On the shores of the East Sea, mist and waves stretched as far as the eye could see. Where sky met water, an immortal island floated quietly above the vast expanse of blue, like a giant turtle bearing up the heavens. Verdant peaks rose across the island, with spirit springs and waterfalls cascading among them. Jade palaces and towers appeared and vanished amid auspicious clouds, while countless rays of immortal light swirled around them. Its grandeur far surpassed the tranquil retreat on Kunlun Mountain, exuding the majesty of a realm that ruled over myriad immortals and embraced heaven and earth. This was the island where Sovereign of the Heavens cultivated—the home of Biyou Palace: Jin'ao Island!
Holy Mother of Fire Spirit and Lin Xuan lowered their Evasion Lights and landed at a massive white-jade pier on the island's edge. Interception Sect disciples in green Daoist robes had already come to greet them. When they saw Holy Mother of Fire Spirit, they bowed in unison. "Greetings, Martial Uncle Huo Ling!"
"Rise, rise!" Holy Mother of Fire Spirit waved them off and asked urgently, "Is Senior Disciple Brother in the palace?"
"Martial Uncle Duobao is handling sect affairs in Shangqing Hall."
"Good! Go inform him at once. Tell him I've returned under Master's decree, bringing the honored guest Daoist Xuanyuanzi... No, Guest Minister Xuanyuanzi. I have important matters to report!" Holy Mother of Fire Spirit made a point of emphasizing the words "Guest Minister."
The disciple glanced curiously at Lin Xuan, whose bearing was composed and whose cultivation, though not top-tier, was accompanied by an unmistakable air of distinction. Not daring to delay, he turned and rode a cloud away.
Before long, a steady, imposing Evasion Light sped over from the island's central region and descended before them. As the light faded, a Daoist appeared. He wore a bagua robe and had an austere face, while his gentle eyes held both wisdom and sharpness. His aura was unfathomably deep. He was none other than the Interception Sect's chief senior disciple, Daoist Duobao!
"Junior Brother Huo Ling, you're back." Daoist Duobao first nodded slightly to Holy Mother of Fire Spirit, then turned his gaze to Lin Xuan. He studied him without arrogance, more with the inquisitiveness of someone encountering something new. "You must be Daoist Xuanyuanzi, mentioned in Master's decree? I am Duobao. Forgive me for not welcoming you sooner."
Lin Xuan didn't dare presume on his status. He hurried forward and bowed respectfully. "This junior is Xuanyuanzi. Greetings, Senior Duobao. Your reputation precedes you. It's an honor to meet you today."
Daoist Duobao smiled faintly and raised a hand to stop him from bowing further. "There's no need for formalities, Daoist. Master's decree made it clear that you are a man of great talent, specially appointed as a Guest Minister of our Interception Sect. Your status is exalted, so you may treat me as an equal. Please don't call me 'Senior' again."
At his words, several disciples standing guard nearby looked astonished. Treat Martial Uncle Duobao as an equal? Who was this Xuanyuanzi, that the sect leader valued him so highly?
Unable to contain her excitement, Holy Mother of Fire Spirit recounted everything that had happened at the Kunlun Mountain retreat, especially how Lin Xuan had answered the three questions of the Sage and proposed the concept of "Big Data Cultivation." She embellished the story as she went, her words brimming with admiration.
Daoist Duobao listened in silence, his eyes flashing with interest. When he heard terms like "Teaching According to Aptitude," "Cultivation Archive," and "data-based deductions," his interest deepened. As the Interception Sect's chief administrator, he knew all too well how burdensome sect affairs could be and how difficult it was to guide its disciples. He immediately recognized the immense value behind these ideas!
"Brilliant! Truly brilliant!" Daoist Duobao exclaimed, clapping his hands. His gaze toward Lin Xuan shifted entirely, from appraisal to genuine respect and admiration. "Daoist Xuanyuanzi's talent is every bit as remarkable as the rumors say! If these ingenious ideas can be implemented, they would bring nothing short of a revolution to our Interception Sect. No wonder Master values you so highly!"
He turned slightly and gestured invitingly. "This isn't the place to talk. Please come with me to Shangqing Hall, where we can discuss things in detail. Master has instructed me to handle all the arrangements for your stay on the island."
Lin Xuan replied modestly, "Sorry for the trouble, Daoist Duobao."
The two walked side by side, with Holy Mother of Fire Spirit following excitedly behind. Along the way, Lin Xuan saw that Jin'ao Island was vast and teeming with disciples. There were humans, members of the Demon Tribe, and even spirits who had attained the Dao. It truly lived up to its reputation as a place where myriad immortals gathered. Whenever the disciples saw Daoist Duobao, they bowed respectfully, while casting curious glances at Lin Xuan, who walked beside him.
