Too Late for Regret

A few breaths later, the mountain and sea phenomena gradually dissipated, but that majestic aura still lingered around Chen Qing, like a deep pool and a towering mountain, profound and unfathomable.

"Sect Leader Chen," Mo Huaiyong took a deep breath, his tone completely changed, no longer carrying the slightest hint of condescension from before. Instead, it was filled with a trace of solemnity, "This old man was truly blind just now, failing to see how extraordinary your aura is!"

"This..."

Chen Qing was initially wary, but seeing that there were no other changes besides the phenomena, he felt slightly relieved, yet he was still confused: "Weren't you supposed to be testing the aptitude of my two juniors?"

When the phenomena were surrounding him earlier, he had felt a sense of comfort, but now that he had recovered, he vaguely guessed that the phenomena on him were caused by that wisp of Supreme Harmony Qi.

This Qi originally belonged to the second realm, "Soothing Harmony Foundation Establishment," which he had mastered ahead of time. Although the quantity was small, its quality was extremely high! If this chess piece for measuring bone structure was checked against the standard of the first realm, it would naturally produce deviations and manifest phenomena far exceeding his current realm.

"It was this old man's momentary carelessness that affected Sect Leader Chen, but it's not entirely a bad thing," Mo Huaiyong's smile became even more amiable, "Fortunately, it allowed us to see how outstanding Sect Leader Chen's foundation is!"

Chen Qing was stunned, then shook his head: "Mine isn't considered outstanding..."

Mo Huaiyong immediately said: "Sect Leader Chen is too modest. Misty Gorge Mountain is full of hidden talents. It's clear that such an internally refined aura can nurture a person like you, Sect Leader..."

His rapid change in attitude stunned everyone present.

Especially the young man with the hooked nose, who had been wearing a cold smile moments ago. Now, his face had turned pale, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. He no longer dared to say another word.

Even more impacted was Han Sha.

He stared blankly at Chen Qing, his lips trembling slightly, as if struck by lightning, his eyes full of disbelief.

"Uncle-Master... so you actually have such a foundation, such bone structure?"

He had thought his future was bleak, which was why he gritted his teeth and betrayed his sect to defect to Sea Abyss Temple. But now, the aura Chen Qing displayed had moved even an elder of the Mystic Chess Academy! This meant that his future might not have been so bad if he had stayed in the sect!

An unprecedented wave of regret surged into his heart.

If only he hadn't left back then...

If only he had waited a little longer...

"I didn't... make the wrong choice, did I?"

This thought gnawed at his mind like a venomous snake, making it almost impossible for him to breathe.

Mo Huaiyong, being the astute person he was, swept his gaze over everyone's expressions, then smiled slightly and said to Chen Qing, "Sect Leader Chen, this old man has a presumptuous request."

Chen Qing felt a sense of caution, but his expression remained calm: "Senior Mo, please speak."

"The Mystic Chess Academy has always valued talent. It is truly a joy to meet a figure like Sect Leader Chen today," Mo Huaiyong said sincerely, "Would Sect Leader Chen be willing to form a good relationship with my academy? If you have free time in the future, you could visit my academy for a chat and discuss the Dao together, wouldn't that be delightful?"

Upon hearing this, everyone was shocked.

The Mystic Chess Academy taking the initiative to show goodwill was an opportunity many small sects and factions in the Southern Coast yearned for!

However, Chen Qing was not overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events. He cupped his hands and said, "Senior Mo's kindness is deeply appreciated. If there is an opportunity in the future, I will certainly pay a visit."

Seeing that he did not directly agree, Mo Huaiyong did not force the issue and laughed heartily, "Good! Then this old man will await Sect Leader Chen's arrival at the academy!"

He flicked his sleeve, and the green jade chess piece flew back into his palm. He said to the three behind him, "Let's go. We shouldn't disturb Sect Leader Chen's cultivation any further."

The three responded respectfully and were about to leave.

Chen Qing's heart suddenly stirred. He thought that the Mystic Chess Academy had a long inheritance, and its archives must contain a lot of historical records, perhaps...

As soon as this thought arose, he did not hesitate and immediately asked, "Senior Mo is knowledgeable. I have a question to ask."

When Mo Huaiyong heard this, a glint of joy flashed in his eyes. He stopped and asked, "Please, do not hesitate to ask."

Chen Qing immediately said, "I wonder if your sect's ancient texts mention the Primordial Immortal Dynasty?"

"The Primordial Immortal Dynasty?" Mo Huaiyong was taken aback.

The woman behind him spoke, "Master, I saw this name in an ancient book that records strange tales from the Central Spirit Continent. It spoke of an ancient era of flourishing cultivation, which was perhaps tens of thousands of years ago. The specifics are no longer verifiable."

