The Sect Ancestor of the Three Pillars Sect sat in a rather humble ancestral cultivation cave deep within the territory of the Sect, atop the highest peak, surrounded by the Sect Master and a few Grand Elders including Yu Zhen.

Although he looked just as youthful as he did a couple of days ago, the aura of death around him was very obviously thicker. Clearly, exerting his power to strike down a Grand Elder took its toll on him.

"Master... I told you that I would take care of it... why did you...", the Sect Master, spoke with a mournful expression.

"Heh, this old man saw an opportunity to move his body after so long, you should be happy for me for getting some exercise - it’s healthy", the Sect Ancestor chuckled, and then sighed with a slightly more serious tone when he saw his joke didn’t liven up his Disciple and others, "It was an honor and privilege to be able to do something for the Sect for the last time in my final years. As my time drew closer, I thought I no longer would be able to do anything for this Sect that my Master entrusted me with, the Sect that I failed"

"You didn’t fail, Master! You protected our legacy and ensured our Sect’s survival!", the Sect Master spoke, as Grand Elders present here repeated similar lines.

"Heh, perhaps. But it was no longer the Sect that looked up with pride and ambition that I received into my own hands, that I handed over in yours, but one that looked down to not provoke the Iron Claw Group. I already lost hope to be so fortunate, to see the new light of hope shine within our Sect that turned our gazes once again toward the Heavens above", the last words were spoken with a feeling of profound relief and joy as the Sect Ancestor looked at Yu Zhen.

The eyes of everyone also turned to him.

"Disciple wouldn’t dare", Yu Zhen lowered his head with a slightly flustered appearance, as suddenly the words he spoke about the changes he wanted to make in the Sect, the mission he took on with such zeal of belief in his vision and spirited dismissal and disregard for what came before him, for what he wanted to tear down, became much heavier on his shoulders.

"Hahaha, being humble is good. But do not deny your vision, young one", Sect Ancestor spoke with both joy and gravity of his age, as well as solemnity of leaving words for those remaining while he was going away, "As I said to Ro Yoyang, the time of our older generation is coming to an end. Soon, as I return to the embrace of the Heavenly Daos and into the cycle of reincarnation, my Disciple would have to leave his position of Sect Master and take my place of protecting the Sect from this peak, while you, would have to lead our Sect into the future"

This statement caused a few looks to be exchanged among the Grand Elders, since the current Sect Master had his own Disciple, who had the position of Prime Disciple of the Sect, and thus was technically slated to become the next Sect Master.

However, he was far too young and inexperienced, and his cultivation only recently reached Mortal Transcendence Realm. He was not ready to take up the reins.

They all knew that, but no one openly acknowledged it.

They all thought he would have some time to grow more, but the Sect Ancestor’s condition turned worse sooner than expected, as his projected lifespan of 200 more years suddenly was no longer likely.

This opening was also the reason Grand Elder Ro Yoyang started harboring ambition and greed for the Sect Master position in the first place.

The recent struggle caused by that ambition cut away the remaining 10 or 20 years the Sect Ancestor had left, and thus the Prime Disciple lost all the time to grow and gain experience.

"As Master commands", the Sect Master was the first to lower his head with complete agreement, followed by Grand Elders, while Yu Zhen realized he was now officially appointed as the successor.

He went on his knees, "Sect Ancestor..."

"You are only allowed three kowtows, Grand Elder Yu", the Sect Ancestor spoke, "One to the Heavens, one for the Sect and all previous generations of Sect Masters, and one for your Master who became your trusted subordinate when you outgrew him, Yi Pong. After those three kowtows, your dignity of the successor and the one who would inherit this Sect’s highest position will not allow you more"

"I... I understand", Yu Zhen saw that he would not be given time to object, or even think about this prospect. The decision was already made.

Yi Pong was ushered in by one of the Grand Elders, and realizing what was happening, stood with an emotional look on his face as Yu Zhen completed the ceremonial three bows.

"Upon receiving this honor, I swear an oath that our current Prime Disciple will retain his position, and that as soon as he is ready, I will retire to the Sect Ancestor position early, giving him his rightful position", Yu Zhen then spoke as he rose up.

"Hahaha, splendid! Splendid! In that case, our Sect would have two living Sect Ancestors and can join the ranks of more powerful Sects. Who knows, maybe we can even aim for a higher position with that powerful foundation", the Sect Ancestor nodded with approval while the Sect Master showed a grateful look to Yu Zhen.

At this moment, Yu Zhen’s communication jade made a signal, "Ah, Sect Ancestor..."

"Ah yes, I sense that we have visitors... you wanted me to meet that..."

"His name is Zhao Xieren, Master", the Sect Master reminded.

"Yes, that man who brought our Sect the opportunity to rise up again...", the Sect Ancestor nodded, a pondering look appearing in his eyes, "Heh, I don’t know what they want with a dying old man, but it’s not like I didn’t wish to express my gratitude in person. I was thinking of asking for a meeting after settling everything here, so when they approached us first I couldn’t be more happy"

He then waived in a lighthearted manner, "It wouldn’t be a good look for it to be this crowded, and the ceremonial part is over, so you can all go do your work. It’s not like you all don’t have things to do"

"But Master, that man is..."

"What do you think would be a point in harming me when I’m one foot in the grave anyway?", the Sect Ancestor said with a wry smile, "Go and do your duties. You don’t have to visit this peak after this. I wish for some peace and quiet in my final moments, so this will be our final meeting"

He raised his hand to quell the voices of the Sect Master and Grand Elders that began a ruckus, "It is not the time for sentimental meetings. It is not the time to look back, but only forward. It is time to work hard so you won’t have regrets when the moment of truth comes, and it is not far. I know, you can all feel the whole continent buzzing with change and pent up tension. So spend your time making progress, spend your time effectively and don’t waste even a second on mourning the passing of the old age. Go, go and usher a new age, make sure it arrives and brings glory, so this old man could be proud and have the face to see my Master. Go and don’t look back. Go and do the duties each of you has to this Sect!"

As he spoke, all members of the Three Pillars Sect had teary eyes, and at the same time, their backs straightened as their chests filled with pride and hope.

With a loud shout, "We heed your last command, Sect Ancestor!!!", made in unison by everyone present as they made a final bow with a fist and hand salute to their old Sect Ancestor, they swiftly left the room, leaving it in a somber atmosphere, and the young-looking old man in a quietly introspective, but serene and tranquil mood.