Chapter Sixty-Seven: The Ten-Year Promise

“What? A sand beast managed to break through the underground barrier and enter the Vast Heaven Hall? That’s wonderful! We finally have hope of escaping.” Master Lingfeng became excited upon hearing the good news brought by Yang Xiao and Lingyun Mei. Originally, he believed there was no way to leave the Vast Heaven Hall in a short time, perhaps even thought he would spend his entire life trapped within its walls. Now, with the hope of escape, how could he not be overwhelmed with joy?

“It’s true, Master. Look, the sand beast followed us here,” Yang Xiao said, pointing to the creature behind them.

“It really is a sand beast, and it seems quite intelligent. This time, our escape depends entirely on it.” Seeing the comical, lovable sand beast trailing behind Yang Xiao, Master Lingfeng laughed warmly. Despite its plump body and sluggish movements, these traits only made it more endearing. What surprised everyone was how the sand beast seemed to understand Lingfeng’s praise, approaching Yang Xiao and shyly rubbing its head against him.

Its clumsy antics drew laughter from everyone.

“Let’s go see that place. Most of my injuries have recovered, and since Master has now been laid to rest, it is time for us to leave,” Lingfeng said.

A few of them went to the spot where the sand beast had broken through the earth. Lingfeng inspected the location and said, “This Vast Heaven Hall’s formation is marvelous, but its defenses focus mainly on the periphery. The restrictions on the ground are much weaker, and this spot is particularly fragile, which allowed the sand beast to break through here. In my opinion, the formation has been in place for too long, and time has eroded some of its strength, revealing this flaw. But such a subtle weakness is almost impossible for us to discover; only a sand beast attacking from the outside could find it. We really owe it our thanks.”

“Master, do you think we can leave through here?” Yang Xiao asked.

“Don’t be impatient. Let me widen the opening,” Lingfeng replied. He struck the ground with a powerful punch imbued with the force of wind and thunder. The restriction around the opening rippled, then soon collapsed further.

Under Lingfeng’s full strength, the opening expanded enough for a person to pass through easily. After this exertion, Lingfeng breathed heavily, clearly drained by the effort, but everything had gone smoothly. At last, they could safely leave.

Several hours later, the group finally passed through the tunnel and emerged outside the Vast Heaven Hall. By now, the sandstorm in the desert had regained its strength; the period of calm was over, and the winds began to rage once more.

Fortunately, they had Master Lingfeng, a master of the Condensation Realm. He projected his true energy to shield Yang Xiao, Lingyun Mei, and the sand beast. After several days of travel, they returned to the Giant Spirit Sect.

Yang Xiao originally intended to let the sand beast go free, but the creature had grown so attached to him, refusing to leave his side that he could do nothing but keep it with him. Its adorable demeanor made it impossible to refuse.

Upon their return, Master Kuruong waited for them at Lingfeng’s residence atop Giant Spirit Mountain. Seeing Lingfeng, Yang Xiao, and Lingyun Mei return safely, she finally breathed a sigh of relief. Yet, upon learning of the dangers they had faced in the desert, she was astonished by the ordeal.

Lingfeng copied the Giant Spirit Techniques for Kuruong once more and then stated that, in a few days, he would officially hold the ceremony for Lingyun Mei to assume the role of Young Sect Leader. However, before that, he needed to seclude himself for a couple of days to fully recover.

Yang Xiao returned to his lodgings, made some adjustments, and went to the market to purchase pills for warding off miasma and poison, as well as materials for flight and stamina. He prepared himself for travel, intending to leave the Giant Spirit Sect and explore a broader world.

He also bought a spirit beast pouch, to carry the sand beast and make his journeys easier. After all, traveling with such a large creature would be troublesome. Fortunately, the sand beast was obedient and docile, cooperating as Yang Xiao placed it in the pouch.

With preparations made, Yang Xiao went to find Lingyun Mei to inform her. Such an important matter needed discussion.

Upon seeing her, Yang Xiao explained his intentions.

Lingyun Mei was not surprised. She said quietly, “Yang Xiao, though I belong to you now, for us to be together forever, you must fulfill one promise.”

“What promise? Tell me, Yun Mei,” Yang Xiao replied, their relationship now more intimate.

“You must reach the Zhou Tian Realm within ten years. Only then can we marry,” she said.

