"Sect Leader, how can a person possibly destroy a planet in one stroke?" A young man murmured softly; he had just persevered under Lin Mo's suppression, reaching second place. Lin Mo glanced indifferently, waved his sleeve, and layers of illusions appeared within the hall: two mighty figures clashing, mountains crumbling, ocean waters evaporating, as if it were the end of the world. They seemed about to shatter the sky; leaping three thousand miles, a single punch felt like an eighth-level earthquake, gradually crumbling an entire planet into countless stellar dust, suspended in the vast and splendid universe.
"Hoo, hoo"
The images vanished, but everyone's breathing in the hall became a bit challenging.
"This, this."
Xiao Haiyang and the three elders widened their eyes, unable to believe it; two people's battle led to a planet's destruction, reduced to numerous broken meteors. "On Earth, Spiritual Energy is depleted, so your cultivation progresses slowly. Moving to other cultivation planets, staying on Earth is merely akin to sitting and watching the sky. Showing you these images was meant to let you know: you are still weak, and I am weak as well. To survive in a world where the stronger is respected, strength is your survival guarantee."
Lin Mo said sternly.
The three elders' expressions were heavy; the rest of the disciples remained shocked, seemingly unresponsive.
Only Xiao Haiyang clenched his teeth tightly, bulging veins on his forehead, fists tightly held, "Too strong. Those competitors just now could probably kill everyone here with a single breath!" In the Star Sect, Xiao Haiyang was cultivated as a top elite disciple, and although the three elders had cultivated longer, Xiao Haiyang held strong confidence in surpassing the elders. Only Lin Mo made him feel like looking up a towering mountain. Yet, just now, the scene Lin Mo manifested made him feel powerless.
Some things at least seem attainable, bringing the confidence to pursue, but those two supreme figures just now left Xiao Haiyang without even the confidence to chase such power.
"Pff!"
Lin Mo's eyes flashed sharply, striking a handprint at Xiao Haiyang from a distance, sending him flying, blood spurting from his mouth.
The others looked at Lin Mo in surprise, not knowing why he suddenly struck Xiao Haiyang.
Xiao Haiyang suddenly realized, the confusion in his eyes cleared away, replaced by two streaming beams of light. He wiped the blood from his mouth, stood up, looked at Lin Mo, and bowed, "Thank you, Sect Leader."
Earlier, he was about to lose his pursuit of the Dao, letting a Heart Demon invade. If the Heart Demon really took root in his heart, he'd never achieve significant accomplishments in his life.
That strike from Lin Mo was to awaken him, preventing a Heart Demon from forming, which otherwise would have left a Heart Demon in cultivation path, precluding future pursuit of the peak. "Showing you those images wasn't to discourage, but to maintain humility when you venture out, striving to be the strongest; none among you are waste, even with talents, merely slowed by insufficient cultivation resources and Spiritual Energy."
Lin Mo slowly said, "Next, I'll discuss with the three elders to impart some knowledge at the Star Sect and provide Spirit Stones for your cultivation."
Upon hearing Lin Mo's words, everyone suddenly widened their eyes.
"Sect Leader?"
Cheng Ying widened his eyes.
Qiu Xingjian and Dong Xiangyun also showed surprise, perceiving Lin Mo's intention from his words.
"Indeed, I intend to pass on the position of Sect Leader, letting Xiao Haiyang take over the leadership of the Star Sect," Lin Mo said calmly.
Xiao Haiyang looked stunned at being appointed as the Star Sect's Sect Leader.
"Among you, some may have better talent than Xiao Haiyang, but his mindset of pursuing the strongest is uncommon. For instance, when I exerted suppression, some could have held a bit longer but surrendered due to discomfort."
Lin Mo said solemnly, "Throughout history, the chance of becoming ultimate figures under the starry sky due to good talent is rare. Most achieve it with unwavering resolve and determination to become strong, ultimately earning everyone's reverence."
Below the hall, some disciples who gave up resisting due to discomfort showed shame and buried their heads deeply.
"Sect Leader, are you truly passing on your position?"
Cheng Ying asked again.
"Yes, as the Star Sect's leader, I don't spend much time at the sect, and I feel the urge to explore other places, so I intend to pass the leadership to Xiao Haiyang now. Additionally, I'll select suitable cultivation techniques for you," Lin Mo stated.
Cheng Ying, Dong Xiangyun, and Qiu Xingjian exchanged eye contact, feeling a bit helpless, sensing Lin Mo's decision was firm, their persuasion futile.
"As for Lu Xing, she has good talent to become the vice Sect Leader," Lin Mo added.
Due to studying under Jiuxian Immortal, Lu Xing focused on defense rather than offense, utilizing Starry Sky Power as guidance. She had long departed the Star Sect to comprehend cultivation techniques globally, so Lin Mo hadn't seen Lu Xing upon his return.
"Sect Leader"
Xiao Haiyang raised his head, with deep, robust eyes gazing at Lin Mo.
"My decision stands, without opposition," Lin Mo stated sternly: "I will impart cultivation techniques, Alchemy Technique, Artifact Refining Skill, Array Technique, Talisman Making Skill, and Medicine Shop cultivation to the three elders, allowing disciples to choose their paths for cultivation. It's essential to understand: cultivation, regardless of field, demands tremendous effort, avoid being superficial."
"Yes, Sect Leader."
The disciples bowed and spoke in unison.
Shortly after, the disciples left the hall, leaving only the three elders behind. Lin Mo had long contemplated passing on the leadership, thus thinking through various cultivation techniques to impart, including Attack Skill, Alchemy, Artifact Refining, Array and Talisman skills, categorically chosen based on sect classifications in the Cultivation World, selecting suitable techniques for cultivation —1800 techniques in total."
"Sect Leader." "Here are the various cultivation techniques I'm imparting; arrange them well, letting disciples choose for cultivation, as for treating Xiao Haiyang with care; he can undertake the Star Sect leadership." Lin Mo said, flipping his palm, revealing a crystal emitting a faint milky white halo.
"Sect Leader, are you truly leaving the Star Sect?"