In the year 3130 of the Xu Xin Calendar, joyous news spread from the Incense Accumulation Sect: its sect master, Li Ling, had achieved Core Formation.
With that, the North Sea cultivation world gained another eminent figure. Compared with venerable elders of great prestige, someone who achieved Core Formation at such a young age undoubtedly had far greater room to advance-a blazing sun rising into the sky.
For a time, almost every power in the North Sea stirred at the news. Leaders of the righteous path came in person to offer congratulations, while renowned experts and influential figures gathered from all quarters. The splendor rivaled the sect's founding ceremony.
Because of the long journeys involved, successive waves of guests arrived, and the celebrations stretched from the Incense-Burning Grand Gathering in June well into September. Finally, even the North Sea Nascent Soul True Person Wu Yan and Pei Qingguang, the Treasure Envoy and Grand Elder of the Four Seas Commerce Guild's General Association, paid personal visits.
The former was a venerable elder among grassroots rogue cultivators. He came to forge a friendly connection and pick up a few gifts along the way. Li Ling had no particular friendship with him, but a Nascent Soul elder's willingness to come was itself an honor. He simply entertained him courteously, and they exchanged contact information.
The latter had been introduced by Elder Shang. They immediately met in private to discuss important matters.
Li Ling had long heard of this Grand Elder Pei Qingguang. He was the current Weighing Officer who wielded the guild's secret treasure, the Gold-Splitting Scale, and one of the pillars of the present-day Money Guild!
He was broad and stout, looking for all the world like a wealthy provincial landlord from the mortal world.
With no outsiders present, Elder Shang smiled