The carriage no longer headed toward Ren Family Town. Instead, it turned southwest and sped toward Stone Bamboo Shoot Mountain, a branch of Dragon Tiger Mountain in Jiangxi.
The closer they came to the territory of Mount Mao's main sect, the richer and purer the spiritual energy along the way became, and the more spiritually elegant and majestic the mountains and rivers appeared.
Now and then, they saw other cultivators streaking across the sky on magical artifacts or spiritual beasts, most of them with no weak auras.
Uncle Nine no longer sat with his eyes closed to regulate his breathing. Instead, he often explained the rules of Mount Mao's main sect to Mo Yuan, the temperaments of the various Martial Uncles, and matters that required attention.
"Our Mount Mao has stood for several centuries, excelling in talismans, formations, and thunder arts.
"The main sect is located on Stone Bamboo Shoot Mountain's main peak and protected by the Nine Heavens Thunder Control Grand Formation. It must not be trespassed upon lightly.
"Senior Brother Shi Jian, the sect master, possesses profound cultivation. He broke through to the Foundation Establishment Realm many years ago and has likely reached the late Foundation Establishment Realm by now. He oversees the sect's thunderous laws and discipline and carries great authority.
"You must observe a disciple's etiquette when meeting him and show him the utmost respect." Uncle Nine's tone was solemn.
"This disciple understands."
Mo Yuan nodded, forming an initial impression of the Martial Grand-Uncle he had never met—powerful, highly cultivated, and in charge of the sect's laws. He was surely an extremely stern man.
"Your Martial Uncle Qian He excels in formations and beast control. He has a gentle temperament and is on good terms with me.
"There is also Junior Brother Four Eyes. He is skilled in spirit invocation arts. His temperament is more unruly, but he is an upright man..." Uncle Nine introduced them one by one, giving Mo Yuan a general understanding of Mount Mao's upper ranks.
Several days later, a towering mountain shaped like a colossal stone bamboo shoot that held up the heavens came into view.
Its slopes were steep, shrouded in clouds and mist. Lightning flickered faintly within the clouds, emanating a vast and heart-palpitating 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. Four vigorous characters—Mount Mao Blessed Land—were inscribed upon it, while spiritual light flowed faintly across its surface.
Two young disciples in azure Daoist robes, their auras sharp and capable, were already waiting before the archway. Upon seeing Uncle Nine's carriage, they immediately stepped forward and bowed.
"Disciples Qingfeng and Mingyue, acting on Martial Uncle Qian He's orders, respectfully welcome Martial Uncle Lin back to the mountain!"
Uncle Nine brought Mo Yuan down from the carriage and gave the two disciples a slight nod. "Thank you for your trouble, nephews."
"You are too polite, Martial Uncle. The sect master and the other Martial Uncles are already waiting in the Three Purities Hall. Please follow us up the mountain." Qingfeng spoke respectfully, his gaze lingering briefly on Mo Yuan with a trace of curiosity.
They had clearly already learned that Uncle Nine had reached the Earth Master Realm, and their attitude was even more respectful than before.
The mountain path was not made of ordinary stone steps, but a winding jade path that stretched through the clouds and mist. It was called the Ascension Path.
Ancient trees soared on both sides of the path, while exotic flowers and strange herbs grew everywhere. Spiritual energy gathered into mist.
With every step, the spiritual energy around them grew more active, as though they were undergoing some kind of cleansing.
Mo Yuan could sense that the entire Stone Bamboo Shoot Mountain was enveloped by an immensely vast and intricate formation. The Ascension Path was both a road and a test, a means of selection. Those with corrupt hearts or unstable foundations would certainly find every step difficult.
Yet Mo Yuan possessed Innate Spiritual Energy and the foundation of Dragon Essence, and he had also accumulated karmic virtue. Rather than struggling, he felt refreshed and clear-headed as he walked, while the spiritual power within him circulated several times faster.
This made Qingfeng and Mingyue, who were leading the way, secretly glance at him. Their assessment of this young fellow disciple rose another notch.
When they reached the mountainside, the clouds gradually parted, and the view before them suddenly opened up.
A magnificent complex of buildings built against the mountain lay hidden amid towering pines and emerald cypresses. Pavilions, towers, upturned eaves, and intricate brackets all exuded an ancient Daoist charm.
Most eye-catching was the majestic hall at the center. It seemed to have been cast entirely from white jade, its surface flowing with a warm luster beneath the sunlight. Faint thunder patterns covered its roof. It was the heart of Mount Mao—the Three Purities Hall.
Dong—!
At that moment, a deep, melodious bell rang out from the direction of the Three Purities Hall. Its sound waves swept across the entire mountain gate as though tangible, carrying the power to cleanse the soul and intimidate evil spirits.
Mo Yuan felt his soul clear, and the exhaustion from days of travel vanished without a trace. His perception of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy also became much sharper.
"That is the Morning Bell. It is rung every morning to calm the heart, purify the mind, and gather spiritual energy." Seeing the unusual expression on Mo Yuan's face, Qingfeng explained in a low voice.
Mo Yuan was deeply shaken. This was the grandeur of a great sect! Compared to this, the funeral home in Ren Family Town truly seemed crude and humble.
Following Qingfeng and Mingyue through several courtyards, they finally arrived before the Three Purities Hall.
The hall doors stood open, and the interior was brightly lit, solemn and dignified.
An invisible pressure spread from within the hall, making one instinctively feel reverence.
"Disciple Lin Fengjiao, along with disciple Mo Yuan, has come under orders to pay respects to Sect Master Senior Brother, Martial Grand-Uncle, and all Martial Uncles!"
"Come in."
