"Hmm..."
Upon hearing this, the fanaticism on Li Nantian's face gradually faded, replaced by a hint of loneliness. After a moment of silence, a determined light quickly flared up in his eyes again:
"To be honest with you two Fellow Daoists, I have never seen the Great Heavenly Venerable.
After all, given the status of the Great Heavenly Venerable now, he rarely returns to the Lingxu Heavenly Palace anymore.
However, I have always had a dream, and that is to take first place in the Hundred Meridians Grand Competition of the Lingxu Heavenly Palace. At that time, I will gain the qualification to go to the Xuantian Dao Palace to cultivate. Perhaps, I will have the chance to see the Supreme Great Heavenly Venerate and receive his guidance!"
By the end of his sentence, Li Nantian's eyes were full of longing, and his tone carried an incomparable yearning.
Clearly, having been influenced by what he had seen and heard, he was another little fanboy of Han Xuanji.
Seeing that Li Nantian didn't seem to have any more information, Han Shou didn't press further. It felt a bit impolite to keep asking, so he simply echoed:
"Han Shou wishes that Brother Li may have his wish fulfilled."
Han Shou pondered in his heart. His Master, Han Xuanji, was most likely the Junior Brother of that legendary Supreme Celestial Venerable, and his strength was probably even greater than Emperor Yunmiao's. In other words, Han Xuanji was very likely a Primordial Chaos Golden Immortal!
He had really latched onto a very thick thigh back then!
Han Shou couldn't help but recall how wise he had been, strengthening this conviction.
"Haha, if that day truly comes, I will definitely tell you what kind of person the Great Heavenly Venerable actually is."
Li Nantian laughed loudly, though he also knew that this was, in the end, an unrealistic dream.
There were so many Prodigies in the Lingxu Heavenly Palace, and not a few monsters from various major Immortal Realms or even outside the Immortal Realm. The difficulty of taking the top spot was unimaginable.
But if one truly took the top spot, whether or not they could see the Supreme Celestial Venerable was one thing, but achieving the Primordial Chaos Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm in the future would certainly not be difficult.
Afterward, Li Nantian also learned some of the cause and effect from Han Shou's mouth. He was somewhat unfamiliar with the Senior who had sent these two over, but since it was some big figure from the Immortal Realm, he didn't pay it too much mind.
After all, Emperor Yunmiao had received so many top experts of the Immortal Realm. Many Immortal Realm powerhouses would send their favored juniors into the Lingxu Heavenly Palace to participate in the Hundred Meridians Grand Competition and enter the Xuantian Dao Palace.
This was currently the most elite advancement route in the Immortal Realm.
And this wasn't just for show; only the most dazzling Prodigies of this generation could make it to the end.
Snapping out of it, Li Nantian gave the two an apologetic smile:
"Apologies, Fellow Daoists, I got carried away and spoke a bit too much.
Up ahead is the Zixia Grotto-Heaven. You two may rest here for the time being. If you have any needs, just send a message to me."
Han Yun and Han Shou quickly regained their composure and bowed to Li Nantian, their tones respectful:
"Many thanks to Fellow Daoist Li Nantian for leading the way. You have worked hard."
Li Nantian bowed slightly in return and said with a smile:
"Fellow Daoists are too polite; this is what I should do.
Then I shall take my leave first. You two may rest in peace."
With that, he turned and left, his figure quickly disappearing into the mist-shrouded mountain path.
As Han Yun watched Li Nantian's back, he felt a bit melancholy:
"Grandpa Shou, do you think I can make a name for myself in this Lingxu Heavenly Palace where Prodigies are as common as clouds?"
Han Shou shook his head and said:
"I don't know. The Prodigies of the Upper Realm are each more terrifying than the last. Li Nantian's strength is already at the Peak Golden Immortal realm, making him a Powerful Expert of the Upper Realm, yet from his tone, it seems he's not worth mentioning. One can imagine how many brilliant Prodigies will appear in this Hundred Meridians Grand Competition."
At this point, Han Shou patted Han Yun's shoulder and consoled him:
"However, I believe in you. Having walked all the way here from the Lower Realm and with Master's help, do you think you are inferior to them?"
"Hmm."
Han Yun took a deep breath and said:
"I will definitely cultivate hard to repay Old Ancestor Xuanji's kindness in the future!"
...
On the other side, inside the Spirit Void Palace, after Han Yun and Han Shou had left, only Han Xuanji and Emperor Yunmiao remained in the hall.
Emperor Yunmiao looked at Han Xuanji's figure, his face still holding a hint of daze. It took a long time for him to snap out of it.
Han Xuanji smiled and said:
"Between Master and Disciple, why be so constrained?"
Generally speaking, it was normal for a Disciple to be a bit constrained when seeing their Master. But now, being alone with Han Xuanji, Emperor Yunmiao was the one who couldn't relax.
