Father's First Appointment

As soon as Li Ping'an received his Master's orders, a mountain patrol disciple knocked on his door, relaying a command from the Marvelous Cloud Hall.

—He was an eligible inner disciple and was required to participate in this grand competition.

Li Ping'an slipped two spirit stones to the mountain patrol disciple and asked about the basic details of the grand competition.

Although most mountain patrol disciples were outer disciples, they were well-informed and knew of Li Ping'an's deep background, so they answered all his questions without reservation.

A moment later, Li Ping'an slumped back into his lounge chair, sighing in distress.

Disciples were the future of the sect, the Golden Crows of the Eastern Continent's cultivation world. Those selected to enter the Myriad Cloud Sect's inner sect to cultivate under the Immortals were all outstanding human talents.

In short, even the lowest-ranked inner disciples were prodigies from their respective towns and villages.

—The disciple who fought with him and Mu Ningning back then was not among them; that person seemed more like a handyman disciple from Medicine Dust Peak.

If calculated by the number of Flowing Cloud Temple disciples who entered the inner sect, fewer than a hundred disciples had joined the inner sect in the past twenty years.

However, there were actually over two hundred inner disciples participating in this grand competition. Half of them were immortal children and youths found by Myriad Cloud Sect Immortals while traveling, directly bypassing the Flowing Cloud Temple.

The cultivation progress of these two hundred-plus disciples varied.

Among the immortal seedlings meticulously nurtured by each peak, it was common for them to reach the Void Refining Realm after more than a decade of cultivation, with a very small portion even reaching the early True Unity Realm.

Disciples who had been admitted for less than ten years were no lower than the Light Condensation Realm, most of them in the late stage.

Li Ping'an and Mu Ningning were among the disciples who had joined the shortest time ago.

In response to this situation, the sect had made considerations. The grand competition would be divided into three lists: Heaven, Earth, and Human. Those who had been admitted for more than ten years would participate in the Heaven list competition, those admitted for more than five years but less than ten years would participate in the Earth list competition, and those admitted for less than five years would participate in the Human list competition.

The top three on the Human list could participate in the Earth list competition, and the top ten on the Earth list could enter the Heaven list rankings.

Mu junior sister is quite ambitious and has a strong personality. If she can't even secure a top-three spot on the Human list this time, it might affect her Dao heart.

Li Ping'an thought to himself, unconsciously considering Mu Ningning's situation more.

Furthermore, he had too few combat encounters in the past three years, which was also a hidden danger. He needed to find a few suitable opponents for practice and assessment.

As for Mu Ningning, Li Ping'an had a way to ensure she could at least make it into the top three on the Human list.

As Li Ping'an was thinking, he suddenly sensed his Master's aura rapidly approaching.

He turned his head and saw his Master wearing a faded stand-collar long dress, her long hair tied simply in a ponytail.

The upper part of the dress was fitted, accentuating the woman's graceful figure, while the lower part was a pleated skirt, with thin trousers made of cloud gauze underneath.

This seemed to be the sect's immortal realm disciple attire.

"Come with me," Qingxu said, "I'll teach you how to engage in combat."

Li Ping'an stood up and followed behind Qingxu, a sense of joy rising in his heart.

Now that he had a Master, he didn't have to figure everything out on his own.

Inside the Myriad Cloud Hall.

The Sect Master raised his teacup and took a gentle sip.

For today's council, two of the three Vice Sect Masters were present, seated in stone chairs to the Sect Master's left and right.

Nine of the eighteen inner sect council elders were present, also arranged on the sides, ready to discuss how the sect's grand competition for disciples should proceed.

The grand competition for new inner disciples was held once every twenty years. This was a rare lively event for the sect and a major affair that required the Sect Master and inner sect elders to deliberate together.

The current Sect Master of the Myriad Cloud Sect maintained a middle-aged appearance, and his voice was quite gentle when he spoke, exuding a refined gentlemanly demeanor.

The Sect Master smiled, "Regarding this grand competition for newly admitted disciples, esteemed elders, please propose a plan?"

"Hah!"

A burly old Heavenly Immortal boomed, "What's there to plan? Just do as we've always done!

"Set up a stage and let the disciples compete. Everyone can use this opportunity to have some fun, drink together, and chat. How wonderful!"

"There is a matter to consider this time."

