Xu Wentian

On the distant horizon, a stream of fire streaked across the sky and fell upon the tranquil, mirror-like surface of the lake.

As the flames dissipated, two figures emerged.

It was Pang Yue and Qin Shuyi, returning from Bloodrock Island to Bright Lake Island.

Pang Yue stood with his hands behind his back, a strange light flickering in his eyes as he gazed toward the center of the lake, an expression of surprise flickering across his face.

Beside him, Qin Shuyi stood gracefully, her gauzy dress billowing in the wind, accentuating her flawless figure. Her exquisite features were clouded with complicated emotions; all the schemes and longings she once harbored had been burned away in the brilliance of Qu Ziyang’s Metal Thunder.

Resignation settled within her.

From this day forward, she was destined to be nothing more than a vessel.

She found herself unable to see through this enigmatic Daoist Xu standing before her.

Recalling that night of dual cultivation, a rosy blush bloomed on her snow-white cheeks, making her appear even more alluring. This seemingly ordinary “Outer Sect Elder” possessed not only a body and stamina of extraordinary power, but was also well-versed in the secret arts of the demonic sect, extracting unimaginable benefits from her.

That night’s experience had far surpassed anything she had anticipated or even imagined possible.

She had become like a puppet, manipulated into all manner of shameful poses to aid Daoist Xu’s cultivation.

Yet, in the midst of it all, she had felt an unparalleled ecstasy…

Now, both physically and mentally, she no longer resisted the idea of dual cultivation with this man.

Especially after his victory over Qu Ziyang, she found that beyond fear and awe, a trace of admiration had taken root in her heart.

Pang Yue gazed at the heart of Bright Lake, a rare look of astonishment flickering across his otherwise calm face.

“From today onward, every ten days, come to my residence once… to aid my cultivation,” Pang Yue said calmly.

“Every ten days…” Qin Shuyi’s brows knitted slightly, her expression shy and demure as she replied softly, “Yes… my lord.”

“You may go now. A guest has arrived on the island,” Pang Yue said as he strode toward the center of the lake.

Qin Shuyi looked at the heart of the lake in confusion; it was clearly empty—what guest could there possibly be?

…

Pang Yue walked atop the water, covering ten yards with each step, soon reaching the lake’s center.

Passing through an invisible barrier, a vermilion ship suddenly appeared before him.

At its prow stood an elderly man, bald with white eyebrows and beard, clad in a black arcane robe, silently regarding Pang Yue.

Within the tangled depths of Daoist Xu’s memories, many vivid impressions were bound to this man.

Xu Wentian.

Ancestor of the Xu family, and a true disciple of the Demonic Palace.

By seniority, the original Daoist Xu should have addressed him as “uncle.”

Yet Pang Yue could not fathom why this imposing patriarch had come quietly to Bright Lake Island as if the island’s formidable defenses were mere child’s play.

As Pang Yue looked upon Xu Wentian, he felt as though the man were a bottomless abyss—empty, unfathomable, and brimming with a terrifying power that might erupt at any moment.

“Uncle,” Pang Yue greeted respectfully.

Xu Wentian’s gaze was gentle as he looked at Pang Yue, a faint smile appearing on his face. “Liming, you have done well, hiding your strength until now and striking only when the time was ripe.”

Pang Yue looked puzzled.

Xu Wentian flicked his finger, and ripples shimmered in the air before him, revealing a water-mirror. In its reflection, the scene of Pang Yue and Qu Ziyang’s battle on Bloodrock Island flickered vividly.

“Many of the true disciples witnessed your duel with Qu Ziyang,” Xu Wentian explained blandly.

He gestured to the side, his tone brooking no refusal. “Come sit.”

With a sweep of his form, Pang Yue landed on the great ship.

On the deck, the two sat facing each other, a chessboard between them.

Pang Yue asked, “May I ask, Ancestor, what brings you here?”

“There are indeed a few matters to discuss,” Xu Wentian replied, looking steadily at Pang Yue. “I wish to appoint you as clan leader of the Xu family.”

At this, Pang Yue raised his brows and replied with a wry smile, “I am dull of wit and lacking in talent, hardly fit to lead the clan. Surely, Uncle, there are those more qualified than I.”

“At present, apart from myself, you are the strongest among the Xu family. The position of clan leader can belong to no one else,” Xu Wentian replied, his gaze intense.

Pang Yue demurred again. “I am devoted to cultivation and lack the time for clan affairs. I fear I am not up to the task.”

Xu Wentian gave a quiet laugh. “Very well. I know you have had your fortuitous encounters and wish to pursue the Great Dao… I was much the same in my youth, but alas…”

He shook his head with a sigh.

“Since that is your wish, then simply return to the family as an elder. Should the clan face peril, you must lend your aid.”

Pang Yue felt little attachment to the Xu family, nor did he care for its modest influence. Were it not for Xu Wentian’s formidable cultivation and reputation, he would have long since dismissed him.

Now, he could only feign reluctance. “Uncle, I fear even this may not be possible…”

“Hold!” Xu Wentian interrupted with a wave of his hand before Pang Yue could finish.

“This elders’ seat is not without its rewards. In addition to an annual stipend of one hundred thousand spirit stones, I gift you this treasure.”

As he spoke, a flash of blue light revealed an ancient, gray-white little tower in his hand.

A profound aura emanated from the tower, causing Pang Yue’s expression to change.

Xu Wentian presented the tower. “This treasure is called the Desolate Dao Tower, which I acquired in my youth on the Fallen Demon Isle. Though its restrictions are damaged and it is but a first-grade artifact, its wonders far surpass those of the usual grade.”

Pang Yue gazed at the tower, feeling the Daoist resonance within. “This treasure can increase one’s affinity with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth?”

“Precisely!” Xu Wentian fixed Pang Yue with a deep look. “This treasure can make up for your lack of innate talent. With its help, you may one day reach the late stage of the Dao Foundation.”

Pang Yue accepted the Desolate Dao Tower and, after refining it slightly, sent it forth. In a flash, a seven-tiered, gray-white tower materialized upon the surface of the lake.

Octagonal and ancient, the tower’s body was covered in the marks of countless battles, exuding an aura of timeworn majesty.

Pang Yue entered the tower and immediately felt his body and mind grow lighter and clearer.

His sensitivity to spiritual energy and his ability to refine it rose to a new level without him realizing it.

The speed at which he refined spiritual energy became comparable to cultivators with superior spiritual roots.

The Desolate Dao Tower truly lived up to its reputation.

With this treasure’s assistance, it might indeed be possible for him to break through to the late stage of the Dao Foundation.

Who would have thought Xu Wentian could produce such a miraculous artifact?

Pang Yue could not help but look upon the true disciples with new respect, discarding his earlier disdain. In the Demonic Talisman Sect, there was not a single true disciple to be taken lightly.

“Uncle, it seems I have no choice but to accept your terms,” Pang Yue said with a bitter smile as he returned to the prow and put away the tower.

Xu Wentian continued, “There are two more conditions.”

Pang Yue’s brows furrowed—was this not pressing his luck?

“First, within three years, you must produce an heir.”

Xu Wentian did not wait for Pang Yue to reply. “I will arrange suitable Dao companions for you to choose from; you need only ensure the Xu bloodline continues.”

“Second, the family will assign several fourth-generation disciples to Bright Lake Island to cultivate under your guidance. You must spare some time to instruct them.”