The lifting of Chu Mingwei’s confinement was a cause for celebration among those close to him. While others wore smiles for days on end, Chu Mingwei himself did not share their outward joy. The reason was simple: after seeing Xiao Lingyu once on the day of his release, he had not seen him again in the following days. Unlike before, when meetings at Thinking-Over Peak were frequent, these past few days brought neither encounters nor even the occasional transmission.
Originally planning to visit his junior brother at noon, Chu Mingwei could only force a wry smile at the pile of jade slips delivered by the sect leader’s disciples. Reluctantly setting aside the desire to see Xiao Lingyu, he devoted himself entirely to understanding the sect’s affairs over the past ten years. As the sect leader’s senior disciple, Chu Mingwei naturally understood the intent: ten years ago, he had begun familiarizing himself with sect matters, but his decade-long confinement had kept him distant. Now, the leader wished for him to quickly grasp the current situation and resume the path he had left ten years ago.
Over the past few days, Chu Mingwei had been fully occupied with these affairs, unable to spare a moment to speak with Xiao Lingyu—let alone the excursions he had once imagined taking with his junior brother.
Before he could finish the jade slips, Chu Mingwei received a transmission from the sect leader. Without delay, he set off immediately for Haotian Hall. To his surprise, no other elders were present—only the sect leader himself. Suppressing his astonishment, Chu Mingwei bowed respectfully and looked toward Ling Xiaozi.
Ling Xiaozi regarded his most cherished disciple—young, accomplished, calm and poised—with a warm smile.
“Mingwei, how well have you grasped the sect’s affairs over the past ten years?”
“Disciple has gained a preliminary understanding of the relevant matters,” Chu Mingwei replied respectfully.
Ling Xiaozi nodded approvingly. “Good! Though you need not deal with these trivial matters every day, you must have a general understanding to prevent deception from below.”
Chu Mingwei acknowledged the point silently.
Ling Xiaozi then shifted the topic, curiosity in his eyes. “What is your opinion of Leng Hanyuan, Elder Yao’s direct disciple from Huawu Peak?”
Chu Mingwei’s expression flickered with surprise, unsure why the leader would mention this junior, but he considered carefully and said, “Junior Brother Leng has excellent talent and works diligently. He is kind and humble, earning the respect and admiration of the sect’s disciples. I also think highly of him.”
Ling Xiaozi smiled wryly. “Indeed, Leng Hanyuan is outstanding—but perhaps too outstanding. During your confinement, he took on some sect responsibilities under Elder Yao’s guidance, managing them flawlessly and earning praise from all. Among lower disciples, his popularity is notable. Had his cultivation been higher, and had Meng Fan and Bai Qian not suppressed him in several major competitions, his reputation might have rivaled yours, and many disciples might have followed his lead. Mingwei, do you understand what I mean?”
The meaning was clear. Chu Mingwei fell silent for a moment before looking up at Ling Xiaozi. “Master, I understand. When I became your disciple, I swore to always prioritize the sect’s interests and its legacy. Whether I become sect leader is unimportant. What matters is that the person who holds that position can elevate the sect. If Junior Brother Leng is more suitable, I would gladly support him as leader.”
Ling Xiaozi gazed deeply at his beloved disciple and sighed. He knew Chu Mingwei was not one to seek power; for him, the sect’s interests and legacy outweighed personal gain. That was precisely why Ling Xiaozi valued him so highly.
Though Leng Hanyuan was capable, Ling Xiaozi believed Chu Mingwei remained the most fitting successor. No one would alter his plan; the next leader of the Yuntian Sect would be Chu Mingwei. With that, he ended the discussion.
“In my heart, you are the most suitable choice. No one can change that.”
Hearing the firm tone, Chu Mingwei fell silent, understanding the topic was closed.
Ling Xiaozi then brought up another matter. “Recently, the Ancient Sword Sect sent word that three of their disciples went missing near Wucheng in Tianyang Kingdom. Before disappearing, they reported discovering an ancient immortal’s grotto. These events mirror those surrounding Junior Brother Wu ten years ago, whose disappearance also occurred near Wucheng. I have long pondered Wu’s fate; now that a clue has surfaced, Mingwei, you must lead an investigation immediately.”
At the mention of Wucheng, Chu Mingwei’s thoughts turned to Xiao Lingyu. As far as he knew, Xiao Lingyu’s hometown was Wucheng, and he had never ventured beyond the sect since joining. Chu Mingwei’s mind stirred. “Junior Brother has never left the sect in all these years. I wish to take this opportunity to bring him down the mountain for practical experience. Master, what is your view?”
“Junior Brother? You mean Lingyu?” Ling Xiaozi recalled the obedient disciple of Wu Yunzi and nodded. “Lingyu is exceptionally talented yet gentle and kind. Though now at the Void Realm, he has no combat experience. He truly needs to leave the mountain and gain experience. In the recent sect competition, he refrained from harming opponents in every match—truly excessive mercy. The path of cultivation is harsh; the way of Heaven spares none. Within the sect, Wu Yunzi protects him, but beyond, the weak are preyed upon. If Lingyu remains so soft, I worry for his future cultivation.”
Chu Mingwei frowned at this evaluation. “Junior Brother’s heart is pure and transparent. I would rather it remain so. As his senior brother, I will ensure he lives a safe and stable life.”
Ling Xiaozi, astonished, asked, “You can protect him for a time, but how can you protect him for a lifetime?”
Chu Mingwei’s expression grew solemn. “Since I have made this decision, I will protect Junior Brother for a lifetime.”
Seeing the determination in his disciple’s eyes, Ling Xiaozi’s fleeting doubt vanished. Given that Chu Mingwei had watched over Xiao Lingyu almost his entire life, such care was natural. Ling Xiaozi issued a few brief instructions before dismissing him to prepare for the descent.
Exiting Haotian Hall, Chu Mingwei gazed toward Yilan Peak, expression grave. Junior Brother, may your heart remain forever pure and untroubled.