A Small Display of Skill

It turns out that every so-called 'simple few words' ends up being complicated.

Watching the old man speak eloquently, ceaselessly, and endlessly, Li Ping'an's Dao heart inexplicably filled with joy.

Before this, he had been thinking of noting down the elders who intended to make things difficult for his father and finding opportunities to sow discord.

But at this moment, seeing those elders' eyes gradually cloud over under the barrage of 'political jargon' from his father...

Li Ping'an suddenly felt at ease.

There was no need to hold grudges.

His father's cultivation was in the Origin Immortal realm, so these people naturally dared to cause trouble;

As long as his father reached the True Immortal realm, these people would have to think twice before speaking;

If his father could break through to the Heavenly Immortal realm, there wouldn't be so much harsh noise within the sect. These people would either go with the flow or focus on their immortal path and enter closed-door cultivation.

They were merely worldly people among immortals.

Li Ping'an had always had a clear self-awareness.

Whether he and his father could establish themselves in the Myriad Cloud Sect depended crucially on his father's cultivation realm and speed.

As for himself...

At this stage, he could only do his best and rely entirely on his father.

Li Ping'an stayed in the corner for two hours.

Li Dazhi's condition kept improving, and the preparatory meeting quickly moved onto the right track. The elders unified their opinions, the opponents fell silent, and Li Ping'an's ideas were all adopted by Li Dazhi.

Although Li Dazhi deliberately made it sound complicated, adding a lot of officialese and boilerplate language, Li Ping'an's design ideas were actually simple, boiling down to these three points:

First, establish a 'Special Work Office,' also known as the 'Sect Grand Competition Preparatory Hall,' to be fully responsible for this grand competition. His father would lead it, selecting outer sect elders whom his father was familiar with, close to, or who were talented to join the Preparatory Hall.

This process was mainly to consolidate the temporary authority his father held and eliminate all dissenting voices.

Second, propose several innovations to the competition system.

For example, holding the duels at each peak, utilizing the fact that Immortals 'care about their reputation,' giving each peak's Immortals a chance to showcase their own mountains, thereby creating new value points.

Previously, most of the events were held at the foot of the main peak.

Third, add some new 'off-stage' activities, such as fun immortal competitions, Dou Spirit Pet competitions, and so on.

The main goal was to alleviate the monotonous cultivation life of the sect's Qi cultivators.

These three points were, for Li Dazhi and Li Ping'an, nothing new, but for the assembled Immortals of the sect, they were quite novel.

As Li Dazhi presented them one by one, he completely stunned the four elders who had intended to cause trouble.

Seeing that his father had taken control of the situation, Li Ping'an turned and left the Affairs Hall, returning to his cave abode to continue preparing for his upcoming arena combat.

As he left, he could still hear his father's robust, unhurried voice:

"This grand competition is quite important for the sect. Because of this importance, in the overall development cycle of the sect, it is itself very significant.

"The disciple grand competition is a window to showcase the spirit and foundation of our Myriad Cloud Sect. We must fully seize the opportunities this window brings, starting from practical considerations and following a path of seeking truth from facts, to diligently carry out the overall planning of this grand competition.

"Perhaps the elders will ask, what is the path of seeking truth from facts? That is a very good question. We must absolutely prevent, absolutely prevent extreme phenomena like favoritism and cheating that might occur in this competition. Of course, I believe the disciples of each peak will abide by the sect rules..."

Director Li's peak performance was gradually returning!

Shortly after Li Ping'an left, Li Dazhi announced the adjournment of the meeting, letting the outer sect elders off the hook.

Steward Wang Xinhui, who had been waiting for a long time, quickly approached Li Dazhi, holding a piece of silk.

Li Dazhi took the silk and looked at it, frowned, and shook his head, telling Wang Xinhui to rework it.

After about five or six revisions, the Myriad Cloud Sect's first red-lettered announcement was finally formed...

[Myriad Cloud Sect Affairs Hall Announcement:

The Myriad Cloud Sect Inner Disciple Competition is fast approaching. The sect has successfully convened a special work meeting for the 'Inner Disciple Competition.'

This meeting has successfully passed three resolutions.

