Unforeseen danger

In the Mu clan's ancestral hall, the acting clan head was surprised. "Is this really Mu Tianxing of our clan?" he muttered, unable to believe what he was witnessing.

"Well done, companion," Xiao Feng said with a smile.

Mu Tianxing walked towards Xuan Ping and Xiao Feng, bowing his head in gratitude. "I really thank my brothers for believing in me," he expressed sincerely.

"Aww, is this the part where a character cries? Wait! Why isn't he crying?" Xu Qing complained. "It's really getting on my nerves."

"Clan head, I am ready to lead and serve the clan with all I've got," Mu Tianxing proclaimed firmly.

"Good, good, the coronation continues," the acting clan head announced, relieved that Mu Tianxing had surpassed expectations. The atmosphere filled with jubilation as everyone rejoiced.

"Is it possible to become this strong within a few months?" a guard whispered to his companion.

"Well, I'll say nothing is impossible, but it's actually nice that our new clan head is this strong," the other guard replied.

The clan elder proceeded with the coronation ceremony, officially appointing Mu Tianxing as the next patriarch of the Mu clan.

"Among you elders that are present, which one of you does not support my decision of making Xuan Ping the next head?" The acting clan head looked around, and they all nodded in agreement.

"Good," the elder replied. "From now henceforth, Mu Tianxing is the next patriarch of our Mu clan." With those words, the elder handed over the responsibility of the clan to Mu Tianxing.

Everyone present was elated, and a grand banquet was set up. They all ate to their satisfaction, celebrating the new clan head's coronation.

After the feast, the elder took Mu Tianxing away from the hall, leaving the others to continue with the celebrations. As they walked together, the former clan head began to inspect Mu Tianxing.

"How were you able to break through to the Immortal Ascension Realm so quickly?" The former clan head studied him closely, trying to unravel the mystery.

"Pure devotion and desperation," Mu Tianxing replied, his voice filled with determination.

"Do I look like a year-old kid to you?" The former clan head noticed his reaction and understood that it was not that Mu Tianxing didn't want to talk, but that he was unable to.

"Well, I understand. Just take care of the Mu clan well. I'll be going into seclusion," the former clan head stated.

"Yes, clan head," Mu Tianxing bowed respectfully.

"Funny brat, I'm no longer the clan head," the former head said playfully, his hands behind his back, as he walked away.

Mu Tianxing stood alone in the ancestral hall, contemplating his newfound power and responsibilities. Despite everything he had achieved, he felt there was something missing.

Xuan Ping and Xiao Feng entered the ancestral hall, noticing Mu Tianxing deep in thought. Xuan Ping wore a questioning look, gazing at Mu Tianxing, while Xiao Feng shrugged.

"Were you wondering what to do after becoming this strong?" Xuan Ping asked, interrupting Mu Tianxing's thoughts.

Mu Tianxing jumped slightly, not sensing Xuan Ping's presence. "Yes, brother," he replied, surprised that Xuan Ping knew exactly what was on his mind.

"But before anything, I hope you're not thinking you are already strong enough," Xuan Ping said, staring intently at Mu Tianxing.

Mu Tianxing felt a sense of urgency wash over him. "Truly, I'm still too weak compared to my brothers," he admitted, acknowledging his limitations.

Mu Tianxing was reminded of their encounter with Ye Fan, which brought back a frightening memory.

"Willing to go on an adventure with us?" Xuan Ping asked, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"Yes, brother," Mu Tianxing replied instantly, ready for any challenge.

"Good. When the time comes, we'll let you know. But remember, be prepared to sacrifice the lives of every soul in your clan," Xuan Ping revealed, his statement leaving Mu Tianxing puzzled. He wondered about the true meaning behind the brotherhood and contemplated whether his involvement could lead to the annihilation of his clan. He had always known that his brothers were extraordinary, but the immensity of their powers made him wonder how strong their masters must be.

"Think things through before answering properly," Xiao Feng advised, tapping Mu Tianxing's back.

"And we will be taking our leave today since we have overstayed our welcome and must not be too idle," Xiao Feng added.

"Where are you going next?" Mu Tianxing inquired.

"Only time knows," Xuan Ping replied cryptically.

"Brother Mu Tianxing, I have a task for you, and I would be happy if you could help me out," Xuan Ping said.

