In the main chamber of the Incense Accumulation Sect's assembly hall.
Li Ling sat at the head, with his wife Mu Qingsi beside him. Min Lian, Shu Wangsheng, and the heads of the sect's various halls and courts sat to either side alongside the attending elders, sharing in the wonderful news of Shu Changsheng's and Li Ying's advancement.
Deeply gratified, Li Ling said to the two men who had come to pay their respects, "Your successive advancements make you exemplary disciples. According to sect rules, you should be granted the rank of true disciple. Court Head Fu, see to this. Update the sect registers as soon as possible, and make it known both within and outside the sect."
Court Head Fu of the Court of Celestial Observations replied, "Yes."
Court Head An of the Heavenly Works Court said, "Sect Master, this truly calls for celebration."
Xin Dayuan chimed in, "We ought to make a proper occasion of it."
Court Head Lin of the Civil Administration Court said, "The two gentlemen from the Heavenly Works Court are quite right. However, it is already late March. Frequent celebrations would make travel inconvenient for our guests. Could we hold it during the midyear sect anniversary?"
Li Ling said, "That would be fine. We should still hold a celebration, so let us combine it with the sect anniversary."
Court Head Lin of the Civil Administration Court added, "There is another matter. Both true disciples attained their rank today. How should we determine their seniority?"
Court Head Fu of the Court of Celestial Observations said, "That is simple. The sect already has established rules. We need only follow them."
Li Ling said, "Then explain to everyone what those rules are."
Court Head Fu of the Court of Celestial Observations said, "Li Ying advanced first, an