The Leader's Dignity

Bu Linhai's cultivation journey was not a pleasant one.

He had only been with the Sea Gazing Sect for seventeen years, yet he had already reached the late stage of the True Unity Realm.

Bu Linhai came from a family of rogue cultivators in a market town. He cultivated alongside his parents from a young age. By chance, he encountered an Immortal from the Sea Gazing Sect who was traveling, and was fortunate enough to become a disciple, entering the foremost sect in the northern section of the Eastern Sea coast.

Bu Linhai had always felt that his talent and comprehension were outstanding among the disciples of his generation in the Sea Gazing Sect, yet the sect had never given him the importance he deserved.

This was not Bu Linhai boasting.

The Sea Gazing Sect also adopted an inner and outer disciple system. Compared to other major sects, its rules were simpler, yet more stringent.

—All disciples began in the outer sect. Then, there was a small examination every year and a major examination every three years. Each year, there were only ten spots for new inner disciples. Furthermore, every three years, fifteen disciples from the bottom of the inner sect would be eliminated. Only by successfully reaching the Heaven and Earth Bridge Realm could one shed the title of disciple.

In the outer sect, disciples received fixed quotas of cultivation resources. Only with the favor of an Immortal from the sect could one possibly obtain a ticket to enter the inner sect.

It was in such an environment that Bu Linhai had, step by step, reached his current position, becoming one of the twenty most dazzling Immortal seedlings of the Sea Gazing Sect in just seventeen years.

At this moment, several outer sect elders of the sect had secretly summoned him and a few other disciples in the True Unity Realm to give them an important command.

Bu Linhai vaguely felt that the opportunity to prove his strength had arrived.

An elder said, "You few, have you seen the jade slips given to you at noon?"

The disciples bowed their heads and replied, "Yes."

The elder in the center nodded slowly and said in a gentle tone:

"This time, our Sea Gazing Sect is convening this Eastern Sea Trial Gathering. Firstly, it is to clear out the rampaging demonic beasts. Secondly, it is to give disciples like you a chance to make a name for yourselves.

"These are naturally the top priorities, but there is a third matter that requires special instruction for you few."

The five disciples bowed to receive the command.

The elder said slowly, "Do you know of the Myriad Cloud Sect?"

Bu Linhai reacted swiftly, speaking first, "Reporting to the elder, the Myriad Cloud Sect is a righteous Immortal sect that has existed for tens of thousands of years. It has three Golden Immortal Ancestors and over a hundred Heavenly Immortals. Their strength should not be underestimated."

"Heh," an elder sneered, "If this Myriad Cloud Sect were as it was ten thousand years ago, it would be comparable to our Sea Gazing Sect. Unfortunately, due to their lax sect rules, internal strife arose ten thousand years ago, and many Heavenly Immortals perished or left. Now, they are merely strong in appearance."

Another elder said, "The Myriad Cloud Sect had some conflict with us before, and we lost some face. You should not be aware of this matter."

Bu Linhai immediately understood and quickly said, "Please rest assured, Elder. This trial gathering will definitely make those Myriad Cloud Sect disciples look foolish!"

Several disciples beside him frowned and glanced at Bu Linhai.

He's practiced this, hasn't he?

This guy is way too quick to jump in!

But fortunately, the elder let out a cold snort and reprimanded Bu Linhai, "Impetuous!"

Bu Linhai immediately shut his mouth, lowered his head, and dared not say more.

"Alas, young people lack thorough consideration."

The elder in the center stroked his beard and murmured:

"This is a trial for disciples of the six sects initiated by our Sea Gazing Sect. If we deliberately target our guests, it will only reflect poorly on ourselves.

"Although the Myriad Cloud Sect and our Sea Gazing Sect have had some conflict, we are both righteous Immortal sects, and the Golden Immortal Ancestors of both families are acquaintances. We cannot make a scene that is too unsightly.

"However, the Immortals of the Myriad Cloud Sect recently mocked our Sea Gazing Sect in that market town, in front of many rogue cultivators, truly causing our Sea Gazing Sect to lose face.

"This trial gathering must also serve to humble them a little, so that the Dao hearts of our disciples remain unshaken."

Bu Linhai carefully savored the elder's meaning and quickly figured it out.

This disciple trial was likely intentionally arranged by the elders of their Sea Gazing Sect to lure the Myriad Cloud Sect over and ridicule them thoroughly in front of all the guests.

Bu Linhai had received occasional letters from his father, and he roughly knew what had happened here.