I. An Inner Disciple Competition Special Preparatory Hall will be established. All matters related to this competition will be handled by the Preparatory Hall. All positions within the Preparatory Hall will be filled by senior outer sect elders and stewards.

II. To showcase the demeanor of our Myriad Cloud Sect to friendly sects, all fellow disciples from each peak are invited to observe this competition. Exquisite cultivation souvenirs will be distributed to every disciple who attends.

III. This competition will, for the first time, adopt a 'Peak Hosting System.' Three mountain peaks will be selected as competition venues, and the Preparatory Hall will be responsible for setting up the arena formations.

This is hereby publicly announced.]

"Ancestor Master Dazhi, please look, is this written correctly now?"

Steward Wang Xinhui held up the announcement, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

"Where should the wording be further simplified? I'll go do it right away!"

"Let me see."

Li Dazhi looked at it carefully, took a sip of tea from his mug, frowned, and clicked his tongue. "It still feels like something is missing."

"This?"

Steward Wang Xinhui repeatedly forced a smile.

"Ancestor Master, this notice is already much more refined than the ones our Affairs Hall has issued before. It can't be simplified any further!"

Li Dazhi chuckled, "Everything needs standardization. The beginning is always the hardest. Don't be afraid of trouble."

"Yes, yes, you are absolutely right."

"This... tsk..."

Li Dazhi pondered for a few moments, glanced at the elders not far away who were arguing over some scenery, and then looked meaningfully at Wang Xinhui.

"Ancestor Master, what is it?"

"Add a list of the elders in the Preparatory Hall to the end of the notice," Li Dazhi said in a low voice. "All the elders have worked so hard; they deserve to sign it. Remember to add a note – the order of signatures is based on the number of strokes in their Daoist names."

Wang Xinhui nodded, half-understanding. This wasn't difficult to do.

Li Dazhi took the notice, examined it carefully, and pointed to the third vertical line. He said gently, "You can add two sentences before the words 'The sect is specially convening'."

"What does Ancestor Master want to add? Didn't you just tell me to simplify it?"

"You see, your comprehension isn't enough! Since this is your first time doing something like this, I'll guide you a bit more."

Li Dazhi said seriously:

"Who should our entire Myriad Cloud Sect unite around to ensure the sect's continued prosperity and development?"

Wang Xinhui's square face showed a hint of confusion, but his eyes quickly lit up. "The Founding Ancestor!"

"Oh, no, it's the Sect Master, the Sect Master! My master hasn't concerned himself with worldly affairs for many years, and he doesn't care for such titles!"

Li Dazhi looked disgusted and frowned.

"Add a sentence before the words 'in the sect' – 'Under the supervision of the Sect Master and the care of the various inner sect elders.'

"And before the conclusion, add another paragraph. It should say... hmm, got it.

"'Since its founding, our Myriad Cloud Sect has seen generations of disciples strive forward, following the teachings of the three Ancestor Masters, upholding the spirit of arduous cultivation, promoting chivalry and righteousness, and nurturing countless talents, making outstanding contributions to the rise of the human race in the Eastern Continent.

"'We hope that new disciples will cultivate diligently and serve the sect, and in this grand competition, showcase their character and demeanor.

"'That's it.'"

Wang Xinhui nodded repeatedly, a wave of admiration washing over him.

'No wonder Grand Ancestor Dazhi is so highly regarded by the Founding Ancestor and the Sect Master. With just a few simple sentences, it has such a grand tone.'

"Ancestor Master, your insights are profound. I'll go do it right away!"

"Thank you for your hard work."

Li Dazhi smiled and nodded, then added:

"Xinhui, after the grand competition concludes, remember to prepare another notice. This notice will list everyone in the Preparatory Hall, from elders to stewards, by their respective positions.

"Everyone has worked hard, and they deserve recognition."

Wang Xinhui was taken aback and asked in a low voice, "You'll even write down the names of the stewards?"

Li Dazhi chuckled, "Anyone who has done work and has a clear position should be directly named. Those without clear positions can be listed at the end with titles like 'logistics staff,' 'reserve,' or 'attendant.'"

"Thank you, Ancestor Master!"

