After realizing the gap, Jiang Chen wasn't discouraged. On the contrary, his motivation to cultivate only grew stronger.
"I, Jiang Chen, managed to leap across three major stages in just a few years, going from the True Qi Realm all the way to the Yuan Realm. Why can't I press forward and charge toward the Sacred Path — or even the Imperial Path — in the years ahead?"
Confidence was the one thing Jiang Chen had in abundance right now.
Similarly, once the Treasure Tree Sect understood the gap, they stopped clinging to their self-imposed isolation and their narrow-minded sect prejudices.
Ancestor Qianye spoke without hesitation. "Sage Danchi, the Treasure Tree Sect has a somewhat presumptuous request."
"Go ahead." Danchi was a free-spirited man who didn't fuss over trifles.
"Our two sects are jointly nurturing Jiang Chen, and I'd like to send a few more young disciples to Danqian Palace for further training. The situation has changed dramatically, and I'm worried that if these young people stay at the Treasure Tree Sect, their progress won't be able to keep up with the pace of change."
Ancestor Qianye pointed at Tang Hong and the others. "These are all talented youngsters from our Treasure Tree Sect. They may not compare to your top-tier geniuses, but they're the best we have."
Danchi had long noticed that Tang Hong and Jiang Chen were close as brothers.
As for the others — Xie Yufan, Lian Canghai, and Tie Dazhi — they were considered top-tier at the Treasure Tree Sect as well. Alongside Tang Hong, they had been the four great geniuses of the sect.
Such a minor matter was naturally something Danchi wouldn't refuse. He waved his hand and smiled. "Since our two sects are merging, this is a trivial affair. Jiang Chen, what do you think?"
Danchi suddenly asked for Jiang Chen's opinion, clearly showing how much he valued it.
This question made Tie Long from the Treasure Tree Sect squirm in his seat, his heart clenching tight. He was terrified that Jiang Chen still held a grudge and would block Tie Dazhi and Lian Canghai from going to Danqian Palace.
Lian Canghai and Tie Dazhi clearly understood that this was a chance to change their fates. Their hearts were in their throats as they watched Jiang Chen, caught between hope and dread.
In this moment, their entire futures rested in Jiang Chen's hands. How could they not be anxious?
Jiang Chen wasn't the type to hold grudges. The Tie family had shown a sincere willingness to submit, and afterward had even sent a large batch of resources as a peace offering.
While he couldn't say he'd fully accepted the Tie family, at his current level, he really had no reason to stoop to their level.
"A few more people would make things livelier. Saves me from going to Danqian Palace all alone. In my opinion, the younger generation still needs someone to look after them. How about Ancestor Qianye stays to watch over the Treasure Tree Sect, while Elder Chonglou leads the group to Danqian Palace?"
Jiang Chen hadn't forgotten about old Ye Chonglou.
Between Ancestor Qianye and Ye Chonglou, he still leaned toward the latter.
Ancestor Qianye had certainly helped him a great deal, and his character was sincere. But all that help had come when things were already going well.
Ye Chonglou was different. When Jiang Chen was at his lowest, when he needed help the most, it was Ye Chonglou who had stepped forward and offered a lifeline in his darkest hour.
That kind of bond was something else entirely.
Danchi smiled. "That's the best arrangement. That way, whenever something comes up, I can discuss it with Fellow Daoist Ye."
Ancestor Qianye naturally wouldn't object. He felt that having Ye Chonglou supervise these young people wasn't a bad thing.
Meanwhile, Sage Danchi also arranged for a contingent from Danqian Palace to be stationed here.
Of course, to prevent the stationed personnel from being unwilling to stay at the Treasure Tree Sect long-term, the garrison would rotate every six months.
Moreover, those stationed there would receive double the regular sect benefits.
With that arrangement, the strong fighters posted to the Treasure Tree Sect had no complaints — in fact, they were secretly pleased.
"People always strive to climb higher. Young Master Jiang going to Danqian Palace is naturally a good thing. Huang'er is Young Master Jiang's patient, so of course she's happy for his future."
There was no surprise in Huang'er's words, as if Jiang Chen's departure for Danqian Palace was well within her expectations.
"It's just a pity that I'll have to say goodbye to all the plants I've been nurturing lately. I do feel a bit reluctant to part with them."
Huang'er sighed softly, a touch of wistfulness in her voice.
If anyone else had said something like that, it might have come across as pretentious. But Huang'er radiated an otherworldly air, as if she were naturally kin to these plants. Her reluctance to part was genuine emotion laid bare.
Gouyu and the others, on the other hand, had long grown accustomed to this kind of relocation. Upon hearing that Jiang Chen had found a better place to go, they naturally resolved to follow him to the end.
In the Tiangui Kingdom, Third Uncle Jiang Tong and cousin Jiang Yu had already fully immersed themselves in life there and were living very comfortably.
In particular, cousin Jiang Yu had risen to a senior position at the Duobao Dojo, married, had children, and was living a life that others envied.
Qiao Baishi and Elder Ning were perfectly harmonious, their tenderness beyond words. At the Qianlan Southern Palace, he also held a high and influential position.
Everyone had found their own stable lives, with power and status they could never have imagined back in the Eastern Kingdom. That was enough.
Seeing that they had all found their own paths, Jiang Chen naturally wouldn't disturb them any further.
"Chen Shao, you're really not taking me along?" Old Fei Xuan's face was full of disappointment.
He would have followed Jiang Chen anywhere in a heartbeat, but unfortunately, Jiang Chen hadn't planned on bringing him this time.