Chapter 2550: Not A Disappointment
Lu Yin had no idea that the only person to master the Sixth Hand within a single month was the Cyclic Universe’s Junior Sovereign. After all, the Eight Hands of the Stone Gate was a Progenitor-level battle technique. Even a Semi-Progenitor would not be able to master the Sixth Hand within a mere month. The moves were easy, but understanding the concept behind them was difficult.
The Junior Sovereign's accomplishment had shaken the entire Cyclic Universe, and Shi jiao was eager to see if Xuan Qi could match that feat. If he succeeded, he would undoubtedly be the best successor for Sage Stone’s seat. After all, the Junior Sovereign could not inherit just the seat of one of the Nine Sages.
Shi jiao was fully cognizant of the task her master had entrusted to her before he had made his way to the battlefield. She was to find the most suitable successor for him. Her master did not want the seat of Sage Stone to be left vacant, but there was no one within the Stone Gate who was qualified to receive it.
Shi jiao would rather search for her master’s successor herself, and then bring them into the Stone Gate in order to ensure that the Sage Stone seat would remain within the Stone Gate.
"I am willing to make an attempt," Lu Yin finally answered respectfully.
"Stop!" Xu Xiangyin instantly appeared, unable to remain silent any longer. While Lu Yin was unaware of Shi jiao’s motivations, Xu Xiangyin was fully aware of them.
Shi jiao shot Xu Xiangyin a cold glare. "Are you trying to interfere?"
Xu Xiangyin answered in a low voice, "Xuan Qi is already a member of my Voidforce Universe. Whether or not he can learn the Sixth Hand, it means nothing to your Cyclic Universe. Since he has already met your school’s requirements, I will be taking him to the Central School."
"Impossible." Shi jiao's voice sliced through the air like a blade.
"Shi jiao, the Cyclic Universe has given birth to countless talented individuals. A single Xuan Qi won’t make any difference!" Xu Xiangyin raised his voice.
Dealing with Shi jiao, Xu Xiangyin demonstrated a completely different attitude from when he had argued with Mu Sanye.
Shi jiao replied, "You should already be aware of Honored Master's situation. The Stone Gate needs to find the most suitable person to inherit his seat, and no one will be allowed to hinder these efforts. Doing so will make them an enemy of my Stone Gate."
When Xu Xiangyin replied, each syllable that escaped his mouth carried a chilling undercurrent. "Is your Stone Gate powerful enough to make an enemy out of my entire Voidforce Universe?"
Shi jiao stared at Xu Xiangyin, but Xu Xiangyin did not back down.
Mu Sanye, Zhi Bing, You Teng, and another, unknown, powerhouse appeared. All of the Sixverse Academy’s highest authorities had arrived. The stranger was the Three Monarchs Universe's representative.
The unknown man glanced at Xuan Qi. This youth’s talent was so overwhelming that everyone wanted him. At every school he visited, people fought over him. If not for the isolated nature of the Lost Clan, another group would have already entered the competition. Xu Xiangyin had truly suffered in order to keep his chosen genius.
Mu Sanye was speechless. If he had known the young man was capable of learning the Eight Hands of the Stone Gate from a single glance, he would have continued to fight for him regardless of how terrible his acquired innate gift had proven. The Arboreal Realm had many powerful battle techniques, some of which were just as important to their universe as their innate gifts. What a pity.
"Everyone, please calm down," You Teng spoke up, acting exactly the same as he had when things had gotten heated between Xu Xiangyin and Mu Sanye in the past. Hearing the comment left Mu Sanye rolling his eyes.
Xu Xiangyin also felt that the comment sounded familiar. He had heard them mentioned more than once already.
Shi jiao’s voice was frigid, "Honored Master's inheritance is related to the Cyclic Universe’s Nine Sages, and the Great Sovereign is personally involved with this matter. If you continue to obstruct me, I will send a report regarding Xuan Qi's suitability for the seat to the Great Sovereign."
The words "Great Sovereign" were a weight that hung heavily on everyone’s hearts, leaving them struggling to breathe.
"Of course, I still need to examine his character before making a decision," Shi jiao continued.
Xu Xiangyin was confident about fighting the Arboreal Realm for Xuan Qi, but he had no confidence in facing off against the Cyclic Universe. The moment the matter was reported to the Great Sovereign and Xuan Qi was chosen to inherit Sage Stone's seat, it would not matter even if the entire Voidforce Universe opposed the decision.
