Fourteen Peaks of Bamboo Mountain

The fastest way to get from Ink Bamboo Mountain to Changsi City is by flying directly between the two points.

This time, however, Jiang Liuqing brought a large amount of inventory from Jiang's Firm and also used his own capital to buy a lot of mountain products from Ink Bamboo Mountain, which filled six large treasure ships. The plan was to first take advantage of the Li River's current to sail eastward down the river, thus saving on the losses of the mechanisms and talismans. Once they were deep in the heart of the Li Country, they would then sail north to reach Changsi City for trading.

Taking advantage of the recent cessation of conflict Li Country, Jiang's caravan, as one of the first to arrive in Changsi City, is sure to make a fortune and mitigate the losses from the previous robbery.

Of course, the risks of this trip are still very high. After all, the Li Country and Ink Bamboo Mountain have only temporarily ceased hostilities, and the Imperial Censor of the Li Country has just died. It is inevitable that some people on the other side may be emotionally agitated and easily provoked, and they may attack the Ink Bamboo Mountain caravan again.

Therefore, in addition to Li Fan, Liu Qing also invited five close friends, all of whom were Golden Core Stage cultivators from Bamboo Mountain, to travel north to Li Country. It is planned that when the flying boats on the Li River arrive, each of them will help out by taking charge of a mechanical boat to accompany them, in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

They were all Jiang Liuqing's longtime friends and fellow disciples. Like Li Fan, they came to help out, contributing a significant amount of their own savings in materials to Jiang's Firm for sale, hoping to earn a little money as a cover for their guarding expenses.

"Everyone, let me introduce you. This junior brother is Qingyue, who is currently cultivating under my young lady."

The fleet sailed smoothly eastward with the river wind, and Jiang Liuqing hosted a banquet on the flagship at the head of the ship to introduce Li Fan and several fellow Daoists.

"Qingyue greets all fellow Daoists."

Having more friends really does open up more paths. Right now, Li Fan is wearing a suit that the manager of Heavenly Clothes prepared for him overnight. You know what? Although Li Fan hasn't had time to ask about the manager's name yet, his friend's craftsmanship and eye for recommending clothes are truly professional.

Her hair was tied up with the magpie-tail crown and the black dragon hairpin. Her open black robe was made of brocade, with dragon patterns embroidered in gold and silver threads on the edges and cuffs. The 'Cicada Molting Immortal Robe' was also secretly sewn into her chest. It throbbed and throbbed, and she could clearly feel the temperature of the true form of the sun's immortal molt, like a still-beating chicken heart.

Purple Sash Immortal Clothes wrapped around her shoulders and back, the white silk ribbons resembling celestial dust. Beneath the robe, she wore a close-fitting human skin Daoist robe for self-defense. A deerskin sword case was slung over her back, hidden beneath the robe. A pile of jade pendants and ornaments were neatly tucked into the inner layer of her rhinoceros-hide belt, which cinched her waist. Her Suanni boots, matching the black and silver tones, were dyed black leather with white soles.

This outfit is a genuine, high-quality skin, worth a full 50,000 guan (a unit of currency), at least at the level of "Wow! Golden! Legendary!" Although it doesn't have many flashy red and purple patterns, you can tell at a glance that it has been carefully crafted. It makes Li Fan, a seemingly ordinary young man, stand out from the crowd and exude extraordinary bearing, adding at least 10 points to his overall appearance.

Furthermore, given that Li Fan had previously achieved the first level of the Tai Su Dao Body, the strength of the Dao Breath he exuded, as observed by other Divine Sense, was clearly different from the norm. He was indeed a young talent with profound Dao cultivation, solid foundation, and genuine ability.

So the five Golden Core cultivators also dressed solemnly and came to greet him in return, showing no sign of underestimating his youth.

Li Fan's formal attire made Liu Qing understand his intentions, and she smiled as she introduced him, "Qingyue, let me introduce you. These two fellow Daoists are the brothers Yu Bianjiao and Yu Tenglong from Bamboo Mountain Moyun Peak."

The Yu Family brothers were both large men, dressed in a typical mixed style of independent cultivators—neither scholarly nor martial, prioritizing agility. Their cultivation Cultivation Method were quite obvious.

