Return to the Sect Sequence?
Miles Ning, usually calm and unflappable, heard the words through the phone; his wrinkled old face actually trembled twice, as if with excitement, fear, and nostalgia.
It was as if heavenly thunder struck him, jolting his entire body.
Hiss.
A faint glow flashed and vanished.
He took a fierce drag of his cigarette, then clenched his skeletal hand so tightly that the burning cigarette was crushed to ash and dust, finally crumbling to nothing.
Still too early.
"It's still much too early for Green Mountain Sect to return to the Sect Sequence." Miles Ning's voice was low, yet it carried an indescribable excitement and longing.
Now, Green Mountain Sect exists in name only.
The Martial Arts World acknowledges the name Green Mountain Sect, but only temporarily preserves its existence; with just two people, it cannot be included in the formal Sect Sequence.
But it's getting close.
Judging by Andrew Han's cultivation speed, it's getting close.
Thinking of this, Ning Moli spoke again: "Don't rush. Focus on your training. Returning to the Sect Sequence is no simple matter."
What?
On the other end of the phone, Andrew Han couldn't help but ask in confusion, "Master, not to boast, but I am the strongest Peerless Paragon, the era's prodigy, and now the fifth Legendary One. Isn't that enough for Green Mountain Sect to return to the Sect Sequence?"
This wasn't Andrew Han's arrogance, nor was it pride.
Rather, in the Martial Arts World, there are clear standards for sect qualification: a sect master must be at least a high-tier Martial Lord; if there are no disciples, the master must be a titled Martial Lord.
So.
Undoubtedly, Miles Ning, as the master of Green Mountain Sect, is a third-step titled Martial Lord. As for Andrew Han, the sect's disciple, he possesses combat power equal to a high-tier Martial Lord.
With this situation, they could fully apply for qualification review in the Martial Arts World.
Master.
Andrew Han said bluntly, "You are the sect master, and I am Green Mountain's disciple. No matter how strict the Martial Arts World's review is, it can't stop Green Mountain Sect from returning to the Sequence!"
Let me ask.
Isn't having a Peerless disciple enough? Surely an era's prodigy is sufficient, and if not, being the fifth Legend should be more than enough!
By now, Andrew Han had gradually developed a sense of belonging to Green Mountain Sect.
That's right.
The vast Green Mountain Sect actually consists of only him and Ning Moli... This is Andrew Han's sect, the one that gave him Mountain-Sketch Pillar Stance and profound Martial Techniques.
Now that he has the realm and strength, how could he not consider it?
Unfortunately.
On the other side of the phone, Ning Moli sighed softly: "Even I am not sure, but I suspect we won't pass the first layer of review."
First layer of review?
Andrew Han was shocked.
The review for returning to the Sect Sequence has three layers. What could prevent Green Mountain from passing even the first?
Who?
"Is someone obstructing us?" Andrew Han asked directly.
His combat power is enough to rank among the top experts in Jiangnan Province, at a provincial level.
So.
After more than a year of martial cultivation.
Now, Andrew Han stands at the summit of Jiangnan Province, surveying the landscape... Of course, he admits he probably still isn't a match for Ning Moli.
Because a third-step titled Martial Lord is absurdly strong.
Sigh.
Yet even Ning Moli, with his titled Martial Lord power, hesitated a moment. Only after lighting a cigarette and taking a long drag did he finally sigh softly: "Give it a try then. Go ahead and try."
"If we can return to the Sequence, that would truly be wonderful."
With those words spoken—
He simply hung up the phone, tossed it onto the demon-hide sofa, and stood by the living room window with his hands clasped behind his back.
Swish.
The curtains parted, the drapes drawn open.
Bathed in the gentle afternoon sunlight, the wrinkles on Ning Moli's old face seemed deeper, yet some of that icy indifference had faded away.
"Green Mountain Sect."
"Our... our Green Mountain Sect."
His faint, unfathomable voice carried emotions too complex to name, drifting through the living room on the early spring breeze, like the sun setting in the west.
Silence.
Everything was quiet, including Ning Moli, eyes closed.
......
Meanwhile, at Southland University in Jiangnan Province—
"Hmm."
"What did Master mean by that?"
Dressed in a pure white T-shirt, Andrew Han likewise leaned against his dorm window, gazing at the blue sky and white clouds.
These days, spring was in full bloom. A gentle rain had just passed, leaving the air cool and moist, and the sunlight bright yet soft, never glaring.
Of course.