"I am willing to do anything for my brothers," Mu Tianxing replied.

"Watch over my sect, the White Lotus, and whenever they need help, please don't hesitate," Xuan Ping requested.

"I will do my best, Brother Xuan Ping," Mu Tianxing promised.

"Thank you," Xuan Ping expressed his gratitude as he left the ancestral hall with Xu Qing.

Xu Qing ran towards Mu Tianxing, saying, "I'll miss you so much, lazy brother. I hope we meet again."

"Sure, but please don't call me lazy brother," Mu Tianxing joked.

"I wanted to let you know something, take good care of the White Lotus sect, and Senior Brother Xuan Ping would be grateful to you," Xu Qing shared.

Curious, Mu Tianxing asked, "Why are you telling me this?"

Xu Qing playfully replied, "Obviously, something precious to him resides in the White Lotus sect... hehe. Take care, lazy brother." She then proceeded to rub her hands through his hair.

Annoyed, Mu Tianxing responded, "Thank you, senior sister, but I've had enough of that. Please don't call me lazy."

Fortunately, with Mu Tianxing watching over them, the White Lotus sect now had a potential supreme being protecting them. To ensure the safety of the sect, Mu Tianxing decided to plant a spy inside, allowing him to receive direct information that may pose a threat to the sect.

...

In the Netherworld Sect, a meeting of the elders was called, and two shocking things occurred. First, the sect master, who usually secluded himself to cultivate, attended the gathering. Second, the fifth elder, who had always been present in previous meetings, could not be found.

The sect master calmly observed the confusion among the elders and asked, "I guess you all now know why I called for this meeting?"

The first elder spoke up, "Is the fifth elder missing?"

The sect master replied, "Not missing, but dead."

The elders were astonished and angered. The fifth elder held a significant position in the sect's hierarchy and possessed the potential to become a supreme stage cultivator.

"How is that possible?"

"Who dares provoke the Netherworld Sect?"

"The fifth elder was powerful. The main concern now is to find out who did this." Their eyes filled with rage.

The fifth elder, beloved by the sect master, was the one who kept him informed about the happenings in the sect.

"Silence!" The sect master's booming voice echoed through the hall, bringing an immediate halt to the commotion. "All I want to know is the whereabouts of the fifth elder for the past six months."

The first elder continued, explaining that the fifth elder had been diligently cultivating in his abode, as had all the elders. However, five months ago, the sect master's disciple claimed to have seen the fifth elder leaving the sect alone. The disciple described him wearing plain clothes without the sect emblem.

"Bring your disciple here," commanded the sect master.

After a short while, the disciple rushed into the hall, visibly nervous. As soon as his gaze met the sect master's, he felt a wave of deathly energy and became even more agitated.

"What is this? I sensed death for a moment. Who was that man?" The disciple was drenched in sweat.

The first elder intervened, saying, "Compose yourself and greet the sect master."

[Sect master? Is that really our sect master? His presence is beyond extraordinary. I wanted to take another look at him, but the dreadful feeling prevented me from doing so. I'd rather not die yet.]

The disciple bowed without lifting his head, answering the sect master's questions. "Do you know where the fifth elder went when you spotted him?"

"I don't know exactly where he went, but he headed towards the Anhui Province."

"Hmm, I'll take it from here... You may leave," said the sect master.

The disciple hastily exited the hall, not dwelling too much on the matter.

"Sect master, are you planning to chase down the killer yourself, or should we send someone else?" inquired one of the elders.

"No, I have my reasons," responded the sect master.

The meeting concluded, and the elders left the hall, while the sect master prepared to track down the killers.

...

Finally, after a long journey, Xiao, Xuan, and Xu had found a precious and reliable ally. They felt a sense of relief as their progress gradually improved, although they were still not strong enough. Xu Qing, on the other hand, remained unaware of the events unfolding around them. Nonetheless, her wish to travel the world with her senior brothers had come true. Despite her best efforts, she couldn't suppress her curiosity.

Xuan Ping noticed Xiao Feng looking at him since they had left the Mu Clan, and he wondered why. It wasn't until they reached an inn to spend the night that Xiao Feng finally revealed his true reason.

"Can't we just sleep overnight in the small world?" he suggested.

"Not again. I should have known," Xuan Ping sighed. "But we can't rest in there unless we're cultivating. The small world also has its restrictions."

