By mid-August, the weather was scorching.
Dressed in black, Li Sifeng walked along the mountain path of Qingxiao Mountain with a sword on his back. After returning many years later, he felt that Qingxiao Sect had transformed yet again. The disciples he encountered along the way were all unfamiliar faces. Hardly anyone recognized him, the Hall Master of the Training Hall.
He felt no disappointment—only curiosity.
He could clearly sense that the disciples' cultivation was far higher than before. If he had not grown up on Qingxiao Mountain, he might have suspected he had walked into the wrong place.
Though he was dressed like a wandering martial hero, he drew no attention from the disciples on the mountain. After all, many martial artists from the jianghu came up the mountain on a regular basis.
Before he knew it, Li Sifeng arrived at the Martial Discussion Platform halfway up the mountain. At that moment, 2 people were fighting on the stage, while 100 to 200 disciples had gathered below. The scene was lively.
He did not recognize either of the two disciples engaged in combat, but he could sense that both were at the 5th layer of the Nurturing Essence realm. One of them wielded a sword, his attacks overbearing and domineering.
That person was Jian Du.
Having entered the sect 4 years ago, Jian Du had already reached the 5th layer of the Nurturing Essence realm—and that was without dedicating all his time solely to absorbing spiritual energy.
After becoming Jiang Zhaoxia's disciple, Jian Du had received true teachings. He wished to gain insights into sword techniques through real combat, so he had been frequenting the Martial Discussion Platform recently.
The vast majority of disciples below the stage had come to watch Jian Du fight. Every generation had its own prodigies and powerhouses to admire, and among the new generation, Jian Du shone incomparably bright. Among his peers, none could rival him.
Everyone knew that Jian Du would one day become a peerless powerhouse like Jiang Zhaoxia and Shen Yue. He was simply too young for now.
Li Sifeng's expression quickly grew solemn. He discovered that Jian Du's attainment in sword techniques surpassed his own.
Although he wielded the Emperor Xuan Sword, he was not truly a sword Dao prodigy.
Even so, how could he accept that some random Qingxiao Sect disciple was better than him at swordsmanship?
Most crucially, he saw Jiang Zhaoxia's shadow in Jian Du. The brat's sword moves were just as arrogant and irritating as Third Senior Brother's had been in his youth.
Whenever the sword-wielding disciple unleashed a fierce sword move, cheers erupted from below the stage, causing Li Sifeng to frown.
The disciples nowadays truly lacked composure and discernment. What was there to idolize about such a genius?
Excessive arrogance would inevitably invite setbacks!
At that moment, his sons, Li Shouzheng and Li Shoumin, were cheering for Jian Du.
"Big Brother, Senior Brother Jian Du is amazing! I want to learn the sword too," Li Shoumin exclaimed, his little face flushed red with excitement.
Li Shouzheng nodded, his eyes shining as he stared at the stage.
He admired Jian Du as well, but what he desired was not to become someone like Jian Du—he wanted to control someone like Jian Du.
Li Sifeng glanced over and spotted Li Shouzheng and Li Shoumin. The two were only 4 years old. No disciple dared squeeze past them, making them especially conspicuous below the stage.
"Fascinated by such a disciple at such a young age—if this continues, they might grow up crooked."
Li Sifeng shook his head and turned to head up the mountain.
He decided that he would remain in the sect to cultivate from now on. Later, he would find an opportunity to spar with Jian Du and temper this arrogant disciple whose pride reached the heavens.
He had only taken a few steps when a voice filled with delight rang out behind him.
"Sifeng!"
Li Sifeng turned his head and saw his wife, Pei Miao'er, stepping out from the crowd. She had been surrounded by several female disciples earlier, which was why he had not noticed her.
He was not surprised to see Pei Miao'er on the mountain. Before heading to the Northern Territory, he had specifically asked her to return to Qingxiao Sect to care for their sons.
"You're finally back! Why are you alone? Where are the other disciples from the Training Hall?"
Pei Miao'er came up to him and asked excitedly.
Li Sifeng had just managed a smile when it froze on his face. Forcing himself to smile, he said, "There were some unexpected changes. I'll tell you when I get the chance."
"Alright. Wait here—I'll go call Shouzheng and Shoumin. Our family is finally reunited," Pei Miao'er said, nodding before turning to fetch the two boys.
Hearing that his two sons were also present, Li Sifeng suddenly felt a sense of foreboding.
Could it be that the two children he had just silently looked down on were his sons?
When he saw Pei Miao'er leading Li Shouzheng and Li Shoumin toward him, his expression grew even more awkward.
It really was them!
Then again, the two boys resembled him quite a bit. When he was young, he too had loved trailing behind Jiang Zhaoxia.
…
As evening approached.
Within Lingxiao Courtyard, after Li Sifeng recounted his experiences in full to Li Qingqiu, he lowered his head. His heart was filled with guilt and self-reproach, and he did not dare meet Li Qingqiu's gaze.
Li Qingqiu looked at Li Sifeng. He was indeed angry, but he also felt that the matter was not entirely his fault. After all, he himself had not anticipated encountering the Desolate Nether Ghost King.
"I already know about this matter. From now on, stay within the sect and focus on cultivation. After wandering outside for so many years, you've had your share of excitement," Li Qingqiu said expressionlessly.
It was also time to temper Li Sifeng's spirit. If he could guide him fully onto the path of immortal cultivation, that would be even better.
Li Sifeng raised his head and said earnestly, "Eldest Senior Brother, that evil ghost is far too powerful. We cannot be careless. Even if you personally take action, you may not necessarily be his match. He seemed to have known about Qingxiao Sect long ago. I worry that he may head south."
Li Qingqiu snorted. "If he is truly that powerful, what do you suggest I do? Send disciples to their deaths?"
