"Hahaha, you must be Lu Yuanshan."
After Lu Yuanshan finished his greetings, Ku Daoist was the first to speak.
His gaze fell upon Lu Yuanshan, carefully scrutinizing him.
"So young, yet possessing such cultivation, quite extraordinary."
"Indeed, it is the junior,"
Lu Yuanshan responded, showing humility.
"Yuanshan, Zhiwei, come and sit,"
Elder Jiang spoke, taking a careful look at Lu Yuanshan and Lu Zhiwei.
Especially Lu Yuanshan, Elder Jiangâs gaze stopped for a moment,
Compared to Lu Ping, Lu Yuanshan did bear a strong resemblance, making Elder Jiang reminiscent of the youthful Lu Ping.
At Elder Jiangâs invitation, Lu Yuanshan and Lu Zhiwei sat beside Liu Qiumei, not forgetting to nod and greet Liu Qiumei and Zhang Luoyu.
"Lu Yuanshan, I have heard some rumors about you recently. Didnât expect such a prodigy could emerge from a small Lushan County."
"In less than half a year, youâve advanced from the Foundation Establishment Stage to the Fifth-Layer Crystallization Stage. Such speed truly astonished even an old man like me."
"Indeed, the young are formidable, truly formidable!"
Zhang Daoxing spoke, with an expression of admiration in his eyes.
He was already aware of Lu Yuanshanâs specific identity.
When Lu Ping was alive, he was quite famous in the Lingxi State.
Just in terms of power alone, Zhang Daoxing considered himself no match for Lu Ping.
Knowing Lu Yuanshan is Lu Pingâs offspring, the eldest son no less, Zhang Daoxing naturally paid attention to Lu Yuanshan, investigating the current situation of the Cyan Mountain Sect.
"Youâve exaggerated, senior."
Lu Ping smiled bashfully.
Recently, compliments about his talent and rapid progress in cultivation are something Lu Yuanshan heard countless times, so he could handle them calmly, with a serene expression.
"You donât need to be modest; your achievements are indeed worthy of pride."
Zhang Daoxing smiled faintly, with a tone of admiration as he continued.
"If you werenât the head of a sect today, this old man would have wanted to take you as a direct disciple, bringing you under the Dubhe Institute for proper training."
Upon hearing these words from Zhang Daoxing, Lu Yuanshan was taken aback.
This was the first time he heard of a Golden Core Ancestor willing to accept him as a direct disciple.
Thinking about this, Lu Yuanshan chuckled and said, "Please do not flatter me, senior. Itâs merely my good fortune."
"This time during the Southern Wilderness expedition, there were actually many opportunities. It was through such chances that I was fortunate to achieve my current results."
What Lu Yuanshan said wasnât false.
The Celestial Fragrance and Brocade Immortal Species indeed allowed Lu Yuanshanâs strength to improve by two small realms.
Furthermore, Lu Yuanshan himself broke through another small realm.
Lu Ping assisted in breaking through yet another small realm.
As for the Jia Wood Crystal, it was acquired through the stalwart efforts of slaying demon beasts, exchanged for cultivation resources.
Adding these together, created the Lu Yuanshan of today.
Yet, just as Zhang Daoxing said, Lu Yuanshan is already the Sect Leader of the Cyan Mountain Sect, burdened with the mission of revitalizing the sect, how could he leave the Cyan Mountain Sect to join anotherâs sect?
Even if Lu Ping were willing, Lu Yuanshan himself would not agree.
Heâs already deeply attached to the Cyan Mountain Sect, which holds his efforts and dedication.
"Thanks for the goodwill, senior."
Lu Yuanshan responded, "For me to become your direct disciple, it seems I lack the needed experience. May you find disciples with better potential than myself in the future."
Zhang Daoxing smiled faintly upon hearing this.
Lu Yuanshanâs response contained a subtle rejection.
"Hehe, Brother, I believe giving up the idea of accepting him as a direct disciple is wise."
Ku Daoist interjected at this time: "Not just you, even I would like to take him as a disciple."
Upon saying this, Ku Daoistâs gaze shifted to Lu Zhiwei.
"Lu Zhiwei, your aptitude is commendable as well."
"Your father, Elder Lu, truly is an extraordinary figure, giving birth to such gifted prodigies, exceptional among men."
Though calling Lu Ping extraordinary, it was with real admiration.
This elicited a slightly amused reaction from Lu Ping, who couldnât help but find it humorous.
Extraordinary...
This term hadnât been mentioned in quite some time and wasnât really a derogatory term.
"Hmm, if I recall correctly, Lu Yuanshan, you have a younger brother named Lu Changfeng, right? Didnât see him in this Southern Wilderness expedition, though."
Ku Daoist humorously inquired.
"Yes, Changfeng stayed at the Cyan Mountain Sect due to sect affairs and did not participate in the expedition."
Lu Yuanshan replied.
After conversing about Lu Changfeng, Ku Daoist appeared overly curious, prompting Elder Jiang to interrupt.
"Alright, they are descendants of Elder Lu, carrying forward the Cyan Mountain Sectâs legacy and revival, why would they seek another mentor."
With this said, Elder Jiang turned towards Lu Yuanshan and Lu Zhiwei, asking.
"Yuanshan, Zhiwei, has Elder Lu, your father, emerged from secluded cultivation yet?"
Prompted by Elder Jiangâs question, Lu Yuanshanâs expression shifted subtly.
Around him, Ku Daoist and others perked up their ears, awaiting Lu Yuanshanâs answer.
Lu Ping stayed in secluded cultivation for a long time, striving to breakthrough to the Nascent Soul Stage. As far as Elder Jiang and others were concerned, it was a major event warranting close attention.
Perhaps, regarding the Nascent Soul Stage breakthrough, they might seek guidance from Lu Ping in the future.
Moreover, the emergence of a new Nascent Soul Old Monster within the Lingxi State Cultivation Realm was sufficient to shake the existing power structures, potentially reshuffling the power dynamics.
"Father has yet to emerge."
Not waiting for Lu Yuanshan to respond, Lu Pingâs voice echoed in his mind.
"Tell them, since they are so concerned about my secluded cultivation, once I emerge, I will visit each of them."
Listening to Lu Pingâs response, Lu Yuanshan smiled ruefully.
It seemed like his father was giving Elder Jiang and others a subtle warning.
"Truthfully, my father is still in secluded cultivation."
However, Lu Yuanshan followed Lu Pingâs instructions, repeating the words.
Soon after, he added, "Father often guides sect affairs and mentioned to me that upon emerging, he will visit all of you to catch up."
Upon learning Lu Ping was still in secluded cultivation, several Golden Core Ancestors fell into contemplation, each lost in thought.
For a moment, the atmosphere in the hall was exceedingly tranquil.
After a while, Elder Jiang spoke, breaking the silence, "Still in secluded cultivation, yes, this Nascent Soul Stage breakthrough is arduous."
"Our Nine Cold Mountain would always welcome Elder Luâs visit."
Upon saying this, the three Golden Core Ancestors from Dubhe Institute smiled.
Continuing on the topic of the Cyan Mountain Sect, everyone conversed briefly before Elder Jiang guided the topic.
"Yuanshan, do you have someone you admire?"
After chatting for a while, Elder Jiang suddenly asked Lu Yuanshan with a smile.
Asked so suddenly, Lu Yuanshanâs expression froze immediately.
"I see Qiumei is of a similar age with you, both from the Chu Kingdom, and have collaborated with you numerous times during the expedition. I think it wouldnât be a bad idea for our Nine Cold Mountain and Cyan Mountain Sect to form an alliance through marriage. But I wonder how Yuanshan feels about this?"