"Sigh, what's there to admire? As the sect master, I've let our Azure Dragon Sect decline to this state. I truly am unworthy of our founding ancestor." Li Changqing let out a helpless sigh.
"Sect Master, the Azure Dragon Sect's decline wasn't caused by you. There's no need to blame yourself. On the contrary, now the sect will rise again under your leadership. If our founding ancestor knew, he would surely be proud of you."
At that moment, Chu Feng wondered how Li Changqing would react if he were told that the Dragon Daoist was still lingering in this world and might very well be resurrected.
"Heh, if only the founding ancestor were still here."
"Anyway, let's not dwell on unpleasant things. Chu Feng, the first thing I wanted to talk to you about today is a family matter."
"I know that after you experienced the pain of your clan being massacred, you were afraid your family would get hurt, so you hid them all in a secret place."
"I also know that although the Azure Dragon Sect has become a first-rate sect now, it still doesn't have the strength to guarantee your family's safety."
"But your family members are all still young—they're at the optimal age for martial cultivation. You absolutely must not waste this precious time."
"So these items are actually for you. Take them and give them to your family for their cultivation." Li Changqing pushed several mid-grade Mystic Arts and six-rank martial techniques in front of Chu Feng.
"Sect Master, this is…" Seeing this, Chu Feng was both flattered and overwhelmed. Even though he wanted these things, they were all treasured artifacts of the Azure Dragon Sect. How could he take them for his family's private use?
"Stop hemming and hawing. The Azure Dragon Sect—I'm only here as a transitional figure. In the future, you'll be the one to lead it to glory. This sect will belong to you sooner or later, so these martial techniques are naturally yours too." Li Changqing forcefully stuffed the techniques into Chu Feng's hands.
"Chu Feng, this old man is spending big to win you over. Just take them. You're destined to devote yourself to this Azure Dragon Sect anyway, so consider these few manuals as an advance payment," Eggy said with a pout.
"Then I thank you, Sect Master. But I promise—these Mystic Arts and martial techniques will never be passed on to outsiders." Chu Feng accepted the techniques and stored them in his Universe Bag.
"Haha, if I didn't trust you, I wouldn't have given them to you in the first place." Seeing Chu Feng accept, Li Changqing's smile grew even wider. Then he said, "Actually, there's a second matter I wanted to discuss. This could be a rare opportunity for our Azure Dragon Sect's rise."
"What is it?" Chu Feng asked curiously.
"Chu Feng, let me ask you first—what does our Azure Dragon Sect lack the most right now?" Li Changqing countered with a question of his own.
"Our sect has resources. What we lack is heritage, and heritage takes time to build. What we need most urgently is talented disciples," Chu Feng replied.
"Exactly. Right now, what our Azure Dragon Sect needs most is disciples with outstanding qualifications and exceptional talent. But to attract such disciples, we need to raise our sect's reputation."
"Your battle with Gong Luyun did cause quite a stir, but it only left many people half-convinced. They don't truly believe our sect has that kind of strength."
"But right now, there's an opportunity—one that can prove what the Azure Dragon Sect is capable of, and prove what you and I can do. In a few days, it will be the annual Hundred Sects Assembly in Qingzhou."
"This Hundred Sects Assembly is hosted by the Lingyun Sect and gathers all the first-rate sects of Qingzhou for a grand event."
"During this event, the disciples and sect masters of each sect engage in sparring matches. Based on the outcomes of these bouts, the sects are ranked. The Azure Dragon Sect's current first-rate ranking was entirely earned through this Hundred Sects Assembly."