The Primordials Are Established, Juesheng Sect

With the accompaniment of famous scholars' zither music daily, the disciples of the Qingxiao Sect felt better while practicing martial arts and working, which changed Li Qingqiu's impression of Zhu Yan and the other girl.

One had to admit, famous scholars were indeed famous scholars. Li Qingqiu, having lived two lives and grown accustomed to pop music, found this ancient zither music to be quite pleasant. He wanted to listen to more after it ended.

The zither music echoed through the mountains and fields, like a gentle breeze entering the heart, bringing peace and calming restlessness.

It was worth mentioning that Li Qingqiu noticed Bai Ninger and Su Xiling were getting along well, and Su Xiling seemed inclined to guide Bai Ninger.

Is this what a lucky person is like?

Amazing!

The addition of one more famous scholar did not affect the development of the Qingxiao Sect.

Once the mountain path was mostly formed, people began to ascend the mountain seeking medical treatment. Li Dongyue, being kind-hearted, would directly charge the wealthy. For the poor, she would let them pay what they could afford or have them do some work within the Qingxiao Sect to offset the cost of treatment.

Such actions quickly built a good reputation in the village below within just a few months.

It was autumn.

Xu Ning achieved the fifth layer of the Yangyuan Realm. She immediately informed Li Qingqiu, who was resting in his room, of the news, making him very happy.

As the master and disciple were chatting, Zhang Yuchun arrived, and Xu Ning bowed and excused herself.

"Eldest Senior Brother, the matter of incense offerings should begin. I have already invited craftsmen."

Zhang Yuchun said with a smile, his expression fervent.

They had discussed this matter before. Zhang Yuchun had learned from Liu Fanzhou, suggesting that since the Qingxiao Sect had the style of a Daoist sect, why not erect statues to attract worshippers and earn incense money? This idea greatly appealed to Zhang Yuchun.

Li Qingqiu said softly, "This can be done, but it should not be widely publicized. Let it be for those who are destined to come and have their wishes fulfilled."

"I will be mindful of that. However, the erection of the statues requires your approval. We must imagine them ourselves to avoid offending other Daoist temples or monasteries. You will name them, and I will have Zhang Yu write the stories. Let's think of a few first," Zhang Yuchun nodded.

Li Qingqiu stood up and walked to the desk. He picked up a brush and wrote five names on a blank sheet of paper.

"Tai Yi, Tai Chu, Tai Shi, Tai Su, Tai Ji..."

Zhang Yuchun looked at the five names on the paper and read them softly.

Li Qingqiu said, "These five are all Dao Venerables. Their appearances do not need to be carved too clearly."

These were the Five Primordials, the five stages recorded in the ancient Chinese text Liezi from his previous life, from nothingness to the formation of the universe. His Dao Lineage had only just been established and had not yet truly attained Dao. He would use these to commemorate this time, so that every time he saw the Five Primordials in the future, he could recall the present circumstances.

Zhang Yuchun recited the names of the Five Primordials. After reciting them a few times, he became increasingly satisfied. He immediately put the paper away and quickly departed.

Li Qingqiu did not linger in the room either. Xu Ning's breakthrough to the fifth layer of the Yangyuan Realm made him very happy, and he decided to inspect the other disciples.

It was still early before evening, and there were not many disciples in the courtyard. He walked out of the mountain gate along the small path and then continued down.

Walking on the steps, looking down, Li Qingqiu could see courtyards appearing and disappearing among the trees. Disciples were leading horses and transporting goods on the mountain road, while others were chasing chickens and ducks. Everywhere was full of life, bringing a smile to his face.

After passing three courtyards, Li Qingqiu stopped and looked at a woman meditating under a tree not far away.

This woman was Liu Fanzhou's daughter, Liu Yan.

Since her loyalty had risen to 90 points, Li Qingqiu had taught her the first level of the Taiqing Primordial Scripture. She had been cultivating for ten days but had still not reached the first layer of the Yangyuan Realm.