In the past two years, the Myriad Cloud Sect had gained strong momentum in over a hundred market towns along the coast of the Eastern Sea. While other sects were trying to sell various expensive immortal treasures and magic treasures, the Myriad Cloud Sect did the opposite, beginning to sell large quantities of several types of ordinary magic artifacts.

These common magic artifacts were of good quality and fair price, with excellent power, and were not priced too high. They became popular among the rogue cultivators, earning a considerable amount of spirit stones.

Other sects followed suit, and the Sea Gazing Sect also made some attempts.

At the end of last year, the Sea Gazing Sect organized a large number of disciples to refine artifacts together. However, after two months of effort, when they calculated the results, the artifacts produced had inconsistent quality and varying degrees of superiority. The average cost was only slightly lower than the price of finished magic artifacts from the Myriad Cloud Sect's shops.

The Sea Gazing Sect ambitiously opened new shops in over a dozen market towns. The locations of these artifact shops were either directly opposite the Myriad Cloud Sect's shops or nearby.

The Myriad Cloud Sect's shops quickly reacted, offering various "discounts" for three months.

The Sea Gazing Sect's shops, however, were decisive. After holding on for two months, they all closed down.

An elder from the Sea Gazing Sect secretly spied on the interiors of the Myriad Cloud Sect's shops, but was discovered by an outer sect elder of the Myriad Cloud Sect, who then publicly mocked them a few times.

This led to some controversy, with the Sea Gazing Sect making a fool of themselves, losing spirit stones, and losing face.

Even now, the Sea Gazing Sect still couldn't understand where the Myriad Cloud Sect got so many high-quality, low-priced common magic artifacts.

Could it be that a group of Immortals were using small whips to force thousands of disciples to work on refining artifacts every day?

As Bu Linhai was thinking, he suddenly heard the elder call his name:

"Linhai, why have you stopped speaking?"

The other four disciples chuckled inwardly.

Bu Linhai quickly said, "This disciple is thinking about how to make the disciples of the Myriad Cloud Sect lose convincingly, and how to make the other guests cheer for our Sea Gazing Sect."

"Not bad," the elder said with a smile, stroking his beard. "It's right for you to think this way. Just find a way to make them lose."

Another elder said:

"This sect trial will take place in the already ruined ancient ruins of the Eastern Sea. The sect will dispatch a hundred Immortals to set up a grand formation to trap the sea monsters, and then place you all inside the formation.

"According to the rules of previous years, disciples from each sect will form teams of five, and the disciples who come will all be in the Void Refining Realm or True Unity Realm.

"After killing the monsters, the Immortals will record it. You will also need to take tokens from the monsters as proof, which will be convincing.

"For this trial, the top six disciple teams that kill monsters will receive generous rewards from the six sects. Your task is to lead a team of True Unity Realm disciples each, and ensure that the Myriad Cloud Sect disciples do not enter the top six. It's fine even if none of our Sea Gazing Sect disciples enter the top six.

"Do you understand?"

"Yes!"

Bu Linhai and several disciples received the order at the same time.

It seems the elders in the sect have quite a bit of resentment towards the Myriad Cloud Sect. Even if they don't compete for rankings themselves, they want to humiliate the Myriad Cloud Sect, leading to a lose-lose situation.

Bu Linhai smiled and said, "This disciple thinks that during the trial later, we only need to send some disciples to keep a close eye on those Myriad Cloud Sect disciples. As long as we can snatch the monsters they want to kill one step ahead, we can eliminate them all. Our side will then select two elite teams to compete for the rankings."

"Good."

"You can consider these matters yourselves. Alright, you may go back and prepare... Linhai, stay behind."

Bu Linhai was stunned for a moment, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly, and a hint of anticipation in his eyes.

This was an opportunity not to be missed.

The second morning of the journey.

Boom! Boom boom!

The Myriad Cloud Sect's cloud ship temporarily removed its protective formation. With muffled thuds, masses of white clouds appeared out of thin air and drifted away with the wind.

More than thirty disciples were divided into two groups;

The female disciples gathered at the edge of the deck, occasionally throwing 'firecrackers' – cloud bursting pills – and listening to Mu Ningning explain their uses.

Most of the male disciples sat in a circle in the center of the deck, taking a cloud bursting pill and playing a game of hot potato. Each person injected a trace of magic power into the pill and passed it to the next person, seeing who would detonate it last, to a roar of applause.

Li Ping'an was still in his usual corner seat, holding a jade slip and reading insights on formations written by Immortals from the sect.

He had become increasingly interested in the Dao of formations and artifact refining over the past two years.

