Hallway Q&A

After the Three Pure Ones left, the disciples immediately started discussing.

"Senior Brother Bai Jin, who is legendary, is indeed formidable! He defeated those Senior Brothers from the West so badly with just one move."

"You're proud that Master gave you a treasure, but I already gave Master a gift. Those people like Mahasthamaprapta looked so upset! Haha~"

"Did you guys notice? Even though they are Outer Sect Disciples, Master and my two Martial Uncles clearly treat Senior Brother Bai Jin very differently."

"Being an Outer Sect Disciple but acting like Senior Brother Bai Jin, he's no different from a personal disciple, right?"

"He was never any different. Senior Brother is the Head Outer Sect Disciple, his status is equivalent to a personal disciple."

Daoist Duobao frowned displeasedly and said, "What kind of behavior is this, making such a racket? Everyone go back!"

The noisy Outer Sect Disciples instantly quieted down and left one by one.

Holy Mother Jinling said with a smile, "Sister, I'm not too familiar with Kunlun Mountains yet. Will you take me for a walk?"

"Okay!" Holy Mother Wudang replied with a smile, and linked arms with Holy Mother Jinling as they left.

Duobao turned his head to look in the direction of Shangqing Hall, hesitated for a moment, and then floated away.

Inside Shangqing Hall, Tongtian sat high on the main seat, while Bai Jin lay on the steps below without any regard for his image.

Tongtian snorted and said, "Were you feeling quite pleased just now?"

Bai Jin said with a playful grin, "It's all thanks to Master's good teaching!"

"How come I don't remember teaching you anything called 'Zen'?!"

"All three thousand Great Daos lead to the same destination; they are essentially the same," Bai Jin said, looking up at Tongtian with a smile. "Master, I brought you so much honor today, are there any rewards?"

"Didn't you say that disciples who ask Master for gifts are cowardly disciples?" Tongtian looked down at Bai Jin.

Bai Jin quickly said, "Master, I was just speaking casually, please don't take it seriously!"

Tongtian couldn't help but reveal a slight smile, then his expression turned serious again. "Do you know why Mahasthamaprapta and Ksitigarbha performed the half-master ceremony for you at the end?"

Bai Jin asked doubtfully, "Wasn't it because I guided them?"

"During the discussion of the Dao, everyone gained something; it can't be considered guidance. That half-master ceremony was secretly instigated by Zhunti."

"Why?" Bai Jin's eyes widened instantly, his heart pounding. Zhunti! With just one sentence, "You have an affinity with the West," he terrified all the gods and immortals.

"Your previous performance aligned too perfectly with their Great Dao, so Zhunti had Mahasthamaprapta and Ksitigarbha perform the half-master ceremony for you, establishing a master-disciple karma with you from then on, intending to pull you towards the West."

"What?" Bai Jin's eyes snapped open, and he exclaimed.

Tongtian looked at Bai Jin suspiciously. Why such a strong reaction?

Bai Jin's eyes darted around, and he quickly put on a remorseful face. "It's all my fault, all my fault for performing too outstandingly, which affected Master and Martial Uncle's relationship. Master, I am guilty, it's all my fault, please punish me! Strip me of my title as Head Outer Sect Disciple."

Tongtian glanced at Bai Jin and said disdainfully, "Stop pretending. Don't even think about slacking off. The title of Head Outer Sect Disciple is yours."

Bai Jin looked as if he had lost all will to live.

Tongtian said irritably, "You can leave now! Go visit your two Martial Uncles. There will be benefits for you."

Bai Jin nodded weakly and replied, "Yes!" He flipped over and walked out.

When he reached the entrance of the great hall, Bai Jin turned to look at Tongtian and said, "Master, your disciples are so outstanding. Others envy them and resort to schemes they can't achieve. Aren't you proud?"

"Scram~"

"Alright!" Bai Jin turned around instantly and scampered out of the hall.

In Shangqing Great Hall, Sect Master Tongtian laughed twice, then stopped and said, "Come in!"

Daoist Duobao walked in from outside, came to a cushion, knelt down, and bowed three times respectfully, saying, "Greetings, Master!"