Wang Xinhui smiled with a hint of simple honesty, and his steps became brisk, suddenly full of energy.

Li Dazhi put down his teacup, stood up, and walked around the main hall. Finding a deserted corner, he took out the jade slip that Li Ping'an had given him and read it through several more times, unable to help but sigh inwardly.

"It still has to be our Ping'an."

While the Affairs Hall was bustling with activity, the atmosphere in the pavilion near Daoist Mo Yi's cave abode had become heavy again.

At this moment, even Daoist Mo Yi himself was a little unsure.

Was this what they called 'great fortune'?

The pavilion was shrouded in a transparent barrier, allowing the elders present to converse conveniently.

An old woman frowned, "This Li Dazhi truly has hidden depths. Today, in the Affairs Hall, he seemed like a completely different person, catching this old Daoist completely off guard."

"He's more than just hiding his depths."

That inner sect elder surnamed Bi let out a cold laugh.

"I don't know if all of you understood today, but this Li Dazhi is well-versed in the art of power and strategy.

"His mind is far more complex than ours, who have spent so long cultivating in the mountains!

"When you elders were discussing these matters in the Affairs Hall earlier, he first deliberately acted weak and appeared quite bewildered. Once you had mostly finished speaking, he suddenly began to counterattack.

"His move to establish the Preparatory Hall was truly brilliant. With a simple sentence about making things easier and more efficient for the Immortals, he firmly grasped the great authority granted to him by the Sect Master.

"Originally, as long as we had elder status, we could all have a say in the grand competition.

"Now that the Preparatory Hall is established, and it's managed by elders and stewards he personally invited, he has easily excluded us. Although we are elders, we are not part of his Preparatory Hall, and we can no longer influence this grand competition in the slightest!"

The expressions of the four elders who had previously flattered and pressured Li Dazhi in the Affairs Hall turned somewhat grim.

"This match was, of course, won by Ancestor Master Dazhi."

An Outer Sect Elder sighed, "This is not our fault. Ancestor Master Dazhi truly showed us a skill today that made me see him in a new light."

"Are we just going to let him lord over us in the Affairs Hall like this?"

"You can't say it like that," Daoist Priest Mo Yi chuckled. "Junior Brother Dazhi is acting under the Sect Master's orders and is currently doing his best to fulfill the tasks assigned by the Sect Master. How can you call that lording over others?"

Several Outer Sect Elders quickly nodded in agreement. "Vice Sect Master speaks wisely."

Daoist Priest Mo Yi added, "Let's just let this matter drop for now."

"Let it drop?"

Elder Bi frowned, "The Sect Master is so biased towards this Li Dazhi, and we're just supposed to swallow our pride?"

"It's not about swallowing your pride. Elders, please listen to me."

Daoist Priest Mo Yi said seriously, "It's one thing for you all to be dissatisfied with the Sect Master's favoritism towards Junior Brother Dazhi, and it's another matter entirely regarding the sect's grand competition.

"For this grand competition, sixteen Immortal Sects have already replied. It will be a gathering of distinguished guests and fellow Immortals. If we are not united and make a fool of ourselves, won't we become a laughingstock?

"If you are unhappy with Junior Brother Dazhi, you can settle it amongst yourselves behind closed doors.

"If any trouble arises during this grand competition, I will report Junior Brother Dazhi to the Sect Master. However, if the grand competition proceeds smoothly and the sect is satisfied, we don't need to dwell on this matter further. We can just observe the developments."

The elders nodded one after another.

Elder Bi, however, frowned slightly, a hint of contemplation flashing in his eyes.

Daoist Priest Mo Yi smiled, "You all have nothing major to do next. How about I host an immortal banquet to liven things up for a few days?"

The elders readily agreed, "Excellent!"

"Vice Sect Master truly has a broad mind!"

"Vice Sect Master is right. We should prioritize the bigger picture in all matters. We may not like Li Dazhi now, but we can wait for him to make a mistake later."

Elder Bi said, "Fine, I'll just go back into closed-door cultivation. It's better to not be an eyesore to you all."

With that, he stood up and left.

