Though the situation was already settled by this point, Li Daoqiang had always believed that if you're going to put on a show, you should do it thoroughly. Especially when it didn't harm his interests or require much effort—just a few expressions, a few words. Why not see the act through to the end? Done well, it would make everyone happy. Why not go along with it?
The phrase "life is a play" was something Li Daoqiang understood more deeply with each passing day. So now, he didn't mind and was even happy to continue playing his part in this drama. He stood ready, his gaze tinged with concern and tension, along with a hint of reluctance and a sigh. All in all, he felt he had done his best. To improve further, he would likely need a great deal more experience and time.
Maintaining his expression, Li Daoqiang was inwardly quite pleased. Wuyazi hadn't let him down, passing on his skills to Wang Yuyan so quickly. He had thought it would take a few more days. Even now, Wuyazi had given no explanations, directly transferring his power. Clearly, Wuyazi felt too ashamed to face Li Qingluo, too embarrassed to tell his granddaughter and her husband about his "glorious deeds." So he simply passed on his skills first, ending it all, using death as an escape. Whatever came after would be left to Su Xinghe to explain. This fit Wuyazi's character perfectly.
With a quick turn of thought, Li Daoqiang understood the logic behind it all. He stopped pondering and focused on watching Wuyazi transfer his skills.
He had to admit, Wuyazi's seventy-plus years of true essence were indeed formidable and powerful. Among top-tier experts, he was undoubtedly one of the strongest. Moreover, he had clearly cultivated the Northern Dark Divine Art to a certain level, wielding it with ease. By reversing its usual application to pass on his skills to Wang Yuyan, there was almost no waste. He even laid a solid foundation for her, leaving room for future growth. This ability, even with the Northern Dark Divine Art, was no simple feat. At least, Li Daoqiang couldn't do it himself right now.
Setting aside Wuyazi's character, his talent was indeed remarkable. If he hadn't been paralyzed for thirty years and unable to let go of his inner obsessions, he should have long reached the level of a peerless expert. From the original story and Li Daoqiang's current insight, he could tell that when Wuyazi lived in seclusion at the Langhuan Blessed Land, he had already reached the peak of top-tier experts, preparing to break through to the peerless level. Collecting so many martial arts techniques wasn't a hobby of his and his wife; it was a necessary step. To become a peerless expert, one had to truly forge their own path. Absorbing the essence of a hundred schools of martial arts was normal, especially for a Daoist tradition as vast and inclusive as this one.
But in the end, Wuyazi was defeated by his own nature. With his daughter's presence and years of companionship, he grew tired of Li Qiushui. While carving the jade statue, he unconsciously became obsessed with Li Canghai—someone he couldn't have, yet who resembled Li Qiushui. This somewhat obsessive, psychologically troubled nature set off a chain of events. Saying he was defeated by himself wasn't an exaggeration.
Thinking about it, of Xiaoyaozi's four disciples, aside from the mysterious Li Canghai, the other three all had flawed personalities or went astray. They violated the spirit of Daoism. It was only natural that they remained trapped at the top-tier expert level. In a way, they were cautionary tales, wasting their exceptional talents and divine martial arts.
In the blink of an eye, nearly half an hour had passed. Perhaps because time was plentiful and safety was assured, Wuyazi transferred his skills meticulously, without any rush. He proceeded step by step to ensure the best results. When the last bit of his power entered Wang Yuyan's body, Wuyazi collapsed to the ground, drained of all strength. His face was aged beyond recognition, no trace of his former elegance and handsomeness remaining.
Wang Yuyan was still unconscious. Li Daoqiang reached out, cradling her in his arms, and looked at Wuyazi. "Grandfather, you—" His tone carried a hint of respect and concern.
"After thirty years of endurance, I'm finally free. Yuyan's matters are now in your hands. For everything else, ask Su Xinghe. The Seven Treasure Ring on my hand is the token of the Xiaoyao Sect's leader—give it to Yuyan," Wuyazi said weakly, his gaze at Li Daoqiang growing dim.
"Mm." Li Daoqiang responded solemnly.
Wuyazi hesitated for a moment, then looked at Wang Yuyan in Li Daoqiang's arms. His expression held a trace of regret and longing, as if he wanted to say something, but he held back. Slowly, he closed his eyes and breathed his last.
Li Daoqiang immediately checked the Great Bandit System. His bandit points had increased by twenty-five million. A smile tugged at his lips, and his eyes gleamed with anticipation. This was just the beginning. Once Wang Yuyan fully mastered her newfound power, reaching the pinnacle of martial arts wasn't out of the question. That alone made it all worthwhile.
He was about to laugh out loud but restrained himself. He'd finish this act first. He always considered himself a good actor. Stepping forward, he used his will to remove the ring from Wuyazi's finger. It was a crucial token for controlling the Xiaoyao Sect.
Suddenly, his gaze caught a scroll. With an invisible force, the scroll unfurled automatically. On it was a painting of someone who looked very much like Wang Yuyan. He smiled silently, said nothing, and rolled the scroll back up. He waited patiently, keeping a close watch on the true essence within Wang Yuyan's body to prevent any violent outbursts. It was better to be safe than sorry.
