Tongtian's Scheme, Laozi's Solution

"Third Brother, this disciple of yours is quite impressive."

On the high platform, Laozi appraised for a few moments before praising, "An excellent foundation, and to think he even has a bloodline connection to that First Mystic Turtle of Heaven and Earth. With proper nurturing, his potential could even surpass disciples like Kong Xuan."

Hearing this, Sect Master Tongtian grinned.

The others didn't know, but he was well aware of Gui Ling's origins.

She was the offspring of the world's first Mystic Turtle, though not truly gestated to completion. To prevent Gui Ling from following in her own footsteps, the Mystic Turtle infused her with its own merit, allowing Gui Ling to take form at the Grand Unity True Immortal Realm.

It happened that the Three Pure Ones were recruiting disciples. The Mystic Turtle, wielding its immense Magical Power, forcibly tore open a Space Tunnel to send Gui Ling into Kunlun Mountain. After contacting Sect Master Tongtian through divine sense and reaching an agreement, it departed. Gui Ling thus became the only one among the four Direct Disciples accepted without any trial.

"That Mystic Turtle?"

Yuanshi Tianzun paused, then said thoughtfully, "No wonder. So she's the child of that Mystic Turtle whose physical body rivals a Saint. That explains her strength and methods."

As he spoke, a hint of envy crept into Yuanshi Tianzun's heart.

Laozi had Li Yun.

Tongtian had Gui Ling and Kong Xuan.

As for his own disciples, while the Twelve Golden Immortals had excellent origins, they were merely excellent—nowhere near the level of Li Yun, Gui Ling, or Kong Xuan. At best, they matched Jin Ling, Da Peng, and the like.

Even compared to Duobao, Wudang, and Xuandu, they might not have the potential to surpass them.

At this moment, Yuanshi Tianzun was filled with regret. If he had known, he wouldn't have taken on so many Direct Disciples at once, nor would he have granted them the title of Twelve Golden Immortals so readily.

Now, with the Twelve Golden Immortals already established and the seats for Direct Disciples filled to twelve, taking on new Direct Disciples had become far more difficult. And in the future...

"Second Brother, you're regretting it now."

Sensing the sourness in Yuanshi Tianzun's words, Sect Master Tongtian hesitated before saying, "When we first took disciples, you said your sect's limit was twelve, while Big Brother and I could only have nine Direct Disciples each. That's why Big Brother only took one, and I only took four—to leave room for future adjustments."

"But your Twelve Golden Immortals aren't easy to manage. Honestly, I think that Nanjixianweng and Yun Zhongzi under your sect are inherently more outstanding than several of your Direct Disciples."

"Enough~"

Hearing Tongtian's words, Yuanshi Tianzun snapped in irritation, "What's the point of saying this now? I—"

"There is a point!"

Before Yuanshi Tianzun could finish, Tongtian quietly interjected, "It's troublesome, but Direct Disciples aren't set in stone. The Twelve Golden Immortals can be changed. It just depends on whether Second Brother has the resolve. It might cost some face, but it would secure a better future for the Chan Teachings."

At this, Yuanshi Tianzun's words caught in his throat.

He gave Tongtian a long look before asking, "What method?"

Losing face was one thing, but watching the Human Teachings and Jie Teachings produce outstanding disciples one after another was something Yuanshi Tianzun could no longer tolerate.

If the three brothers were on equal footing, even if the Twelve Golden Immortals had limited potential—even if they were somewhat disappointing—he would still strive to forge a few who could hold their own, for the sake of a Saint's dignity.

But now, the best among the Twelve Golden Immortals could only reach the level of Wudang, Duobao, or Xuandu. The rest couldn't even match Jin Ling and the others, let alone stand shoulder to shoulder with Li Yun, Kong Xuan, or Gui Ling.

So, under these circumstances, for the future and legacy of the Chan Teachings, even if it meant some embarrassment, even if it cost him face, he could no longer afford to care about other things.

"Simple~"

Seeing Yuanshi Tianzun's interest, Sect Master Tongtian breathed a sigh of relief and spoke earnestly, "Turn the Twelve Golden Immortals into positions. All Chan Teachings disciples can compete for the seats."

"Furthermore, Direct Disciples can only be the Twelve Golden Immortals. If someone loses their position, they automatically drop to Inner Disciple. Conversely, if someone seizes a Twelve Golden Immortals seat, they automatically become a Direct Disciple."

"It might make the Direct Disciple positions somewhat unstable, and it might cause some discontent, but compared to the hopes of the vast number of Chan Teachings disciples, the feelings of a few Direct Disciples are insignificant."

Hearing this, Yuanshi Tianzun fell into thought.

It was indeed a good method, one that could solve the problem of insufficient strength and potential among the second-generation Direct Disciples of the Chan Teachings.

But Yuanshi Tianzun didn't answer immediately. Instead, he turned to Laozi and asked, "Big Brother, what do you think?"

Faced with the question, Laozi no longer feigned ignorance. Tongtian's earlier reminder had already crossed a line somewhat, and even as the eldest brother, he wouldn't lightly interfere in his younger brother's decisions or the affairs of his sect.

But this was different.

Yuanshi Tianzun had asked of his own accord, so as the eldest brother, it was only natural for him to provide guidance.

With that thought, Laozi slowly spoke, "I think this is feasible."

"To be honest, during the disciple-taking phase, I observed the disciples under both you and Third Brother."

"At that time, the Twelve Golden Immortals were indeed outstanding, no less than Third Brother's Direct Disciples. The only exceptions were Gui Ling and Kong Xuan."

"But over the years, Second Brother, you must have noticed that in terms of strength among Direct Disciples, Third Brother's are stronger. Their fighting spirit and awareness are also superior. In one-on-one battles at the same realm, none of the Twelve Golden Immortals have a chance or confidence to win."

"I've said all this. Do you know why, Second Brother?"

"This~"

Yuanshi Tianzun opened his mouth but couldn't find an answer. Yet, a vague guess formed in his mind.

Before he could voice it, Laozi spoke first, "They lack a sense of crisis. They enjoy their current status and have turned their attention to internal rivalries."

"The title of Twelve Golden Immortals has brought them too much comfort, making them complacent. All of this stems from Second Brother saying there would only be twelve Direct Disciples, so..."

Listening to Laozi's words, Yuanshi Tianzun's gaze fell upon the Twelve Golden Immortals below.

Even in defeat, they showed little dejection. Faced with Li Yun and Gui Ling's combat prowess—far surpassing their own—they still lacked any sense of urgency or crisis.

"I was wrong!"

Taking a deep breath, Yuanshi Tianzun looked at Gui Ling and Li Yun in the midst of battle, then spoke, "Big Brother, I've made up my mind!"

"Third Brother, I will adopt your proposal."

"Consider this a debt I owe you. Whatever you need from me in the future, I won't refuse~"