Ling Tian Sword God

The position of Sect Leader?

Ling Chen shook his head. Even if he desired the position of Divine Intent Sect Master, he shouldn't pin his hopes on Shentu Yan. Instead, he should strive for it with his own strength, inheriting his father's position by virtue of his power.

Moreover, Ling Chen's goal had never been to become the leader of a sect. His ambition was to incrementally improve his strength, to become an indomitable force in the Martial World, and a martial hero admired by all. Power, in his eyes, was fleeting, an illusion, holding no true value.

Moreover, breaking through to the Sky Apex Realm at the age of fifty? That's far too distant from my goals. Even Father surpassed that. How could I aim for higher realms?

"Elders, I have made up my mind. I've come today to bid you all farewell."

Ling Chen cupped his fists in a salute. He had previously considered staying longer in the Divine Intent Sect to focus on his cultivation, but after much thought, he found no reason to remain.

Bai Kui gave a wry smile and said to the Great Elder, "Sect Leader, let him go. The path of an Expert is destined to be a solitary one. Wasn't Ling Tianyu himself forged in a mountain of corpses and a Blood Sea?"

"But," one of the Elders interjected anxiously, "everyone's situation is different; you can't generalize like that! Our Divine Intent Sect is currently in decline, and we've finally seen the emergence of a once-in-a-century genius. Now he's about to leave, and we don't know if he'll live or die. How can we not be anxious?"

The hopes they had placed on Ling Chen far exceeded those they had for Nie Wu Xiang, as Ling Chen's potential was clearly much greater.

Great Elder Shangguan Hong sighed deeply and said, "Everyone has their own trajectory of development. If we try to forcibly restrict him, it will only be counterproductive. The path of an Expert is inherently one of Life and Death. If one fears death, how can they achieve greatness? Have you forgotten that Ling Chen has reached this stage by navigating numerous life-or-death situations and multiple crises? Could he have come this far without such trials?"

Hearing this, the other Elders fell silent.

"Thank you, Great Elder."

Ling Chen breathed a sigh of relief. If all the Elders were to obstruct me, this training journey would be very difficult to undertake.

"Ling Chen, how long will your period of training last?" Now that Ling Chen's intention to go out and train was confirmed, Shangguan Hong no longer tried to stop him and instead asked about the specifics.

"At most a year, at least half a year."

Ling Chen wasn't sure of the exact duration, but he knew that traveling through these several countries would take a considerable amount of time.

"Next Spring is the Martial Arts Conference, held once every three years. Your training should conclude before it begins." The Great Elder said after a moment of contemplation.

"My training will end in the capital of Thunder Country, the City of Thunder. I will definitely not miss this Martial Arts Conference."

Ling Chen nodded. Each Martial Arts Conference is a stage for Martial World Experts to contend. It's not only a grand event where Experts vie for the title of 'Supreme' but also one that determines the new generation of Kings.

At that time, Martial World Experts from all corners and the outstanding talents of the younger generation will all compete for the titles of Martial Arts Supreme and King of the new era.

Even Experts from the Demonic Sect will join this grand competition for supremacy in the Martial World.

Ling Chen's current training journey was, in part, preparation for this very Martial Arts Conference.

Securing a place in the top ten at the Martial Arts Conference guarantees exceptionally rich rewards.

Furthermore, those who make it into the top three will have their names engraved on the Martial Arts Monument. At that point, one truly achieves eternal fame, their name passed down through the ages.

The champion of the Martial Arts Conference not only enjoys a unique position on the Martial Arts Monument and receives abundant resources as a reward but also earns the precious opportunity to engage in discussion with the Four Outstanding Talents. This chance is invaluable.

Each of the Four Outstanding Talents is a leading figure of the younger generation in the Martial World, a once-in-a-century genius. The chance to sit down with them and exchange insights on martial arts would undoubtedly lead to a significant advancement in one's own cultivation.

Of course, thinking about these things now is still too far off. The Martial Arts Conference is next Spring, still a good seven or eight months away.

"Since you've made up your mind to go out and train, we won't stop you. Be careful out there. Life is precious; don't reveal your trump cards easily."

"Always think carefully before you act to ensure everything is foolproof."

Knowing Ling Chen's mind was set, further persuasion was futile. The Elders had little more to say, only hoping he would depart and return safely. They weren't worried about his achievements; as long as he didn't die, there was at least a seventy to eighty percent chance he would eventually reach the Sky Apex Realm.

"I will heed the Elders' teachings."

Ling Chen cupped his fists to the Elders. He knew their admonitions against taking risks stemmed from good intentions, so he naturally felt no resentment. Instead, a sense of warmth spread through him.

Ever since his father was gone, Ling Chen had felt little affection for the Divine Intent Sect. This unexpected warmth was therefore all the more precious to him.

After they left the main hall, Great Elder Shangguan Hong looked at Ling Chen and said, "Ling Chen, before you go, I'd like you to accompany me to pay respects to your father."

"Alright."

Ling Chen nodded. I almost forgot. It's been a long time since I last visited Father's grave. Since this training journey will likely take several months, it's only right to pay my respects before I leave.

"Let's go then."

Shangguan Hong led the way, and the two of them descended the steps of the main hall.

「Divine Intent Sect Back Mountain.」

Ling Chen and Shangguan Hong stood before a tombstone. On it was inscribed: "Tomb of the Martial Arts Supreme, Ling Tianyu."

Kneeling, Ling Chen lit a stack of joss paper, then began to burn incense and offer his respects.

The tomb did not actually contain Ling Tianyu's body. It was said that during the great turmoil within the Divine Intent Sect, a massive fire had broken out, and his remains were incinerated. What stood before them was merely a cenotaph.

After paying his respects, Ling Chen rose to his feet. Gazing at the tombstone, a wave of sorrow washed over him.

"Your father, in the Netherworld, would be immensely proud to see how far you've come."

Shangguan Hong patted Ling Chen's shoulder.

"Yes."

Ling Chen nodded. He bowed once more, intending to leave, but then his gaze caught something unusual about a stone plinth beside the grave. It seemed to protrude noticeably. Based on Ling Chen's knowledge of mechanism technique, it looked suspiciously like part of a mechanism.

"What is it?" Shangguan Hong asked, noticing Ling Chen's odd focus.

Ling Chen didn't reply. He walked over to the stone plinth and, after a moment of manipulation, twisted the protruding section. RUMBLE. The stone slab in front of the tombstone split apart, revealing a hidden compartment.

Inside the compartment lay a black box.