A meticulous Heavenly Immortal elder pondered for a moment, "The Ancestor's disciple, Martial Uncle Dazhi, has only been admitted for three to five years. Should he participate in this grand competition?"

An elder couldn't help but laugh, "Are you suggesting Martial Uncle Dazhi go to the grand competition to bully those juniors? Martial Uncle Dazhi is already an Origin Immortal."

"Hiss—Martial Uncle Dazhi's talent is truly terrifying! It's only been three years?"

"Talent is one aspect, but the Ancestor's guidance is even more important. Of course, it also depends on his supreme talent and great fortune."

"Speaking of great fortune, my bottleneck has shown a slight loosening. If Martial Uncle Dazhi can truly uplift the fortune of all the disciples of our Myriad Cloud Sect, then we will all owe him a tremendous favor!"

"We shouldn't put it like that. We're all family, no need for favors... but Martial Uncle Dazhi is truly interesting. Whenever I drink and have fun with him, he always comes up with various tricks."

"Ahem!"

Seeing that the elders were straying from the topic, the Sect Master cleared his throat and said with a smile, "Esteemed elders, we are here today to finalize the plan for the grand competition. Let's discuss the main business first."

The Vice Sect Master Mo Yi looked towards an elder in the corner. After a few moments of thought, the elder deliberately drew the attention of the surrounding elders.

Then, the elder slowly said:

"If Senior Uncle Dazhi doesn't participate in this grand competition, wouldn't that go against the sect rules? Wouldn't Senior Uncle Dazhi hold a grudge?"

A Heavenly Immortal elder chuckled, "Senior Uncle Dazhi probably doesn't like fighting against a bunch of youngsters, right?"

The elder continued, "While that may be true, we should still invite Senior Uncle Dazhi. In my humble opinion, why don't we set up a Hunyuan Ranking in addition to the Heaven, Earth, and Human rankings? The top ten or five from the Heaven Ranking could join the Hunyuan Ranking, and Senior Uncle Dazhi could participate in a match or two within the Hunyuan Ranking?"

An old Heavenly Immortal with a childlike face and crane-like hair opened his eyes and directly reprimanded, "Nonsense! Letting a group of juniors fight against their Ancestor Master? Junior Brother Bi! I can't believe you'd even think of something like that!"

The elder replied, "Senior Brother, I am merely acting according to the sect rules. Acting in accordance with the sect rules in all matters was commanded by the three Ancestors themselves!"

The other Heavenly Immortal elders heard this and said no more.

Another Vice Sect Master said gravely, "Having Junior Brother Dazhi compete with the disciples would be beneath his status and might displease Ancestor Master Kongming."

—To preserve the Sect Master's dignity, the Sect Master and Vice Sect Masters referred to Li Dazhi as 'Junior Brother.' The Myriad Cloud Sect has a history spanning tens of thousands of years, and the current Sect Master and Vice Sect Masters are actually of a lower generation than Li Dazhi.

"Hehehe," the Sect Master said with narrowed eyes, "This matter is not difficult to handle."

The Immortals all looked over.

The Sect Master picked up his teacup and slowly took a sip before continuing:

"The elders' opinions are twofold: one, they feel that the newly initiated disciple Li Dazhi needs to participate in this grand competition; two, they feel that Li Dazhi, as an Ancestor Master's disciple, would be beneath his status to participate.

"Then let's consolidate our opinions.

"This grand competition will be prepared by Junior Brother Dazhi. This way, he will be considered to have participated in the grand competition.

"So be it. The Affairs Hall, Cloud Nurturing Hall, and Marvelous Cloud Hall will fully assist Junior Brother Dazhi.

"Let's make this grand competition lively and allow the allied sects of our Myriad Cloud Sect to witness our sect's splendor.

"Thus, convey my Sect Master's order."

As soon as these words were spoken, the elders understood.

Elder Bi, who was in the corner, looked even more displeased.

His original intention was for Li Dazhi to compete with the disciples, thereby lowering Li Dazhi's status.

The Sect Master, with a masterful stroke, not only protected Li Dazhi but also brought him out to prepare for the grand competition, even assigning three of the six halls to assist him.

"Sect Master!"

Elder Bi stood up, "Although Senior Uncle Dazhi is exceptionally talented, he has only been initiated for three years, and still..."

The Sect Master swept a smiling glance over him, a slight smile gracing his lips, "Did I ask for the elders' opinions?"

