"It is said that the holy son and the holy daughter are the backbones of any Sage Level force. In fact,
they are the most valued disciples. In short, they are the heirs to this Sage Level force, if you get my
drift," Ashley explained.
At that moment, there was a distinct trace of haughtiness in her voice. Perhaps, this was because she
had been the holy daughter of the wood branch from the very start.
Of course, Lloyd's trust helped her a lot. But her success would still mainly rely on her efforts. If Ashley
was not powerful enough, then she would have already be deprived of the position of the holy
daughter.
"So a holy son and a holy daughter represent the Sage Level force, to some degree," she added.
"Got it. Then, a holy son and a holy daughter have many rights and privileges to enjoy. Am I right?"
Ricky clarified.
"Yes. Also keep in mind that the holy son and the holy daughter will know everything except for the
core matters. They are qualified to obtain any cultivation method and any cultivation resource,"
expounded Ashley.
"Oh, I can't wait to be one of them," Ricky said gently.
"As far as I know, my master probably wants you to be the holy son. But on the contrary, I don't think
you can be one," Ashley scorned a little after looking at Ricky's optimistic expression.
Curious, Ricky could not help but ask. "Is that so? How come?"
"According to the rules of the wood branch, all spiritual emperors under one hundred years old are
eligible to participate in the holy son selection. However, I found out that three of the candidates are
much more powerful than me. They might be close to being a hundred years old, but they are still
qualified to participate in the contest,"
replied Ashley.
"I see. I think those three have the strength to stop me." Ricky gave a beaming smile.
"Well, of course they have! I know that my master wants to directly announce your appointment as the
holy son of the wood branch. But he will still have to let you take that position fairly by displaying your
strength. It's a happy thing for me, actually," Ashley said grimly.
Moreover, she believed that if Ricky failed to become the holy son, then he would be too ashamed to
take the Five-element Flag by himself or even find the gall to stay in the wood branch. Then, he would
probably return the flag and leave the wood branch.
"Haha, I see where you're coming from. But do you really think that those three people you mentioned
would be powerful enough to resist me?" Ricky smirked.
"Why not? Of course, I think so!" answered Ashley.
"By the way, my master also asked me to tell you that you should not leave the wood branch unless
necessary. You should know that the powerful warriors of the Red Potentate Roc tribe won't let you go
that easily."
"Yes, yes. I am aware of that, but I want to know who these geniuses are for now," Ricky requested.
"The other disciples address them as the three holy sons-to-be, which means they are the most
qualified ones to become the holy son. Fine. The first one is Hayes, the second is Guillermo, and the
third is Mordechai."
"What strange names!! But I think, by far, Mordechai is the most special one," Ricky remarked.
"I find that one unique, too. He may be ranked the last among the three, but surely, he is the strongest
among them. No matter how hard I try, I can't find any flaw in his ability. I think he is hiding his
strength," said Ashley.
"Well, I think I've heard more than I should! Do you really think that we only got engaged so that you'd
care more about me?" Ricky jeered.
"I swear to god. I'm warning you! If you mention that again, I will...
I will..." She suddenly ran out of words due to her immense anger.
Meanwhile, after Ricky and Ashley left, Lloyd immediately went into a place covered with five colors.
There, four figures stood there waiting for him.
One of them was the Nether Water Saint—Wells.
One of the other remaining figures appeared to be a middle-aged fat man with a seemingly heavy
force. On the other hand, the other one was a middle-aged woman who wore a long red robe, which
made it look like her body was covered with flames.
Last but not least, the final one was an old man with black hair, clad in golden clothes. Despite looking
a little reserved, he exuded the most powerful killing power.
After Lloyd came in, the woman spoke first. "This is not easy. All the five of us are here now."
"Yes, I agree. The Five-element Flag brought us all here," that fat, middle-aged man, responded as he
giggled.
"Guys, shush. Let's focus. I think Wells must have told you my idea by now. So, what do you think?
Although neither of us is willing to listen to anyone, we all have the same goal, which is to rebuild the
Five-element Sect. Otherwise, the other forces would swallow us sooner or later.
Thousands of years have passed, and we have lost nearly a fifth of the territory of our Five-element
Sect!" Lloyd came straight to the point.
The other four became silent upon hearing this. What Lloyd said hit them right in the gut. Without a
doubt, the Five-element Sect was constantly nibbled by other forces.
If the five branches of the Five-element Sect didn't get on well, then maybe after thousands of years,
the Five-element Sect wouldn't exist anymore.
And the five of them would definitely become the greatest sinners of the Five-element Sect.
However, since the last leader of the Five-element Sect had already died, the five deputy leaders were
not willing to submit to each other any longer.
After being silent for quite some time, the other four began to express their opinions.
"That's correct, Lloyd. If we continue to live like this, the Five-element Sect will no longer exist after
thousands of years. Most probably, the five of us will be too ashamed to meet our leader after we
perish," the old man in gold said after a moment of careful consideration.
"So, this time, you actually made sense. I agree with your proposal," he concluded.
"We second the motion!" The other three nodded in agreement.
"But, Lloyd, if we ever find out that you have pocketed the Five-element Flag, believe me when I say
that we will not let you go!" Wells threatened.
"Humph! I have already promised you that. If you don't believe me, then you can come and check at
any time."
"Well, I surely hope so!"
"Okay, then. That's a deal. We are hopeful for the rebuilding of the Five-element Sect."
While they were discussing, Ricky came to the place where he would stay after following Ashley
closely.
There, wooden houses stood among the high mountains.
At this time, almost all of the disciples of the wood branch had come to the square in front of the
mountain range, as if they were only there to wait for Ricky and Ashley to arrive.
When Ricky came, all eyes were plastered on him directly, but they were not friendly at all.
"Ha-ha! So, is this the special welcome ceremony for me?" Ricky mocked.
On the other hand, he certainly knew the reason for this gathering—it was because of the news that
Ashley was already engaged to him. In the wood branch, Ashley was considered to be a goddess
among all the male disciples.
So, those disciples could not help but feel angry and act wildly upon hearing the shocking news.
"Yes, yes. They are here to welcome you." Ashley gave a sneer.
She knew that this would happen. She just hoped that these male disciples making things difficult for
Ricky.
Surely, there must be some stand-outs among these disciples, which Ashley could use for revenge.
"Well, it seems that next I have to thank them for their 'kindness' after all." Ricky smiled.
Immediately, a young man in grey walked out and disdained Ricky.
"So, you are Ricky, the new disciple? I heard that quite some strong warriors of the Red Potentate Roc
tribe are looking for you now," he said with a mocking smile. "Are you coming to the wood branch to
hide from the disaster?"
"Ha-ha! Well, I guess he is."
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