Xiuxian: Start with the medicine boy

Chapter 2025 The Protector (Narration)

however.

Cheng Zhilong did not make a fuss.

His gaze shifted slightly, his eyes sweeping across the surroundings imperceptibly, his peripheral vision inadvertently catching a glimpse of the void beyond a layer of solid, almost tangible, magical shield.

As if confirming something.

His extremely subtle movement was so obvious that it went unnoticed by ordinary cultivators.

However, Murong Wanwan's cultivation was unfathomable, and her six senses had already reached a state of profound subtlety and understanding.

She could sense even the slightest movement around her.

Cheng Zhilong's secretive movements were naturally observed by her.

next moment,

Murong Wanwan's gentle gaze fell lightly on Cheng Zhilong, lingering around him for a brief moment, as if she could see through his speculations.

Then, with a faint smile, she continued:

"It seems Zhilong has already guessed some of it."

Murong Wanwan nodded slightly, her tone firm, each word clearly reaching everyone's ears:

"good.

This unique and special gift is the two Nascent Soul cultivators I stopped outside.

These words struck like a thunderbolt from a clear sky, instantly exploding in the hearts of all the Golden Core cultivators!

Everyone was shocked.

Countless doubts flooded my mind in an instant, swirling and churning repeatedly.

Gift?!

It's actually a Nascent Soul True Monarch?!

Moreover, he was a living Nascent Soul cultivator.

It is not an inanimate object such as elixirs, magical artifacts, or spiritual treasures!

In an instant,

The entire room was completely silent.

All the young Golden Core cultivators fell into deep thought, their eyes filled with surprise and confusion.

Everyone's thoughts raced as they quickly analyzed the key points.

Someone pondered to themselves:

A living Nascent Soul cultivator is a practitioner with a complete divine soul and independent will, far superior to ordinary demonic beasts or artifacts.

It is completely unusable as material for crafting puppets.

Moreover, the Cheng Clan has a history spanning hundreds of years, and the clan has never passed down any demonic techniques for imprisoning living beings or controlling cultivators.

Therefore, they would never resort to such unorthodox methods.

As thoughts raced through his mind,

Another guess quietly emerged, causing everyone's eyes to flicker:

Could it be that the old grandmother used a top-tier secret technique to forcibly imprison the souls of these two Nascent Soul True Monarchs, making them subject to others and forced to obey the orders of the squad?

But as soon as the idea came to mind, it was quickly rejected by everyone.

wrong!

Still not right!

The Cheng Clan of Immortals values ​​stability, righteousness, and careful planning, and has always rejected dangerous and treacherous soul-controlling techniques.

This is a family tradition that has been rooted for hundreds of years and has never changed.

Moreover, all the secret techniques in the world that imprison the soul and control living beings, no matter how profound or mysterious, contain fatal hidden dangers.

The higher a cultivator's cultivation level, the more resilient and powerful their spiritual will.

As time goes by and one's cultivation improves, the probability of breaking free from the shackles of the secret technique will increase exponentially.

This is by no means a one-time solution.

Cultivators are living beings, possessing independent souls and true natures.

Having convictions, a moral compass, and the ability to independently distinguish between good and evil.

This is the most fundamental difference between it and a mindless puppet.

No secret technique can permanently shackle it.

For a time,

A cacophony of speculations and layers of doubts swirled in the minds of every Golden Core cultivator.

The expressions on everyone's faces showed varying degrees of confusion.

They couldn't fathom Murong Wanwan's true intentions at all.

Murong Wanwan took in the confusion and bewilderment in everyone's eyes, and had already seen through all their speculations and concerns.

She immediately smiled and offered her explanation.

"I know what you're thinking, and I'm also aware of the fatal flaws in soul-controlling techniques like the [Soul-Binding Token] and the [Soul-Locking Manual]."

They also understood that forcibly detaining cultivators was ultimately a heretical practice and could not last.

Her tone was frank and poised:

"Therefore, I have never used any secret techniques to control them."

Both of their souls and wills were free.

They were never subjected to the slightest constraint.

Upon hearing this, the crowd's eyes widened in even greater confusion, and they all looked up at her, waiting to hear what would happen next.

Murong Wanwan paused slightly, her smile deepening, her eyes filled with understanding and gentleness, as she slowly revealed the answer:

"However, your guesses are not far from the truth."

"I am keeping them here today not as slaves, but to make these two Nascent Soul True Monarchs your exclusive protectors on this journey of training."

As she spoke, her gaze gently swept over the group of younger colleagues, and she asked with a soft laugh:

"Do you like this special gift?"

Protectors of the Way!

These three simple words were like a gentle rain, instantly dispelling the fog and doubts in everyone's hearts!

The confusion in everyone's eyes vanished completely, replaced by undisguised elation and overwhelming warmth.

A deep joy involuntarily welled up from the depths of his eyes.