Emperor Yunmiao sighed softly:
"Though we are Master and Disciple, I have been an incompetent Master."
Han Xuanji's expression was calm, and his tone held a bit of warmth:
"Master must be joking. Back then, you also protected me for many years; otherwise, I wouldn't have cultivated so peacefully."
This was indeed the truth.
After all, for Emperor Yunmiao to leave him alone and not try to test him, allowing him to cultivate peacefully, was the best help for him.
Hearing this, a trace of warmth appeared on Emperor Yunmiao's face. He then recalled the matter of the Sect's atmosphere they had just discussed, and his expression gradually turned solemn as he took the opportunity to say:
"Xuanji, there is something I wanted to discuss with you.
Now that the Disciples of the Lingxu Heavenly Palace are increasing by the day, it is inevitable that some Disciples will become arrogant and act recklessly, damaging our Sect's reputation. I am pondering how to rectify this atmosphere. Do you have any insights?"
Han Xuanji turned to look outside the hall, his tone calm:
"For a Sect to grow, discipline must come first. Anyone who acts recklessly and tarnishes the Sect's reputation should not be tolerated. Punish them severely according to the Sect's rules to make an example of them, and it will naturally deter others.
Furthermore, select those with upright character and outstanding cultivation to serve as Law Enforcement Elders to strictly supervise the Disciples' words and actions. Over time, the atmosphere will naturally improve."
Emperor Yunmiao's heart shivered, and he quickly nodded:
"I understand. I will definitely rectify it as soon as possible so as not to trouble you. I will never allow these people to behave unscrupulously and affect your reputation."
He knew Han Xuanji's character well; he seemed gentle but was actually decisive in killing. If he were to truly encounter those unruly Disciples, he would certainly not show mercy.
Even if the backgrounds of these people were extraordinary.
But no matter how extraordinary a background was, could it be greater than Han Xuanji, the Supreme Celestial Venerable?
Originally, he had been somewhat hesitant about whether to punish them severely, but hearing Han Xuanji's words now, he had firmed up his own thoughts.
Regardless of what heaven-piercing background they had, once they entered his Lingxu Heavenly Palace, they had to obey the rules of the Lingxu Heavenly Palace.
Han Xuanji waved his hand lightly, his tone casual:
"I don't actually care much about these empty titles. However, if I do run into those who corrupt the Sect's morals, I don't mind stepping in to teach them a lesson, lest they cause even greater trouble in the future."
Although Han Xuanji could easily settle even the greatest trouble now, he didn't want to inexplicably take the blame for someone else's actions.
"That is only right. If you truly encounter them, do not show mercy."
Emperor Yunmiao nodded with a smile.
Han Xuanji's willingness to chat with him about these things made him feel overwhelmed by the favor.
The two talked for quite a while. Emperor Yunmiao also mentioned the whereabouts of some people from back then. Thanks to Han Xuanji, they basically all had very good developments.
And the Lingxu Heavenly Palace was also getting better and better. Every so often, an unparalleled Prodigy would appear and be sent to the Xuantian Dao Palace for nurturing.
In fact, these people were all using the Lingxu Heavenly Palace as a springboard, but Emperor Yunmiao didn't care and was even happy about it.
The two didn't chat for too long, as Han Xuanji didn't have much interest in these matters of the Lingxu Heavenly Palace.
Coming back this time was just on a whim; after all, he was about to leave Chaos, so he also arranged things for Han Yun and Han Shou along the way.
Arranging them directly into the Xuantian Dao Palace would be too big a leap; it was better for them to settle in the Lingxu Heavenly Palace first.
"Master, returning today, besides settling Han Yun and Han Shou, I also came to bid you farewell. In a short while, I will be leaving Chaos for a period of time."
Han Xuanji, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly spoke.
Emperor Yunmiao's whole body shook, and a trace of reluctance flashed in his eyes, though he had already expected it. He looked at Han Xuanji, his eyes full of gratification and expectation:
"I knew it. Although this world is vast, it cannot ultimately contain you. Go with peace of mind and take care of yourself.
As for Han Yun and Han Shou, I will personally look after them. I will definitely give them the best cultivation resources and protection. I will never let them suffer the slightest grievance in the Lingxu Heavenly Palace, and I will also urge them to cultivate diligently so as not to fail your expectations."
A faint smile appeared on Han Xuanji's face, and he nodded lightly:
"I trouble you then, Master."
With that, his figure moved slightly, a faint green light shimmering around him, and his figure gradually became illusory.
"Farewell."
As the words fell, Han Xuanji's figure completely disappeared from within the Spirit Void Palace, leaving behind only a wisp of faint aura to prove he had been there.
This was originally just a Divine Thought Incarnation, not Han Xuanji's true body. Since the task was completed, it naturally vanished.