Myth Beyond Heaven

Yun Lintian's heart swelled with pride as he surveyed the gathered disciples of the Misty Cloud Sect. Their progress in his absence had been nothing short of phenomenal. A thousand years was a long time, even for practitioners, and their ability to utilize that time so effectively spoke volumes about their dedication and talent.

"It appears I was the laziest one here," he boomed with a hearty laugh, his voice echoing through the vast hall.

A wave of amusement rippled through the crowd. They all knew of the trials Yun Lintian had faced; he hadn't even had a proper chance to train in seclusion for a long period. Yet, here he stood, stronger than ever before.

Yun Lintian's expression turned serious as he spoke. "Congratulations, everyone. I've always dreamed of this moment, where our Misty Cloud Sect stands atop the world. And it's happening now... It's happening not because of me but you."

"Since I took over the leadership position, I've always doubted myself. Am I good enough to be the leader?... I can tell you right now, without a doubt, that I feel incompetent. I haven't always been there to guide or support everyone."

"You are not an incompetent leader, Headmaster!" Yun Chan, who was usually quiet, took the initiative to speak.

"You are the best, Headmaster!"

"Who says you haven't supported us?"

Yun Lintian raised his hand to silence them and said, "Calm down, everyone. I appreciate your kind words. However, the truth remains the same."

Everyone quieted down.

Yun Lintian looked at them and continued, "Whether I remain in this position or not doesn't change anything. It doesn't change the fact that all of you have worked so hard to reach this level. Therefore, I've already made a decision."

He paused briefly and continued in a deep voice, "I will be stepping down from the leader position. The new sect master will be handed over to Yun Ruanyu."

Before anyone could react, Yun Lintian quickly added, "Don't worry. This doesn't mean I'm leaving the sect."

Only then did everyone calm down, waiting for his explanation.

Yun Lintian smiled warmly and said, "My resignation this time is intended for the sect to take a further step. As you all know, I am destined to be busy. I cannot be there to guide everyone constantly… The Misty Cloud Sect is, and forever will be, my home. I hope everyone will continue to work hard."

"Headmaster..." Yun Chan and the others cried out. To them, Yun Lintian was a symbol of hope. Without him, everyone here would have been buried on Misty Cloud Peak long ago. Accepting this was difficult.

However, they could understand Yun Lintian's feelings. He definitely felt burdened by his inability to be present all the time. Even though he provided them with the best environment and resources, it couldn't erase the guilt in his heart.

"Lintian..." Yun Ruanyu began to speak, but Yun Lintian interrupted her.

"I merely returned it to the rightful owner," Yun Lintian said softly, his gaze fixed on her. "You've always been the most suitable person to take this position, in my mind, since I was young. My sudden appearance disrupted that plan. Don't refuse it."

The weight of Yun Lintian's words hung heavy in the air. Despite her initial reservations, Yun Ruanyu knew deep down that he was right. The sect needed stability and a leader who could be present. Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with newfound determination.

"Thank you, Headmaster Yun," she said, her voice ringing with quiet strength. "I accept this responsibility. I won't let you or the sect down."**

The disciples raised no objections. Yun Ruanyu had always taken charge during Yun Lintian's absence. This wouldn't be any different.

Yun Lintian smiled and addressed everyone. "You've all endured a lot of hardship. Take a vacation for a month. Choose to return to the Azure World and visit your hometown, or explore the Divine Realm and its new opportunities."

"Of course, staying here is also an option. While you cannot leave the city, everything you need is available here. You can even participate in the arena over there."

"Understood," Yun Chan and the others responded in unison, a break indeed being necessary.

Yun Lintian turned to Lin Xinyao. "Let's go to the canal."

"Mhm," Lin Xinyao responded softly.

Yun Lintian addressed Jiang Yingyue and the others. "Senior sisters, Master, come with us. I have something to tell all of you."

Lin Zixuan and the others, surprised, quickly followed Yun Lintian to the canal.

The disciples of the Misty Cloud Sect began to disperse. Some chose to visit the Azure World, while many opted to stay and explore their newfound strength.

"He's grown so much," Lei Zhenxiang said emotionally, watching Yun Lintian depart. In his previous perception, Yun Lintian was still struggling against enemies. In the blink of an eye, he had become a prominent figure Lei Zhenxiang had to look up to.

"Indeed," Lei Feifei said softly, her eyes filled with complex emotions. She recalled their first meeting when Yun Lintian was still a young, unproven man. It had been an incredible journey for him.

Unlike Yun Ruanyu and the others, Lei Zhenxiang and Lei Feifei, due to their limited talent, had only reached the early Divine Emperor Realm. These heights were achieved mainly because of the resources and environment they received. The transformed profound veins also played a significant role in it.

"Let's go back as well. I'm curious to see how things are over there," Lei Zhenxiang said gently, walking towards the gate leading to the Azure World.

"Oh my! Brother Yun has become even more handsome." Bai Qingyi stared after Yun Lintian with a radiant gleam in his eyes. A thousand years of training had made him more feminine, almost indistinguishable from a woman.

Qin Yuyan and Qin Yanran watched Yun Lintian silently. Even after a millennium, they still couldn't catch up with him.

Meanwhile, Bai Yun's gaze lingered on Jiang Yingyue. His relentless pursuit over the past period had yielded nothing. Now, he held no further illusions towards her.

Yang Chen, Hua Wanru, Hua Litong, Fan, Fei Mao, and the others all looked at Yun Lintian. They felt that they were lucky to meet Yun Lintian. It could be said that everything they had today came from him.

Yun Lintian turned around abruptly and addressed everyone. "Come with me as well, all of you."

Yang Chen and the others, surprised by the invitation, exchanged brief glances before quickly falling in line behind Yun Lintian…