In the blink of an eye, six years had passed.
It was now Incense Accumulation Year 323, and Li Ling was four hundred and fifty-three years old.
Outside the mountain gates of the Incense Accumulation Sect, a group of young children had traveled far from home to seek immortality and the Dao.
The deacons of the Ascension Court and Civil Administration Court were already busy, guiding them through registration and enrollment before settling them in the Market Ward below the mountain gates.
"Another batch of Named Disciples. I wonder how many will enter the inner academy for further study in a dozen years or so and become formal disciples of our sect."
"Your sect's method of teaching and nurturing students is truly rare in the cultivation world. It rather resembles the schools of the mortal world."
"Indeed. Since its founding, our sect has emphasized academy education, but only during the foundation-building stage. Once they become formal disciples, they naturally have opportunities to enter a master's tutelage and receive guidance from accomplished teachers."
Several cultivators in brocade robes watched this scene from the plaza. Among them were Steward Elders of the Incense Accumulation Sect, visitors from other sects in the North Sea, and members of the East Sea Immortal Alliance.
As Dongfang Wangyue of the Spirit Emperor Sect listened to their discussion, a thoughtful expression appeared on her face.
She was a descendant of Grand Elder Dongfang Ming, destined to become one of the sect's leaders and manage its affairs. Having taken up residence in the Que Luo Immortal Abode these past few years, she had joined the Incense Accumulation Sect as a guest elder to build up her credentials.
Dongfang Ming and the others were now traveling far and wide, actively organizing the righteous forces for a counteroffensive. Most of