Chapter 128: Chapter 126: The Three Ancestors Impart the Dao

"Mo, kid, do you really not want to stay at the Void Sect?"

Looking at the Ni Brothers’ sincere expressions and nearly pleading gazes, Mo Qi almost relented and agreed to stay.

He knew the Ni Brothers had come out of the Secret Realm this time, even nearly violating the iron-clad rules of the Mountain and Sea Empire, all for his sake.

Repaying every bit of respect shown to him tenfold was Mo Qi’s personal code.

But this time was different. The Void Sect’s previous judgment had thoroughly chilled his heart.

Plus, after witnessing the dream of countless figures in black swarming his mother, his sights were already set far beyond the Mountain and Sea Empire.

All he could think about now was how to increase his strength as quickly as possible, find his mother, and uncover the truth of his birth.

Never mind the Void Sect; even the stage of the Mountain and Sea Empire was far, far too small for him.

There was little point in him remaining at the Void Sect.

"Eldest Brother, Second Brother, Third Brother... I..."

"Enough. We understand." Brother Ni cut Mo Qi off before he could finish. "We desperately want you to stay, but for someone with your talent, staying here would be a true waste."

"The Void Sect can’t hold you, and neither can the Mountain and Sea Empire. You’re destined for bigger things, kid. One day, you’ll become a great figure who will shake the world!"

"However... if you want to reach the vast world outside, you must first join the Mountain and Sea Empire. That step is unavoidable."

"As it happens, that Imperial Academy Order is perfect for you."

Mo Qi took out the Imperial Academy Order, his face etched with confusion.

The Ni Brothers, chiming in one after another, explained the purpose of the Imperial Academy Order.

After they finished, Mo Qi’s eyes lit up.

He had thought about joining the Mountain and Sea Empire before, but he was worried about Niu Kexin.

This was perfect. With the Imperial Academy Order, Niu Kexin could join the Imperial Academy unconditionally.

’As for myself... with my strength and skills, is there any chance the Mountain and Sea Empire wouldn’t take me?’

"Eldest Brother, Second Brother, Third Brother, I’ll accept this Imperial Academy Order. But I won’t take it for free. I’ll stay at the Void Sect for a while, and during that time, I can prepare custom Medicinal Cuisine for the sect members."

With the Wolf Fang Sect lying in wait, and despite his eagerness to leave, Mo Qi knew he wasn’t strong enough to protect himself until he completed the Nine Transformations into Spirit.

The Ni Brothers were overjoyed. They knew the quality of Mo Qi’s Medicinal Cuisine.

If Mo Qi could truly prepare custom Medicinal Cuisine as he claimed, the overall strength of the Void Sect would see a significant boost.

"Excellent, excellent! You’re a good kid, after all. All our efforts weren’t for nothing!"

Mo Qi chuckled. "However, they’ll need to provide their own ingredients. And if my services are for an Elder, I’ll have special requirements."

"Deal." Brother Ni nodded, offering a silent prayer for those Elders in his heart.

’That’s what you get for offending people so recklessly. This is going to cost you dearly.’

The three ancestors then exchanged a look, communicating silently.

"Mo, kid," Brother Ni said, "whether you admit it or not, in our hearts, you will always be a disciple of the Void Sect."

"Therefore, as elders of the Void Sect, it wouldn’t be right if we didn’t teach you a thing or two."

*Hmm?* Mo Qi’s heart skipped a beat. ’Don’t tell me these three are about to teach me some of their most secret, ultimate techniques?’

’Like... a Celestial Level Technique? Or Celestial-Level Martial Techniques?’

Sensing Mo Qi’s fervent gaze, Brother Ni said with a touch of exasperation, "Don’t let your imagination run wild. We can tell you have your own path to follow. We won’t teach you things like Cultivation Techniques, but we will offer some advice."

"I’m all ears."

Mo Qi’s expression turned solemn. The Ni Brothers might always act like a bunch of old rascals, but they were, after all, old monsters who had lived for over a thousand years.

’Their perception is incredibly sharp. They must have seen the problems I have.’

"First, your combat methods are too one-dimensional," Brother Ni said, holding up a finger.

"In your fight with Fang Min, it looked like you were overpowering her at every turn, but in truth, you have no real combat technique to speak of. You won by relying on the overwhelming advantage of your superior reaction speed and strength. Have you ever considered what would happen if you met an opponent who was your equal in both speed and strength? Could you still win?"

Brother Ni’s words struck Mo Qi like a physical blow, leaving him speechless.

He had never faced an evenly matched opponent among his peers; he had always crushed them.

As a result, he had completely overlooked this area.

’He’s right. The path of the Martial Dao is filled with monstrous geniuses. I can’t expect to only fight rookies forever.’

’If I did encounter an opponent who was my equal in speed and strength, could I defeat them?’

’More to the point, what would I even use to defeat them?’

"And your sword!" Brother Ni said, holding up a second finger.

’My sword? There’s a problem with my sword, too?’

Mo Qi was dumbfounded. His sword was his trump card!

"When you were preparing ingredients, I could tell that your greatest skill is actually with the sword."

"When it comes to wielding a sword, and I’m not just putting myself down here, a hundred of me tied together wouldn’t be your match. But... when it comes to killing, to fighting an enemy, your sword is still sorely lacking!"

"It’s not that your Sword Technique isn’t masterful, or that your level of Sword Skill is too low. It’s that you’re missing the single most important thing!"

"What is it?" Mo Qi asked instinctively, a faint suspicion already forming in his mind.

"You lack killing intent!"

"You started as a chef. No matter how incredible your Sword Skill is, it’s meant for ingredients. Fighting people is different. When you draw your sword, it must be for a killing blow, not for flashy, impractical moves."

"Ask yourself honestly: is your sword better suited for cooking, or for killing?"

Mo Qi’s heart clenched violently.

’Better suited for cooking, or for killing?’

He already knew the answer.

Mo Qi stood up and knelt before the Ni Brothers.

"I implore you, three ancestors, to enlighten me."

Though it was only a few simple words of guidance, for Mo Qi it was like parting the mists to see a whole new world.

They were not master and disciples in name, but they were in substance.

He knelt willingly, feeling it was the only right and proper thing to do.

"Kid, what do you think you’re doing?"

Brother Ni shot up as if someone had stepped on his tail, refusing to accept Mo Qi’s kneeling.

With a flick of his palm, an irresistible force pulled Mo Qi back to his feet.

"To pass on wisdom, teach skills, and resolve doubts is the duty of a teacher. You deserve my respects."

Third Brother Ni came forward and slung an arm around Mo Qi’s shoulders, chuckling. "None of that formal stuff with us, kid. If you really want to thank us, how about this? We’ll give you the title of Honorary Grand Elder of the Void Sect. What do you say you accept it?"

"You don’t have to do anything, it’s just a title. Of course, you’ll have all the privileges that come with it. If someone pisses you off, you can discipline them however you want. Then, when you make a big name for yourself out there, we can bask in your reflected glory. Think of the bragging rights it’ll give us!"

Mo Qi didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, but he nodded and accepted the title of Honorary Grand Elder.

"Mo, kid, your problem is actually easy to solve. Just practice any Sword Technique—it doesn’t have to be anything amazing, as long as it’s meant for combat. Then, merge the Sword Skill from your culinary arts into it and create your own unique Sword Technique."

"I’m sure that with your talent, it won’t be difficult for you."

"As for combat technique, that’s something you’ll have to figure out for yourself through lots of real-world battle experience."