Now that he has taken over as the deputy Peak Master of Ximu Peak, Lin Xuan cannot simply occupy the position without taking concrete actions to fulfill his duties.
The affairs within the Cinnabar Cloud Sword Sect are numerous and chaotic, but the number of people on Ximu Peak is not large, only about a hundred, including the inner disciple, servants, and Direct Disciple assigned to Ximu Peak.
Therefore, after spending about half a month, Lin Xuan also figured out all the affairs on Ximu Peak, as well as the interpersonal relationships within the Cinnabar Cloud Sword Sect, and the things that needed to be paid attention to.
During these two weeks, although Cao Zhengyang was extremely anxious, he patiently explained and guided Lin Xuan, while also observing Lin Xuan.
However, it seems that Lin Xuan is Ximu Peak's only hope now.
But he couldn't possibly abandon all the hard work he had put in over the years and hand it over to a newcomer.
You should at least assess the other person's character.
and...
Lin Xuan's appearance was too coincidental.
This made it hard for the naturally suspicious Cao Zhengyang not to suspect that the other party might have been sent by another faction.
However, after actually meeting Lin Xuan, Cao Zhengyang completely abandoned this idea.
The other party is only in his Thirty, yet he already possesses the strength of the Peak Late Saint Realm. He is also one of the rarest sword cultivators among cultivators, and has already comprehended the Sword Dao!
Although he didn't know the exact level of Lin Xuan's Sword Dao cultivation, based on their recent friendly Lin Xuan sessions, he could deduce that the boy's Sword Intent was definitely above the sixth or seventh level, and possibly even the eighth or ninth level!
Such a prodigy, used to set up a trap for Ximu Peak?
Cao Zhengyang didn't think he was that shameless.
Once he realized this, he was filled with ecstasy.
If we rule out the possibility that Ximu Peak was set up, then the only possibility left is the least likely one.
Lin Xuan was a powerful figure whom his eldest disciple had met and recruited by chance!
The other party has a clean background and is completely innocent.
This is truly exciting news!
Moreover, based on his observations, Lin Xuan was not a harsh person at all. On the contrary, he was very tolerant of his disciples. Even Cao Chun, with his domineering personality, did not show any disgust towards him... Although it was also possible that after witnessing Lin Xuan's strength, Cao Chun simply did not dare to be presumptuous in front of him.
Although she was arrogant, she knew that Ximu Peak was facing difficulties.
Lin Xuan was the person her father believed could save Ximu Peak, so no matter what, she wouldn't give him a hard time for no reason.
All she could think about now was why her strength was so weak. If her cultivation level could improve, her father wouldn't have to rely on an outsider to hand over the leadership of Ximu Peak to her. Unfortunately...
Therefore, Cao Chun immediately went into seclusion.
Cao Zhengyang, however, felt only joy.
With Lin Xuan around, even if he fails to break through in this seclusion, Ximu Peak still has a future. If Lin Xuan proves reliable in the future, it wouldn't hurt to pass on the inheritance of Ximu Peak to him.
but...
Even after assessing Lin Xuan's character, Cao Zhengyang was still uneasy before Lin Xuan went into seclusion. He summoned Lin Xuan and, after some hesitation, gave him his instructions.
" Lin Xuan, this time, I will go into seclusion, and it will be a complete retreat. I will not emerge until I become Great Saint!"
Of course, there is another possibility for getting through the border.
That means his breakthrough attempt failed completely, his foundation was destroyed, and he will be stuck at the Half-Step Great Saint for the rest of his life, with no possibility of ever breaking through to the Great Saint again.
However, it's best not to say anything that could demoralize your own troops.
Cao Zhengyang briefly considered the matter, paused, sighed, and continued speaking.
"As you've probably seen recently, the Cinnabar Cloud Sword Sect is in a very bad situation and its precarious circumstances are dire."
"Sect Master... actually, we can't blame the Sect Master. His desire to integrate the strength of the various peaks is for the sake of the sect's overall interests, and it's not directed at my Ximu Peak."
Cao Zhengyang forced a smile.
It's impossible to say that you're not at all surprised.
He's worked so hard for so many years, and now they're just merging like this, erasing all his contributions. How can he accept that?
However, he also knew very well why the sect leader would do such a thing.
Cao Zhengyang sighed again and shook his head.
"As for Chunwei Peak... I have a long-standing grudge with the Peak Master of Chunwei Peak, and the grudges from past lives have already affected both peaks. After I go into seclusion, you must be careful and not act impulsively. If there is anything you are unsure about, you can take this token to the Third Elder, and she will surely lend a helping hand."
As he spoke, Cao Zhengyang placed a jade pendant in Lin Xuan's hand.
He gently stroked the patterns on the jade pendant, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes, before finally letting go.
" Tong'er recently returned to the sect to report for duty and will not be back in Azure Wave City for some time. If there is anything you don't understand, you can ask Tong'er, or you can ask Yue'er."
Yue'er is one of his disciples, and she is also the disciple who has been by his side for many years, handling some of the affairs of Ximu Peak. Her full name is Gongsun Yue, and she is a pill cultivator.
" Lin Xuan, you are now the deputy Peak Master of my Ximu Peak. After I go into seclusion, I will hand this place over to you."
"You are free to use the resources within Ximu Peak's treasure trove; there's no need to be stingy."
" Chun'er is my only daughter. She's a bit headstrong, but she's not a bad person at heart, and she would never do anything to you. I hope that if possible, you can help me look after her a little. She's still quite young, and I've spoiled her rotten..."
"..."
Cao Zhengyang rambled on and on, seemingly entrusting his son to someone else.
After all, he wasn't entirely sure if he would ever be able to come back.
The best outcome of failing to break through to the Great Saint is the destruction of one's foundation.
Other...
They could very well suffer a backlash and die as a result.
He must prepare for the worst.
Lin Xuan listened patiently to every word Cao Zhengyang said, and Lin Xuan in agreement to all his instructions.
Lin Xuan was also somewhat moved.
Although Cao Zhengyang may have had no other choice, he did not expect that the other party would actually have the courage to hand over the entire Ximu Peak to him and let him handle it temporarily.
Such sincerity...
He will not let him down.
Despite his deep reluctance, Cao Zhengyang let go and headed to the secluded place he had chosen long ago.
He won't choose to go into seclusion at the Cinnabar Cloud Sword Sect.
He had been preparing for this day for decades.
Now, the time has come.
After Cao Zhengyang left, Lin Xuan spent several days sorting out the affairs of Ximu Peak.
And, to explore the treasure trove of Ximu Peak.
Although the Cinnabar Cloud Sword Sect is not in good shape now, and Ximu Peak is not the main sword peak or pill peak, the Cinnabar Cloud Sword Sect is still one of the top sects in the Heaven-Gazing Domain, and the resources in the treasure trove of Ximu Peak are visibly abundant.
Whether it's elixirs, Cultivation Method, or Spirit Stone reserves, everything is readily available.
A large portion of these resources can be exchanged using sect Contribution Points.
However, after checking, Lin Xuan discovered the problem.
There are many, indeed.
But it's only in terms of quantity.
Not quality.
and...
It's not just the treasure vault that's like this; the cultivators within Ximu Peak also have quantity, but no quality.
He looks completely drained!