Dual Cultivation God Returns Chapter 1044: Go and don’t look back

Deep within the Three Pillars Sect's domain, atop the loftiest peak, the Sect Ancestor resided in a modest ancestral cultivation cave, encircled by the Sect Master along with several Grand Elders such as Yu Zhen.

His youthful appearance remained unchanged from just days prior, yet the deathly aura enveloping him had grown markedly denser. Evidently, unleashing his might to slay a Grand Elder had drained him heavily.

"Master... I assured you I'd handle it... why did you...", uttered the Sect Master, his face etched with deep sorrow.

"Heh, this old man seized a chance to stretch his limbs after ages of inactivity; you ought to rejoice for me getting some exercise—it's beneficial," the Sect Ancestor chuckled, then let out a sigh tinged with greater solemnity upon noticing his jest failed to uplift his Disciple or the others, "It proved an honor and a privilege to contribute to the Sect one final time in my waning years. With my end approaching, I'd resigned myself to doing nothing more for this Sect my Master bequeathed to me, the one where I fell short."

"You didn't fail, Master! You safeguarded our legacy and secured the Sect's endurance!", declared the Sect Master, while the attending Grand Elders echoed comparable sentiments.

"Heh, maybe so. Yet it had ceased to be the proud, ambitious Sect I inherited and passed to you, reduced instead to one that cowered to avoid rousing the Iron Claw Group. I'd abandoned all hope of witnessing such fortune, a fresh beacon of hope igniting in our Sect to lift our eyes back to the Heavens," these final words carried profound relief and delight as the Sect Ancestor gazed upon Yu Zhen.

All present turned their gazes toward him as well.

"This Disciple dares not," Yu Zhen bowed his head, a touch of embarrassment flushing his features, while the bold declarations he'd made about overhauling the Sect—the fervent mission he'd embraced, scorning the past and all he aimed to dismantle—now weighed far more oppressively upon him.

"Hahaha, humility suits you well. Yet reject not your vision, young one," the Sect Ancestor intoned with a blend of delight, the weight of his years, and the gravity of final counsel to those who lingered as he departed, "As I told Ro Yoyang, our elder generation's era draws to a close. Before long, upon my return to the Heavenly Daos' embrace and the wheel of reincarnation, my Disciple must relinquish his Sect Master role to guard the Sect from this summit in my stead, as you step forth to guide our Sect toward tomorrow."

Such pronouncement sparked exchanged glances among the Grand Elders, given that the reigning Sect Master possessed his own Disciple, holding the title of Prime Disciple and thereby poised as the prospective next Sect Master.

Still, that youth remained woefully immature and untested, his cultivation having just entered the Mortal Transcendence Realm. He stood unprepared to grasp the leadership.

Everyone recognized this truth, though none voiced it aloud.

They had assumed he'd gain further time to mature, yet the Sect Ancestor's health deteriorated far quicker than foreseen, rendering his anticipated 200 additional years improbable.

This very gap had ignited Grand Elder Ro Yoyang's initial cravings and desires for the Sect Master seat.

That recent turmoil born of such avarice had shaved off the Sect Ancestor's last 10 or 20 years, stripping the Prime Disciple of any chance to develop and accrue wisdom.

"As Master decrees," the Sect Master bowed first in full accord, with Grand Elders following suit, as Yu Zhen grasped his formal designation as heir.

He dropped to his knees, "Sect Ancestor..."

"Grand Elder Yu, three kowtows alone are permitted," instructed the Sect Ancestor, "One to the Heavens, one to the Sect and every prior generation of Sect Masters, and one to your Master, Yi Pong, who evolved into your loyal follower once you surpassed him. Beyond those three, the successor's honor and the inheritor of this Sect's paramount role forbid further obeisance."

"I... I comprehend," Yu Zhen perceived no allowance for protest or reflection on this fate. The verdict stood firm.

Guided inside by a Grand Elder, Yi Pong arrived and, comprehending the scene, watched with raw emotion as Yu Zhen performed the ritual three prostrations.

"Accepting this distinction, I vow that our present Prime Disciple shall keep his rank, and once prepared, I shall step down prematurely to the Sect Ancestor role, yielding his due station," proclaimed Yu Zhen upon rising.

"Hahaha, outstanding! Outstanding! Then our Sect will boast two living Sect Ancestors and rise among the mightier Sects. Perhaps we might even strive for an elevated status backed by such a formidable base," the Sect Ancestor approved with a nod as the Sect Master cast a thankful glance toward Yu Zhen.

Just then, Yu Zhen’s communication jade signaled, "Ah, Sect Ancestor..."

"Oh right, I detect visitors approaching... you wished for me to encounter that..."

"His name is Zhao Xieren, Master," the Sect Master prompted.

"Indeed, the fellow who delivered our Sect a chance to ascend once more..." the Sect Ancestor nodded, his eyes taking on a thoughtful gleam, "Heh, no idea what they seek from a fading old timer like me, but I’ve longed to offer my thanks face-to-face. I planned to request an audience after wrapping up matters here, so their initiative fills me with joy."

With a casual wave, he continued lightly, "Having such a crowd isn’t ideal now, and the formalities have concluded, so everyone, return to your tasks. Surely you all have plenty demanding your attention."

"But Master, that man is..."

"What gain would there be in attacking someone already halfway into the grave?" the Sect Ancestor remarked with a bitter smile. "Attend to your responsibilities. No need to climb this peak again. I crave solitude in my closing days, making this our last gathering."

Lifting his hand to silence the uproar from the Sect Master and Grand Elders, he declared, "Sentimental farewells aren’t for now. Forget looking backward—gaze ahead alone. Forge ahead diligently to avoid regrets at the critical hour, which draws near. I sense it, as do you all: the entire continent hums with transformation and coiled strain. Dedicate your hours to advancement, use them wisely, and squander none lamenting the era’s end. Depart, herald a fresh dawn, ensure its arrival laden with triumph, so this elder can take pride and face my own Master unashamed. Leave without glancing back. Fulfill your obligations to this Sect!"

His words stirred tears in the eyes of every Three Pillars Sect member, yet their postures grew rigid, hearts swelling with resolve and aspiration.

In a thunderous chorus, "We obey your final order, Sect Ancestor!!!" rang out from all assembled. They offered one last salute with fist over palm to their venerable Sect Ancestor, then departed the chamber briskly, shrouding it in solemn hush, while the youthful-faced elder sank into quiet reflection, peaceful and composed.