Above the sea of clouds, Elder Hong Tian stood suspended in the air with divine arts. His gaze seemed to pierce through the dense mist, reaching the young Taoist on the peak of Xuan Tian.
Beside him, the clouds churned, and a figure emerged. Clad in a white robe embroidered with golden patterns and a jade token radiating spiritual light at his waist, he was a middle-aged man with white hair and beard.
"Sect Master!"
Elder Hong Tian stepped back half a pace and bowed.
The Sect Master of the Nine Xuan Sect looked at the person on Xuan Tian Peak for a long time before asking, "What do you think... must be done to make him feel he has no retreat, and must succeed in breaking through to Golden Core within thirty years?"
Upon hearing this, Elder Hong Tian, who stood behind him, was first stunned, then his heart tightened. He knew this was the Sect Master testing him.
Otherwise, with the Sect Master's intellect, why would he ask an elder of merely the third realm?
After thinking for a moment, he mustered his courage and said, "We must make this child recognize the Nine Xuan Sect, and make him feel he has nowhere else to go."
As long as Ji Yuan's connection to the Nine Xuan Sect was established, and he had something to care about here, then with the inheritance of the Xuan Tian lineage as leverage, he could naturally make the other party do his best to improve his cultivation.
However, achieving all this was somewhat difficult, as the other party had not cultivated in the Nine Xuan Sect since childhood, and he only had a few people like Zhao Yuansong with whom he had ties here.
Moreover, if they went too far, it might provoke his rebellious spirit and cause him to leave the Nine Xuan Sect directly.
And from a status perspective, Ji Yuan was indeed not a disciple of the Nine Xuan Sect, so he would not be considered a defector.
"This matter will be entrusted to you. If you do well, I will allow you to enter the forbidden grounds once."
The Sect Master of the Nine Xuan Sect said softly.
Upon hearing this, Elder Hong Tian's expression immediately changed. He quickly performed a great ceremony of obeisance, his heart surging with excitement as he repeatedly expressed his gratitude.
The opportunity to enter the forbidden grounds once was an unimaginable boon for a third-realm cultivator like him, who had no hope of advancing and whose lifespan was dwindling.
If he could seize the opportunity, it was not impossible to form a Golden Core and soar to the heavens. Even if luck was not on his side, he could extend his lifespan by several decades!
"Disciple dares to ask, why must the Sect Master have this child ascend to the Golden Core?"
After finally calming his excited emotions, Elder Hong Tian showed hesitation and, after much thought, could not help but ask.
"Although the destiny of the Xuan Tian lineage has merged with our Nine Xuan Sect, there is still a slight flaw."
The Sect Master of the Nine Xuan Sect said softly, "Only when this child takes charge of Xuan Tian Peak and truly acknowledges the Nine Xuan Sect can this flaw be eliminated."
The Nine Xuan Sect had been preparing for the matter of sect advancement for hundreds of years, and naturally, they could not miss this rare opportunity. They also could not tolerate any flaws or accidents in the process.
And Ji Yuan, who carried the root of the Xuan Tian lineage's destiny, had become an unavoidable key. If he could be made to take charge of Xuan Tian Peak and wholeheartedly pledge allegiance to the Nine Xuan Sect, it would undoubtedly increase the possibility of the sect's successful advancement.
However, at the ascension ceremony thirty years later, there would surely be many people from other sects who would try to disrupt the Nine Xuan Sect's advancement plans. Without the cultivation of Golden Core or above, facing the accusations of outsiders, they would be unable to bear it.
At that time, not only the Nine Xuan Sect, but Ji Yuan himself would also suffer a catastrophic disaster and might even perish.
Therefore, whether for himself or for the Nine Xuan Sect's advancement, he would have to successfully ascend to the Golden Core realm before the ascension ceremony.
Only with the cultivation of Golden Core, coupled with the dozens of great formations of Xuan Tian Peak and the Nine Xuan Sect's spirit- trấn pháp bảo, could the ceremony be ensured to be without problems.
Of course, if Ji Yuan could not ascend to Golden Core within thirty years, the Nine Xuan Sect would still have other means to cope. However, this would bring about many uncertainties in the sect's future advancement.
"I only hope everything goes smoothly, otherwise, in the world decades from now, there may be no place for the Nine Xuan Sect."