Though Yang Xiao had prepared himself, he hadn’t expected such a condition. Ten years to reach Zhou Tian Realm? That was far too short; even the most gifted cultivators would struggle to achieve that in so little time. Just reaching the Condensation Realm was arduous. If Zhou Tian were so easily attained, the entire Wanren Mountain Range would have produced Zhou Tian cultivators long ago.

“Yun Mei, why such a condition? You owe me an explanation,” Yang Xiao asked. He knew he would eventually reach Zhou Tian Realm, being reincarnated, but to achieve it within ten years was a daunting challenge.

“I can’t tell you the reason yet. My background is not what you imagine. If you don’t reach Zhou Tian Realm swiftly, my parents won’t agree to our marriage. My family is full of geniuses; without Zhou Tian strength in youth, you cannot catch my parents’ eye. If they strongly oppose, we’ll face many obstacles. That’s all I can say for now. When you have the strength, I’ll reveal everything. I have great confidence in you; don’t disappoint me. I support your journey, and I’ll wait here for your return,” Lingyun Mei said.

Since she wouldn’t elaborate, Yang Xiao did not press further. He knew he had to strengthen himself as quickly as possible, to return and marry Lingyun Mei.

“Very well, Yun Mei. Wait here for me. In a few years, I’ll come back, and then I’ll have the right to marry you.”

After bidding farewell to Lingyun Mei, Yang Xiao returned to his residence, deep in thought. Soon, a Giant Spirit Sect disciple informed him that Master Lingfeng wished to see him.

Yang Xiao did not dare delay and quickly arrived at Lingfeng’s abode.

“Yang Xiao, I heard you spent several months in the Earth Fire Veins before the competition. Is that true?” Lingfeng asked upon seeing him.

Yang Xiao had no idea what Lingfeng’s intentions were. He worried Lingfeng might mean him harm; though they were nominally master and disciple, their bond was shallow. In the cultivation world, feelings were easily sacrificed for benefit. No one could know another’s true motives. Thus, Yang Xiao always remained guarded.

Still, Yang Xiao now possessed considerable strength. Even if Lingfeng truly sought to harm him, he believed he could resist and escape. So he replied calmly, “Yes, Master, it’s true. May I ask why you bring this up?”

“You handle matters with great composure, which I admire. Your power is exceptional. In the future, the Giant Spirit Sect will rely on you and Yun Mei. I called you here simply to chat and strengthen our bond as master and disciple. I also plan to give you an official position in the sect, so you can help manage its affairs,” Lingfeng said with a smile.

“I appreciate your kindness, Master, but I am preparing to travel soon. I fear I cannot accept your generous offer,” Yang Xiao replied frankly. He could not remain in the Giant Spirit Sect forever; a wider world awaited him.

“You wish to travel?” Lingfeng was surprised, but soon nodded. “Everyone has their own ambitions. Wandering the world is good. I only hope you will return often and help the sect in times of need. That will bring me comfort.”

“I will certainly come back, and I will never forget your teachings,” Yang Xiao promised.

“I trust you. Now that Xinglie of the Black Tortoise Sect is dead, and Huang Zhong of the Hundred Edicts Sect has lost his son Huang Li—who reportedly died in an ancient cultivator’s cave—Huang Zhong grieves deeply and poses no threat to us. Thus, the Giant Spirit Sect faces no immediate danger in the Wanren Mountains. So, I have no objection to your leaving; you deserve a broader world,” Lingfeng said.

“Thank you, Master. Then I shall take my leave. In a couple of years, I will return to visit you.” Yang Xiao replied sincerely, then departed from Lingfeng’s residence.

Before leaving the Wanren Mountains, Yang Xiao found He Ming and gave him some precious pills. Now that Yang Xiao planned to leave the sect, he no longer feared trouble from their exposure. He Ming was deeply grateful, reluctantly parting from Yang Xiao.

Yang Xiao had considered one more thing: eliminating Huang Zhong, the master of Hundred Edicts Sect, to give the Giant Spirit Sect room to flourish. But after careful thought, he realized that with his current ability, killing Huang Zhong would be no easy feat. The gap in realms was too great; attempting it would likely mean injury or worse. Such reckless risk was unwise.

Last time, Yang Xiao had managed to kill Xinglie, but luck played a large part. He would not overestimate himself against all Condensation Realm cultivators; that would be courting disaster.

With all matters settled, Yang Xiao finally left the Wanren Mountains, journeying toward the heartland of Yao Kingdom.

Though vast, the Wanren Mountains were but a small borderland of Yao Kingdom. The true prosperity lay in the central plains, the ideal place for cultivators, offering a broader world to explore and excel.