Chapter 33: The Confident Elder of the Joyous Union Sect
Mount Shu disciples, having completed their year-long mission of trials, returned to Mount Shu.
The squad that Lin Qingzhi was in was less than three thousand miles from Mount Shu.
"Junior brother, your master once divined the future and prophesied that we would encounter a calamity on our way back to Mount Shu, but we're close to Mount Shu now and have been untroubled the whole way. Looks like you've lost this bet, and per our agreement, I can ask you to do one thing that neither defies the heavens nor violates the principles," said Chen Yao, recalling the bet she had with Lin Qingzhi a year ago while the Mount Shu disciples were resting during their journey.
"My master can't be wrong; we must be even more cautious from now on."
Lin Qingzhi became more cautious the closer they got to Mount Shu.
A year ago, Lu Changsheng had calculated that he would face a tribulation.
Lin Qingzhi activated his Taxuan Skills, and his divine sense covered a ten-mile radius.
"Not good, there's an ambush in this valley!"
Lin Qingzhi's divine sense detected dozens of lurking auras.
Clang!
The Mount Shu disciples drew their longswords, vigilantly scanning their surroundings.
"You juniors, how dare you kill the disciples of Huanxi Elder. Prepare to die!" exclaimed an old man with a sinister look, leading dozens of Joyous Union Sect disciples to besiege Lin Qingzhi and the five other Mount Shu disciples from all directions.
The Mount Shu disciple who was leading the group blanched when he heard the name of the old man,
"Oh no, he is Huanxi Old Demon from the Joyous Union Sect, a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator! The raper we killed at the Mountain God Temple not long ago was most likely his disciple!"
The Joyous Union Sect?!
All of the Mount Shu disciples tensed up.
The Joyous Union Sect, although the last of the four major Demon Sects, had elders that were not opponents the average Mount Shu disciples could contend with.
Several Mount Shu disciples in the Golden Core Realm and Qi Transformation Realm facing an elder at the Nascent Soul Realm from the Joyous Union Sect could very well be annihilated.
"Junior sister, it seems your master was right, we're in trouble…"
This was Chen Yao's first time facing an opponent at the Nascent Soul Realm.
Although her master was a Supreme Elder of Mount Shu, with unfathomable cultivation, the elder from the Joyous Union Sect was a genuine enemy.
Huanxi Elder's sinister gaze swept across the Mount Shu disciples, stopping on Chen Yao and he licked his lips,
"Girl, you are top-notch in both looks and figure. Why not dual cultivate with this old Daoist and ascend to the Blissful Realm early?"
"I would rather die than fall into your hands…"
Chen Yao was resolute, already prepared to self-destruct.
If a female disciple from the six Orthodox Schools fell into the hands of the Joyous Union Sect, it would be a fate worse than death.
"Senior sister, do not give up hope; we will surely turn peril into safety."
Lin Qingzhi drew out his Green Abyss Sword, standing protectively in front of Chen Yao, firmly believing that since his master was able to predict his tribulation, his master would certainly come to the rescue.
His master was, after all, an Immortal cultivating in seclusion at Mount Shu.
"Hmm, I believe you."
Seeing Lin Qingzhi shielding her, Chen Yao felt an inexplicable warmth in her heart.
"Hmph, no woman who has caught the eyes of this old Daoist has ever escaped. I will make you wish for death," the Huanxi Elder sneered, bringing out a black iron ring emitting a terrifying black aura.
As the iron ring appeared, the souls of several Mount Shu disciples seemed to be sucked into it.
"A lower-grade Acquired Spirit Treasure—Soul Devouring Ring!"
The leading Mount Shu disciple, well-read from Mount Shu's Scripture Pavilion, recognized many of the treasures and techniques commonly used by the four major Demon Sects.
The Soul Devouring Ring was a common treasure used by the elders of the Joyous Union Sect, capable of devouring the souls of people and turning them into walking corpses.
"We must not let the Soul Devouring Ring touch us, or else with our level of cultivation, we will definitely be controlled by it!"
It was precisely because they knew how formidable the Soul Devouring Ring was that the leading Mount Shu disciples were so panicked.
"Go!"
The Huanxi Elder manipulated the Soul Devouring Ring, smashing it towards Chen Yao.
He was delighted by the hunt, treating this encounter as if he had found a fine vessel.
"Shocking Storm Sword Skills!"
The Golden Core Realm ninth-level Mount Shu disciple, aware of the critical situation, used all his cultivation, sword qi surging like a tornado, attacking the Soul Devouring Ring.
"Hmph, delusional ants shaking a tree, overestimating your abilities!"
The Huanxi Elder also used all his cultivation, immense billows of dark qi flowing into the Soul Devouring Ring.
The Soul Devouring Ring emitted a psyche-shaking black light, devouring the green sword qi, and ferociously struck the Mount Shu disciple's longsword.
Clang.
The longsword flew out of hand, and the Soul Devouring Ring subsequently smashed into the Mount Shu disciple's chest, hitting him like a bolt of lightning, leaving him in a state of spiritual exhaustion.
Golden Core Realm ninth-level and Nascent Soul Realm second-level may seem close, but there is a great boundary between Golden Core and Nascent Soul realms, akin to the difference between heaven and earth.
"This sword technique… Could it be that you are Mount Shu disciples?! Hahaha, if that's the case, I can't let you escape, nor let you die easily."
The Huanxi Elder's realization of these few Mount Shu disciples' identities made his eyes turn even colder.
Back in his day as a Joyous Union Sect disciple, he barely survived an encounter with a Mount Shu disciple's sword.
The four Great Demon Sects and Mount Shu have an irreconcilable enmity.
"Junior brother, let's split up and escape. He will surely pursue me. Then I'll choose to self-destruct, and you escape back to Mount Shu, inform my master, and let her avenge me."
Chen Yao secretly transmitted her thoughts to Lin Qingzhi, with a resolve to sacrifice herself, only to find a way for Lin Qingzhi to survive this calamity.
"I'm not leaving."
Lin Qingzhi's reply was simple.
Lin Qingzhi operated the Taxuan Skills with all his might, the vast spiritual energy circulating rapidly within his Zodiac Meridians, his momentum reaching its peak.
"Fool, do you think that with the cultivation of Golden Core Realm seventhlevel, you have any power in front of an old Taoist like me? Countless Orthodox Disciples like you have already perished at my hand."
The Huanxi Elder spoke dismissively, driving the Soul Devouring Ring to smash fiercely at Lin Qingzhi.
Once again devouring sword qi, Lin Qingzhi's Green Abyss Sword vibrated violently. However, Lin Qingzhi gripped the Green Abyss Sword tightly, not taking a single step back, and struck the Soul Devouring Ring, repelling it!
"Puh!"
Lin Qingzhi spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, his face pale, his divine sense severely wounded by the Soul Devouring Ring.
"Junior brother!"
"I will fight you to the end, Unity of Person and Sword!"
Seeing Lin Qingzhi severely injured, Chen Yao clenched her teeth tightly. Her Skywave Sword behind her emitted a brilliant deep blue light, shooting upwards into the sky.
Boom, boom, boom…
Dark clouds covered the sky, countless bolts of lightning pouring into the Skywave Sword, a medium-grade Acquired Spirit Treasure, making the blade shine like a pillar of light.
She did not hesitate to use the
"Supreme Thunder Command," atechnique beyond her own level of cultivation.
"As your senior sister, how can I let you keep protecting me!"
Chen Yao looked resolute, ready to face death. To defeat the Huanxi Elder and allow Lin Qingzhi a chance to escape, she was willing to merge all her spiritual energy, and even her life, into this one sword strike.
"It is indeed Mount Shu's Heaven Rank medium-grade Cultivation Technique —Supreme Thunder Command. What a pity, if your cultivation were not so low, perhaps I would have had to flee in panic today. But today, you cannot escape the fate of becoming a vessel for the old Taoist."
The Huanxi Elder was full of confidence; Chen Yao's Golden Core Realm third- level cultivation, even with a formidable technique, could not harm him.
Chapter 34: Killed with a Single Palm Strike
"Little girl, there's no need to fight to the death."
Just as Chen Yao was about to pour all her life force into the Skywave Sword, prepared to perish together with the Huanxi Elder, Lu Changsheng's voice sounded in her ear.
Chen Yao was first stunned, then overjoyed!
Lu Changsheng was Lin Qingzhi's master and an elder of the Dao Palace from Mount Shu; since he had arrived, what could the Joyous Union Sect's Huanxi Elder amount to?
The dazzling brilliance of the Skywave Sword gradually dimmed, and Chen Yao also ended her Unity of Person and Sword state, landing beside Lin Qingzhi.
With just a glance exchanged between them, Chen Yao knew Lin Qingzhi had also received a transmission from Lu Changsheng.
"It seems you've realized that our strengths differ greatly, so you've given up resisting? Hahaha, obediently dual-cultivate with me, and together we become immortals, wouldn't that be wonderful?"
The Huanxi Elder saw Chen Yao no longer fighting desperately and thought she had resigned to her fate.
"Master's cultivation is unrivaled in the world, even the disciples of Mount Shu dare not oppose master, truly a role model for our generation!"
"Congratulations, master, on obtaining an exceptional vessel!"
"That Mount Shu disciple is quite a beauty. I wonder if in the future the disciples will have a chance to enjoy her? Hahahaha!"
The disciples of the Joyous Union Sect sneered wickedly, flattering and fawning over the Huanxi Elder.
"You are laughing in the face of death."
ChenYao's tone was ice-cold.
"Just with you low-level Mount Shu disciples, how can you make me face death…"
The Huanxi Elder's words came to an abrupt halt, for a figure with the presence of an immortal and the essence of Dao had, unbeknownst to them, appeared beside Lin Qingzhi.
A sense of extreme danger surged in their hearts!
The sneers on the faces of the Joyous Union Sect disciples suddenly froze.
"Master."
Lin Qingzhi respectfully performed the ritual of master and disciple.
"Elder Lu!"
Chen Yao was somewhat excited.
Just when all seemed lost, unexpectedly, there was a new turn!
"That is Elder Lu of Qingyun Peak!"
"Elder Lu stepped into the Dao Palace Realm three years ago; since he's here, the Huanxi Old Demon of the Joyous Union Sect is nothing, we're saved!"
"Disciples pay respects to Elder Lu."
The other Mount Shu disciples, seeing a glimmer of hope in a desperate situation, were overjoyed, even the team leader at the ninth layer of the Golden Core Realm showed solemn respect towards Lu Changsheng.