As for Xuan Qi himself, since he applied to transfer to the Cyclic School, it indicated that he already had some thoughts regarding Sage Stone's seat. Given a choice between the two universes, even an idiot knew that anyone would choose to accept Sage Stone's seat.
"You Teng, remember that this is the Cyclic School. You cannot disrupt our regular activities. Since Xuan Qi is now a student of the Cyclic School, he is free to learn any technique provided by the Cyclic Universe until he leaves this school," You Teng reminded Xu Xiangyin.
Xu Xiangyin looked over at Lu Yin. "Xuan Qi, why did you enter the Cyclic School?"
Under Xu Xiangyin's gaze, Lu Yin could not help but feel a pinch of guilt. The old man had been incredibly helpful and supportive, and had always been looking out for Lu Yin. "Senior, this junior still hopes to join the Voidforce Universe."
Everyone turned to stare at Lu Yin in surprise.
Xu Xiangyin's eyes went wide. "Good! Good! Good!"
He completely failed to hide his excitement. "You truly wish become a part of the Voidforce Universe?"
Shi jiao gave Lu Yin a strange look, as did the others present.
Lu Yin answered in a sincere manner, "Yes."
"Then why did you transfer to the Cyclic School?" Mu Sanye could not help asking. He also wanted to ask why Xuan Qi had transferred to the Arboreal School.
Lu Yin replied, "'The convergence of the different universes is inevitable. A great person once said this."
You Teng arched a brow. "Madam He Ran?"
Lu Yin smiled. "Yes."
You Teng praised the young man, "It's good to see that you still remember Madam He Ran's words."
Shi jiao was astonished. "Do you not want to inherit my Honored Master’s seat? Do you not want to become the next Sage Stone and become one of humanity’s greatest powerhouses?"
Everyone stared at Lu Yin, looking into his eyes. This was the question that truly mattered. Who could resist the temptation to instantly become a peak powerhouse?
There was not a single flicker in Lu Yin's eyes. "I do, but that is something I can achieve on my own. There’s no need for me to inherit a seat to achieve it. Even in the Voidforce Universe, I can become a peak powerhouse."
"Hahaha, Shi jiao, did you hear that? This is Xuan Qi! He is determined to join my Voidforce Universe! That is his true desire!" Xu Xiangyin laughed heartily. This was a moment of unprecedented joy for him. He even started to regard Xuan Qi like he were his own son, and affection filled the old man’s eyes.
He made a solemn promise to himself that he would strive to acquire the best resources for Xuan Qi. The youth had impressed Xu Xiangyin greatly, and had honored the Voidforce Universe. This matter had to be reported to Lord Xu.
Shi jiao's cold expression suddenly warmed, and a faint smile appeared. "Xuan Qi, I find that admirable. However, regardless of your choice, you are a student of my Cyclic School for the moment. Continue and study the Sixth Hand. Anyone who is uninvolved in this matter needs to please leave."
Xu Xiangyin became upset. "Shi jiao, you still won't give up?"
Shi jiao looked at Xu Xiangyin. "I am teaching a student my Cyclic Universe’s Sixth Hand of the Stone Gate. Do you also wish to learn it?"
You Teng and the others dragged Xu Xiangyin away before he could get out another word.
No matter what, things were taking place in the Cyclic School, and there were rules to follow.
Xu Xiangyin stared at Shi jiao's face. It was clear that the woman was refusing to give up. She was most likely trying to think of a way to lure Xuan Qi away from the Voidforce Universe. There were times when the desires of a few people could not sway the decisions of the Sixverse Association. Xuan Qi may have decided to join the Voidforce Universe, but Shi jiao was absolutely capable of forcing the youth to join the Cyclic Universe. She possessed the capability to do that much.
No. Xu Xiangyin remained outside the Cyclic School to watch. He needed to see what Shi jiao would do.
Shi jiao returned her focus to Lu Yin and asked, "Do you really want to join the Voidforce Universe? It’s impossible for anyone to be able to resist becoming a peak powerhouse. Be honest with yourself."
Lu Yin replied, "Senior Xu Xiangyin has shown me a great deal of kindness, and I don't want to disappoint him."
"Fool!" Contempt appeared on Shi jiao’s face. "In the world of cultivators, the weak will be preyed upon by the strong in the competition for resources. It's only normal for cultivators to pay any price to acquire greater strength. On top of that, Xu Xiangyin hasn't shown you any true kindness. If you had first come to my Cyclic School, I would have treated you in the exact same manner, given the talent you've shown."
Lu Yin calmly met Shi jiao's stare. "No matter what others may choose to do, this junior seeks only to retain a clear conscience."