After a while, Wang Yuyan's long eyelashes fluttered. Li Daoqiang's expression immediately turned heavy, laced with a sigh of helplessness. "Husband," Wang Yuyan called out groggily as she opened her eyes.
Li Daoqiang looked at her tenderly and sighed. "Yuyan, Grandfather... he's gone."
Soon, the cave echoed with Wang Yuyan's sorrowful sobs as she softly called out for her grandfather. Letting her cry for a while, Li Daoqiang held her close and comforted her. "Yuyan, don't cry. Grandfather did this willingly. He must have been happy to pass his skills to you. Besides, his bones and meridians were almost completely shattered—there was no cure, and he didn't have long to live. In his final moments, he got to see such an outstanding granddaughter and grandson-in-law. He can rest in peace."
"Husband, Grandfather... he didn't even get to see Mother. He must have passed on with regret," Wang Yuyan sobbed.
*If he had seen your mother, he'd have died miserable,* Li Daoqiang thought with a silent chuckle. But he continued soothing her. "He chose this path because he probably couldn't hold on any longer. He passed his skills to you, Yuyan, and made you the leader of the Xiaoyao Sect. With those two matters settled, he left peacefully. In the end, he asked me to help manage the sect. With me here, he was completely at ease, leaving without a worry. There, there, don't cry."
Wang Yuyan sniffled, but deep down, she believed her husband's words. Still, she was very sad. A kind elder she had just met, her newly recognized grandfather, was gone. It was a heavy blow for her.
After comforting her a while longer, Li Daoqiang calmed her down and led her out of the cave. By then, Su Xinghe and his disciples were waiting outside, their faces etched with grief. Duan Yanqing and the others were also there. As the two emerged, everyone watched closely.
Li Daoqiang calmly raised Wang Yuyan's small hand. On her lovely thumb was a ring. Without hesitation, Su Xinghe clasped his hands and bowed, while his disciples knelt directly. "Greetings to the new leader of the Xiaoyao Sect."
Wang Yuyan's beautiful eyes were still red-rimmed. Seeing this, she looked timidly at her husband. Li Daoqiang had anticipated this. In good spirits but maintaining a grave expression, he sighed. "Grandfather passed his skills to Yuyan and appointed her as the third leader of the Xiaoyao Sect. Su Xinghe, rise."
Su Xinghe and the others glanced at Wang Yuyan, who nodded, and they all stood. "Leader, regarding Master's funeral..." Su Xinghe said sorrowfully.
Wang Yuyan's face was also filled with grief, and she again looked to her husband. "Grandfather's funeral arrangements will be handled by you, Su Xinghe. Don't hold back on anything," Li Daoqiang said calmly.
"Yes." Su Xinghe glanced at Wang Yuyan and readily accepted this order from Li Daoqiang.
"Handle the preparations first. Once my mother-in-law arrives, we'll hold the formal burial," Li Daoqiang added.
"Yes." Su Xinghe naturally didn't refuse.
After that, Li Daoqiang focused on comforting the grieving Wang Yuyan, watching as Su Xinghe and the others managed Wuyazi's funeral. He also sent Duan Yanqing and the others to help, adopting an attitude of "we're all family, no need to stand on ceremony." Su Xinghe and his group were a bit uneasy at first but didn't refuse. After days of familiarity and the relationship between the new leader Wang Yuyan and Li Daoqiang, they couldn't very well say no, especially since they were short-handed.
Seeing this, Li Daoqiang smiled inwardly. These people weren't going anywhere. His mood improved even more.
The branch of the Xiaoyao Sect under Wuyazi might not seem strong, but Su Xinghe was at least at the grandmaster level—even if at the bottom, he was still a genuine grandmaster. His eight disciples weren't powerful in martial arts, but each had unique skills, making them specialized talents. Setting aside the other seven, Xue Muhua, the divine physician, was a top-tier talent rare in all the world. The Black Dragon Stronghold welcomed all comers. And the Xiaoyao Sect's various knowledge legacies were immensely valuable. If they had been too resistant to joining the stronghold, he wouldn't have been able to force the issue. Now, it seemed they weren't too opposed. When Wang Yuyan gave the order, he could take them all in one go.
Seeing his plan progressing smoothly step by step, Li Daoqiang became even more patient, gently coaxing Wang Yuyan.
A day later, with her emotions steadied, Wang Yuyan and Li Daoqiang listened as Su Xinghe recounted Wuyazi's story, focusing mainly on the traitor Ding Chunqiu. After hearing it, even Wang Yuyan, with her gentle nature, couldn't help puffing out her cheeks in indignation. "Husband, Ding Chunqiu is too despicable. He's the one who harmed Grandfather. Let's avenge him, okay?"
"Mm, as soon as we see this Ding Chunqiu, I'll capture him. I'll make him serve as a slave for thirty years to repay Grandfather's thirty years of suffering," Li Daoqiang said, nodding with righteous fury.
"Mm-hmm, mm-hmm." Wang Yuyan nodded vigorously.
Su Xinghe thought it over and found the idea quite satisfying. So he didn't say anything more.
(Chapter 1, requesting subscriptions.) ······