On the way back, Li Sifeng had already thought things through. He proposed, "Reduce the number of external training missions for disciples. At the same time, inform them of this matter so they can be prepared. At the very least, they won't be caught off guard."
Because he had been unable to see the Desolate Nether Ghost King and did not understand his blood mist technique, he had suffered greatly. Even now, recalling that battle made his heart tremble with lingering fear.
"I will consider it. The realm is now under Liu Jing's rule—how do you see it?" Li Qingqiu's tone shifted as he asked.
Li Sifeng nodded. "Senior Brother can decide. After so many years on the battlefield, I suddenly realized that the world is far more complicated than I imagined. What I enjoy is the feeling of slaying enemies. I have no patience for governing the realm. Even managing the trivial affairs of an army feels troublesome to me."
"Go rest well," Li Qingqiu said.
He intended to leave him alone for a while so he could reflect and grow wiser.
Li Sifeng had originally wanted to tell his Eldest Senior Brother about the gains he had made on the journey back, but the matter of that evil ghost was too heavy. His senior brother needed time to digest it. He would speak of it another day.
Li Qingqiu watched as Li Sifeng departed.
"That brat encountered another fortunate opportunity? So who exactly is the True Dragon in the Mortal World?" Li Qingqiu's gaze turned strange, his heart filled with confusion.
Li Sifeng had said that the Millennium Sword Soul had already dissipated, yet Li Qingqiu clearly sensed that another soul now resided within the Emperor Xuan Sword—and it was even stronger than before.
If not for using his divine sense to confirm that the soul had formed a bond with Li Sifeng similar to a recognition-of-master imprint, he would have suspected Li Sifeng of being possessed by a ghost.
Fate was indeed not everything. Those with a Fate were not guaranteed to fully realize it, and those without one were not necessarily inferior.
Li Qingqiu shook his head and chuckled, then habitually brought up the Dao Lineage panel to check today's new disciples.
…
As the moon set and the sun rose, news of the Hall Master of the Training Hall's return stirred quite a commotion within the sect. Among the disciples, Li Sifeng was regarded as a peculiar figure—occupying the position of Hall Master while being absent from the sect for years at a time.
Some jokingly said that he had carried out the duties of the Training Hall Master to perfection.
In the early morning, Li Sifeng came into the courtyard. After a night of celebration, he was in high spirits and prepared to practice his sword.
He noticed that Li Shouzheng and Li Shoumin were also awake, practicing boxing in a corner of the courtyard.
"Shouzheng, Shoumin, why practice boxing? Come here. Your father will teach you an unrivaled sword technique," Li Sifeng said with a grin.
The brothers exchanged a glance before walking over.
Li Sifeng had already sensed yesterday that the two boys were not very close to him, but he did not mind. There was plenty of time ahead.
Without further words, he began practicing his sword. It was a sword technique he had just learned. He deliberately showed off a little, hoping to earn his sons' admiration.
As he started swinging his sword, fierce winds spread outward. He controlled his strength carefully so as not to harm the two boys, yet he still wished for them to feel how formidable he was.
The gusts stirred Li Shouzheng's and Li Shoumin's temples and robes. Neither panicked; instead, they watched their father practice with serious expressions.
Pei Miao'er stepped out from the room, combing her hair as she looked at the father and sons. A gentle smile appeared on her face.
Compared to power and authority, she preferred a peaceful, happy life for their family.
As long as they lived together, she would be content.
Seeing Li Sifeng's sword moves growing ever faster, she had to step forward and pull the two boys back slightly.
After completing the entire set of sword techniques, Li Sifeng straightened his posture, gripping the sword in reverse. He looked at Li Shouzheng and Li Shoumin and asked with a smile, "Well? Isn't your father's sword technique impressive?"
Li Shoumin nodded slightly. "Not bad."
Li Shouzheng closed his eyes.
Seeing how calm the two boys were, Li Sifeng felt displeased. He added, "This is the strongest sword technique in all Jiuzhou, past and present. It's far more than just 'not bad'!"
Pei Miao'er covered her mouth and laughed softly, saying nothing as she watched the father and sons compete in spirit.
Li Shoumin turned to Li Shouzheng and asked, "Brother, did you learn it?"
Li Shouzheng opened his eyes, stepped forward, and asked, "Father, may I borrow your sword?"
Li Sifeng was momentarily stunned, then handed the Emperor Xuan Sword to Li Shouzheng.
The moment Li Shouzheng took the sword, the Emperor Xuan Sword suddenly burst forth with sword light, dazzling Li Sifeng, Pei Miao'er, and Li Shoumin into blinking instinctively.
"Hm? This brat is no simple one!"
A voice rang out in Li Sifeng's mind, causing his expression to turn strange.
With his discerning eye, he could tell that the Emperor Xuan Sword seemed particularly suited to Li Shouzheng.
Li Shouzheng then closed his eyes and began to swing the sword. His movements were not fast at first, but with each successive strike, the speed of his sword grew increasingly swift.
Li Sifeng's expression soon turned solemn. As he continued watching, shock gradually appeared on his face.
"How is this possible…"
A storm surged within Li Sifeng's heart.
Li Shoumin remained calm. His older brother's Comprehension had always surpassed his own. As Grand Senior Uncle had once said, his brother's Comprehension ranked among the very top within the sect.
"Li Sifeng, your son is a peerless genius. By the time he reaches adulthood, he will likely surpass you as you are now. No—perhaps even sooner."
The same voice sounded again in Li Sifeng's mind, carrying unmistakable amazement.
Li Sifeng looked at Li Shouzheng, feeling utterly unsettled.
Suddenly, he felt a sense of relief.
If he had returned 10 years later, would he even have been able to suppress this brat?