Others didn't know what the Enlightenment Tree was, but Ling Luoyi had once given Wen Zonglin a book that recorded treasures of the world. The book mentioned the Enlightenment Tree. Therefore, upon hearing the words 'Enlightenment Tree,' Wen Zonglin looked at Ling Luoyi in disbelief, wanting to ask something, but it was inconvenient to do so with so many people around.
Ling Luoyi also saw through Wen Zonglin's thoughts and said, "Master, this tree is given to you, so you can do as you please. As for whether to let others see it, you decide."
Wen Zonglin was stunned. Although he had been shocked by what Ling Luoyi had given him countless times, he was still taken aback by this Enlightenment Tree. The Enlightenment Tree did more than just what Ling Luoyi mentioned. It could not only help disciples gain enlightenment but also purify the spiritual energy within their bodies and consolidate their foundations. Such a thing, and she just gave it away so casually? And such a large one at that!
Wen Zonglin's gaze towards Ling Luoyi was no longer that of a master looking at an excellent disciple but that of someone looking at a prodigal son. He was filled with a sense of disappointment that she wasn't living up to her potential. If she had such a treasure, why didn't she keep it for herself? He was old and didn't have many years left to live; giving it to him was a waste!
Sensing the meaning in Wen Zonglin's eyes, Ling Luoyi thought, "You've eaten so many of my Qingming Longevity Pills, and you're still complaining?"
This was what Ling Luoyi thought, but she couldn't say it. In front of her old man's friends, she had to save him some face. So, she said softly, "Master, this tree isn't just for you; it's also for the Ancient Spirit Academy. This way, the Ancient Spirit Academy can solidify its position as the number one force on the continent."
Speaking of being number one on the continent, Wen Zonglin remembered that this year was the seven-year Heavenly Profound Domain's power ranking competition. The Ancient Spirit Academy had become the number one force on the continent seven years ago, relying on this girl's pills to cultivate many promising talents. However, this time, other forces had also purchased many top-grade pills, and they might face some difficulties.
Moreover, the power ranking competition was always hosted by the number one force. Therefore, this time, the Ancient Spirit Academy was responsible. If they lost as the host, their reputation would likely suffer.
Thinking of this, Wen Zonglin looked at Ling Luoyi strangely and suddenly asked, "Girl, are you participating in this power ranking competition?"
"When is it held?" Knowing the old man's intention, Ling Luoyi asked. If it was within her timeframe, she might be able to attend.
Seeing a glimmer of hope, Wen Zonglin excitedly said, "July this year, which is four months from now."
Upon hearing the time, Ling Luoyi shook her head regretfully and said, "Master, I probably won't be able to participate."
Wen Zonglin wanted to ask why, but he suddenly thought of something and stopped questioning.
"What are you two master and disciple talking about?" Elder Sect Master Shen looked at Ling Luoyi walking to Wen Zonglin's side and, without any intention of explaining, couldn't help but ask.
When Ling Luoyi walked to Wen Zonglin's side, she had already set up a soundproof barrier, so only the two of them could hear their conversation. Others only saw them opening their mouths but couldn't hear what they were saying.
Seeing Wen Zonglin recovering from his shock, Ling Luoyi unconsciously removed the soundproof barrier.
"Old Shen, why are you in such a hurry? I'm talking to my disciple, and it's not bothering you, is it?" Although Wen Zonglin didn't know why Elder Sect Master Shen couldn't hear his conversation with Ling Luoyi, he knew that the matter of the Enlightenment Tree was of great importance. Even though they were friends, some things couldn't be said.
Suddenly being retorted, Elder Sect Master Shen also became angry, but he still suppressed his temper and asked, "Old Wen, shouldn't you explain this tree to us? What exactly is it? We've known each other for so long, and you know our personalities. We won't spread it around."
Upon hearing this, Wen Zonglin hesitated for a moment. He knew their personalities, but they were also the old sect masters of their respective sects, so they naturally had to consider their own sects. However, judging by what the Ling family had done, Ling Luoyi intended to help the world. Should he reveal the matter of the Enlightenment Tree?
Understanding what Wen Zonglin was thinking, Ling Luoyi said, "Master, it's up to you to decide. You don't need to worry about me."
Hearing Ling Luoyi say this, Wen Zonglin made a decision and said to them, "Old Shen, and all you old fellows, let's have tea together this afternoon."
"Alright." Understanding Wen Zonglin's meaning, Elder Sect Master Shen and the others said, "Old Wen, we won't disturb you and your disciple's reunion. We'll come back this afternoon."
Wen Zonglin didn't speak, only waved his hand, signaling them to leave.
After the old sect masters left, Wen Zonglin also took them back to the small courtyard at the foot of the mountain and started talking with Ling Luoyi.
Finally, Wen Zonglin remembered that there were other people present. He took a sip of tea and then pointed to Wen Ting'an and the others, saying, "Girl, I haven't introduced you yet. These four are your useless senior brothers. The eldest senior brother is Wen Ting'an, the second senior brother is Wen Guyuan. These two share my surname. The third senior brother is Qin Yu, and the fourth senior brother is Xiao Hanyang. I won't introduce their families; you wouldn't understand anyway."
Ling Luoyi met them one by one. She had often heard Wen Zonglin mention these four before. Whenever he spoke of them, Wen Zonglin couldn't praise them enough, calling them unparalleled. How had they become useless senior brothers now?
The 'useless senior brothers' were already accustomed to Wen Zonglin's description. Perhaps they would have refuted him before, but the moment they saw Ling Luoyi, their refutations died on their lips. Ling Luoyi was younger than them but could already break through limitations and ascend to the upper realm. Compared to her, weren't they just useless?
Qin Yu, one of the 'useless senior brothers,' saw that Wen Zonglin had finally remembered them. He sidled up to Ling Luoyi and asked with sparkling eyes, "Little junior sister, third senior brother here has always had a question for you. Although I've witnessed some of your strength today, this question has existed for many years. Little junior sister, could you tell third senior brother, please?"
"Third senior brother, please speak."
"Master has mentioned several times that little junior sister, you reached the ninth-tier Spirit Master from Innate Six-star within a year. Is this true?"
"This, well, it was good luck. I received an inheritance, which is why I was able to reach the ninth-tier Spirit Master."
Having psychological preparation was one thing, but hearing it confirmed by the person herself was another. Qin Yu exclaimed, "Little junior sister, even though it was because of the inheritance, reaching the ninth-tier Spirit Master within a year already shows how formidable you are! What is your cultivation level now?!"
"You brat, get aside!" Wen Zonglin directly pushed him away.
"Master~" Seeing his master treat him so harshly, Qin Yu called out aggrievedly.
"What are you yelling about? You're not dead!" Wen Zonglin said irritably.
The others were already used to Qin Yu's antics.
Seeing that no one was paying attention to him, Qin Yu silently withdrew his expression and sidled up to Ling Luoyi again, pretending to be mysterious and said, "Little junior sister, you've been back for so long. Do you know something? Master once said he wanted you to be the next dean. Are you willing?"
Upon hearing this, Ling Luoyi glanced at Wen Zonglin and said, "I cannot be the next dean, so Master will have to find another successor himself."
None of the five people present were surprised by this answer. Ever since they knew Ling Luoyi would leave, they had already known the answer. As for why Wen Zonglin said that back then, it was because he didn't expect Ling Luoyi to break through the limitations so quickly and ascend to the upper realm.
"Alright, you brats. Now that you know the gap between you and your little junior sister, why aren't you going back to cultivate!" Seeing that Ling Luoyi had something to tell him, Wen Zonglin directly shooed them away.