First Hearing the Dao Bell

The carriage no longer headed for Ren Family Town, but instead turned southwest, heading straight for Stone Bamboo Shoot Mountain, a branch of Mount Mao in Jiangxi.

The closer they got to Mount Mao's main sect territory, the denser and purer the spiritual energy became along the way, and the more majestic and unique the mountains and rivers appeared.

Occasionally, they could see other cultivators flying across the sky, either piloting magical artifacts or riding spiritual beasts, most of them with powerful auras.

Uncle Nine no longer closed his eyes to meditate. Instead, he frequently told Mo Yuan about the rules of Mount Mao's main sect, the personalities of the various martial uncles and elder brothers, and things to be aware of.

"My Mount Mao sect has been established for hundreds of years, excelling in talismans, formations, and lightning magic.

The main sect is located on the main peak of Stone Bamboo Shoot Mountain and is protected by the 'Nine Heavens Thunder Control Grand Formation'. Unauthorized entry is strictly forbidden.

The sect leader, Senior Brother Shi Jian, has profound cultivation. He established his Foundation Establishment many years ago and is now likely in the late Foundation Establishment stage. He wields the sect's thunderous laws and commands great authority.

When you meet him, you must show the respect of a disciple and be extremely courteous," Uncle Nine said with a serious tone.

"Disciple understands."

Mo Yuan nodded, forming a preliminary impression of the sect leader martial uncle he had never met – someone of high status and power, with deep cultivation, and in charge of the laws. He must be extremely stern.

"Your Senior Brother Martial Uncle Qian He is proficient in formations and beast taming. He has a gentle disposition and is good friends with me.

And Junior Brother Martial Uncle Four Eyes, he excels at summoning techniques. He's a bit more lively, but he's a righteous person..." Uncle Nine introduced them one by one, giving Mo Yuan a general understanding of Mount Mao's higher-ups.

Several days later, a towering, majestic mountain resembling a sky-piercing stone bamboo shoot came into view.

The mountain's terrain was steep, shrouded in clouds and mist, with faint flashes of lightning flickering within the clouds, emanating a breathtaking, boundless aura.

That was Stone Bamboo Shoot Mountain, where Mount Mao's main sect was located.

At the foot of the mountain stood an ancient stone archway, inscribed with the four vigorous characters "Mount Mao Blessed Land," with faint spiritual light flowing around it.

Two young disciples, clad in green Taoist robes and exuding a sharp aura, were already waiting in front of the archway. Upon seeing Uncle Nine's carriage, they immediately stepped forward and bowed:

"Disciples Qingfeng (Mingyue), by order of Martial Uncle Qian He, we are here to respectfully welcome Martial Uncle Lin back to the mountain!"

Uncle Nine, with Mo Yuan following him, alighted from the carriage and nodded slightly at the two disciples, "Thank you, nephew disciples."

"You are too kind, Martial Uncle. The Sect Leader and all the Martial Uncles and Elder Brothers are waiting in the 'Three Purities Hall.' Please, Martial Uncle, follow us up the mountain." The disciple named Qingfeng's attitude was respectful, and his gaze lingered on Mo Yuan for a moment, with a hint of curiosity.

They had clearly learned of Uncle Nine's Foundation Establishment, and their attitude was even more respectful than before.

The path up the mountain was not an ordinary stone staircase, but a winding jade path through the clouds and mist, named the "Ascension Path."

Ancient trees towered on both sides of the path, interspersed with exotic flowers and plants, and spiritual energy condensed into mist.

With every step taken, one could feel the spiritual energy around them becoming more active, as if undergoing a kind of purification.

Mo Yuan could feel that the entire Stone Bamboo Shoot Mountain was enveloped by an extremely vast and complex formation. This Ascension Path was not only a path but also a test and a selection process. Those with impure intentions or shallow foundations would surely find it difficult to walk upon.

