Outer Sect Rules

Bai Jin turned and left, stepping on auspicious clouds as he flew towards Shangqing Peak.

Bai He the Attendant, holding the Immortal Sword, happily walked into the palace, and the gates of Yuqing Palace creaked shut.

Inside Yuqing Palace, Yuanshi slowly opened his eyes and murmured, "Red flowers, white lotus roots, green lotus leaves; the Three Pure Ones are originally one family." He then looked at the Three Treasures Jade Ruyi beside him, which represented the red flowers.

Inside Taiqing Palace, Taishang looked at the carrying pole hanging beside him with a smile in his eyes. He said, "Red flowers, white lotus roots, green lotus leaves; the Three Pure Ones are originally one family. Does this little fellow want two more masters?!"

Inside Shangqing Palace, Tongtian held the Qingping Sword, his hand stroking the scabbard. His eyes held a smile as he turned to look towards Taiqing Peak and Yuqing Peak. "Elder Brothers, what do you think of my disciple!"

During their casual conversation, Bai Jin had once again gained favor with the Three Pure Ones, doing so naturally and without a trace.

Bai Jin flew to Shangqing Peak, landing on the stone path and walking upwards.

Along the way, he saw some Shangqing Peak disciples, all laughing heartily and affectionately calling out, "Greetings, Senior Brother!"

"Greetings, Senior Brother!"

Bai Jin returned their greetings one by one. As he walked, Bai Jin also observed carefully. The disciples on the mountain were chatting and laughing, sparring, and roasting meat, transforming the usually serene Shangqing Peak into a lively and bustling place.

Bai Jin walked back to his own palace and did not come out again. Not long after, the world plunged into darkness. The nights in the Great Desolation were extremely long, lasting a full two thousand one hundred and ninety hours.

At dawn the next day, the palace doors creaked open, and Bai Jin emerged from the palace. Outside, it was still a hazy gray, dotted with stars.

"Senior Brother~" a clear voice rang out.

Bai Jin turned to look and saw a woman in a black immortal dress standing under a nearby tree, smiling at him.

Bai Jin smiled and said, "Junior Sister Shi Ji, good morning!"

Shi Ji quickly replied, "Good morning to you too, Senior Brother!"

Bai Jin said, "Please trouble Junior Sister to gather all the Outer Sect Disciples at Mirror Lake below."

Shi Ji was stunned. A sense of awe immediately filled her. Is Senior Brother going to establish his authority? She quickly bowed and replied, "Yes!"

Bai Jin floated down the mountain.

Since Master isn't revoking my title as Head Outer Sect Disciple, I have to make my own plans. "A tall tree attracts the wind" isn't just a saying. When the myriad immortals come to pay homage in the future, I'll definitely be in the spotlight, easily becoming a target for schemes from various powerful beings. It's possible I won't even survive until the Battle of the Investiture of the Gods, and my tender, fresh flower will be battered by wind and rain. No! Absolutely not! It's far too dangerous.

On the mountainside of Shangqing Peak, there was a pond filled with lotus flowers that bloomed year-round. Tongtian had named it Mirror Lake. This was the same lake where Bai Jin had been sent flying by Tongtian's wave of his hand earlier.

Bai Jin stood at the edge of the lake. Misty vapor rose from within the lake, making it appear exceptionally serene.

A moment later, figures descended from the misty mountain, landing at the edge of the pond. They bowed respectfully and called out, "Greetings, Senior Brother!"

Bai Jin turned to look at them and smiled, saying, "Good morning to all my Junior Brothers and Junior Sisters!"

All the Outer Sect Disciples of Shangqing Peak were taken aback and quickly mimicked, "Good morning, Senior Brother!"

Bai Jin said solemnly, "Master has appointed me as the Head Outer Sect Disciple, and I must shoulder the responsibilities of this position and not fail Master's expectations."

Everyone looked at Bai Jin, murmuring amongst themselves. What is Senior Brother planning to do? Establish his authority?

Bai Jin said, "Today, I will establish the first Outer Sect rule."