"You're the newly advanced Dao Palace Realm's Lu Changsheng?!"
The Huanxi Elder, as an elder of the Joyous Union Sect and well-informed in intelligence, knew that there was an elder at Mount Shu who had entered the Dao Palace Realm three years ago, named Lu Changsheng.
The Huanxi Elder broke out in a cold sweat.
His second layer of the Nascent Soul Realm was no match for Lu Changsheng of the Dao Palace Realm.
How did it happen that after dealing with the junior, the senior showed up immediately?
Escape!
The Huanxi Elder activated the Soul Devouring Ring to attack Lu Changsheng and then turned to flee without looking back, regardless of his magical treasures and disciples.
When a Nascent Soul Realm faces a Dao Palace Realm, fleeing at the first opportunity might grant a slim possibility of survival!
"Die."
Lu Changsheng casually struck with his palm.
This palm was all-encompassing and blotted out the sun.
Boom!
Lu Changsheng's palm struck down, the earth shook, sand flew, stones raced, and trees snapped.
The Joyous Union Sect elder, the Huanxi Old Demon, was wiped out with a single palm, merging with the earth.
The disciples of the Joyous Union Sect who had just been praising the Huanxi Elder, now turned pale with shock; their master had been killed so easily?
"These Joyous Union Sect disciples are now on your hands, not a single one should escape."
Lu Changsheng swept a cold glance over the group of Joyous Union Sect disciples, who were all petrified.
Lu Changsheng rarely made a move, but when he did, it was thorough, leaving no room for future troubles.
When Lu Changsheng appeared, he had already communicated with Lin Qingzhi through voice transmission and knew about the ambush. There was no need to capture any Joyous Union Sect disciples alive for interrogation since the disciples of Huanxi Old Demon had been killed.
Huanxi Old Demon was a low-ranking elder of the Joyous Union Sect, and his disciples weren't highly skilled. After Lu Changsheng wiped out the Huanxi Old Demon with a single palm, the remaining Joyous Union Sect disciples were executed by the Mount Shu disciples.
Some Joyous Union Sect disciples tried to use Earth Escape Skills to flee but were trapped and buried alive by Lu Changsheng's palm pressing down on the solid earth, which can be considered as giving them a proper burial.
"Junior offers his gratitude for Elder Lu's timely rescue. Had Elder Lu not arrived promptly, we would have fallen at the hands of Huanxi Old Demon."
The leading Mount Shu disciple bowed in thanks to Lu Changsheng.
"No need for excessive courtesy."
Lu Changsheng was as composed as the clouds and gentle as the breeze.
Executing a Nascent Soul Realm elder of the Joyous Union Sect was not a big deal for him.
"Your master really is a prophet, isn't he? He even foresaw this tribulation for us. Could it be that your master's ability to divine the heavens is even greater than that of the Hidden Dragon Temple Master?"
Chen Yao whispered to Lin Qingzhi.
The Temple Master of Hidden Dragon Temple, one of the Six Orthodox Sects, was adept in the Time Law and famous for divining fate. However, Chen Yao now felt that Lu Changsheng was the true sage hidden from the world.
"Actually, my master is an Immortal."
Lin Qingzhi stated with conviction.
"How is that possible…"
Chen Yao initially didn't believe it but upon further consideration, it seemed not entirely impossible.
"Xiao, I admit that I lost the bet. You can ask me to do something reasonable."
"How could I make Sister do something? Let's just forget this ever happened."
"No, abet is abet!"
"Well… but, indeed, there's nothing I need Sister's help with…"
"Qingzhi, keep this favor on hold; it might come in handy one day."
With Lu Changsheng's level, it was impossible not to hear the two's conversation. His own disciple still did not understand the importance of favors.
If they were Disciples of the Demon Sects, then promises and such favors could be considered nothing but empty words. However, disciples from the Orthodox Sects, especially those of significant figures, are usually trustworthy with their promises.
"Then, Sister, you owe me for now."
Lin Qingzhi scratched his head. He really could not think of anything he needed Chen Yao to do. So, following Lu Changsheng's advice, he decided to let the favor remain outstanding.
"Mhm."
Chen Yao nodded earnestly in agreement.
With Lu Changsheng's full protection, the journey back to Mount Shu was unimpeded.
When Lin Qing's Mount Shu team returned to Mount Shu, many disciples who had gone out to gain experience had already returned.
"Xiao eliminated five Golden Core Realm heretic cultivators and eight Qi Transformation Realm heretic cultivators in the past year. He slew countless bandits and rogues, with the highest-ranked being a fifth layer Golden Core Realm heretic cultivator. Truly, he's a model for our generation."
The Mount Shu disciple in charge of tallying the first-time experience mission's results was astonished when going through Xiao Xiangdao's achievements.
Many Mount Shu disciples who had cultivated for decades had not managed to kill a heretic cultivator of the fifth layer of the Golden Core Realm.
"It is my shame."
Xiao Xiangdao was quite satisfied with his results; he should be the top among this batch of disciples.
"It's you guys?"
Xiao Xiangdao caught sight of Lin Qing, Chen Yao, and their team returning as well.
Chen Yao was the second-place winner at the Mount Shu Disciples Convention, and Lin Qing was in the top eight. These were all outstanding individuals among the new generation of disciples.
"Lin, in the past year, you killed six Golden Core Realm heretic cultivators and eleven Qi Transformation Realm heretic cultivators? The highest-ranked among your kills was Sima Kuang, an eighth layer Golden Core Realm bandit leader from Ji Country… Hiss…"
The Mount Shu disciple summarizing the achievements was deeply shocked by Lin Qing's record of experience.
Chapter 35: Supreme Elders
"Lin, did you really kill a Golden Core Realm eighth-level bandit?" "How is that possible… The eighth level of the Golden Core Realm is already close to the standard for our Mount Shu Elders!
The other Mount Shu disciples who were tallying couldn't believe it and turned their gazes toward the leading Mount Shu disciple.
The Golden Core Realm ninth-level Mount Shu disciple nodded,
"Bandit Sima Kuang was indeed personally killed by Lin. I witnessed it with my own eyes, and there is not a shred of exaggeration. Lin, as of now, has reached the seventh level of the Golden Core Realm."
"Lin has only been in the sect for four years, and he's already at the seventh level of the Golden Core Realm?"
"Initially, our master said I was a cultivation genius, but it took me forty years of practice at Mount Shu to reach the seventh level of the Golden Core Realm. I never expected Lin to achieve it in just four years. Compared to Lin, I might as well have wasted those forty years living a dog's life."
"Sigh, the difference between people is even greater than that between a person and a dog."
"If that's really the case, Lin is truly a heaven-sent prodigy, and his future is
Boundless."
"Since we are in the same sect, I hope Lin will take good care of us in the
Future."
The crowd of Mount Shu disciples showed solemn respect for Lin Qingzhi.
Having joined the sect only four years ago, Lin Qingzhi's cultivation had already neared the minimum requirement to become an Elder of Mount Shu.
It was estimated that in a few years, as soon as Lin Qingzhi's cultivation reached the Nascent Soul Realm and he completed the Elder1 s trial task, he would rightfully become an Elder of Mount Shu.
Although Lin Qingzhi might not be the youngest Elder in the history of Mount Shu, his rate of cultivation could definitely rank him within the top ten.
A portion of the Mount Shu disciples, seeing Lin Qingzhi's frightening potential, spontaneously struck up conversations with him.
Many female disciples looked at Lin Qingzhi with added interest in their eyes. Even though Lin Qingzhi was rather ordinary in appearance, the chance of becoming an Elder of Mount Shu was enough to captivate quite a few female disciples.
However, Chen Yao standing by Lin Qingzhi's side made many female disciples hesitate to approach.
Chen Yao was stunningly beautiful and a direct disciple of the Supreme Elders, with a special physique, destined to become an Elder of Mount Shu. Not many female disciples could stand next to Chen Yao without feeling overshadowed.
"How could this guy have already reached the seventh level of the Golden Core Realm? Doesn't that make him two minor realms higher than me…" Xiao Xiangdao, endowed with the Spirit Sword Physique and diligent in his practise, had advanced to the fifth level of the Golden Core Realm during the year-long trial following the Mount Shu disciples' conference. He thought himself the most outstanding Mount Shu disciple of his generation, but never expected Lin Qingzhi's cultivation to have surpassed his own already.
"I am the third prince of Liang Kingdom. How could I lose to an orphan? I shall cultivate day and night to reclaim the top spot!"
Xiao Xiangdao, discontent in his heart, soared away on his sword, returning to
Li Changye1 s Wuy ang Peak.
"The trial is over; I should return to Bimoon Peak and continue my practice
With Master."
Chen Yao's thought stirred, and the Skywave Sword behind her unsheathed.
"Disciple, you will escort her for me."
Lu Changsheng, seeing his senior disciple unmoved, urged him on.
This was an opportunity to build a relationship with the Supreme Elders of
Mount Shu.
It might be a chance for his disciple to have a stroke of good fortune.
"Alright."
Lin Qingzhi took it as a Sect mission to escort Chen Yao back to Bimoon Peak. In reality, within Mount Shu, there was no need to worry about security, at least for the time being.
At Bimoon Peak, an old crone leaning on a wooden cane was watering thousand-year-old medicinal herbs in the medicinal garden.
Two streaks of light fell, one of them speaking with a slightly excited tone, "Master, your disciple has returned from the trial!
"Hmm."
The old crone responded indifferently, the more one experienced, the calmer one became.
"Qingyun Peak disciple Lin Qingzhi pays respects to the Supreme Elder. I have been tasked by my mentor to escort my fellow sister back to Bimoon Peak.
Lin Qingzhi treated the seemingly ordinary old crone with great respect. The Supreme Elder of Mount Shu, contemporary with the Sect Leader of Mount Shu, it's uncertain whether this person is the Sect Leader's senior or junior sister. Having lived to such an age, her cultivation is unfathomably deep.
"Oh?"
The old crone turned around, scrutinizing Lin Qingzhi from head to toe with a gaze sharp as a knife, but Lin Qingzhi remained calm and unshaken.
"Your Dao Bone, to have such cultivation in less than twenty years, is your master an Elder of Qingyun Peak? If I remember correctly, that Lu Changsheng from Qingyun Peak was the last Direct Disciple taken in by the Sect Leader's junior brother. His talent couldn't be said to be poor, but neither was he an unparalleled genius. How could he have taught a disciple like you?
