"Besides, the path of Dao is endless, while merit is finite. Relying on personal cultivation, one can persevere until the end of the world. If one relies on merit for cultivation, once the merit runs out, those dependent on merit will no longer be able to advance. Do you all understand?"
All the disciples nodded in agreement.
Ji Changsheng did not nod.
He felt Elder Chuanjing's view was rather limited.
Merit is finite?
Why don't I believe that?
I can gain merit by slaying demonic beasts in the Moon Palace illusion.
As long as the spirit is diligent, solutions will always outweigh problems.
Elder Chuanjing noticed that Ji Changsheng did not nod. Frowning slightly, he said gravely, "Relying on merit to break through cultivation bases has a significant drawback -- your power will be noticeably weaker than those at the same cultivation base stage. Take Master Li from the Illusory Light lineage as an example. She began relying on merit for her cultivation from the Core Formation stage, and since then, she has always been the weakest of her peers. The disciples she taught are the same, dying instantly when faced with danger. As a result, up till today, there is no successor to the Illusory Light lineage. All of you should consider this as a warning and avoid going down the wrong path."
All disciples still uniformly agreed.
Ji Changsheng's brows also furrowed.
Not in shock from what Elder Chuanjing said.
But he has caught a whiff of Li Changxi's fragrance.
Although Li Changxi did not show up in the Scripture Hall, Ji Changsheng could swear that she was definitely there.
The reason why Ji Changsheng could smell Li Changxi's scent and confirm it was her is nothing else but due to his experience.
Recognizing a woman by her scent, isn't that a basic skill for a good man?
Getting it wrong may pose a danger of getting slashed.
Since Li Changxi is present, naturally, he couldn't agree with Elder Chuanjing.
And he must stand up for Li Changxi.
He is the lone disciple of the Illusory Light lineage, the future Dao partner of Li Changxi, and the sole choice of son-in-law for Immortal Linglong.
His behaviour today will be seen by Li Changxi, and it may also reach the ears of Fairy Linglong. Therefore, he must not betray Li Changxi.
Considering this, Ji Changsheng took a deep breath, took the initiative to stand up and declared, "Elder, I beg to differ with your words. As I have pledged myself to the Illusory Light lineage, I cannot remain indifferent when my master is insulted."
Elder Chuanjing casually responded with a smile, "Telling the truth isn't considered an insult."
Ji Changsheng did not retreat, and he loudly voiced out, "I find Elder's words to be somewhat biased."
Elder Chuanjing looked at Ji Changsheng with interest, "In what way?
Ji Changsheng felt the gaze of another person, filled with appreciation, focused on him.
It must be Li Changxi.
Great, this is his chance to win over Li Changxi's heart, he had to seize it.
"May I dare to ask Elder, how old is my master this year?"
Elder Chuanjing was silent for a moment but eventually answered, "Thirty-five."
Ji Changsheng was slightly astonished.
Li Changxi's age was younger than he had expected.
She was not much older than him.
When he went through time travel, he was nearly thirty already.
"Once again, may I be bold enough to ask Elder, how old are the masters of the other seven lineages this year?"
Elder Chuanjing remained silent for a longer time this round but ultimately provided an answer, "The current master of the Misty Cloud lineage is the youngest -- just over a hundred years old."
Ji Changsheng chuckled, his laughter filled with reverence and admiration for his master, "My master is just at the prime of her life, and has already ranked among the masters of the eight lineages of the most powerful immortal sect of this generation, standing shoulder to shoulder with the great powers who have made their name for over a hundred years. This clearly shows that she is the number one genius in Mystic Temple and even the number one genius in this world. Where is the disgrace in that?"
All present were silent.
Only Ji Changsheng's voice, filled with reverence and admiration, echoed throughout the Mystic Temple under the influence of a certain Master Li who wished to remain anonymous. Later, this will be known throughout the entire world.
From the Illusory Light lineage came the clear laughter of Li Changxi that lasted for a while!