Everyone's hearts grew solemn. Outer Sect rules. Senior Brother Bai Jin seems difficult to get along with, quite domineering. That's understandable. If he weren't domineering, how would he dare to publicly slap the faces of the Western disciples in front of so many Martial Uncles and Martial Aunts?!

Everyone respectfully said, "We await Senior Brother's teachings."

"As the saying goes, 'A year's plan starts in spring, and a day's plan starts in the morning.' At dawn, when the great sun is rising, and purple qi comes from the east, it is the best time for cultivation.

Therefore, I decree that from today onwards, except for disciples in seclusion, every Outer Sect Disciple must come here for morning scripture chanting."

Just chanting scriptures? That's a relief! All the disciples relaxed inwardly and respectfully replied, "Yes!"

Bai Jin turned and sat cross-legged facing Mirror Lake.

The other Outer Sect Disciples also sat cross-legged behind Bai Jin.

"Where we meet, be it immortal or Taoist, we sit in quiet contemplation of the Yellow Court. Today's morning lesson is the Yellow Court Scripture."

"Above is the Yellow Court, below is the Gate of Spirit; before is the Dark Gate, behind is the Gate of Life. Breathe out and in through the furnace, entering and exiting the Dantian.

If one can cultivate to longevity, the person in the Yellow Court wears crimson robes; the gates are barred like strong sluices covering both leaves. The Dark Gate is flanked by the high Wei Wei; within the Dantian, the essence and qi are subtle. Clear water in the Jade Pool rises and becomes rich; the spiritual root is firm, and the will does not decay. In the central pool is an official clad in crimson; three rains below are where the gods reside. Inside and outside are intertwined..." The sonorous chanting of scriptures began, echoing throughout the entire Shangqing mountain range, ethereal and immortal-like.

In Shangqing Palace, Tongtian nodded with a smile.

In Yuqing Palace, Yuanshi opened his eyes and snorted, "Now that's what cultivating the Tao should look like."

In Taiqing Palace, Taishang smiled and nodded, "Good~"

Three figures appeared at a cliff edge, looking down at the group of people sitting by the pond.

Holy Mother Jinling giggled, "Senior Brother has gathered them together to chant scriptures! It looks so lively. Shall we go too?!"

Daoist Duobao said expressionlessly, "It's just a show to attract attention, of no use for enlightenment."

Holy Mother Wudang smiled and said, "Reading scriptures can calm the mind and illuminate the nature, pacifying the restless hearts of the Outer Sect Disciples, preventing them from causing trouble."

Duobao looked at Holy Mother Wudang and frowned, "Junior Sister, you are far too kind to that Bai Jin."

"We are all fellow disciples!"

"He is an Outer Sect disciple!"

"His status is equivalent to a direct disciple, that's what Master said."

Daoist Duobao took a deep breath, feeling a surge of frustration. He lowered his head and looked at the figure below. That damned path of flattery. Now even Junior Sister has been won over by him.

Duobao turned and left, his figure flashing as he disappeared.

Holy Mother Jinling said softly, "Sister, is there some conflict between Senior Brother Duobao and Senior Brother Bai Jin?"

Holy Mother Wudang smiled and said, "Not at all, they are very affectionate towards each other."

Holy Mother Jinling looked speechlessly at Holy Mother Wudang. Affectionate? Sister, you don't take me for a fool, do you? He's quite clever.

The great sun rose in the east, the chanting stopped, and the disciples faced the sun, inhaling the Purple Qi coming from the East.

A moment later, the disciples opened their eyes, feeling refreshed and invigorated.

Bai Jin stood up and said with a smile, "From now on, we will chant scriptures and practice breathing here every morning to calm our minds and cultivate the Tao."

All the disciples stood up, bowed, and respectfully said, "Yes!"

Bai Jin looked around at them and continued, "I don't know your origins, nor do I intend to pry. Since you have all entered Master's sect, you are now fellow disciples. Remember not to harm fellow disciples, and even less to defy your elders." His gaze fixed on Dingguang Immortal with Long Ears.

Everyone quickly said in unison, "We would not dare!"