"Indeed, it was the Temple Master of Hidden Dragon Temple who told my Sect Leader's junior brother that Lu Changsheng has a predestined fairy connection with our Mount Shu, which is why the Sect Leader's junior brother took Lu Changsheng as his disciple."
The old crone seemed to be conversing with Lin Qingzhi, yet also as if talking to herself.
Lin Qingzhi was secretly astonished.
Could it be that this old crone who addressed the Taiyuan real person as the Sect Leader's junior brother was Taiyuan's senior sister?!
Wouldn't that mean she's even older than Taiyuan himself?
In this world, age and cultivation are greatly correlated for a simple reason-if one's cultivation isn't high, they simply can't live that long.
The old crone in front of him must have lived for at least three thousand years.
"The junior has fulfilled my master's commands, and now I take my leave," Lin Qingzhi said with the utmost respect as he bowed.
Chen Yao bit her lip lightly, her eyes twinkling with a mix of brightness and a hint of loss.
"Young man, did you only come to return my little disciple because of your master's orders?" the crone's face suddenly turned serious.
"The junior…"
Just as Lin Qingzhi was about to give an honest reply, the old crone suddenly transmitted a message to him silently.
"Smelly brat, if you dare to answer truthfully, I will kill you with one palm, then kill your master!"
"Senior, could it be that the junior has done something wrong?"
"You only need to do as the old crone says."
"The junior obeys."
A chill ran down Lin Qingzhi's spine, having heard that the Supreme Elder had given up hope on transcending tribulation and ended her seclusion, concentrating on instructing disciples. With her quirky temper, she truly might kill him and Lu Changsheng in a fit of rage.
After the old crone spoke, Lin Qingzhi had no choice but to repeat her words: "The junior certainly didn't come only to follow the master's orders. I also hoped to bring Senior Sister back myself. Sister Chen, you are welcome to visit Qingyun Peak to exchange pointers with me anytime… anytime.
"Mm."
Chen Yao's face lit up with joy, dispelling her previous sense of loss.
Lin Qingzhi left Bimoon Peak on his flying sword.
"Alas, how did my disciple come to fancy such a simpleton? She1 s bound to suffer for it in the future. But youth… youth is wonderful…"
The old crone, leaning on her wooden staff, seemed to be lost in memories of the past.
Upon returning to Qingyun Peak, Lu Changsheng continued Power-infusing Initiation upon Lin Qingzhi, bestowing upon him various Elixir Pills, magical treasures, and Cultivation Techniques.
Lin Qingzhi had been away from the mountain for a year, and because he hadn't received Power-infusing Initiation from Lu Changsheng during this period, his cultivation improved slowly, currently still at the seventh level of the Golden Core Realm.
However, Lin Qingzhi had wandered the jianghu over the past year, gaining much experience which would be greatly beneficial to his future cultivation. After all, solitary cultivation without experience would be like building a cart behind closed doors.
This is akin to university students who, if they don't venture out into society t struggle, will ultimately find it difficult to become pillars of strength.
In addition, Chen Yao, a disciple from Bimoon Peak, would occasionally come to visit Qingyun Peak.
With Lin Qingzhi and Chen Yao to spar with, the energetic Lian finally didn't need to go around causing trouble anymore.
Chapter 36: 000-Fold Return, Rank 8 elixir pill
"This is a third rank elixir pill, the 'Superior Gather Qi Pill,1 capable of gathering the surrounding nature's spiritual energy, allowing you to temporarily obtain a higher cultivation level. Should you encounter an enemy of a higher realm and are truly unmatched, you may use this."
Lu Changsheng summoned his two disciples, continuing to exploit the system for benefits.
(Ding, you have rewarded your disciple
"Lin Qingzhi" with the third rank elixir pill
"Superior Gather Qi Pill," and received a reward of hundred thousand times return: an eighth rank elixir pill
"Red Emperor Dragon Strength Pill."]
[Ding, remaining number of rewards today -1.]
A hundred thousand times return?!
This was the second time in three years that Lu Changsheng had encountered a hundred thousand times return, as well as the second eighth rank elixir pill!
The value of an eighth rank elixir pill far surpassed that of sixth and seventh rank elixir pills, its worth immeasurable!
Even in Mount Shu, Lu Changsheng had never seen an eighth rank elixir pill!
Inside Lu Changsheng's Daoist robe appeared a Purple Gold Bagua Gourd, no bigger than a fist, containing only one elixir pill, but it was a globally rare eighth rank elixir pill.
An eighth rank elixir pill, something that would move even the six major
Righteous Dao and the four Great Demon Sects.
Without a change in expression, Lu Changsheng rewarded his younger disciple
Lian with another elixir pill.
[Ding, you have rewarded your disciple
"Lian" with the third rank elixir pill
"Concentration Pill," and received a reward of one hundred and fifty times return: a fifth rank elixir pill
"Ice Heart Spirit Concentration Pill." ]
[Ding, remaining number of rewards today -1.]
This time, the third rank elixir pill rewarded a fifth rank elixir pill.
This was a more normal return, as for the hundred thousand times return, one
Could only say it was fortunate but elusive.
According to the rules of the Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator, disciples below the Nascent Soul Realm can be rewarded with third rank or lower elixir pills, Profound Rank cultivation techniques, Yellow Rank cultivation techniques, and
Spiritual Artifacts.
Once a disciple reaches the Nascent Soul Realm, they can be rewarded with fifth rank or lower elixir pills, Earth Rank cultivation techniques, and Acquired Spirit
Treasures.
When a disciple reaches the Dao Palace Realm, they can be rewarded with seventh rank or lower elixir pills, Heaven Rank cultivation techniques, and
Innate Spirit Treasures.
Although his two disciples were still in the Golden Core Realm, they were only a few years away from the Nascent Soul Realm.
In less than ten years, to become an elder of Mount Shu, such a speed of cultivation was incredibly fast.
"I have an extra Concentration Pill here, and I'll reward it to you."
Seeing Chen Yao coming to seek out his disciples for an exchange, Lu Changsheng casually gave away a third rank elixir pill.
Lu Changsheng was not short of elixir pills; a casual fifth rank elixir pill could be exchanged for a hundred and eighty third rank elixir pills at the Elixir Pavilion of Mount Shu.
Chen Yao often visited Qingyun Peak as a guest, exchanging pointers with Lin Qingzhi and Lian, and occasionally receiving Lu Changsheng's rewards and guidance.
With Chen Yao's Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady Physique, she fully met the Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator's requirements for a disciple's aptitude.
Regrettably, Chen Yao had already been taken as a disciple by the Supreme Elders of Mount Shu and would not easily switch sects.
However, Lu Changsheng did not mind, as such a reward was trivial for him, akin to a hair from nine oxen, not as good as giving a favor in passing.
Cultivation was not just about fighting and killing.
Behind Chen Yao stood the Supreme Elders of Mount Shu, with unfathomably deep cultivation, and this was also a way to curry favor with that side.
"Senior Lu, how can I accept this…"
Chen Yao was flattered and surprised.
When she came to Qingyun Peak to find Lin Qingzhi, she realized that Lu Changsheng often rewarded his disciples with treasures and elixir pills, and she too was included on occasion, making her feel rather embarrassed.
In this world, there indeed were such generous people.
He really is a strange… good person indeed.
"This is your compensation for sparring with my disciple,
Lu Changsheng didn't care at all,
He already had two Profound Rank elixir pills, and as for a third rank elixir pill,
Lu Changsheng didn't really value it.
Lu Changsheng returned to his cave abode and opened the Purple Gold Bagua Gourd he had obtained. A massive surge of medicinal power gushed out, and just a hint of the power that leaked made every pore on Lu Changsheng's body expand, bringing an indescribable comfort to his heart, as if he had stepped into a fairyland.
"No wonder it's a Profound Rank elixir pill, the medicinal power is so astonishing. With my current cultivation, if I were to swallow this elixir pill, I'm afraid I would immediately explode and die."
Lu Changsheng felt the astonishing medicinal power of the Profound Rank elixir pill and quickly plugged the Purple Gold Bagua Gourd back up to prevent the power from leaking out.
According to the system display, the Red Emperor Dragon Strength Pill, a Profound Rank elixir pill, refined from a drop of the Red Emperor's imperial blood and a drop of a True Dragon's blood, could grant the user an unprecedented immense strength, but if the user's cultivation and physique weren't strong enough, they would undoubtedly be burst by this power.
Lu Changsheng knew that this was a divine-level elixir pill used for saving one's life in the face of a powerful enemy.
If facing a foe of a higher realm, he could completely fight beyond his own level by consuming the pill.
Lu Changsheng placed the Purple Gold Bagua Gourd into the Dao Palace Minor Realm, together with the Nine Heavens Imperial Thunder Sword.
"I can break through to the fifth level of the Dao Palace Realm at any time now."
Lu Changsheng had accumulated a huge reserve of power, and besides cultivating, he was also refining his body, otherwise, after numerous Powerinfusing Initiations and returning cultivation, Lu Changsheng's realm would have already reached the sixth level of the Dao Palace Realm.
However, the benefits of his thorough accumulation were quite clear; Lu Changsheng's physique was not inferior to the Martial Masters of the Martial Alliance, and it was hard to find an equal within the same realm.
Moreover, Lu Changsheng would not easily suffer from qi deviation when breaking through because every realm of his was extremely solid.
In the span of four years, from the ninth level of the Nascent Soul Realm to the fifth level of the Dao Palace Realm, and concurrently refining his body, such progress was shocking and astonishing.
"I'll be entering seclusion for some time, you should cultivate on your own during this period,"
Lu Changsheng transmitted his voice to his two disciples.
"In a year there will be the Six Dao Conference, and it's very likely that I'll have to spar with elders from other sects. Who would think that by that time, I'll be at the fifth level of the Dao Palace Realm and have also cultivated the 'Nine Dragons Refinement Technique'? However, unless it's absolutely necessary, I cannot easily reveal my true cultivation, as my goal is to survive until I become an Immortal."
When Lu Changsheng entered into closed-door cultivation, Lin Qingzhi and Lian were not surprised.
In the past four years, their master would enter seclusion every now and then, and what realm the master had reached was unknown to them.
What amazed Lin Qingzhi was that, despite bestowing Power-infusing Initiations frequently, the master's cultivation not only didn't decline but improved day by day.