Of course, the foundation for his obsession with these 'external things' was that he had not fallen behind in comprehending the upper half of the Myriad Cloud Art. His current comprehension reserves were more than enough before the Heaven and Earth Bridge Realm.

Ordinary Qi cultivators accumulated magic power and waited for insights; Li Ping'an was the opposite.

He accumulated insights and waited for his father to impart techniques.

Elder Yan Sheng, with his hands behind his back, quietly floated past the disciples and arrived near Li Ping'an.

The disciples turned to look at Elder Yan Sheng. Some of the more formal ones stood up to greet him, while others, more casual, didn't budge from their seats and continued their own activities.

"Elder."

Li Ping'an stood up to greet him.

"Hmm," Elder Yan Sheng gave a dry smile.

A ball of white cloud appeared beside Li Ping'an, condensing into a cloud stool. Elder Yan Sheng slowly sat down, a green tobacco pipe appearing in his hand.

The elder usually used an ordinary magic artifact pipe when he was within the sect, filled with the leaves of hundred-year-old spirit roots;

Now, outside the sect, he had switched to an immortal treasure-grade pipe, filled with crushed leaves from thousand-year-old spirit roots that had been refined.

Elder Yan Sheng took a comfortable puff of his pipe, and wisps of smoke slowly drifted out, enveloping their figures.

"This time might be a bit troublesome."

Elder Yan Sheng said slowly:

"The Sea Gazing Sect will likely try to embarrass you disciples. What do you think?"

"This, this disciple cannot say for sure."

Li Ping'an put away his jade slip, took a sip of spiritual spring water to moisten his throat, and sighed.

"This disciple merely feels that a strong dragon cannot overpower a local snake. Moreover, the Sea Gazing Sect's overall strength is slightly higher than our Myriad Cloud Sect. Clashing with them is not a wise move."

"Although among the six sects going to the Eastern Sea trial, two have good relations with us and can support each other."

"But the other two are subordinates of the Sea Gazing Sect and will definitely obey their orders."

"In this disciple's humble opinion... it's fine even if we don't compete."

"The sect also considered this," Elder Yan Sheng nodded slowly. "We also carefully considered having you lead the team this time. You are good at adapting, your cultivation level has reached the Void Refining Realm, and you also have the Spirit Explosion secret technique."

Li Ping'an asked in confusion, "Wasn't this arranged by my father?"

Elder Yan Sheng said, "Uncle-Master Dazhi merely asked Mu Ningning to go out with you, intending to matchmake the two of you. He didn't say anything else."

Li Ping'an: ...

Old Li truly hasn't changed his original intentions.

"Ping'an, this humble Daoist naturally understands your nature."

Elder Yan Sheng said slowly:

"Now you don't need to worry too much about Uncle-Master Dazhi.

"Uncle-Master Dazhi's contributions to the sect are undeniable and irreplaceable. Ancestor Kongming has also entered closed-door cultivation with peace of mind, and the Sect Master has already handed over some of the sect's affairs to your father.

"The elders all know that you father is not allowed to leave the sect until he cultivates to the Heavenly Immortal realm, and this has become a rule followed by everyone in the sect."

Li Ping'an smiled and asked, "Elder, just say what you want to say directly."

Elder Yan Sheng nodded solemnly, then frowned, took a puff of his dry tobacco, and said slowly, "You don't need to worry too much about this East Sea trial assembly. You can observe the people around you more."

The corners of Li Ping'an's mouth twitched slightly.

Elder Yan Sheng continued, "If you need me to help create some private moments for you, just give me a signal."

Three black lines appeared on Li Ping'an's forehead.

Elder Yan Sheng tilted his head slightly, his old eyes filled with helplessness.

If only I hadn't drunk Uncle-Master Dazhi's wine... But I've already promised, so I have to do it.

Elder Yan Sheng cleared his throat and said in a low voice, "There are a few seaside residences in the East Sea Market Town. If the two of you want to go, just let me know in advance, and I will arrange it for you."

Li Ping'an raised his hand to cover his eyes: "Elder, this..."

"Ahem, that's all."

Elder Yan Sheng felt relieved after finishing, and slowly stood up:

"We'll arrive in half an hour. As the leader, you should give everyone some encouragement."

"This disciple understands."

Li Ping'an said weakly, then turned to look at Mu Ningning, who was chatting and laughing with some female disciples over there.

The sunlight was bright, and her smile was just as bright.

But...

The path of an immortal is long; why be so anxious?

When the time is right, the fruit will naturally fall from the branch.

Li Ping'an stabilized his Dao heart, patted the hem of his Daoist robe, and stood up. He walked forward a few steps with his hands behind his back and said loudly:

"Everyone, we should discuss the trial matters."

