Everyone's gaze fell on the scar, which extended from Han Yan's wrist all the way to his biceps, as if inflicted by some sharp weapon.
"Master, what is this?"
"How could you not tell us you were injured?"
"Exactly! You..."
The Sect Master waved his hand, signaling the five disciples not to get agitated, and a gentle smile graced his face. "I did this for selfish reasons. After all, my disciples believe that our Chaoyang Sect can still survive precisely because my strength has already entered the Kai Guang realm, even if it's just half a step. If I were to say I was severely injured, it would cause widespread panic, and that's not what I want to see."
The five disciples' expressions turned somber, filled with self-reproach.
"You don't need to blame yourselves. Now that our Chaoyang Sect has the five of you, we are comparable to the other three major sects. Furthermore, my injuries have mostly healed."
Han Ling Shuang had remained silent, her head lowered. She was the only one in the sect who knew about her grandfather's injury.
She even remembered that the day her grandfather returned, it was during a storm with thunder and lightning. His presence was extremely weak, like a flickering flame in the wind, on the verge of being extinguished at any moment.
She dared not think about it. At that time, she felt that the only family she had left in this world might also perish like her parents. She was so scared that she stayed by her grandfather's side for an entire night, unable to close her eyes.
Fortunately, her grandfather, with his profound cultivation, managed to survive a near-death experience.
At this moment, Ren Yuan Hao's mind was filled with Jiang Cheng's distorted face and his twisted muscles. After a while, he finally spoke, "Senior, did Jiang Cheng single-handedly inflict such a severe injury upon you?"
The Sect Master shook his head with a wry smile. "No, and it's shameful to say, but it was the four of us Sect Masters who attacked him together. Not only did we fail to kill him, but we all sustained some injuries."
Upon hearing this, everyone, including Ren Yuan Hao, turned deathly pale!
"He is not one of the Eight Kings of the Grey Wolves, but a man who reigns supreme over all of them. He calls himself 'The Emperor'."
As the Sect Master, Han Yan, spoke these words, a flicker of imperceptible fear crossed his eyes. This fear wasn't due to intimidation, but rather a natural reverence for a superior being.
"Brother, it sounds like you also have a significant connection with Jiang Cheng. I wonder..."
Ren Yuan Hao's brows furrowed slightly, his gaze reflecting the candlelight. "He is my mortal enemy, and also the first successful subject of the Mandala Gene experiment. It's not strange that he's called 'The Emperor'."
He paused for a moment, took a sip of tea, and continued, "In fact, the reason I've come here is to prevent the spread of the Mandala Gene. If possible, I'd like to settle things with this man."
The Sect Master shook his head. "It's not time yet. Firstly, your body has not recovered. Secondly, with the seven of us, we can only temporarily suppress the violent true qi within you. However, you should be well aware that if you move your true qi again without permission, the consequences will be unimaginable."
"Thank you for your concern, Senior. I am very aware of my current situation. However, in life, there are too many无奈 (helplessness), and some things, though known to be impossible, must still be done."
Ren Yuan Hao glanced at Mu Zi Yue with a smile, as if hinting that the plan remained unchanged.
At this moment, the Sect Master suddenly spoke, "Brother, after tomorrow is the triennial grand competition agreed upon by our four major sects. I will send my five disciples to compete. The top three disciples will have the opportunity to enter the 'Dragon Pool' for tempering."
Upon hearing about the Dragon Pool, Tang Feng, Bai Zhan Chen, and the others couldn't help but reveal expressions of longing and fascination.
"The Dragon Pool?"
"That's right. The Dragon Pool can be considered one of the thirty-six great blessed lands that still exist in the world, a place not yet contaminated by the impure qi of the mortal realm. It is also a sacred land jointly protected by our four major sects. The spiritual energy there is abundant, possessing great efficacy in purifying the marrow and tempering the body. It would also be extremely beneficial for your inner body. After all, without a strong physique, one cannot bear such immense true qi. I believe that if you were to temper yourself there, your internal true qi might stabilize considerably."
As the Sect Master said this, Tang Feng suddenly stood up and cupped his hands. "Brother, rest assured. We five disciples owe you a great debt of gratitude, and we will do our utmost to assist you, ensuring we secure a top-three position."
"The Dragon Pool, hmm?"
Ren Yuan Hao murmured, then also stood up, resolutely refusing. "I appreciate everyone's kind offer, but this is the sacred land of your four major sects. It's probably not appropriate for an outsider like me to go. Furthermore, I have important matters to attend to, and I have killed one of the Eight Kings. I cannot linger here for too long, lest I attract disaster. However, I would ask for your help in taking care of my friends here."
"Brother, what are you saying? We are now on the same side. How can we let you take such risks alone?"
The Sect Master was very worried about Ren Yuan Hao's condition, especially if those three streams of true qi were to become violent again. In that case, even with the combined efforts of the four sect masters, it would be impossible to suppress them.
"Senior, there is someone I must save. Moreover, isn't the best way to understand the Grey Wolves by infiltrating them as a spy? I believe I am the most suitable person for this. The most dangerous place is often the safest, and this is currently the only method worth trying."
After listening to Ren Yuan Hao's explanation, the Sect Master fell silent. He knew that this was indeed the best course of action. Only by infiltrating the enemy's ranks could they further understand their movements. As long as they could control the source of the Mandala Gene, the situation in Gu Yao City could be alleviated.
The Sect Master stroked his beard, his expression still calm as water. After a moment, he said, "Brother, given your current physical condition, if you successfully blend in, that would be fine. However, once you are discovered, escaping safely from within will be exceedingly difficult. I believe that with five days, you could accompany my disciples to temper themselves in the Dragon Pool before executing your plan. It would be much safer."
At this point, Mu Zi Yue, who had not spoken, also said, "That's right, Brother Bao. Sect Master is correct. Your health is of utmost importance."
Ren Yuan Hao was somewhat worried that by staying here, he might implicate the entire sect. The Sect Master thought for a moment and then said, "I understand what's on your mind, brother. Rest assured, the valley has a sect protection barrier, and the Grey Wolves absolutely cannot find this place. Moreover, even if you leave, where else can you go to recuperate safely?"
Ren Yuan Hao surveyed everyone, deeply moved. "Senior, Chaoyang Sect has offered us assistance in our time of crisis. I will repay this kindness later."
"Haha, you have already bestowed upon us such a great fortune. You have already given us an immense surprise!"