The Sect Master of the Nine Xuan Sect sighed softly, but his words at this moment could not be heard by Hong Tian, who stood behind him, not even a single syllable.
While the two on the cloud were conversing, Ji Yuan had already composed himself. He turned and sat in a cool pavilion, continuing to study the more than ten kinds of elixirs.
Only when the sun set in the west did he take a few pills, then began to circulate the Xuan Tian Sword Art and the Nine Yuan Heavy Water Scripture.
In one night, he could circulate these two techniques three times each, and he even had energy left to refine the Xuan Tian Spirit Devouring Pagoda and the thirty-six Heavy Water Beads.
As for his life-bound flying sword, it did not require much of his attention. The lake of sword qi in his Purple Mansion was constantly refining and nurturing the white jade flying sword.
It was only when the morning sun rose that Ji Yuan ended his night of cultivation. After waking his disciple Zhao Yuebai, he took her down Xuan Tian Peak.
From this day onwards, every morning, he would lead Zhao Yuebai to the foot of the Nine Meridians inheritance mountain to listen to the sermons of the third-realm elders.
After returning to Xuan Tian Peak, he would either be studying elixirs or explaining the Xuan Tian Sword Art to Zhao Yuebai. It was not until the sun set that he would quietly cultivate the two techniques himself.
The world often says that there are no calendars in the mountains, and it is even more so for cultivators. Without paying attention, a month has already passed.
A month later, on Xuan Tian Peak, all the ruins had been cleared, and even five simple wooden houses had been built.
During this period, the four individuals, supported by ample elixirs, had all successfully broken through to the early stage of the Flesh and Marrow Realm. Among them, Liao Qiming had taken a significant step forward, brushing against the edge of the middle stage.
Zhao Yuebai and Guo Tao's cultivation speed was also astonishing. The former benefited from the hundreds of years of accumulation of the old locust tree, while the latter, relying on a incomplete Dragon Elephant Art, had, within a month of breaking through, shown signs of entering the late stage.
As for Ji Yuan himself, although he was still suppressing his realm and not advancing to the middle stage of the Spirit Point Realm, his comprehension of the two cultivation techniques had improved significantly.
Both the Xuan Tian Sword Art and the Nine Yuan Heavy Water Scripture, their content corresponding to the Enlightenment Realm, he had already mastered to the Great Accomplishment stage, and his cultivation foundation had become even more profound.
In addition, Elder Hong Tian had also become a frequent visitor to Xuan Tian Peak, coming every few days to have tea and play chess with Zhang Zhiya, and they had become close confidants.
Occasionally, when he had free time, he would also explain cultivation doubts for everyone, which could be considered a private tutoring session.
One day, as Ji Yuan was returning with Zhao Yuebai after listening to a sermon, he saw three familiar figures on the peak of Xuan Tian Peak.
"Old Zhao! Old Li!"
He exclaimed excitedly. Upon seeing Zheng Wanrong with a smiling face, he hesitated for a moment, then called out "Miss Wanrong" in a restrained manner.
After all, being in a foreign land, seeing familiar people from his past naturally made him incredibly excited.
"We were in seclusion in a restricted area during this period and only emerged yesterday."
Zhao Yuansong said apologetically.
In fact, thanks to Ji Yuan, the sect believed they had made great contributions. In addition to some rewards, they were also allowed to enter a restricted area for seclusion.
It was precisely because of this that they were able to visit Xuan Tian Peak after a month.
During this secluded cultivation in the restricted area, Li Junxian and Zheng Wanrong's cultivation had improved significantly, smoothly advancing from the middle stage of the Enlightenment Realm to the late stage.
As for Zhao Yuansong, apart from his cultivation realm becoming more solid, there were no other obvious changes.
"You've decided to change your cultivation technique?"
After a period of conversation, Ji Yuan asked curiously, without much surprise.
Ever since he learned that the other party had already grasped sword intent, he knew that upon entering the second realm, he would change his cultivation technique and embark on the path of a sword cultivator.
Zhao Yuansong also nodded. He had considered this matter for several years and had already made up his mind.
Although comprehending sword intent did not necessarily mean becoming a sword cultivator, there were still other cultivation techniques to choose from, as this path was too difficult and required more resources than ordinary cultivators.
