YM778.TV Book 2: Chapter 62: Dao Li's Achievements
The recently tested Xu Yuancheng and others looked over, their faces full of confusion.
"Animals can cultivate? This is the first I’ve heard of it," someone muttered.
Xie Feng explained, “Any living being has its own destiny. If the opportunity arises, they can naturally comprehend Heaven’s Fate. For example, the Fox Charm Destiny from Green Hill Mountain—it’s said to have originated from a fox. After transforming into human form, it passed on its knowledge, eventually establishing a sect…”
“Oh…” Xu Yuancheng and the others finally understood. Even Zhang Xuan couldn’t help but feel astonished.
He had read records about animals cultivating Heaven’s Fate before. It was exceedingly rare and typically limited to Source Beasts with pure bloodlines. Although Dao Li was a thousand-mile horse, it might not necessarily qualify.
“No, wait. This guy’s original body has long since died. What’s attached to it now is the spirituality I activated, which helped it awaken its Source Pool and completely altered its fate…”
The original Dao Li, a mere thousand-mile horse, had been possessed by the spirituality Zhang Xuan had awakened. It had already transformed into a Source Beast, and its destiny had fundamentally changed. It might indeed possess the potential to master Heaven’s Fate.
Curious, Zhang Xuan couldn’t help but watch as Dao Li trotted to the center of the hall, carrying a wooden bucket in its mouth. A Destiny Lot ignited with Heaven’s Fate Energy and floated towards the Destiny Incense in the distance.Whoosh!
The first incense was lit with ease.
“It actually works…”
“This horse has talent?”
“Am I seeing things? I’m even worse than a horse now?” Xu Yuancheng looked as if he was about to cry. After all his self-reassurance, he was still outdone by a horse.
“It seems… that so-called Heaven’s Fate Talent isn’t fixed. With the right opportunity to alter one’s destiny, the talent will change accordingly…” Zhang Xuan speculated.
Perhaps some individuals didn’t initially possess the talent to master Heaven’s Fate, but when presented with an extraordinary chance to change their fate, such abilities could emerge.
It was like a situation Zhang Xuan had read about—someone who initially struggled to make a fortune but, after acquiring 10 billion coins, could amass wealth with ease.
Reflecting on Hong Yi’s earlier test, Zhang Xuan felt confident the young man would have succeeded even without his intervention—though perhaps not as spectacularly as lighting 37 incense sticks. He probably wouldn’t have outdone Liu Mingyue either.
Lost in thought, Zhang Xuan noticed Dao Li slowing down. Eventually, it stopped after lighting 22 incense sticks, landing neatly between Liu Mingyue and Yu Xiaoyu.
Yu Xiaoyu heaved a sigh of relief, while Liu Mingyue’s face darkened, tears welling up.
Her supposed unparalleled talent couldn’t even compare to her teacher’s mount!
At that moment, a calm voice rang out. “Ladies and gentlemen, it seems there’s been a malfunction with the Destiny Incense. Please refrain from spreading rumors or misinformation while we carry out repairs.”
An imposing elder strode in.
“Malfunction?”
“That makes sense. Otherwise, how could an ordinary horse light the Destiny Incense and possess talent surpassing even Hall Master Han Xiao’s?”
“True…”
The crowd nodded in agreement. It’s hard for people to admit inferiority, and when faced with inexplicable phenomena, many would rather believe in an error than accept weakness. ṝ
“Who are you?” Zhao Ya and the others were about to speak when Zhang Xuan cut them off, looking at the elder curiously.
The elder smiled faintly. “Vice Hall Master Ling, you truly forget people easily. I am Yue Longxiao. We’ve met before.”
Zhang Xuan was surprised. “The master of the Wanchang Sect in Hanyuan City?”
No wonder his presence was so formidable—he ranked second on the Hunter’s List!
“He’s Master Yue!”
“The Wanchang Sect controls all sources of information. If he claims there was a malfunction, it must be true.”
Recognizing Yue Longxiao’s identity, the crowd was convinced. If anyone would know the truth, it was someone in charge of information distribution.
“Indeed, there was a malfunction…” Zhang Xuan nodded with a smile.
He didn’t want to draw too much attention, so having someone else provide an excuse was perfect.
“Vice Hall Master Ling, what’s your relationship with those people? Wanchang Sect would like to invite them as guests. Would that be convenient?” Yue Longxiao’s eyes glinted.
“They’re just some acquaintances I recently met. I brought them over to test whether they could cultivate Mo Dao Heaven’s Fate. Who knew the incense would break…” Zhang Xuan said with a smile. “But it’s an honor to be invited by Master Yue!”
He was playing the part of Ling Buyang. Admitting Zhao Ya and the others were his disciples would expose his identity.
“Please, come this way!”
As Yue Longxiao prepared to leave with the group, another elder hurried over. “Wait!”
It was Hall Master Han Xiao.
“Master Yue, your presence here honors Destiny Hall. Why don’t we discuss this in the conference hall? I have something to discuss with you,” Han Xiao suggested, his tone firm.