"Oh, I remember now. Isn't that the Immortal Dynasty Era?" Mo Huaiyong's eyes lit up, "This era followed immediately after the Dao Seeking Era!"

Chen Qing's heart trembled violently.

It really existed!

Dao Seeking Era, Immortal Dynasty Era... Judging by their names, there were many eras in past history, each with its own divisions!

However, calling the Immortal Dynasty an era of flourishing cultivation?

Thinking of this, he recalled briefly.

"If we talk about spiritual energy, it's passable, but in terms of cultivation techniques..."

Suddenly, Chen Qing realized that what he had encountered was a peculiar dream. That Immortal Dynasty was tens of thousands of years ago. No matter how special the Grand Void Dao Evolution Record was, it couldn't possibly reverse time, right?

It shouldn't... it shouldn't be able to, right?

Mo Huaiyong observed Chen Qing's changing expression and suddenly asked, "Why is Sect Leader Chen asking about the Primordial Immortal Dynasty? And where did you learn of it?"

Chen Qing had already prepared his response: "I am very interested in history. I saw the Primordial Immortal Dynasty in a book..."

Mo Huaiyong's eyes lit up, and he immediately smiled, "So that's how it is. This is a refined hobby. The Mystic Chess Academy has several libraries, and I also have my own collection of books. If Sect Leader is interested, I can have someone send you a few books that record history."

Chen Qing hesitated for a moment, then finally cupped his hands in thanks, not refusing. He genuinely needed this kind of knowledge.

Mo Huaiyong appeared very happy and bid farewell again, leading the three away. Their figures soon disappeared into the mountains.

"Let's go too."

As soon as they left, the people from Sea Abyss Temple dared not linger and prepared to take their leave.

Han Sha's footsteps were heavy as he looked at the familiar scenery within the mountain gate, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

"Han Sha."

Just then, Chen Qing suddenly called out to him.

Han Sha paused, slowly turned around, his eyes filled with a hint of confusion and struggle. "Uncle-Master, you..."

"I am no longer your Uncle-Master."

If it were up to Chen Qing, he wouldn't have bothered with this extra step, knowing the other party was too deep in the mire to turn back. However, he still went through the motions, taking out the Expulsion Notice and asking according to the sect rules: "Although I dislike fickle people, you are still a disciple accepted by the Senior Disciple Brother. The rules of Hidden Star Gate state that one cannot be punished without being taught. Therefore, according to the rules, I must ask you one more time—"

He narrowed his eyes, his gaze sweeping over the group of Sea Abyss Temple disciples before landing back on Han Sha. "Did you suffer any grievances in Hidden Star Gate? Or were you threatened by someone?"

Silence descended upon the mountain gate.

Han Sha trembled all over. The vision of mountains and seas that Chen Qing had displayed was still echoing in his mind. Such a spectacle had even moved the elders of Mystic Chess Academy! If he had stayed in the sect, he would have had a bright future...

"I..."

His lips trembled, but his peripheral vision caught the cold gaze of the hawk-nosed youth, and he instantly felt as if he had fallen into an ice cellar.

"Han Sha! Think carefully! Is Sea Abyss Temple a place you can just come and go as you please?" the hawk-nosed youth suddenly sneered. "Besides, what's so worth reminiscing about on Misty Gorge Mountain with only a few people? Don't forget your Uncle-Master's expectations of you!"

Han Sha recalled the ruthlessness of his "new master," shuddered, and said in a voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz, "No."

"Good! Since it is your own decision, then I shall grant it. From this day forward, you are no longer a member of Hidden Star Gate," Chen Qing said calmly. He had been worried the other party might want to turn back. "However, you have your pursuits, and the sect has its rules. You must leave behind what you have learned from the sect."

As soon as he finished speaking, his figure flashed like a phantom to Han Sha's front. He brought his fingers together and, as swift as lightning, pointed at the vital acupoints on Han Sha's arms!

"Crack!"

A crisp sound of bone breaking echoed. Han Sha's arm meridians were severed. He cried out and knelt on the ground, his forehead hitting the bluestone slabs heavily, blood flowing down his cheeks.

"This injury is severe for a mortal," Chen Qing said coldly, looking at him. "But for a cultivator, it can be healed with just a few medicinal ingredients. After it heals, you will have to reforge your qi and blood and temper your body. This will be good for you to focus on cultivating the techniques of Sea Abyss Temple."

He tucked the Expulsion Notice into Han Sha's collar and said indifferently, " Your life was saved by the Senior Disciple Brother. Take care of yourself. If you harbor evil intentions in the future and dare to cause trouble on Misty Gorge Mountain again, it won't be as simple as broken arms. Go."

Han Sha struggled to look up, his face as pale as paper. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but in the end, he could only let out a bitter smile and stagger to his feet.

