This woman is named Lin Miaoyi. She is ranked fourth among outer disciples and has a cultivation base of the middle stage of the启蒙境 (Qimeng Realm). Her combat power is enough to rank within the top ten.
Those twin brothers are called Tang Xiuwu and Tang Xiuwen. They are ranked eleventh and thirteenth among outer disciples, respectively. They also have middle-stage 启蒙境 (Qimeng Realm) cultivation. Individually, their combat power is outside the top ten, but with their combined strength, they can fight against those in the late stage of the 启蒙境 (Qimeng Realm).
Seeing Ji Yuan's curious expression, Li Junxian, who was beside him, spoke at the opportune moment.
These three are considered prominent figures among the outer disciples. Each has a considerable following, and whenever they go out, they are surrounded by many fellow disciples. They are also among those with the potential to earn a spot in the inner sect.
Lin Miaoyi, in particular, requires the most attention. Not only is her combat power remarkably impressive, but she is also adept at building connections. She maintains good relationships with most outer disciples and even has deep friendships with many inner disciples.
"Speaking of which, how many spots are there for promotion to the inner sect in the Nine Profound Sect's triennial Outer Sect Grand Competition?"
Ji Yuan seemed to recall something and turned to the two people beside him.
Upon hearing this, Zheng Wanrong immediately replied, "In each Outer Sect Grand Competition, there are ten spots for promotion to the inner sect. Additionally, if a disciple performs exceptionally well, they may be taken in as an inner disciple by a discerning elder."
However, typically, elders with such authority are those who lead a lineage. They hold very high status and possess cultivation at the peak of the third realm.
Of course, the peak masters of each lineage, who are above the elders, also have the right to select disciples. However, it is rare for them to find anyone who catches their eye. It might not even be possible to find more than a handful of disciples who meet their standards over a century.
"You mentioned before that two people named Lu Yuzhe and Zheng Jiaxing seem to have been taken notice of by elders?"
He remembered that a few people had mentioned that two exceptionally talented disciples among the outer sect had been noticed by the elders of various peaks long ago. They were to be directly accepted into their tutelage as soon as they qualified for promotion to the inner sect.
Li Junxian nodded. Although he didn't feel envious, he couldn't help but sigh with emotion when he thought about it.
After all, there was a significant difference between ordinary inner disciples and the personal disciples of the elders of various peaks.
Generally, each generation's lineages would designate an elder at the peak of the third realm to serve as the mentor for that generation of disciples, imparting techniques and divine abilities.
Only when a disciple under them reached the third realm would they have the opportunity to be taken in as a disciple by the peak master.
A mentor, in this context, was akin to a teacher in a secular academy, as there was no conflict in seniority with the master who imparted the teachings.
However, there was another situation: an inner disciple might be taken notice of by an elder and accepted as their personal disciple.
Whether accepted by an elder or a peak master, their status within the sect would naturally be incomparable to that of ordinary disciples.
"Was Old Zhao not noticed by any elders?"
Ji Yuan asked with a hint of confusion.
Although Zhao Yuansong's aptitude was not top-tier, it was still quite good. Moreover, his comprehension was extremely high, as he had independently comprehended sword intent without any guidance.
He knew that many sword cultivators struggled to comprehend sword intent, which prevented their personal flying swords from undergoing qualitative changes, thus trapping them in the middle stage of the second realm until their lifespan ran out!
Just by comprehending sword intent, Zhao Yuansong had a high probability of reaching the third realm in the future, with several times the success rate of ordinary cultivators.
Given this, shouldn't some elder have taken notice and been willing to accept him as a personal disciple?
"Senior Brother Zhao... has never displayed his comprehended sword intent within the sect."
Li Junxian gave a wry smile, his expression filled with helplessness.
Even they themselves only learned that their very good friend, Senior Brother Zhao, had comprehended sword intent at some point after their trip to Qianyu City.
"Senior Brother Zhao said that he doesn't wish for others to know about this before becoming an inner disciple."
Zheng Wanrong smiled. "Senior Brother probably wants to hold something back intentionally to make a splash upon promotion and contend for a ranking within the inner sect."
Inner sect ranking?
Ji Yuan's eyebrows shot up, and a flicker of curiosity arose in his heart.
Seeing his expression, the two then explained the matter in detail.