But he still wanted to try, after all, the difference in status, cultivation, and combat power between a sword cultivator and an ordinary cultivator was too great.
A second-realm sword cultivator, no matter in which sect, had a status equivalent to that of an ordinary third-realm cultivator!
"The cost of cultivation will also increase significantly in the future."
Zhao Yuansong sighed, looking somewhat troubled.
Although the combat power of a sword cultivator was extremely strong, the cost of forging a life-bound flying sword, nurturing and refining it, and sharpening its edge was several times, even more than ten times, the financial resources required by ordinary cultivators.
"When you successfully change your cultivation technique and truly become a sword cultivator, the sect will definitely allocate resources to you."
Ji Yuan rolled his eyes at him, not seeing it as a problem at all.
The power and rarity of a sword cultivator were enough for any sect to allocate resources to them and cultivate them as a priority.
"Let's not talk about this anymore. Besides catching up with you, we have another matter."
Zhao Yuansong changed the subject, saying with a smile, "Some fellow disciples have organized a gathering, and it's scheduled for today."
In various sects, gatherings among fellow disciples were common. Besides enhancing their feelings for each other, they also served to exchange cultivation insights and provide mutual support.
This time, it was a small gathering organized by some outer disciples of the Nine Xuan Sect. Only a dozen or so people were invited, and with their companions, the total would not exceed thirty.
"In another three months, it will be the Nine Xuan Sect's triennial outer disciple grand competition. Those who rank highly will have the opportunity to be promoted to the inner sect."
Zhao Yuansong said solemnly, "Most of the participants in this gathering are ranked high among the outer disciples and have a good chance of being promoted to the inner sect in the competition. It is always a good thing to get to know them early."
Upon hearing this, Ji Yuan also nodded. This was indeed a beneficial matter with no downsides. Moreover, as a newcomer, it was always good to meet more people.
Perhaps in the future, he might need help from others.
"By the way, after this competition ends, Junior Brother Li and Junior Sister Zheng will become Dao companions."
Zhao Yuansong suddenly turned to look at the two behind him, a smile appearing on his face.
Ji Yuan was first stunned, then could not help but be overjoyed, repeatedly offering his congratulations.
Regarding their relationship, he had already understood it during their time in Qianyu City and Guanxia City. He had only expected to hear such good news in a few more years.
He did not expect Li Junxian and Zheng Wanrong to be so decisive, deciding to become Dao companions as soon as they returned to the Nine Xuan Sect.
For cultivators, the most important things were "wealth, companions, Dharma, and land." The word "companion" here represented a Dao companion.
In ancient times, Dao companions were those who aligned their Great Dao, walked together, and jointly studied the path to longevity, verifying each other's insights.
Over the long years, it also gradually acquired the meaning of ordinary couples, as both parties studying the Great Dao for longevity were inherently the closest people, their Great Daos already intertwined.
Because of this, cultivators attached great importance to the selection of their Dao companions. Even if their Great Daos were aligned and their affections were mutual, it required a long period of adaptation and observation before they would decide to truly become Dao companions.
"The two of them entered the Nine Xuan Sect since childhood, and have known each other for more than ten years. It is indeed a beautiful thing that they have now achieved their union."
Zhao Yuansong said with a smile.
Under his slightly teasing words, Li Junxian remained unfazed, but Zheng Wanrong's face turned red with embarrassment, and she hid half of her body behind the person beside her.
"It seems I need to think carefully about what great gift to give them then."
Ji Yuan could not help but tease.
Upon hearing this, Li Junxian immediately replied, "No need for so much trouble. Your and Senior Brother's presence is already the best gift!"
Zheng Wanrong, who had also stood up, quickly nodded. If it weren't for Ji Yuan's elixirs, she would have died in Baiyun Temple at that time, and it would have been impossible for her to express her feelings to the person in front of her and finally achieve her union.
"Speaking of which, they are both going to become Dao companions. Old Zhao, don't you have any disciples you fancy?"
Ji Yuan said with a smile, looking at Zhao Yuansong.
Unexpectedly, what was intended as a jest suddenly caused Zhao Yuansong to put away his smile, and a look of deep longing appeared on his face.
He was stunned for a moment, and then saw that Li Junxian and Zheng Wanrong also looked blank, clearly unaware of this matter.
Could it be... he had actually asked about some "earth-shattering secret"?