Volcanic Age

The murim focused on the Mount Hua Sect. They wondered how the Mount Hua Sect, which was said to be at its peak, would react after losing its sect master.

Soon, a grand announcement emerged from the sect.

"They're supporting Zheng Huilian?"

Those from the gangho were surprised.

"I mean, if we're considering legitimacy only, that's the right move, but…"

It had already been decided that Zheng Huilian would become the next Sect Master.

The route to becoming the Sect Master of Mount Hua was simple. The Sect Master would accept a disciple who would then become their successor. Thus, their assumption was only natural.

"Could it be that the Five High Elders of Mount Hua are planning to put the Sect Master forward as a puppet? A figurehead?"

Zheng Huilian was too young to become the next Sect Master, so the announcement reminded some of the puppet leaders who often appeared in regencies. In addition to their innocent questions, there were some ominous rumors.

The road ahead won't be easy.

Blessed Existence was determined to destroy everything related to Zhou Xuchuan, and he was using every means at his disposal.

In the meantime, even more news struck the gangho.

"How is it that you only ever know one part without ever knowing the whole? The Mount Hua Sect didn't just support Zheng Huilian without thinking it over."

"What does that mean?"

"I heard that the Five High Elders of Mount Hua and the other leaders are training the young and inexperienced Sect Master."

"Tell us more in detail."

"First, we have to talk about the Sword Immortal, who recently perished alongside the Blood Demon…"

Everyone was talking about the Mount Hua Sect when it was reported that the Sword Immortal was actually about to ascend to immortality and that special measures had been taken for his young disciple's sake.

In addition to Zheng Huilian, the Violet Haze Divine Art had been passed down to the Five High Elders of Mount Hua and one other person—Zhou Xuchuan.

"What? Isn't this unprecedented?"

"Still, it couldn't be helped. Immortal You Riwen took on a disciple too late in life."

"Still, even if he were to pass it down to the Five High Elders, why did he pass it down to Zhou Xuchuan? Maybe…"

Zhou Xuchuan was younger than the Five High Elders of Mount Hua. He was also outstanding, and his influence was unparalleled. A question arose if You Riwen, dissatisfied with his disciple's qualifications, had entrusted his position to Zhou Xuchuan instead of his disciple.

As if they had been waiting for such rumors, Mount Hua responded immediately.

"That's a groundless rumor. The one who will lead the future of Mount Hua is none other than Sect Master Zheng Huilian."

They hammered the nail in quickly so that no unnecessary rumors would spread.

The murim, especially the Righteous Faction, paid particular importance to public announcements. In the case of the great sects, they valued their word and would never take back anything they said publicly. ℞ÃＮóꞖĚṩ

Zhou Xuchuan also occasionally showed up in public and emphasized to the world that he had no intention of becoming the sect master.

"Then why was the Violet Haze Divine Art passed down to Zhou Xuchuan?"

While Zhou Xuchuan was a hero of the Righteous Faction, he didn't actually hold a position within the sect.

As the Five High Elders of Mount Hua were the sect's leaders, it was understandable that they would receive the Violet Haze Divine Art.

However, Zhou Xuchuan was different.

There lay the crux of the confusion…

"That was because no one in Mount Hua could match Zhou Xuchuan's genius. Even if the Five High Elders of Mount Hua or the Plum Blossom Swordsmen received the Violet Haze Divine Art, none of them would be able to teach Sect Master Zheng Huilian."

While the Five High Elders of Mount Hua had received the sutras, they wouldn't actually be able to master them. They were already too old to engrave a cultivation method into their dantians.

If they had been qualified to learn the art, they would have become candidates to become the next sect master a long time ago.

"Actually, I was going to reveal it once I had the chance. I was preparing to announce it but was forced to hide it due to the Great War of Good and Blood breaking out. I hope my fellow disciples in the gangho will understand."

The smarter people intuited part of the untold story.

As expected. If Zheng Huilian wants to learn the Violet Haze Divine Art properly, Zhou Xuchuan's teachings will be essential. Still, it'll be unfair to pass the divine art down to an elder, let alone a mere disciple. Is that why he also passed it down to all of the Five High Elders?

They were exactly right.

If the Violet Haze Divine Art were to be passed down only to Zhou Xuchuan, aside from its original inheritor, Zheng Huilian, it would be too obvious. That was why the Five Elders had also received it.

However, the true reason as to why it had been passed down was completely different from the publicized reason, which was how the Sword Immortal was apparently on the verge of ascension.

You Riwen had convinced the other elders that Zhou Xuchuan had, using the secrets of the Plum Blossom Life Art, awakened the Violet Haze himself upon reaching the limits of the Harmony Realm just before the Coruscant Realm.

Fortunately, the elders accepted it.

After all, an Empyrean Overlords and a true Absolute Master on the verge of ascension had told them that to their face, so they had nothing to refute him with.

