect indeed has three disciples with extraordinary talent and immense cultivation potential."

"However, two of them are disciples of Peak Master Lin Yang, whom Lin Yang has painstakingly taught and cherished."

"Everyone can see how much Lin Yang values these two disciples; therefore, whether they are willing to go to your sects for further study is a matter of great importance, naturally to be decided by their own inner wishes."

The Grand Elder paused slightly, a fleeting hint of contemplation crossing his gaze.

Then he continued: "However, there is another disciple who possesses an extremely rare golden talent; on the path of cultivation, his future is limitless."

"If he can stand out in this Qingzhou Grand Competition and secure a top-eight placement, he could go to your sects, aided by richer resources and higher-level cultivation guidance; for him, this would truly be a great fortune in life."

"It is also a rare opportunity on his cultivation journey."

The Grand Elder had long held a clear plan in his heart.

He knew well that this child Shi Hao, though exceptionally talented, had a somewhat stubborn personality.

Ordinarily, Shi Hao harbored some vague opinions about Lin Yang, perhaps due to youthful vigor, or perhaps from a misunderstanding of Lin Yang's conduct.

However, Lin Yang is open-minded and broad-hearted, never holding grudges over such minor matters.

But this time, the Illusory Moon Sect and the God-Governing Sect proactively extended an olive branch.

For Shi Hao, this is undoubtedly an excellent opportunity to change his cultivation trajectory.

The Grand Elder wholeheartedly hopes to give this opportunity to Shi Hao, helping him advance further on his cultivation path.

Nangong Batian and Jiang ShanHai heard the Grand Elder's words.

The two exchanged a glance and nodded in tacit understanding.

Nangong Batian wore a black robe, his bearing like a deep abyss and a towering mountain; he slightly nodded, a faint smile on his face, and spoke.

"No problem, if this person truly possesses such strength and can reach the top eight in the Qingzhou Grand Competition where experts gather like clouds, my Illusory Moon Sect will naturally welcome him to study, and will certainly spare no effort to nurture him."

Jiang ShanHai also immediately expressed his stance, clad in a moon-white long robe, his demeanor elegant yet dignified, speaking firmly.

"As long as his character is good and he can conform to the God-Governing Sect's rules and cultivation principles, my God-Governing Sect will accept him."

"Our God-Governing Sect will certainly provide him with the finest cultivation resources and guidance, helping him break through cultivation bottlenecks early and achieve an extraordinary cultivation endeavor."

Seeing their straightforward and sincere attitude,

the elders of the Azure Cloud Sect felt their tense nerves instantly relax, and faces broke out in relieved smiles.

The previously oppressive and heavy atmosphere instantly lightened considerably.

Everyone began chatting back and forth, occasionally bursting into laughter and cheerful talk.

It seemed as if an impending crisis had been dispelled, instead welcoming an unexpected opportunity.

————————————

Meanwhile, at this moment, in a picturesque pavilion,

tranquil and secluded, with floral fragrance filling the air.

Lin Yang and a white-haired old man sat opposite each other, the wine's potency at its peak.

On the stone table lay two roasted chickens and jar after jar of fragrant heroic liquor.

The old man was spirited, his eyes revealing a sense of carefree abandon forged by the passage of time.

He reached out and steadily lifted a bowl of heroic liquor, his arm slightly raised.

As he tilted his head back, the liquor poured like a silver waterfall straight into his mouth, the motion clean and decisive, done in one fluid motion.

After finishing, he smacked his lips, still wanting more.

Immediately, he slowly closed his eyes, his face showing an intoxicated expression, as if savoring the flavor and essence of the wine.

After a long while.

Only then did the old man slowly sigh out two words: "Good wine!"

Lin Yang watched the old man, the corners of his mouth turning up slightly as he revealed a contented smile, his eyes shining with a gentle light.

He lifted the wine bowl before him, took a light sip; the spicy liquor slid down his throat, yet it made him feel a wave of comfort throughout his body.

Afterward, he set down the wine bowl and eagerly told the old man the story of the Heroic Wine.

The old man listened with interest, but upon hearing that three bowls would surely get one drunk, he speechlessly shook his head and said disdainfully: