Confucian Treasure and the Preaching Ranking

Wang Long's shout also reminded Zhang Wanzhi and Mo Tu.

The two also looked as if they had just woken from a dream, seemingly only now noticing Li Xiuchang's cultivation level.

Zhang Wanzhi showed undisguised shock, and even someone as steady and silent as Senior Brother Mo Tu couldn't help but gasp.

"That's too much, too exaggerated," Zhang Wanzhi couldn't help but transmit a message to Mo Tu.

Mo Tu immediately composed himself.

Li Xiuchang sighed inwardly. He had only intended to test Senior Brother Wang Long's reaction, but now all three of them knew his cultivation level.

Still, it wasn't a major secret that couldn't be revealed, and he had good relationships with all three senior brothers.

Li Xiuchang said with some shame, "It's my fault for being too impatient and taking a Breakthrough Pill."

Wang Long said anxiously, "Junior Brother, you took that Breakthrough Pill too early. You should have saved it for when you're trying to break through to Late Qi Condensation."

He then comforted him, "It's not a big deal, but Junior Brother, remember, you can't take any more Breakthrough Pills during the Qi Condensation stage, or it will damage your potential."

"Yes, yes," Li Xiuchang nodded repeatedly.

"Oh, right," Wang Long remembered something else and added, "Don't tell anyone about this. Absolutely don't mention that you've taken a Breakthrough Pill!"

"What's wrong?" Li Xiuchang asked, confused. "Is there some taboo about taking a pill? Is it not allowed by the sect?"

Wang Long shook his head. "The sect doesn't care, but Senior Brother Yan from the General Affairs Hall does. Senior Brother Yan is... not easy to deal with."

Li Xiuchang was a little confused. "Who is this Senior Brother Yan...?"

Wang Long explained, "Senior Brother Yan is an administrator in the General Affairs Hall. This position is also known as the 'Outer Sect Senior Disciple.' He's responsible for managing all the affairs of the Outer Sect and also for supervising all Outer Sect disciples in practicing their skills and cultivation.

"Senior Brother Yan is a person so strict that even his name reflects it. He's dedicated to his duties to the point of being harsh. He's established numerous rules, and several of the current sect rules were proposed and refined by him. He also has a set of regulations specifically for Outer Sect disciples, which includes a prohibition against taking Breakthrough Pills before reaching the sixth level of Qi Condensation.

"If he catches you violating the rules, he won't show any leniency. He'll punish you on the spot, without mercy."

Zhang Wanzhi agreed, "Yan Song is indeed very strict!"

Li Xiuchang said helplessly, "But I didn't know about these rules. I haven't heard of them."

Wang Long looked embarrassed. Li Xiuchang was brought into the sect by him, so he should have been the one to inform Li Xiuchang about these things.

"I also didn't expect you to progress so quickly, Junior Brother. I thought you wouldn't run into these rules for a while. Plus, I wasn't working at the Reception Area anymore, so I just... "

This was the first time Li Xiuchang had heard of a special set of Outer Sect regulations, and he disliked the feeling of being bound by rules and restrictions.

However, since Senior Brother Yan held considerable authority, he didn't want to cause trouble for himself. He decided to wait for about half a year before going to the General Affairs Hall.

By then, his cultivation level would be easier to explain, and he wouldn't have to mention taking a Breakthrough Pill.

Zhang Wanzhi suddenly asked, "Has Junior Brother Li reached the age of eighteen? Have you gone to the General Affairs Hall for your routine inspection?"

"I'll be eighteen in a few days. I was summoned by the General Affairs Hall this time, which is why I came out of seclusion early."

Upon hearing this, Wang Long quickly advised, "Then you should postpone your visit for a few months. The routine inspection is personally overseen by Senior Brother Yan."

Zhang Wanzhi also cautioned, "For the next few months, you should focus on your closed-door cultivation and avoid going out. If someone sees you, it will be difficult to explain to the General Affairs Hall if you don't go."

Li Xiuchang nodded helplessly. "But I still have to attend my teacher's lecture in half a month. It looks like I'll have to miss it. It's a shame to miss the first lecture after becoming a disciple..."