"Small world? It seems like I'm the only one confused here," Xu Qing chimed in, twitching her mouth as she stared at them with curiosity.

"Cultivating all night in the world won't be a problem, right?"

"Alright, alright," Xuan Ping agreed. He took hold of Xu Qing and Xiao Feng's hands, and they stepped into the small world.

"What! Where in the world has this place been?" Xu Qing exclaimed, rushing towards Xuan Ping. "Brothers, can I study alchemy techniques here?"

"Well, do as you wish, but remember not to waste time, or you might be thrown out," Xuan Ping warned.

Xu Qing marveled at the incredible place that existed before her eyes. Dragons, spirits, and fairies were sure to inhabit this world, she thought.

"Well, there might be dragons, perhaps a dragon race or clan. I once encountered a spirit race, but I believe they exist in a realm separate from ours. They call it the upper realm," Xuan Ping explained.

Wow! Xu Qing was so happy and surprised by the decision to explore with her senior brothers. Xiao Feng just stood there, observing Xu Qing as she acted like a kid exploring something sweeter than her mother's milk.

Xu Qing hurried off to the alchemy room, but unfortunately, she wasn't strong enough to remove the restrictions placed on the door. She returned to Xiao Feng with a frown, unable to open it.

"Brother Xiao, can you come and help me with the restrictions? I couldn't lift them," she pleaded.

There's one funny thing about life that many fail to understand: as a cultivator, if you're not qualified to acquire something great, you should come back when you are qualified. Maybe then, it will be seen as a treasure instead of a danger.

"So, what are you trying to say, Brother Xiao?" Xu Qing asked with curiosity.

"I suppose you're not qualified to peek into the secrets that the alchemy room holds... try again later," Xiao Feng responded.

Xu Qing was flustered upon hearing Xuan Ping's words. "That will always be your space, no one would fight you for it. Get stronger and stay in there as long as you want," she replied with determination. "And before that time comes, I'll study these hundred types of pills. I believe the sect doesn't have a record of them."

"Yes, and I almost forgot," Xiao Feng said as he handed a book to Xu Qing, who eagerly took it and began flipping through its pages.

"Senior brother, what is this?" Xu Qing asked with curiosity.

"That's me keeping my promise, the world concealment depth I promised you," Xiao Feng replied.

Xu Qing couldn't contain her excitement and jumped on Xiao Feng, much to his annoyance.

"Wow, I can't believe there are no normal people around me, only jumping monkeys," Xuan ping thought, turning away with a smile.

While Xu Qing was engrossed in studying the pill types, their uses, and the world concealment depth, Xiao Feng and Xuan Ping continued their cultivation for a long time. Eventually, they decided to go out and explore a bit, but upon seeing Xu Qing, they decided to leave her in the small world for the time being.

"Brother, I think I prefer the small world to this. It has really dense Qi," Xiao Feng remarked as he hopped onto Xuan Ping.

"Xiao Xiao, this doesn't concern me. All I want is to find a good food worthy of me," Xuan Ping replied with a smile.

"Hahaha, junior brother is searching for a food worthy of him... but where would you find that?" Xiao Feng chuckled.

"Well, I don't know for now, but why don't we go to a restaurant? It's been so long since I've eaten something truly delicious," Xuan Ping suggested.

"Brother Xuan, have you ever tasted junior sister's food before?" Xiao Feng asked, genuinely curious.

"Obviously not, and you?" Xuan Ping responded.

"Obviously not," Xiao Feng replied, his expression becoming somewhat bland. "Weren't we together all this time? I guess I must have eaten something she cooked up."

"What did she cook?" Xuan Ping asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Pills, of course!" Xiao Feng burst into laughter.

Xuan Ping looked at Xiao Feng, feeling an urge to punch him in the face, but deep down, he knew it wouldn't change the fact that he was still nice and clean.

Meanwhile, the sect master of the Netherworld sect caught wind of the bastards who had killed his fifth using Qi sensing. But one thing shocked him even more—those responsible were two young men who weren't even twenty yet.

He followed them into the restaurant, and only when he got close did he sense the reason why the fifth had been easily defeated by them.

"These two bastards possess the world concealment depth... but who could their master be? Well, that won't change the fact that they'll both die today," the sect master thought with determination.

An unforeseen danger loomed ahead. Xuan, Xiao, how are you both going to handle this?