Jie Sect Inner Sect Disciples Decided, Jointly Inviting Inner Sect Disciples to Deliberate

Above the beautiful mountains and rivers.

Outside the dojo on Serene Peak, a vast number of Disciples of the Jie Sect gazed into the distance at the black-robed figure in the sky, their minds shaken to the core.

They had once believed that aside from Senior Disciple Duobao, no one within the sect could serve as the First Disciple of Intercepting Sect. But after today, they saw that even Senior Disciple Duobao paled in comparison to this man!

Still, it made sense.

They had heard that this man had followed the master for millions of years, even before the master attained sainthood.

How could he lack the skills to back himself up?

Just as the many disciples were lost in a daze, a majestic and sacred voice echoed between heaven and earth: "Qingyuan, Duobao, Jinling, Wudang, enter the Shangqing Palace. The rest of you, disperse quickly."

"Master?"

All the Disciples of the Jie Sect were startled and hurriedly knelt in reverence.

Qingyuan, Duobao, and the others also performed the grand ritual. Only after that vast, holy might faded did they rise and head over together.

"Senior Disciple Qing, what do you think Master has summoned us for?" Wudang Holy Mother asked with a curious expression.

"I do not know either."

Though Qingyuan had some guesses in his heart, he did not voice the answer.

Duobao seemed to think of something, his expression dimming slightly.

Soon after, the group arrived outside the Shangqing Palace. After paying their respects outside the hall and receiving permission, they entered together.

The hall's decor was simple and unadorned.

On a cattail mat sat a handsome young man. Golden light shimmered atop his head in five colors, and his green robe was suffused with purple qi.

Even without deliberate display, every movement of his hands and feet carried a vast, overwhelming heavenly might. His unspoken authority inspired awe.

"Greetings, Master!"

The four knelt respectfully.

"Mm, rise."

Sect Master Tongtian nodded, his expression calm as he fixed his gaze on Qingyuan for a long moment before speaking: "Disciple, congratulations. You have found your own Dao."

"My own Dao?"

Qingyuan felt a flicker of curiosity.

He wondered if the Dao the master spoke of was the Sword Dao, Array Dao, Pill Dao, or something similar he had comprehended.

Though puzzled, he still bowed respectfully and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Master."

"Cultivation must be upheld by the Dao. Only by possessing one's own Dao can one walk far in the Primordial World. Originally, you and I had no master-disciple fate. Duobao, Jinling, and Wudang have all comprehended their own Daos, while you have always been lost and confused. Yet, you have accompanied me for many years. I was hesitant regarding the matter of Inner Sect Disciples. Fortunately, you have now comprehended your own Dao, seizing a thread of opportunity for yourself. How could I not formally accept you as my disciple?"

Sect Master Tongtian revealed a faint smile and said calmly, "Qingyuan."

"Your disciple is here!"

"From this day forward, you are officially my Inner Sect Senior Disciple and the First Disciple of Intercepting Sect. I bestow upon you the High-grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, the Yin Yang Two Forms Lamp. I see that you have refined the essence of Drowning Water into your Spirit Transformation divine ability, but solitude of yin does not give birth. I grant you this treasure, hoping you can comprehend yin and yang to complete the Five Elements. Do not forget the importance of the Five Elements."

"Your disciple thanks you, Master!"

Qingyuan was deeply grateful as he knelt and received the treasure.

How could he not know that Sect Master Tongtian had seen his considerable achievements in the Sword Dao, Array Dao, and Pill Dao?

But because he had failed to fully comprehend the Five Elements Law, he had not yet entered the Golden Immortal realm.

Fearing he would put the cart before the horse, the master had specially bestowed this treasure.

"Your changes are quite significant. Though I am a sage, it is difficult for me to peer into all living beings of the Primordial World. Take good hold of yourself and do not stray onto the wrong path."

Sect Master Tongtian's gaze swept calmly over Qingyuan.

"Thank you, Master!" Qingyuan knelt in gratitude.

How could he not know that the master was referring to the matter of his changed origin?

Fortunately, Great God Pangu had transformed his body into the myriad things, and the Primordial World was in a thriving, prosperous era with too many unstable factors.

And Sect Master Tongtian was the most open-minded and benevolent of the sages.

He would not dwell on such matters.

"Duobao, you have a connection with me. You may enter the Inner Sect." Sect Master Tongtian said calmly. "You are a Primordial Exotic Species and lack no treasures. I will grant you a rare creature. This thing is called the Treasure Seeking Golden Cicada. It gathers fortune and seeks treasures and opportunities. I specially bestow it upon you."

