The next day.
Chen Shuangbai was cultivating in the lakeside pavilion when he suddenly sensed an aura of the same origin as his own coming from the mountains. He knew that the sect's assessment envoy had arrived.
Chen Shuangbai leaped into the air, Flowing Cloud Flying Pouch Armor materialized out of thin air. Riding this cloud-like flying magic Law Artifact, he headed towards the aura.
Two streams of energy from the same source sensed each other from afar, and suddenly a beam of water appeared in the mountain. The water gathered into mist, slowly dissipated, and transformed into a young Daoist priest wearing a water-colored robe.
Two other people followed behind the Daoist priest, who appeared to be only at the first or second level of Qi Refining. They bowed to Chen Shuangbai.
The Daoist bowed, made a Method Formula with his left hand, and the Law Power patterns of the Jade Begets Sweet Spring appeared before him. He asked, "May I ask, are you Junior Brother Chen Shuangbai?"
Chen Shuangbai also manifested the Jade Begets Sweet Spring pattern using his Law Power, and replied with a smile, "Indeed, may I ask the esteemed name of the envoy?"
After both parties verified each other's identities, their guard was lowered, and the atmosphere immediately became much more relaxed.
The Daoist priest concealed his hidden aura and said gently, "I have no honorific title. My name is Cheng Jianshan. I have received the sect's decree and am now patrolling the four directions to examine the merits and demerits of those who guard these posts."
Chen Shuangbai readily agreed and called out, "Senior Brother Cheng."
"This is not the place to talk. Why don't you come with me to the lineage's residence here so we can discuss this further?"
Cheng Jianshan waved his hand and laughed, "Let's skip the formalities. I have heavy responsibilities and dare not be negligent. I have already inspected Wind Howling County and sent people to investigate..."
At this point, Cheng Jianshan's expression also showed some surprise, but it wasn't that Chen Shuangbai had performed poorly in her guarding mission; rather, it was that she had performed exceptionally well.
He scrutinized the tall, composed young junior brother before him with keen eyes.
Cheng Jianshan, having received the sect's decree, has served as the merit assessment envoy for several terms. Based on his experience inspecting various locations, it would be considered quite good if the disciples stationed there could pass through three years peacefully without any major mishaps.
If one can smooth over local relations and maintain a respectable relationship with local powers, one can obtain a lower-tier (B) rating.
If we can achieve something even slightly, such as cultivating some spiritual fields or recruiting a few qualified students to join the sect, then we will be considered a Class B sect.
Although Wind Howling County, which Chen Shuangbai guarded, had only just begun to show signs of prosperity after three years of garrisoning, Cheng Jianshan had already foreseen that if it continued to develop in this way, it would surely become a major commercial county in the Jing Kingdom in the future.
Cheng Jianshan stated bluntly, "I have recorded everything Junior Brother Chen has done and said in my notebook, and his rating is now top-tier!"
A on!
Chen Shuangbai had mostly anticipated that he would achieve a very good rating this time, but he never expected that his senior brother would be so generous as to give him a top-tier grade.
However, Chen Shuangbai couldn't appear too calculating, so she remained composed and said, "Senior Brother Cheng, you flatter me."
"Junior brother was merely fulfilling his duty. Wind Howling County owes its current prosperity to the assistance of fellow disciples from the local lineage, Spring-Venerating Daoist Academy."
His tone was humble, without taking credit or showing off, and this demeanor made Cheng Jianshan nod in approval.
"This child is not only exceptionally capable, but also possesses a calm and composed temperament. Most importantly, his cultivation speed is also rapid... If nothing unexpected happens, he will definitely rank among the top in this inner disciple selection."
Thinking this, Cheng Jianshan had the Daoist priest beside him take out a jade tablet, on which were engraved the two characters 'Jia Shang' in seal script, powerful and vigorous, which could not be faked by others.
After Chen Shuangbai accepted it, Cheng Jianshan said, "Now that the merit assessment results have been released, this is a token. After you return to the mountain, Junior Brother, please present it to the Abyss Suppression Hall, and the assessment will be finalized."
"I must continue my patrol, so I won't disturb you any longer, junior brother. We can discuss this further when we return to the mountain gate."
