Zhou Yongchang spoke sincerely, his admiration plain in every word.
"In all my life, I have never seen a cultivator like you. Your presence is truly a blessing for our Azure Wood Sect!"
His eyes were filled with delight.
The greater Xu Xuan's talent, the higher his standing in Zhou Yongchang's heart.
Observing every courtesy, Xu Xuan cupped his hands and bowed. "Master, you praise me too highly. I am unworthy."
"I was also impulsive in what happened just now."
"It is no matter."
Zhou Yongchang waved a hand, utterly unconcerned.
"Zhou Zi’ang is a junior of my lineage. He showed some talent from childhood, and after reaching Foundation Establishment, he entered the Discipline Hall."
"He is somewhat impatient and rigid in his conduct, but he means no harm. Do not take it to heart."
As he spoke, Zhou Yongchang turned his hand over and produced an object.
In an instant, a life force so rich it seemed impossible to disperse spread outward.
It carried a serene Dao resonance that refreshed the mind and lifted the spirit.
Xu Xuan looked closely.
Resting in Zhou Yongchang's palm was a piece of wood roughly three feet long.
The wood was a lush, almost dripping green, like the finest jadeite.
Its texture was warm and smooth, with naturally formed, mysterious grain.
Upon closer inspection, one seemed to glimpse plants withering and flourishing, and life passing through its cycles.
"This is called 'Longevity Wood.'"
Zhou Yongchang's voice carried a barely perceptible solemnity.
"It is a broken branch left behind when an ancient Heaven and Earth Spiritual Root collapsed."
"It contains the purest, cleanest jia wood longevity origin qi. For cultivators like us who practice the arts of the five elements, it is an unsurpassed treasure."
He looked at Xu Xuan gently and offered him