The elder brother transformed into a dragon with four arms, while the younger brother soared into a dragon with two tails. This kind of transformation with multiple heads, arms, and pieces of flesh is quite common in Ink Bamboo Mountain, and it seems to be a supernatural ability brought by rogue cultivators.

The "Motian Huasheng Dafa" can only temporarily create hands and feet using magical power; it cannot create stable, prosthetic limbs like these two brothers. It's unknown whether the Sky-Piercing Transformation Technique has any connection to this Moyun Peak...

"Are you two disciples of Qin Jianshi?" Li Fan bowed respectfully, taking the opportunity to strike up a conversation, "Qin Jianshi and I are very close!"

Yu Bianjiao and Yu Tenglong were stunned for a moment, then exchanged a glance.

"The man surnamed Qin was indeed my senior brother from Moyun Peak."

"Master originally intended for him to inherit the true teachings of our sect."

"But after he cultivated to the Nascent Soul Stage, he joined the Mountain Lord's lineage."

"They even lured my nephews and nieces to Lou Guan."

"He was killed during a robbery a few days ago."

Li Fan was speechless and embarrassed.

Liu Qing interjected with a smile, "We're all disciples of Ink Bamboo Mountain, there's no need to worry about sectarian affiliations, let's just teach each other our own."

Fortunately, the Yu Family brothers didn't get angry. They just gave Li Fan a deep look, bowed, and seemed to remember this kid who "had a good relationship with the Qin family."

"Qingyue, this fellow Daoist is Yuhengzi from the Seven Star Peak of Bamboo Mountain. He is also the newly appointed Outer Sect Disciple instructor." Liu Qing then pulled Li Fan to meet the next person.

This Yuhengzi had a face as beautiful as jade, three strands of fine beard, a goldfish crown on his head, and a black and white checkered brocade Daoist robe. He had a whisk draped over his arm, a sword on his back, and two gourds hanging at his waist, all radiating precious light. He looked like a True Cultivator.

"I've met the Instructor. Speaking of which, I've benefited greatly from Instructor Zhang's guidance and care..." Li Fan exclaimed upon seeing that Zhang Jiugao was a colleague.

Yuhengzi narrowed his eyes, raised his hand to stop Li Fan from speaking, and said coldly, "Fellow Daoist, I disagree with Instructor Zhang's teaching views, and we also have some personal grudges, so please excuse me for not attending."

Then this guy actually turned around and left?

Jiang Liuqing could only smile wryly and chase after Yuhengzi to say goodbye.

Li Fan was dumbfounded.

Then an old man, short, thin, and of unremarkable appearance, dressed in a Qing Daoist robe, smiled and stepped forward to explain, "Fellow Li Daoyou, please don't be offended. Senior Brother Yuhengzi is not a bad person; he's just stubborn, and his beloved junior sister is in love with Instructor Zhang. So, he gets upset whenever he hears Fellow Daoist Zhang's name mentioned. Actually, the two of them were originally good friends. If he refuses to eat or drink, just leave him be. He'll come back to apologize to you once he's figured things out."

Li Fan broke out in a cold sweat and quickly greeted the old man, "Thank you for your guidance, Daoist Master. May I ask your name?"

The old man said, "I am but a disgraced disciple of the Shenxiao Sect. I violated the sect rules and was expelled from the sect. I am ashamed to mention my Dharma name. Fortunately, the Mountain Master took me in, and I am now temporarily cultivating in a corner of Qingting Peak in Bamboo Mountain. Fellow Daoist, you can call me Qingting Sou."

"Profound Heaven Sword Intent, hiss—as expected, he possesses the true teachings of the Shenxiao Sect! This kid is quite formidable! Being bestowed a title by the Nine Great Xuan Sects means he must be at the Nascent Soul Realm! Moreover, being expelled from the sect must have crippled his Inner Landscape and severed all his meridians!"

He didn't even need to reincarnate; he could still cultivate back to the Golden Core realm? That's impressive! His Dao heart is truly remarkable! At least at the third rank!

Li Fan bowed solemnly, "Qingyue greets Qingtingzi."

Qingtingzi returned the greeting politely.

