When Nie Yingzhi reported the matter to Li Ling, Li Ling immediately understood his intentions.
Given the Incense Accumulation Sect's current circumstances, filling all the places allotted by the Apotheosis Golden Ranking would still be rather difficult.
But if they began now and accumulated candidates over the years, filling them all might not be impossible.
Should some natural disaster, human calamity, warfare, or displacement occur, this would also serve as a safeguard.
The crux was not how many disciples of the Incense Accumulation Sect would die unexpectedly, but whether the Heavenly Court would acknowledge and accept them.
Although people always looked down on the divine path, it was not something just anyone could dabble in.
It was much like official posts in an age dominated by aristocratic clans: high society disdained practical affairs and prized lofty discourse, yet those below still longed for office without being able to obtain it.
"In principle, the Heavenly Court should acknowledge them. Apotheosis merely gives the Heavenly Court an opportunity to bolster its ranks and gather the personnel it needs. There are many vacancies among its divine immortals and celestial officials at every level. Besides filling out the Eight Divisions of Orthodox Gods and the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals, it still lacks people to handle routine affairs.
"Our disciples are all trained to govern the world and aid its people. Though Zhou Xing was young, earning a teaching qualification through our sect's education already proved his character and aptitude. His spirit root was merely somewhat poor, leaving him short of the traditional standards for talent."
"You are absolutely right, Master. That is also what worries me most. Though ascending to heaven through apotheosis places little emphasis on cultivation and strength, having no cultivation as a foundation would hardly be acceptable."
Li Ling smiled faintly