Adding Friends Can Make Me Stronger

“I never thought I’d stand here one day,” one Meng family member said excitedly as he gazed out at the rolling sea of clouds and majestic scenery.

“Do you think we have a chance to join Tai Xuan Sect for training?” another asked hopefully.

“Forget it. Look at your qualifications. Don’t come here to trouble the Young Master and end up being an embarrassment in the outer sect for life,” someone retorted.

“True,” the hopeful one nodded regretfully.

Among the Meng family, only the Young Master was outstanding. The rest were quite ordinary.

The elders of the Meng family heard this and fell into deep thought. They did harbor such hopes, knowing that training in Tai Xuan Sect promised a better future than within the family. However, it didn’t seem right to exploit the Young Master’s new position for personal gain, especially when their qualifications were lacking. Perhaps the next generation might produce some good talents.

Gu Hongyu stood nearby, lost in thought. The reality felt like a dream. She never expected Meng Changqing to achieve his current status as the Young Master of a first-rank sect and to possess such power. At just twenty, he had comprehended the legendary supreme sword intent.

“Remember when you were ruined more thoroughly than I was, yet Changqing didn’t inherit anything from you. How could he…” Gu Hongyu struggled to understand, attributing it to Meng Changqing’s personal opportunities.

In the cultivation world, luck, though unseen, was crucial. Many great figures rose from obscurity through such fortune.

“Young Master!” Suddenly, an excited voice from the family brought her back to reality. She turned to see Meng Changqing walking towards them, every step bathed in sunlight, appearing radiant and sacred.

“Young Master,” voices rang out as all family members, including the elders, bowed deeply.

“No need for such formalities, especially you, Elders,” Meng Changqing smiled, helping the foremost elder to his feet.

This elder was his third grandfather, the highest-ranking member of the Meng family.

“Thank you, Young Master,” the third grandfather said, patting Meng Changqing’s hand with tears of joy, “Our ancestors would be incredibly proud if they could see this day.”

“Please, offer incense for me during festivals, as my cultivation journey often keeps me away,” Meng Changqing requested with a smile.

“Of course, of course,” the third grandfather nodded eagerly, treating Meng Changqing with utmost respect, acknowledging his rise to a formidable cultivator and Young Master of Tai Xuan Sect.

Meng Changqing moved forward, the family parting to let him pass, knowing he sought someone specific – the family head.

With a signal from the third grandfather, they all stepped back, leaving space.

“Aunt,” Meng Changqing called softly as he approached the railing where Gu Hongyu stood. Despite her petite frame, standing next to him, the height difference was striking. The sunlight accentuated his tall, robust figure.

“You’ve made great progress, kid,” Gu Hongyu said, habitually punching his chest lightly.

“All thanks to your training, Aunt. I owe everything to you,” Meng Changqing replied with a smile.

“At least you have some gratitude. Now, I don’t need to worry about my later years. I’ll simply rely on you,” Gu Hongyu joked, removing her hat to reveal her stunning face, her hair flowing in the gentle breeze, looking extraordinarily beautiful in the sunlight.

“Are you mesmerized by my beauty again?” Gu Hongyu teased, raising an eyebrow, bringing back memories of their past interactions.

“Indeed, among all the women I’ve seen, Aunt, you’re in the top three,” Meng Changqing said earnestly.

“Top three? Have you had that many romantic encounters?” Gu Hongyu’s eyebrows shot up, “Back in my day, I was…” She paused, the mood turning somber.

“Aunt, can you finally tell me about my mother?” Meng Changqing asked after a moment’s thought.

“It’s not as complex as you think. No epic love stories, just a tale of mortals defying the heavens and failing,” Gu Hongyu sighed, knowing she couldn’t hide the truth anymore. “Do you know the Zhengyi Holy Land?”

Meng Changqing’s eyes widened. In the cultivation world, holy lands were supreme, setting all rules and standards, like today’s sect promotion criteria. However, his knowledge about holy lands was limited.

He only knew of their existence and their overarching authority, given his small family background in a remote region.

“Zhengyi Holy Land is the foremost of the four holy lands. They are incredibly domineering, claiming to be the rightful rulers of the heavens and determining all order. Anyone who defies them is considered rebellious and doomed,” Gu Hongyu explained, anger flashing in her eyes.

“Your mother was from an ancient clan and a top disciple of Linglong Holy Land. But because she saved a demonic cultivator, she was judged by Zhengyi Holy Land, accused of colluding with demons and falling from grace. She was forced to cripple herself and was expelled from both the sect and her clan,” Gu Hongyu recounted, her voice heavy with emotion.

“After many assassination attempts, she met your father here in Tianling Prefecture, but the injuries eventually took their toll after your birth. Both passed away due to their severe injuries,” Gu Hongyu continued, providing Meng Changqing with a clearer picture of his past.

“Having escaped those assassinations, it seemed the endless turmoil finally ceased with her death.

“And that’s the story,” Gu Hongyu concluded, patting Meng Changqing’s shoulder.

“Did the Linglong Holy Land just stand by while one of their disciples was ruined?” Meng Changqing asked, appearing calm yet with a tinge of coldness.

“Zhengyi Holy Land is unmatched, not even other holy lands can compare. Moreover, Linglong Holy Land was undergoing a significant crisis back then and lacked the strength to intervene. As for her ancient clan, they wouldn’t dare oppose Zhengyi Holy Land,” Gu Hongyu explained, shaking her head. “I suggest you let go of any thoughts of revenge. Live a peaceful life and focus on your cultivation.”

With that, Gu Hongyu left, but not before handing Meng Changqing a token. “This belonged to your mother. It might be useful someday.”

As she departed, Meng Changqing took a deep breath, processing the new information. He had speculated about his heritage, but the reality exceeded his imagination.

Holy lands were legendary, and to think his mother and aunt were once disciples of such a place!

Though Gu Hongyu was filled with anger, Meng Changqing found it hard to fully empathize, never having known his parents. Any feelings of attachment were faint, born out of a sense of bloodline rather than experience.

“Sometimes, even if you don’t seek trouble, trouble finds you,” Meng Changqing muttered.

He had no desire to antagonize the holy land, but he couldn’t avoid preparing for potential future conflicts.

“I must continue to cultivate,” he resolved, his lightheartedness vanishing.

He didn’t want to leave his fate to an uncertain future. Regardless of what lies ahead, he needed to grow strong enough to protect himself and those he cared about.