Thanks to that, Zhou Xuchuan was able to somehow solve the problem of the Violet Haze Divine Art, which couldn't be explained unless he told them everything.

Of course, despite these efforts, unpleasant grumbles echoed from within the sect, only to be silenced once Mount Hua came out with a line in the sand.

"If you're going to keep complaining, we'll force you into seclusion."

Just like that, time flew by. The Mount Hua Sect, the Nine Sects and One Gang, the Five Great Ancient Families, and numerous small and medium-sized sects underwent huge changes.

Autumn flew by, and winter came.

When the snow was falling heavily and the final sun of the year finally set, Zhou Xuchuan became twenty-one years old.[1]

***

The plum blossoms of Mount Hua bloomed amidst the snow, blossoming in shades of white. If one stood still, snow would pile up on them. There were snow piles everywhere, and each was taller than the nearby bamboo.

The areas near the gate to the sect were filled with the noises of shoveling snow.

"How long will you be away in the gangho again, Sir Disciple Nephew?"

Zheng Huilian's voice dripped with regret.

"Please speak softer, Sect Master. Many eyes are watching us."[2]

Zhou Xuchuan sighed deeply.

"You really are quite stubborn, Sir Disciple Nephew. Although you are not my master, you're still my martial arts instructor. Anyone who teaches another must be respected. Of course, you're also the hero of the Righteous Faction and the pride of Mount Hua to boot."

"Ugh."

Zhou Xuchuan had been staying by Zheng Huilian's side over the past four months, teaching him the Violet Haze Divine Art and Violet Haze Sword Sutra.

He really is a genius.

As expected of a disciple of the Sword Immortal, his talent was outstanding. Even though he was teaching the boy himself, he couldn't stop exclaiming in admiration.

Zheng Huilian wasn't lacking in any way compared to Luo Xiaoyue.

Not only had he already reached the Transcendent Realm, but he had also reached the Fifth Stage of the incredibly difficult Violet Haze Divine Art. He had also reached the Second Form of the Violet Haze Sword Sutra.

Considering his age, he was learning incredibly fast.

Thinking about it, Zheng Huilian was young back in my previous lifetime, too. He was young when he became the Sect Master after receiving a proper acknowledgment.

To think that even with this level of genius, he doesn't slack off and is always diligent. It's only natural for him to achieve great things. This era really is abnormal; it's full of geniuses, talents, and heroes.

Clearly, there was a reason this era was considered the peak in history.

I can rest assured and leave Mount Hua in his hands.

Zheng Huilian was young, but he was incredibly smart. His temperament was also nowhere near impatient but rather calm. While he lacked experience, there was no need to worry because the Five High Elders of Mount Hua were with him.

"It really is a shame. It really doesn't matter to me, so it would be great if you could become the Sect Master, Sir Disciple Nephew…"

Of course, he'd sometimes make outrageous remarks, praising Zhou Xuchuan with absolute faith.

Even in the midst of their teaching session, Zheng Huilian suggested that Zhou Xuchuan take over as the Sect Master.

When the astonished Zhou Xuchuan asked him the reason behind his suggestion, the boy simply replied, "It's only natural for the Number One Under the Heavens, who is definitely so much more talented than me, to become the Sect Master."

His flattery could make even Li Yicai collapse out of dizziness with his tongue sticking out.

"Absolutely not. I've been with you over the past few months, Sect Master, and I've become completely convinced. The Sect Master of the Mount Hua Sect should be none other than you, Sect Master Zheng Huilian," Zhou Xuchuan said, shaking his head with a smile.

"The former Sect Master has passed away, but haven't you shown an unwavering and upright demeanor just like him? Hadn't you reassured our anxious fellow disciple brothers and sisters during the inauguration ceremony?

"Hadn't you been working harder than anyone else?"

Zheng Huilian felt more regret at Zhou Xuchuan's refusal to become the Sect Master than anyone else. However, he still studied and worked tirelessly to fill the empty seat left behind by Exalted Sword Immortal You Riwen.

Everyone has treated him harshly and made him suffer all kinds of hardships out of consideration for the future. It'd be understandable for him to have complaints, but instead, he'd even visit the elders in his spare time to learn from them.

He couldn't avoid getting tired like Zhou Xuchuan. Thus, it was particularly impressive to see him gnash his teeth and continue working despite his limitations.

Even amid his exhaustion, he would occasionally show his face and greet the disciples of Mount Hua so that they would feel at ease.

He had even gone to the kitchens to briefly learn their work, saying that as the Sect Master, he had to understand every position within the sect no matter what it was.

Furthermore, even though he was the Sect Master, he had never looked down on those from the second generation because he still honored his status as a third-generation disciple.

Despite his efforts, there were still some who were anxious, saying that he was too young. However, their opinion of him was improving rapidly.

"I'm deeply honored that of all people, it's you who is praising me so much, Sir Junior Nephew Zhou. I would like to hold on to you for longer since the Martial Alliance Leader had asked for help, but I have no choice but to let you go."

