Top-tier Unruly Master-Chapter 1695 - 1732: Many Thanks
Leng Jian’s generous contributions indeed earned him the favor and gratitude of many Elders and Sect Masters in the Thirty-six Caves. He was regarded as an outstanding disciple nurtured by the Thirty-six Caves. However, no one knew Leng Jian’s true thoughts. Leng Jian was a clever person who understood deeply in his heart that having acquired those treasures from the Ice Castle, he would not feel secure without some backing.
In fact, for the Thirty-six Caves, the journey of disciples to the Xuantian Secret Realm was a confidential matter of utmost importance, and no one was allowed to speak about it publicly. Not even the Sect Master could discuss it with regular disciples within the sect, meaning that the majority of disciples from the Thirty-six sects would not be aware of this trip to the Xuantian Secret Realm.
This rule was not only to protect those talented disciples who gained opportunities in the Xuantian Secret Realm but also to safeguard the Thirty-six Caves.
After all, the treasures within the Xuantian Secret Realm were irresistible to anyone, regardless of what kind of Cultivator they were. Even those in the Transcendance Tribulation Stage would be greatly tempted if they knew that treasures from the Xuantian Secret Realm had flown into the Cultivation World. They might go to great lengths to obtain those treasures.
This would hardly be beneficial to the Thirty-six Caves and the disciples who entered the Xuantian Secret Realm.
Whether it’s those treasures or those outstanding disciples, they are of utmost importance to the Thirty-six Caves and must be safeguarded from any mishap. Hence, such matters should be avoided whenever possible, and this was something that didn’t require Long Ren to explain any further, as everyone was well aware of it.
For Leng Jian, he knew that the expedition to the Xuantian Secret Realm resulted in significant loss for the Thirty-six Caves, and as a surviving disciple, the sect or the Thirty-six Caves would naturally value him tremendously. However, he was still uneasy and needed to use those Supreme Quality Medicine Pills as additional insurance.
The Thirty-six Caves was a clandestine organization on Donglai Continent, comprised of Thirty-six sects. It was considered one of the largest powers on Donglai Continent, and even in the entire Cultivation World, it was a top-tier force. However, even with such strength, the Thirty-six Caves could not guarantee the safety of every disciple within the caves.
Leng Jian knew that even as the most valued disciple of the Thirty-six Caves, it didn’t mean he was absolutely safe. One must be aware that there’s always someone stronger, and there’s always a bigger world. Not to mention the entire Cultivation World, just within Donglai Continent, there were countless experts at the Spirit Severing Late Stage or even Transcendance Tribulation Stage.
Leng Jian was aware that even though he had broken through to the Spirit Severing Initial Stage, he was only a step away from the Spirit Severing Mid Stage. Yet, he still felt inadequate facing those Cultivators, so he was acutely aware of what he needed to do in the coming period.
That was to seclude himself in the sect for cultivation, and when his strength had reached a certain level—let’s say, at least the Spirit Severing Late Stage—would he have some basic self-preservation ability. Of course, for ordinary Cultivators, this would be simply unthinkable.
Of course, Leng Jian’s precautions were not just against ordinary Cultivators. For ordinary Cultivators, he had no need to defend himself. At his current cultivation level of Spirit Severing Initial Stage, he was already among the elite. He was guarding against those few individuals who were higher than him.
Leng Jian was also very confident in his heart, knowing that he had gained many opportunities in the Ice Castle of the Xuantian Secret Realm. He was very confident that he could elevate his cultivation to the highest level in the shortest possible time. Now, cultivation was merely a matter of time for him.
He knew in his heart that this trip to the Xuantian Secret Realm was a golden opportunity for him, one he might never encounter again in his lifetime. This single opportunity had already provided him with enough help to transform.
He believed that after he immersed himself in cultivation, he would no longer be just an outstanding disciple of the Thirty-six Caves. By then, he might be assigned a position within the Thirty-six Caves, becoming a person of great authority.
Leng Jian, filled with longing in his heart, continued to narrate his experience in the Ice Castle. Although he felt a tinge of fear when recalling the events in the Xuantian Secret Realm, deep down, he was thrilled because he had successfully returned alive.
Then, when Leng Jian mentioned his efforts to exit the Xuantian Secret Realm in the final days, everyone couldn’t help but feel shocked again.
When Leng Jian, during his cultivation in the Ice Castle, estimated that the time was almost up, he directly sought out the exit to the Ice Castle. Upon finally finding the exit, he discovered that the avalanche outside had stopped, yet the Beast Tide continued, albeit without as many Yuan Beasts as before.
The current Beast Tide had significantly fewer Yuan Beasts compared to the one Leng Jian encountered before and did not have as many powerful Yuan Beasts either—only some that Leng Jian could handle. But it should be known that, to be called a Beast Tide, even the fewest Yuan Beasts were not something ordinary Cultivators could handle.
At that time, after Leng Jian left the Ice Castle, there was no way to return, leaving him no choice but to fight with those Yuan Beasts. Thus, he persisted until the teleportation array in the Xuantian Secret Realm was activated. However, when the teleportation array activated, Leng Jian was surrounded by numerous Yuan Beasts.
