The situation is stronger than a person, so the Sect Leader of Paradise Sect decided to spend money to save his life.
But Zhao Ya refused to give him this leeway.
"No way!"
Following these resolute words, Zhao Ya immediately charged forward.
A quarter of an hour later.
Zhao Ya headed towards Yan Capital City, pondering the intelligence he had pried from the Sect Leader of Paradise Sect along the way.
Most of the elite forces of Paradise Sect were lost in this battle.
With the passing of their Sect Leader, Paradise Sect was effectively defunct. Even if a few small fry survived by luck, they wouldn’t be able to stir up any trouble.
Thinking of this, Zhao Ya couldn’t help but let out a sigh of relief. Holding the hundreds of thousands of gold notes he had scavenged from the Sect Leader of Paradise Sect and Feng Rong, he quickly returned to Yan Capital City.
As soon as he returned to Capital Prefecture, he saw that Lan Tang and Lan Qingshan, the grandfather and grandson, had already safely escorted Zui’Er back.
Initially, before returning to Yan Capital City, Zhao Ya was worried about potential dangers, so he went to Lan Family Escort Agency, asking the grandfather and grandson duo to personally protect Zui’Er and follow from behind.
He instructed them to enter the city after the warfare in the capital had settled.
Although the battle was fierce, the outcome was favorable, and everything was finally settled.
Zhao Ya didn’t go to see Shang Jingchuan because he knew Shang Jingchuan had to be incredibly busy at this time.
He went directly to a small courtyard in the rear office to see his master, Lu Dingtai.
The first thing Lu Dingtai said upon meeting was not to inquire what Zhao Ya had done but asked directly.
"When do you plan to go Beyond the World?"
"I originally planned to deal with the matters in Yan Capital City, then return to Yunxiao County to see you before heading to Beyond the World. Now that you’re here, it saves me a trip back," Zhao Ya replied.
Lu Dingtai nodded, "Good. Given your current strength, it is better to go to Beyond the World sooner rather than later, because to open the meridians, only major sects at the level of the Thirteen Sects from Beyond the World can be without hindrance."
Lu Dingtai didn’t really know how to open the meridians.
After all, when he left Beyond the World back then, he was just in the Fourth Realm.
So, what he was most worried about now was Zhao Ya getting delayed in his future training over some trivial matters.
Zhao Ya understood this very well and couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.
Lu Dingtai truly cared deeply for him.
Just the fact that he came all the way to Yan Capital City for him was enough to prove that calling him master was not in vain.
Thinking of this, Zhao Ya suddenly thought of something, then smiled and said, "Master, do you know what I was doing when I went out for more than twenty days this time?"
"What were you doing?" Lu Dingtai asked.
Only then did Zhao Ya describe in broad strokes how he snatched the treasure map from Fu Tingyuan, found clues, went to Wanshou County, ventured deep into Ten Thousand Beasts Mountain, and eventually found the Eastern King’s Legacy.
Of course, Zhao Ya did not mention many details within it.
Especially the Star-Devouring True Power Secret Manual he obtained at the end, Zhao Ya was deliberately vague about it.
It wasn’t out of distrust of Lu Dingtai; rather, it was because it involved the much more mysterious Primordial Sea Realm, matters best kept from everyone to avoid unnecessary trouble.
Even so, Lu Dingtai was still amazed with brilliance showing consistently in his eyes.
Especially upon hearing that Fu Dongjun regrettably ended his life while seeking a breakthrough in a deadlocked seclusion, he couldn’t help but sigh and lament.
"This man was indeed a true Martial Artist, though his ending was somewhat unfortunate."
"Yes, although, while exploring this tomb’s walls, I saw some of this senior Fu Dongjun’s explanations of Martial Dao, especially on how to open one’s meridians and cultivate the foundation of True Power. He explained them in great detail."
Lu Dingtai was deeply interested but refrained from probing.