Liu Qing couldn't persuade Yuhengzi to come back, so she could only smile wryly and say, "Qingyue, don't take it to heart. Yuhengzi didn't mean any harm. Their Seven Star Peak lineage is skilled in crafting magical artifacts. Yuhengzi advocates that Outer Sect Disciple craft magical artifacts before going through the tribulation. Therefore, his lingering resentment has affected you."

Li Fan shook his head, "Senior Sister, there's no need for that. Qingyue doesn't take it to heart."

"You've already seen Qing Tingshou," Jiang Liuqing said, pulling aside the tall, square-faced man who had been standing silently to the side. "This is Ding Suo from Yangyuan Peak in Bamboo Mountain, a young man who recently achieved inner core cultivation."

I'm on good terms with his master, Master Mei, but Master Mei went to Li Country to provide assistance and hasn't returned yet, leaving him alone to cultivate on the peak. I figured we're all old folks, plus stubborn mules like Yuhengzi, a bunch of like-minded people, you probably won't get along. He's not that much older than you, so if you don't understand something and want help, just ask him."

"Greetings, Brother Ding." Li Fan also noticed that Ding Suo's cultivation was the shallowest and his foundation the weakest, only at the level of those inner core demons in the Ten-thousand-mountains.

Among the others, Yuhengzi naturally has the highest cultivation level, capable of taking over the teaching of his disciples. His skill level is probably comparable to Zhang Jiugao, who single-handedly conquered Tiantai Mountain. He is likely a True Cultivator who is just one step away from reaching the Nascent Soul Stage.

Secondly, Senior Sister Liu Qing and the Yu Family brothers are roughly equal in strength. They should both be at the Golden Core Perfected Realm after years of cultivation. Senior Sister Liu Qing is slightly stronger, probably because her cultivation was hampered by Moon Worship's appreciation half a year ago.

Qing Tingsou was likely affected by the fact that he had to start over after his cultivation was abandoned. At present, his opportunity is about the same as Li Fan's. Moreover, they both have the same pure Dao Breath aura and profound foundation. They are indeed masters who have received the true teachings and have been cultivating diligently.

Although Ding Suo was quite imposing in appearance, he was rather introverted and rather reserved as he clasped his hands in a fist and palm salute. "I... uh, Li Daoyou, you're too kind. I'm a rogue cultivator from a side sect, and I'll need your guidance."

Qing Tingshou added, "When selecting disciples for the Yangyuan Peak Divine Fist, the most important qualities are a pure, simple, and clean heart. Don't let his tall and imposing appearance fool you; he's actually timid and shy."

"But Qingyue, you are cunning and ruthless, a real killer. You should give this kid a good talking-to in the future, and make sure he doesn't get bullied."

Li Fan frowned slightly, then smiled and said, "Qingtingzi, you're joking."

The old man glanced at him with a half-smile, then looked at the Yellow Jade Sword Case at Li Fan's waist, without saying anything more.

What's wrong with this old man...?

' Profound Heaven Sword Intent, heh heh, that's how disciples of the Mysterious Sect are. They can smell the blood on the sword's spine from afar. They're just itching for a beating. Don't worry about them.'

Since Yuhengzi did not come, the six of them began a banquet.

This is truly a traditional Eastern culture; friendships are built over meals.

After a few rounds of drinks, even the usually quiet Ding Suo started to chat and began to talk familiarly with Li Fan.

In addition to his sect, Li Fan also heard them introduce him to many inside stories and secrets of Ink Bamboo Mountain.

As the saying goes, birds of a feather flock together, and these Golden Core cultivators are rogue cultivators belonging to the fourteen peaks of the two mountains of Ink Bamboo Mountain and the fourteen peaks of Bamboo Mountain.

Although they are independent cultivators, not orthodox Daoists of Lou Guan's lineage, nor disciples of the mountain lord Heavenly Ghost's lineage, they can all be considered legitimate disciples of Ink Bamboo Mountain.

As mentioned before, Ink Bamboo Mountain was originally similar in nature to the South China Sea. It was a group of rogue cultivators who couldn't make it in the Central Plains. They fled south to the Li Country, banded together to cross the river, and opened up the wild lands of the South Border in order to protect themselves.

