de, he ended with a decisive halt!

Dust formed a circle beneath his feet and spread outward.

Chapter Nine: Homecoming

From a small building facing the square came a subtle “Hmm?”

"When did the Chaoyang Sect have such a promising youngster? His talent is remarkable, being able to comprehend the Dao from regular martial arts—truly a bright future awaits him," mused an elder clad in a black robe, hands behind his back, silently observing Tao Ci from the window. "Unfortunately, the Chaoyang Sect is no longer what it used to be. Perhaps, it'd be best to let him remain low-key, learning less to avoid more trouble."

“Master, are you admiring the moon?” This elderly figure, the current head of the Chaoyang Sect: Master Puqun, had been watching Tao Ci.

“Ah, Junior Brother Wang, good to see you,” Puqun turned with a smile.

“Were you watching that young boy?”

“Yes, this child has such innate talent that he can grasp the Dao from mere mundane martial arts—far surpassing what I was capable of at his age.”

“He's truly comprehended the Dao? Are you serious?”

“See for yourself,” Puqun indicated the window. Junior Brother Wang peered out and saw Tao Ci, practicing the sect’s children’s version of the True Yang Technique. Tao Ci stood, gathering moonlight energy beneath his feet, clearly having comprehended the Dao.

“This child named Tao Ci visits the academy daily. It appears he practices just as fervently at night.”

“Does he really go to the academy daily?”

“Little Tao’s thirst for knowledge rivals, or even surpasses, the most dedicated students of our academy. His keenness for books is insatiable, and his calm maturity far exceeds what one would expect of his age.”

Puqun was taken aback by this description. Considering the sect’s current state, having such a talent a hundred years ago might have changed their fate.

“Should we let him begin formal cultivation training ahead of schedule?” Puqun gazed at the bright moon for a while before replying, “No, let him remain as he is. Living a carefree life within the confines of this temple might be best for him.”

“Right, the homecoming day is approaching. Make preparations even though it's not much of an event. These are just children after all.”

“Don’t worry, over the years we’ve managed just fine. Everyone knows their role.”

The Chaoyang Sect’s homecoming day allows the children of Qingyue City to visit their families. Most of the city's residents understand the sect's dilapidated state and no longer hold expectations of producing martial champions. Therefore, they send their children primarily for physical training, so they may return stronger and more useful on the farms.

These families often provide the sect with financial support. Given the sect’s financial struggles, displaying an image of Avaloki

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