The Imperial Preceptor of the Everpeace Empire's body trembled slightly.
"What you wish to accomplish is too great, and the road ahead is full of thorns. My lifespan is nearly at its end; I can no longer help you. From now on, you must rely on yourself."
The Young Heavenly Demon Patriarch smiled and said, "Go back."
The Imperial Preceptor of the Everpeace Empire bowed deeply to the ground. "Thank you, dao-friend, for your support throughout half my life!"
The Young Heavenly Demon Patriarch returned the bow. "Since we walk the same path, it is only natural to support one another."
The Imperial Preceptor of the Everpeace Empire turned and left, his robes billowing, disappearing into the vast crowd of the capital.
The Young Heavenly Demon Patriarch rose and called for the Enforcer Elder: "Let's go. The Young Cult Master should ascend the throne."
Beyond the frontier, Libationer Barrett wore a grim expression as he led Quinn Shepherd and Lynn Ling into the barbarian border camp, clearly displeased. The barbarian guard commander, seeing their return, turned pale and stepped forward, saying, "Martial Khan, the holy land has decreed that if you are encountered, you must not be allowed out of the pass!"
Libationer Barrett's eyes grew cold. "Do you wish to die?"
The barbarian guard commander shivered, glancing around. Libationer Barrett swept his gaze over the surrounding martial officers and said coldly, "Do you all wish to die?"
The barbarian guard commander braced himself and said, "Open the gates!"
With the gates opened, Libationer Barrett rode the ox out of the pass.
Quinn Shepherd glanced back and saw a young barbarian boy practicing his fists atop the city wall, each punch fierce and powerful. Quinn let out a quiet 'hmm' of interest. The boy, noticing someone watching, quickly ended his routine and looked down.
"This boy is strong, his fundamentals are extremely solid," Quinn Shepherd praised.
The boy's gaze was sharp, and he called out loudly, "Martial Khan! My name is Ben Coates, youngest son of the Prairie King. Someday I will defeat the Martial Khan and become the overlord of the grasslands!"
Libationer Barrett turned, looked over the young barbarian, and nodded approvingly. "Ambitious. Keep practicing. You have good foundations. Show me another set of punches!"
Ben Coates performed another set of punches. Libationer Barrett said to Quinn Shepherd, "This boy's punches are bold and powerful, much stronger than others. His physique is quite unique; he will surely achieve greatness in the future."
Quinn Shepherd nodded. With the same moves and cultivation, some people's punches are simply stronger—this is innate talent, and others can only envy it.
It's rare. As long as he survives, he'll become a renowned figure on the grasslands.
They headed toward Qingmen Pass, while Ben Coates, energized by Libationer Barrett's praise, trained even harder. Soon, a streak of golden light flashed overhead—a Witch King descended, his face dark, and summoned the guard commander: "You let the Martial Khan out of the pass?"