CHAPTER 937: CHAPTER 936: HOW TO CHOOSE

Hou Niao carefully observed their performance, each had their strengths; although he was an outsider to ancient martial arts, the gap between sword cultivators and ancient martial arts was not too large within all other Daosit traditions, allowing him to discern some insights.

"What are your thoughts?" Yin Qingsi was very curious, highly eager to know this person’s evaluation. At some unknown point, the weight of his words felt heavier than even the clan’s Nascent Soul ancestors.

Hou Niao became very cautious, "From the perspective of skill potential, Gao Tang’s pure ancient martial arts hold the greatest potential, but is also the most arduous. For a Daosit tradition, the best may not always be the most suitable. Frankly, with Qin Sect’s current foundation, this style is actually the least suitable. To truly succeed on this path, few would likely emerge. Can you tolerate the possibility of Qin Sect’s future Golden Core and Nascent Soul cultivators sharply decreasing in numbers?"

Yin Qingsi was silent, having to admit that while this guy’s conduct was often improper, always fiddling about, his insight was exceptional. His judgment mirrored that of several Masters: lofty yet isolated, possibly the righteous path hundreds or thousands of years hence, but Qin Sect’s current concern was how to quickly enhance itself to survive in the ever-changing Jinxiu Continent.

"Secondly, the Anchor Chain Daoist ancient martial arts style is mediocre, without glaring highlights nor obvious drawbacks — this is the style of the Daoist sect. This style still has strong development potential, as Daoist ways have no end. However, if Qin Sect chooses this style, they might no longer be an ancient martial heritage, transforming completely into a Daoist sect."

Yin Qingsi couldn’t help but admire this. This was also the hesitation of several Masters. The greatest characteristic of Daoist skills is their aggressiveness and exclusivity; practice them too long, and one unknowingly walks along the Daoist path...

Hou Niao pointed out, "The one with the least potential and development prospects is the Body Meridian Ancient Martial Arts. Their bottlenecks are too many, and so-called body divine skills will restrict cultivators’ comprehension of the Great Dao in higher levels of cultivation.

However, it must also be acknowledged that in the current context, at the level of Nascent Soul and below, it’s the tradition that can provide Qin Sect with the most immediate boost. Simply put, Body Meridian Ancient Martial Arts fit the present but are not suitable for the future."

Yin Qingsi was truly impressed. This guy had never interacted with the clan’s Masters, yet his perception aligned with them. No wonder he rose to the position of Sect Leader; it seemed he did have real skills.

But she was still verbally relentless, "After all that, you basically said nothing. Everything is suitable yet unsuitable. Did we invite you here just to smooth things over?"

Hou Niao chuckled, "There’s no time to lose; you’re in a hurry, and I’m pressed for time too. No need to look any further; go see your master."

Yin Qingsi nodded, taking a few steps before remembering something, "My master said if you can help us, Qin Sect would consider establishing a closer connection with the Quanzhen Sect."

Hou Niao corrected her: "That’s the main point. But Qingsi, one thing must be clear, this isn’t a matter of who helps whom. It’s about mutual assistance. It’s beneficial for the Quanzhen Sect and equally for your Qin Sect. Don’t think of this as charity; either side can survive without the other."

Yin Qingsi pouted, dissatisfied with his bluntness, but considering his current position as Sect Leader, perhaps saying such things wasn’t entirely wrong?

The two discreetly left the Demonstration Arena and headed towards the side hall where Master Hua awaited,

"You, you should speak to your elders with respect, don’t flaunt your status as Sect Leader. My master may not care about small matters, but some Masters value seniority."

"What’s all this, it’s like meeting the parents."

In the side hall, Sect Leader Hou met Master Hua, Yin Qingsi’s master, along with five other Masters present, not missing a single one.

Clearly, it wasn’t solely Master Hua’s idea to approach Hou Niao; she merely facilitated the meeting.

The Masters were appropriately courteous, respecting the leader of a sect. At their advanced age, how could they appear dismissive when seeking assistance courteously?

Moreover, this was one who could sword-slash Nascent Soul Masters; Duan Zhenren’s tragedy was already widely known across the Jinxiu Continent, sung about, though this time not against his sect’s revered mentors, as he hadn’t formally returned to the Shan Sect then.

For a person like this, it was more than appropriate to regard him highly.

Hou Niao held the etiquette of a junior, finally putting Yin Qingsi at ease; she had feared this guy’s tail would wag uncontrollably...

After brief pleasantries, they delved into the main topic, with Master Hua focusing his mild gaze upon him, "Sect Leader, coming from Hell Star, you’re privy to much that is unknown to us. Inviting you so abruptly was out of necessity, hoping to borrow your insights and experiences for some guidance. It would be greatly appreciated."

Hou Niao appeared very serious, representing the Quanzhen Sect, he couldn’t act willfully, nor repeat what he had discussed with Yin Qingsi about ancient martial arts. On professional matters, he had to respect these seasoned cultivators, whose perspective surely wasn’t narrower than his own, and this was no place for him to show off.

"I will mention a few points and ask all of you seniors for corrections."

He attempted to be unbiased, "Firstly, Wei Yi is my friend. His ultimate choice led him in the other direction within the space channel, a decision both accidental and inevitable. I don’t know where that direction leads, but I sense his return might not be soon. If you’re waiting for his return in sixty years, you might be disappointed."

One Master looked solemn, "Is there a reason, or is it intuition?"

Hou Niao pondered, "Just intuition, as if they’re on a journey leading to yet another arduous trek, unlikely to end soon. Furthermore, returning will also pose a significant challenge."

The Masters remained silent. They too realized placing hope sixty years into the future was uncertain, effectively leaving destiny to the heavens, an attitude not aligning with the life philosophy of cultivators.

"Secondly, the Anchor Chain soliloquy I find unsuitable, not due to the strength or weakness of inheritance, but because it’s about the figure from this particular universe. In the future division of forces on the Jinxiu Continent, the strength from the Anchor Chain will face suppression by the joint Upper Realm Daoist and Buddhist sects. This is unrelated to traditions but stems from the inherent distrust between a mighty dragon and a local serpent."

"Why would you say that?" a Master pressed further.

Hou Niao responded calmly, "Don’t forget, thousands of Hell Star convict cultivators entered Jinxiu Continent alongside. They too are from the Anchor Chain. If one secures a foothold, it signifies a group has settled.

Would you still welcome an instructor and grant the highest respect since you know an individual can’t fundamentally change things? But, would you accept a hundred, a thousand outsiders?

Their realms are not low, and when they achieve Upper Realm Nascent Soul, will this sect still be the same sect?"