"Not bad. From now on, you are the seventh in sequence for the Water Lineage," the black silhouette said, his tone flat and composed.
While Lu Bingxuan's Heavenly Root was indeed a reason to celebrate, it wasn't enough to stir someone at the Water Lineage Master's level. After all, a Heavenly Root was only significant if its bearer survived the harsh path of cultivation. The immortal journey was littered with countless fallen geniuses, most of whom had been too arrogant for their own good.
"Whew, looks like I bet on the right horse," Mingxu muttered, his tense expression giving way to a smug grin. He shot a glance at the red banner where the fire-aligned Daoist who had mocked him earlier now looked as though he'd swallowed something unpleasant. Mingxu savored the moment.
"Come on, since you've already made bold claims, you'd better be ready for the Five Lineages Dao Debate," Mingxu said, leading Lu Bingxuan toward the black banner.
"The what?" Lu Bingxuan asked, confused.
"It's a competition among the five lineages, held every ten years," Mingxu explained. "All disciples with less than a century of cultivation are required to participate.
"Because of the varying cultivation levels, the initial matches are grouped by decade to ensure fairness. After that, it's every man for himself.
"The outcome determines the resource allocation for the next ten years. It's not just about individual strength; it's a test of the collective power of each lineage.
"The farther a lineage's disciple progresses, the more points they earn. And you, Junior Brother, are our secret weapon against the Fire Lineage's Heavenly Root bearer."
Lu Bingxuan nodded slowly. So, basically, it's a ranking tournament with a ladder system, he thought. Then he added, "Got it. So, Mingxu Senior Brother, will you also participate?"
"Of course. I've been in the sect for seventy years, and as the sixth in sequence, it's my duty to represent our lineage," Mingxu replied, nodding.
Lu Bingxuan's jaw dropped. "Seventy years? You look like you're twenty! You're old enough to be my grandfather!"
Mingxu laughed. "I'm not a Heavenly Root bearer, but my Overcast Rain Body makes me comparable. As for why I was in the Spirit Testing Hall? I just wanted to watch some entertainment."
Hearing this, Lu Bingxuan instinctively took a step back. He realized his senior brother was not only old but also had a suspiciously mischievous streak.
Their conversation ended as they reached the black banner. Despite his ragged clothing, Lu Bingxuan now bore the status of a Heavenly Root bearer and a member of the Water Lineage sequence. The noble heirs and imperial scions beneath the banner could only bow respectfully and address him as "Senior Brother."
Sequence disciples held a special status as the lineage master's direct disciples. If the lineage master were to fall, the next leader would be chosen from among the sequence. This hierarchy ensured the sect's strength remained unshaken.
Lu Bingxuan's newfound authority silenced most of the chatter from the earlier testing debacle. Those who had mocked him now avoided his gaze, either out of fear or shame.
After the testing concluded, Lu Bingxuan felt a strange distortion in the air. In the blink of an eye, he found himself standing in a small courtyard.
Before him was a three-story building with crimson pillars and elegant eaves, exuding a refined charm. A simple plaque hung above the entrance, bearing the words "Seventh Pavilion."
"What a plain name," Lu Bingxuan muttered. Yet as he stared at the inscription, he felt a strange pressure emanating from it—a sense of crashing waves and roaring winds. The words seemed to contain unfathomable mysteries, growing harder to comprehend the longer he looked.
"This plaque was written by the Water Lineage Master himself. At his Refining Void level, it's best not to stare for too long," Mingxu said, stepping in to block Lu Bingxuan's view.
Once Lu Bingxuan snapped out of his daze, Mingxu continued, "This will be your residence from now on. The sea outside is called the Moon Sea; it has decent scenery."
Turning around, Lu Bingxuan saw the island he was on was surrounded by an endless expanse of sapphire-blue water. The horizon blurred where the sea met the sky, creating a breathtakingly serene view.
"However, I'd advise against venturing into the Moon Sea. While most of the beasts here have been tamed, there are still a few dangerous ones lurking about. I'd hate to find your remains inside a beast's stomach, though it would be an interesting experiment to see how Heavenly Root fertilizer affects spiritual plants," Mingxu quipped, clapping Lu Bingxuan on the shoulder.
"Is it really necessary to have my fertilizer fate all figured out already?" Lu Bingxuan muttered, stepping away from Mingxu warily.
Mingxu ignored him and gestured toward the pavilion. "Inside, you'll find a token. That token represents your sequence status and controls the island's formations. It's also key to preventing the Moon Sea beasts from attacking you.
"But to use it, you'll need to refine it, and for that, you must first draw qi into your body. The lineage master has likely left a cultivation manual near the token. Spend your time mastering it."
"Wait, isn't this a bit too—"
"Casual? Yes," Mingxu interrupted. "If you were a direct disciple of another elder, you'd have a grand initiation ceremony, a formal apprenticeship, gifts of rare treasures, and senior brothers and sisters to guide you.
"But here in the Water Lineage? None of that. I haven't even met most of the other sequence members. As for treasures, you'll only get those when you leave the sect—and only for self-defense.
"That's because the sect forbids using senior-provided treasures in internal disputes. It also forbids life-or-death duels. If you're a Heavenly Root and can't defeat someone at the same level, that's on you."
Mingxu smirked and clapped Lu Bingxuan on the shoulder again. "So, while being in the sequence makes you seem important, in reality, you really have nothing."
Before Lu Bingxuan could protest, Mingxu vanished in a streak of light, leaving him alone.
"Seriously?!" Lu Bingxuan grumbled, clenching his fists as he stepped into the pavilion.