Elder Bi frowned tightly.

Vice Sect Master Mo Yi opened his eyes and said, "The Sect Master's order has been issued. We shall naturally obey."

Elder Bi cupped his hands, turned, and left with a flick of his sleeve.

The Sect Master sighed lightly, gently patted Mo Yi's arm, and said warmly:

"Three years have passed, and the fact that our Myriad Cloud Sect has gained a disciple of great fortune can no longer be entirely concealed. Many sects are discussing it, and there's no need to hide it any longer.

"Everyone, please be prepared.

"Great fortune can bring opportunities, but it also brings dangers. Our Myriad Cloud Sect must unite as one and face potential calamities to enjoy the opportunities of prosperity."

The elders rose and bowed:

"We obey the Sect Master's order."

Near the cave dwelling of Qingxu and his disciple, on a yet-to-be-named mountain peak.

Li Ping'an stood in a clearing in the forest. Several immortal treasure weapons floated before him: a long sword, twin sabers, a spear, and a meteor hammer. These were weapons Li Ping'an was relatively proficient with.

However, Li Ping'an didn't quite understand the request his Master had just made.

'Choose a weapon to refine as your Natal Magic Treasure.'

Why must one use a weapon for combat?

Don't the combat routines of Qi Refiners all involve throwing magic treasures and magic artifacts to smash people?

He looked up at his Master, who stood with his hands behind his back on a treetop, and asked, "Master, do I have to choose one?"

Qingxu countered, "Don't you like to fight?"

"This... it's not a matter of liking or disliking," Li Ping'an said with a wry smile. "Practicing combat skills is to protect one's own Dao fruit; this disciple understands. It's just... combat mostly uses magic treasures, so why use a weapon?"

Qingxu blinked, "Then do you have any powerful magic treasures?"

Li Ping'an glanced at the more than a dozen immortal treasures hidden on his person.

A treasure that Heavenly Immortals would notice should at least be a Postnatal Spiritual Treasure or a special immortal treasure. These immortal treasures of his would be decent for Origin Immortals or True Immortals, but his Master should not be impressed.

Li Ping'an honestly replied, "No."

Qingxu tilted his chin, "Choose a weapon."

"Ah, yes," Li Ping'an didn't dare to delay any further. After thinking carefully, he grasped the immortal treasure spear.

There was a reason he chose a spear.

Firstly, among all his immortal treasures, this spear was of the best quality.

Secondly, he personally thought using a spear was the coolest.

Qingxu's figure floated down from the treetops. Her delicate hands cupped the air, and immortal light flowed, gathering wisps of clouds and mist into the shape of an immortal spear.

"Attack me with all you've got," Qingxu said. "I want to test your combat strength."

"Yes!"

Li Ping'an threw the spear in his hand into the air. He formed sword fingers with both hands, his left hand behind his back, his right hand in front of him. Magic power surged around him like a rushing river, and the spiritual light on his forehead flickered like a candle flame!

He rotated his sword fingers in front of his nose. The spear in the air spun with a 'whoosh, whoosh, whoosh' sound. As he pointed his sword fingers forward, the spear shot towards Qingxu like an arrow.

The forest erupted with explosive sounds!

Qingxu restrained her immortal power and controlled her strength. The cloud spear spun rapidly from her palm.

Li Ping'an's left sword finger, hidden behind him, trembled slightly. The immortal treasure spear split into five, five spear shadows dancing like snakes.

Qingxu's figure spun like a dancer, her cloud spear shadows covering her entire body.

One attacking, one defending, the master and disciple had already clashed!

With a few clangs, all the attacking spear shadows were repelled. Li Ping'an was forced to lean back from the impact.

Qingxu's figure moved like the wind, approaching Li Ping'an with her cloud spear. She didn't use immortal techniques or immortal power, but mimicked the striking force of a cultivator in the Void Refining Realm.

Li Ping'an used the momentum to flip backward, his toes lightly touching the ground. His tied-up hair fluttered slightly as his hands rapidly formed complex hand seals.

Boom!

Li Ping'an's figure actually split into five. Simultaneously, they reached forward with empty grasps. One immortal spear and four spear shadows shot towards Qingxu's back.

Qingxu's eyes lit up.

