Tian Zhu and Jian Huiyin stared at each other without blinking.

She waited for his answer as to why she should join the Infinite Dao Sect. Based on his tone, she had expected a threat—but what she heard was quite different from what she imagined.

“You received nearly eight thousand mid-grade elemental stones from our sect. That’s enough for you to cultivate for how long? Sixteen years? That’s if you use all of them for yourself. But even with your special physique, in sixteen years you’d likely only reach the 5th level of the Golden Core, no more than that, correct?” Tian Zhu asked with his usual indifference.

Jian Huiyin remained silent, waiting for him to continue, though her heart was far from calm.

What he said was, in fact, true. And worse—she would never dare to use all the stones just for herself. It would be better to invest in the elders and save some for future generations. In the end, she would at most use enough to break through to the 4th level and reach the mid stage of the Golden Core—nothing beyond that.

She also realized that the phrase he had said earlier—”If I were you, I wouldn’t rush to refuse before hearing the terms, because our sect does not offer second chances after a rejection”—probably wasn’t a threat or coercion, but a genuine offer.

But that wasn’t what impacted her the most. His next words captured her full attention and made her heart pound violently.

“What our sect can offer you is the chance to see broader horizons. To glimpse the gates of immortality and attain a power that could shake the world.”

He spoke indifferently, but his vacant gaze seemed to contemplate all the laws that govern reality.

Aotian didn’t even realize that the sect leader’s eyes had become ethereal as he spoke.

Jian Huiyin was mesmerized by that gaze, which seemed to peer into the universe.

Tian Zhu placed his hands behind his back and turned to the horizon, which glowed with radiant sunlight, bathing his body in light.

“You can stay here, and when the end of your life comes, be just another cultivator at the mid stage of the Golden Core who never lived long enough to see even a sliver of this world. Or, you can follow me, and with the resources of my sect, reach a level you never imagined.”

He spoke lightly, but his words had a deep impact on Jian Huiyin’s heart.

She had always been a cultivation genius. With perfect-quality elemental roots and a special physique, she had everything to be heaven’s favored daughter.

Unfortunately, life rarely goes as planned.

When she reached the Golden Core, her master—the sect leader—no longer had much time left. And so, the burden of leading the sect that had raised her since she was little fell to her.

She had always been like a bird that could fly freely, but chose to stay behind and protect her nest.

She never had the chance to chase after greater realms or explore the world, because if anything happened to her, her sect would be defenseless against others of equal level.

That’s why her heart trembled and warmed at his words—but instinctively, her gaze fell upon the Bamboo Sword Sect, which she had always defended.

That single look was enough to cool and calm her heart. Her gaze returned to the previous indifferent calm.

“Without me, my sect would be left defenseless…”

She didn’t reject him outright, but her words made it clear she couldn’t leave.

However, even she didn’t realize her words sounded more like a search for a solution than an actual refusal.

“Your concern is that your sect would be in danger if you left, because they don’t have a second Golden Core to replace you?” Tian Zhu asked suddenly, causing her to look at him in confusion—though she still nodded in silence.

“Well, it’s simple. As I said, our sect is currently itinerant, and we haven’t recruited many disciples. All our current disciples have been sent on missions and will be recovered within two months. Here’s what I propose: we temporarily stay here and help cultivate a Golden Core elder for your sect. Meanwhile, you become an internal elder of our sect, while continuing as the leader of the Bamboo Sword Sect.”

Tian Zhu spoke calmly, but his words sounded completely absurd to Jian Huiyin.

Her mouth involuntarily twitched several times.

“You’re telling me to let your sect settle inside mine, and in the meantime, I—the sect leader—would become an inner elder in yours.” She spoke, incredulous, even at the very words she was repeating.

The image of indifference, power, and mystery that Tian Zhu had built in her mind crumbled for a moment, turning into that of an opportunist and a deceiver.

Aotian understood that, from her perspective, what he said was absurd. It was no different from turning the Bamboo Sword Sect into a subordinate sect, as its very leader would become an internal elder of another.

But Aotian simply had Tian Zhu stare at her calmly.

“The decision to join our sect is yours. I simply offered an alternative. I won’t force your choice. But let me remind you: unlike you, who can only unleash one attack comparable to peak Golden Core, I have no limitations in displaying that level of power. Therefore, there are no hidden motives here—no interest in your spiritual veins or your sect, as you may be thinking. If that were the case, I’d target more powerful sects.”

Tian Zhu explained with tranquility.

Those words awakened Jian Huiyin from her narrow perspective.

‘He’s right. Although my sect isn’t weak because of me—the leader—who possesses great sword talent and a special physique, we still don’t have the best resources or spiritual vein. In truth, we’re among the weaker Golden Core sects on this continent. If he wanted to, with his power, he could easily take over better, richer sects than mine,’

she reflected silently.

Her sect had never been among the top—not even close.

