Chi Yingting had reached Foundation Establishment!
The news sprouted wings and soon spread throughout the sect and beyond, known to young and old alike.
On a beach on Nine-Wan Island, Nie Yingzhi sat cross-legged on a black reef, facing the sea in meditation. Suddenly, he sensed something and opened his eyes.
"Senior Brother! Senior Brother Nie!"
A young disciple who was close to Nie Yingzhi ran over, panting. Spotting him from a distance, he called out, "What are you doing here? The Grand Market Gathering over in the market ward is about to begin. Aren't you going to have a look?"
Nie Yingzhi smiled, his expression as gentle and pleasant as ever. "Not this time. I've just had an insight and would like some time alone."
The young disciple could not help feeling disappointed. "What unfortunate timing. We only get one of these every few years."
But he quickly offered some consolation. "Never mind. There'll still be time to buy plenty of things afterward. They'll just cost a little more. Inspiration, on the other hand, vanishes in a flash. I won't disturb you. Cultivate well!"
He waved and soon left again.
"Yes, some things can still be bought later. But with others, once you miss them, they're gone..."
Nie Yingzhi watched him leave, feeling lost and forlorn.
When Chi Yingting advanced to Foundation Establishment, he had actually been there, witnessing that historic moment with his own eyes.
Yet what filled Nie Yingzhi with profound shame was that he could only watch helplessly as the other man rose, radiant with boundless glory.
He had neither the standing nor the qualifications to challenge him.
Nor did anyone care about him. He was merely an utterly ordinary minor figure on the sidelines.
Only at that moment did he understand what the divide between