Li Qingqiu hesitated for a moment and walked towards Liu Yan.

Although Liu Fanzhou was obese and not handsome, Liu Yan was beautiful. Coupled with her chronic illness and frail body, she always reminded Li Qingqiu of Lin Daiyu from Dream of the Red Chamber.

He walked up to Liu Yan and took out a blue crystal stone, about the size of his thumb, from his embrace.

"Take this."

Li Qingqiu said, startling Liu Yan. She opened her eyes and, seeing it was him, breathed a sigh of relief.

She gave Li Qingqiu a resentful look, quickly got up, bowed to him, and asked, "Sect Master, what is this?"

Li Qingqiu said mysteriously, "This is a rare treasure in the world that can help you cultivate. Don't underestimate it just because it's small. It is the essence of heaven and earth spiritual energy condensed over thousands and tens of thousands of years. When you cultivate, just hold it in your palm. Remember, don't tell anyone else, so they don't say I'm unfair. I don't have many such treasures to give to others."

Hearing this, Liu Yan took the spirit stone, and Li Qingqiu turned to leave.

She looked up at Li Qingqiu and asked, "Sect Master, why are you so good to me?"

Li Qingqiu waved his hand and said without looking back, "Because you have a good father."

The moon set and the sun rose. After the disciples finished their morning exercises and were about to disperse, a disciple suddenly mentioned that the sect was preparing to erect statues, which piqued the curiosity of the other disciples.

The news spread quickly, and more and more disciples gathered in the first new courtyard below the mountain gate, watching the craftsmen carve the stone statues.

"The Five Primordials reside in the heart, eight directions of incense offerings gather, Qingxiao rises like the sun, heaven and earth float above."

Zhang Yu sat on a millstone, holding a bamboo fan, and said leisurely. He was in a good mood because he had also participated in the design of the statues and felt a sense of accomplishment.

He scanned the crowd and suddenly saw two people. He quickly stood up straight, daring not to be so casual.

Zhu Yan and Su Xiling walked into the courtyard. Zhu Yan was still wearing a veil, gentle and mysterious, which captivated Zhang Yu.

Su Xiling pulled Bai Ninger, who was standing on tiptoe to look inside, and asked curiously, "What gods or immortals does your Qingxiao Sect worship?"

Bai Ninger turned and saw it was her, and said with a proud smile, "Primordial Dao Venerables, have you heard of them?"

Su Xiling shook her head and said, "I haven't heard of them. Did your Sect Master make them up?"

"How is that possible? Our Sect Master is amazing. He can dream of immortals."

"The kind of talk that tricks children is only believed by children like you."

"Heh."

Bai Ninger smiled, too lazy to argue with her.

Zhu Yan's gaze swept through the crowd and landed on Li Qingqiu, who was standing by the stone statue, instructing the artisans on how to carve the image of the Five Primordials.

"This is bad! Something terrible has happened!"

A disciple ran quickly into the courtyard, sweat pouring down his face. He couldn't help but bend over, hands on his knees, gasping for air after entering.

The disciples turned one after another, clearing a path so Li Qingqiu could see the approaching disciple.

Zhang Yuchun and Yang Jueding were also present. Seeing the disciple's haste, they were both confused, as this disciple was never this rash.

"What is it? Speak slowly," Zhang Yuchun asked with a frown.

After catching his breath, the disciple looked up and said, "A sect has arrived at the Tai Kun Mountain Range. They plan to establish their sect a hundred miles from here. They sent me with a message: from now on, Qingxiao Sect is forbidden to cross the Xi River."

The Xi River was a long river that flowed through the Tai Kun Mountain Range. The foot of the mountain where Qingxiao Sect was located was by the Xi River. Qingxiao Sect was not in the center of the Tai Kun Mountain Range, so this division effectively reduced their territory to a corner of the mountain range.

