Before he had made a name for himself or broken through to the Vajra Realm, no one had paid him any attention. Now that he had reached the summit in a single leap and his name rang throughout the prefecture, factions flocked to him, each eager to forge ties. All of them had their eyes on his future potential and standing.
Such hollow fame, fleeting profit, and superficial friendships offered nothing to his martial cultivation. They would only bring distractions, unsettle his mind, and delay his hard training.
Besides, dangerous currents ran beneath the present calm. Beyond the sect, the Mahayana Evil Cult was stirring with growing frequency, and chaos was beginning to spread. Within, the Profound Truth Sect watched like a tiger eyeing its prey, concealing a monstrous plot to devour prodigies. Peril lay at every turn ahead. This was no time to bask in empty renown or waste his days on social calls.
On the martial path, only stillness and single-mindedness mattered. Those who did not advance fell behind.
His mind made up, Cheng Heng immediately issued a clear order: close the doors to visitors. No one was to be received.
Countless hopeful visitors from every faction climbed the mountain, only to find the doors shut in their faces.
After their initial shock, admiration rose in their hearts.
He had broken through to the Vajra Realm at a young age and won fame across an entire prefecture, yet he resisted the lure of overwhelming renown. He coveted no splendor, chased no empty fame, and kept his heart still as he followed his path. Such resolve surpassed that of many long-established masters.
Countless factions sighed to themselves. The young man was destined for greatness; he was no fish meant to remain in a pond.
Outside, carriages and horses came