At that moment, he was severely injured and even lost consciousness but somehow sensed the teleportation array activated by Ah Du. With his last bit of willpower, he managed to break through the encirclement of Yuan Beasts and found the opportunity to be transported back to the Cultivation World.
When Leng Jian finished speaking, the listeners felt their hearts quake. It was evident that Leng Jian’s journey to the Xuantian Secret Realm was arduous and a narrow escape, yet when they heard about his battle against the Beast Tide, they couldn’t help but feel it’s unbelievable!
Even if the Yuan Beasts in the Beast Tide were few, they wouldn’t be that less, or else they wouldn’t be called a Beast Tide. Moreover, many Elders or Sect Masters who had entered the Xuantian Secret Realm before knew that the Yuan Beasts there were far stronger than those in the Cultivation World.
But after the opportunity in the Ice Castle, Leng Jian was able to withstand the attack of the Beast Tide, ultimately breaking through successfully. It was simply incredible. It also indicated that the opportunities in the Ice Castle greatly benefited Leng Jian. It seemed that it wasn’t just the Medicine Pills aiding him; there must have been other treasures.
However, some elders understood in their hearts that the other party would not divulge such details, as they naturally needed some time for self-preservation.
After Leng Jian finished speaking, Long Ren stood at the front once again, cast a grateful glance at Ding Fan, and then said to everyone:
"This time, the Xuantian Secret Realm caused us to lose many excellent disciples. I believe we will always remember this lesson. However, the fact that three of our disciples returned alive not only proves their excellence but also reminds us to thank one person, my elder brother, Mr. Ding Fan." 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎
Long Ren paused for a moment and then continued:
"If it weren’t for my elder brother Ding Fan’s care for our disciples during this Xuantian Secret Realm, our losses might have been even more severe. I believe that disciples Guo Lin and Ah Du understand this best. Therefore, on behalf of everyone here, I express my heartfelt gratitude to my elder brother, Mr. Ding Fan. Thank you, elder brother!"
At this point, as Long Ren spoke, everyone turned to look at Ding Fan. After Long Ren bowed to Ding Fan, everyone else also respectfully bowed to him.
Ding Fan saw this and smiled faintly, saying:
"We’re all brothers, there’s no need to be so polite."
Long Ren gazed at his elder brother Ding Fan with sincere gratitude, invited him to sit down, and everyone else followed suit. From the speeches of Guo Lin and Ah Du earlier, they knew about Ding Fan’s help to these two disciples, and thus understood Lake Master Long Ren’s intentions.
The other party had shown kindness to the Thirty-Six Caves, and naturally, they wanted to express their gratitude. Everyone was eager and willing to form connections with Ding Fan. After all, they had learned that Ding Fan was not only Long Ren’s elder brother but also an exceptionally skilled Grade Nine Alchemist, capable of refining Supreme Quality Medicine Pills, which was crucial for every cultivator.
After all, forming an alliance with such an alchemist could greatly benefit one’s cultivation journey. Moreover, they highly admired his character, which resonated with everyone. He was honorable, righteous, and a rare virtuous person. Naturally, everyone was willing to befriend such a cultivator.
No matter the cultivation level of the elders or sect leaders.
Of course, Ding Fan was also very much willing to get to know the members of the Thirty-Six Caves better. This was not only beneficial for him but also advantageous for his Great Ocean Sect, which had just started. Establishing ties with a force like the Thirty-Six Caves was certainly the best outcome.
Although Ding Fan had been brothers with Long Ren for some time, the people of the Thirty-Six Caves were respectful yet unfamiliar with him. They didn’t truly acknowledge him. But now, things were different. Ding Fan felt the genuine camaraderie from the elders and sect leaders, which was certainly a positive development for him.
"Therefore, I hereby declare that from now on, anyone from the Thirty-Six Caves who sees my elder brother in trouble must unconditionally assist him. Furthermore, we, the Thirty-Six Caves, will always be friends of the Great Ocean Sect. Should the Great Ocean Sect face any difficulties, all brothers in the Thirty-Six Caves must unconditionally offer their full support!"
Long Ren solemnly declared to everyone below.
"Respect the Lake Master’s command!"
"Respect the Lake Master’s command!"
"Respect the Lake Master’s command!"
"..."
Upon hearing Long Ren’s words, everyone immediately stood up and respectfully responded to Long Ren. His orders were to be obeyed, as it was the rule of the Thirty-Six Caves. Furthermore, they wholeheartedly endorsed the Lake Master’s decision. Clearly, forming ties with such a Grade Nine Alchemist was worthy.
At the same time, some elders were quite surprised, having not expected that the Great Ocean Sect was Ding Fan’s sect. Once Long Ren gestured for everyone to sit down, a few elders, as if realizing something, excitedly said:
"I had already heard rumors that there was a new Great Ocean Sect known for being especially good to its disciples and offering Supreme Quality Medicine Pills. I didn’t believe it before, but now I finally do."
