"..." The words at Meng Li's lips caught in his throat. "Worm fodder," "an early death"-those words that had long weighed on his heart suddenly swelled, burning into a ball of flame.
"...Bullshit," he said softly.
"..."
"Have him end up like you, giving up his cultivation, giving up his life... feeding a worm here for the rest of his days?"
"..." Qu Zhoufu watched him quietly, then suddenly lowered his head with a smile. "I knew it. You've been investigating this for a long time."
Meng Li merely pressed his lips together and watched him.
Qu Zhoufu let out a long, faintly hoarse sigh. "But I thought there was no need to stop you. You would find out sooner or later anyway."
"Answer my question."
"A person has to do something with his life."
"..."
"And a sect must have a mission of its own."
"What mission?"
Qu Zhoufu said softly, "When I took over as sect leader, your grandmaster told me, 'Guard Heaven's Heart in secret. One day, the Western Court Master will come to take it away.'"
"What is 'Heaven's Heart,' and who is the 'Western Court Master'?"
"I don't know."
"Then what happens when he takes it away?!"
"Legend says the world will return beneath the shelter of the Immortal Court." The old man sighed softly. "That is a beautiful world."
Meng Li looked incredulous. "You believe that?"
"Why wouldn't I?" Qu Zhoufu looked at him calmly. "I've believed it for twenty-seven years."
"...Little Yan can't be this sect leader." Meng Li took a deep breath. "He hasn't grown up yet, let alone prepared himself."
"But you have lofty ambitions and astonishing talent." Qu Zhoufu looked at him. "Little Meng, I don't favor either of you. But once you become sect leader, you can no longer