Chapter 5100 — Reflections on Cultivation
The Blossom Guardian · Page 2 of 3
Yet when some of them screwed up their courage and edged closer, they found Wei Zhao showed not the slightest aversion. He passed on cultivation techniques and experience to the people of the Ice Palace and the Snow Valley without any deliberate attempt to keep the other secular cultivators at a distance. He treated sect and clan alike, whether or not they had once been foes; even the questions these people raised, he answered patiently.
Put plainly, this was a matter of level and perspective. Had this been Wei Zhao before he went to Cloud Terrace Island, he might still have harbored a touch of sectarian prejudice. But now, in Wei Zhao's eyes, the secular cultivation powers—the Five Luminaries Sect included—were no different from any other sect. For a formidable early Profound Ascension cultivator, comparable to a titan of the Mountain-Opening stage, to still brood over such old grudges would have been petty indeed.
As a result, nearly all thirty-three who had passed the first round of selection spontaneously gathered around Wei Zhao. The chance to hear a master's cultivation insights at such close range was rare indeed—especially when that master was a monster of Wei Zhao's madman caliber. A single casual word of guidance from him might equal ten years of bitter cultivation for the rest. Such an opportunity would not come twice.
The crowd listened with keen interest, and Wei Zhao held nothing back. So long as it did not touch upon his own secret trump cards, he answered every question. With his early Profound Ascension realm, his answers to Foundation Establishment questions were like a view from a high tower—penetrating straight to the heart of the matter.
Many a time, even Xin Yi'an, standing nearby, clicked his tongue in wonder. He was a formidable early Golden Core cultivator, yet in breadth of knowledge and insight he fell far short of Wei Zhao. Though what Wei Zhao discussed was aimed chiefly at the Foundation Establishment stage, even Xin Yi'an found himself reaping no small benefit from listening.
"Worthy of a Grand-Uncle-Master who has existed since the ancient era. Even if, being but a primordial spirit, his strength is only at the peak of Foundation Establishment, in depth of knowledge and foundation I doubt even the Supreme Elder could match him," Xin Yi'an marveled inwardly. He had already been quite certain of Wei Zhao's identity; now he was utterly convinced. Many things could be feigned and faked, but such depth could never be faked.
While Xin Yi'an marveled silently, the senior brothers in charge from the other Ancient sects were finding it rather hard to stomach. True, this was only the first round of selection, and the secular cultivators they had chosen counted merely as quasi-disciples—whether they would remain in the end was still unknown. But they were still their sect's people! If anyone was to be consulted, it should be them. What was the meaning of everyone flocking to Wei Zhao?
"Heh. Since President Lin is so eager to help others, why not simply teach our sects' entry-level mantras as well and be done with it?" Xue Jianming seized the moment to make trouble. The breath he had swallowed a moment ago still had not settled; even if he could not inflict any real loss on Wei Zhao, a few jeers to vent his spleen would do him good—and better still, sow discord.
At these words, the senior brothers in charge from the other sects indeed frowned one after another, and voices of discontent followed: "Uncle-Master Xin, this Wei Zhao is one of your North Island Cangwu Sect's people. To openly poach our sects' quasi-disciples—that hardly seems to accord with the rules, does it?"