Nanmang Ju Ying lost a Python Orb, its vision instantly blurred, and its combat power was halved. Tian Nan Jie seized the opportunity, gripped his sword with both hands, and thrust it into its throat, severing the windpipe.
Poisonous blood erupted from Nanmang Ju Ying's body, splattering on half of Tian Nan Jie's skin, the scorching blood instantly burning him.
Nanmang Ju Ying discovered Ming Zhi Tian. With its last breath, it swept its tail wildly at the stone wall, its speed far exceeding Ming Zhi Tian's. He couldn't dodge in time and was hit by a large rock, falling unconscious.
Tian Nan Jie took out a healing pill and swallowed it, then circulated his energy to heal. After a while, he stood up from his meditation and collected the colossal corpse of Nanmang Ju Ying into his storage bag.
"Rare material for crafting magical artifacts."
He then walked up to the unconscious Ming Zhi Tian and smiled slightly, "Young brother Ming, if it weren't for you, I would have likely met my maker long ago. Your potential is evident from that last strike. Come with me."
Tian Nan Jie grabbed Ming Zhi Tian with one hand, tore open a spatial rift, and disappeared outside the North Suburb Temple.
...
The Longevity Art circulated on its own, and Ming Zhi Tian's injuries were completely healed.
When Ming Zhi Tian awoke, he had no idea where he was. He walked out of the stone cave and saw mountains shrouded in mist, with beautiful scenery. A grand waterfall complemented the landscape, evoking a sense of exhilaration.
Suddenly, a young man in gray uniform flew towards him. "Junior brother Zhi Tian, you're awake?"
Ming Zhi Tian asked, "How long have I slept?"
The young man replied, "Only a day. I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Guo Qiang, the senior disciple of Master and the sect leader of Qi Men. Two other junior brothers are currently traveling and haven't returned. I'll introduce them to you later."
Ming Zhi Tian nodded. "Alright. Where is this place?"
Guo Qiang answered, "The Five Peaks Sect of Mount Qi, belonging to Zhang Tian Yue."
He then looked at Ming Zhi Tian curiously. "You recovered so quickly? Your physique is quite good."
Ming Zhi Tian cupped his hands. "I still owe much to your care, brother Guo."
Guo Qiang waved his hand. "Not at all. Master specifically instructed me to take good care of junior brother Zhi Tian before he left. It was merely a small effort."
Ming Zhi Tian was taken aback. "Brother Guo, please don't tease me. How dare I presume such a connection? Please don't call me junior brother."
Guo Qiang shook his head. "Oh? But I've already announced to everyone that you are the new disciple accepted by Master. From now on, we are brothers."
Ming Zhi Tian felt speechless. "......That... Senior Tian Nan, where did he go?"
Guo Qiang frowned. "Look at you, junior brother Zhi Tian. You must address Master as I do. The rules must be followed. Master has temporarily gone into seclusion. How about this, I'll take you to get acquainted with Qi Men and the other three sects first."
Ming Zhi Tian hesitated, "This..." Before he could agree, Guo Qiang pulled him along.
In the air, Guo Qiang enveloped Ming Zhi Tian in a stream of energy and took him flying.
Ming Zhi Tian asked, "Where are we going now?"
Guo Qiang smiled slightly. "I'm taking you to the training grounds of Qi Men. All our fellow disciples are there."
They soon arrived at the training grounds. Ming Zhi Tian felt the abundant spiritual energy here, much denser than in his previous dwelling. It was indeed a training ground. However, Ming Zhi Tian had chosen martial cultivation, so the spiritual energy, no matter how abundant or dense, was irrelevant to him.
Guo Qiang arrived. Thousands of men and women, dressed in similar but slightly plainer uniforms, were cultivating in their respective chosen spots.
Seeing Guo Qiang, everyone immediately stopped cultivating, respectfully stood up, and cupped their hands in unison towards Guo Qiang. "Greetings, Sect Leader Senior Brother!"
Guo Qiang nodded, his sternness replacing his earlier smile. "This is the new disciple accepted by Master, my junior brother."
Ming Zhi Tian wanted to say something. "Brother Guo, this..."
Everyone cupped their hands towards Ming Zhi Tian and said, "Greetings, Sect Leader Junior Brother!"
"Alas." Ming Zhi Tian was speechless again.
Guo Qiang waved his hand. "Alright, you all continue your cultivation. My junior brother and I need to visit the other three sects to get acquainted."
"Sect Leader Senior Brother, Sect Leader Junior Brother, farewell! ......"
After Guo Qiang and Ming Zhi Tian left, the crowd immediately began to discuss. "Who is this person? He looks like a complete novice."
"I feel like I could beat him."
"Am I that bad?"
"No, I'm just saying."
"He's lucky to have been accepted by the Sect Master. Alas, when will we reach our peak?"
"You talk too much. Don't let Sect Leader Senior Brother hear you, or you'll regret it."