Dual Cultivation God Returns Chapter 1045: New Life

Halfway up the peak where Wu Long's small group had come to a halt, he observed the Sect Master and the other Grand Elders departing the summit in the distance. They soared away in various directions toward their assigned posts, each wiping tears from their faces that held a mix of deep emotion and unyielding resolve.

Shortly afterward, Yu Zhen arrived alongside Yi Pong to welcome Zhao Xieren, both of them sporting reddened eyes as well.

"Daoist Zhao", Yu Zhen offered a courteous fist-and-palm salute.

Yi Pong's gaze, standing beside him, was instantly captured by the two figures with their familiar guest. In particular, the masked individual caught his attention—this one wore a new mask and even appeared somewhat altered from their previous encounter, yet he emanated that identical aura of peril which Yi Pong recognized at once.

"Grand Elder Yu", Zhao Xieren replied with a courteous smile, mirroring the salute, "We've arrived a bit early, I trust that's no issue"

"Not at all, the Sect Ancestor is expecting you within. I won't join you, since the Sect Ancestor instructed me to...", Yu Zhen hesitated briefly, apparently swept by intense feelings, "...fulfill my duties"

"I... understand...", Zhao Xieren wasn't certain about the situation but chose not to probe further—or rather, preferred not to know—and nodded, "Alright then, we'll head in"

"Will your companions... be coming along...?", Yi Pong inquired, his eyes narrowing slightly at the masked figure.

"The Sect Ancestor ordered to admit all visitors, not merely one", Yu Zhen shook his head.

"M-my apologies", Yi Pong dipped his head faintly toward Zhao Xieren.

"Haha, no need for apologies. I get it", the other chuckled softly, and the groups separated, with Zhao Xieren's trio ascending further while Yu Zhen and Yi Pong departed by flight into the Sect.

"It's that young man again", Yi Pong said, concern lacing his voice, "The same one who troubled me before. He hasn't appeared all this while... why show up now?"

"The identical one? You're certain it's not another person? I sensed nothing unusual... or rather, it couldn't be him. The Spiritual Qi fluctuations and aura feel entirely different", Yu Zhen arched his brow.

"No doubt about it", Yi Pong affirmed with total certainty, "I can't fathom how, since altering Spiritual Qi and aura shouldn't be feasible, but he's managed it somehow. I'd stake my hand on it"

"Hmm, regardless, the Sect Ancestor made it clear—even Daoist Zhao poses no threat to him now. But what reason would they have to hurt him?"

"That's... a fair point", Yi Pong sighed and nodded, conceding the concern lacked logic.

—

"Occasionally, folks exist with uncanny instincts not grounded in real power, but he seems genuinely perceptive", Wu Long cast a sidelong glance at Yi Pong's swiftly vanishing form.

"I knew it! I was amazed he could detect something about you when far stronger experts couldn't, and even identify you post-advancement despite your new disguise. Does he truly possess some unique physique or ability? Like Sister Xiwang’s Truth Seeking Eyes or similar...", Hua Ziyan wondered aloud with excitement.

"I overlooked it initially since it's so faint, but a hint of a special bloodline grants him that extraordinary sensitivity. Yet for him, it's more curse than blessing, repelling him from chances as much as threats. If his bloodline weren't so thinned out, he might distinguish between them", Wu Long confirmed with a nod.

They promptly arrived at the summit and entered the cultivation cave.

Zhao Xieren immediately sensed the deathly aura surrounding the youthful-appearing man, a sensation he knew all too well from personal experience. He performed a respectful greeting salute, mirrored by Wu Long and Hua Ziyan behind him, "Greetings to the revered Sect Ancestor of the Three Pillars Sect. This old man is Zhao Xieren"

"Hahaha, greetings... I meant to express my delight at this encounter... however...", the Sect Ancestor rose, reciprocating the gesture, though his voice carried reluctance and his gaze shifted, "Forgive my directness, but at my age, games and deceptions lose their charm. It appears the one seeking me isn't you, but the fellow behind you, so this isn't merely a polite visit..."

"Hah, now I see where that guy... yes, Yi Pong, inherits his bloodline", Wu Long laughed as he removed his mask and stepped forward—reminded of Yi Pong’s name by Zhao Xieren midway—prompting the Sect Ancestor to widen his eyes in astonishment, then adopt a wary stance unlike his prior ease.

"I’m not after your bloodline power at all. I only learned of it moments ago and have no interest in it even now," Wu Long shook his head, "Plus, there’s no need to fret over your son or grandson’s safety—whichever he is. Just as you suspected, I’ve come to speak with you."

"...", the Sect Ancestor paused briefly, gazing at Wu Long with focus, then let out a relieved sigh, "Very well, I apologize again for starting things off so awkwardly."

"Heh, your bloodline’s purity stands out on another level entirely—perhaps a grandson or even more distant kin," Wu Long observed, "But there’s no need for apologies. You’ve actually smoothed the way into this part of our talk."

"He’s from my fifth generation," the Sect Ancestor chuckled lightly, "Nobody realized my descendants hid among the Disciples and Elders, keeping watch over the Sect at every layer for me."

"Yuhan turned out to be spot on, while I was mistaken," Wu Long shifted his amused gaze to Zhao Xieren, who had been there during Liang Yuhan’s guess, "They pulled off the same tactic as ours—disguising leadership in the lower ranks, only indirectly via family ties."

"Does that mean you lead the shadowy organization on this continent that’s been aiding our Sect?", the Sect Ancestor inquired, gesturing invitingly toward the sofas with an open palm.

"Correct. And as you rightly surmised before, this isn’t just a polite visit, so I’m not seeking your thanks," Wu Long’s group settled onto the sofas with the Sect Ancestor taking the opposite seat. He noticed Zhao Xieren choosing a spot to the side, while the masked woman positioned herself directly beside Wu Long.

