A Ruheng spoke with easy resolve, as if he had already made up his mind. His gaze no longer lingered on the Ten-Grade Immortal Ganoderma with the same fascination as before.
"Senior Brother, I..."
Hearing this, Jiang Xiu felt a warm current rise in his heart, but he shook his head slightly and started to speak.
"There's no need to say anything more, Junior Brother. The glory of the Body Sect will be yours to bear. Only you can fulfill the mission of surpassing the One Tower, One Hall, and One Academy."
"Though I envy how quickly you cultivate, I can't be selfish when it comes to matters this important. I believe that if I keep working hard, I won't hold you back in the future. So, Junior Brother, please accept it."
Before Jiang Xiu could finish, A Ruheng interrupted him, his tone utterly serious. It was clear he spoke from the bottom of his heart.
He, too, had worried over this before, but only now realized that the best thing was to focus on being the best version of himself and compare himself only to who he had been.
At the same time, A Ruheng's outlook shifted, growing steadier. A sudden clarity welled up within him.
"Senior Brother, that's not..."
Jiang Xiu shook his head with a smile and tried to explain, but Mu Ye's voice interrupted him again.
"A-Heng, well done. You've done the sect proud. Don't worry—even without the Immortal Herb, your master will never shortchange you."
Seeing A Ruheng yield the herb, Mu Ye was very pleased. He stood and gave A Ruheng a firm pat on the shoulder to reassure him.
"No, Master, Senior Brother, could you two let me get a word in?"
Jiang Xiu sighed, sounding a little helpless.
"Oh? Xiao Xiu, what