Then.

A shimmering, tiny Golden Cicada flew toward Duobao.

Duobao was overjoyed. After receiving it, he knelt and said, "Your disciple thanks you for your great kindness, Master!"

Qingyuan, watching from the side, had a flicker in his eyes.

Treasure Seeking Golden Cicada?

Could this be Jin Chanzi?

"Jinling, you may be my Inner Sect Disciple. I bestow upon you the High-grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, the Dragon Tiger Jade Ruyi. I hope you will uphold your own Dao and never forget yourself."

Sect Master Tongtian waved his hand and departed.

The imposing Jade Ruyi flew toward Golden Spirit Holy Mother.

The more Golden Spirit Holy Mother looked at it, the more she adored it, and she quickly bowed in thanks.

"Wudang, you have a destiny with This Seat and may become Our Inner Sect Disciple. Now We bestow upon you the High-grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, the Mountain Driving Whip."

Sect Master Tongtian waved his hand.

Suddenly, an Earth Element-colored Divine Whip flew forth: "Cultivate diligently."

"Disciple Wudang thanks Master for the treasure!!" Wudang Holy Mother was also overjoyed, kneeling and bowing in gratitude.

"Mm, you may withdraw for now. Return and rest well."

Sect Master Tongtian issued his dismissal. The disciples bowed respectfully and quickly departed, the four of them leaving the mountain together. Once they had left Shangqing Peak, Golden Spirit Holy Mother suddenly smiled and congratulated: "Greetings, Senior Disciple Brother!"

"Greetings, Senior Disciple Brother!" Wudang Holy Mother also rumbled a reply, then laughed: "Brother, earlier I saw your staff technique that knocked so many lumps on Senior Disciple Brother Duobao's head—it was terrifying. One day, could you spare some time to guide this junior sister?"

"Of course. If Junior Sister wishes to learn, I will naturally teach everything I know."

Qingyuan nodded gently, then looked at Golden Spirit and Duobao: "That includes the two of you. Though I cannot match Master's great power and ambition to spread the Dao across the Primordial Wilderness, if I can guide junior brothers and sisters in cultivation, that is enough for me."

"S-Senior Disciple Brother, you truly mean to teach me divine abilities and spells?"

Daoist Duobao still found it hard to believe what Qingyuan had said earlier, thinking he was just putting on a front because there were many people around.

"If Junior Brother wishes to learn, what harm is there in me teaching you?"

Qingyuan smiled.

Teaching you is no problem at all. The more you learn, the slower your progress, while I can go all out.

"Truly?" Duobao hesitated.

"I swear by the Heavenly Dao: regardless of background or origin, whether within the sect or outside, any living being who sincerely seeks the Dao and asks me, Qingyuan, for divine abilities and spells, I shall teach them all. If I fail to do so, may heavenly thunder strike me dead!"

Qingyuan solemnly swore to heaven and earth.

With a rumble of muffled thunder, the oath was confirmed as genuine.

"You..."

Daoist Duobao's expression shifted. A glint of admiration flashed in his eyes, but he still said sternly: "Even so, I will still challenge you in the future!"

"If Junior Brother wishes to challenge me, I am always happy to oblige!"

Qingyuan smiled, then said: "Junior Brother, Junior Sisters, may I have a word in private?"

"Alright!"

None of them refused. They followed Qingyuan as he flew to his dojo, Serene Peak. He summoned his disciples Yun Zhongzi and Wuzhiqi, then landed in a spacious, level courtyard.

In the courtyard, a lush willow tree flourished, its canopy shading the sky and blocking the sun.

Even the group couldn't help but exclaim in admiration at the fine willow.

"Greetings, Master! Good fortune to you, Master!"

The Willow Immortal waved its branches in excitement, then bowed to Duobao and the others.

Qingyuan invited them to sit on stone stools beneath the willow, then brought out some Spiritual Fruits and Immortal Dew to entertain his guests.

"Senior Disciple Brother, may I ask what important matter you have summoned us here for?"

Wudang Holy Mother casually picked up a peach and took a bite, while Duobao and Golden Spirit Holy Mother were more reserved.

"I invited you here, Junior Brother and Junior Sisters, because there is a major matter I wish to ask the three of you to accomplish together."

Qingyuan's expression was solemn, making Duobao and the others grow serious as they asked in turn.

"Senior Disciple Brother, what exactly is it that makes you so grave?"

"If you have orders, just speak them. If we can do it, we will..."