Several disciples with cultivation stood respectfully behind the old Daoist Jiang Lin.
The half-grown boys and young girls who had only just entered the sect and possessed no cultivation hid behind the door, poking their heads out curiously to watch.
"Disciple Jiang Lin, forty-seventh-generation inheritor of Cloud Sea Temple on Chengming Mountain, disciple of True Person Lingjing, reports to the Celestial Venerable."
"Today, I expended spiritual power while subduing demons and suffered damage to my magical power. Having also taken in two disciples to guide upon the path, I hereby pray for two portions of heaven-and-earth spiritual energy, hoping the Heavenly Palace will grant permission."
It was an entirely ordinary "Spirit Prayer" ritual.
Logically, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth was governed by the gods of the Spirit Department, yet for some unknown reason, one had to report to the Celestial Venerable when performing a "Spirit Prayer."
As for why he used "Spirit Prayer" rather than directly reporting to the Divine Lord Tongli enshrined within the temple...
Golden Core cultivators received a monthly allotment of two portions of spiritual energy, while Foundation Establishment cultivators received only one. If this succeeded, it would count as leaving a little more cultivation resources for his disciples.
Very soon, the entire process was completed.
The disciples behind him all lowered their eyes, waiting respectfully for the Heavenly Palace's response.
Old Daoist Jiang Lin clenched his fists, his heart filled with tension. Though he was a Golden Core cultivator, a thin layer of sweat had formed in his palms.
The smoke curled upward, as though drawn by some force, rising straight into the high heavens.
"Granted!"
A vast, cold voice devoid of any emotional fluctuation rang beside the ears of old Daoist Jiang Lin and the disciples behind him.
It had been granted!
The