"Is this... convenient? Sect Master Li, you injured the heart meridian of your Nascent Soul before and fell in cultivation realm. Your lifespan is also somewhat unstable. Traveling long distances may prove unwise." I spoke frankly. I was merely stating the facts.
"Master! Why don't you stay behind? I can accompany Dao Master Xia instead. I'm already at the early stage of Divine Transformation, so I'm more than capable of keeping Dao Master Xia safe! Besides, Hong Shi has gone to the Immortal Music Sect with you several times before. He knows the route like the back of his hand!" A young man who looked to be twenty-seven or twenty-eight hurriedly stepped forward. He was Li Cou's eldest disciple, Hong Shi. His strength placed him among the cream of the disciples, and behind him stood two other male and female disciples who were likewise personally taught by Li Cou. They looked quite steady, and their cultivation had only just entered the Nascent Soul Great Perfection.
I smiled inwardly. It seemed that after we had been besieged by top-tier sects this time, my not making a move had left everyone unaware of my true strength. But since this young man had volunteered to protect me, I decided not to say anything that might dampen his enthusiasm.
Li Cou had been seen through by me regarding the condition inside his body, and an awkward look crossed his face. He said, "Ah, it really can't be hidden from Dao Master Xia. This old immortal did indeed injure the heart meridian of his Nascent Soul. I'm afraid my cultivation can't even reach the Nascent Soul Realm now. If my eldest disciple is willing to go, what do you think...?"
"Actually, there's no need for your eldest disciple to lead the way. As long as