She naturally recognized that Li Ping'an was using the Myriad Cloud Sect's immortal technique, "Soaring Cloud Illusionary Form." This technique was extremely difficult to comprehend, and when cultivated to its highest level, it could allow one to create three thousand clones using clouds and mist.

Li Ping'an's true body was currently hidden among these five illusory figures.

Spear shadows attacked from behind, and Qingxu's figure leaped to dodge.

The five 'Li Ping'ans' pressed forward with their attack, grasping their spears and chasing after Qingxu. Their spear techniques, smashing, stabbing, lifting, and slashing, all followed different trajectories.

Qingxu's figure flipped back and forth, blocking and repelling all the attacking illusory shadows with just one hand holding her spear.

Her left hand's slender fingers drew in the air, and dozens of characters formed from clouds and mist shot out to the sides. With a series of bang, bang, bang sounds, the five illusory figures simultaneously exploded into masses of clouds and mist.

These clouds and mist didn't dissipate. Instead, they surrounded Qingxu from front and back.

Qingxu subconsciously wanted to wave away the clouds and mist.

But she remembered she was sparring with her disciple. When she waved her hand, she only used a tiny bit of strength, perfectly simulating the power of a Qi cultivator in the middle stage of the Void Refining Realm.

The clouds and mist churned, growing more numerous. Li Ping'an's voice echoed from all directions:

"Master, you sealed your immortal sense, so you didn't detect this disciple. Master, this disciple is about to make his move."

"Bring it on!"

Qingxu tilted her head slightly, a hint of anticipation in her eyes. She added, "I won't hurt you."

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!

The sound of whistling filled the forest as streams of spear shadows shot towards Qingxu from all directions!

Qingxu's gaze swept left and right, her cloud spear dancing, repelling all the incoming spear shadows.

When these spear shadows shattered, they turned into new masses of clouds and mist. The clouds and mist around Qingxu grew denser, and the sound of spear whistles from her surroundings became increasingly sharp. Li Ping'an's whereabouts were completely hidden.

Every time the cloud spear collided with a spear shadow, it would shake the mountain forest within a hundred-zhang radius.

The spear shadows that Qingxu didn't block often exploded in the forest, kicking up layers of dust.

The master and disciple had only been sparring for a short while, yet a section of the forest was already nearly leveled.

If someone were watching from the outside, they would see eight 'Li Ping'ans' at this moment, weaving through the clouds and mist with exquisite footwork, wielding their spears to unleash spear shadows that continuously suppressed Qingxu in the center of the mist.

At this moment, Qingxu felt a touch of emotion.

Her disciple... knew so many things.

Formations, movement techniques, immortal techniques – they were all integrated in his hands.

Such unpredictable spear formations would be extremely difficult for a true Qi cultivator in the Void Refining Realm to deal with.

It's just...

"Too much magic power is being wasted, and there are still quite a few flaws."

Qingxu said softly. Her figure flashed to the edge of the mist, her eyes meeting those of a 'Li Ping'an.' Then, she struck out with a palm.

Boom!

The illusory figure formed by the clouds and mist exploded. A streak of green light flew out, transforming into Li Ping'an's true body.

Li Ping'an stumbled back a few steps, clutching his chest. He then felt the force from his Master's strike was incredibly gentle. After it entered his chest, it spread throughout his body in an instant, making him feel quite comfortable.

Li Ping'an solemnly performed a Dao salute. "Please guide me, Master."

"I can't guide you on this spear formation."

Qingxu thought for a moment.

"Disciple, your methods are chaotic, yet they also blend together. However, you expend too much magic power and are not suited for prolonged battles.

"What I can teach you now is how to fight for extended periods and how to concentrate your magic power to a single point.

"You don't need to be overly modest. Just now, to break your spear formation, I used magic power comparable to that of a True Unity Realm disciple."

Li Ping'an chuckled, "Master, I have other combat methods. Should I continue to demonstrate them?"

Qingxu beckoned Li Ping'an with great interest. "Come."

"Forgive my offense, disciple!"

Li Ping'an swallowed a pill, adjusting his condition to its peak.

Having a Heavenly Immortal as a sparring partner was something he never dared to dream of before.

The master and disciple began their combat again, and the suffering of the flowers and plants in the surrounding woods was far from over.

Two hours later.

On a white cloud outside the mountain.

Li Dazhi sighed faintly, a worried expression on his face and a bitter smile on his lips, carefully considering the words he would use when he spoke later.

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