"What! He actually refused!"
"Heavens! Did I mishear? He actually rejected Peak Master Liu Wen's kind offer!"
"If it were me, I would absolutely not make such a choice!"
"But speaking of which, Li Xuan's words do inspire my admiration. To be able to face great temptation without wavering is a testament to strong willpower. It shows that Li Xuan is a man of integrity."
"..."
On the seven peaks, upon hearing Li Xuan's words, everyone erupted in astonished discussion once more.
Even Qiu Shaolong glanced at Li Xuan with some surprise at this moment, but his lips soon curved into a smile.
"I originally thought you would agree, which would have made dealing with you more troublesome. But it seems that's not necessary now." With that thought, Qiu Shaolong walked towards Di Yi Jie and, after a bow, whispered something to him.
"Have you thought it through? I am putting aside my pride to ask you this today because I see you have achieved considerable success in body cultivation. And to reach such a level at your age is proof that you can go much further in this path.
"You must understand that body cultivation is no less important than spiritual cultivation. And within the Green Hall, besides our Fifth Peak, no one else can help you cultivate your physique to its extreme."
As soon as Li Xuan finished speaking, Liu Wen's smiling expression froze. He had thought that Li Xuan would gladly accept his personal invitation. He hadn't expected to be refused.
While Liu Wen didn't become enraged, he felt a trace of dissatisfaction. Considering Li Xuan's performance during the battle, Liu Wen had to suppress his displeasure and speak again.
Li Xuan looked troubled. After a moment of contemplation, he cupped his hands towards Liu Wen and said, "Peak Master Liu Wen, I have thought very clearly. However, I understand the principle that a teacher for a day is a father for a lifetime. I believe you would not want your disciples to switch peaks so casually."
"Very well. Since you have made your choice, I will not force you. For now, let it be. If you change your mind, you can seek out Liu Zijun at the Fifth Peak."
Liu Wen's expression finally eased a bit. He then gave Li Xuan a deep look before his figure instantly vanished.
As Liu Wen departed, the top ten disciples from the four groups all turned their gazes towards Li Xuan. Their expressions varied, but more often than not, they conveyed a sense of pity.
After all, in their eyes, being able to cultivate by the side of a Peak Master required immense talent and potential.
And Li Xuan had chosen to give it up.
As for the person in question, Li Xuan himself smiled slightly and then shot towards the Seventh Peak.
"Fifth Junior Brother, we didn't misjudge you," Song Wuwen said, stepping forward and embracing Li Xuan.
Su Yueze and the other three nodded, their eyes filled with approval.
Li Xuan naturally noticed the expressions of Su Yueze and the others. Although his relationship with Senior Brother Su Yueze and the other three had been amicable before, it was largely because he was the disciple of Master Luo Kang and merely their junior disciple.
Now, Li Xuan believed that the bond between himself and Su Yueze and the other three had been truly forged.
"Fourth Senior Brother, we agreed earlier. Since we are at the Seventh Peak, we are Seventh Peak people. While following Peak Master Liu Wen would greatly benefit my body cultivation, what I cultivate is not just my physique.
"Moreover, the impact of the Spirit Waterfall is sufficient to temper my physique. Although it might be slow, I will eventually reach the realm I desire."
Li Xuan smiled and then looked at Su Yueze and the other three.
Hearing Li Xuan's words, a glint flashed in Luo Kang's eyes. He then turned around and slowly said, "It's over. Let's go back. Today, let's head to the Seven Treasures Hall first."
As he spoke, Luo Kang led the way down the Seventh Peak towards the palaces below. Su Yueze and the others exchanged surprised glances before following suit.
At the summit of the Seventh Peak, Li Xuan looked at the slightly dusty inscription of "Seven Treasures Hall" and finally understood why Su Yueze and the others had reacted as they did upon hearing its name.
This Seven Treasures Hall was the main hall of the Seventh Peak. Li Xuan knew that the main hall of the Seventh Peak had almost never been opened. Furthermore, Master Luo Kang himself only resided in the palace on the left side and had not occupied this main hall.
Unexpectedly, today, Master Luo Kang was bringing everyone from the Seventh Peak to the Seven Treasures Hall.
From the looks of it, Master Luo Kang clearly had something to announce.
However, Li Xuan was also curious as to why Master Luo Kang chose to gather everyone in the main hall before making any announcements. With that thought, Li Xuan's eyes grew eager.
"Master, after so many years, I never expected to once again choose to open the main hall of our Seventh Peak. Rest assured, the disciples of the Seventh Peak will surely bring it glory!"
Luo Kang, standing outside the Seven Treasures Hall, murmured as if to himself. With a wave of his hand, the grand entrance of the Seven Treasures Hall creaked open.
"Come in, everyone." As the door opened, Luo Kang said in a gentle voice and stepped inside.
Li Xuan and the others followed Luo Kang into the Seven Treasures Hall.
Upon entering the hall, Li Xuan immediately felt the power of the Green Hall. Within the Seven Treasures Hall of the Seventh Peak alone, the two sides were lined with nine colossal pillars standing erect, intricately carved with lifelike dragons and phoenixes.
Not only that, but countless luminous night-blooming pearls twinkled on the ceiling, illuminating the entire hall.
In addition, the floor of the hall was paved with exquisite Linglong Stone, pure and translucent. Li Xuan was well aware of the value of this Linglong Stone; a single piece could ensure the prosperity of an ordinary noble family for three generations, demonstrating its immense preciousness.
Truly a great sect, he thought, marveling at the opulent furnishings of just one peak's main hall. He wondered what such splendor would be like in the main hall of the Green Hall itself.
Li Xuan mused silently for a moment before shifting his gaze to Master Luo Kang.
At this moment, Luo Kang had walked to the front of the hall and slowly turned around.