Inquiry Immortal Pavilion, Misty Peak, clouds and mists swirling around, the mountain breeze coming forth, the white clouds moving like soft and delicate silk. A flock of Immortal Cranes flew by, the mountains had running streams and hanging waterfalls, craggy rocks abounded, looking like a fairyland.
An ethereally beautiful fairy with ice-clear skin and a jade-like body, dressed in floating garments, stepped barefoot onto the lake surface, which quickly froze over. The entire surface of the lake became like a shiny mirror, and even time seemed to freeze.
"Disciple, you're the most talented one I have seen, and only the Immortal who founded our Inquiry Immortal Pavilion twenty thousand years ago can compare with you."
"However, you are cultivating the Supreme Forgetting Emotion Art and walking the Dao of Longevity. All other cultivators, including me, are just passing clouds to you, and you must not develop feelings."
"During the Six Dao Conference a year from now, you will teach the juniors of Mount Shu a lesson for me. I want to see the embarrassed look on that Mount Shu Taiyuan old man's face."
A beautiful yet icy voice rang out, belonging to the Fairy Pavilion Master.
"Not to develop feelings… Disciple understands. I have a question to ask," Xia Ningxue's mind wavered, and the lake rapidly thawed, the waterfall restored its flow, leaving only the ice under Xia Ningxue's jade-white feet.
"Speak."
"If Master is also cultivating the Supreme Forgetting Emotion Art and should sever all worldly greed, hatred, delusion, arrogance, and doubt, why are you so fixated on the victory or defeat with the Taiyuan Real Man from Mount Shu?"
Chapter 37: Six Paths Conference
Above Qingyun Peak, purple clouds lingered, yet the menial workers had long since grown accustomed to the sight.
In the past few years, Qingyun Peak had witnessed several natural wonders, and the person behind these phenomena was none other than the Elder of Qingyun Peak, Lu Changsheng.
"Fifth level of the Dao Palace realm."
Inside the cave dwelling, Lu Changsheng was sitting cross-legged on a meditation cushion, with a stream of white vapor rising from the top of his head, constantly expanding the Dao Palace Minor Realm within him, making a breakthrough to the fifth level of the Dao Palace realm in one breath.
Due to his solid foundation, Lu Changsheng encountered no obstacles, advancing as naturally as water flows into channels.
"I have also thoroughly understood the fifth level of the Taiqing Wuji Technique."
After Lu Changsheng stepped into the fifth level of the Dao Palace realm, he had fully comprehended the fifth level of the Taiqing Wuji Technique.
Lu Changsheng calculated with his fingers and realized that his seclusion had unexpectedly lasted two months.
The first thing Lu Changsheng did after coming out of seclusion was to summon his two disciples, continuing the power-infusing initiation.
Having entered the fifth level of the Dao Palace realm, Lu Changsheng's Dantian and Qi Sea, along with his Dao Palace Minor Realm, had expanded enormously, allowing him to hold more spiritual energy.
[Ding, you have transferred 200 days of Heavenly Cultivation to your disciple
"Lian", who has actually received 40 days of Heavenly Cultivation. You have received a reward of one hundred tenfold return for teaching your disciple: 4400 days of Heavenly Cultivation.]
Having just transferred a small amount of cultivation, Lian's little face was already beet red.
[Ding, you have transferred 180 days of Heavenly Cultivation to your disciple
"Lin Qingzhi", who has actually received 36 days of Heavenly Cultivation. You have received a reward of one hundred fiftyfold return for teaching your disciple: 5400 days of Heavenly Cultivation.]
Lu Changsheng received a total of 9800 days of Heavenly Cultivation from two instances of imparting his power.
The recently advanced Lu Changsheng's Dantian and Qi Sea once again swelled with copious spiritual energy, and his Dao Palace Minor Realm grew.
"Junior brother."
"Senior brother?"
Lu Changsheng was teaching his disciples as usual when his senior brother, Li Changye, suddenly came to visit.
"The Sect Leader commands, at the Six Paths Conference, you are to bring Lian with you."
"Understood."
"Lian, follow your master to the Six Paths Conference."
"As for Qingzhi, you stay behind to guard Qingyun Peak."
"Disciple obeys the order."
"Great, Lian finally gets to leave the mountain!"
Lian punched the air excitedly.
She had stayed on Mount Shu for four years and was at last allowed to leave.
"With Mount Shu's Sect Leader and senior brother leading, there probably won't be any danger at this Six Paths Conference… "
The four Demon Sects and the Demon Race of Huang State already knew of Lian's presence on Mount Shu, but because Mount Shu had such a profound foundation, neither the Demon Sects nor the Demon Race of Huang State dared to act rashly. Li Changye's decision to bring Lian to the Six Paths Conference— could it be…
Lu Changsheng pondered silently, then suddenly his eyes lit up.
He had guessed Li Changye's intention.
"Before the Six Paths Conference begins, let's see if I can comprehend the sixth level of the Taiqing Wuji Technique."
Lu Changsheng continued his cultivation.
Each seclusion, whether short as a few days or as long as several months, Lu Changsheng remained committed to accumulating gains, and soon it was time for the Six Paths Conference.
The Six Paths Conference was the premier event for the cultivation world of Xia State, with all six righteous Sect Leaders and famed elders in attendance to address the major issues occurring in Xia State.
At the same time, the six righteous sects would use this opportunity to decide the ranking of the sects.
Although the six righteous sects still had some powerful elders anchoring them, the younger generation of elders represented the future of the sects. Therefore, the potential of the young generation of elders could generally stand for the strength of a sect.
Of the Mount Shu Sect, elders in the Dao Palace realm like Li Changye, Zhao Wuyan, and Lu Changsheng were direct disciples taken by Supreme Elder Taiyuan in the past five hundred years and were considered part of the younger generation.
"Master, we should set off now!"
Lian, unable to wait any longer, rushed to Lu Changsheng's cave dwelling to urge him on.
Lu Changsheng awoke from his meditation, shook his head, and chuckled bitterly.
The Taiqing Wuji Technique is divided into nine levels, each level more profound and difficult to comprehend than the last.
Lu Changsheng broke through to the fifth level of the Dao Palace realm and it took him several months, yet he had not fully comprehended the sixth level of the Taiqing Wuji Technique.
If Taiyuan Zhenren knew that Lu Changsheng wanted to master the sixth level of the Taiqing Wuji Technique in just a few months, he would definitely think Lu Changsheng had gone mad.
This is a top-tier Heaven Rank technique after all.
"Let's go."
Lu Changsheng waved his sleeve, and a gentle breeze arose, wrapping around the two of them as they headed to the Mount Shu Great Hall for the assembly.
This time, there were seventy-two elders from Mount Shu participating in the Six Dao Grand Assembly, with the highest cultivation among them belonging to the eldest senior brother, Li Changye, at the ninth level of the Dao Palace realm.
Of course, the cultivation of Taiyuan Zhenren, who led the team, was unfathomable, having long since broken through the Dao Palace realm.
With the Sect Leader and seventy-two elders, such a squad was powerful enough to easily annihilate any secular kingdom, even the Great Xia Kingdom of Xia State, with its most populous nation, would not be able to withstand this force.
One by one, Flying Swords broke through the sky, the people practicing Sword Flight were inhaling and exhaling nature's spiritual energy, like whales and dragons, all of them elders with profound levels of cultivation.
"Junior Brother pays his respects to Eldest Senior Brother!"
"Zhao, it's been a long time."
"Qian Junior Brother, you've been in seclusion for quite a while, unexpected to see you're out for this occasion."
"The Six Dao Grand Assembly is the premier event of Xia State, with the Sect Leader and Eldest Senior Brother personally leading the team, how could I miss it?"
"Lu Junior Brother? And Lu Junior Brother's little disciple…"
The elders present changed colors upon noticing Lu Changsheng and Lian arrive, with many elders turning pale and others hurriedly protecting their beards.
Lu Changsheng's little disciple was simply a Little Devil, causing chaos throughout Mount Shu.
Yet neither the Sect Leader nor the Eldest Senior Brother ever punished her, which led to many of the elders' beards being secretly burned by Lian.
Aside from the Supreme Elders in the back mountains, other elders had more or less been plagued by this little ancestor, and they were quite afraid of her.
"Disciple, all the elders arepresent. As a junior, shouldn't you be paying your respects to the elders?"
"Mount Shu Disciple Lian pays respects to all the elders."
Lian performed her salutations demurely, looking both charming and adorable, but the elders of Mount Shu all got goosebumps at the sight of this Little Devil.
What scene that would be when Lian becomes a Mount Shu Elder of the same status as them.
"Eldest Senior Brother."
"Zhao."
"Lu Junior Brother."
Lu Changsheng greeted elders such as Li Changye and Zhao Wuyan.
Li Changye, at the ninth level of the Dao Palace realm, and Zhao Wuyan, at the fifth level, these elders were all direct disciples of Taiyuan Zhenren and held esteemed statuses among the Mount Shu elders.
"Lu Junior Brother, your cultivation has improved again."
"It's unbelievable. Just five years ago, Lu Junior Brother had just stepped into the Dao Palace realm. And now, after five years, I can't even ascertain the extent of Lu Junior Brother's cultivation."
Zhao Wuyan, as Lu Changsheng's senior brother, although his own disciples were defeated by Lu Changsheng's disciples at the Mount Shu assembly, losing all face, surprisingly, the relationship between the two was quite good.
Besides Senior Brother Li Changye, the elder from Mount Shu who got along best with Lu Changsheng was Zhao Wuyan.
"I've had some flashes of insight recently."
Lu Changsheng also feared others would be amazed at how quickly his cultivation had advanced, so he attributed it to sudden enlightenment.
Legend has it that those with heavenly fate could be mortals at dawn and ascend to the Immortal Realm by dusk.
"I truly envy you."
Zhao Wuyan was sincerely envious of Lu Changsheng.
Enlightenment was an opportunity that could only be encountered and not sought after.
"The Sect Leader has arrived!"
All the Mount Shu elders fell silent as they saw an old man dressed in a Yin Yang Taiji Dao Robe and an old woman leaning on a wooden cane, having appeared in the middle of the great hall without anyone noticing.
Chapter 38: Inquiry Immortal Pavilion
"Disciple pays respects to the Sect Leader!"
"Disciple pays respects to the Supreme Elders!"
Once Taiyuan Zhenren and the unknown old crone appeared, a group of Mount Shu elders respectfully bowed.
"Senior sister, I'm leading a delegation to the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion to attend the Six Paths assembly. Mount Shu will be in your care."
