Top-tier Unruly Master-Chapter 1689 - 1726: The Speech
Ah Du is not as simply happy as Guo Linn in his heart; he knows that although the Lake Master’s decision and reward are the best rewards for the three disciples who returned from the Xuantian Secret Realm, it clearly harms the interests of the Thirty-Six Caves or the Sect as a whole.
After all, treasures from the Xuantian Secret Realm are not ordinary things, and if they were handed over to the Thirty-Six Caves, the benefits would be immense. Although he doesn’t know what Leng Jian acquired in the Xuantian Secret Realm, his "Sword Drawing Technique" and Guo Linn’s "Sorcery" would surely be coveted treasures in the Cultivation World.
Thus, if such treasures were handed over to the Lake Master or the Sect Master, they would greatly benefit the Thirty-Six Caves or the Sect, and the Lake Master and Sect Master would be the most direct beneficiaries. So why does the Lake Master forsake such benefits to reward us instead?
Although these treasures or precious martial arts were obtained by us risking our lives, the opportunity to enter the Xuantian Secret Realm was given by the Lake Master and Sect Master. Hence, handing the treasures over is rather normal, and we have already cultivated in the Xuantian Secret Realm, which is a great opportunity for us disciples.
For a moment, Ah Du can’t quite grasp the Lake Master Long Ren’s decision, but he knows there must be a reason for the Lake Master’s choice.
At this moment, when Leng Jian heard Long Ren’s words, he was momentarily stunned and also felt a bit happy. Not having to surrender his hard-earned treasures is like a dream come true. As for the Lake Master’s true intentions, he cannot fathom them for now, but it doesn’t matter. He knows that his strength is paramount no matter where he is.
This journey to the Xuantian Secret Realm has already made clear that although he is quite an outstanding figure in the Thirty-Six Caves, in the Xuantian Secret Realm, he was but as insignificant as an ant. His greatest reliance was himself, and had it not been for his strength allowing him to return to the Cultivation World, he might have died within the Xuantian Secret Realm...
Leng Jian understands how difficult it was to obtain everything he has now...
At this moment, the Sect Masters and Elders of the Thirty-Six Caves present were also quite shocked upon hearing Long Ren’s words. They never imagined that the Lake Master Long Ren would make such a decision. Although Long Ren didn’t explain his reasoning, most of the elders present understood his intent.
Though the Lake Master’s decision seems to cause some loss to the entire Thirty-Six Caves, since the Thirty-Six Caves granted these disciples slots, in the end, they received nothing. However, those who understand know that Lake Master Long Ren’s decision actually does not cause any harm to the Thirty-Six Caves or any Sect.
Even though the three disciples don’t have to hand over the treasures they acquired in the Xuantian Secret Realm, these disciples belong to the Thirty-Six Caves, so the treasures haven’t truly left the Sect. They’re merely being kept by the disciples, and some elders know that it’s no small feat that these disciples could emerge from the Xuantian Secret Realm.
Considering the disturbances in the Xuantian Secret Realm, most disciples have died inside, but these three survived—and these disciples were not even those who displayed the greatest performance in the selection tournament, yet they outlived those with the most outstanding demonstrations of strength.
This speaks volumes. These disciples must have some extraordinary qualities, or they received favorable opportunities within the Xuantian Secret Realm, which greatly improved their strength and allowed them to persevere.
Thus, these disciples have undergone a cruel transformation—from being one of the most excellent disciples to now becoming unmatched within the Thirty-Six Caves. Some elders understand that these disciples will have even greater achievements and development in the Sect’s future.
Consequently, Long Ren’s decision to bestow them with favor during their journey to becoming powerful is not only a substantial aid to their path but also a way to win their hearts. After all, these disciples will remember the kindness of the Thirty-Six Caves and the Lake Master and Sect Master, which will benefit the Thirty-Six Caves.
Many elders have already guessed the intent of Lake Master Long Ren and wholeheartedly agree with it. They’re glad and excited about this clever move by Lake Master Long Ren, as evidently, seeing the joyous expressions of the three returning disciples confirms the strategy’s success.
Ding Fan, upon hearing Long Ren’s words, understands the thoughts of his virtuous junior Long Ren. Ding Fan has no comment on this matter, but he feels somewhat unease about Leng Jian, sensing that Leng Jian, though a disciple of the Thirty-Six Caves, is extreme in his actions and has a narrow mind, retaliating fiercely. Ding Fan is concerned that his virtuous junior Long Ren’s attempt to win hearts might not be appreciated by Leng Jian.
These are just Ding Fan’s thoughts. Naturally, he wouldn’t express anything since he isn’t part of the Thirty-Six Caves, and his virtuous junior Long Ren is willing to trust the others, so Ding Fan refrains from saying more. He trusts that Long Ren, as the Lake Master of the Thirty-Six Caves, knows his disciples better than Ding Fan does.