However, with his Innate Spiritual Energy, Dragon Essence foundation, and accumulated Yin virtue, he felt refreshed with every step, and the spiritual power circulating within his body even accelerated.

This caused Qingfeng and Mingyue, who were leading the way, to cast sideways glances, their assessment of this young martial brother increasing in their hearts.

As they reached the halfway point up the mountain, the clouds and mist gradually parted, and the scenery before them opened up dramatically.

A magnificent complex of buildings, built against the mountain and nestled among ancient pines and cypresses, appeared. Pavilions, towers, and upturned eaves exuded an ancient Taoist charm.

The most eye-catching was a majestic hall in the center, seemingly cast from white jade, emitting a warm luster under the sunlight. Thunder patterns could be faintly seen on the roof. This was the core of Mount Mao – the Three Purities Hall.

"Dong—!"

At that moment, a deep and melodious bell chime echoed from the direction of the Three Purities Hall. The sound waves swept across the entire mountain gate like a tangible force, possessing the power to cleanse the soul and deter malevolent spirits.

Mo Yuan felt his spirit and soul clear, the fatigue of traveling for days vanishing completely. His perception of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy also became much clearer.

"This is the 'Morning Bell.' It is rung every morning and has the effect of purifying the mind and spirit, and gathering spiritual energy," Qingfeng explained in a low voice, seeing Mo Yuan's surprised expression.

Mo Yuan was inwardly shocked. This was the true demeanor of a great sect! Compared to this, the Mortuary in Ren Family Town indeed seemed rudimentary.

Following Qingfeng and Mingyue, they passed through several courtyards and finally arrived in front of the Three Purities Hall.

The hall doors were open, and the interior was brightly lit and solemn.

An invisible pressure emanated from within the hall, involuntarily inspiring awe in those who approached.

"Disciples Lin Fengjiao (Mo Yuan), by order, have come to pay respects to Sect Leader Senior Brother (Martial Uncle) and all Martial Brothers (Martial Uncles and Elder Brothers)!" Uncle Nine tidied his robes outside the hall and announced loudly.

"Enter."

A voice, peaceful yet carrying undeniable authority, emanated from within the hall, sounding as if it were spoken right beside their ears.

Uncle Nine took a deep breath, gave Mo Yuan a reassuring look, and was the first to step into the hall.

Mo Yuan followed closely, his own emotions involuntarily becoming tense.

The hall was extremely spacious, with a floor that shone like a mirror. Statues of the Three Purities Taoist Ancestors were enshrined within, solemn and majestic.

At this moment, several sandalwood chairs were arranged on both sides of the hall, occupied by five or six middle-aged or elderly Taoists with profound auras and varied appearances.

And in the central main seat sat a middle-aged Taoist wearing a purple cloud-patterned Taoist robe, with a lean face and an imposing presence that required no anger.

As his eyes opened and closed, faint electric sparks flickered within them. His aura seemed subtly connected to the entire hall, and even to the entire Stone Bamboo Shoot Mountain, as if he were the master of this world.

This person was none other than the current Sect Leader of Mount Mao – Shi Jian!

Mo Yuan could feel that when Shi Jian's gaze swept over him, it was as if an invisible current passed through his entire body, seeming to see through him from the inside out.

He quickly restrained his thoughts, guarded his sea of consciousness, and at the same time, the Innate Spiritual Energy and Dragon Essence within his body instinctively lay dormant, revealing no abnormalities.

"Disciple Mo Yuan greets the Sect Leader Uncle-Master, and greets all the Martial Uncle-Masters."

Mo Yuan followed behind Uncle Nine, bowing respectfully according to etiquette, his demeanor neither humble nor overbearing.

"Hmm."

Shi Jian nodded slightly, his gaze lingering on Mo Yuan for a moment, a flicker of imperceptible surprise flashing in his eyes. He then looked at Uncle Nine, his voice still steady. "Junior Brother Fengjiao, congratulations on finally taking this step and achieving Earth Master. It is truly a fortune for our Mount Mao."