Taiyuan Zhenren also spoke with great respect to the old crone.
Senior sister?!!
The Mount Shu elders present were astonished in their hearts.
The unknown old crone was actually the Sect Leader's senior sister!
If Taiyuan Zhenren had lived for over three thousand years, then the old crone's lifespan must be no less than that of Taiyuan Zhenren.
By the time the old crone had made a name for herself, the younger generation of Mount Shu elders had not even been born.
"During this period, Mount Shu will be entrusted to this old body. I have no hope for Tribulation, and my lifespan is coming to an end; this is one of the few contributions I can make for Mount Shu."
The old crone sighed.
Taiyuan Zhenren, as well as all the Mount Shu elders, showed solemn respect.
This Supreme Elder, knowing she had no hope of overcoming Tribulation, still focused on Mount Shu's well-being at the verge of death. She ended her seclusion, accepted Chen Yao as an extraordinary talent into her disciple lineage, as her final disciple, to leave a legacy.
What a noble character!
"Senior sister…"
"This old body's cultivation is not refined, everything is fate, go ahead."
"Yes."
Taiyuan Zhenren bowed to the old crone and then led the team away from Mount Shu.
Flying Swords broke through the sky, with colorful lights flowing, flying towards Misty Peak, where the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion was located.
The mortals below could only see streaks of light flying over their heads, mistaking them for signs of immortals. They all bowed in veneration and worship.
Lu Changsheng, within the group of hurrying Mount Shu elders, covertly assessed the foundation of Mount Shu.
The depth of Taiyuan Zhenren's cultivation was inscrutable, and not even Lu Changsheng could see through it.
The person with the next highest cultivation was his senior brother, Li Changye, who was at the ninth layer of the Dao Palace Realm and possessed the Eternal Wilderness Body. Lu Changsheng suspected that even if Li Changye were to encounter an early-stage opponent from the Void Refinement Realm, he would be capable of fighting. After all, rumors in Mount Shu spoke of Li Changye once standing against three of the same realm from the Demon Sects, slaying three Demon Sects elders.
Li Changye had some similarities with Lu Changsheng, as both of them were exceptionally firm in every realm they reached. Furthermore, with special physiques, they were even more formidable than the cultivators of the same realm.
Apart from Li Changye, who was recognized as the foremost among the younger generation of Mount Shu elders, there were also five elders who had achieved Great Accomplishment in the Dao Palace Realm.
There were about a dozen elders, including Lu Changsheng and Zhao Wuyan, who were in the mid-stage of the Dao Palace Realm.
The rest were either in the early stage of the Dao Palace Realm or at the culmination of the Nascent Soul Realm.
This was just a portion of Mount Shu's strength, indicating the fearsome depth of its foundation.
Taiyuan Zhenren even felt assured to entrust Mount Shu to his senior sister for guardianship.
The foundation of Mount Shu could not be so simple.
Lu Changsheng learned from Lian that there were four Dao Palace Realm elders secretly guarding the fifth level of the Scripture Pavilion in Mount Shu, and these four Dao Palace Realm elders were not among those who descended from the mountain this time.
"Master, is the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion a lot of fun?"
Lian was brimming with excitement.
"I have heard that the Fairy Pavilion Master once had a dispute with our Sect Leader in their youth. You must not cause trouble in the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion, otherwise even I won't be able to protect you,"
In Mount Shu, Taiyuan Zhenren, Li Changye, and even Lu Changsheng would let Lian cause trouble wherever she wanted. But this time, in the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion's domain, if the Fairy Pavilion Master were to catch a handle on her, the situation could either be trivial or severe.
That the Fairy Pavilion Master had a past dispute with Taiyuan Zhenren when they were young indicated that the two were contemporaries.
"Lian understands."
This little disciple also knew that the Fairy Pavilion Master was a significant figure not to be provoked, and she became much more restrained.
The Inquiry Immortal Pavilion was located at Misty Peak in Yue Country, covering ten thousand miles, with countless mountains rising high, piercing the clouds, shrouded in mist.
Inquiry Immortal Pavilion is one of the Six Righteous Paths, currently ranked fifth, yet two hundred thousand years ago, at its founding, it once surpassed Mount Shu.
Even if Inquiry Immortal Pavilion has fallen from grace, it still possesses the heritage of two hundred thousand years.
This time, the Sect Meeting of the Six Paths is to be hosted by the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion. To prepare for the event, all disciples of the sect have been mobilized, creating an extraordinarily lively atmosphere.
"The last Sect Meeting was on Mount Shu, one thousand five hundred years ago. The Pavilion Master contended with the Sect Leader of Mount Shu, and in three battles faced three defeats. Now that it's our turn to host, we must reclaim our honor," someone declared.
"Shush, have you forgotten? The Elders forbid us disciples from mentioning this matter. If the Pavilion Master overhears us, we'll undoubtedly be punished," another cautioned.
Disciples of Inquiry Immortal Pavilion whispered among themselves while preparing the venue for the Sect Meeting.
"The people from Mount Shu have arrived!"
"Such formidable momentum!"
"Worthy of being the current first among the Six Righteous Paths!"
No one knew which disciple shouted first, but as all from Inquiry Immortal Pavilion looked towards the sky above Misty Peak, they saw a group of Elders from Mount Shu approaching on their Flying Swords.
"Mount Shu."
On the main seat of the Sect Meeting, the Pavilion Master of Inquiry Immortal Pavilion whispered those two words.
Beneath the Pavilion Master, a host of Inquiry Immortal Pavilion Elders rose to their feet, greeting the arriving Mount Shu Elders with equal ceremony.
A group of Mount Shu Elders descended, every one of them with the bearing of a sage and carrying a longsword on their backs.
Taiyuan stood still, like an immeasurable mountain, causing most of Inquiry Immortal Pavilion's Elders to feel a sense of helplessness in their hearts.
Taiyuan, a man who dominated an era. In the past, the Pavilion Master of Inquiry Immortal Pavilion, relying on her exceptional talents, challenged Taiyuan and was defeated in all three battles.
"Fairy Su, how have you been recently?"
Taiyuan took the initiative to speak.
"Hmph, both of us are old folks who have lived for three thousand years. I'm hardly any 'fairy,'" the Pavilion Master replied with a cold tone. Yet, Lu Changsheng faintly sensed that the Pavilion Master of Inquiry Immortal Pavilion did not seem to dislike the title Taiyuan used for her.
Lu Changsheng gazed at the main seat and saw an elegant fairy with the face of a goose egg, fine eyebrows, a delicate nose, and wearing a moon-colored Daoist Robe.
The Pavilion Master of Inquiry Immortal Pavilion was actually a woman.
Lu Changsheng's gaze shifted slightly downward. Near the closest seat to the Pavilion Master, he saw a figure of extraordinary grace and extreme beauty, carrying a longsword on her back.
Their gazes met in midair, and they nodded to each other in acknowledgment.
It was Xia Ningxue, the Holy Maiden of Inquiry Immortal Pavilion.
Xia Ningxue's seat was only second to the Pavilion Master, which spoke volumes about her status.
"Lu, have you ever heard of a certain secret within our Mount Shu?" Zhao Wuyan conveyed secretly to Lu Changsheng.
"I would like to hear the details," Lu responded.
Could it be that the earnest Elder Zhao also had a moment for gossip?
Lu Changsheng's passion for gossip was thoroughly ignited.
"It is said that back when Fairy Su of Inquiry Immortal Pavilion was not the Pavilion Master, she pursued our master but her love went unrequited. In a fit of pique, she cultivated Inquiry Immortal Pavilion's forbidden technique 'Supreme Forgetting Love Art,' vowing to sever all romantic ties. Yet, for three thousand years, she has remained entangled with our Sect Leader…" Zhao revealed.
"Is that so?"
Lu Changsheng suddenly understood.
No wonder the relationship between the Pavilion Master of Inquiry Immortal Pavilion and Taiyuan was so complicated. The secret shared by Zhao Wuyan was likely true.
"Ahem, nonetheless, you must keep this matter a secret from others."
"Understood."
Lu Changsheng conveyed his comprehension with a look.
"The Temple Master of Hidden Dragon Temple and a host of Elders have arrived!"
Not long after the people from Mount Shu reached Misty Peak, the party from Hidden Dragon Temple, another one of the Six Righteous Paths, also descended on Misty Peak.
Chapter 39: The Six Major Orthodox Sects
"Hidden Dragon Temple's Temple Master Yu Xuanji, and her premier head disciple, Zhuge Changming!"
"The Hidden Dragon Temple's Temple Master is also a great figure from the
Same era as our Sect Leader."
It's said that the Temple Master of Hidden Dragon Temple can calculate a person's Qi Destiny, which is indeed incomparable in its power. Sometimes, even our Sect Leader seeks her out for predictions of the Heavenly Secrets."
The elders of Mount Shu and Inquiry Immortal Pavilion all looked towards the descending Hidden Dragon Temple's Temple Master and Elder.
Lu Changsheng had never imagined that the Hidden Dragon Temple's Temple
Master would be a woman veiled in a mask.
Hidden Dragon Temple's premier head disciple Zhuge Changming had represented Hidden Dragon Temple at Mount Shu's Disciples' Great Assembly, where Lu Changsheng had already met him once before.
Yu Xuanji was a renowned figure who had been famous for three thousand years, while Zhuge Changming was a peerless genius of the same level as the big senior brother Li Changye, each a prominent young representative of their respective sects.
"Hidden Dragon Temple emphasizes strategy, inference, and military tactics, which differ from the focus of our Mount Shu and Inquiry Immortal Pavilion. In other words, these people have first-rate minds and must not be offended
Lightly."
Zhao Wuyan and Lu Changsheng exchanged messages in secret."
"What does the Hidden Dragon Temple's Temple Master look like?"
There are very few who have seen the face under the Temple Master of Hidden
Dragon Temple's veil."
Zhao Wuyan shook his head, clearly he also knew nothing.
"Fellow Daoists, time flies, and glory fades; in the blink of an eye, it has been two hundred years since we last met."
Hidden Dragon Temple's Temple Master Yu Xuanji spoke in a gentle tone, which felt as refreshing as a spring breeze.
Only the True Person of Taiyuan and the Fairy Pavilion Master were worthy of being addressed as fellow Daoists by Yu Xuanji.
"The last time Master Yu made a prediction for me, to be precise, was two hundred and fifty years ago."
