Watching the direction in which Luo Congkuan and the others left, Zhao Ya fell into deep thought.
Just from the strength demonstrated by Qin Jianji and Luo Congkuan, one could see how prosperous and powerful the Azure Dragon Temple once was.
So what exactly happened afterward to cause a split, leading to two factions being at odds?
If it’s as Xu Suanzi said, it seems that the split of the Azure Dragon Temple was caused by a genius successor.
However, Zhao Ya felt that there must be some unknown hidden issues here; otherwise, how could just one successor cause the collapse of such a strong Azure Dragon Temple?
Just as Zhao Ya was puzzled, a group of people behind the crowd had also witnessed everything.
"Father, is the Azure Dragon Temple really that formidable? A regular Meridian Opening can’t produce a punch like that." A handsome young man, with eyes gleaming, said.
It was the young master who had noticed Zhao Ya traveling on the road earlier.
His father, a middle-aged man in his forties, nodded in response.
"Indeed, although the Azure Dragon Temple’s fame has greatly diminished in recent years due to the split, its foundation still remains, far from being comparable to ordinary sects."
"Then, Father, can I join the Azure Dragon Temple?"
"You?" The man turned to look at his son and, seeing his serious expression, couldn’t help but laugh.
"You should think it through. The Azure Dragon Temple is now filled with internal conflicts. If you join, you may not have a worthy master to guide you. So, I think it’d be safer to choose established sects like the Celestial One Pavilion and Wanghai Tower."
"But Father, the Celestial One Pavilion, Wanghai Tower, and other established sects are prestigious among the Thirteen Sects Beyond the World. They have countless talented disciples. Even if I joined them, I might not be given much attention. Now that the Azure Dragon Temple is in dire straits, if I join, I might be given significant attention, which could actually benefit my Martial Dao training. What do you think?"
The man pondered for a moment, finally nodding, "That does make some sense. After all, a skinny camel is bigger than a horse. Since you wish to join the Azure Dragon Temple, then go and give it a try. Do you want to join the Southern Sect or the Northern Sect?"
"The Southern Sect, I guess. Didn’t you say before that the Southern Sect, occupying the main temple of the Azure Dragon Temple, is considered the orthodox one?"
"Alright, then I’ll take you over there in a moment."
The man was clearly very indulgent toward his son, respecting his opinion even in such a significant matter as joining a sect to learn martial arts.
After dealing with the matters at hand, the man led his son to Qin Jianji.
"Your son also wishes to join our Azure Dragon Temple?"
After understanding their intention, Qin Jianji couldn’t help but be a little surprised.
What is happening today?
Previously, they racked their brains to recruit disciples, but to no avail.
Today, first, someone with ties to the Azure Dragon Temple showed up, and now another one is willing to join voluntarily.
With his sharp eyes, Qin Jianji immediately saw that this red-lipped, white-toothed youth had a complete essence and spirit, and surprisingly also had Fifth Realm cultivation.
Could it be that our Southern Azure Dragon is destined for a comeback?
"That’s right. My son has always admired the illustrious name of the Azure Dragon Temple, and this time he has come especially to participate in the opening ceremony to join your sect. Qing’Er, come and pay your respects." Gui Heshu said with a smile.
Since he planned to join the Azure Dragon Temple, he naturally needed to express his sincerity in his words.
Gui Xuanqing took a step forward, bowed, and saluted, "Disciple, greets Elder Qin."
Qin Jianji glanced at the father and son before finally saying, "The Gui Family of Ink Sea City is indeed a well-known martial family Beyond the World. Since your son is willing to join our Azure Dragon Temple, I naturally welcome him."
"However, this matter is significant and not a trifling matter, so I hope the two of you have considered it thoroughly."
Qin Jianji was not swayed by Gui Heshu’s words.
As he said, the Gui Family of Ink Sea City is quite prominent Beyond the World.
Logically speaking, such a family should have many options if they want to have their son join a sect for Meridian Opening.
Qin Jianji was also very aware of his sect’s current situation, which didn’t hold any advantage, or else they wouldn’t be in such an awkward position of being neither here nor there.
So he wanted to make things clear in advance.
Gui Heshu smiled upon hearing this, "Elder Qin is absolutely right, but we have considered this matter thoroughly and sincerely wish to join your sect."
Gui Xuanqing also bowed again, "Disciple is wholeheartedly sincere; I plead for Elder to discern clearly."
Since they had spoken so, Qin Jianji had no reason to refuse, and thus he nodded and said, "Alright, in that case, I will accept you on behalf of the sect."
Actually, under normal procedures, it would be necessary to assess character, disposition, and innate talent to decide whether to accept a disciple.
But firstly, since Gui Xuanqing comes from a well-known family, the Gui Family of Ink Sea City’s reputation is quite good, so there’s no need to worry about character and disposition.
As for innate talent...
His having reached the Fifth Realm at such a young age is proof enough.
So Qin Jianji did not waste more words and decided swiftly.
Gui Xuanqing was naturally delighted, solemnly bowing again before bowing to Tian Yixin and then looking at Zhao Ya.
"May I know this Senior Brother’s honored surname and name?"
Although Zhao Ya had only joined the sect half an hour earlier than him, Gui Xuanqing had to honestly call Zhao Ya Senior Brother.
"Zhao Ya!"
"So it’s Senior Brother Zhao. From now on, we will be fellow disciples, and I hope for your guidance." Gui Xuanqing said with a smile.
Zhao Ya also smiled, "I dare not claim to guide, but since we have joined the same sect, we should naturally help each other."