Daoist Priest Mo Yi cast a meaningful glance at Elder Bi's retreating back, a flicker of light in his eyes, and then continued to chat and discuss the Dao with his fellow Immortals as if nothing had happened.

Early morning.

Li Ping'an was cultivating in the woods near his cave abode, awaiting Mu Ningning's arrival.

He had changed into a new disciple robe, tied his long hair back simply, and continued to refine the spear in his hand.

The power of his Origin Soul gently nourished every inch of the spear's material. In a daze, Li Ping'an truly felt as if the spear had gained a faint trace of spirituality, capable of responding to his call.

However, when he sensed it carefully, he realized it was just a slight illusion.

Spiritual treasures were not so easily nurtured.

When his spiritual sense detected the silhouette of a person flying on a sword, Li Ping'an stopped refining, stood up, and waited for her to descend.

"Senior Brother! Uncle sent a message yesterday saying to come over at this time!"

"Junior Sister Mu."

Li Ping'an looked at Mu Ningning's pretty face and noticed the unconcealable fatigue in her eyes. He then gently comforted her, "Don't put too much pressure on yourself. For this sect's grand competition, disciples like us who have only recently taken up our masters have no advantage. Just do your best."

The junior female cultivator in the Light Condensation Realm, who hadn't rested well because she'd spent all night wondering 'Why is Senior Brother looking for me?', was taken aback by his words. She then nodded decisively and said with a hint of grievance, "Yeah, the pressure on us is just too much!"

"It's alright, look what I've prepared for you."

Li Ping'an smiled and shook his head. He flicked his right hand to the side, and five streams of light shot out, transforming into five 'wooden stakes' that landed beside them.

"This is a set of magic treasures I prepared for you."

"Magic treasures? For me?"

"Otherwise?"

Li Ping'an smiled. "These five stakes are a set, named Swallow Escape Stakes. Refine them first, and I'll teach you how to use them. You'll be able to get the hang of it easily."

Mu Ningning's peach blossom eyes brightened considerably. Without asking the value of such treasures, she honestly began to refine them and soon started practicing in the woods.

This set of magic treasures provided significant enhancement for Mu Ningning, who was skilled in swordsmanship.

Its function was simple: it allowed the user to escape extremely quickly between the five precious stakes. The five stakes were equipped with dozens of formation-changing methods.

Mu Ningning grasped the essentials after a little practice.

She darted between the five rapidly moving treasure stakes like a lively swallow.

"Senior Brother! This thing is amazing!"

Li Ping'an chuckled, "Take two hours to get familiar with this magic treasure, then we'll spar for two hours."

"Okay!"

Mu Ningning clenched her fists, her competitive spirit already ignited.

Two hours later.

Qingxu's figure quietly appeared on the treetops, not disturbing the two disciples' spar.

Li Ping'an gripped his spear with one hand and lunged forward;

Mu Ningning fully activated the Swallow Escape Stakes, the five treasure stakes spinning rapidly. She weaved through them, her long sword unleashing streaks of sword light, so fast and varied that it dazzled the onlookers.

For a time, the sounds of magic power clashing echoed endlessly.

Li Ping'an intentionally guided the fight, while Mu Ningning faced him with her full attention.

Spear shadows, sword light, and the afterimages of the Five Elements Swallow Escape Stakes intertwined, and the forest was filled with laughter, sometimes crisp, sometimes hearty.

Fighting until sweat drenched her, Mu Ningning stopped the Swallow Escape Stakes, her vision blurring slightly. Li Ping'an's figure transformed into a pale-faced senior sister from the same peak. The latter sighed, cupped her hands in greeting to Mu Ningning, and turned to descend to the ground.

Mu Ningning quickly jumped off the Swallow Escape Stakes and cupped her hands in greeting to this senior sister.

Clang!

A gong sounded, followed by the Outer Sect Deacon's shout:

"Colorful Cloud Peak, Mu Ningning wins!"

Cheers erupted from the surroundings.

Mu Ningning pursed her lips and smiled, her gaze sweeping across the area until she found Li Ping'an standing in a corner. She waved enthusiastically at him.

On the day of the Human Ranking Grand Competition, she had achieved victory.