"Thank you for your trouble, senior brother."
Chen Shuangbai bowed in thanks, exchanged a few more pleasantries, and then watched as Cheng Jianshan and his two disciples departed in a shimmering light.
"Escape Light!"
A cultivator in the Qi Refining Stage lacks the Law Power to support the changes in the escape light; only those at the Foundation Establishment can easily and comfortably use the escape light.
The speed of the escape Law Technique far surpasses that of flight magic, earning it the reputation of "traveling a thousand miles in a day, and reaching the ends of the earth in an instant."
"This Senior Brother Cheng is clearly not Foundation Establishment cultivator. He doesn't have the natural suppression of his rank that Huo, the previous Exalted Cultivator Huo, had. He should be at the Ninth Layer of Qi Refining... or even the Great Perfection level, and has the qualifications to break through to Foundation Establishment."
"That's a special Spirit Artifact?"
" Foundation Establishment..."
Chen Shuangbai hand, her eyes deep in thought.
Qi Refining is only the beginning of cultivating immortality. Only by Foundation Establishment can one truly embark on the Dao Path immortality, see more magnificent and beautiful scenery, and possess more autonomy and power.
Having considered this, Chen Shuangbai cleared his mind, glanced back at the eager figures in the Daoist temple below, waved his hand, and rode his Flowing Cloud Flying Pouch, transforming into a white streak as he disappeared into the thick clouds.
There was no mention of taking care, nor was there any shedding of tears.
Having said what needed to be said, Chen Shuangbai did not linger any longer and turned to leave the ferry crossing in Chongxian County, which he had guarded for three years.
Inside the Spring-Venerating Daoist Academy.
Zhuang Wen stared at the receding white line, his mind filled with countless thoughts.
Behind him stood a man and a woman, Meng Fu and Fei Liyan, who were among the best in the Dao Academy this generation in terms of Spirit Root aptitude and character.
The two exchanged a glance and both saw the flame of ambition burning in each other's eyes.
Chen Shuangbai rode the Flowing Cloud Flying Pouch, following the route he remembered from three years ago, heading south back to the mountain.
He went home first.
My grandfather is still in good health, but he looks older. There's nothing we can do about it; without Spirit Root roots, he can't cultivate Cultivation Method, so his lifespan can't be extended.
But the old man was very open-minded. Holding his Zhangsun's hand, he smiled and said, "In my life, I have sons and daughters. Although there have been setbacks in my family, we have managed to get through them peacefully. Most importantly, I have found a master like you, Bai'er. I am already very content."
Chen Shuangbai felt a warmth in her heart. She told Uncle Li to take good care of her grandfather and then went to find her second uncle, Chen Moyan, who was now in charge of the family.
Chen Moyan has been in charge for three years now. His original timidity has gradually dissipated, and he has become more decisive and resolute. However, looking at his handsome nephew, and recalling the miserable state of his third brother, he still feels a little scared.
Chen Shuangbai summoned this second uncle not for any other reason than for the future of the White Water Chen Clan.
The uncle and nephew closed the door and had a private conversation in the room.
Chen Shuangbai handed a wooden plaque to his second uncle and said earnestly, "Second Uncle, this is a token from the Spring-Venerating Daoist Academy in Wind Howling County. I guarded it for three years, which can be considered as making a good connection."
"Find a suitable young man within your clan who has a heart for Daoism, and take him to the Spring-Venerating Daoist Academy to see Abbots Zhuang Wen and Bi Sheng. I have already given instructions, and they will make proper arrangements for him to study at the academy."
"If someone truly has the potential, they can cultivate themselves. Even if they are not destined for Immortal Dao, learning practical skills such as scriptures, mathematics, medicine, and various crafts at the Daoist academy will broaden their horizons and be beneficial."
"Whether you pursue an official career through the imperial examinations or manage a family business in the future, it will be a good path."
Chen Moyan solemnly accepted the ordinary wooden plaque with both hands, feeling both surprised and delighted.
Although he was not skilled in cultivation, he knew that such an opportunity to become an immortal was rare, and he said deeply, "I understand, and I will certainly not fail... my nephew, in fulfilling your trust and bringing glory to the White Water Chen Clan!"