"It can't be helped, given the circumstances."

"Then, I'll be in your care. I'll work even harder, using you as my goal, Sir Junior Nephew Zhou. I will never forget the teachings you have given me."

Zheng Huilian bowed respectfully.

No, Sect Master. I'm the one using you as my goal.

Zhou Xuchuan swallowed the words he wanted to say and responded in kind. In his previous lifetime, during the Era of War and Chaos, the Sect Masters had sacrificed their lives to save not only the Mount Hua Sect but countless others.

Zheng Huilian was no different. Even though his time was a bit short, that truth hadn't changed at all. All this time, Zhou Xuchuan had been walking in those heroes' footsteps, respecting their sacrifices and conviction.

Even now, his feelings and respect toward them were intact.

"Then, I'll take my leave now."

"Have a nice trip."

It seemed that Zhou Xuchuan wasn't destined to stay at Mount Hua for any significant length of time in this lifetime. It hadn't even been half a year, but he already had to leave.

"No one in the Central Plains seems to be as busy as you, Senior Brother."

Luo Xiaoyue smiled faintly as she brushed away the snow piled on the bamboo.

"That's a bit of a stretch."

"It doesn't seem that way at all."

He had received a call from the Martial Alliance, or more precisely, Martial Alliance Leader Nangong Weiwu. Judging from the fact that he had been called despite the Alliance Leader knowing the circumstances of the Mount Hua Sect, the matter had to be quite urgent.

Originally, he had planned to go alone, but the elders had dissuaded him. He was a hero of the Righteous Faction and was also in charge of training the Sect Master in his martial arts. They couldn't send him out without an escort.

He was strong, but if he were to get tangled in a large-scale assassination by an entire force, he'd end up in a crisis. Thus, he left with escorts and guides. His escorts were three of Mount Hua Sect's elite, the Plum Blossom Swordsmen.

There were only four of them in total, but this was actually better. Zhou Xuchuan felt that it would be difficult for them to move around with too many people in their group.

It was better for them to move in a small group while remaining unseen. Excluding Luo Xiaoyue, the others were good at lightness techniques, even among the Plum Blossom Swordsmen.

"Hmm, the days are getting colder and colder," muttered a middle-aged man with a somewhat dull-looking build and a slightly fierce expression that didn't seem to be befitting of a Daoist.

He was a third-generation disciple and a Plum Blossom Swordsman, Meng Ge.

"We will eventually have to expend qi to keep warm. We will certainly get tired from the continuous consumption of qi, and people could take advantage of that to ambush us," Tan Xiang said.

She was a middle-aged woman with unusually sharp eyes, and she brought up the possibility of an enemy ambush upon hearing Meng Ge's remark. She was also a third-generation disciple and was a Plum Blossom Swordsman.

Since she was young, Meng Ge had been her rival.

"…!"

They all felt a presence as soon as they heard Tan Xiang.

As expected of the Plum Blossom Swordsmen, they were quick to notice. Their change in aura was also instantaneous, and their hands were already at their waists, ready to draw their swords at any time.

"Just one?"

Luo Xiaoyue muttered incredulously.

"It's okay. I told him to come here," Zhou Xuchuan said, calming Meng Ge, Tan Xiang, and Luo Xiaoyue down.

"It's been a while."

Zhou Xuchuan looked up at the thick snow on the branches. Someone appeared from above amidst the rustling noises.

"…Ah!" Luo Xiaoyue looked up and recognized him. However, she only thought of his name and didn't say it out loud. Failed Phantom, Jia Wuliang!

1. In Korea, regardless of your actual day of birth, your age is set by the year you were born in. Thus, everyone grows older by one year on the New Year. This is why it's sometimes confusing when Koreans go, 'Hey I'm actually one year older' etc. This is even more confusing when you're born at the end of the lunar calendar but at the beginning of the solar calendar (like me). Before they changed it to follow the solar calendar, I was anywhere from 2 to 3 years older legally in Korea than in the US. ☜

2. Once again, it's incredibly difficult to translate proper, respectful speech into English and have it readable. Hopefully, by adding Sir every time Zheng Huilian speaks, I've emphasized just how respectfully the boy is speaking to Zhou Xuchuan. For reference, he goes from saying "I'll be in your care," to "I'll humbly be placing myself in your care." Bruh. ☜

Cyncoco's Thoughts

I've thought about it, and I'm switching Shang Ming's title from Immortal to Exalted, so that we can match naming schemes.

Difficult to call him an immortal when you need to be at the Coruscant Realm to be considered one, and even then, it's weird. If it wasn't for the Sword Immortal's title literally being immortal, I wouldn't name him that either. To be an immortal you have to ascend even beyond the Coruscant Realm, but that's another story.

However, since we've already gotten the precedence of calling Sect Masters exalted, boom, done.

I've already gone back and made the changes!

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!