Registered Disciple? No, Special Invited Researcher!

On the shores of the East Sea, mist billowed across the vast expanse. Where the water met the sky, an immortal island, like a colossal turtle bearing the heavens, floated silently upon the immense jade waves. The island was a panorama of verdant peaks, spiritual springs, and cascading waterfalls. Jade pavilions and halls were veiled amidst auspicious clouds and radiant mists, enveloped by myriad immortal lights, presenting a spectacle far surpassing the tranquil seclusion of Kunlun Mountain's annex. It possessed a grandeur that commanded all immortals and encompassed the world. This was none other than Sovereign of the Heavens's dojo—Jin'ao Island, the seat of Biyou Palace!

Holy Mother of Fire Spirit and Lin Xuan descended from their escape light, landing on a massive white jade dock at the island's edge. Disciples of Jie Sect, clad in azure robes, were already there to greet them. Upon seeing Holy Mother of Fire Spirit, they bowed in unison, "Greetings, Martial Aunt Huo Ling!"

"No need for formalities!" Holy Mother of Fire Spirit waved his hand and asked urgently, "Is Senior Disciple Brother in the palace?"

"Duobao Martial Uncle is currently in Shangqing Hall attending to sect affairs."

"Good! Quickly go inform him that I am here by Master's decree, bringing distinguished guest Xuanyuanzi Daoist... no, Guest Minister Xuanyuanzi, returning with important matters to report!" Holy Mother of Fire Spirit specifically emphasized the word "Guest Minister."

The disciple, hearing this, glanced curiously at Lin Xuan, who possessed a calm demeanor and an extraordinary aura despite his cultivation not being top-tier. Without daring to delay, he quickly turned and flew away on a cloud.

Not long after, a steady and profound escape light streaked from the island's core region, landing before the two. As the light dissipated, a Daoist emerged, wearing an eight trigram robe. His face was ancient, his eyes gentle yet filled with wisdom and competence, and his aura was unfathomably deep. This was none other than Jie Sect's chief disciple, Duobao Daoist!

"Martial Brother Huo Ling, you have returned." Duobao Daoist first nodded slightly to Holy Mother of Fire Spirit, then his gaze fell upon Lin Xuan. His look was scrutinizing, yet not arrogant. Instead, it held a sense of curiosity, as if encountering something novel. "Is this the Daoist Xuanyuanzi mentioned in Master's decree? I am Duobao. Please forgive my lack of foresight in welcoming you."

Lin Xuan dared not presume familiarity. He stepped forward quickly and bowed respectfully, "This junior, Xuanyuanzi, greets Senior Duobao. Your esteemed name is like thunder in my ears. To meet you today is a blessing of three lifetimes."

Duobao Daoist smiled faintly and raised his hand to support him, "Daoist, there is no need for such formality. Master's decree clearly stated that you are a person of great talent, specially invited as a Guest Minister of our Jie Sect. Your status is honored, and you may converse with me as an equal. Please do not refer to me as 'Senior' again."

As these words were spoken, the surrounding disciples on duty showed looks of astonishment. To converse as an equal with Duobao Martial Uncle? Who was this Xuanyuanzi to be so highly regarded by the Sect Master?

Holy Mother of Fire Spirit, standing beside them, impatiently recounted the events at Kunlun Mountain's annex, particularly how Lin Xuan answered the Sage's three questions and proposed the concept of "Big Data Cultivation," embellishing the tale with great admiration.

Duobao Daoist listened quietly, his eyes gleaming. Especially upon hearing concepts like "Teaching According to Aptitude," "Cultivation Archive," and "Data Deduction," he, as the Jie Sect's chief steward, deeply understood the complexity of sect affairs and the difficulty of education. He immediately recognized the immense value held within these ideas!

"Wonderful! Truly wonderful!" Duobao Daoist clapped his hands in praise, his gaze towards Lin Xuan completely transformed from scrutiny to genuine respect and admiration. "Daoist Xuanyuanzi's talent is indeed as renowned as they say! If such brilliant ideas can be implemented, it would be nothing short of a revolution for our Jie Sect! No wonder Master values you so highly!"

He gestured to the side, inviting Lin Xuan, "This is not a place for discussion. Please accompany me to Shangqing Hall to talk in detail. Master's decree has tasked me with fully arranging all matters for you on the island."

Lin Xuan replied humbly, "Thank you, Daoist Duobao."

They walked side by side, with Holy Mother of Fire Spirit excitedly following behind. As they passed, Lin Xuan observed the grand scale of Jin'ao Island and its numerous disciples, comprising members of the Human Race, Demon Tribe, and even enlightened spiritual beings. It truly lived up to its reputation of "Myriad Immortals Paying Homage." Disciples bowed respectfully upon seeing Duobao Daoist, while simultaneously casting curious glances at Lin Xuan, who walked beside him.