"Yes, at that time based on my calculations, I said your disciple had great fortune."
Yu Xuanji looked towards Lu Changsheng.
Lu Changsheng feigned composure.
The original Lu Changsheng had gone mad from cultivation and died; now, this Lu Changsheng, based on the memories of this body, knew that two hundred years ago, Hidden Dragon Temple's Temple Master Yu Xuanji had divined that Lu Changsheng was destined for an immortal fate with Mount Shu, hence recommended him to the True Person of Taiyuan.
Now it seemed that the original Lu Changsheng was just an unlucky fellow, while the one truly blessed with great fortune was himself?
"Master Yu, please take a seat."
The Pavilion Master of Inquiry Immortal Pavilion was also very courteous to
The arriving Yu Xuanji.
After all, Yu Xuanji was famous for calculating the Heavenly Secrets, and such a person could not be offended; rather, one must seek good relations with them.
As for the True Person of Taiyuan, he was left aside by the Pavilion Master of
Inquiry Immortal Pavilion.
The True Person of Taiyuan did not take offense and led the people of Mount
Shu to their seats.
Although the Pavilion Master of Inquiry Immortal Pavilion did not speak, the True Person of Taiyuan was well aware of the other's haughty nature.
"Now that a disaster looms over Xia State, it would be best for the two fellow Daoists to quickly put aside past grievances. The events of those years… nobody expected such outcomes…"
Yu Xuanji's tone remained calm, showing not the slightest trace of emotion.
Lu Changsheng quietly observed Yu Xuanji's cultivation, completely unable to discern her true capabilities.
The Pavilion Master of Inquiry Immortal Pavilion snorted coldly,
"Master Yu need not worry about the grudges between him and me."
"Sect Master Xu of the Refinement Sect and a group of Elders have arrived!"
Another team descended from the sky, their longswords returning to their sheaths.
The Refinement Sect, consistently the last among the six major Orthodox Sects, but no one dared underestimate them.
The reason the Refinement Sect's cultivation was at the bottom was that they devoted a lot of their energy to the art of artifact forging, crafting various Spiritual Artifacts and Spirit Treasures.
Since most of the Spiritual Artifacts and Spirit Treasures of other sects came from the Refinement Sect, no one dared to look down upon them; instead, they sought good relations with them.
"The Immeasurable Temple's Master Wuxiang and a contingent of great masters have arrived!"
"Martial Alliance Alliance Leader Master Chen and a group of Elders have arrived!"
The two teams had arrived at Misty Peak almost simultaneously.
When the Immeasurable Temple's members descended, chantings resonated powerfully, Celestial Maidens Scatter Flowers unfolded, and Buddha's light shone for miles.
"Amitabha Buddha, honored patrons, long time no see."
Master Wuxiang bore a majestic and radiant expression, his voice pouring into their ears like sweet nectar, making their spirits feel ethereal.
Immeasurable Temple, ranked second among the six Orthodox Sects.
Master Wuxiang, profound in the Buddhist law.
Taiyuan, Fairy Su, Yu Xuanji, and others nodded their heads towards Master Wuxiang as a greeting.
The people from the Martial Alliance were of a different sort, each one tall and sturdy, with robust physiques.
The Martial Alliance prioritized Body Refinement; although their overall cultivation levels might not be high, their formidable physical constitution gave them an advantage over others of the same realm, and they could even battle across different realms with ease.
Martial Alliance, ranked third.
The Sect Leader of the Martial Alliance looked at Disciple Lian of Lu
Changsheng with interest, seeming very taken with her Martial King Divine Physique:
"Is this the descendant whom the Huang Tribe warriors swore to protect with their lives? Her physique is one rarely seen in a hundred thousand years. If she were to take me as her master, her future would be boundless. This young friend from Mount Shu, would you be willing to part with your disciple and let her join my ranks? I'm willing to trade a lower-grade Innate Spirit Treasure for this disciple of yours."
The Martial Alliance highly valued special physiques, and Lian's Martial King Divine Physique was perfectly suited for the path of Body Refinement.
Therefore, the Alliance Leader of the Martial Alliance was willing to trade a lower-grade Innate Spirit Treasure to make a deal with Lu Changsheng.
"An Innate Spirit Treasure? Sect Leader Chen of the Martial Alliance is indeed offering a generous deal!"
"I wonder if Elder Lu from Mount Shu would be willing to part with his disciple? After all, that's an Innate Spirit Treasure. Even the treasures used by most of the Elders of the Dao Palace are only Acquired Spirit Treasures."
The Elders of the various sects whispered among themselves, their gazes concentrated on Lu Changsheng.
"Disciple, would you like to go with them?"
"No, Disciple wants to stay by Master's side forever and ever! Besides, they're not as handsome as Master."
"Hahaha."
The other Elders couldn't help but laugh upon hearing Lian's unreserved childlike words.
Elder Lu of Mount Shu indeed was quite a handsome man.
"Ahem, the mouths of babes, please do not take offense, Sect Leader Chen." Lu Changsheng was somewhat embarrassed, considering Sect Leader Chen of the Martial Alliance was an extraordinary master who had surpassed the realm of Dao Palace and had once fought hand-to-hand with a flood dragon.
"She is our disciple from Mount Shu, Sect Leader Chen should look elsewhere for disciples."
Taiyuan, protective of his own, supported his disciple and grand-disciple even in the face of the Alliance Leader of the Martial Alliance himself.
"Haha, I, Chen, will not take to heart the words of a little girl. It's just a slight disappointment, that's all."
Sect Leader Chen waved his hand, showing no concern at all, as he and the numerous Elders of the Martial Alliance took their seats.
"Sect Leader Chen of the Martial Alliance, who detests evil and acts with chivalry, was a heroic figure in his youth, a grandmaster of his time. It's only in his older years, having spent most of his time in seclusion, that he has become as elusive as a dragon glimpsed but never caught. When he says he doesn't mind, you can truly be at ease," Zhao Wuyan remarked feelingly.
It seems that the six Orthodox Sects indeed live up to the name of the Righteous Dao.
Lu Changsheng felt slightly relieved, his greatest fear being that the six Orthodox Sects would be engaged in endlessly scheming against each other.
"Now that all six Orthodox Sects have arrived, the Six Paths Conference can officially begin. The topic of this conference is the handling of the potential calamity that may occur."
"Temple Master Yu has already calculated that, in over a decade, the four Demon Sects may join forces with the Demon Race from Huang State to attack the various sects."
"While the six Orthodox Sects usually compete with one another, with a great calamity imminent, we must unite as one to face our common enemy.
"Today we must decide which sect will lead the six Orthodox Sects to confront the four Demon Sects and the Demon Race from Huang State.
Chapter 40: The Eldest Apprentice Brother is Invincible
"Fairy Su, how do you plan to determine the rankings of the sects?"
"Follow the usual practice. Among the younger generation of Elders, select one who has less than eight hundred, five hundred, and three hundred years of cultivation respectively, for a best two out of three matches."
"Agreed."
The Sect Leaders of the six major Orthodox Sects consented to the Fairy Pavilion Master's suggestion.
The six Sect Leaders drew lots to decide their respective opponents.
Mount Shu's opponent would be Hidden Dragon Temple, Immeasurable Temple would face Inquiry Immortal Pavilion, and Martial Alliance would go against the Refinement Sect.
"The luck of Martial Alliance is truly good. Those from the Refinement Sect are obsessed with refining tools, so their cultivation is inevitably lacking, consistently ranking last among the six major Orthodox Sects. Martial Alliance will surely advance."
"Our Mount Shu is also lucky, our opponent is only Hidden Dragon Temple, ranked fourth."
"Don't underestimate Hidden Dragon Temple. They are adept at strategies and Dao Arrays, often turning decay into magic. Moreover, the rankings of the six major Orthodox Sects have been the same for a thousand years now."
"Immeasurable Temple is ranked second, Inquiry Immortal Pavilion is in trouble."
Once the results of the draw came out, many Elders of Mount Shu discussed it privately.
Every Six Dao Conference, the six major Orthodox Sects would be ranked anew. It had been fifteen hundred years since the last ranking, and the strength of each sect had changed.
"Taiyuan, which three disciples do you plan to send into battle?"
The Fairy Pavilion Master asked in a cool tone.
"Changye, Wuchuan, and Longevity, you three will represent our Mount Shu in the contest."
Grandmaster Taiyuan selected from among the Elders of Mount Shu—Li Changye, who had five hundred years of cultivation, Song Wuchuan with four hundred and fifty, and Lu Changsheng with two hundred and fifty.
"Li Changye and Song Wuchuan, these two Mount Shu Elders, were within my predictions, but what's the deal with this Lu Changsheng?"
The Fairy Pavilion Master frowned slightly, not understanding why Grandmaster Taiyuan would choose an Elder in the first tier of the Dao Palace realm to fight.
Mount Shu had Elders with three hundred years of cultivation who were in the second and third tiers of the Dao Palace realm; it wasn't as though there were none.
"Sect Leader chose Lu?"
"It has only been five years since Lu entered the Dao Palace realm. Isn't it a bit forced for him to represent Mount Shu in combat now?"
"If this is the Sect Leader's intention, there must be a deeper meaning."
"It's a pity that I, Zhao Wuyan, having cultivated for three hundred and twenty years at Mount Shu, fall between the ranks. If only I were twenty years younger, I could have taken Lu's place in combat. Lu, Sect Leader and Master see potential in you, so you must perform well."
The Elders of Mount Shu were in an uproar, clearly finding Grandmaster Taiyuan's third choice unbelievable.
Li Changye, the eldest disciple, with five hundred years of cultivation, Dao Palace realm level nine.
Song Wuchuan, the second eldest disciple, with four hundred and fifty years of cultivation, Dao Palace realm level eight.
Lu Changsheng, the youngest disciple, with two hundred and fifty years of cultivation, Dao Palace realm level one.
No matter how one looked at it, Lu Changsheng appeared to be the weakest link.
Among the Mount Shu Elders with Dao age within three hundred years, besides the direct disciples of Grandmaster Taiyuan, there were also some disciples of the Supreme Elders. Their cultivation might not necessarily be lower than Lu Changsheng's.
Yet Grandmaster Taiyuan elected to have Lu Changsheng fight.
Many Mount Shu Elders were sweating bullets for Lu Changsheng.
If the eldest and second eldest disciple failed to win, Lu Changsheng could very well become the scapegoat.
Of course, if they knew that Lu Changsheng's actual cultivation was already at the fifth level of the Dao Palace realm, they would have no need to worry.
