Chapter 124: The True Meaning of Sand Transformation

Although Tang Xuan called him "Senior Brother," he did not truly respect Luo Tian from the bottom of his heart. It was a purely calculated move to ensure mutual benefit for this encounter and to keep things amicable for the future. Moreover, while Luo Tian might be enjoying the fleeting satisfaction of being addressed this way, once he stepped into the Tang family, Tang Xuan knew he would have plenty of ways to bring him to heel.

Tang Xuan nodded to himself, quite pleased with his own performance. A true man knows when to bend and when to stand tall. Offering a little sweetener now might eventually lead to Luo Tian begging him to exchange cultivation insights. They were all part of the same circle, so lowering his status temporarily could be seen as mentoring a newcomer. He felt satisfied; this was the hallmark of a real man—enduring humiliation for the sake of future success. When the time came for him to rise, everyone who had ever made him bow would be forced to kneel before him.

Luo Tian watched Tang Xuan depart with a smile. This was a living advertisement; if the top talent of the Tang family took the initiative to visit, the other elite disciples would surely follow. Just then, Luo Tian noticed Chen Jingzhi. The man was burly and had been standing right next to Yuan Zhou by his doorway; it was impossible not to notice him.

"How was it?"

As soon as Tang Xuan stepped out, Chen Jingzhi immediately walked up to him. He was never a patient man, and after waiting for such a long time, he was even more restless, so he went straight to the point, omitting any formal address. Judging by Tang Xuan’s expression, he must have gained something. Among the elite disciples of the Four Great Families, those with a significant gap in strength maintained a facade of respect, but for those of similar standing, interactions depended on mood and occasion. Since their vital energy cultivation was comparable, any breakthrough in the "True Intent" could significantly boost one's strength. Without an overwhelming disparity, it was difficult to make anyone truly submit.

"Junior Brother Chen, have you been waiting long?"

When Tang Xuan recalled Luo Tian repeatedly calling him "Junior Brother Tang," the joy of his progress in True Intent was slightly dampened. Seeing Chen Jingzhi approach, he decided to reclaim some ground. "Is there something you need from your Senior Brother?"

"Was... was his guidance useful?"

Seeing Luo Tian standing right at the door, Chen Jingzhi knew he must be within earshot, so he could not be too rude. If he ended up having to ask for advice later, it would be terribly awkward. He figured that if he couldn't decisively defeat Luo Tian himself, he had to treat him as someone on his own level.

Hearing the question, Tang Xuan sneered inwardly. *I’ve suffered a loss, and you won’t escape it either.* He spoke loudly, "Junior Brother Chen, are you also looking to seek guidance from Senior Brother Luo? You’d better hurry! I have benefited greatly from exchanging cultivation insights with him. If your aptitude is no worse than mine, you are sure to gain something as well!"

With these words, Tang Xuan firmly established the hierarchy. He didn't want to be the only one calling Luo Tian "Senior Brother" while Chen Jingzhi gained the upper hand. Once these titles were spoken, Chen Jingzhi would have no choice but to address Luo Tian as "Senior Brother" as well. Furthermore, by framing their interaction as an "exchange of insights" while suggesting Chen Jingzhi go to "seek guidance," Tang Xuan subtly elevated himself. The final remark implied that if Chen Jingzhi failed to gain anything, it would be a reflection of his own inferior aptitude.

Chen Jingzhi instantly grasped the subtext. He felt as if he had swallowed a fly—nauseated, unable to spit it out or swallow it down. He didn't want to admit it, yet he couldn't refute it, and for the life of him, he couldn't find the words to respond. Cursing Tang Xuan with the most venomous language in his heart, Chen Jingzhi ignored him entirely and turned to Luo Tian. "May I ask, er—"

"No need for such formalities, Junior Brother Chen. Come in!"

Luo Tian knew the man was struggling with his pride, but that didn't matter. Once inside his territory, everything was negotiable. Being a "Senior Brother" was quite an effective role. Chen Jingzhi didn't want to yield so easily, but he feared that offending Luo Tian would hinder his progress in True Intent. While he hesitated, Luo Tian’s invitation gave him the perfect excuse. He didn't mind the small blow to his pride in terms of address; after all, Luo Tian was far more pleasant than Tang Xuan.

Without another word to Tang Xuan, Chen Jingzhi stepped into Luo Tian’s courtyard. As for someone like Yuan Zhou, he wasn't even worth Chen Jingzhi’s notice; speaking to him at all had been a massive favor.

*Hmph!* Tang Xuan curled his lip. Chen Jingzhi might think he had some backbone now, but once Luo Tian was safely within the Tang family, he’d see how arrogant this kid could be!

It was strange, though. Wasn't it rumored that the Liu family had taken an interest in Luo Tian? Why had there been no word from them? Tang Yueran had been the first to contact him; perhaps he was actually interested in her, which was why he wasn't keen on the Liu family? *Forget it,* he thought. *Regardless of which family he chooses later, I must seize the opportunity to boost our family’s strength now, before the others impose any restrictions.* Having made up his mind, Tang Xuan left without hesitation.

"Junior Brother Chen, if you want to progress in your True Intent, it is best to focus on one you have already begun to comprehend," Luo Tian said, skipping the pleasantries. He knew that if he could help Chen Jingzhi break through, the title of "Senior Brother" would come naturally. "As you likely know, the comprehension of True Intent is generally divided into Entry, Minor Accomplishment, Enlightenment, Major Accomplishment, and finally, Perfection. Moving from Entry to Minor Accomplishment is slightly easier. However, if you have no foundation in a specific intent, I cannot guarantee you will gain much from me."

"Yes, yes!" Chen Jingzhi nodded repeatedly, his face full of recognition. "I was wondering, regarding the Earth-element 'Sand-Transformation' intent..."

*Sand-Transformation?*

Luo Tian’s eyes flickered. This Chen Jingzhi was not bad at all; this particular intent would be extremely useful later on, though it had its limitations. Luo Tian spoke casually, "The nine elements each have nine types of True Intent. Some are completely unrelated, while others share commonalities. In fact, some of the nine Earth-element intents share similarities with Water-element intents. Junior Brother Chen, you might want to pay more attention to that."

"What do you mean? Earth and Water are fundamentally different elements!" Chen Jingzhi frowned. As he pondered this, his expression darkened. *That bastard Tang Xuan,* he thought. *Was he just spewing nonsense to trick me into losing face? What could Earth and Water possibly have in common?*

Yet, it didn't add up. Tang Xuan, despite his facade of friendliness, was as proud as anyone. Why would he willingly call Luo Tian "Senior Brother"?