Arriving at Shangqing Hall in the island's center, while not as imposing as Jade Void Palace, it was grander and more expansive. The hall's furnishings were practical, with alchemy furnaces, artifact refining cauldrons, and formation diagrams visible everywhere, exuding an atmosphere of pragmatism and vitality.

After seating themselves as host and guest, Duobao Daoist cut straight to the chase, "Daoist Xuanyuanzi, Master's decree states that you are appointed as a Guest Minister of Jie Sect. According to our sect rules, Guest Ministers hold honored positions, second only to the Sect Master and direct disciples. You may freely access certain areas of Biyou Palace's Scripture Pavilion, utilize public alchemy and artifact refining facilities, enjoy the resources allocated to elders, and have the right to participate in sect affairs meetings and offer suggestions. What are your thoughts on this?"

This treatment was exceptionally generous! It was equivalent to directly including Lin Xuan in the outer circle of Jie Sect's core decision-making, granting him considerable freedom and resource allocation.

However, Lin Xuan paused for a moment before speaking, "Daoist Duobao, I am deeply grateful for the kindness of the Sect Master and yourself. However, regarding this 'Guest Minister' position, while it is indeed noble, I believe it might be more... fitting."

"Oh?" Duobao Daoist raised an eyebrow, showing interest. "What are your esteemed views, Daoist?"

Lin Xuan organized his thoughts and slowly stated, "My abilities, Daoist Xuanyuanzi, do not lie in cultivation or combat power, nor in the traditional study of Daoist methods, but rather in some... well, rather unique ideas and approaches. I believe this is what the Sect Master values. If I were to hold the position of 'Guest Minister,' while it shows respect, it might lead to me being seen as an ordinary retainer, or create a disconnect with the sect's practical affairs."

He paused, then presented his long-considered idea, "I wish to contribute my humble efforts to the prosperity of Jie Sect, and more importantly, to delve deeply into sect affairs, putting my immature ideas into practice and verifying them. Therefore, I boldly suggest, rather than bestowing an honorary title, could I be granted a substantive position? For example... establishing a 'Special Invited Researcher of Jie Sect Departmental Reform'?"

"'Special Invited... Researcher'?" Duobao Daoist repeated the peculiar yet direct title, lost in thought.

"Precisely," Lin Xuan explained. "'Research' implies in-depth exploration and experimental analysis. 'Member' signifies someone engaged in practical affairs. This position does not emphasize cultivation level but rather innovative thinking and problem-solving abilities. The responsibility would be to specifically research how to optimize disciple cultivation, enhance the efficiency of sect affairs, and innovate cultivation techniques and skills. I could independently form a small team, possess certain resource allocation authority and pilot reform rights, and report directly to the Sect Master or yourself. In this way, it would leverage my strengths, avoid potential disconnects and resistance due to an overly high status, and facilitate the implementation of new ideas."

Duobao Daoist, being a person of considerable insight, instantly understood Lin Xuan's intention. This was a desire to deeply embed himself within Jie Sect, using a more practical and focused identity to initiate a top-down "experiment"! This identity was more low-key than "Guest Minister," yet possessed greater penetration and operational power!

"Well said, 'Special Invited Researcher'!" Duobao Daoist's eyes flashed with brilliance, and he clapped his hands, laughing heartily. "Daoist Xuanyuanzi's considerations are thorough, and this proposal is excellent! It showcases your talent and meets the practical needs! It shall be as you say!"

He immediately took out a token, neither gold nor jade, simple in design yet imbued with spiritual energy. The front was engraved with the ancient seal character for "Research," and the back bore the pattern of Biyou Palace. He handed it to Lin Xuan, "This is the 'Researcher' token. With this token, you may pass through most areas on the island, except for forbidden zones. You may also utilize Class C and below resources and report directly to me. You may begin immediately by selecting personnel and establishing a 'Departmental Reform Research Group'!"

[Ding! Detected Host obtaining a core position "Special Invited Researcher" within the important primordial force "Jie Sect"! Fortune bonus increased! Unlocked special privilege: Jie Sect Contribution Points System (Preview Version). New Main Quest issued: Preliminary verification of the feasibility of the "Big Data Cultivation" concept. Quest Reward: Distributed based on verification results and influence.]

The System's notification chimed in at the opportune moment, affirming the correctness of this step.

Lin Xuan solemnly accepted the token, a surge of ambition rising within him. A registered disciple? No! He would use the identity of "Special Invited Researcher" to ignite a revolution of scientific cultivation within this top primordial sect!

His identity was set, the stage was built. Lin Xuan's Jie Sect career officially began!