Even though Zhao Ya was his disciple, it was inappropriate to nonchalantly ask about a secret Zhao Ya obtained through tremendous effort.
Zhao Ya naturally saw this too, and so he smiled, "Master, need we be so formal between us? Even if you don’t ask, I intended to tell you these things."
Then Zhao Ya, combining his own understanding, explained in detail what opening the meridians truly was and how to cultivate the foundation of True Power in the Dantian.
Of course, Zhao Ya did not mention the training method for the Star-Devouring True Power but handed over the Profound Yang True Power Secret Manual he had taken from Xie Tianfeng to Lu Dingtai instead.
Xie Tianfeng evidently had absolute confidence in his strength; otherwise, he wouldn’t carry such a precious secret manual with him.
With this as a reference, Lu Dingtai would have a clearer understanding of how to cultivate True Power and how to open the meridians.
Martial Dao cultivation at Lu Dingtai’s Realm usually required only a nudge, and Zhao Ya didn’t need to over-explain.
After hearing him out, Lu Dingtai remained silent for a long time before genuinely remarking.
"This Eastern King senior was truly a Martial Artist of prodigious talent. If we lived in the same era, I’d have to make friends with him no matter what."
"Indeed, perhaps what he lacked was just a bit of luck."
Lu Dingtai glanced at Zhao Ya, smiled suddenly, and then patted him on the shoulder.
"I understand your thoughtful intentions. Rest assured, your master isn’t old yet. Previously I saw no path forward, so my time passed without progress. Now you’ve shown me the way ahead, I surely won’t waste this chance, as after all..."
A brilliant light flashed in Lu Dingtai’s eyes, "I also wish to see what the scenery is like after proving and opening the meridians."
"Well, then I’ll preemptively wish you a swift breakthrough, Master," Zhao Ya said with a smile.
"You rascal... but I like hearing that," Lu Dingtai laughed heartily, but then suddenly coughed.
Zhao Ya hurriedly stepped forward, "How is it? Did you get injured when fighting with Xie Tianfeng?"
Lu Dingtai waved his hand, "Nothing serious, just a lung meridian shock from the Profound Yang True Strength, give it a few days to recuperate, and it’ll be fine."
"However, before you head to Beyond the World, there are a few things I need to remind you about," Lu Dingtai said with a solemn expression.
"Alright, Master, please speak."
"Although your talent is the highest I’ve ever seen, even surpassing the prodigies I observed back in Beyond the World, you must not become arrogant because Beyond the World is truly a place full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers, being cautious and careful is the best strategy."
Zhao Ya immediately nodded, "Don’t worry about that, I understand."
Lu Dingtai also knew Zhao Ya’s steady nature, the reminder was just a precaution.
He feared Zhao Ya might become complacent from his recent success, which could be dangerous.
It now appeared he was overthinking it.
"Additionally, it’s about Zui’Er!" Lu Dingtai paused and then said.
"Beyond the World is different from before, taking her along would bring inconveniences, and it would be troublesome if you encounter danger, so I think it’s best if you leave her behind."
"Of course, if you’re worried about Zui’Er’s safety, you can leave her to me. With me around, no one would dare to harm a hair on her head, what do you think?"
Zhao Ya gave Lu Dingtai a deep look and finally bowed solemnly.
"Master, actually, even if you hadn’t mentioned this, I was going to talk to you about it because on our way back, Zui’Er told me herself how there is a huge gap in strength between us, and continuing like this would only increase that gap. She wishes to stay and find a master to properly study Martial Arts."
"And you are the most suitable choice!"
A huge weight lifted off Lu Dingtai’s heart.
He had been worried Zhao Ya might be reluctant when he said those words earlier.
He didn’t expect Zhao Ya had the same plans, saving him from further persuasion.
"Alright, leave her to me, and I will be sure to teach her well and help her grow swiftly. Although catching up to you is impossible now, at least the gap won’t be as wide."