In the past, those who practiced this mental cultivation method could only manage to practice it with limited internal strength, and ended up having the will but not the ability.
Many former leaders of the Ming Cult understood the key to this, but having assumed the position of leader, which one was not a person of perseverance and unwillingness to admit defeat? Who would be willing to back down in the face of difficulties?
Most martial arts masters deeply believe in the saying "Where there is a will, there is a way," and thus they diligently and tirelessly practice their skills.
Little did they know that human strength has its limits, and those who insist on "human will can conquer nature" often end up with regrets.
Yang Dingtian is a typical example of this.
Looking at the skeletons of Yang Dingtian and his wife, one can't help but sigh at the impermanence of life.
Xiao Ning pondered for a moment and said, "Cuishan, bury the couple. Regardless of their merits or demerits in life, they should be laid to rest."
Zhang Cuishan responded and stepped forward to collect the remains of Yang Dingtian and the other man, preparing to find an auspicious burial site for them.
Regardless of the circumstances, having received the secret manual, it is only right to handle his funeral arrangements.
Just then, Zhang Cuishan picked up an item from Yang Dingtian's remains and exclaimed, "Uncle-Master, there's a letter here, it might be the last will and testament of Master Yang."
Xiao Ning took it and saw that the cover had the words "To be opened by the lady" written on it. However, due to the passage of time, the envelope was already moldy and rotten, and the four characters were corroded and the strokes were incomplete, but the vigorous spirit of the writing could still be vaguely seen.
The suicide note remained firmly sealed, and the sealing wax seal was intact.
Xiao Ning sighed, "Madam Yang committed suicide before she could even open and examine the package. How tragic and lamentable."
He gently tore open the envelope, pulled out a thin piece of white silk, and saw that it was written on the silk:
To My Lady:
Since my wife returned to the gates of Yang, she has been depressed day and night. I am crude and lack virtue, and have nothing to offer her with joy. I am deeply sorry for this. Now it is time for us to part forever. I hope my wife will understand.
The dying wish of the 32nd generation leader of the Yi Cult was that I, after mastering the Great Shift of Heaven and Earth, lead the people to Persia...
Now my life hangs by a thread. I have failed the trust placed in me by the leader of the sect and am truly a sinner of this sect. I hope that you, my lady, will take my handwritten will and summon the left and right messengers of light, the four great Dharma protectors, the five flag bearers, and the five wandering men.
The last will and testament states: Whoever regains the Sacred Flame Token or achieves the Great Shift of Heaven and Earth will be the thirty-fourth leader of this religion.
Those who disobey will be killed without mercy.
Xie Xun was appointed to temporarily assume the position of leader and handle the affairs of the sect.
The Great Shift of Heaven and Earth technique will also be temporarily managed by Xie Xun, and will be handed over to the new leader in the future.
"To glorify our religion, expel the barbarians, do good and eliminate evil, uphold righteousness and eradicate treachery, and let the sacred flame of our revered one benefit all people under heaven—I earnestly hope that the new leader will strive in this endeavor."
However, Yang Dingtian left a will ordering Xie Xun to temporarily assume the position of leader. Unfortunately, Madam Yang did not discover this will. Otherwise, the members of the Ming Cult would not have fought each other to the death for the position of leader, causing chaos and upheaval.
At the very end of the letter was a map of the forbidden area's secret passages, with the names of the various branch passages and entrances marked on it, along with the methods of entry and exit.
After reading it, Xiao Ning handed the will to Zhang Cuishan and said, "Cuishan, keep this will safe. It is one of the important documents for you to ascend to the throne of the Ming Cult in the future. Don't lose it!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Cuishan carefully took the letter and put it close to his body, saying, "What you say is very true, Uncle. I will definitely keep it safe."
Afterwards, the two collected the remains of Yang Dingtian and his wife, buried them, and left the Ming Cult's forbidden area.
Emerging from the secret passage, and looking around at the surrounding terrain, Zhang Cuishan saw a vast expanse of mountains. He asked, "Uncle-Master, we have achieved our purpose in coming to Kunlun Mountain. Where should we go next?"
Xiao Ning thought for a moment and said, "Let's go back to Wudang!"
"Yes!" Zhang Cuishan readily agreed.
Using their lightness skills, the two descended the mountain from the middle and arrived at the foot of Bright Summit.
But there stood a middle-aged man in a coarse white robe, his hands behind his back, waiting alone.
Upon seeing Xiao Ning and his companion descend the mountain, he approached them with a smile, cupped his hands, and said, "Master Xiao, your presence at Kunlun Mountain is an honor. I, Yang, have failed to greet you properly and hope for your forgiveness!"
Xiao Ning stopped and took a closer look at him. He was about forty years old, with a refined appearance and a dashing demeanor. No wonder he had captured Ji Xiaofu's heart.
After all, how many young girls can resist the charm of a mature man?
This person is Yang Xiao, the Left Guardian of the Ming Cult.
"You... are you Yang Xiao, the Left Envoy of the Ming Cult?"
"What, do I need to report to Left Envoy Yang where I go?"
Xiao Ning had no good feelings towards Yang Xiao. After all, he had stolen his junior nephew's fiancée. How could he possibly have any good feelings towards him?
Upon hearing this, Yang Xiao gave a wry smile. He didn't know how he had offended this Master Xiao, which was why Xiao Ning made sarcastic remarks on their first meeting.
He repeatedly apologized, saying, "Master, you have misunderstood. Yang Xiao had no such intention. He came to pay his respects upon learning of your arrival!"
Xiao Ning raised an eyebrow: "I am from Wudang, while you, Left Envoy Yang, are a member of the Demonic Sect. You come to see me, aren't you afraid that I will kill you and subdue demons?"
Yang Xiao's smile froze for a moment, and he said, "The Master is discerning and would not kill innocent people indiscriminately. I am upright and honest, and I do not think I would cause the Master to kill me!"
"Moreover, as soon as the True Man was born, he beat the three old monks of Shaolin Temple until they were covered in bruises."
"Yang Xiao has long admired the esteemed Master's reputation. Now that he has met the Master, he can die without regret!"
There seemed to be an indescribable sense of nonchalance in his words.
His demeanor, combined with his charisma, naturally evokes a sense of goodwill in people.
If someone is unaware of the situation, they might be deceived by him.
Or perhaps he felt that Xiao Ning was naive and easily deceived?