Chapter 2945: Patriarch In Seclusion - Walker Of The Worlds

Thinking about what he would do here in the Xian Sword Sect, Lin Mu continued to walk, his eyes calmly observing the towering peaks that surrounded them. "This way, Senior," an Inner Court disciple said, guiding Lin Mu and the others to their quarters. They were brought to one of the prominent residential peaks nearby. The mountain rose like a jade pillar into the heavens, reaching an imposing height of at least five thousand meters. Its summit was crowned in glistening snow, while the slopes below were blanketed in vibrant greenery that teemed with life. Waterfalls cascaded down from hidden springs, glimmering like strands of silk in the sunlight. Immortal cranes soared through the skies, their feathers gleaming like polished silver as they let out melodious, harmonious cries. Occasionally, one could glimpse rare spirit birds nesting along the cliffside ledges, adding bursts of color and energy to the tranquil panorama. The air was thick with Immortal Qi, every breath feeling as if it nourished the soul. Just being here made one feel invigorated and sharpened, as though one’s meridians expanded with each step up the mountain path. Sword Intent lingered in the very wind, subtle yet persistent—sharp like the edge of a honed blade. Still, it was far more comfortable than the intensity atop Mount Sky Sever. "Phew!" Meng Bai let out a sigh of relief as they reached the base path winding up the peak. "A lot more comfortable here," he said with a contented nod. "This is one of the residential peaks of our sect," the Inner Court disciple explained with pride, "and also where some Elders and Core Disciples reside." "We’ll be staying at a place like this?" Meng Bai asked in disbelief, clearly stunned by the high honor. "Of course! This much is the least we can do," the disciple said respectfully. "Senior Lin Mu is a bearer of the Silent Lotus Temple. To us, that’s the same as being an Elder." "I don’t need formalities," Lin Mu said with a gentle smile. "So you don’t need to push yourself." "Haha, I’m not pushing myself," the disciple replied cheerfully. "I’d be doing this even if you weren’t the Bearer. I can sense the Sword Intent from you, Senior. It’s no less than any of our Elders. In the Xian Sword Sect, we value one’s proficiency with the sword above all else." "As long as you have the skills, you are deserving of respect," he added sincerely. "I see..." Lin Mu was quietly pleased by this sentiment. "We can fly up from here," the disciple said, lifting into the air with ease. Lin Mu and the others followed, soaring up the mountain’s side. As they ascended, they saw numerous residences embedded into the cliffs and valleys. Some were humble—little more than meditation caves carved into stone—while others were elaborate, sprawling three-sectioned courtyards built from fine spirit timber and glazed tiles, complete with formations to gather spiritual energy. The higher they rose, the grander the residences became, and the purer the Sword Intent in the air. ’Just how far up are they taking us?’ Meng Bai wondered, casting a glance at the seemingly endless slope above. "Their hospitality is indeed as good as I’ve heard," Daoist Chu muttered thoughtfully. "They’re always like this?" Meng Bai asked, curious. "Well, as long as you have the skills, yes," Daoist Chu replied with a chuckle. "Otherwise, you wouldn’t even be allowed past the outer gates. They aren’t one of the top sword sects in the Immortal Realm for nothing." "They’re that big?" Meng Bai raised his brows. "What do they rank?" "Well, the official rankings haven’t been updated in a few thousand years," Daoist Chu admitted, "but the last time it was done, they were in the top ten. That was long before I was even born." "Damn! This world sure has a lot of strong powers," Meng Bai said, clearly impressed. "Indeed," Daoist Chu agreed. "And yet, the Silent Lotus Temple ranks at the very top here." "With the Abbot at its helm, it’s inevitable," Lin Mu added. "That’s true," Daoist Chu nodded with respect. "Ah yeah, the Patriarch of the Xian Sword Sect is also a Transcendent, right?" Meng Bai asked, glancing over. "Indeed. And he’s not the only Transcendent here," Daoist Chu replied. "I wonder if we’ll get to see him," Meng Bai mused. "The Abbot was incredibly strong, but being a Buddhist cultivator, his cultivation path is something I couldn’t fully grasp. The Patriarch should be closer to a conventional Qi cultivator, right?" "About that..." the Inner Court disciple, who had been listening to their conversation, interrupted gently. "Yes?" Lin Mu turned to him. "Our Patriarch is currently in seclusion, so you might not be able to meet him." "He is?" Lin Mu raised a brow. "Indeed. Otherwise, he would have certainly come to meet you personally," the disciple replied. "That’s why the two High Elders met you in his stead." "I understand. That’s fine," Lin Mu responded, with no trace of offense. "Even we’ve been wondering when he’ll emerge. A lot of our newer disciples have never seen him either," the disciple added with a wry smile. "Oh? Why’s that?" Lin Mu asked, intrigued. "How long has he been in seclusion?" Daoist Chu inquired. "Well, this year it’ll be... hmm... one thousand sixty-five years?" the disciple estimated with a thoughtful look. "That long?" Meng Bai’s jaw nearly dropped. The Patriarch had been in seclusion for more than thirty times Meng Bai’s entire age. It made sense that the number would shock someone who hadn’t even stepped into immortality. "Yeah, he reached a critical point in his cultivation and entered seclusion then," the disciple elaborated. "Are the Elders handling the sect in the meantime?" Lin Mu asked, his brow furrowing slightly. The absence of such a powerful figure—especially with the Ephemera Sect and other threats on the rise—was not ideal. "Yes, the Elders are managing the sect under the leadership of the Grand Elder," the disciple confirmed, but it made Daoist Chu think of something.