As Li Lin pondered, he observed the platform, with the blue sky above him.
This might seem unremarkable to others, as there was no one else around except for them.
But in Li Lin's senses, he perceived countless gazes—some well-intentioned, some malicious, some simply curious, and some whispering.
This ordinary blue sky is composed of layers upon layers of space, like building blocks haphazardly pieced together by a child.
In every space, there exists a vast world, teeming with countless life forms.
"As expected of my disciple, you have already sensed [Azure Netherworld]." [Doumu Yuanjun] exclaimed in admiration. She was extremely gratified. Although Li Lin could still cultivate the path of physical transformation into spirit in [Kun Yuan Valley], it would not hinder his path. However, entering [Azure Nether Fortress] was the best choice for him.
Li Lin noticed that as soon as he said this, almost all the malice disappeared, replaced by jealousy and awe.
"Is the Azure Nether Fortress a collection of countless grotto-heavens?" he continued to ask.
"Indeed," was Bura's answer.
Perhaps because they both cultivated the Path of Stars, she fell in love with Li Lin at first sight, not caring why she suddenly appeared at the [Four Symbols Platform].
"To be precise, the entire Four Symbols Sect is a collection of countless Cave Heaven Blessed Land."
"Each inner disciple can possess their own [Cave Heaven Blessed Land], but only True Disciple and elders can hold it permanently."
"This is my token from the Dark Star Abyss," Buola said, and was about to condense her own token from the Cave Heaven based on her senses, but what appeared was another token that was completely unfamiliar to her, with the three words "True Immortal Temple" written on it, and in the next instant it turned into smoke.
She looked puzzled. "I can't sense my [Cave Heaven] anymore."
This is clearly impossible. Even private "grotto-heavens" are affiliated with the four domains of "Azure Nether," "Crimson Sky," "Mysterious Yellow," and "Mysterious Nether." If the owner of a "grotto-heaven" does not agree, even an immortal cannot enter and be stripped of their ownership.
"Could it be that because I've been skipping classes for too long, the [Cave Heaven] has been sealed off by the [Lecturing Elder]?"
The Lecturing Elder, the heads of each branch, and the sect leader can all seal off their disciples' "grotto-heavens".
However, this only applies if one violates the rules or fails to complete their learning tasks, and the reason must be explained.
"Buola, you yourself sacrificed your [Cave Heaven]." Deng Si sighed.
"Even if it's a sacrifice, it shouldn't be like this, right?" Buola's doubts did not fade.
Not every Lord of a Grotto-Heaven retains the independence of their Grotto-Heaven, nor are they content with merely affiliating with another; some even go so far as to sacrifice their Grotto-Heaven to one of the Four Domains to which they belong.
Of course, some also choose to sacrifice themselves to join the branch's [Cave Heaven].
But no matter what, even if it is sacrificed, the core area of this space that belongs to oneself still has characteristics that no one else can take away.
"You made a foolish mistake and became that little bastard Lin De's slave." [Doumu Yuanjun] couldn't help but interject, "You gave up ownership of [Cave Heaven] yourself. The hundred years of memories you've lost are those hundred years of enslavement."
"If it weren't for old age—"
She had intended to refer to herself as "this old woman," but after glancing at Li Lin, she swallowed the rest of her words.
She quickly changed her tune, "If it weren't for my reputation, you'd probably have hundreds of children by now!"
"Lin De? The youngest Tribulation Transcender in the True Immortal Temple? How dare he?" Buola was furious, but her expression softened slightly after checking herself and finding that she was still a virgin.
"Because he is also the youngest immortal," said [Doumu Yuanjun]. "The strength of an immortal is not determined by the length of time they have lived. Otherwise, the strongest immortals should be the Four Founding Immortals. The [Four Symbols Sect] would not have a branch like the [Dark Magic Sect]."
Seeing Buola's confusion, she added, "The Dark Magic Sect is the True Immortal Temple. You can find out the rest yourself."
"Alright, the sorting ceremony shall begin."
"Ivy." A book appeared out of thin air in Deng Si's hand.
Tongtian golden pillar of light emerged from the center of the stone platform, and a golden line appeared between Ivy and the pillar, seemingly guiding her toward it.
The girl with white hair and a round face took a tentative step forward, her small face tense.
The gold thread also receded.
Li Lin looked at this cultivation version of Ivy, and he was very curious about which academy—or rather, which branch—she would be assigned to.
"Ivy".
A clear, neutral voice, indistinguishable between male and female, came from the pillar of light.
"Soul age fourteen."
"[Azure Nether Fortress]."
"[Heavenly Spirit Root] ".
"[Golden Core]."
"Inner Gate".
The pillar of light turned crimson, and flames erupted from Ivy's body before she disappeared into the pillar of light.
"Next," Deng Si said, "Winifred."
Winifred looked in the direction where her sister had disappeared and walked out of the crowd.
"Winifred".
"Soul age fourteen."
"[Profound Nether Abyss] ".
"[Heavenly Spirit Root] ".
"[Qi Refining]."
"Outer gate."
How are inner and outer doors distinguished?
Seeing Bura's dejected expression, Li Lin stepped forward and asked.
He did this on purpose.
As a woman who should have been a traitor to the native Li Lin people, Buola, after being cleansed, is a miracle that should never have existed, and her connection with [Tian] has dissipated.
It is essential to take control of this miracle.
"Cultivation level." Buola saw Li Lin approaching, her spirits immediately lifted. "Spiritual roots and physical constitution can be improved through cultivation. Those below the Golden Core stage are all considered outer sect cultivators."
"In theory, the True Disciple Nascent Soul only requires the Nascent Soul stage, but this mainly depends on the master of the branch."
"But even if he doesn't approve, if he achieves the [Nascent Soul] within a hundred years and the [Primordial Spirit] within three hundred years, he will automatically become True Disciple."
"You don't need to know these things," said [Doumu Yuanjun].
For some reason, she felt a pang of sadness.
"You are the [Primordial Spirit]."
"If one is old enough, one can take office as an elder."
The age requirements for elders and True Disciple are the opposite.
Only those who are over a thousand years old and have reached the [Primordial Spirit Stage] or above can become elders.
Of course, the realms of "Transcending Tribulation" and "Dao Fruit" are not limited by age.
"[Primordial Spirit]?" Buola was surprised, and her goodwill towards her soared. "You went from [Golden Core] to [Primordial Spirit] in less than twenty years?"
"You're wrong, Bu La," [Doumu Yuanjun] snorted.
She felt much happier.
"Li Lin is not a [Congenital Star Spirit Physique], he was born with a [Golden Core]."
"He is a product of his upbringing."
"The day after tomorrow?" Buola couldn't help but take a step forward, standing only an inch away from Li Lin. "I didn't see it at all."
Their bodies were almost pressed together.
Doumu Yuanjun's face immediately darkened.
"Li Lin".
Deng Si's voice sounded like heavenly music to Doumu Yuanjun's ears.
She quickly replied, "It's your turn."
Noticing the sudden, force that was not gentle and was not coming from nowhere to separate her from Li Lin, Buola's pupils contracted, and a possibility flashed through her mind.
She looked up at Yuan Jun, her gaze towards Li Lin burning with the same intensity as before.