Yue Longxiao hesitated briefly before nodding. “Very well. I also have matters to discuss with Hall Master Han.”
Relieved, Han Xiao turned to Zhang Xuan. “Vice Hall Master Ling, please join us as well.”
Zhang Xuan instructed Zhao Ya, “You all head back. I’ll stay and talk with Hall Master Han.”
“Yes!” Zhao Ya cupped her fists and obeyed.
“They can’t leave…” Yue Longxiao interjected, alarmed.
He had been tasked by the Wanchang Sect to identify and recruit the testers. Letting them go would waste his efforts.
“If I brought them here, I naturally have ways to contact them. With me around, Master Yue, are you worried they’ll disappear?” Zhang Xuan smiled.
“That’s true…” Yue Longxiao relented. Insisting further would only raise suspicion.
In the Destiny Hall conference room, Han Xiao studied Zhang Xuan with curiosity. “Vice Hall Master Ling, where did you find those people earlier?”
Lighting 99 incense sticks was a level of talent unimaginable even at Destiny Hall’s headquarters. Yet this man had found three such individuals at once!
“I was passing through White Roc City and happened to notice them. Though young, their talents were exceptional, so I brought them along,” Zhang Xuan casually replied.
“Pure coincidence?” Yue Longxiao was incredulous. How could someone be this lucky?
“Of course! I thought they might be able to cultivate Mo Dao Heaven’s Fate, but who knew the Destiny Incense would malfunction? What a pity…” Zhang Xuan sighed.
Han Xiao and Yue Longxiao exchanged glances, their expressions strained. It felt like Zhang Xuan was toying with them.
“Vice Hall Master Ling,” Yue Longxiao said, breaking the silence. “Those friends of yours… could you introduce them to me? Wanchang Sect is very interested. If they join, we’ll provide the best resources and opportunities.”
“Join the Wanchang Sect?” Zhang Xuan’s smile deepened. He had expected high-level attention after Zhao Ya’s test.
To ensure his disciples’ safety and give them opportunities to grow, Zhang Xuan had always planned for them to join major powers. This approach had proven effective in the past.
“Exactly!” Yue Longxiao confirmed.
“I can, but… what’s in it for me? They’re not my disciples or relatives. Bringing them here was already a favor. If you want them, you need to compensate me,” Zhang Xuan said bluntly.
“You want compensation?” Yue Longxiao frowned.
“Of course! If they aren’t helping me cultivate Mo Dao Heaven’s Fate, they’re just acquaintances. To part with them, I need a fair price.”
Han Xiao interjected, “Leave them with Destiny Hall. I’ll request a reward from the headquarters on your behalf. I guarantee it’ll rival Wanchang Sect’s offer.”
“Han Xiao, what are you doing?” Yue Longxiao’s expression darkened.
Han Xiao replied calmly, “Since Wanchang Sect is making a move, Destiny Hall can’t lag behind.”
The battle for the prodigies had begun.
“I’m all about practical benefits,” Zhang Xuan grinned. “Let’s make it simple—whoever offers the most in three days takes them. I’ll bring those three prodigies back, and the highest bidder wins. Master Yue, Hall Master Han, this arrangement suits you both, right?”
Han Xiao hesitated but eventually agreed. “Fair enough. But I hope you won’t regret this decision.”
Zhang Xuan smiled enigmatically. “Oh, I doubt I will.”
Han Xiao’s face twitched slightly at Zhang Xuan’s calm and unbothered attitude. He glanced at Yue Longxiao, who was also deep in thought, and eventually nodded.
“Alright, three days then!” Yue Longxiao declared, a glint of determination in his eyes.
Having reached an agreement, Zhang Xuan excused himself from the discussion under the guise of needing rest. His real intention, however, was to observe how the situation unfolded and gauge the level of interest from both factions.
As Zhang Xuan exited the conference hall, Zhao Ya and the others were waiting in a quiet area nearby. Seeing him approach, their faces lit up with curiosity.
“Teacher, what happened in there?” Zhao Ya asked.
“It’s nothing,” Zhang Xuan said casually. “Destiny Hall and Wanchang Sect seem to have taken an interest in your talents. I’m negotiating the best terms for you.”
“Our talents?” Yu Xiaoyu looked astonished. “But we’ve just begun learning. Why would they care about us?”
“Your potential speaks volumes. Lighting 99 incense sticks is no small feat. Even at the continent’s peak, such results would draw attention,” Zhang Xuan explained, his tone patient but firm.
The group fell silent, the weight of their achievement beginning to dawn on them. After a moment, Liu Mingyue hesitated and asked, “Teacher, will we be separated?”
Zhang Xuan sighed. “It’s not separation—it’s opportunity. If you join these great factions, you’ll gain resources and training far beyond what I can provide right now. It’s all part of preparing you for the greater challenges ahead.”
The disciples exchanged uneasy glances but nodded. They trusted their teacher’s wisdom.
Author\'s Note