Library of Heaven’s Path 2: Eternal Destiny

Slightly displeased, Han Xiao frowned. “Vice Hall Master Ling, as a vice hall master of Destiny Hall, shouldn’t you prioritize the interests of the hall and make greater contributions? If you’re only focused on personal gains and even considering transactions with the Wanchang Sect, how can I trust you with the position of hall master?”

“And what exactly should I do?” Zhang Xuan looked over.

Han Xiao replied, “It’s simple. Bring those people here now, and let me send them to headquarters. If the higher-ups are pleased, they’ll reward you handsomely. It’ll be a great boost to your future! Trust me, as long as we handle this well, we’ll earn their favor. Asking for benefits directly only makes you look bad and might ruin your bright future. Vice Hall Master Ling, I’m genuinely doing this for your own good. I truly wish to pass on the hall master position to you… If it were Vice Hall Master Chai in your place, I wouldn’t even have to waste so many words. You must understand my good intentions!”

Zhang Xuan shook his head. What an attempt at emotional manipulation! No wonder Han Xiao was so skilled at balancing Destiny—his eloquence was unmatched.

Once Han Xiao had said enough, Zhang Xuan’s face lit up with feigned excitement. “Are you saying you really plan to pass the position of hall master to me?”

Han Xiao nodded. “Of course. You’re so exceptional that, aside from Chai Yunsheng, there’s no one in Destiny Hall of Hanyuan City who can compare. Initially, the two of you were equally accomplished. But if you contribute these few geniuses, I can guarantee you’ll be my first choice—”

Interrupting him, Zhang Xuan said, “Don’t bother prioritizing. With Moon Sect Leader here, why not draft a formal agreement now? Relinquish the hall master position to me, and as long as you agree to give these geniuses to the Destiny Hall, I might consider it.”

“This…” Han Xiao’s face flushed, his chest heaving with suppressed rage. If he agreed to Zhang Xuan’s terms, it would mean destroying the balance he had painstakingly maintained, leading to inevitable backlash.

Zhang Xuan continued, “What? Can’t do it? How about… you dismiss Chai Yunsheng as vice hall master right now and leave only me?”

“That… wouldn’t be proper. Vice Hall Master Chai has always been diligent and dedicated. If I did that, it might break his spirit…” Han Xiao shook his head.

“This won’t do, and that won’t do. All you’re giving me are empty promises. If this is how Destiny Hall treats me, why should I keep thinking about Destiny Hall?” Zhang Xuan waved his hand dismissively.

“How dare you!” Han Xiao frowned. “As a vice hall master of Destiny Hall, the hall has given you status and power. If you don’t think about giving back and only seek benefits, how can you be at peace with your conscience?”

“Sorry, but I, Ling Buyang, don’t have a conscience.” Zhang Xuan shook his head. “If Hall Master Han really had a conscience, you wouldn’t be saying such things. If you hurt my feelings, I might just resign from my position as vice hall master!”

Trying to manipulate me? Nice try!

“You…” Han Xiao almost choked on his anger. He never imagined that Ling Buyang, who used to be capable but meek, would suddenly transform in a few short days—his strength skyrocketing, hidden cards aplenty, and his demeanor now aggressive, with no respect for him at all.

Could he really be someone else in disguise? Although seeing him use the Mo Dao Heaven’s Fate technique had dispelled his doubts earlier, the suspicion crept back now.

Losing interest in further debate, Zhang Xuan turned to Yue Longxiao. “Sect Leader Yue, don’t you agree with me?”

Yue Longxiao nodded. “Of course! Whether as hall master or vice hall master, the ultimate goal is cultivation and acquiring resources. If there are other ways to obtain resources, nothing else matters.”

Zhang Xuan praised him. “Sect Leader Yue, you’re very open-minded!”

Yue Longxiao smiled. “Vice Hall Master Ling, what kind of resources do you need? I’ll report it to my superiors to prepare in advance.”

Zhang Xuan replied, “It’s simple. I need a large amount of Heaven’s Fate Energy. As long as the quantity is sufficient, you can take the people with you. We’re strangers anyway; I might as well profit a little.”

“Deal!” Yue Longxiao nodded.

“Hall Master Han, Sect Leader Yue, I’ll wait for your good news then. I have other matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave now.” Zhang Xuan clasped his hands in farewell and left.

“Hall Master Han, I’ll take my leave too. Let’s meet again in three days!” Yue Longxiao also clasped his hands before turning to leave.