The disciples immediately gathered around, and several elders also came out of the ship's cabin, watching them with smiles.

Li Ping'an smiled and said, "I'll say a few words first."

The expressions of the elders changed instantly. One elder's legs felt weak, and sweat broke out on his forehead; he already wanted to turn and hide back in the cabin.

Unexpectedly, Li Ping'an only said:

"The sect asked me to be the leader, but I can't do it. In terms of cultivation level and talent, all of you senior brothers and sisters are far superior to me. The only thing I can offer is a bit of artifact refining knowledge.

"From now on, if you have any matters, you can find Brother Gu.

"When we reach the gathering place for the disciples of the six sects, please don't refer to me as the leader. A disciple in the Void Refining Realm like me stepping forward might invite ridicule and tarnish the reputation of our Myriad Cloud Sect."

A disciple laughed, "That's because they have no vision and don't know how powerful Junior Brother Li is!"

—In terms of cultivation hierarchy and seniority of entry, this "Junior Brother" title is appropriate.

"Ah," Li Ping'an waved his hand, "Disciples don't need to risk their lives in trials. Let's save some spirit stones for the sect, lest we be punished with a monthly allowance when we return."

The disciples all chuckled.

Li Ping'an cupped his fists, "Brother Gu, please come over. If we delay any longer, we'll be there."

Gu Qingcheng rubbed his nose. He wasn't shy at this moment and stepped forward to stand before Li Ping'an, smiling bitterly, "As the vice-leader, I'm destined to be the workhorse. I really shouldn't have chatted with you yesterday!"

"The capable should bear more burdens. Please."

Li Ping'an smiled and took a few steps back, standing beside Mu Ningning.

Their eyes met, and they both breathed a sigh of relief.

Li Ping'an was relieved of a heavy burden;

Mu Ningning was worried that Brother Ping'an would steal the spotlight.

Gu Qingcheng had already obtained the specific rules for this six-sect trial from the elders and began to divide the disciples into teams.

If they were to form groups of five, the thirty-eight disciples would have three left over. After discussion, the disciples decided to form six teams of five and two teams of four.

The teams of five would be the main force, while the teams of four would focus on participation.

Li Ping'an and Mu Ningning, whose cultivation levels were lower on paper, voluntarily joined one of the four-person teams to make up the numbers.

The third-lowest in cultivation and also a relatively new disciple, the body cultivator Yu Yingshu, grinned and joined them, cupping his fists to apologize to Li Ping'an.

—Two years ago, during the sect's grand competition, he had expressed a desire to befriend Li Ping'an, but he had disappeared after the competition.

Gu Qingcheng, as the vice-leader, was quite responsible. He made proper arrangements for the fellow disciples, voluntarily giving up the chance to shine and joining a four-person team to make up the numbers. He formed a peculiar combination with Li Ping'an, Mu Ningning, and Yu Yingshu: one True Unity Realm cultivator, two Void Refining Realm cultivators, and one Hezhen Realm cultivator.

As soon as the Myriad Cloud Sect's teams were divided, a melodious horn sound echoed from the sky ahead.

Elder Yan Sheng casually pushed aside the clouds in front of them, and an island surrounded by immortal light appeared before the disciples' eyes.

Before the Myriad Cloud Sect's cloud ship had landed, a colossal cloud ship, several times larger than theirs, descended swaying from the high heavens. It bore the flag of the Sea Gazing Sect, its posture one of looking down from above.

Gu Qingcheng frowned and said, "Are they already looking for trouble?"

"It could also be 'courtesy before force'," Li Ping'an nudged Gu Qingcheng with his shoulder. "Vice-leader, prepare yourself. The one leading them is a young disciple, so we should also send a young disciple to respond."

"No!"

Gu Qingcheng frowned. "You're the leader, I'm the vice-leader. Shouldn't you be the one to go?"

Li Ping'an said righteously, "I am the leader, you are the vice-leader. Shouldn't you obey orders?"

"I!"

Gu Qingcheng's handsome face trembled slightly.

He turned his head, inhaled some spiritual energy, and visualized the 'Myriad Artifact Spirit Explosion' diagram in his sea of consciousness. A 'happy' smile immediately appeared on his face.

Gu Qingcheng gritted out through his teeth:

"Brother Li, once I figure out a way to break your Spirit Burst Art secret technique, I will definitely seek your guidance!"

Several disciples' chuckles could be heard from behind.

Li Ping'an smiled leisurely, fully activated the Hidden Dust Art, and retreated behind the other disciples.