"LONG CHEN!?"

The disciples from the Hidden Dragon Sect nearly jumped out of their skins, their eyes bulging in disbelief. The person undergoing tribulation was none other than someone they all knew far too well. Mei Xueyin clutched her forehead, feeling her vision blur momentarily before it quickly returned to normal.

Everyone instinctively stopped in their tracks, keeping a cautious distance. The heavens were currently targeting Long Chen; approaching now would only invite death.

It became clear they weren't the only ones who had arrived. Members of other sects were also present, drawn by curiosity and speculation about the lightning tribulation. After brief exchanges, each group reassembled with their own sects, forming loose boundaries.

Su Wenqing merely glanced at Xu Mo, not uttering a word, nor giving the slightest hint that they knew each other. Xu Mo noted this with silent gratitude in his heart. It was for the best. He had no interest in becoming the future leader of the sect. If others could ignore his existence the way Su Wenqing just had, that would be ideal.

He was content letting the Saintess rise to that position. As he stared at Long Chen—who was just a year older and already stepping into the Golden Core Realm—he couldn't help but reflect. There was a high possibility Long Chen would receive an invitation from the Verdant Sky Hall.

Xu Mo wanted the same opportunity, of course. But he didn't want his "friend's" path to be hindered because of him. In the end, cultivation wasn't about flashy techniques or righteous slogans. It was about survival—who could outlast the rest. No matter what others preached, Xu Mo firmly believed that was the true essence of cultivation.

He sought to see the end of his journey, to die a natural death, and live a life that didn't weigh heavily on his conscience. That was also why he didn't go around killing without cause. Even when he had the power to end lives, he preferred to give his enemies a chance.

To him, true invincibility meant never needing to kill. A truly invincible person could let their enemies live and still know they would never be surpassed.

"Should we protect him?" Jin Meiyu asked, her tone mild but layered with concern. She knew well how vulnerable a cultivator was during a breakthrough. Many promising geniuses throughout history had met their end during such moments—either struck down by heavenly tribulation or betrayed by supposed allies.

Her question wasn't just a suggestion—it was a subtle probe, testing Xu Mo's stance.

"No," Xu Mo said plainly.

Jin Meiyu's hopeful expression immediately shifted, though the emotion behind her eyes was hard to describe. Still, it was obvious she wasn't pleased by his answer.

"I cannot risk the lives of my fellow sect members for someone else's personal gamble," he continued. "If he truly intended to break through, he should have done it within the protection of the sect. Instead, he chose to chase rumors and take unnecessary risks. My people are not sacrificial lambs."

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Unknowingly, Xu Mo's tone had grown harsh. Yet, even if he had realized it, he wouldn't have regretted a word. In fact, he hoped Jin Meiyu would resent him for this. Hatred was easier to manage than compassion or regret.

The disciples standing behind him, who had previously considered stepping in to aid Long Chen, looked to their True Successor. After hearing his words and reevaluating the situation, they changed their minds. Xu Mo wasn't trying to win hearts—he had made a rational decision, untainted by sentiment.

To them, this only proved he was worthy of his position.

Ignoring the Saintess's subtle hint, resisting the temptation to score points with her, and putting logic above emotion—these were the actions of a true leader.

"Don't worry," Xu Mo added, softening slightly. "No one would dare make a move right now. And once the tribulation ends, Long Chen will already have formed his core. Even a newly-advanced cultivator at the Golden Core Realm is still someone who possesses a condensed core within their dantian."

He was walking a delicate line—neither aligning too closely with Jin Meiyu nor alienating Long Chen. He couldn't afford to become the focal point of attention again. Neutrality was the safest stance.

Jin Meiyu took a deep breath and collected herself. She reflected on her earlier impulse and frowned. It wasn't like her to care so much about others. True, she'd encountered Long Chen a few times—but each time, she found herself inexplicably entranced by his presence.

Even her aunt had teased her, saying she must have fallen in love.

"Has everyone arrived?" Xu Mo turned and asked one of the senior disciples.

A disciple stepped forward and quickly performed a head count. "Senior, forty disciples are unaccounted for."

"Forty?" Xu Mo repeated, musing aloud. "That's not a small number. If we tried to fit them all in one room, it would have to be a palace-sized hall."

He paused, then said flatly, "Very well. Let's assume the worst. Assume they're all dead."

A hush fell over the group.

"We'll comb through this Scarlet Realm. Search every ruin, every ravine. If we find any remains or belongings, we'll gather them. Even a fragment of their robes or a broken weapon—anything we can return to their families."

The nearby sects heard Xu Mo's words and were struck silent. Many couldn't help but think, If only we had someone like that... someone who treated his sect members like family.

While their own leaders and captains bickered over opportunities and schemes, the Hidden Dragon Sect still produced someone like Xu Mo. This, they realized, was why the Hidden Dragon Sect had never declined.

While the rankings among the top sects often changed, the Hidden Dragon Sect remained an ancient, immovable pillar. Other sects might rise to prominence, but they still lacked the foundation and loyalty the Hidden Dragon Sect had maintained for centuries.

"Don't worry," Xu Mo added. "Anyone who brings back identifiable remains or personal belongings from a lost disciple will be rewarded with a mid-grade spirit stone. But remember—rewards will only be given once I've verified that what you bring belongs to the deceased disciple's family. If they say otherwise, I won't punish you, but be more careful next time."

He paused, then looked them all in the eyes. "I have no right to punish anyone. I am just the True Successor of the Hidden Dragon Sect. What you all respect isn't me—it's the title I hold. One day, someone else will inherit this position. And when that happens, some of you may come to hate me or seek revenge."

Xu Mo didn't hold back. He always said what needed to be said. Better to set things straight now than let resentment fester in the shadows.

"No, Senior! Please don't say that!" a disciple shouted emotionally. "You're the only one we'll ever follow. If you leave the sect, we'll leave with you!"

Others chimed in, their eyes shimmering with sincerity. It was rare to see someone in power speak so openly and considerately, even though he could easily crush them and suffer no consequences.

Once again, the nearby sects were left speechless. Their own captains and leaders wore thoughtful expressions. They turned Xu Mo's words over in their minds and began to issue similar orders to their teams. Some even repeated his final statements, hoping to inspire the same sense of unity—and avoid any future resentment.

Suddenly, a deafening roar echoed across the heavens.

Boom!!

The tribulation had begun.

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