Everyone's face was moved, and their hearts were filled with boundless joy.

This small team practiced an ancestral bloodline battle formation; when they formed a united array, their combat power surged.

Even if a half-saint level expert attacks head-on, they would still have the power to fight back.

They could even fight fiercely to kill their enemies.

The world of cultivation is fraught with dangers, and it is never just about direct confrontation.

Insidious plots lurking in the shadows, hidden deadly restrictions, despicable soul-poisoning techniques, and schemes that are impossible to guard against...

Various insidious methods have emerged one after another.

It is the most difficult thing to guard against.

They were a group of Golden Core cultivators, full of confidence in direct combat, but once they were ambushed or attacked, they were completely powerless to resist.

It should be understood that in front of a Nascent Soul True Monarch, a Golden Core cultivator is like an ant or a blade of grass, not worth mentioning.

Even a Nascent Soul cultivator at the lowest level could easily overwhelm the entire field with a wave of their hand, effortlessly suppressing an entire squad that hadn't formed a battle formation.

Not to mention the late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators with even deeper cultivation.

This journey of training is fraught with uncertainty and danger.

The slightest mistake could lead to death and the annihilation of one's soul.

Because they were so familiar with the cruelty and dangers of the cultivation world, they were all acutely aware of...

Having two Nascent Soul True Monarchs as protectors is an incredibly precious and heaven-defying opportunity!

No one is complacent or arrogant.

No one uttered the mindless words that there was no need for protection or that people were arrogant and overconfident.

Everyone understood this clearly:

Unless their lives are in danger, the two guardians will never easily interfere with their training or deprive them of their opportunities for growth.

But what if they encounter a deadly attack or a life-or-death crisis...?

The two Nascent Soul True Monarchs were their last line of defense.

All they need is for the protectors to buy them a moment to catch their breath and turn the tide.

Even the most perilous situations can be reversed and dead ends resolved.

This is an unspoken understanding in everyone's hearts.

It was also the grandmother's painstaking efforts to lay a solid foundation for them.

next moment,

The young male and female cultivators bowed deeply, their voices sincere and earnest, expressing their gratitude repeatedly.

"I love it! Thank you so much for your kindness, Grandmother!"

"With two Nascent Soul True Monarchs protecting us, our lives are finally fully guaranteed during this training trip!"

"I knew today was the perfect auspicious day for us!"

"Cheng Benxing, you should be convinced of my abilities now, right?"

Upon hearing this, Cheng Benxing, who was standing to the side, immediately retorted with a sneer:

"You just stepped on a dog..."

He had barely uttered the words when he suddenly realized his words were vulgar and might be disrespectful to his grandmother, so he quickly corrected himself:

"Hmph, you were just lucky."

What's there to be proud of?

The sounds of playful banter and teasing rose and fell, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere in the courtyard, brimming with youthful spirit.

Murong Wanwan watched the younger generation playing freely with a smile, not interrupting them, letting them express their joy.

After a while.

She slowly suppressed her smile, spoke seriously, and the courtyard fell silent once more.

"I know that your trip away from the clan was personally arranged by the clan chief."

Besides undergoing trials and growth, they also bear the heavy responsibilities entrusted to them by their clan, and cannot afford to be negligent.

Her tone was calm, her words earnest, and her instructions clear:

"That is why these two Nascent Soul cultivators will only do their utmost to protect you for ten years."

"These ten years are the perfect opportunity for you to venture out into the world, accumulate experience, and freely try and fail."

"You have lived in your clan for many years, raised in a greenhouse, and have never personally experienced the cruelty and danger of the cultivation world, or the darkness and cunning of people's hearts."

These past ten years of protection have been about creating a safe haven for you, allowing you to gradually adapt to the changing world.

To avoid being maliciously plotted against or wantonly slaughtered by others.

"In short, these ten years have been a buffer period for you to reflect on yourselves and grow rapidly."

When the ten-year period is up, regardless of whether your training is successful or not...

Both True Lords will depart immediately and will no longer accompany and protect you.

Murong Wanwan understood perfectly well that ten years was the longest she could secure for protecting the sect.

It wasn't that True Lord Xuanpan and True Lord Longhu were unwilling to agree.

On the contrary, with her cultivation level as a half-saint, if she were willing, even if she asked the two to protect her for a hundred years, they would certainly agree without hesitation in order to protect themselves and not want to be constantly targeted by a half-saint.

I dare not disobey in the slightest.

She was absolutely certain of this.

However, ever since she learned that these juniors were elite talents carefully selected by her own son, Cheng Ping'an, to cultivate bloodline battle formations, she has completely figured out her son's plan.

As a mother, she knew that her son had a far-reaching plan and good intentions, so she naturally did not want to disrupt his overall plan.

But these young cultivators are all of the Cheng family bloodline, the family's future hope.

It is the continuation of her and her husband's bloodline.

