MTLNOVEL Chapter 319: "Sect Master, please reconsider!”
Putting down the teacup in his hand, Zhongli finally spoke, "You'll know in a moment."
Hearing this, Paimon crossed her arms, tilted her head slightly, pouted her lips, and huffed twice.
"Hmph, you just love being all mysterious!"
Zhongli: "…"
Seeing this, Du Bafang remained composed, his eyes lowered in contemplation, as if he hadn't heard anything at all.
In this world, probably only little Paimon could talk to Zhongli like that, right?
Truly, Paimon, despite having only one-fifth the combat power of a wild boar, is super bold.
Fortunately, Du Siji and the others moved quickly, not making Zhongli wait too long.
They had already arrived outside the sect's gate.
As if he had thought of something, Zhongli turned to Du Bafang and said, "Come, let's go meet the younger generation of the sect. They likely have many questions that need answering."
Du Bafang's mouth opened slightly in surprise.
It was only when those people arrived at the sect's entrance that he sensed them.
Before that, he had no idea what Du Siji and the others were "plotting."
"What are these brats up to?"
"They just need to follow the Sect Master unwaveringly! Why do they have so many doubts?"
"Even making the Sect Master personally explain things to them!"
Du Bafang blurted out his thoughts. As a devout follower of the Martial God, his words were only natural.
"You can't say it like that," Zhongli waved his hand and continued,
"Everyone makes mistakes at some point."
"I can't guarantee that everything I say or do is always right."
"It's good for young people to have their own ideas. If they have doubts, they shouldn't bottle them up. They should bring them up and discuss them."
"Only by asking questions and solving problems can one grow!"
"You, on the other hand, shouldn't be so rigid. You need to learn to accept the thoughts of the younger generation."
"They are doing the right thing!"
Hearing this, Du Bafang pondered for a moment and accepted it.
People said he was a steadfast Martial God believer, he never doubted Zhongli's words.
Like now.
"The Sect Master could never be wrong!"
"A while ago, I made a mistake."
"I allowed the essence of contracts to become slightly distorted. If that isn't a mistake, then what is?"
Zhongli readily accepted criticism. After all, who doesn't make mistakes?
Even if he was no longer human, he still thought with a human's perspective.
If he were to think like a god, this problem wouldn't exist at all...
Zhongli's words were acceptable to Du Bafang, but Paimon, on the other hand, twitched at the corners of her eyes.
Zhongli, he really…
Crying internally!
He had already stepped down, yet he still cared so much about contracts.
You're no longer the Geo Archon. You're no longer one of the Seven Rulers of the Mortal Realm.
Why are you still so sensitive about contracts?!
Thinking about it, the title of "God of Contracts" was something bestowed upon Zhongli by the people of Liyue, not by Celestia.
He cared so much about Liyue's people, how could he possibly abandon the title of "God of Contracts"?
Martial God, God of Contracts, Rex Lapis, Stove God...
Among them, the title of Stove God should belong to Guoba.
But Guoba sacrificed himself for the people of Liyue, and few remembered him.
Because of that, the title was passed on to Zhongli.
"Not worthy of being called the Sect Master! He openly admits his mistakes. Such a powerful being, yet he can acknowledge his faults, how incredible!"
Du Bafang didn't actually care whether Zhongli admitted his mistakes or what mistakes he admitted.
To him, Zhongli's words were always correct.
Moments later, the three of them arrived outside the assembly hall.
At that same moment, a hundred or so young disciples appeared before them, coincidentally crossing paths at just the right time.
"Greetings, Sect Master! Greetings, Acting Sect Master!"
Everyone hurriedly bowed in respect. Though these two never cared much about etiquette, the disciples couldn't afford to be so casual.
Respect and courtesy must not be lacking.
"Hmm..."
Zhongli nodded slightly, raising his right hand and conjuring an amber-colored energy. With a casual wave, he lifted everyone back to their feet.
"I already know why you have come."
"You are the future of the sect, the future of the Douluo Continent."
"Full of vitality, with kind hearts..."
Half an hour later, everyone was smiling, having almost forgotten their original purpose, while tears streamed down their faces.
Indeed, in this world, the one who cared most about them, the younger generation, was the Sect Master.
The Acting Sect Master came second.
Not letting the Sect Master and Acting Sect Master down was what they should strive for.
Their cultivation speed had significantly improved, much faster than before. Isn't that a good thing?
What was there to worry about?
Did they really think the Sect Master would harm them?
If the Sect Master wanted them dead, he wouldn't even need to do it himself, they would willingly sacrifice themselves!
Why would things come to this?
"If you have doubts, bring them up. Solving doubts is important, if your mind is not at ease, it's not good for cultivation."
"You should have noticed that your cultivation speed doesn't seem to be limited by your talent."
"That's right. It's indeed my doing, or rather, it's your doing."
"???"
They understood the first part of the sentence, but the second part confused them.
What had they done?
Hadn't it always been the Sect Master giving everything?
"It is indeed your own power. I merely returned it to you."
For these Soul Elders, Soul Kings, and even a Soul Emperor, Zhongli's words were completely baffling.
Even Du Bafang, who usually understood Zhongli, was at a loss.
To Paimon, Zhongli was simply a riddle-maker.
"This power is called 'Faith Energy.'"
"It is the power that emerges from your faith in me, your devotion has made you my followers, generating Faith Energy."
"Faith Energy can unconditionally enhance strength. When accumulated to a certain level, one can even ignite their divine fire, condense a divine fire, and ascend to godhood."
"The Faith Energy you generated, I used it to improve your talent, heal your hidden injuries..."
Zhongli hadn't taken even the smallest portion of the Faith Energy for himself. At his level, whether it existed or not made little difference.
Of course, having it was slightly better than not having it...
Hearing these words, everyone's expressions changed drastically. Their pupils contracted in shock.
They had considered many possibilities, but never this.
Faith Energy could lead to godhood...
Yet their Sect Master had used this divine power on them, mere "nobodies"...
At that moment, everyone's eyes turned red.
"Sect Master..."
Their mouths opened, but they hesitated to speak.
It felt like a lump was stuck in their throats!
No wonder. No wonder they had all turned into prodigies.
No wonder they could achieve such unbelievable feats.
It was all because of Zhongli's "sacrifice"!
"Master, please don't waste Faith Energy on us!"
"You should use it to strive for godhood, not waste it on us!"
"Ignite the divine fire, forge the divine fire!"
"The Douluo Continent needs a god! Our Sect needs a god!"
"A god who surpasses all others, the Martial God!"
"Sect Master, please reconsider!"