"Thank you, Senior Brother Sect Leader," Uncle Nine replied, cupping his hands.

"Regarding the Black Fiend Sect and the Ten Thousand Souls Banner that you mentioned in your message, Junior Brother Qian He has already reported the general details. This matter is of great importance, please recount the detailed events once more," Shi Jian cut straight to the chase.

"Yes, Senior Brother Sect Leader."

Uncle Nine then proceeded to explain in detail how he discovered clues about the Black Fiend Sect, tracked them to the Provincial City, investigated the Profound Yin Mine, engaged in a fierce battle with the Holy Maiden and the Corpse King Protector, and ultimately destroyed the Ten Thousand Souls Banner.

His words were concise and highlighted key points, not concealing Mo Yuan's crucial role in the events, such as accurately finding the formation's core and restraining the Holy Maiden.

The high-ranking members of Mount Mao in the hall listened with shifting expressions, sometimes solemn, sometimes shocked and angry.

When they heard that the Ten Thousand Souls Banner was actually the prototype of a top-grade evil artifact, everyone's expression changed.

"A top-grade evil artifact... The Black Fiend Sect dares to defy the world and commit such a heaven-defying act!"

A rosy-faced, slightly plump Taoist priest said angrily. This person was Martial Uncle Four Eyes.

"The Holy Maiden who escaped using the Blood Shadow technique must be a core figure of the Black Fiend Sect. Her cultivation technique is bizarre, and she possesses a rare treasure. She will surely become a great threat in the future."

Another pale-faced Taoist priest with exceptionally sharp eyes spoke slowly. He was a Martial Uncle skilled in refining corpses and exorcising ghosts.

After Uncle Nine finished his account, Shi Jian pondered for a moment and his gaze fell upon Mo Yuan again. "Nephew Mo Yuan, you have only been initiated for just over a year, yet you possess such cultivation and courage, not to mention profound fortune, finding an ancient cultivator's cave dwelling and obtaining resources to help your master break through. You are very good."

His words were plain, yet carried an invisible pressure.

"However, the path of cultivation is long and arduous. While talent and opportunity are important, the Dao heart and foundation are even more fundamental. I hope you will remain humble and diligent in your practice, not fail your master's expectations, nor disgrace the name of our Mount Mao."

"This disciple respectfully obeys the Sect Leader Uncle-Master's teachings!" Mo Yuan replied, bowing, his attitude respectful.

Shi Jian nodded, no longer looking at Mo Yuan, and turned to discuss countermeasures against the Black Fiend Sect with the others.

It was finally decided to strengthen the sect's defenses, dispatch elite disciples to secretly investigate other strongholds of the Black Fiend Sect, and contact other righteous sects to exchange information.

After the meeting concluded, everyone dispersed. Martial Uncle Qian He walked over with a smile and said to Uncle Nine, "Junior Brother Fengjiao, you are now an Earth Master. According to sect rules, you may choose a cave dwelling on the main peak to reside in.

How about choosing the 'Listening Thunder Abode' next to mine? It is quiet there, and the spiritual energy is abundant."

Uncle Nine looked at Mo Yuan, thought for a moment, and then agreed. "That would be excellent. Thank you for arranging it, Senior Brother Qian He."

Martial Uncle Qian He then smiled at Mo Yuan and said, "Nephew Mo Yuan, as you are new to the sect, you may first go to the 'Skill Transmission Hall' to register your name and receive your disciple's provisions.

If you have any questions about your cultivation in the future, you may also come to me or your Martial Uncle Four Eyes."

"Thank you, Senior Uncle Qian He," Mo Yuan bowed again.

Following Uncle Nine and Martial Uncle Qian He out of the Three Purities Hall, Mo Yuan glanced back at the majestic hall and the purple figure seated within.

He knew that his life at the main sect of Mount Mao had officially begun.