The interlude between Fang Wen and Ye Xuan brought shock to everyone in the Council Hall. However, after these two were dismissed by the Sect Leader, everyone realized that Sky Whirlwind had already known about the two juniors eavesdropping. As for why he didn't expose them, that remained a mystery.
Moreover, what excited the Hall Masters even more was Luo Xin's display of martial prowess. Perhaps due to Sky Whirlwind's stern demeanor, no one dared to praise Luo Xin in such an atmosphere. Just as Qianjizi and others were about to say something to break the awkwardness, Sky Whirlwind spoke again: "You all may leave now; I need to speak with Luo Xin alone."
Upon hearing this, although Qianjizi and the others did not understand the Sect Leader's intentions, they couldn't help but feel concerned for Luo Xin. It seemed that the young man's earlier actions had indeed gone too far. From Sky Whirlwind's handling of Fang Wen and Ye Xuan, it was clear he did not approve of Luo Xin's behavior.
Under the Sect Leader's imposing presence, no one dared to speak up for Luo Xin. They all left with gloomy expressions, silently praying that the Sect Leader wouldn't make things too difficult for him. Beyond that, they could only leave it to fate.
Once everyone had exited, the atmosphere in the Council Hall improved slightly with just Sky Whirlwind and Luo Xin remaining. At least it was no longer so oppressive; it was merely cold and silent.
Time passed slowly, and outside, dusk began to settle. The Qin Empire's Envoy Group had arrived at Heavenly Mechanism Sect around noon, and now it was already afternoon with hints of twilight casting shadows in the Council Hall.
Sky Whirlwind stood quietly without speaking, his silence unnerving. Luo Xin, the foremost among the Core Disciples, seemed to realize his earlier overstep but maintained a calm demeanor until Sky Whirlwind finally broke the silence.
"Do you know why I kept you here alone?" Sky Whirlwind asked lightly. His tone was ambiguous, making it hard to discern whether it was good or bad; it simply felt oppressive.
Luo Xin couldn't guess but replied respectfully, "I don't understand."
Upon hearing this, Sky Whirlwind looked at him deeply and sighed: "Actually, you are not someone who is arrogant or complacent. Why then do you choose to act so forcefully in front of the Hall Masters? Are you trying to show them your fiery temperament or deliberately make them think you are conceited?"
At this statement, Luo Xin finally lost his composure. His face, which had been deliberately showing determination, revealed a hint of astonishment. This expression of surprise brewed in his eyes until he could no longer hide it; he had been trying to make others believe he was very proud!
But in reality, he was not that kind of person!
It is true that someone obsessed with martial arts would not be one who enjoys showing off without understanding restraint.
What was even more frightening was that this man who had disguised himself as a stone could not hide from Sky Whirlwind's gaze! After dismissing everyone else, the Sect Leader only wanted to reveal his true nature.
"Or perhaps I can't hide anything from my master..." Luo Xin said with a rare bitter smile, feeling quite helpless.
Sky Whirlwind smiled knowingly: "Two years ago, when I observed you, I already understood what kind of person you are. One Heart has buried itself in the world of martial arts, severing emotional ties and connections with the outside world. In truth, all this is merely an illusion you've created; you've been trying to conceal that you are a pure-hearted person. I just don't understand why you feel the need to do this!"
After finishing his words, Luo Xin decided not to hide any longer. He took a deep breath and faced Sky Whirlwind respectfully: "Master, those not in position should not meddle in affairs beyond their reach. I simply do not wish to get involved in sect disputes; as you said, One Heart is dedicated to martial arts and aims to go further down this path!"
"So what? Do you think that by sharpening yourself like a stone, or by acting like a hedgehog in front of your elders and juniors, people will think you are not to be trifled with? As a result, they will ignore you, giving you enough time to close yourself off and delve into the martial world that you want to understand?" Sky Whirlwind pointedly articulated Luo Xin's thoughts over the years.
Luo Xin was shocked into silence, but facing his master Ye Feng, he could no longer maintain a calm demeanor. He forced a bitter smile and said, "Since you have guessed it, why must you mock your disciple?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Sky Whirlwind shook his head and said, "Old Man is not mocking you, Luo Xin. You are indeed a rare genius in our Heavenly Mechanism Sect over the years. I have high hopes for you and even considered promoting you to the new Hall Master to enter the Council Hall. However, from your earlier performance, I can tell that you are uninterested in rising to power and do not wish to bear such heavy responsibilities, am I right?"
Upon hearing this, Luo Xin did not respond but silently acknowledged Sky Whirlwind's words.
Sky Whirlwind sighed again and said, "It is unwise. Although Old Man can understand you, your direction is already wrong. Wanting to see further and higher in the martial world does not mean you should distance yourself from this secular society. On the contrary, if you want to grow, you must integrate into this secular society. Whether as a disciple or a high-ranking member of the Sect, it is all a form of experience for you!"
