The prime disciples name, Li Tianming, spread to every corner of Ignispolis, throwing it into an uproar and even shook the whole country. He was now a household name.

He was definitely a hot conversation topic, given his special identity and the incident three years ago.

However, whether it was to praise or curse him differed for every individual.

The only constant was a sense of pity for Lin Xiaoxiao, who was truly suited to be the prime disciple in both age or talent.

By evening, petitions to revise the rules of the ranking battle had made their way to Flameyellow Scions Institute. They didnt want a similar incident to happen again, where a genius would feel resentment and a fake genius would receive benefits. Only time would tell whether the petition passed.

The commotion in the day finally died down by nighttime.

Now that he had accomplished his first goal of joining Heavens Sanctum, Li Tianming got Auntie Li to prepare a scrumptious feast. They gorged themselves on the meal, enjoying the peace and happiness.

Whenever Wei Jing had mobility issues, Li Tianming would personally feed her.

When you were young, you were a picky eater and I had to feed you. Now the places have switched, Wei Jing said, touched.

After the meal, Auntie Li kept the dishes while Li Tianming brought his mother to the courtyard. The night sky tonight was particularly beautiful, the stars lined up in a beautiful river. Fire seemed to burn within the river of stars, dying it a faint red.

Li Tianming had finally reached the point where his mother was willing to talk about the past. Tell me, how I can help you remove the Lifesbane?

Li Tianming sat on the stairs next to her, his eyes shining like the stars.

As for the little chick, it had eaten its fill and was currently burping as it watched them from the roof.

Now, Li Tianming was at his second goal to extend his mothers longevity and return her youth. It wasnt just any pressing matter; it was the most important matter in his life!

He thought of Xue Lan and her sons mockery of his mothers state, his mind replaying their words of delivering a coffin to him. He thought of Wei Jing telling him that she didnt want to die.

Wei Jing sat on her chair and looked at the stars. Only one person can remove my Lifesbane in Heavens Sanctum. And even for him, its an exhausting matter. It has lurked in my body for twenty years, so its deeply rooted in my body now.

Who is it? Li Tianming asked.

Hes the Sanctum Potentate of Heavens Sanctum, the master of Flameyellow Scions Institute. Wei Jings expression turned complicated.

That cant be. Shouldnt the chancellor be the controller of the institute? Li Tianming asked doubtfully.

You dont know this, but actually, the Sanctum doesnt belong to the institute, but rather, controls it. Thats why the Sanctum Potentate is higher than the institute's chancellor in status and authority, Wei Jing said.

I see

The Potentate had always been a mysterious figure. The chancellor was always the public face of the institute, so Li Tianming didnt know this relationship.

Mother, you mean itll be hard to get this potentate guy to help because its too exhausting for him?

No, thats not it. Wei Jing lowered her head, a bitter smile on her face. Theres another reason.

What, you offended him?

The reason is that I was once the potentates daughter. Furthermore, I offended him, and very severely at that. Wei Jing lifted her head, looking helplessly at Li Tianming.

What? Li Tianming thought he had misheard. She was the Sanctum Potentates daughter. Didnt that mean the person currently in control of Flameyellow Scions Institute and Heavens Sanctum was his grandfather? He had speculated that Wei Jing had some family background in Ignispolis, but this was a tad ridiculous.

That was once upon a time. I was disowned twenty years ago and our relationship ended. Thats why he can remove the Lifesbane I inherited it from him. Wei Jing spoke of these old matters with a light smile, but the smile was filled with some bitterness.

What made him so angry with you? Li Tianming asked.

I was pregnant, but he didnt like Li Yanfeng, Wei Jing said frankly.

... Li Tianming could only say that was life. If she had known that Li Yanfeng would abandon them twenty years later, would she have made that choice?

Do you think I reaped what I sowed? Wei Jing asked.

How could that be? If so, I wouldnt be alive now, Li Tianming said. Wei Jing wouldnt have had to marry Li Yanfeng if she wasnt pregnant, and the potentate probably wouldnt have been so furious that he disowned her. Furthermore, they had seen neither hide nor hair of him in these twenty years.

For the potentate to be this heartless with his own daughter showed how furious he was.

Li Tianming didnt know the full story. However, he could infer from the bits and pieces he had about how severe a crime Wei Jing had committed.

And to save her, Li Tianming definitely had to face this grandfather who had been so heartless then. The difficulty was obvious.

I told you someone in Heavens Sanctum could save me primarily to give you hope, to motivate you. However, you now know he dislikes me more than anyone else. Seeing me in this state will only make him happy. Lets not mention the Lifesbane. If he knows Im here, hell probably try to expel me from Ignispolis so that I dont embarrass him. Just like Li Yanfeng, he places high importance on his face, Wei Jing said helplessly.

So what now? Li Tianming asked.

Now just cultivate in Heavens Sanctum. Wei Jing grabbed his hand and looked gently at him. Child, believe me. Theres no chance.

I dont believe it. Li Tianming pulled his hand out and smiled, Why so serious? Let me give it a shot. Im the kind of person who wont regret it even if I smash my head against something and it bleeds.

Minger Wei Jings eyes turned misty. Its hard on you, being my son.

Alright, enough with the exaggerating of how hard it is. Tell me, how do I meet this Sanctum Potentate?

Heavens Sanctum has a Wei Manor inside, but an ordinary Heavens Sanctum disciple cant enter.

Then who can?

Wei Jing considered it. When you seek out a supernal mentor in two days, try getting Mu Yang if possible. If he accepts you, you can tell him my circumstances and that youre Wei Jings son. He might be able to bring you to the Potentate.

Li Tianming finally had a lead. Ill remember the name.

This Mu Yang wouldnt happen to be another admirer of yours, would he?

Dont talk drivel, Wei Jing said anxiously.

Look at how antsy you are. I knew it, my mom used to be a super beauty in Ignispolis. Li Tianming smiled, trying to lighten Wei Jings mood.

Wait. You said another admirer. What did another mean? Wei Jing suddenly stared at Li Tianming.

Li Tianming had said that because he had met Sage Chen.

Haha

Dont give that dumb laughter. Explain, who did you meet?

Under her harassment, Li Tianming could only sell out Sage Chen.

Dont meet him again. Hes Xue Lans husband, Wei Jing said.

Okay. Still, do you have to be considerate for her sake? Li Tianming felt nauseated when he thought of that woman.

How others act or think should have no bearing on my own actions and thoughts, Wei Jing replied seriously.

Li Tianming agreed. Unfortunately, the other party was clearly longing for Wei Jings death.

His mother had been gone from Ignispolis for very long and hence knew little about this Mu Yang right now.

Before joining Heavens Sanctum, Li Tianming had to make a trip to chief mentor Mu Wans residence to get an understanding of all the supernal mentors. Hence, on a dark and stormy night, he made his way to Mu Wan...

His only hope was to maintain his personal integrity that night.