In the courtyard.
Beside the Stone Table beneath the shade of a tree, two men sat facing each other.
"Elder Shi broke through to the Sky-Soaring Realm today, giving our sect another expert of that realm. This is truly cause for celebration. If the Sect Master weren't in seclusion, he would surely have come to congratulate you in person."
"You're too kind, Grand Elder!"
Shi Jianfeng wore a faint smile, his emotions barely stirred by the praise.
The elderly man before him appeared advanced in years.
Yet Shi Jianfeng held him in extremely high regard.
First, as the Grand Elder of Instruction, his standing was second only to the Sect Master.
Second—
Shi Jianfeng had always sensed an invisible pressure from Zheng Fang.
The old man before him seemed kindly.
But Shi Jianfeng was certain that he was an expert who concealed his true strength.
Moreover.
He was far beyond what any ordinary Sky-Soaring Realm cultivator could match.
Although Shi Jianfeng had never fought Zheng Fang, he trusted his own senses and was certain they would not be wrong.
Especially now that he had broken through to the Sky-Soaring Realm.
That feeling had become even clearer to Shi Jianfeng.
If possible.
He truly wanted to test himself against Zheng Fang.
However—
These thoughts merely surfaced in his heart. He never actually voiced them.
Studying Zheng Fang's expression, Shi Jianfeng abruptly changed the subject. "Your visit comes at just the right time, Grand Elder. I have some matters to attend to and will need to leave the sect for a while.
"If my disciples encounter any trouble during my absence, I hope you can look after them."
The Origin Sect now had many disciples.
Almost everyone would take a few people they liked under their wing as personal disciples.
Although Shi