Within the inner sect, there was a ranking system similar to the outer sect. However, not all disciples could make it onto the list. In each generation, only thirty-six disciples could appear on the roster.
Moreover, this list changed constantly, unlike the outer sect, which was updated only once a year.
Coincidentally, after each Outer Sect Grand Competition, the ten disciples who earned promotion to the inner sect had the opportunity to challenge all inner disciples under the watchful eyes of various senior disciples. As long as they maintained their victories or did not give up, they could continue challenging.
"Once ranked within the top thirty-six of the inner sect, the sect would provide a certain amount of additional resources each month, depending on the ranking."
At this point, the two couldn't help but show longing in their eyes.
Being ranked within the top thirty-six of the inner sect not only granted additional resources but also various conveniences, special considerations, and a yearly opportunity to enter a secluded cultivation at a vital location without any cost.
"It seems Old Zhao has quite ambitious plans!"
After understanding, Ji Yuan couldn't help but smile knowingly. He immediately grasped Zhao Yuansong's intentions.
He wanted to achieve sudden fame, not only to secure a place among the top thirty-six inner disciples but, ideally, to be noticed by a peak master and be granted special acceptance as a personal disciple.
Even if he wasn't recognized by a peak master, as long as everything went smoothly, he would undoubtedly be noticed by some elders.
At that point, Zhao Yuansong would have the opportunity to choose the most suitable among several elders, rather than, like ordinary disciples, only having the option to accept or refuse.
He had to admit that this person, despite appearing peaceful and refined, possessed a competitive spirit no less than anyone else!
"What are you all chatting about?"
Zhao Yuansong walked over. Seeing the three of them talking in low voices, he asked casually.
Upon hearing this, the few exchanged glances and revealed meaningful smiles.
"Oh, the busy man is finally free."
Ji Yuan changed the subject, saying with a hint of teasing.
From the moment he entered, Zhao Yuansong had been surrounded by over a dozen outer disciples, with constant praise and congratulations. He had finally managed to break free.
He shot them an annoyed glance. Seeing their teasing expressions, he couldn't help but say, "The gathering has started, focus up."
As the invited guests arrived, all thirty-odd disciples took their seats. Then, several disciples who had organized this gathering stood up. After a few pleasantries, they began to share their cultivation experiences.
Within various sects, it was common for disciples to organize such gatherings. The core purpose was to exchange cultivation insights and foster camaraderie among fellow disciples.
Of course, occasionally, there would also be opportunities for trading spiritual items and exchanging information.
Generally speaking, such gatherings were commonplace among disciples of various sects, held frequently. Sometimes, even disciples from different sects would gather.
The leading outer disciples at this event clearly intended to make this gathering a success. Therefore, they immediately presented valuable content, sharing genuine insights they had summarized during their own practice.
This caused the expressions of many disciples present to become serious. They clearly hadn't expected such an approach.
"These few have truly gone the extra mile, sharing their most profound insights. It seems they intend to force others to bring out something good as well."
Zhao Yuansong spoke in a voice that only a few could hear.
In ordinary gatherings of this nature, few people would share truly valuable content, and the cultivation insights they shared were usually quite generic.
The few leading disciples clearly wanted everyone to bring out genuinely good things, using the collective power to gain new perspectives and inspiration.
After all, the outer disciples of the Nine Profound Sect all cultivated the same techniques. Even though individual interpretations varied, they wouldn't deviate significantly.
"This feeling of being forced onto a stage is rather uncomfortable."
Li Junxian shook his head, slightly displeased with the intentions of these individuals.
However, even though most people saw through the intentions of these individuals, they could only frown. While they were indeed displeased, there wasn't much resistance.
After all, if everyone shared genuine insights, they would also benefit, and thus there wouldn't be much complaint.
"Generally, when sharing one's cultivation insights, each person has about the time it takes for half an incense stick to burn."
Zheng Wanrong suddenly said, "If there were no time limit, a single gathering could easily last three to four days."
Most of the disciples present were outer disciples with cultivation bases mostly in the early stage of the 启蒙境 (Qimeng Realm). Staying for three to four days at an event like this would be quite taxing.
It was different for cultivators in the second or third realms. With the support of spiritual energy, they could often attend similar events for ten to fifteen days and still feel they had barely had their fill.
"I heard that Dao discussions among Golden Core Grand Cultivators can easily last two to three years, and sometimes even over a decade!"