A calm voice carrying unquestionable authority came from within the hall, as though it had spoken directly beside their ears.
Uncle Nine drew a deep breath, gave Mo Yuan a reassuring look, and stepped into the hall first.
Mo Yuan followed close behind, unable to stop himself from feeling nervous.
The hall was extremely spacious, its floor polished bright enough to reflect people. Statues of the Three Pure Ones were enshrined within, radiating solemn majesty.
At that moment, several rosewood chairs stood along both sides of the hall, occupied by five or six middle-aged or elderly Daoists with profound auras and varied appearances.
At the central seat sat a lean middle-aged Daoist in a purple Daoist robe embroidered with cloud patterns. His face was stern, and he possessed an imposing presence even without anger.
When his eyes opened and closed, faint lightning flashed within them. His aura seemed faintly connected to the entire hall, even to all of Stone Bamboo Shoot Mountain, as though he were the master of this world.
This man was Shi Jian, the current sect master of Mount Mao!
Mo Yuan could feel that when Shi Jian's gaze swept over him, it was as though an invisible current of electricity passed through his entire body, seemingly seeking to see through him completely, inside and out.
He quickly calmed his mind and guarded his sea of consciousness. At the same time, the Innate Spiritual Energy and Dragon Essence within him instinctively lay dormant, revealing not the slightest anomaly.
"Disciple Mo Yuan pays respects to Martial Grand-Uncle Sect Master and all Martial Uncles."
Following behind Uncle Nine, Mo Yuan bowed according to etiquette, neither servile nor overbearing in his manner.
"Mm."
Shi Jian gave a slight nod. His gaze lingered on Mo Yuan for a moment, and a trace of barely perceptible surprise flashed through his eyes. He then looked toward Uncle Nine, his voice as steady as ever. "Junior Brother Fengjiao, congratulations on finally taking this step and becoming an Earth Master. This is truly a blessing for Mount Mao."
"Thank you, Sect Master Senior Brother." Uncle Nine cupped his hands in reply.
"Junior Brother Qian He has already broadly reported what you mentioned in your message regarding the Black Fiend Sect and the Ten Thousand Souls Banner. This matter is of great importance. Tell us the full details once more." Shi Jian went straight to the point.
"Yes, Sect Master Senior Brother."
Uncle Nine then recounted in detail how they had discovered clues concerning the Black Fiend Sect, tracked them to the Provincial City, investigated the Profound Yin Mine, fought fiercely against the Holy Maiden and the Corpse King Protector, and ultimately destroyed the Ten Thousand Souls Banner.
His account was concise and focused on the important points. He did not conceal the crucial role Mo Yuan had played, such as accurately locating the formation's core and restraining the Holy Maiden.
The expressions of Mount Mao's senior members shifted as they listened, grave one moment and furious the next.
When they heard that the Ten Thousand Souls Banner was actually the embryonic form of a top-grade evil artifact, all of them changed expression.
"A top-grade evil artifact... The Black Fiend Sect actually dares to defy the world and commit such a heaven-defying act!"
A ruddy-faced, slightly plump Daoist shouted angrily. He was Martial Uncle Four Eyes.
"That Holy Maiden who escaped using Blood Shadow Escape must be a core figure of the Black Fiend Sect. Her techniques are strange, and she possesses rare treasures. She will surely become a great threat in the future."
Another Daoist spoke slowly. His face was pale, but his eyes were exceptionally sharp. He was one of the Martial Uncles skilled in refining corpses and commanding ghosts.
After Uncle Nine finished recounting the matter, Shi Jian pondered for a moment before turning his gaze to Mo Yuan again. "Nephew Mo Yuan, you have been in the sect for barely more than a year, yet you already possess such cultivation and courage. Your fortune is also deep. You found an ancient cultivator's cave abode and obtained resources that helped your master break through. You are very good."
His words were plain, yet they carried an invisible pressure.
"However, the path of cultivation is long and arduous. Talent and fortunate opportunities are certainly important, but the foundation of one's Dao heart is even more fundamental. I hope you will guard against arrogance and impatience, cultivate diligently without cease, and not disappoint your master's expectations or bring shame upon Mount Mao."
"This disciple will heed Martial Grand-Uncle Sect Master's teachings!" Mo Yuan replied with a respectful bow.
Shi Jian nodded and no longer looked at Mo Yuan. He instead began discussing with everyone how to deal with the Black Fiend Sect.
In the end, they decided to strengthen the sect's defenses, send elite disciples to secretly investigate the Black Fiend Sect's other strongholds, and contact other righteous sects to exchange information.
After the discussion ended, everyone dispersed. Martial Uncle Qian He walked over with a smile and said to Uncle Nine, "Junior Brother Fengjiao, now that you are an Earth Master, you may choose a cave abode on the main peak according to sect rules.
"How about Listening Thunder Abode beside mine? It is quiet there, and the spiritual energy is abundant."
Uncle Nine looked at Mo Yuan, considered for a moment, then agreed. "That would be excellent. I'll have to trouble you with the arrangements, Senior Brother Qian He."
Martial Uncle Qian He then smiled at Mo Yuan. "Nephew Mo Yuan, since you have only just arrived at the main sect, you should first go to the Skill Transmission Hall to register your name and receive your disciple's allotment.
"If you encounter any questions in your cultivation later, you may also come ask me or Martial Uncle Four Eyes."
"Thank you, Martial Uncle Qian He." Mo Yuan bowed again.
As he followed Uncle Nine and Martial Uncle Qian He away from the Three Purities Hall, Mo Yuan looked back at the majestic hall and the purple-robed figure seated within.
He knew that his life in Mount Mao's main sect had officially begun.
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