Listening to these words, Luo Xin felt there was some truth to them but still could not accept it. He boldly retorted again, "Master, I only wish to cultivate in seclusion and do not want to participate in so many worldly conflicts. Please do not make things difficult for me!"
Upon hearing this, Sky Whirlwind immediately scolded him, "So what you just said in front of several Hall Masters was a deliberate attempt to tell Old Man that you do not wish to become this generation's Walking Prophet! Is that right?"
It turned out that everything stemmed from this reason. As the most promising hidden disciple of the Heavenly Mechanism Sect, Luo Xin had not been publicly recognized over the years. Sky Whirlwind and several Hall Masters had long regarded him as a prophet being groomed for the Sky Abyss Empire. However, this fellow had sensed it early on and began disguising himself because he did not want this identity!
But for Sky Whirlwind, this identity was something that many disciples could hardly imagine or even yearn for. Yet Luo Xin wanted to extricate himself from this predetermined role—how could that not infuriate him?
"Master, I dare to speak my mind; this so-called World-Walking Prophet is nothing but an ignoble role. As an honor sought after by the outside world, in the eyes of various imperial powers, it is merely a shameless scout identity—traveling between nations for martial competitions to gather insider information for our Sect. Such behavior is truly not what Luo Xin desires! I hope Master can understand; I find it hard to bear this responsibility!"
Once these words were spoken, even though Sky Whirlwind was furious beyond measure, he had nowhere to vent his anger! He pointed at Luo Xin, trembling with rage!
Luo Xin remained unafraid; even when faced with the renowned Ye Feng, he held firm to his convictions. He simply did not want to engage in worldly conflicts; he only wished to be a Martial Enthusiast! He wanted to stay within his own world! This was Luo Xin—a true martial artist!
"Enough, enough; Old Man does not wish to force you anymore. Since you have expressed your stance clearly, Old Man promises you that this time around for the Sky Abyss Empire's Walking Prophet, I will not recommend you!" Sky Whirlwind realized that he ultimately could not dictate his disciple's fate and spoke somewhat sadly.
Upon hearing this, Luo Xin's face lit up with joy; his stone-like features broke into a childlike innocent smile as he said, "Thank you, Master! Your kindness is greatly appreciated! I am willing to contribute to the Sect as long as it does not involve these profit-driven conflicts; I will gladly go through fire and water without hesitation!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Sky Whirlwind coldly snorted and said, "Don't be too happy too soon. Since you are unwilling to take on this generation's Walking Prophet role, there are plenty of others who can take over. However, there is still an important task that requires your completion!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Luo Xin did not mind his master's tone but instead guessed something and smiled as he said, "Master is still worried that this time the Qin Empire's Envoy Group comes with ill intentions, right?"
"You know well enough. Old Man isn't afraid to tell you that although the individuals sent by the Envoy Group are not what we expected them to be, they may very well surpass that renowned Mythical Prince. This means that our Heavenly Mechanism Sect faces an even greater challenge!"
Sky Whirlwind is not an exaggeration; the feeling that Feng Ye brings to everyone is indeed unique. After hearing this, Luo Xin seemed to show some interest, no longer as arrogant as before, but rather cautiously said, "To receive such praise from the Master, this person must be extraordinary!"
"It is best if you can understand this. The difficult opponent has been unanimously decided by Old Man and the other Hall Masters to be your challenge!" Sky Whirlwind stated his command directly, showing no intention of allowing Luo Xin to refuse.
Upon hearing this, Luo Xin understood clearly that since the Sect Leader had left him alone to talk, he had been given the right to choose. Therefore, this challenge was indeed unavoidable! As the top Core Disciple of the sect, he had the obligation to help the Sect and protect its honor.
"I understand, Master. I cannot promise anything, but I will do my utmost to defeat this person! I will not let the Sect lose face!"
This statement was much more credible than his earlier arrogance in front of the other Hall Masters. Sky Whirlwind could tell and sighed in relief, saying, "Good. With your words, Old Man feels much more at ease. However, I want to remind you that the opponent you are facing is not as simple as you imagine. If you do not want to fail, it is best to bring out your full strength and avoid being as reckless as before. Remember!"
The fact that this War God was so serious made even Luo Xin truly start to consider what kind of opponent he would be facing! He nodded solemnly and couldn't help but ask, "Then Master, when do you plan to arrange for me to compete with him?"
Sky Whirlwind thought for a moment and replied, "According to their request, the sooner the better. However, Old Man also wants you to observe this person a bit more. It would be best if it were three days from now. During these three days, on one hand, you can keep an eye on him; on the other hand, Old Man also wants to give you some pointers!"
After listening, Luo Xin nodded but still had a question he wanted to ask Sky Whirlwind. It seemed that Sky Whirlwind noticed his concerns and said directly, "Is there anything else you don't understand? Feel free to ask. Old Man can see that you are nearing the end of your path as a Martial Saint, but there is still one hurdle left!"
Upon hearing this, Luo Xin showed an embarrassed expression; it seemed that nothing could be hidden from this Ye Feng!
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