At this moment, Long Ren gazed at the joyful faces of Guo Linn, Ah Du, and Leng Jian and felt relieved, then proceeded to say:
"This reward is the most generous ever; it affirms you three disciples. Your successful escape from such a perilous Xuantian Secret Realm proves your strength. You have not disappointed our Thirty-Six Caves, thus you richly deserve this reward."
"Thank you, Lake Master!"
"Thank you, Lake Master!"
"..."
Guo Linn, Ah Du, and Leng Jian all listened to Long Ren’s words, each with a serious expression tinged with a hint of joy as they respectfully thanked the Lake Master.
Long Ren nodded his head and continued to say:
"Alright, I hope you won’t forget the gratitude owed for the cultivation provided by the Thirty-Six Caves. In the future, contribute more to the Thirty-Six Caves. Now, each of you talk about what you’ve encountered in the Thirty-Six Caves, and also mention what kind of treasures you’ve acquired, to the extent you feel comfortable. Say what you want, omit what you don’t want to disclose."
"Yes!"
"..."
Guo Linn and the other two replied in unison. They understood the Lake Master’s intention, obviously, they could share as much as they wanted about the treasures they acquired, without needing to reveal all their experiences in the Xuantian Secret Realm or divulge every treasure obtained; just a general overview would suffice.
The first to speak was Guo Linn. The first thing Guo Linn did when he came forward was to express his gratitude to Ding Fan for saving his life repeatedly. He then recounted some dangerous experiences he, Ah Du, and their elder brother Ding Fan had faced, leaving everyone who heard them feeling a bit chilled.
Even the elders of the Thirty-Six Caves frowned deeply upon hearing the dangers Guo Linn described. It was clear to these elders that such encounters would not have been easy for anyone to handle, even for them.
Through Guo Linn’s narration, the elders and sect masters below gained a more direct understanding of the significant dangers posed by the unusual fluctuations in the Xuantian Secret Realm this time. Especially when Guo Linn mentioned the True Dragon, it sent shivers down the spines of the elders and sect masters, leaving them uneasy.
They understood that it wasn’t just disciples like Guo Linn who would struggle; even the elders at Transcendance Tribulation Stage would likely not be a match for such a True Dragon and could only flee for their lives. The fact that Guo Linn and his companions managed to escape was nothing short of incredible, leaving the elders, sect masters, and even Long Ren feeling a sense of disbelief.
Especially when Guo Linn spoke about Ding Fan, it left everyone even more incredulous. They didn’t expect that the elder brother of the Lake Master, looking so young, could not only face the True Dragon but also manage to evade it right under its nose. This was not an ordinary feat.
Some elders understood that even they wouldn’t be able to escape in front of a True Dragon, let alone engage with it. Yet the young Ding Fan accomplished this, which was almost unbelievable.
Moreover, most of the elders had never even encountered such a True Dragon. Though some had previously entered the Xuantian Secret Realm, they had never faced such situations before. Hence, they now realized how perilous this time in the Xuantian Secret Realm truly was.
They knew that even if they, the older generation, had entered, survival would be a gamble with life and death.
Therefore, they couldn’t help but hold some respect for Guo Linn and others, acknowledging that coming out alive from such a place was indeed a remarkable achievement. Ding Fan’s abilities, in particular, left an even greater impression. Although Guo Linn mentioned Ding Fan many times, regarding Ding Fan’s Frost Toad and Pure Thunder Pill, Guo Linn hadn’t even seen them himself. To be precise, he hadn’t fully understood them, so naturally, he couldn’t speak of them now.
Ding Fan, hearing Guo Linn’s words, felt quite helpless, sensing that Guo Linn’s speech entirely revolved around him with little about Guo Linn’s own experiences. But upon reflection, Ding Fan understood: Guo Linn surviving the Xuantian Secret Realm largely depended on his presence and Guo Linn indeed had little chance for spectacular deeds.
Apart from being saved by him, there weren’t many highlights. However, Ding Fan knew that during the later stages in the Xuantian Secret Realm, after Guo Linn learned "Sorcery," there were indeed quite impressive moments, such as escaping under the True Dragon’s watchful eyes, and even carrying Ah Du along, which was undoubtedly noteworthy.
Yet Guo Linn briefly skimmed over these events. Ding Fan understood that Guo Linn didn’t want to expose his "Sorcery," which was understandable. Even though he was the most outstanding disciple of the Thirty-Six Caves and currently possessed decent strength, there were still numerous powerful beings in the Cultivation World.
If Guo Linn’s martial arts got exposed and attracted attention from masters, it wouldn’t be favorable. Therefore, Guo Linn chose to hide some details, merely mentioning them in passing.