"Lu Changsheng? So if we, Inquiry Immortal Pavilion, face Mount Shu, he will be my opponent…"
Xia Ningxue's gaze fell on Lu Changsheng once more, also quite surprised that Mount Shu would let Lu Changsheng fight.
Five years ago, when the two first met, Lu Changsheng's cultivation at the brink of life and death was the first layer of the Dao Palace realm, without any doubt.
But now, Lu Changsheng's aura seems somewhat elusive.
Due to his Innate Taoist Body, no one present could see through Lu Changsheng's true cultivation level.
"Our Hidden Dragon Temple will send out Elders Zhuge Changming, Jiang Feng, and Liu Xunxian to fight,"
Temple Master Yu Xuanjiof the Hidden Dragon Temple, following the rules, dispatched three Elders.
"Zhuge Changming, the foremost disciple of Hidden Dragon Temple, has cultivated for seven hundred years, his cultivation is on par with our eldest senior brother, both at the ninth layer of the Dao Palace realm, and even has more combat experience. It seems a fierce battle is inevitable,"
"As long as our eldest senior brother and second senior brother win, Lu doesn't even need to make a move for Mount Shu to be victorious."
"That's right, I believe our eldest and second senior brothers can handle their opponents."
"Lu, you just relax,"
"The Sect Leader's intention is most likely for our eldest and second senior brothers to defeat their opponents, and as for the third person, there's no need to fight, so it doesn't matter who it is."
"Itmust be so,"
Most of the Mount Shu Elders deduced the intentions of the Taiyuan Real Person, believing that he had absolute confidence in the eldest and second senior brothers.
In the competition among the six Orthodox Sects, victory in three out of five rounds is sufficient.
If the eldest and second senior brothers win, Lu Changsheng doesn't need to fight.
However, Li Changye felt not as relaxed as the many Elders of Mount Shu; he knew that the Sect Leader selecting Lu Changsheng as the third combatant wasn't because of the absolute certainty of victory from the first two, but because amidst all the elders of Mount Shu, Lu Changsheng, with less than three hundred years of cultivation, had the highest level of cultivation!
"Taiyuan, I have never seen this disciple of yours,"
"I hear he is the last disciple you took on."
"I can't even discern his true level of cultivation."
Grandmaster Chen, Master Wuxiang, and other Sect Leaders started to take Mount Shu's Lu Changsheng seriously.
Based on what they knew about Taiyuan Real Person, he wouldn't send an insignificant Elder to fight.
The Taiyuan Real Person just smiled faintly, without offering further explanation.
"Regardless of who your disciple is, he will not be a match for mine. Taiyuan, my disciple's talent is even above yours,"
The Fairy Pavilion Master of Inquiry Immortal Pavilion, with a cold expression, had full confidence in her junior disciple Xia Ningxue.
Xia Ningxue's speed of cultivation was astonishingly fast, shocking even the Fairy Pavilion Master herself.
Xia Ningxue was her trump card to humiliate Mount Shu.
The Martial Arts Platform for the great event of the six paths was maintained by the Sect Leaders of the six Orthodox Sects. Even prodigies of the Dao Palace realm fighting within could hardly damage the platform.
The three pairs of Elders from Mount Shu and Hidden Dragon Temple confronted each other first.
The first to fight for Mount Shu was the eldest senior brother, Li Changye, and for Hidden Dragon Temple, Zhuge Changming, the favored disciple of Yu Xuanji.
Both were exceptional prodigies among the younger generation of Elders in the six Orthodox Sects, the future pillars of their respective sects.
Once the two stepped onto the Martial Arts Platform, they immediately attracted everyone's attention.
"Zhuge Changming, the foremost disciple of Hidden Dragon Temple, like the Temple Master, excels in divination and strategic calculation. He once lured and killed five Demon Sect Elders of the Dao Palace realm in an unknown Immortal Ruins, thus becoming widely renowned overnight,"
"With eldest senior brother facing Zhuge Changming, I wonder what his chances of victory are?"
"Ten parts,"
Second senior brother Song Wuchuan suddenly spoke up, silencing the multitude of Mount Shu Elders.
Song Wuchuan turned and smiled,
"I might lose, but in the Dao Palace realm, our eldest senior brother is invincible."
Chapter 41: The Reason for Being Invincible
"Li Changye, I knowyou are touted as unbeatable in your realm, but you may not be able to withstand my Dao Array."
"Separating Fire Heaven Burning Formation, activate!" Zhuge Changming summoned eight fire-colored banners, positioning them in the Qian, Zhen, Kan, Gen, Kun, Xun, Li, and Dui directions, trapping Li Changye
With the Dao Array.
The banners blazed fiercely, with eight pillars of fire soaring into the sky, creating a fiery array. The surrounding air twisted from the intense heat, causing many elders to sweat profusely.
"What a terrifying Dao Array!"
"Zhuge Changming, truly worthy of being Hidden Dragon Temple's chief disciple, can lay down a Dao Array in a mere moment."
"The magic treasure he's using is none other than the low-grade Innate Spirit
Treasure 'Separating Fire Banner'!"
"Such an astonishing aura."
Lu Changsheng felt the waves of heat coming at him and quickly circulated his energy to protect himself and Lian from the fire poison.
Lu Changsheng, merely a spectator, already felt the boundless heat wave One could only imagine what the scene was like for big brother at the center of the Separating Fire Heaven Burning Formation.
Through the pillars of fire, Lu Changsheng's gaze found Li Changye standing tall on the Martial Arts Platform.
Li Changye, clad in his sword attire, stood still as surging energy surrounded
Him, shielding against the fire poison.
"No doubt this is Hidden Dragon Temple's renowned Separating Fire Heaven Burning Formation, but its effect on me is limited.
Li Changye moved so fast that he left only a shadow behind.
"Break!"
Without anyone noticing, his longsword was unsheathed, slicing through the fire pillars like a streak of white silk, shattering the formation.
The next moment, Li Changye's sword was already in front of Zhuge Changming.
Zhuge Changming, startled, moved his longsword forward to parry Li Changye's astonishing strike.
Li Changye's swordplay was rapid and continuous, like drifting clouds and flowing water, without a single flaw.
Zhuge Changming could only defend passively, his wrist trembling violently.
"Big brother's physique is the Eternal Wilderness Body; even if he's stabbed by Zhuge Changming's longsword, it won't threaten his life. In contrast, Zhuge Changming cannot afford a single mistake; otherwise, he would lose."
"Thus, big brother only needs to concentrate on his offense, while Zhuge Changming has to defend and look for opportunities to counterattack."
"Merely defending, with Zhuge Changming's stamina, he simply can't sustain a fight against big brother. This, with Zhuge Changming's wisdom, is not hard to understand."
"But having to defend and counterattack at the same time makes it easier to reveal weaknesses."
"And each of big brother's levels is extremely solid, his Spiritual Energy inside his Qi Sea is several times that of a cultivator of the same realm, plus big brother's firm Dao heart, he won't give his opponent any chance to exploit.'
"For Zhuge Changming, this is a checkmate.
Second Senior Brother Song Wuchuan analyzed the fight at the side, with precise reasoning.
The exceptionally strong special physique
"Eternal Wilderness Body," incredibly solid levels, and the Spiritual Energy that is several times that of a cultivator of the same realm – these are the reasons why big brother Li Changye is invincible in the Dao Palace realm!
Zhuge Changming excelled in strategizing and deduction, but in a place like the Martial Arts Platform, where there's little external force to borrow from, he was completely at a loss against Li Changye.
"What's going on, Li Changye is indeed as strong as the rumors say, now we're
In trouble."
The Martial Alliance's chief disciple, Elder Ye, muttered under his breath, looking quite troubled.
If the Martial Alliance defeats the Refinement Sect, then he will have to face Li
Changye.
Alliance Leader Master Chen patted his leading disciple on the shoulder,
"Little Ye, just do your best. With two out of three rounds, even if you lose, we still have a chance."
Elder Ye gave a wry smile of helplessness.
Even the Alliance Leader Master Chen didn't have confidence in him.
"Master, to tell you the truth, I stand no chance against Li Changye." Inquiry Immortal Pavilion's chief disciple saw Li Changye's astounding performance and shook his head slightly.
Li Changye is invincible in the Dao Palace Realm, how can anyone fight against him?
"You needn't worry, I have already calculated. You may lose to Li Changye, but as long as your two junior sisters win, following the best two out of three system, our Inquiry Immortal Pavilion can still stand above Mount Shu."
"The little disciple from Taiyuan is merely at the first layer of the Dao Palace Realm, and definitely no match for Xue'er."
"Then, the victory or defeat will hinge on the match between Taiyuan's second disciple and my second disciple."
"My second disciple, Xiao Meng'er, has a talent akin to mine, slightly inferior to Li Changye but superior to Song Wuchuan,"
"No matter howyou calculate it, it's two wins and one loss; this time, we'll finally be able to thoroughly humiliate that old man from Taiyuan. Despite witnessing Li Changye's monstrous talent, the Fairy Pavilion Master of the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion stayed confident in her plan.
The fight continued on the Martial Arts Platform, with Li Changye managing with ease, whereas Zhuge Changming1 s sweat had already soaked his blue robe.
"Stop, I admit defeat."
Zhuge Changming conceded voluntarily.
"Brother Zhuge excels at utilizing various external forces to defeat strong enemies. There is nothing here, and no outsiders can intervene, which does not favor you; I have an advantage," Li Changye didn't gloat over defeating the chief disciple of Hidden Dragon Temple.
"Defeated is defeated, I, Zhuge Changming, am not someone who cannot accept a loss." Zhuge Changming bowed and then returned to sit with the elders of Hidden Dragon Temple. He also bowed to the Temple Master Yu Xuanji, "Master, your disciple lacks talent and could not win.
Yu Xuanji only nodded without saying much.
"As expected of the big brother, a man invincible at his level!"
"No wonder the Sect Leader allowed big brother to act in place of him, with big brother's talent, in a few hundred years, he is certain to become our new Sect Leader of Mount Shu."
"Big brother is just one step away from the Void Refinement Realm.
After Li Changye returned to his seat, the elders of Mount Shu praised him one after another.
The big brother was indeed the foremost among the young elders.
"Now, let's see how the second brother performs.
"Second brother, you have to try hard; you can't let the little junior brother shoulder the blame."