As the two departed, Han Xiao suppressed his irritation and strode out of the hall toward his private chamber. He had yet to inform headquarters of what had happened due to the backlash he had been dealing with.

Truthfully, he understood that lighting 99 Destiny Incenses indicated unparalleled talent. However, he hadn’t realized just how exceptional they were. His attempts to intervene were mostly to interfere with Yue Longxiao’s sudden interest.

“Hall Master…” Just a few steps toward his chamber, Xie Feng rushed over.

“What is it?” Han Xiao halted.

“Reporting to the hall master, an esteemed guest from the Zouyi Dynasty, who identifies as Mo Qing, requests to see you,” Xie Feng said hurriedly.

“Mo Qing…” Han Xiao froze for a moment before realization dawned on him, his expression shifting to surprise. “Could it be the elder-level expert from the Mo Dao Sect? They say his cultivation has long surpassed the ninth level of the Source Pool Realm, and he’s revered as an elder in the Destiny Hall of the Zouyi Dynasty. Why would he come here? Take me to him immediately!”

Han Xiao had heard of Mo Qing before. Over a decade ago, Mo Qing had already reached the Second Stage of the Heaven’s Fate Mo Dao martial technique, surpassing the Source Pool Realm. Such a figure deserved utmost respect anywhere.

Returning to the guest hall, Han Xiao saw a tall, stern-faced middle-aged man sitting in the room. A long Mo Dao leaned against the table beside him.

“Han Xiao of Hanyuan City greets Elder Mo Qing…” Han Xiao bowed deeply.

Mo Qing nodded. “Hall Master Han, no need to be so formal. I’m here to ask about a certain matter.”

Han Xiao relaxed slightly. “Elder Mo Qing, please feel free to ask. As long as it’s within my knowledge, I will answer everything.”

“Good!” Mo Qing smiled faintly. “I heard that my junior, Ling Buyang, has become a vice hall master of Destiny Hall. How much do you know about him? Has his comprehension of the Mo Dao Heaven’s Fate reached the Second Stage?”

Han Xiao was taken aback but quickly nodded. “Vice Hall Master Ling just yesterday broke through to the Second Stage during a battle… Since he is from the Mo Dao Sect, Elder Mo should have sensed his progress, right?”

Mo Qing’s expression grew awkward. “Years ago, my junior made a grave mistake. To avoid backlash, our teacher severed part of their connection. Only significant progress in cultivation would reestablish the link. However, when the incense for the Mo Dao Heaven’s Fate was lit, our teacher didn’t sense anything, so I was sent to investigate.”

Han Xiao understood. Connections forged through destiny or mentorship could foster growth or lead to backlash. However, someone in control of their fate could sever such ties at will. Otherwise, a strong master’s downfall could be easily orchestrated by attacking their disciples.

Han Xiao mused aloud, “Vice Hall Master Ling has indeed reached the Second Stage and has displayed its techniques… but there is something peculiar I need to mention.”

“What is it?” Mo Qing asked.

“Just a few days ago, Vice Hall Master Ling heard about a Chaotic Fate Practitioner appearing in the Zouyi Dynasty and went to assist. When he returned, his strength had skyrocketed, and his personality had completely changed…”

“You’re suggesting that my junior, Ling Buyang, might be an imposter?” Mo Qing frowned.

“I only have suspicions. There’s no evidence, so I dare not claim anything,” Han Xiao replied cautiously.

Mo Qing considered this. “The Mo Dao Heaven’s Fate is a technique created by our teacher. To cultivate it, one must receive direct tutelage or approval. It’s nearly impossible for an outsider to reach the Second Stage. Still, let’s confirm this. I’ll test his comprehension of the Mo Dao myself.”

Han Xiao asked, “What kind of test would Elder Mo require? How should I assist?”

Mo Qing replied, “Simple. Summon him for a duel. Everything will become clear.”

Han Xiao relaxed. “That’s easy to arrange. However, there’s another matter I’d like to discuss first. Just now, Vice Hall Master Ling brought some individuals for talent assessment. Among them were three who lit 99 Destiny Incenses…”

Mo Qing’s eyes widened, and he stood abruptly. “Are you certain?”

Han Xiao nodded and recounted the earlier events involving Yue Longxiao and the Wanchang Sect.

Mo Qing’s eyes glinted with excitement. “If these individuals can cultivate the Mo Dao technique… I might achieve a breakthrough to the Third Stage and surpass our teacher!”

Excitement surged in Mo Qing’s voice, and his ambitions were clear.

Author\'s Note

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