Xuan Qi’s words left Jiang Xiaodao gritting his teeth. Did this bastard have any idea what it was that he was rejecting? As long as Xuan Qi agreed to Shi jiao’s offer, his status would immediately become equal to Jiang Xiaodao’s own, and yet the offer was being refused?
Shi Hong, Mu Cheng, and the others stared in a daze after witnessing Xuan Qi reject Shi jiao's offer. Not everyone possessed the will to refuse such an opportunity.
Shi jiao looked into Lu Yin's eyes for a long time before casually saying, "Continue. The conditions remain unchanged. Provided that you can learn the Sixth Hand of the Stone Gate within one month, you can make any request."
"Even if I don't join the Cyclic Universe?" Lu Yin asked.
Shi jiao replied, "I will keep my word."
Lu Yin nodded. "Very well. Senior, please begin."
Outside the Cyclic School, Mu Sanye let out a sigh, "Old Xu, I now regret my choice."
Xu Xiangyin did not care. The Arboreal Realm had already given up on Xuan Qi, which meant that Mu San was out of the fight for the youth.
"Although the innate gift from the child's wood transformation is not good, his talent for battle techniques is remarkable. What's even more rare is that he understands how to repay kindness he is shown. He is willing to give up Stone Sage’s seat for your sake. Personally, I could never do such a thing," Mu San lamented.
You Teng also commented, "I never expected him to have such a reason to refuse the Cyclic Universe. People like him are rare. No wonder Zi Jing likes him."
Zhi Bing nodded. "It truly is rare to see such things. If I had known about his character before, I wouldn't have minded accepting him into my Lost Clan."
"Unfortunately, he is still far too naive. The Cyclic Universe won't allow him to refuse them. The fact that Shi jiao is continuing to teach him is proof enough," the person from the Three Monarchs Universe said.
Xu Xiangyin continued to stare at Lu Yin. The child did not wish to disappoint Xu Xiangyin, or be ungrateful. What kindness had Xu Xiangyin ever shown the youth? If another person had happened to discover Xuan Qi's talent for voidforce energy, they would have taken the exact same actions. Xu Xiangyin had simply been lucky, nothing more.
Xuan Qi, oh Xuan Qi. Since the child did not want to disappoint Xu Xiangyin, he would not disappoint Xuan Qi, either. No matter what it took, the old man would ensure that Xuan Qi would become a powerhouse who belonged to the Voidforce Universe. Even if it meant using up an entire lifetime's worth of effort, he swore to see it done.
Lu Yin had no clue that his words had caused Xu Xiangyin to make such a vow to himself. The main reason Lu Yin did not want to join the Cyclic Universe was because he was afraid that he could be exposed. To begin with, there were simply too many powerful Progenitors in the Cyclic Universe. Secondly, the Great Sovereign was too mysterious a figure. If Lu Yin took the Sage Stone seat, he would inevitably have to meet with the Great Sovereign.
There was no way the Great Sovereign would not be able to see through the Mask of Death, and for that reason, facing the Great Sovereign was the last thing that Lu Yin wanted to see happen.
Even if encountering the Great Sovereign was something that would only happen in the more distant future, Lu Yin felt confident that crossing paths with Sage Stone would happen much sooner. Trying to hide behind the Mask of Death before Sage Stone would be equally futile. Not to mention, there were various complications concerning the Cyclic Universe itself. While the seats of the Three Sovereigns and Nine Sages could be appointed, there were many other things that Lu Yin did not understand about that particular universe, and that made it imperative that he avoid going there at any cost.
Compared to the Cyclic Universe, the Voidforce Universe was a much better choice.
Shi jiao demonstrated the Sixth Hand of the Stone Gate for Xuan Qi.
If compared to the Fifth Hand, the Sixth Hand revealed itself to be far more complex, and required an even greater degree of comprehension, which meant that it required even greater artistic concept. Lu Yin was confident he could master it within a month, possibly even less, but he quickly reminded himself that he needed to avoid going too far. It was important to pace himself carefully.
After Shi jiao demonstrated the entire Sixth Hand, Lu Yin spent two days considering what he had seen, and then asked Shi jiao to repeat the demonstration.
The request did not surprise Shi jiao, and she gave a second display of the Sixth Hand.
No matter how many times she needed to perform the Sixth Hand, as long as Xuan Qi could master it within a month, it meant that he possessed a level of talent that rivaled that Junior Sovereign.
In the past, the Junior Sovereign had needed a month to learn the Sixth Hand.
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