After big brother Li Changye defeated the chief disciple of Hidden Dragon Temple, Zhuge Changming, it was the second brother, Song Wuchuan's turn to go up, and his opponent was Jiang Feng, a disciple at the seventh layer of the Dao Palace Realm.
The result was unsurprising, with Song Wuchuan of the eighth layer of the Dao Palace Realm defeating Jiang Feng of the seventh layer.
Following the best two out of three system, Lu Changsheng no longer needed to fight, and Mount Shu claimed victory.
"Our Hidden Dragon Temple has indeed grown a bit complacent over the past few centuries."
"My little disciple Liu Xunxian does have quite good qualifications, it's a pity he didn't get to participate."
Yu Xuanji's tone remained unchanged, not considering this competition significant.
"It's a pity we couldn't see what's so special about Taiyuan's little disciple." The Fairy Pavilion Master of Inquiry Immortal Pavilion felt somewhat regretful.
She had intended to see what exceptional methods Lu Changsheng possessed and whether he posed a threat to Xia Ningxue, but Li Changye and Song Wuchuan of Mount Shu were too extraordinary, achieving two victories without a need for Lu Changsheng to fight.
Next up was the contest between Immeasurable Temple and Inquiry Immortal Pavilion.
"The first to compete for Inquiry Immortal Pavilion is the chief disciple Zeng Yeqiu, with the cultivation of the eighth layer of the Dao Palace Realm, not the match for Master Mingzhi of Immeasurable Temple.
"However, the most talented in Inquiry Immortal Pavilion is not the chief disciple but rather the second disciple, Xiao Meng'er, who has cultivated for three hundred and seventy years and is also at the eighth layer of the Dao
Palace Realm."
"But what truly draws attention is Xia Ningxue, who has only recently appeared before the public eye."
Zhao Wuyan, who didn't need to participate in the fight, began to analyze on the sidelines, and the attentive elders of Mount Shu nodded along as they listened, wholly engrossed as if they were hearing a story.
Chapter 42: Relying on Junior Brother Lu
"Om, ma, ni, be, me, hum!"
"The Six-syllable Mantra, the Heaven Rank cultivation technique of the
Immeasurable Temple!"
The attention of the Elders present concentrated on Master Mingzhi from the Immeasurable Temple. They saw Master Mingzhi radiate golden light all over, emitting a Buddha's brilliance tens of thousands of feet high. The prayer beads, driven by the Buddhist force, transformed into the Six-syllable Mantra, suppressing the chief disciple of the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion.
The chief disciple of the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion, Zeng Yeqiu, was defeated.
"The Immeasurable Temple, worthy of its second place ranking among the Sects, with Master Mingzhi's comprehension, won't be long before he steps into the Void Refinement Realm, right?"
"The Inquiry Immortal Pavilion is in danger."
With the defeat of the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion's foremost disciple in battle, the Pavilion had to play catch-up, looking to turn the tables.
"The second match is between Master Mingxin of the Immeasurable Temple and Xiao Meng'er of the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion. This Xiao Meng'er possesses an exceptional talent; she had been previously groomed by the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion as the next Pavilion Master."
Zhao Wuyan was endlessly knowledgeable about the secrets of various Sects.
"Lady, please enlighten me."
"Master Mingxin, please bestow your guidance."
Xiao Meng'er, in a light blue dress, held a three-foot longsword, circulating the Supreme Forgetting Emotion Art. The aura of detachment that filled the air was like that of a Heavenly Immortal above, untouchable.
"Your Supreme Forgetting Emotion Art has reached the sixth layer…"
Master Mingxin's face showed a slight change.
The Supreme Forgetting Emotion Art was a forbidden technique of the Inquiry immortal Pavilion. Once cultivated to the sixth layer, it underwent a qualitative change compared to the fifth layer.
The chief disciple of the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion, Zeng Yeqiu, had only cultivated the Supreme Forgetting Emotion Art to the fifth layer.
After the time it takes to drinka cup of tea passed, Master Mingxin's prayer beads fell to the ground, making a tick-tock sound, and Xiao Meng'er sheathed her longsword.
In the second match, the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion won.
The Immeasurable Temple and the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion each had a win, temporarily tied.
The focus shifted to the third match: Master Mingrang, an Elder of the Immeasurable Temple, versus Xia Ningxue of the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion.
"Master Mingrang is an Elder of the Immeasurable Temple at the third level of Dao Palace Realm, while Xia Ningxue is the most recent disciple recruited by the Fairy Pavilion Master, with shallow cultivation. It seems that Master Mingrang will win no matter how you look at it."
"The foundation of the Immeasurable Temple is ultimately profound, worthy of the second largest Sect just behind our Mount Shu."
"Lu, what do you think?"
A group of Mount Shu Elders discussed animatedly, and Zhao Wuyan turned to LuChangsheng.
Among the Elders of Mount Shu, only Lu Changsheng had some contact with
Xia Ningxue.
"I bet on Xia Ningxue to win."
Lu Changsheng said calmly, stating his opinion.
Five years ago, Xia Ningxue was already at the first level of the Dao Palace Realm. Five years later, given Xia Ningxue's astonishing rate of cultivation, her progress must have been substantial.
"Lu, you cannot judge by appearances. In a match, what matters is the cultivation levels and techniques of both sides. We should be realistic."
"That's right, Lu, you can't bet on her just because Fairy Xia is as beautiful as a Heavenly Immortal. We cultivators do not conduct ourselves in such a manner."
"I still favor Master Mingrang more. Master Mingrang is the foremost Elder in the Immeasurable Temple for the last three hundred years."
The majority of Mount Shu Elders disagreed, thinking Lu Changsheng was being flippant.
Lu Changsheng did not reply, as the Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator was going off incessantly at this moment.
" [Ding, the system has searched for suitable disciple candidates for you… Six, seven, eight candidates found…]"
There were many Elders with exceptional talents present, and the Disciple Apprenticeship Simulator found a large number of suitable disciples.
But Lu Changsheng was also helpless.
The system had found disciple candidates such as Li Changye, Xia Ningxue, Xiao Meng'er, Master Mingzhi, Zhuge Changming, among others, all direct disciples of various Sect Leaders. How could Lu Changsheng force them to acknowledge him as their master?
"Master Mingrang, please bestow your guidance."
Xia Ningxue, with bright eyes and white teeth, a face as beautiful as jade and brows like distant mountains, upon alighting on the Martial Arts Platform, immediately captivated everyone's gaze.
If not for Lu Changsheng, who had reincarnated through soul transmigration, then Xia Ningxue would be the youngest Elder present in terms of years of cultivation practice.
"As this concerns the ranking of the Sect, please forgive this monkfor not holding back."
Master Mingrang knew that the third match was critical for Immeasurable Temple and Inquiry Immortal Pavilion's rankings, so he went ah out.
"One Thought, Ice Seal!"
Xia Ningxue circulated her energy, and the temperature around dropped abruptly. Frost spread rapidly in all directions, instantly sealing the entire Martial Arts Platform in ice, the cold was suffocating.
"Immovable King Seal!"
Master Mingrang was greatly startled and hurriedly formed the Dharma Seal. A translucent image of the Immovable King covered him, preventing the spreading ice.
"One Sword Brings Cold Frost!"
Dozens of sword Qi, as long as tens of meters and cold as ice, slashed through the air, freezing it!
"Fourth Layer of Dao Palace Realm!"
"With her cultivation age, how is that possible!"
"This woman is truly heaven's favored daughter!"
In the instant Xia Ningxue's sword was drawn, her real cultivation was revealed, shocking the world!
Even Master Mingrang, who had cultivated for over two hundred years, was no match for Inquiry Immortal Pavilion's recently recruited direct disciple!
The Ice Sword Qi struck the Immovable King image, which unexpectedly developed numerous cracks, coated with frost.
"Flowers Chasing the Moon!"
The Longsword left her hand, and a flash of glacial light shot out at extreme speed, piercing the golden cracks, passing through the Immovable King image, scratching a sword mark on Master Mingrang's kasaya before flying back to Xia Ningxue's hand.
"Hiss…"
The many Elders present inhaled sharply.
If Xia Ningxue had not held back, the Flying Sword would have pierced not the kasaya but Master Mingrang's chest.
"It is this monk who has lost."
Master Mingrang shookhis head repeatedly, a wave of fear washing over him. It wasn't that he had not cultivated diligently, but rather that the other party's talent was too monstrous.
"Immeasurable Temple, ranked second, has actually lost…"
"Could Inquiry Immortal Pavilion surpass Mount Shu in this Six Paths Great Conference to become the number one among the six Orthodox Sects?" Inquiry Immortal Pavilion won two out of three rounds, defeating Immeasurable Temple, becoming Mount Shu's biggest rival.
"This is not good. Big brother should be able to defeat Inquiry Immortal Pavilion's chief disciple, but the second brother might not be able to beat Inquiry Immortal Pavilion's Xiao Meng'er, which means it will come down to the third match."
"With Xia Ningxue's heavenly endowment, our Lu is likely to lose.
"According to the two-out-of-three rule, Inquiry Immortal Pavilion will win."
"This is Fairy Pavilion Master's clever strategy, and under such rules, Inquiry Immortal Pavilion holds all the advantages."
The complexions of the many Elders of Mount Shu changed.
After some simple calculations by Zhao Wuyan, Inquiry Immortal Pavilion would defeat Mount Shu in the same manner.
Although Inquiry Immortal Pavilion's chief disciple is not as good as Mount Shu's Li Changye, Inquiry Immortal Pavilion only needs two victories.
"Big brother, facing Inquiry Immortal Pavilion's Xiao Meng'er, I have only a 20% chance of winning. After all, Xiao Meng'er is the successor trained by Fairy Pavilion Master. If she hasn't reached the sixth layer of the Supreme Forgetting Love Art, I still have a 70% chance," said the second brother, Song Wuchuan, with a wry smile.
"Do your best, we still have Lu as our backup," Li Changye patted Song Wuchuan on the shoulder, his tone casual.
Could it be that everything now relied on Lu Changsheng?
Many of the Mount Shu Elders looked unanimously towards Lu Changsheng, who was resting with his eyes closed.
In the eyes of many Mount Shu Elders, was this not Lu Changsheng giving up on himself?
"Poor Lu, he's going to end up taking the blame."
Zhao Wuyan couldn't help but feel sympathy for Lu Changsheng. It was his first appearance in front of the six Orthodox Sects, and he was up against the illustrious heaven's favored daughter, Xia Ningxue.