"Insolence! What sect are they? How dare they be so arrogant?" Yang Jueding roared.

The messenger disciple quickly replied, "They call themselves Juesheng Sect."

Zhang Yuchun asked, confused, "Don't they know we are Qingxiao Sect? Don't they know Jiang Zhaoxia is one of our people?"

"They know, but they didn't mention Elder Jiang," the messenger disciple replied cautiously.

Yang Jueding snorted, "No need to ask. They're probably here for that kid Jiang, wanting to use his fame to rise."

He turned to Li Qingqiu and said, "We cannot back down. The Tai Kun Mountain Range has been under Qingxiao Sect's control since the time of Qingxiao True Person. It cannot be divided by anyone."

Li Qingqiu nodded and said, "Elder Yang, take my two disciples and twenty other disciples to scout the situation. Don't rush into a fight. Ask first, and if they refuse to talk, then drive them away."

Hearing this, Qin Ye immediately gripped the iron rod in his hand, and the other disciples were eager to follow and watch the excitement.

Xu Ning, who had been watching the commotion, immediately leaped over the courtyard wall upon hearing this. She was going to get her weapons.

Her movement caused Su Xiling to raise an eyebrow slightly. She had heard that this girl was no simple person, and seeing her movement technique today confirmed it.

"What if we can't drive them away?" Yang Jueding asked Li Qingqiu, pressing further.

Li Qingqiu glared at him and said irritably, "Haven't you killed anyone before?"

Yang Jueding was momentarily speechless, then turned and began selecting disciples.

Hearing that they might have to kill, the disciples became nervous, yet martial artists inevitably felt a sense of anticipation in such situations.

Li Qingqiu's expression softened, and he smiled gently at the artisans, "Let's continue."

Su Xiling turned to Zhu Yan and said ingratiatingly, "Miss, I want to go watch the fun, may I?"

Zhu Yan's eyes remained unchanged. She said softly, "Mm, but you are not to interfere."

Her voice was very light and pleasant, soft and ethereal, suggesting she was not old.

Su Xiling smiled and nodded, then walked to her side and began waiting for Yang Jueding to select the disciples.

"If Qingxiao Sect falls into danger, you can save people."

Su Xiling heard another very quiet voice. She turned her head in surprise to look at Zhu Yan, not expecting her young lady to ask her to assist Qingxiao Sect. She didn't ask further, as she quite liked the atmosphere of Qingxiao Sect.

Soon, Yang Jueding had chosen twenty disciples. They first went to select their weapons, then descended the mountain together. Yang Jueding did not refuse Su Xiling's request to follow, laughing heartily and saying he would let her witness the heroism of martial artists.

Meanwhile.

A hundred miles away, in the mountains, by a waterfall, dozens of people were building houses.

Two figures stood by the lake: Juesheng Sect's Sect Master Yan Wujin and Vice Sect Master Tang Ziqi.

Yan Wujin wore a loose black robe and a hair crown. His long hair was a mix of black and white, and his eyes were stern. His beard was also streaked with white. He exuded an extremely strong oppressive aura just by standing by the lake in silence.

Tang Ziqi's aura was clearly inferior to his. He wore a blue robe, had a refined demeanor, and a handsome face, looking quite scholarly.

"Judging by the time, the message should have reached Qingxiao Sect. Brother, do you think Jiang Zhaoxia will come to fight?" Tang Ziqi asked softly.

Yan Wujin looked at his disciples with a blank expression. "If he doesn't come, I will personally ascend the mountain. Juesheng Sect must rise by stepping on Qingxiao Sect. Although bullying a group of youngsters is not honorable, for the sake of our grand ambition, they must be sacrificed."

Tang Ziqi sighed, "I heard Jiang Zhaoxia lasted two hundred moves under Yu Zhiyi. With such talent, give him another ten years, and his martial arts prowess will be unimaginable."

Yan Wujin snorted, "That was just Yu Zhiyi holding back. He always liked playing these childish games."