A Clash Between Grandmasters

Xu Wuyi answered honestly, "The first step is stable. The second... is underway."

Surprise flickered through the Flame Venerable's eyes. "You've already begun building your domain?"

Xu Wuyi nodded. "Yes. When I advanced, the Flame of Order burned through the surrounding space and left behind many fragments of order. Those fragments naturally gather around me, gradually forming the outline of a domain."

The Flame Venerable fell silent for a moment, then let out a long breath.

"Good. Very good," he said. "Beginning to build a domain the moment you advance proves your Heart Image is on a high level. The Order Laws encompass all laws, so they naturally tend toward forming a domain."

He paused, his tone growing more serious.

"But I need to warn you: don't rush."

Xu Wuyi watched him and waited for him to continue.

"The bigger a domain is, the better—it doesn't work like that. Nor is faster always better. A domain is the outward expression of your laws, an extension of your will. Build it in haste, and its foundation will be shaky. Strengthening it later will be harder than you can imagine."

"It's good that yours has begun to form, but don't force it. Let those fragments gather slowly and take shape on their own. That might take months, a year, or even longer. Don't rush it. Take your time."

Xu Wuyi listened carefully, then nodded.

"I understand."

The Flame Venerable looked at him with a hint of approval.

"Your greatest strength, kid, is that you take things steadily. From Martial Master to Xiantian, from Xiantian to Quasi-Grandmaster, and now to Grandmaster, you've made every step count. That puts you well ahead of those geniuses who only know how to charge forward."

He turned back toward the bamboo grove.

"When I was young, charging