Among them, the Lou Guan lineage had the most members and was the orthodox sect of ancient Daoism, making it the strongest. Therefore, the various independent sects Oldest One gathered near the Lou Guandao Pagoda, worshipping the Lou Guan abbot as their leader, and joined forces to fight against the monsters in the South Border and the oppression and bullying of the Nangong Family guarding the Immortal Palace.

The cultivation environment at that time was harsh, not only due to the direct pressure from demons and monsters, but also because the Three Great Sects were constantly fighting each other, often annihilating entire sects and slaughtering rogue cultivators to seize opportunities. Not to mention that many rogue sects could not withstand it, even the Daoist Tradition of Lou Guan was on the verge of being lost because of the rule that one could only pass on one's Daoist Tradition after passing on the tribulation of killing. Many disciples perished in the fighting.

Therefore, the abbot of Lou Guan reached an agreement with various independent sects, namely, that they would no longer care about the differences between sects. If Lou Guan's disciples had limited aptitude or were limited by fate and could not pursue the Great Dao of Inner Alchemy, they could join other sects and learn the strengths of each. This would be considered as having another way to survive and would not be considered as betraying their master.

Many independent cultivators also felt that Lou Guan an ancient and authentic sect, and that he had a very good system for training disciples' basics. So they sent their disciples to the abbot for guidance and training. Disciples from different sects fought side by side against the demonic beasts, formed friendships, and developed close relationships.

As a result, people gradually began to address each other as disciples of Bamboo Mountain, no longer caring about sects or secret teachings.

Later, all the monsters in the entire Ink Bamboo Mountain area were wiped out, and all the cave heavens of the two mountains and fourteen peaks were seized. Moreover, the cultivators of Ink Bamboo Mountain made great contributions in suppressing the Black Lotus Sect, and even forcibly reclaimed the Daoist temple lost by the Nangong Family, suppressing the great demons deep in the Ten-thousand-mountains, and making great contributions in guarding the South Border.

As a result, the abbot of Loudao Temple also obtained the position of National Preceptor of Li Country, Three Great Sects also recognized the Daoist transmission and talismans of Ink Bamboo Mountain Lou Guan Dao. The abbots of successive temples also understood that today's success was the result of the concerted efforts of the various lineages of independent cultivators, and this cohesion was thus established.

Therefore, from then on, the emphasis was no longer placed on Lou Guan or Lou Guan. Everyone referred to them as cultivators of Ink Bamboo Mountain. Many sects that cultivated in the vicinity joined this alliance one after another. Even those who did not cultivate together at Lou Guandao Pagoda on a daily basis could gather together to trade.

Because of the many years of friendship and ties, Ink Bamboo Mountain has always been very tolerant of the independent cultivators of the Fourteen Peaks. They not only sell various Cultivation Method, but also allow people to go to Lou Guan to take on tasks and help others, and to go to the Cave Heaven Scripture Pavilion to cultivate and learn cultivation Cultivation Method. Even if they are not Daoists of Lou Guan, as long as they have survived the tribulation and cultivated to the Golden Core, they can receive the Daoist register of Ink Bamboo Mountain Lou Guan Dao and travel to the Central Plains.

And from this, it's no wonder that the various spies from the Southern and Northern factions of Mozhu Mountain are so chaotic. The composition of the disciples of Mozhu Mountain and the selection process are really quite chaotic, and anyone can find a way to join.

For example, the system by which immortals select disciples in this world is most typically represented by the three models of the Three Great Sects.

The first type is like the Immortal Palace, which considers birth, relationship, and bloodline, and uses intermarriage among the Cultivation Family to establish a community of shared interests. This model exists in Ink Bamboo Mountain, which is a system of registering Outer Sect Disciple for the Cultivation Family and aristocratic clans.

This is equivalent to paying money to attend a private school. Aristocratic families pay money to buy a spot, and then send their children to the Inner Sect of Ink Bamboo Mountain to Grotto-Heaven Blessed Land for two or three years. They can then choose a foundational Cultivation Method from the Scripture Pavilion to Foundation Establishment their foundation, and have their names recorded in the Outer Sect. Even if their aptitude and fortune are lacking, these direct descendants of the aristocracy can still embark on the cultivation journey and have at least two hundred years of lifespan, enough to inherit the family business.