"Trash! Go!" The hawk-nosed youth grabbed Han Sha by the collar but did not dare to look directly at Chen Qing. He was about to leave with the Sea Abyss Temple group when suddenly, a flash of light appeared before him, and Chen Qing was already in front of him.

"You... What do you want? I am..."

"You were the one who sneak attacked my junior disciple nephew just now, weren't you?" Chen Qing asked, flicking his finger!

The hawk-nosed youth also cried out in pain, clutching his right hand, his face filled with terror.

Chen Qing retracted his hand. "If there's a next time, it won't be as simple as broken fingers."

"You..." The hawk-nosed man's face was pale, but he didn't dare to say another word. He hurriedly left with the group.

Silence returned to the mountain gate.

"Uncle-Master, Han Sha, he..."

Fang Da'ao's clenched fists trembled slightly. He had lived and eaten with Han Sha for five years, and seeing his miserable state, his heart was filled with mixed emotions.

"The path is his own choice. Since he chose it, he must bear the consequences." Chen Qing turned and walked up the steps. "Let's go back."

Qu Xiaoyao suddenly tugged at his sleeve, her small face pale. She asked cautiously, "That old gentleman with the white beard. Is he really here to guide us? And the phenomenon on Uncle-Master's body, it looked so powerful!"

Chen Qing shook his head and said in a low voice, "This matter is strange. We'll talk about it when we get back."

In his opinion, the attitude of Mystic Chess Academy had changed too quickly, and they must have ulterior motives.

As for the so-called phenomenon...

"It's just a bluff using Supreme Harmony Qi, not to be taken seriously! However, if Mystic Chess Academy targets us because of this, it will be a big problem. Fortune and misfortune are unpredictable."

At this thought, he felt a sense of pressure and urgency.

"I must increase my strength as soon as possible! Add more trump cards!"

Chen Qing turned and walked towards the mountain gate, his mind made up:

"Tonight, I shall enter the Grand Void Dao Evolution Record again!"

Mo Huaiyong and his group of four walked slowly on the mountain path.

"Uncle-Master," the youth carrying a sword box suddenly spoke. "Sea Abyss Temple seems to have considerable hostility towards the Hidden Star Gate's sect leader. Should we..."

Mo Huaiyong's footsteps did not falter. He said lightly, "No need."

"But that person's luck is profound. Wouldn't it be a pity if he were harmed by Sea Abyss Temple?" the girl with golden bells on her wrist couldn't help but ask.

Mo Huaiyong stopped and looked towards the distant horizon.

"A new cycle of the Five Elements is about to begin in Eastern Spirit Continent," he said in a low voice. "Our Mystic Chess Academy is skilled in deducing heavenly secrets and has long been aware of this. That's why we dispatched several groups to search for people with profound luck and take them in as disciples to strengthen the sect's foundation and help us survive this tribulation."

He raised his hand and flipped it over. An ancient, simple chess piece appeared in his palm. It was entirely made of green jade, the same one used to test aptitude. But as Mo Huaiyong swiped his finger across it, the green color faded, and purple energy flowed, with countless tiny runes moving within, making it unfathomably profound.

"'Heavenly Fortune Son' is a treasure derived from Mystic Chess Academy's sect-protecting treasure, the 'Mystic Chess Celestial Disk.' It can measure a person's luck, aptitude, and destiny," Mo Huaiyong said with deep eyes. "Although the sect leader of Misty Gorge Mountain is only in the initial creation realm, he displayed the phenomenon of 'mountain and sea resonance,' indicating that this person's luck is extremely prosperous and he may possess some great opportunity!"

"Then we should definitely bring him back to the sect!" the sword box youth urged.

Mo Huaiyong shook his head and said meaningfully, "People with profound luck often need to undergo trials before they can rise. If he were to peacefully remain the sect leader of Misty Gorge Mountain, how could he form a great karmic connection with our Mystic Chess Academy? And how could he be of use to me?"

Everyone was stunned upon hearing this.

"Uncle-Master means..."

"If the Sea Abyss Temple truly moves against him, that would be an opportunity," Mo Huaiyong said meaningfully. "Once he's in trouble, we can step in to help, offering aid in his time of need. Only then will he truly be loyal."

"What if he can't survive it?" the young woman couldn't help but ask.

Mo Huaiyong chuckled lightly. "If he can't even survive this tribulation, it means his fortune is insufficient, and he wouldn't be worth the Mystic Chess Academy's full support."

Silence fell upon the group.

Mo Huaiyong put away the Heavenly Fortune Son and continued forward. "The path of cultivation is one against the heavens, but true prodigies do not fall easily. Those who fall were never prodigies to begin with."

To the readers who feel this book is worthwhile, please add it to your collection and come back to read more in the future!