At the island's center stood Shangqing Hall. Though it was not as imposing as Jade Void Palace, it was even grander and more spacious. The furnishings inside were practical, and pill furnaces, refining cauldrons, formation diagrams, and other such things could be seen everywhere, lending the hall an atmosphere of pragmatism and vitality.
Once they had taken their seats, with host and guest in their proper places, Daoist Duobao got straight to the point. "Daoist Xuanyuanzi, Master's decree appoints you as a Guest Minister of the Interception Sect. Under our rules, Guest Ministers hold a high status, second only to the sect leader and personal disciples. You may freely consult designated sections of the Biyou Palace Scripture Pavilion, use the public facilities for alchemy and artifact refining, and receive resources on the same allowance as an elder. You may also attend meetings on sect affairs and offer advice. What do you think?"
The terms were exceedingly generous. Lin Xuan would effectively be brought into the outer circle of the Interception Sect's core decision-making, with considerable freedom and resources at his disposal.
However, after a brief moment of thought, Lin Xuan said, "Daoist Duobao, I'm deeply grateful for the sect leader's and your kindness. But although the position of 'Guest Minister' is certainly prestigious, I feel it might be... a little less fitting."
"Oh?" Daoist Duobao raised an eyebrow, looking intrigued. "What do you have in mind?"
Lin Xuan gathered his thoughts before speaking slowly. "My strengths don't lie in cultivation or combat prowess, nor in the study of traditional Daoist Magic. They lie in certain... unusual ideas and methods. I presume that's what the sect leader values as well. The title of 'Guest Minister' is respectful, but I might be seen as an ordinary retainer, or find myself somewhat removed from the sect's practical affairs."
He paused, then offered an idea he had considered for some time. "I'm willing to contribute what little I can to the prosperity of the Interception Sect, and I hope to become deeply involved in its affairs, putting my undeveloped ideas into practice and testing them. So I dare to suggest that instead of giving me an honorary title, you appoint me to an actual post. Perhaps... a 'Special Invited Researcher for Interception Sect Departmental Reform'?"
"Special Invited... Researcher?" Daoist Duobao repeated the strange yet straightforward title, pondering it.
"Exactly." Lin Xuan explained, "'Research' means to investigate, analyze, and experiment. A 'researcher' is someone engaged in practical work. The position wouldn't depend on cultivation level, but on innovative thinking and the ability to solve problems. The role would be to study how to improve disciples' cultivation, make sect affairs more efficient, and develop new techniques and arts. I could form a small team of my own, have some authority to allocate resources and run pilot reforms, and report directly to the sect leader or you. That way, I could make the most of my strengths while avoiding the divisions and resistance that might come with too lofty a status. It would also make it easier to put new ideas into practice."
Daoist Duobao was no ordinary man. He immediately understood what Lin Xuan meant. Lin Xuan wanted a more practical, focused role that would let him truly put down roots in the Interception Sect and carry out a top-down "experiment"! The position was more low-key than "Guest Minister," but it had greater reach and gave him more ability to act.
"What a fine 'Special Invited Researcher'!" Daoist Duobao's eyes lit up, and he laughed as he clapped his hands. "Daoist Xuanyuanzi, you've thought this through carefully. It's an excellent proposal! It recognizes your talent and suits the sect's practical needs. We'll do as you suggest!"
He immediately took out a token that was neither gold nor jade. Its design was simple, yet it contained spiritual power. The ancient seal script character "Research" was carved on its front, and the pattern of Biyou Palace adorned its back. He handed it to Lin Xuan. "This is your Researcher's Token. With it, you may enter nearly every place on the island except forbidden areas, access resources of Grade C and below, and report directly to me. You may begin at once by selecting your team and setting up the Departmental Reform Research Group!"
[ Ding! The host has obtained a core position in the major prehistoric force "Interception Sect": "Special Invited Researcher"! Fortune bonus increased! Special permission unlocked: Interception Sect Contribution Points system (preview version). New Main Quest issued: Make an initial assessment of the feasibility of the "Big Data Cultivation" concept. Quest rewards will be issued based on the results of the assessment and its influence. ]
The system's timely notification affirmed that he had made the right move.
Lin Xuan accepted the token solemnly, his heart surging with ambition. A registered disciple? No! He would take on the top-tier sect of the prehistoric world as a "Special Invited Researcher" and spark a revolution in Scientific Cultivation!
His new status was set, the stage was ready, and Xuanyuanzi's career in the Interception Sect had officially begun!
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