Actually, Lin Mo didn't know that last time in Han Country, when all the Kings on the Qingyun List came together and witnessed Lin Mo's might, they returned to their respective Sects to undergo closed-door cultivation. Thus, in a very short time, Zhang Yesheng made multiple breakthroughs.
"Long time no see, your strength has improved quickly," Lin Mo said.
Zhang Yesheng replied with a bitter smile, "Actually, I owe it to Brother Lin's good fortune. After the stimulation I received last time in Han Country, I went into closed-door cultivation upon my return and managed to make a small breakthrough."
Lin Mo nodded and saw that behind Zhang Yesheng there was a group of Martial Artists, all young men and women. He couldn't help but show a look of confusion, "Why have you all come to Emei together? Did you encounter some issue?"
"No issue. We came with Master this time mainly to discuss matters regarding the Martial Arts Tournament," Zhang Yesheng said.
The founder of the Emei Sect was rumored to have some connections with Master Zhang of the Wudang Sect, which is why the relationship between Emei and Wudang has always been very good.
"Martial Arts Tournament?"
Lin Mo actually wasn't very interested; his goals were no longer set on that.
Zhang Yesheng also knew of Lin Mo's strength; even the Cold Country Sword Saint had died by his hand. It could be said that in the younger generation, no one could match his edge. Lin Mo's sights were already set far beyond the Martial Arts Tournament.
"By the way, Brother Lin, my Master has always said he would like to meet you. Since you're here, why not meet him?" Zhang Yesheng suddenly suggested.
Lin Mo didn't think much, nodding his head. He was taking Yingzi with him this time to say goodbye to the Sect Leader of Emei. After all, Yingzi had spent the past year in the Emei Sect. It was only proper to say goodbye to the Sect Leader before leaving.
As he passed by Zhang Yexiao, Lin Mo paused for a moment and said, "Affection can't just come from willing it; some things can never be forced."
Watching the backs of Lin Mo and Yingzi, Zhang Yexiao clenched his fists tightly.
"Is that Lin Mo?"
"The first on the Kings List?"
"But I think the July Master should be the first. I heard that July went to challenge him, and he didn't agree. The July Master said he wasn't worthy to be his opponent."
The juniors from the Wudang Sect who came with Zhang Yesheng began to discuss excitedly upon seeing Lin Mo.
Upon reaching the Emei Sect's premises, Sect Leader Zhuang Daoxin of the Emei Sect and Sect Leader Zhang Gulu of Wudang both showed a trace of surprise upon seeing Lin Mo.
Lin Mo's name might not be widely known in the Martial Arts World, but the name Shadow Kill certainly had struck fear in the entire Martial Arts World. However, today the name Shadow Kill had wholly quieted down in the Martial Arts World.
"Sect Leader Zhuang, Sect Leader Zhang," Lin Mo greeted the two.
"Mr. Lin," both Zhuang Daoxin and Zhang Gulu were somewhat unsure of how to address Lin Mo.
Lin Mo said with a smile, "Sect Leaders, no need to be so formal, just call me by my name."
Although he said this, both Zhuang Daoxin and Zhang Gulu still couldn't truly treat him as a junior. After all, this was the young man standing at the forefront of the Martial Arts World, who had even killed an Advanced Martial God. It could be said that Lin Mo was nearly invincible.
"Sect Leader Zhuang, thank you for looking after Yingzi during this period. But now that I've returned, she will probably be leaving the mountain with me," Lin Mo said.
"Sect Leader Zhuang, thank you for your care during this time, but it's time for me to go," Yingzi added, standing beside him.
Zhuang Daoxin smiled and said, "Well, remember to come back and visit."
Obviously, Yingzi was very popular in the Emei Sect. Both the Sect Leader and the other disciples had a very good relationship with her.
Even a few female disciples, upon hearing that Yingzi was leaving, had their eyes slightly reddened, showing signs of reluctance to let her go.
"Yes, if I have time, I will come back," Yingzi nodded, her eyes roaming around before she asked, "By the way, Sect Leader, why haven't I seen Sister Zi Ruo?"
Zhuang Daoxin's expression changed subtly for a moment before he smiled and said, "Zi Ruo is in secluded cultivation and has not come out yet. Next time she is out, you can come and visit her."
"Okay, then," Yingzi's little face revealed a hint of disappointment.
"Then we shall take our leave now." Lin Mo cupped his hands together and then prepared to lead Yingzi down the mountain to leave.
"Lin Mo, if you have time, consider visiting Shushan to see the Martial Arts Tournament," Zhang Gulu suddenly said.
"Sure, if I have time, I will definitely go."
Lin Mo smiled and left with Yingzi.
Now he was not in the mood to watch the Martial Arts Tournament. What he needed to do was go to Hong Kong to find Lu Xing's master and learn about the affairs of the Miao Xue Divine Palace. Moreover, he had a vague feeling that something significant was about to happen in Huaxia.
Since entering modern society, whether it was the Martial Arts World or the cultivation sects, they had all become reclusive, but recent activities seemed to be increasing, as if something important was about to happen.
"Sect Leader Zhang, do you think he will go?" Zhuang Daoxin frowned and suddenly turned to Zhang Gulu, who was seated beside him.
Zhang Gulu shook his head with a somewhat solemn expression, "Although he is young, his achievements in Martial Arts are unmatched. Among the youth, even the older generation of Martial Artists does not possess his strength. Maybe he is also a disciple from Heavenly Sect, merely undergoing worldly experience."
"If he is truly from Heavenly Sect, then do we in the Huaxia Martial Arts World stand no chance this time?" Zhuang Daoxin frowned and said.
Zhang Gulu responded, "Actually, it's just a conjecture. After all, such things have happened before. If people from Heavenly Sect are stepping into the mortal world again, it must mean some Secret Treasure is about to be unveiled."
"Yes, organizing this Martial Arts Tournament is also to choose the new Martial Arts Alliance Leader to lead our Martial Arts World in a counterattack," Zhuang Daoxin said. "We need to discuss this matter with the leaders of the other sects. However, our Martial Arts World has seen a surge of talents over the years, including some influential Big Shots. We may not necessarily be afraid of those from Heavenly Sect."
After the discussion ended, Zhuang Daoxin walked alone into the small courtyard behind the sect, where he saw a woman in a pink dress waving her Longsword. Her figure was ethereal, and her treasure sword emitted a cold light as petals were swept down by the sword wind, falling like a rain of flowers.
With a backward sweep, a Purple Rose Branch silently fell to the ground.
"Master."
Suddenly noticing the approaching Zhuang Daoxin, the woman flicked her wrist, sheathed her sword, and respectfully greeted him.
"Zi Ruo, your Swordsmanship has improved again, but your momentum was too much for that last move, wasting a lot of True Qi. Are you troubled inside?" Zhuang Daoxin approached his most beloved female disciple and spoke.
"Master, I'm not," Zhu Ziruo's face carried a faint calmness, but her eyes betrayed a flash of panic.
Zhuang Daoxin sighed and said, "Zi Ruo, you have followed me since you were little, and although you are my True Disciple, I also see you as my daughter. How could I not know what's on your mind?"
Zhu Ziruo's expression turned somber, yet she remained silent.