Li Junxian whispered, his expression filled with longing.
However, such a realm was still too distant for them. Whether they could reach the third realm in this lifetime was still an unknown.
An hour later, the few disciples who had initiated the gathering had finished sharing their cultivation insights. While not exceptionally brilliant or profound, it was evident that they had held nothing back.
Following them, others sequentially took their turn, continuing the sharing.
After two to three hours, many disciples appeared to have gained a lot. Some even closed their eyes to ponder, eagerly comparing the insights with their own comprehension.
However, Ji Yuan listened with little interest. Compared to the third-realm elders who lectured daily, the cultivation insights of the people present were undoubtedly far shallower and of no use to him.
In fact, if one were to compare, the outer disciples' comprehension in cultivation, if applied to the Xuan Tian Sword Art or the Nine Yuan Heavy Water Scripture, would likely not even allow them to reach the introductory stage.
Only Lin Miaoyi, with her middle-stage 启蒙境 (Qimeng Realm) cultivation, and the Tang brothers could barely be considered to have reached an introductory level.
As the sun set, over twenty of the thirty-odd outer disciples present had shared their cultivation insights. The remaining individuals either, like Ji Yuan, did not wish to speak or, knowing their limited understanding, did not wish to embarrass themselves.
Even Li Junxian and Zheng Wanrong had shared some of their cultivation insights. Although the content was not extensive or detailed, given their late-stage 启蒙境 (Qimeng Realm) cultivation, they had indeed benefited many.
Finally, under everyone's gaze, Zhao Yuansong spoke last. With his cultivation at the 点灵境 (Dianling Realm), he analyzed the foundational techniques cultivated during the 启蒙境 (Qimeng Realm), moving from profound to simple, and then from simple to profound.
It had to be said that Zhao Yuansong's attainments in cultivation were exceptionally deep. He had managed to interpret a foundational technique given by the Nine Profound Sect to outer disciples to a different level. His discourse even touched upon some insights from the second realm.
Everyone present listened intently. Even though half an incense stick's time had passed, no one wanted him to stop, wishing he could continue until dawn.
Ultimately, Zhao Yuansong spoke for a full half-hour before slowly concluding, without further elaboration.
The disciples snapped out of their reverie, repeatedly expressing their admiration. Their eyes were filled with lingering contemplation, clearly having gained a lot.
"You should actually try speaking as well. This kind of thing is quite beneficial for yourself."
Zhao Yuansong said to Ji Yuan beside him while acknowledging the praise.
The process of sharing one's cultivation insights also served to constantly verify one's own comprehension. After a lecture, one would invariably gain additional insights from their past understanding.
This was also one of the reasons why disciples in many sects were enthusiastic about communicating with others.
Originally, at this point, the gathering would have concluded. Attendees could disperse at will or stay to chat. Perhaps, under someone's lead, a small trade might ensue.
However, with the wealth of Zhao Yuansong and his companions, they naturally wouldn't be interested in trades among outer disciples. After a few polite exchanges, they took their leave.
Yet, they had only walked a short distance, not yet having left the bamboo grove, when several footsteps were heard from behind them.
Ji Yuan turned his head and saw the woman named Lin Miaoyi approaching with the Tang brothers.
"Senior Brother Zhao, please wait. Miaoyi has something to discuss."
Lin Miaoyi walked gracefully, her face always adorned with a smile that put others at ease.
Behind her, the twin brothers, though expressionless, nodded at Zhao Yuansong and the others.
Subsequently, their gazes, filled with mild curiosity, fell upon Ji Yuan. They seemed puzzled as to why there was a young man wearing a Daoist robe in the Nine Profound Sect.
"Junior Sister Lin, what is it you wish to discuss?"
Zhao Yuansong smiled slightly, his tone quite gentle.
Lin Miaoyi's gaze shifted, sweeping over Li Junxian and Zheng Wanrong. She then paused briefly on Ji Yuan before continuing, "A senior brother in the inner sect, with whom I share quite a good friendship, recently accepted a mission."
"That senior brother needs to travel to a mountain forest in the northern part of Feiyun Commandery to search for some rare spiritual herbs and requires a few companions."
"In addition to the corresponding rewards and merit points, this senior brother will also offer three Spirit Nurturing Pills."
"Currently, one person is still needed. I wonder if Senior Brother Zhao would be willing to accompany him?"