"There's no other way, Junior Brother. You'll have to weigh it yourself. If you really can't avoid it, then accept the punishment. It would be a real pity to miss Elder Zhao's lecture," Wang Long said.

Mo Tu, who had been silent all along, suddenly said, "Find a method to conceal your cultivation."

Zhang Wanzhi shook his head. "That won't work. Junior Brother Li is only in the Qi Condensation stage now. The secret techniques in the Outer Sect's Library Pavilion can at most help him conceal his cultivation by one major realm. It can only fool someone in the Foundation Establishment stage. Unless it's a secret technique from the Inner Sect's Dao Transmission Pavilion, it won't be enough."

For a moment, they all fell silent. A secret technique from the Inner Sect's Dao Transmission Pavilion was not something an Outer Sect disciple in the Qi Condensation stage could obtain.

After a moment, Wang Long seemed to have an idea and, acting as Zhang Wanzhi's mouthpiece, said, "Junior Brother might be able to try his luck at the Preaching Ranking."

"Preaching Ranking?" Li Xiuchang found it somewhat familiar. After a brief recollection, he remembered seeing it in the "Beginner's Guide."

However, the "Beginner's Guide" only briefly mentioned the Preaching Ranking, offering vague details, stating it was a place for all disciples of the Immortal Dust Sect to exchange insights and experiences.

Hearing Wang Long mention it, Zhang Wanzhi seemed reminded as well and quickly said, "Yes, you can check out the Preaching Ranking. It has everything there; some people have even sought Immortal Techniques there."

Li Xiuchang became increasingly confused by their explanations. "What exactly is this Preaching Ranking?"

Wang Long spread his hands. "Although I've used the Preaching Ranking many times, I've only heard bits and pieces about its origins."

Then, Wang Long looked at Zhang Wanzhi and Mo Tu. "You two senior brothers joined the sect decades before me, perhaps you know more?"

Zhang Wanzhi nodded slightly and, after a moment of thought, said, "I do know something about the Preaching Ranking. It appears to be a mural on a wall, but in reality, it's a Confucian Treasure, equivalent to our Daoist Sect's Immortal Artifacts.

"After the decline of the Confucian school, there was a long period of turmoil before they completely disappeared. This Preaching Ranking is said to have fallen into the hands of our Immortal Dust Sect by chance during those turbulent times.

"The Confucian school advocates for universal education. This Preaching Ranking serves as a bridge for communication between cultivators of higher and lower levels. Within the Preaching Ranking, everyone can communicate and exchange insights and experiences, regardless of their status."

Li Xiuchang listened with increasing wonder and asked about the specific functions and usage of the Preaching Ranking.

Wang Long explained, "When your Spiritual Sense enters the Preaching Ranking for the first time, you can choose a title for yourself. This title cannot be changed and will represent your identity in the Preaching Ranking from then on."

Wang Long paused here and cautioned, "Absolutely do not use your real name, nor a title that might associate you with your identity. Several seniors who didn't understand the rules of the Preaching Ranking mistakenly used their real names, and they all regret it now."

Li Xiuchang nodded. Choosing a username, I get it.

Wang Long continued, "The Preaching Ranking contains many insights and experiences from seniors, including some self-created techniques. You can browse what interests you, and you can also directly ask others on the ranking for guidance. Perhaps someone will answer your questions. For example, you could seek out a senior skilled in creating techniques for a secret method to conceal your cultivation."

Li Xiuchang asked doubtfully, "But why would these seniors help me? What's in it for them?"

Zhang Wanzhi coughed. "As I said, this is a Confucian Treasure. Those great Confucian scholars believed in universal education, and they are willing to answer questions for any seeker. It also benefits their own cultivation.

"It's the same in our Immortal Dust Sect. Currently, only our fellow disciples can access the Preaching Ranking, so the seniors of the sect are willing to help the younger generation. If they have time, or are in a good mood, they will respond to the disciples' requests.

"Furthermore, if you can make it into the top one hundred on the annual Preaching Ranking, you'll have a chance for an Anointing from the Preaching Ranking once a year. Therefore, the competition for the top one hundred spots each year is extremely fierce."

To all fellow Daoists, if you see anything you dislike or any plot holes, feel free to point them out and scold me. I really want to improve.