He was a disciple taken in by Shi Jian, Lin Fengjiao's senior brother. However, he was quite talented and his cultivation surpassed that of his senior brothers, so he succeeded Shi Jian as the sect leader.
Lin Fengjiao shook her head and said, "No, I will go back, but not now. We will meet again in the future!"
Lin Fengjiao was able to advance to the Innate Realm thanks to Xiao Ning's frequent guidance; otherwise, she would have long since turned to dust.
When Xiao Ning decided to move away from the mainland, Lin Fengjiao thought it over and over again, but still decided to follow him.
Now over a hundred years old, Lin Fengjiao looks youthful with white hair and a sprightly spirit. Her thick eyebrows are already snow-white, which adds to her imposing presence.
At this critical moment, with the disciples of the Xiao family causing a commotion about splitting up, if Lin Fengjiao were to also leave, how could he possibly repay Xiao Ning's kindness in guiding him for so many years?
Therefore, Lin Fengjiao refused the invitation from the leader of Maoshan without hesitation.
Upon hearing his refusal, the Maoshan sect leader opened his mouth, but ultimately did not try to persuade him further. Instead, he asked him for guidance on Taoist arts.
"...These are things I don't quite understand, so I'd appreciate it if you could enlighten me, Uncle!"
Seeing the younger generation's ambition, Lin Fengjiao was invigorated. She stroked her white beard and instructed, "...like this...that's all!"
The leader of Maoshan nodded repeatedly and bowed.
"A single conversation with you is worth more than ten years of study! My understanding has been completely enlightened. Thank you, Uncle!"
Lin Fengjiao waved her hand, her expression somewhat sad.
His two disciples, Wencai and Qiusheng, were of mediocre talent and their cultivation was slow. They could not withstand the erosion of time and turned into a handful of yellow earth on the mountain.
Later, as she grew older, Lin Fengjiao gave up the idea of taking on more apprentices.
Looking back now, it's clear that without any successor, I've ultimately let down my ancestor.
Fortunately, there are other disciples of the same lineage, so the Maoshan tradition has not been interrupted.
Now that she has seen that this nephew, the headmaster, has excellent aptitude and remarkable cultivation, Lin Fengjiao has finally put her mind at ease and is greatly pleased.
At this moment, a maidservant came to report that a beautiful young woman had come to visit, saying that she was a disciple of the Ma family of the Northern Dragon Clan and requested to see the young city lord.
"Oh? A member of the Ma family? Please let her in!"
Ren Xiaoyao raised an eyebrow and said with interest.
"yes!"
The maid withdrew and soon returned with Ma Xiaoling.
After entering the reception hall, Ma Xiaoling felt pressured when she saw everyone's eyes on her. She took a deep breath, gracefully performed a Taoist salute, and stepped forward to pay her respects.
"Ma Xiaoling, the 41st generation descendant of the Ma family, pays respects to the young city lord and greets all seniors!"
Ren Xiaoyao looked her up and down and saw that she was tall and had excellent cultivation. She was quite remarkable for being able to remain neither humble nor arrogant in front of so many fellow cultivators.
"Miss Ma, please don't stand on ceremony! Have someone bring you tea!"
Upon hearing this, Ma Xiaoling showed no fear and found a seat in the hall.
Ren Xiaoyao smiled and asked, "Miss Ma, you're so young and you've already ventured out into the world on your own. That's remarkable. You're truly a force to be reckoned with!"
Ren Xiaoyao took a liking to the girl at first sight. It just so happened that his two grandsons were still unmarried. Both of them were cultivators, so it would be perfect if they could form a marriage alliance.
Faced with Ren Xiaoyao's praise, Ma Xiaoling smiled and replied in a crisp voice, "Senior is too kind. I am unworthy of such praise!"
She felt that the young city lord's gaze towards her was a little strange, but she couldn't quite put her finger on why.
Thinking back to the rumors she had heard from her great-aunt, Ma Xiaoling couldn't help but doubt their veracity.
Is this really the son of Mr. Xiao, the renowned Golden Core Realm expert in the cultivation world? He doesn't seem like it at all!
After chatting for a while, the sect leaders took their leave one by one.
Ren Xiaoyao knew they were going to persuade their fellow disciples, so he didn't say anything and let them do as they pleased.
After everyone left, he looked at Ma Xiaoling and asked, "Miss Ma, may I ask what brings you here today?"
Ma Xiaoling pursed her lips and said, "I've heard my great-aunt say since I was little that there is a Golden Core Realm expert living in seclusion in Kowloon City. I've always longed to learn from him, so I was wondering if I could ask him for advice in person!"
Ren Xiaoyao laughed heartily and walked down the steps.
"My father rarely sees outsiders, Miss Ma may be disappointed!"
Indeed, Xiao Ning rarely gets involved in affairs these days. Apart from going into seclusion to cultivate, he spends his time traveling around with Ren Tingting.
"I see. It seems I'm destined to return empty-handed this time!"
Ma Xiaoling was extremely disappointed.
"Haha, if Miss Ma wants to see my father, she can stay in the city for a while. After he comes out of the pass, I will inform him and see if he will be willing to see you."
Ren Xiaoyao smiled and said.
"If Miss Ma has any difficulties in cultivation, she can consult my fellow disciples. They are all at the Innate Realm and should be able to guide her."
Ma Xiaoling thought about it and nodded in agreement.
…………
At that moment, in a secret room in Kowloon City.
Xiao Ning sat cross-legged; his cultivation had reached a critical juncture.