Chapter 125

Chapter 125: Standing Out in the Forest, A Lifetime of Following?

Meng Changqing was left bewildered.

From the beginning until now, he had been quietly staying put without uttering a word. Why did the Sect Master suddenly praise him?

Feeling the surrounding gazes, be they shocked, envious, or jealous, he indeed felt like a tall tree standing out in the forest, catching the wind’s attention.

However, Meng Changqing didn’t feel any panic. As the saying goes, confidence stems from strength.

The mere gaze of his peers couldn’t pressure him. Even if they all ganged up, they wouldn’t be his match.

Thinking this, he smiled slightly and turned to walk outside.

Lan Chan, after hesitating for a moment, followed him. He knew Meng Changqing had unique qualities, particularly his remarkable comprehension. But even so, it shouldn’t be enough to earn such praise from the mysterious Sect Master, right?

While Lan Chan was pondering, so were the others.

They all left the main hall one by one.

“Meng Changqing,” Han Luoyu finally snapped out of his daze, his hands clenching slightly.

It was the first time he had heard this name, and for the first time, he felt an uneasy sensation, as if something he cherished was slipping away.

After the disciples left, the hall’s doors closed, leaving only seven people inside — the six Peak Masters and the Sect Master.

“Senior brothers and sisters, it’s been a long time,” the Sect Master greeted with a smile.

“It has been a while,” Mo Shukuang replied casually. “You came out last time, but I was in seclusion and missed it.”

“Judging by your aura, you must have made significant progress,” said the Peak Master of Medicine King Peak, an elderly woman with a kind and gentle demeanor.

“Indeed, I advanced my cultivation technique by one layer,” the Sect Master nodded.

“There are many sect affairs. I don’t have time for you to chat idly here,” the Grand Elder suddenly interrupted, causing everyone to fall silent. The Sect Master could only smile wryly and then composed himself.

“According to news from the Thirteenth Junior Sister, the judges for this martial event are from Central Province, and they have brought something for Flame Sun Valley.”

Upon hearing this, the six Peak Masters furrowed their brows.

“Do you mean that the strength of Flame Sun Valley’s disciples will increase in this martial event?” the Grand Elder asked.

“Very likely,” the Sect Master replied.

“Hmph, this is all because of your past mistakes!” The Grand Elder’s face darkened, recalling past events. He wanted to leave but forced himself to stay.

“It seems our promotion to first rank will become more difficult,” Shangguan Zhi stroked his long beard and sighed.

“Flame Sun Valley was originally set up to suppress our Tai Xuan Sect. Otherwise, how could a newly promoted force grow so quickly?” said the Peak Master of the Formation Peak, a relatively young-looking woman who might have taken some youth-preserving elixirs.

“The strongest disciple of Flame Sun Valley is that innate fire body,” Mo Shukuang pondered, “so I can guess what they might have brought.”

Hearing this, the others seemed thoughtful.

“If it is indeed that item, even Han Luoyu will lose!” The Grand Elder took a deep breath, “Xi Yingqing, I said that before I die, I must see the sect promoted! This has been the wish of our sect for generations!”

“Second Senior Brother, don’t worry,” Xi Yingqing said immediately. “Although Luoyu is strong, he is not the key to this event.”

“If not him, then who?” The Grand Elder squinted, “Are you referring to Meng Changqing, the one you just mentioned?”

“While he has great potential and significant luck, potential is just potential until it is fully realized. Sword qi? Who here doesn’t have it?

“I’ve said before that if we are to cultivate someone, we should do it promptly, instead of waiting and testing!”

“Second Senior Brother, please allow me to speak,” Xi Yingqing said, somewhat helpless. The Second Senior Brother was like this — once he started, his words flowed like a torrent.

“Perhaps not before, but just now, I discovered something interesting about him.”

“What?” Mo Shukuang asked, since Meng Changqing was from his Spirit Peak.

“This,” Xi Yingqing smiled and snapped his fingers. The scene in the hall changed instantly.

Outside the main hall, Meng Changqing stood at the edge of the square, leaning against a large stone, looking relaxed. Not far away, several genius disciples glanced at him, pointing and whispering.

Clearly, the Sect Master’s words had left them puzzled and discontented.

Why? Why should an ordinary genius who had just entered the Dao Creation Realm receive such praise from the Sect Master?

Any one of them felt they were stronger than him!

But with strict sect rules and the Grand Elder present, they dared not cause trouble.

“Hey!” a voice called out.

Meng Changqing turned to see Mo Xiaoyu, who had dragged a large stone over to stand on, meeting his gaze at eye level.

“What do you want?” Meng Changqing raised an eyebrow.

“Tell me, did you know the Sect Master beforehand? Why else would he praise you and not me? I’m ranked fourth on the Hidden Dragon Ranking!” Mo Xiaoyu asked, arms crossed, somewhat irate.

“Heaven and earth as my witness, today was the first time I met the Sect Master,” Meng Changqing replied with a smile.

“Really?” Mo Xiaoyu was skeptical.

Possibly due to her competitive nature, she always aimed to be the best in everything. She thought she had surpassed Meng Changqing, but today, he had once again outshone her!

The Sect Master’s praise — she had never received it!

How annoying!

“Of course, I’m an honest person and never lie,” Meng Changqing spread his hands.

“I don’t believe you. You look like a big liar.” Mo Xiaoyu raised her small fists, “You better meet me in the martial event. I’ll defeat you fair and square to prove I’m stronger!”

“Meeting in the event would mean fighting within our own sect, benefitting other forces,” Meng Changqing replied.

“Um… true, then let’s see who ranks higher!” Mo Xiaoyu proposed.

“Alright, but there should be a wager,” Meng Changqing suggested.

“What wager?” Mo Xiaoyu asked.

“If I rank higher than you, you have to agree to one request of mine.”

“What request?”

“My greatest love is making friends. You just need to agree to be my friend.”

“Friend?” Mo Xiaoyu was taken aback, not expecting such a request.

“Alright, I agree. But if you rank lower than me,” Mo Xiaoyu put her hands on her hips, a mischievous grin on her cute face, “you have to call me senior sister for life and be my follower!”