Deep within a blossoming peach grove of the Sleeping Dragon Martial Sect lay a small lake.
The lake was not large, but its waters were so clear that one could see straight to the bottom, reflecting the peach blossoms along its banks in a scene of remarkable beauty.
Two women strolled along the lakeside. Despite possessing profound cultivation, they walked at a leisurely pace, like mortals savoring the scenery before them.
These two were none other than the Sect Master of the Sleeping Dragon Martial Sect and her disciple, Wen Xue.
"You're ready to leave?" the Sect Master asked.
"Mm. It's just that this time, I don't know when I'll be able to see Master again."
"Master, are you truly unwilling to enter the Ninth Heavenly River with me?"
Wen Xue's eyes were filled with reluctance.
"As the Sect Master of the Sleeping Dragon Martial Sect, and with the sect still here, I naturally must remain."
"Wen Xue, Chu Feng displayed such a provocative challenge not long ago. Something must have happened."
"Aren't you going to go help him?"
The Sect Master asked.
Originally, she had not intended to bring it up.
She wanted to respect Wen Xue's own decision.
But ever since Chu Feng had declared war on the Seven Realms Holy Palace, some time had passed.
Wen Xue had yet to make her stance known.
She had just asked Wen Xue whether she was going to enter the Ninth Heavenly River, and Wen Xue had agreed immediately, still without mentioning going to help Chu Feng.
Perhaps she truly did not intend to help.
The Sect Master, worried about Chu Feng but limited in her own strength, had agonized over it before finally raising the matter.
"Master, I know you're worried about Junior Brother Chu Feng, but please don't be."
"My Junior Brother has plenty of hidden cards. Back in the Ancestral Martial Realm Sect ruins, if it weren't for him, I would have been the one at a disadvantage," Wen Xue said.
Though Wen Xue's words held logic, they made it all the more clear that she did not plan to lend a hand.
The Sect Master felt a touch of disappointment deep in her heart.
She, as a Sect Master, had limited ability.
But these three disciples of hers — Wen Xue, Zi Ling, and Chu Feng — possessed extraordinary talent.
Compared to others their age, they far outshone even Dugu Lingtian from his era.
Their futures were boundless without limit.
Chu Feng and Zi Ling were an affectionate couple, so that went without saying.
Wen Xue, however, was rather special.
The Sect Master naturally hoped that Wen Xue would stand together with Chu Feng and Zi Ling.
But she did not press the matter. After all, some things simply could not be forced.
"Then when do you plan to depart?"
the Sect Master asked.
"I came today to bid farewell to Master. I plan to leave at once," Wen Xue replied.
Hearing this, the Sect Master's brows furrowed slightly.
"Master, what's wrong?"
"Could it be that you want me to help Junior Brother Chu Feng before entering the Ninth Heavenly River?"
Wen Xue noticed something off and asked immediately.
But the Sect Master shook her head.
"Of course I hope you'll help Chu Feng. But the Seven Realms Holy Palace is unfathomably deep. You have your concerns, and as your teacher, I can understand and respect your decision."
"But Wen Xue, the very first time I laid eyes on you, I knew your future held limitless promise."
"Yet back then, your demonic nature was overwhelming. Had I left you to your own devices and let you grow unchecked, the world might have gained a demon lord who would stop at nothing to achieve his goals."
"That is why I took you as my disciple and kept you by my side, hoping to guide you onto the righteous path."
"And now, you have long since surpassed me in skill, yet you still treat me with the utmost respect. It fills my heart with gratification," the Sect Master said.
"Master, although I cultivate through the method of rebirth, my memories are perfectly preserved."
"I am not a child."
"To tell you the truth, when you first subdued me, I was utterly defiant in my heart. I thought of countless ways to get revenge on you."
"But over time, I could feel that Master's kindness toward me was genuine and sincere."