She could not bear to watch these inexperienced juniors rashly enter the cruel and ruthless world of cultivation.

She carefully weighed the pros and cons and deliberated for a long time.

A year is too short a time; the younger generation hasn't even had time to figure out the rules of the outside world.

A century is too long; it will only foster dependency in future generations, dull their spirit, turn them into hothouse flowers, and completely deprive them of the ability to venture out on their own.

Ten years is just the right amount of time, neither too long nor too short.

It was enough for these fledgling cultivators to witness the myriad aspects of the world, experience the vicissitudes of life, shed their naivety and ignorance, refine their character, and broaden their experience.

Ten years later, they will have grown into capable and mature cultivators.

Her selection of Xuanpan Zhenjun and Longhu Zhenjun as her protectors was not only due to the opportune timing...

It was after careful consideration.

She knew perfectly well that the two had known each other for many years and had a deep friendship that far surpassed that of ordinary fellow cultivators.

The brotherly affection the two had previously portrayed in front of her, though somewhat contrived and tinged with ulterior motives,

However, it cannot be denied that the bond and affection between the two is unmatched by any other Nascent Soul stage expert.

It is by no means a mere pretense or hypocrisy.

Such a deep and solid bond allows them to wholeheartedly protect and support their juniors to the greatest extent possible.

This is the core reason why she chose the two of them.

Just as the group of Golden Core cultivators were overjoyed and relieved that they had gained an extra layer of protection for their lives...

A composed figure suddenly stepped out from the crowd.

Cheng Zhilong stepped forward, his posture upright, his expression respectful yet composed. He bowed slightly, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and asked in a solemn tone:

"Grandmother, I have a question to ask you."

I wonder what kind of power these two Nascent Soul True Monarchs come from?

What is their character and conduct like? Are they worthy of our complete trust?

His gaze was clear and firm as he looked directly at Murong Wanwan, not letting the opportunity before him cloud his judgment.

He always maintained extreme calmness and prudence.

As the squad leader, he knew that temporary stability was unreliable; absolute unity within the team was paramount.

It is far more important than superficial military strength.

Only with a solid foundation can one go far and achieve steady progress.

He must be responsible for the safety of the entire squad and for the overall planning of this training exercise for the clan.

As soon as Cheng Zhilong finished speaking, the other cultivators also suppressed their smiles, their eyes burning as they all looked at Murong Wanwan.

Obviously.

They shared this concern.

A moment later,

The straightforward Cheng Huimin was the first to speak up and defuse the situation, her tone earnest:

"Grandmother, my elder brother had no intention of questioning your arrangements."

However, he is by nature steady and cautious, and is used to acting prudently; I hope you will not take offense.”

Immediately following suit, Cheng Benxing also chimed in:

"Elder brother acts with composure and moderation, adhering to the steady and righteous traditions of our Cheng Clan. His thoughtfulness is truly rare."

I hope Grandmother will forgive my elder brother and not blame him for his rudeness.

"..."

Followed by.

The remaining people also spoke up to plead for them.

They were afraid that Cheng Zhilong's direct question would offend Murong Wanwan.

Seeing the younger generation's flustered pleas and cautious expressions, Murong Wanwan's eyes flickered slightly, a hint of reproach flashing in them, as she gently surveyed the crowd.

"In your eyes, am I so narrow-minded that I cannot tolerate even a single truth or a single question?"

Her tone was both helpless and gentle as she slowly said:

"Moreover, I have never had the slightest intention of blaming Zhilong."

Upon hearing this, the younger generation felt a sudden pang of anxiety and immediately bowed to apologize.

"Grandmother, please atone!"

"It was our haste and shallowness that led us to speak rashly, fearing that our words might offend you. We were truly presumptuous."

"It was our oversight that led us to fail to consider things properly. We hope that Grandmother will forgive us!"

One after another, voices pleaded for forgiveness, and everyone looked terrified.

"All right."

Murong Wanwan gently waved her hand, interrupting everyone's conversation, her tone tinged with helplessness.

"There's no need to say more of these high-sounding polite words."

After all,

She withdrew her gaze and turned it back to Cheng Zhilong, who was bowing in front of her.

At this moment, the way she looked at Cheng Zhilong was filled with obvious appreciation and admiration, and her eyes were full of satisfaction.

She secretly admired him:

This is truly a promising talent of my Cheng Clan Immortal Clan!

Living in a blessed environment without arrogance, encountering opportunities without becoming restless, always maintaining reverence and adhering to one's true nature.

Retain a last shred of caution and vigilance, and do not let interests blind you.

It seems that Ping An made an excellent choice in selecting the team leader this time, and did not make a mistake.

Once the thoughts in my mind settled down,

Murong Wanwan no longer delayed and spoke frankly, recounting the origins and backgrounds of True Lord Xuanpan and True Lord Longhu.

And the details of their previous defeats and surrender...

He informed everyone in detail. (End of Chapter)