After the minor interlude.
Nan Hengzi put his experience and abilities as acting sect master to use, ordering the Spirit Transformation elders to guard every pass within the sect and carefully maintain the sect-protecting formation, lest the Demon Cloud Cult's Void Refinement cultivators return and launch another invasion or sneak attack on the Azure Spirit Sect.
Having some free time, he unconsciously walked to the vicinity of Su Xin's cave abode. Gazing at the dragon-severing stone, which weighed ten thousand jun and was carved with intricate formations, a complicated look slowly appeared in his eyes.
"I hope Master can seize this opportunity."
Nan Hengzi stood with his hands behind his back, his face carrying a little more maturity. He was no longer as green as he had been a dozen years ago.
People always grew.
In the past, though he had weathered storms and was no longer young, he had grown under Su Xin's sheltering wings.
Now, things were vastly different.
After truly managing the sect for more than ten years, though he had not yet reached the point of standing alone, he had gained experience in facing crises alone, as well as... a way of thinking from the sect's perspective.
That small feeling of filial devotion toward his master still remained.
Yet reason had suppressed impulse.
He understood what choice would be the best answer for both his master and the sect's future.
No one knew a child better than their mother.
After Nan Hengzi's remonstration, it was not difficult for Su Xin to sense the sect crisis hidden within it, as well as the "meaning" he found difficult to state outright as her disciple.
She was both gratified and faintly angered.
Gratified that Nan Hengzi now possessed the qualities of a sect master.
Faintly angered that... as