Tongtian nodded and said, "Rise!"

"Yes~" Daoist Duobao stood up and stood to the side.

Tongtian said expressionlessly, "I am very displeased with you today."

Daoist Duobao said respectfully, "This disciple has disappointed Master."

"Why did you do nothing today?"

Daoist Duobao said respectfully, "Firstly, guests are here. I feared causing a situation where the host overwhelms the guests, affecting the relationship between Master and Martial Uncle, and also provoking the displeasure of the Second Martial Uncle. Secondly, I have never heard of the Dao disciples from the West, and it's difficult for me to comprehend them immediately. Thirdly, I wanted to understand the Dao of the West more and verify my own understanding."

"So you just let those disciples from the West suppress your fellow disciples?"

Duobao said respectfully, "My heart only holds the Great Dao, nothing else. Fleeting glory is nothing; there is still a long time ahead. We can decide the victor on the path of the Great Dao later."

Tongtian said, "Duobao, I am very pleased that you have this heart for seeking the Dao, but your Dao is not something that needs contemplation; it needs practice."

Duobao murmured thoughtfully, "Practice!"

"Go! Study the ancients and observe the present, and you will understand."

Daoist Duobao snapped back to reality, bowed respectfully from where he stood, and said, "Thank you, Master, for your guidance. Your disciple has something more to say."

"Speak!"

"Why did you appoint Bai Jin as the Head Outer Sect Disciple? You know his aptitude is mediocre; how can he command respect from others in the future?"

Tongtian chuckled, "If his aptitude is insufficient, I can provide him with resources. As long as I am willing, I can cultivate even a pig into a Grand Unity Golden Immortal."

Daoist Duobao's mouth twitched. Master, your eldest disciple hasn't even reached the Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm yet.

Tongtian continued, "The Outer Sect Disciples are a mixed bunch and prone to causing trouble. They need someone well-connected and adaptable to manage them, and Bai Jin is very suitable for that role."

Daoist Duobao respectfully said, "Master, your disciple understands."

"Then go!"

"Yes!" Daoist Duobao turned and walked out.

Meanwhile, on Yuqing Peak, Bai Jin tidied his robes and entered Yuqing Palace. He knelt before a meditation cushion, holding the Pangu Banner with both hands, and respectfully said, "Disciple Bai Jin pays his respects to Martial Uncle! Thank you, Martial Uncle, for bestowing this treasure."

Yuanshi, seated at the head, opened his eyes. With a wave of his hand, the Pangu Banner flew out and hung on the adjacent wall. He smiled and said, "Although you were a bit rash just now, your performance was excellent."

Bai Jin said earnestly, "It is all thanks to the good teachings of Master and Martial Uncle."

Yuanshi laughed heartily, "I didn't teach you to hit people. I must say, those two slaps were delivered beautifully."

Bai Jin looked up at Yuanshi with some surprise. If these words came from his Master, he wouldn't find it strange at all. But for Martial Uncle to say them? Wasn't Second Martial Uncle the most respectful of hierarchy and etiquette?

Yuanshi then composed himself, his expression displeasing. "However, the other disciples your Master has taken are rather incompetent. They were all suppressed by the West, bringing shame upon the Three Pure Ones."

Bai Jin quickly interjected, "Martial Uncle, please don't be angry. They only started learning recently, and the West was well-prepared. It's truly not entirely their fault."

"Started learning recently? Duobao became your Master's disciple even before you did. Well-prepared? Didn't you defeat them with their own Dao?"

Bai Jin looked up and smiled, "Martial Uncle, I believe there aren't many people as outstanding as me in the Great Desolation."

Yuanshi was taken aback, then laughed heartily, "I'm only just realizing how thick-skinned you are."

Bai Jin chuckled sheepishly and remained silent.

Yuanshi composed himself again and said, "Come here in three days to listen to my teachings."

Bai Jin quickly bowed in gratitude, "Thank you, Martial Uncle!"

Yuanshi nodded with a smile and said, "Go!"

Bai Jin rose and walked out.

After leaving Taiqing Hall, he immediately rushed to Shangqing Hall without delay. Being an excellent disciple is truly too exhausting.