It was only with her rise as leader that the Bamboo Sword Sect became more respected and recognized among peers.

Her strength alone imposed a respect greater than the sect truly deserved.

But this didn’t make her happy as a leader.

She would much rather her sect be stronger and more independent—one that didn’t rely solely on its leader’s strength to gain prestige.

‘Perhaps… the opportunity for my sect to ascend to a greater level lies with him and the Infinite Dao Sect…’

She stared at Tian Zhu, who showed no emotional fluctuation on his face, and once again, her heart was stirred.

‘…and also my chance to break free of my restraints and finally focus on cultivating and exploring this world…’

Her heart grew more and more turbulent.

Jian Huiyin then took a deep breath and calmed herself, not rushing to act.

“Let me speak with the elders of my sect. This is a decision that affects more than just me,” She said, looking him in the eye.

Tian Zhu simply nodded calmly.

“Very well. I’ll be waiting on my ship for your answer,” He replied indifferently, turning and leaving under Jian Huiyin’s complex gaze.

Wasting no time, she descended and gathered with her elders to make a decision.

…

There was a heavy silence in the Bamboo Sword Sect’s main hall after a long discussion.

The intense debate over the opportunities and risks of their leader getting involved with that sect had come to an end, and now all were silent, reflecting.

Jian Huiyin, after repeating Tian Zhu’s words, had remained silent during the entire discussion, attentively listening to the opinions of the sect’s elders in search of clarity about the path they should now take.

With the discussion concluded, she made her decision.

Rising gracefully from the golden throne at the front of the hall, she looked seriously at everyone.

All eyes turned to her, awaiting their leader’s final decision.

Jian Huiyin parted her lips and finally revealed her thoughts.

“We all know that the path of cultivation is a constant struggle against mortality, and even against the heavens. But the moment we let fear take over—even when faced with the chance to reach a new realm—and convince ourselves that what we have is enough—”

She looked at one of the elders who had argued against risking what they had, and he lowered his head under her gaze.

“—when we convince ourselves that our short lifespan is enough—”

Her gaze moved to the grand elder, who had only a few years left to live. He clenched his fists upon hearing her words, his fighting spirit reigniting.

“—when we believe that our current power is enough—”

She then turned to the red-haired elder, the most hot-headed of the sect, who hated being weaker than others. He trembled with excitement at his leader’s words.

“—in that exact moment, we die as cultivators. That is when we forever lose the chance to see greater horizons.”

She spoke with unprecedented seriousness, and all the elders understood her decision, their blood boiling at the speech.

Even those who were uncertain couldn’t stop their aged, hardened hearts from beating with vigor once more.

“So, my decision is not just for me. It’s for the sect, for the ancestors who fought their battles and seized opportunities to create this sect that has endured for thousands of years. It’s so we can become better and never retreat.”

She spoke with conviction, and most elders straightened their backs and firmly nodded in agreement.

Jian Huiyin took a deep breath, then looked around at everyone.

“I, Jian Huiyin, 27th leader of the Bamboo Sword Sect, have made my decision. Let glory fall upon me in victory, and all the blame in defeat by my decision.”

She declared.

“Yes, Sect Leader!”

The elders said no more and saluted their leader, obeying her final decision.

But it wasn’t as though any of them were being reckless or blindly betting. After all, even while assuming the title of internal elder of the Infinite Dao Sect, their sect leader would still remain loyal to the Bamboo Sword Sect.

And, according to the opposing sect leader, he would help one of their elders reach the Golden Core and assume leadership, which would increase the sect’s strength and influence.

Thus, though there were risks, it was a calculated one—and if all went well, the sect would gain greatly.

Of course, hidden dangers still required caution, but opportunity and risk walk hand in hand.

They could only hope they had made the right bet.

…

Leaving the sect and flying toward the black ship of the Infinite Dao Sect, Jian Huiyin wore a serious look on her beautiful face as her silver hair fluttered in the wind.

As she neared the ship, she slowed down until she hovered at its edge, where she saw that Tian Zhu was already waiting for her with his hands behind his back, staring at her—as if he had foreseen her arrival.

She stared back.

“Does your previous offer still stand?” She asked.

Tian Zhu simply nodded.

“Good. I accept,” She said firmly.

Tian Zhu observed her, while Aotian—through Lie Zheng—sensed that she was telling the truth. Of course, she had her own intentions, but there was no malice toward his sect or its people, which was enough.

It was now just a matter of time before she fully became one of them. Aotian didn’t doubt that for a moment.

“Very well. Welcome to the Infinite Dao Sect, Elder Jian. My name is Tian Zhu, Sect Leader of the Infinite Dao Sect.”

He spoke without much emotion, hands behind his back and a powerful aura, but there was no disrespect in his tone.

Jian Huiyin took a deep breath, raised her open palm above her closed fist, and saluted with seriousness on her otherwise indifferent face.

“Jian Huiyin greets the Sect Leader.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep