C17 Acting Sect Master

To prevent such an incident from occurring, Lee Xuan made the decision to divide his consciousness and assume the title of Acting Sect Master. This revelation cleared up the confusion and speculation that had been brewing among the others. They even rationalized Lee Xuan's actions, convincing themselves that this was indeed the correct course of action. After all, having someone who appeared to be just a high school student as their future leader was a constant source of unease.

"Then... alright," Nangong Yue acquiesced, her newfound trust in Lee Xuan evident. As she eyed the pill in Lee Xuan's hand, she couldn't help but salivate at the prospect of its potential benefits. She was cautious, though, not wanting to overstate its value before she had the chance to report back to her brother.

Once the pill was in Nangong Yue's possession, she was eager to find someone to test its effects. Lee Xuan, recognizing her intent, granted her permission to leave the mountain, accompanied by Loong Ling. The rest remained behind, their recent confinement having taught them a lesson. They were now exceedingly compliant, fearful that any further disobedience would result in permanent entrapment within the Myriad Spirit Bell.

Lee Xuan didn't waste time pondering the authenticity of their intentions. If any deceit was at play, the Artifact Spirit within the Myriad Spirit Bell was far more ruthless than one could imagine, with many more strategies yet to be deployed.

Before departing, Lee Xuan stood before the Myriad Spirit Bell, which had witnessed the true Azure Cloud Academy. Initially, he had suspected that the Myriad Spirit Bell, a creation of the system, lacked self-awareness. However, its profound respect for him suggested otherwise; it was not under the system's control.

The reason for its reverence was straightforward: it regarded Lee Xuan as the savior of the Azure Cloud Academy. "Sect Master, the Azure Cloud Sect has been absent for ten thousand years. Your initiation of a new era is indeed a great fortune," it expressed, looking upon Lee Xuan with the admiration one would reserve for a remarkably decisive junior. At this, Lee Xuan touched his nose, feeling somewhat sheepish.

In the perception of the Myriad Spirit Bell, Lee Xuan was likely resorting to any means necessary to resurrect the Azure Cloud Academy. The Myriad Spirit Bell had witnessed his efforts and held Lee Xuan in high regard.

After so many years of absence, the fact that someone was endeavoring to restore the Azure Cloud Academy moved the Myriad Spirit Bell deeply.

"Keep a close eye on these individuals, Myriad Spirit Bell. They have never practiced cultivation and tend to be somewhat indolent. If needed, don't hesitate to discipline them slightly," Lee Xuan instructed the Myriad Spirit Bell.

With a nod, the Myriad Spirit Bell vanished from Lee Xuan's presence. Lee Xuan let out a sigh before descending the mountain with Nangong Yue and Loong Ling.

Loong Ling was already experimenting with sword control. Her attempts were clumsy, but she managed to take flight successfully.

"If you diligently apply yourself and heed the advice of the Acting Sect Master, you too will be able to soar on a sword," Loong Ling advised Nangong Yue upon approaching her.

As the sect's eldest senior sister, Loong Ling was beginning to assert her authority.

She had noticed Nangong Yue's rebellious streak and made a point to caution her. Regardless of Nangong Yue's internal musings, should she ever harbor thoughts against the Sect Master Senior Brother, Loong Ling would act without a second thought.

Feeling exposed, Nangong Yue was irked and rubbed her nose in annoyance.

"You're still an artist under our label, and I'm technically your boss. Is this how you should be speaking to me?" Nangong Yue expressed her displeasure, prompting Loong Ling to furrow her brow.

Loong Ling's dream of becoming a singer hadn't faded, and she still clung to that aspiration. Yet, Nangong Yue's words rankled her.

Moreover, she was no mere performer under their company's banner. Lee Xuan had already resolved her identity issues, liberating her from any constraints. He was merely offering her a stage to fulfill her dreams.

"Loong Ling," Lee Xuan called out, drawing her attention back to him.

"After we descend the mountain this time, there's no need for you to rush back to the sect," he informed her.

Lee Xuan had given considerable thought before speaking his mind. For Loong Ling, her greatest aspiration was to become a singer. This meant Lee Xuan no longer needed to hold her back.

"However, you mustn't neglect your cultivation. I'll continue to keep an eye on you and make sure you stay on track," he cautioned.

Loong Ling nodded in understanding, her eyes sparkling with excitement and happiness at the prospect of pursuing her passion.

When Lee Xuan approached, Nangong Yue playfully tugged at his clothes and complained, "Lee Xuan, your dear junior sister is bragging about her ability to fly with a sword. What's the big deal? You should take me down the mountain."

"You'll be able to learn sword flying soon enough," Lee Xuan replied with a frown. He was about to consent when Loong Ling interjected with a firm refusal.

"I'll take you down the mountain," she said, her gaze icy and dismissive. "Men and women should not have such close contact."

Nangong Yue's mood soured immediately, feeling thwarted.

Truth be told, Nangong Yue's interest in Lee Xuan was more out of curiosity than genuine attraction. She was intent on uncovering the secrets behind his background, a sentiment shared by her entire family as a precaution.

Yet, Loong Ling seemed to protect Lee Xuan as if he were her most precious possession, which only intensified Nangong Yue's discomfort and determination to win him over. After all, there was nothing she, Nangong Yue, had ever desired that she couldn't obtain.

"Fine," she conceded, adopting a slightly pitiful demeanor as she stepped back.

Nangong Yue believed her act could elicit sympathy from many men, but she overlooked the fact that Lee Xuan was no ordinary man. Seeing her like this, he simply thought she was genuinely aggrieved.

Besides, Lee Xuan agreed with Loong Ling's proposal. Why should he bother with sword flying when someone else could take care of it?

"Okay, Loong Ling, it's in your hands," Lee Xuan decided, to which Loong Ling nodded. Nangong Yue's eyes nearly bulged with frustration.

Loong Ling descended the mountain with Nangong Yue, her pitiful screams echoing through the sky.

"Loong Ling, are you sure you can fly this thing? You're not going to crash, are you? Please, just let me down, ahhhh..."

Loong Ling's flight was still shaky, nearly colliding with the mountainside at one point.

Lee Xuan watched with a mix of awe and fear.

Thankfully, they avoided any real danger.

Upon their safe landing...