As Yu Daochen's receding figure disappeared from view, Li Shaohun turned to the other two and asked, "Masters, what do you make of this young man?"
Ma Shaogang, the hall master of the Chuma Immortal Hall, shrugged and chuckled, "As a rough man, I can't tell. Perhaps Master Nicang can offer some insight."
Master Nicang clasped his hands together, his eyes seeming to pierce through the world. He spoke slowly, "Amitabha. While this young benefactor Yu is a bit ruthless in his actions, he possesses a kind heart at his core."
Upon hearing this, a relieved smile spread across Li Shaohun's face. "Does that mean we can entrust the fate of the world to him?"
Master Nicang shook his head. "I'm afraid not."
"Why?" Li Shaohun asked, a hint of confusion in his voice.
Ma Shaogang, though silent, also looked at Master Nicang with a puzzled expression.
Master Nicang began to explain, "As far as I know, young benefactor Yu has been wandering the martial world since he was sixteen. After all these years, even if he has a kind heart, it must be buried deep within. Some things are difficult to hide, and once hidden and accustomed to being so, it is very hard to awaken them again."
Ma Shaogang and Li Shaohun naturally understood this principle.
It was like how some people said Liu Bei was falsely benevolent, but he had maintained that pretense his entire life.
Even if it was false, what was the difference from the truth?
Li Shaohun shook his head helplessly, sighed, and then inquired, "Since this young man is unsuitable, what about Wangming?"
Among the younger generation, there weren't many who could shoulder such a great responsibility.
Liang Jing of the Heavenly Master's Mansion had good talent and decent strength, but his disposition was insufficient. He could inherit the Heavenly Master's Mansion, but carrying the burden of the world was still a bit beyond him.
As for Wang Fubao, this young man possessed the talent, disposition, and strength to bear the weight of the world.
However, he was unfortunately destined for a short life.
Those who practiced the art of Chuma Immortal were rarely long-lived, as it was extremely taxing on one's life force.
In terms of overall strength, Chuma Immortals were far superior to the Ten Thousand Buddha Temple and the Heavenly Master's Mansion, but unfortunately, they had a fatal flaw... they consumed their lifespan.
This was why Chuma Immortals did not act lightly. It wasn't that they were unwilling, but their lifespans were limited.
Summoning an immortal once cost a year of life, a price ordinary people could not afford.
The only remaining candidate was Wangming of the Ten Thousand Buddha Temple.
This young man had both talent and strength, and in his time, he was as famous as Yu Daochen.
They were both known by the titles of Crouching Dragon and Young Phoenix.
Upon hearing Wangming's name, Master Nicang also sighed, saying helplessly, "He is the most unsuitable."
"Why?" Li Shaohun was even more perplexed.
Logically, besides Yu Daochen, Wangming should have been the most likely candidate to bear the responsibility of the world.
Master Nicang shook his head regretfully. "Young Wangming was never suited to be a monk, nor was he suited to enter this path."
Although Master Nicang did not reveal the reason, Ma Shaogang and Li Shaohun could sense it.
Wangming now appeared somewhat wicked, giving off the impression of a young, mischievous monk.
If he were to join another sect, who knew what he might become.
Seeing that everyone was unsuitable, Li Shaohun shook his head in resignation and lamented, "Are there truly no suitable candidates among the younger generation?"
Master Nicang clasped his hands together, remaining silent.
For a moment, all three fell into silence.
Ma Shaogang chuckled, "I don't think we need to rush. We old bones are still here, so there's no need to panic. Instead of placing our hopes on these youngsters, why don't we old folks take a gamble? Each generation has its own responsibilities. Our children and grandchildren will forge their own paths, and the future can be left to them to handle."
Master Nicang clasped his hands together, agreeing, "Amitabha. I concur with Master Ma's words. The affairs of the next generation should be left to them to manage."
Hearing both of them speak this way, Li Shaohun could only let out a long sigh. "Indeed, what our generation cannot accomplish, we shall entrust to the next."
However, before that, all unstable factors must be eliminated.
In the corridor.
Yu Daochen looked at Su Lai beside him and teased, "Old Su, your performance today was quite something. That was a Black List expert, and you blocked him without even batting an eye. I chose a good brother in you."
Su Lai chuckled, waved his hand, and began to boast, "This is nothing. I'm not bragging, but if it weren't for Chen Shanhe running away, I would have gone up and knocked him down with a single blow, making him cry for his mommy and beg for mercy."
Dahu, standing beside them, smiled without saying a word.
He knew very well what kind of person Su Lai was.
It was best to get used to it.
However, Dahu was more concerned about Master Yu. Ever since a moment ago, Master Yu had been glancing back unintentionally.
Seeing that Yu Daochen's attention wasn't fully on him, Su Lai asked, "Master Yu, what are you looking at?"
Yu Daochen shook his head, a smile on his face. "Nothing. Let's hurry to the conference hall."
Su Lai, though puzzled, continued to brag about his earlier performance.
As they reached the entrance of the hall, just as the three were about to enter, they saw a figure approaching from the opposite direction.
Upon seeing the approaching person, all three of their expressions changed drastically.
When Su Lai saw the person, he couldn't help but let out a curse, "Holy shit, Chen Shanhe!"
Dahu's face grew solemn, and he instinctively reached for the weapon at his waist.
In contrast, Yu Daochen in the middle remained calm and composed, showing no signs of pressure. Instead, a disdainful smile appeared on his face.
Seeing Yu Daochen's demeanor, Chen Shanhe's eyes were filled with killing intent, his fists clenched so tightly that they creaked. He looked as if he would charge forward and tear Yu Daochen to shreds at any moment.
He should have left earlier, but Chen Guojun had called him to a meeting.
Ten minutes ago.
Chen Shanhe, holding the unconscious Chen Yan, looked at Chen Guojun, full of confusion. "Father, why didn't you kill that kid named Zhou Fu?"
Chen Guojun shook his head and explained, "I promised that kid from Haotian Fist not to kill Zhou Fu."
"But Yu Daochen harmed Chen Yan like this, and you're just going to let it go?" Chen Shanhe questioned.
Although Haotian Fist was powerful, with his father and himself combined, taking him down wouldn't be difficult.
With the old man Yu Shuntian protecting him, if they couldn't touch Yu Daochen, couldn't they touch his disciple?
Seeing his son's intense anger, Chen Guojun shook his head helplessly. "Of course, this matter cannot be let go like this. But now is not the time for revenge. Not only can you not retaliate against Yu Daochen and his disciple, but you also cannot retaliate against the Corpse Retrieval Sect or the Coffin Carrying Yang Family."
Hearing that he couldn't even retaliate against these two second-rate forces, Chen Shanhe almost lost his temper on the spot, but he still nodded, "I understand."
Chen Guojun nodded, then continued, "Hand Xiaoyan over to me, and you go to the meeting."
Chen Shanhe replied with dissatisfaction, "Father, Xiaoyan is so badly injured, how can I possibly have the mood to attend this damned Gathering of Heroes?"
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ps: I drank too much these past few days. I had some drafts saved, but I didn't expect to mess them up while half-asleep. I've corrected everything now, and you can reread it from the beginning. I apologize.