Usually, for those eldest sons of average talent, once they reach the Foundation Establishment, obtaining the Daoist Registry of the Outer Sect of Lou Guan is enough to associate with the orthodox sects in the Central Plains. They don't need to stay long and can go home directly. Those who wish can stay a little longer to make some Daoist friends, learn some mechanical arts, alchemy, and the Six Arts, or do some business.

The Lu Family siblings are a prime example of this.

The second type is like the Xuanmen, where the master selects disciples based on their aptitude and the rules of the sect. This model also exists in Ink Bamboo Mountain, and both the Lou Guan lineage and the Heavenly Ghost lineage of the mountain lord are examples of elite master-disciple succession.

According to the ancient Daoist tradition upheld by Lou Guan, the local immortals would first select some children with affinity for the Tao, aptitude, and potential to serve as Daoist disciples. They would guide and teach them the basics, observe their Daoist hearts, and if they found them suitable, they would be sent to Lou Guandao Pagoda to be supervised by the Outer Sect Disciple's instructors. They would then train them together, give them the Five Immortals Soup, Foundation Establishment, and help them overcome tribulations.

If one survives the ordeal, one can return to serve one's master and receive the true teachings of Lou Guan along the way. Once one reaches the realm of a True Person, one can then decide whether to inherit the mantle of one's master or return to the main mountain of Lou Guan to serve. Those who work for the sect will be granted a talisman and a position by the abbot, and will be at the command of the supervisor to guard newly established Daoist sites in various places and perform various tasks.

A typical example is Yuan Xuanbao, who is Lou Guan cultivates. Li Fan is even more direct. The mountain lord took a liking to him and threw him down as a nominal disciple to nurture. Once he reached the Nascent Soul Realm, he directly became the master.

The third type, according to the rules of the cult, does not concern itself with your background, aptitude, or even cultivation level. It only considers how much you have contributed to the cult and how much merit you have made, and that determines how much reward you will receive.

This model is precisely the system by which Ink Bamboo Mountain now manages its fourteen peaks of independent cultivators.

Since we all built the foundation of Ink Bamboo Mountain together, even though only Lou Guan's Daoist talisman was recognized by the Three Great Sects, Ink Bamboo Mountain has such a long-standing friendship, why should we distinguish between you and me?

Therefore, Lou Guan never instructs the Fourteen Peaks to act. In any case Lou Guandao Pagoda issues tasks, and you can come and take them if you want. In fact, the abbot will hold regular meetings to discuss matters with the heads of each peak and select the person with the highest cultivation to serve as the mountain lord and guard the Grotto-Heaven Blessed Land of Ink Bamboo Mountain.

Disciples of each peak can cultivate together with Lou Guan during the Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment stages. If they have the aptitude and survive the tribulation, they will be taught Lou Guan's Nascent Soul Stage techniques equally. Disciples of the sect are not prohibited from learning the methods and traditions of other peaks.

However, there is still a requirement: one must at least have achieved the Golden Core stage. Once one achieves the Golden Core, all kinds of Cultivation Method of Ink Bamboo Mountain will be available. Even rogue cultivators from the fourteen peaks can receive the Dao Register of Ink Bamboo Mountain and call themselves Inner Sect disciples of Ink Bamboo Mountain.

However, the area near Lou Guandao Pagoda is mostly inhabited by Lou Guan disciples who are stuck in the Foundation Establishment.

The independent cultivators of these fourteen peaks naturally live scattered in their respective mountain caves and retreats within the three-thousand-mile-long Ink Bamboo Mountain range. They are usually in seclusion, rarely seen in public. Therefore, although Lou Guan and the Li Country had such a major internal conflict, with sword fights and battles, not everyone received the news and went to their aid immediately.

So much so that after fighting in Changsi City for three or four months, Jiang Liuqing finally recovered from her injuries and emerged from seclusion. In her haste, she managed to find five or six Golden Core cultivators to accompany her on her journey north.

This also shows that the hidden strength that Ink Bamboo Mountain has accumulated over the years is indeed extraordinary.