I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors? Chapter 580: Shi Xuan’s Confusion

"It is quite unexpected that you four managed to traverse the Heart-Reflecting Mirror with such ease; it appears you demonic cultivators are not as wicked as rumored."

Within the walls of Wendao City, Shi Xuan observed the Four Ghosts of Southern Mountain, offering a playful smirk as he spoke.

Old Ghost Fu faced the young noble before him, forcing a strained smile. "Young Master, we have never truly committed any heinous atrocities. It is simply that neither the righteous nor the evil paths have a place for us, leading others to brand us as demonic cultivators."

Shi Xuan continued his teasing. "This is my first time hearing someone describe themselves as so benign. From this Young Master's perspective, it seems you four simply possess the audacity to provoke cultivators from every side of the spectrum."

"Hehe."

Old Ghost Fu gave a dry laugh. "Young Master has seen right through us. We are selective about who we provoke. When we cross paths with disciples from major powers like yourself, our only thought is to hide as quickly as possible."

"Very well, this Young Master will no longer scrutinize your history. From this moment forward, you are to follow me. You are forbidden from acting without my explicit command."

Shi Xuan’s voice shifted into a tone of absolute gravity.

"We respectfully obey the Young Master's order."

As the Four Ghosts of Southern Mountain replied, visible excitement flickered across their features.

Even though they remained ignorant of their Young Master's specific name, the fact that he had reached Great Perfection in Sword Intent at such a youthful age marked him as a premier talent within Wendao Academy.

After thirty minutes of walking, the group arrived at a grand residence.

The Four Ghosts of Southern Mountain looked up at the sign hanging above the entrance, which displayed two bold characters: Shi Residence.

Liang Yi stepped forward briskly, pounding on the heavy gate while shouting, "Uncle Yuan, we have returned!"

The gates creaked open almost immediately. An Elder emerged, leading a small group of cultivators to meet them.

"Greetings, Your Highness the Imperial Grandson."

The assembly bowed to Shi Xuan in perfect unison.

"You may rise."

Shi Xuan gestured toward his companions. "The Four Ghosts of Southern Mountain will be residing here from now on. Accord them the status of second-class guest ministers of the Imperial Grandson's Residence."

"It shall be done as you command."

Uncle Yuan nodded before turning his sharp gaze toward the four ghosts.

Under that single look, the Four Ghosts of Southern Mountain felt as though their very souls were being bared. A Nirvana Realm expert!

The realization struck them instantly. They had intended to ask about the house rules, but they soon realized that Young Master Shi had already departed.

"You four, follow this old man."

Uncle Yuan spoke with an indifferent air.

"We follow your lead."

The four ghosts trailed behind Uncle Yuan as they entered the depths of the Shi Residence.

As they walked, Uncle Yuan began to casually describe the inner workings of the household, as if merely making small talk.

"While our Shi Residence might not be the largest clan in Wendao City, we are nonetheless a family of significant standing. I will not place many restrictions on your freedom.

However, you must remember that your conduct reflects upon the Shi Residence. Should you cause trouble or bring shame upon us outside these walls, it is not merely your reputation at stake, but that of His Highness the Imperial Grandson, and even the Great Sage Qiankun.

Thus, you must be extremely mindful of your words and actions when in public. Is that understood?"

"Ah!!!"

The moment the title "Great Sage Qiankun" was uttered, the four ghosts were paralyzed with shock, their mouths hanging open and their eyes wide with disbelief.

Observing their stunned silence, Uncle Yuan added calmly, "It appears the Young Master neglected to mention his pedigree. Allow me to enlighten you. The Young Master is the personal disciple of the Great Sage Qiankun and the Imperial Grandson of the North Wasteland Emperor. Do you understand now?"

"We understand perfectly! We understand!"

The four of them were reeling; they never imagined that a single decision would lead them to serve such a legendary figure. This was a golden opportunity that millions would kill for.

...

Leaving the Shi Residence behind, Shi Xuan took his disciple and made his way toward Wendao Academy.

Shortly after, the pair arrived at the familiar base of Miao Miao Mountain.

Instead of flying up on his sword, Shi Xuan chose to ascend the mountain path on foot, moving in silence.

He took his time to appreciate the surrounding environment. For reasons he couldn't quite name, seeing the familiar flora brought him a sense of profound peace.

Shi Xuan felt a tranquility in his heart that had been absent for the past decade.

In that moment, a sudden impulse took hold of him; he felt a strong desire to sit right there and enter a state of Cultivation.

Nevertheless, he suppressed the urge and continued his climb.

What should have been a journey of a few seconds stretched into a full half-hour trek for Shi Xuan.

Phew...

Exhaling deeply, Shi Xuan whispered to himself, "This sensation is truly profound."

Liang Yi, walking beside him, looked confused. "Master, what are you referring to?"

A small smile played on Shi Xuan's lips. "Do not worry about it. Even if you asked, I would not know how to explain it to you. Return to your own courtyard for now. I must go and pay my respects to your Ancestral Master."

"I obey, Master."

Liang Yi bowed and went his separate way.

He couldn't shake the feeling that his Master was acting strangely today, though he couldn't pinpoint exactly what had changed.

Shi Xuan approached the Institute Chief's private courtyard. Before long, the sounds of two children playing reached his ears from within.

???

Filled with confusion, Shi Xuan stood at the entrance and called out respectfully, "Disciple Shi Xuan is here to pay his respects to Master."

Inside, Chu Feng was occupied with his two daughters. Upon hearing the voice, he paused and smiled. "Little Xuan, you have returned. Come inside."

"Yes, Master."

Shi Xuan stepped into the courtyard. Noticing the inquisitive stares of the two young girls, he felt a wave of questions rising, though he found himself unable to speak them.

"Daddy, who is this big brother?"

Chu Yuzhi asked, her eyes fixed on Shi Xuan with curiosity.

Chu Feng patted his daughters gently and replied, "This is your Little Senior Brother, Shi Xuan."

The girls' eyes sparkled at the mention of a "Little Senior Brother," and they offered polite bows.

"Hello, Little Senior Brother."

"Hello, two Junior Sisters."

Looking at the two young girls, Shi Xuan felt a jarring sense of time passing. He had been gone for ten years, and in that time, his Master had become a father.

Chu Feng turned to the children. "Daddy needs to speak with your Little Senior Brother. Go find your mother and play with her for a while."

"Okay."

The two girls nodded with obedience, clearly accustomed to such requests.

"Take a seat."

Once the children had left, Chu Feng indicated a nearby stone stool.

"Thank you, Master."

Shi Xuan moved forward, poured a cup of tea for his Master, and sat down.

"Path Union Realm, with two forms of True Intent at Great Perfection. It appears your journey to the Land of Slaughter was a wise move."

Chu Feng took a sip of his tea after speaking.

Shi Xuan nodded in agreement. "Master is correct. Without the experiences in the Land of Slaughter, I could never have made such progress in so short a time. However..."

Seeing the young man hesitate, Chu Feng chuckled. "You boy, we haven't seen each other in ten years, yet you treat me with such formality. If something is bothering you, just ask."

"To answer Master, my True Intent has reached the peak of Great Perfection, and I feel as though it is overflowing. Despite this, I find myself unable to grasp the Truth of the Great Dao."

Having spoken his piece, Shi Xuan looked toward his Master with reverence, hoping for guidance.