"Are you planning a full takeover of this Sect and seeking my assistance?", the Sect Ancestor’s eyes narrowed sharply.

"No. I’m here to personally offer you a position," Wu Long replied with a smile.

"A... position?", the Sect Ancestor responded in a tone tinged with confusion.

"Exactly. I’ve always respected the steadfast devotion of Sect Ancestors who guard their Sects rather than wandering off for opportunities and lucky breaks like nearly half of them," Wu Long affirmed with a nod, "Such loyalty to a cause and that mindset—dedicating your life to preserving an ideal and tradition—reveals exceptional character."

He shot a glance at Zhao Xieren, who occupied a parallel role before and now channeled that fierce loyalty toward Wu Long. Zhao Xieren beamed with pride, aware the praise extended to him as well.

"If you recognize that... then why...?", the Sect Ancestor noted Wu Long’s grasp of his Sect loyalty, rendering the proposal even more baffling. He trailed off, but his expression conveyed everything.

"Had you another 200-300 years ahead and remained devoted to safeguarding this Sect, I wouldn’t extend this offer. There’d be no opening for it," Wu Long nodded, "What sparked my interest was your acceptance of passing the torch, your resolve solidified by planting that final seed for the future. You’ve put the finishing touch. That signals you’re prepared to move forward, to lift the Sect’s burden from your shoulders."

"Hahaha, that’s spot on, but you know I’m handing over that torch practically from beyond the grave, don’t you?", the Sect Ancestor burst into laughter, oddly entertained.

He grasped the implication in Wu Long’s words.

True enough, mission accomplished, his bond to the Sect had loosened since he’d fulfilled every obligation. He’d settled all accounts completely.

Yet for embracing a new role, this shift in perspective and fresh freedom didn’t erase his looming deadline.

"Hmm, you’ve arranged everything, passed the torch to complete your duty, and accepted your time nearing its end—but you wouldn’t turn down more years, right?", Wu Long said with a grin.

"Hahaha! What sort of question is that?! Naturally I wouldn’t! No sane person rejects such a boon! It’s only that—...", the Sect Ancestor grew even more amused, though Wu Long interrupted by setting a pill on the table.

"Behold, a Longevity Pill—a tremendously powerful one that could grant even you another 40-70 robust years," Wu Long explained as the Sect Ancestor’s mouth dried at the sight.

Meanwhile, Wu Long went on, "With that extra time secured, I’ll provide superior cultivation techniques to reignite your progress, stretching your natural lifespan even longer."

"A-Are you...", the Sect Ancestor trailed off, his tongue darting out to wet his parched lips.

"Yes, I wouldn’t play such a cruel joke", Wu Long confirmed with a nod.

"What about this Sect?"

"You can claim you already perished once defending it. You’ve paid your dues. Do you truly owe it anything more?", Wu Long inquired, not expecting a reply, before proceeding with a brighter tone, "What I’m giving you isn’t just a continuation, but a fresh start. The kind of life you couldn’t have as the protector of this place. You’ve already decided to hand over the reins, so this Sect’s future rests with the generations to follow. Naturally, since they’re partnering with me, I’ll guarantee its thriving future as it aligns with my own goals too, so no need to fret over that"

"W-why me?"

"As I mentioned, it was a perfect chance, and I can pretty much gauge your nature from the millennia you devoted to safeguarding this place, even when you could’ve put yourself first and fled during tough times. That’s what many Sect Ancestors from nearby Sects did", Wu Long explained steadily, "Plus, I require reliable individuals for long-haul tasks. I’m pursuing a massive undertaking, and like every grand project, it demands various talents. Thus, it’s a mix of timing and your proven character"

Following a period of quiet reflection, the Sect Ancestor suddenly rose to his feet, prompting Zhao Xieren and Hua Ziyan to stiffen in alertness, then he clasped his hands in a fist and bowed deeply, declaring with utmost formality, "In that case, please permit me to accept this gracious proposal. This Steel Hand, Jin Shenzhi, will obey your orders and swear my allegiance to you!"

"Excellent decision", Wu Long nodded, a pleased grin lighting his face, while Hua Ziyan and Zhao Xieren inwardly celebrated Wu Long securing yet another loyal subordinate, "Now that it’s settled, there’s no reason to wait. Take the pill immediately"

With a subtle flick of his fingers, the pill floated upward, hovering right before Jin Shenzhi.

"J-just like that?! B-but...", Jin Shenzhi stared at Wu Long in shock and bewilderment, the gesture appearing far too trusting.

"I selected you based on your character, so why wouldn’t I trust it right from the start?", Wu Long arched an eyebrow, "And should you swallow the pill only to turn traitor, it’d prove my error in picking you, though it wouldn’t harm me greatly anyway since we crafted the pill ourselves"

"I... I understand", Jin Shenzhi nodded, gaining deeper insight into the man he’d just vowed loyalty to, "Then, I will accept it with humility and gratitude..."

"Ah...!", yet a sudden epiphany struck Jin Shenzhi as he snatched the pill between his fingers, his face twisting into an odd expression, "C-Can we... still arrange it so I seem to have passed away?"

"Eh? Y-You want the Sect to think you died?", Hua Ziyan blurted out instinctively.

"Well...", Jin Shenzhi averted his gaze, a bashful and embarrassed look crossing his features, "You see... the manner in which I addressed my Disciple and Grand Elders lately... I’d accepted my doom, so I behaved like a stately Elder heading to the afterlife... I even spouted lofty, poetic words just before you arrived, basically bidding my goodbyes... i-it’ll feel really awkward if I simply... you know... don’t die..."

"...", "...", "..."