The Art of Chaotic Divinity-Chapter 1117: Betrothed to You

In order to adapt to the two newly implanted Primordial Locks and to practice the Bow of Yi's Three Forms of Yi, Ling Feng remained in the Misty Ghost Forest for ten full days before setting out again for the Divine Ling Sect.

During those ten days, his strength advanced at a remarkable pace. The Three Forms of Yi in particular placed little burden on him, yet its destructive force already rivaled that of the Heaven-Slaying Sword Art.

Although his growing cultivation had lowered the cost of casting the Heaven-Slaying Sword Art, he could still unleash it only five times before exhausting his elemental force. The Three Forms of Yi demanded far less energy, struck a wider range, and when combined with Boundless Vision, became a true killing technique.

(Author's note: It's similar to a sniper rifle, Boundless Vision provided precise targeting, the Bow of Yi delivered long-range shots, every shot = headshot!)

The journey from Misty Ghost Forest back to the sect took only half a day.

When Ling Feng returned, Duanmu Qingshan's heart filled with complex emotions.

The moment Elder Yao heard of Ling Feng's return, he rushed out to welcome him, grinning from ear to ear. "Sect Leader, Junior Brother Duanmu, you have finally come back! Hahaha..."

The Divine Ling Sect was now bursting with vitality. With the spirit ore vein transformed by Ling Feng and the collection of advanced cultivation manuals, the sect's strength had grown tremendously. Elder Yao himself had already stepped into the Transformation Realm.

In the past, he would never have dared to dream of such progress, and now his smile bloomed with joy.

Across the Xianzong Mountains, most sects had already submitted to the Divine Ling Sect. Even Liuyun Sword Sect and Qiankun Sect had abandoned their independence and willingly followed Ling Feng.

Those so-called "upper three sects" had once been only ninth-rank. Under the Divine Ling Sect's leadership for less than a year, they had already risen to fifth rank. At this pace, even if becoming a super-sect was still far off, reaching first-class rank was only a matter of time.

After all, it was widely rumored that Sect Leader Ling enjoyed exceptionally close ties with the Cangqiong Sect.

Watching the former Wenxian Sect reborn as today's Divine Ling Sect, thriving and rising to such heights, filled Duanmu Qingshan with quiet pride.

In his heart, he still thought of himself as belonging to Wenxian, and to see his old home flourish stirred a joy he could not hide.

Yet it was a pity. Had Lin Xian'er (Duanmu Rou) not become a living husk, his smile would have been free of sorrow.

"Little Feng, entrusting this sect to you was truly the right decision."

Duanmu Qingshan turned to him and said, "The sect is now full of vigor. Even I feel the urge to set aside everything else and devote myself to great endeavors!"

"That is perfect then!"

Ling Feng laughed. "Master, you only gave me this seat because you wished to search for your daughter. Now that Little Rou has been found, the position should naturally return to its rightful owner."

"You brat!"

Duanmu Qingshan glared at him. "You are handling it well. Do not think you can throw the burden aside so easily."

"But disciple truly has no time to manage such a vast sect," Ling Feng muttered in frustration.

"You speak as though you ever managed it before."

Duanmu Qingshan shook his head with a smile. "You brought me back here, and I understand your intentions. But there is no need to give me the position. I will serve as Master of the Sect Leader and act in your stead. The Divine Ling Sect has only one sect leader, and that will forever be you, Ling Feng."

"Uh..."

Ling Feng had no answer and could only nod in agreement.

In truth, he was sect leader in name only. Elder Yao had managed affairs before, and now with Duanmu Qingshan taking charge, Ling Feng had even less to worry about.

As for the younger generation, Luo Jianying and Jiang Wanqing were progressing well at his general's mansion. Within three to five years, they would be ready to shoulder greater responsibilities.

Su Hongxiu, though not especially remarkable in cultivation, had already surpassed Elder Yao in the art of alchemy. She would soon serve as the sect's chief alchemist.

Divine Ling Sect's growth was steady and promising, and Ling Feng, the "hands-off" sect leader, had no cause for concern.

"Very well then. I leave the sect in the care of Master and Elder Yao."

Ling Feng drew a deep breath. "As for the Blood Jade Spring Flower, I will see to it as soon as possible."

"Little Rou's matter will trouble you then."

At the mention of Duanmu Rou, Duanmu Qingshan felt a pang of sorrow.

Ling Feng shook his head. "Little Rou is a very important friend to me. Even if she were not your daughter, I would still do the same for her."

"I see."

Duanmu Qingshan's expression softened, and he nodded with a smile. "Good. In that case, I will make the decision. Once Little Rou awakens, I will betroth her to you."

"Pfft..." 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

Ling Feng nearly choked. "Master, please do not try to play matchmaker. Little Rou and I are only ordinary friends."

"Is that so..."

A trace of disappointment crossed Duanmu Qingshan's face. If his daughter married Ling Feng, their bond would be sealed in both kinship and friendship, which would have been ideal.

However, since Ling Feng clearly had no such thoughts, he could not press the matter.

...

Ling Feng did not linger at the sect. The next day, he prepared a year's supply of herbs and pills for Lin Xian'er, then bid farewell to Duanmu Qingshan and departed the Divine Ling Sect.

With the inheritance of the Wine God Sword Dao, Duanmu Qingshan was more than capable of leading in his absence.

Before leaving Tianbai Empire, Ling Feng also intended to visit Tianwei Academy once more. Although he had already graduated, Yan Cangtian was still his teacher, and since he was about to travel abroad, it was only proper to inform him.

Soon, Ling Feng and Tuoba Yan arrived at the entrance of Sea-Blue Abyss. From Xianzong Mountains back to Tianbai Empire, this abyss was the fastest route. Ling Feng had already crossed it several times and knew the way well.

Within the abyss, many hunters still roamed. The sight reminded Ling Feng of his first journey through here on the way to the imperial capital, when he had encountered the Blood Python's group and the little girl Xiao Li. He wondered how they were faring now.

"Let's go. Once we cross this place, the imperial capital is not far."

Ling Feng spoke to Tuoba Yan, then stepped forward. At that moment, a flash of purple light appeared, and Despicable Donkey suddenly leapt out from the Five Elements Heavenly Palace.

"Boy, wait. There is one more place we should visit this time!"

Despicable Donkey grinned mischievously, leaving Ling Feng puzzled.

"Where?" he asked.

"You really are forgetful. Have you forgotten Luoshi Canyon?"

The donkey sneered, his face full of mockery.