Chapter 106: No Conflict

As Wang Li ventured deeper into the secret realm, more than a dozen formidable auras burst forth without concealment.

Wang Li forced a bitter smile and spoke, “Wang Li pays respects to all fellow cultivators present. I apologize for the sudden intrusion.”

His voice echoed through layers of space, reaching the ears of several masters.

“A guest is a guest. Esteemed ancestors, Wang Li is an official disciple of the Pure Yang Sect; there is no need for alarm,” a hunched old cultivator appeared before Wang Li.

With the old cultivator’s arrival, the previously threatening auras gradually retracted one by one.

“If he is one of our own, then let him be at ease,” came a dignified voice.

The old cultivator bowed to the empty air. “Apologies for the disturbance, honored ancestors.”

Wang Li bowed in return. “My apologies for the intrusion, esteemed elders.”

As the saying goes, courtesy avoids offense. Wang Li could sense that these ancient masters of the Pure Yang Sect regarded the current Pure Yang lineage’s strength with a sort of temporary respect and bore no hostility. He was confident no one here intended him harm.

“Wang Li pays respects to Daoist Xu Jing,” Wang Li said with a kowtow to the old cultivator. “Please forgive my impudence in interrupting, and thank you for your kind words.”

Though he had never met Xu Jing, Wang Li sensed the peculiar aura of death surrounding the old cultivator.

This death aura was unique, carrying a flavor of turning misfortune into fortune. Wang Li remembered encountering this aura on Granny Zheng; it was a distinctive trait of the Nirvana Dao when cultivated to profound depths.

Master Sheng had once said that only Granny Zheng and her master, Xu Jing, practiced the Nirvana Dao within the Pure Yang Sect. Thus, the old cultivator’s identity became clear.

Xu Jing smiled and said, “Your arrival is timely. My apprentice has gained some progress studying the ‘Thunderous Justice Chapter’ but has encountered a bottleneck. I hope you can offer some guidance.”

“Guidance is unworthy of mention. With a fellow cultivator present, such bottlenecks are but minor obstacles.”

“Haha, who in this world dares compete with you in cultivation methods? Since you’re here, there’s no need to refuse... It’s always a burden.”

Pretending to be a senior is enjoyable, but I only want to be Wang Li!

He had considered that his identity might be questioned—by his parents, by his master, Daoist Chu Xuan, or perhaps by experienced companions like Yun Jingzi. Yet, he never imagined the first to doubt that he had not been usurped would be Xu Jing, a person he had never met before.

Facing this being, a pinnacle of power in the Heavenly Profound World, he felt a pang of insecurity. Instinctively, he wanted to assert that he was indeed Wang Li, but at that moment, his body lost control.

“Kid, you can’t handle this cunning old fox. Leave it to Master Sheng!”

Without warning, Master Sheng took over Wang Li’s body, turning to Xu Jing and asking, “Are you probing me?”

Xu Jing felt a tightening in his heart but laughed, “Why do you ask, fellow cultivator?”

Neither denying nor affirming.

He clearly sensed a change in Wang Li’s aura.

It was a power he could not resist... he had to be cautious.

“Heh, you’re quite careful. I like that,” Master Sheng smiled. “But there’s no need to fear. I have no interest in the Pure Yang Sect or this world. You need not worry.”

Xu Jing did not understand the phrase “worrying unnecessarily,” but he grasped Master Sheng’s meaning.

He bore no ill will toward the Pure Yang Sect.

“Your words, fellow cultivator, I believe. But what exactly is Wang Li’s situation? Could you enlighten me?”

“Wang Li is fine. You need not trouble yourself over him. He is my disciple.”

Master Sheng said no more; those words alone resolved many questions.

“Don’t entertain other thoughts. Wang Li is ultimately a disciple of your Pure Yang Sect. Should a life-or-death calamity ever befall the sect, I will lend a hand.”

Having spoken, Master Sheng returned control of the body to Wang Li.

Wang Li’s emotions grew more complex.

Master Sheng had just acknowledged him as his disciple.

Though their master-disciple bond was long established, Wang Li preferred to see Master Sheng as a friend.

Yet, master and disciple... remained a profound tie.

No matter Wang Li’s feelings, Xu Jing was clearly pleased to have received Master Sheng’s promise.

Seeing Wang Li regain his original aura, Xu Jing knew the master had not lied.

Wang Li was still the same Wang Li.

He was a disciple of the Pure Yang Sect.

That was enough!

“Wang Li, let’s go. Your parents must be anxiously waiting.”

Wang Li hesitated, “Do you think my parents will believe me?”

“Haha, whether they believe or not, what does it matter?” Xu Jing smiled. “There is no perfect solution in this world. You are destined to be different from ordinary people. Fulfill your responsibilities. Your parents are under my care; you need not worry.”

“Master Ancestor, you flatter me,” Wang Li said bashfully.

Xu Jing nodded with satisfaction. “Hearing you call me Master Ancestor is truly rare!”

“But don’t call me that in front of outsiders. To Liuguang and Chu Xuan, you’re still Discipline Officer Wang Li. Let today’s matter end here.”

Wang Li asked, “Why is that?”

“Better to resolve karma than to create it. It suffices that I know your true identity.”

Xu Jing said, “You’ll have to endure some hardship with your parents. You should understand that severing ties with them ensures their safety.”