A new emperor, a new court

Heart-Questioning Hall, Zhou Wuji respectfully bowed and paid his respects to the Zhiyuan Master Zhiyuan.

The Zhiyuan Daoist priest was dressed in a blue Daoist robe and wore a wooden star crown. His attire was very simple, except that he was holding a white jade whisk in his hand.

"You're back just in time. The handover will be completed tomorrow, and I'll leave the day after."

The Zhiyuan Daoist priest was clearly in a good mood, his aged face full of relaxed smiles.

Zhou Wuji asked in confusion, "True Person Zhihua has already come and resolved the problem. This matter wasn't caused by you, so why is there such a severe punishment?"

"It can't be considered a punishment. I'm over seventy years old, and I should be retiring by now."

Zhiyuan took it all in stride, explaining, "The Upper Court has assigned me the head seat of the Flying Profound Hall, the same position as Yiping, which is perfect for retirement."

"If you come to the Upper Court next year and have nowhere else to go, you can stay here temporarily."

"Thank you for hosting." Zhou Wuji saw that the old Daoist priest was in a stable mood and seemed to quite like retirement, so he felt that this outcome was not bad.

He thought for a moment and asked, "Who's the new host?"

"Zhihe, the Yuheng Lineage."

Zhiyuan to know what Zhou Wuji wanted to ask, so he shook his head slightly. "I have never dealt with Zhihe, but I know that this person is over fifty years old and has Fifth Rank cultivation level."

"They say this person is easygoing, but has a gloomy personality. Don't try to use your clever tricks on him; if he holds a grudge, you won't have a good year..."

Zhou Wuji cupped his hands in thanks. "Thank you for your guidance, Master."

Zhiyuan pondered for a moment and said, "Since this person has this kind of personality, I'm afraid you really won't get a spot to study at the Upper Court."

"Fortunately, you are Sixth Rank. I will help you report to the Upper Court, and you can go directly to the Upper Court to receive your ordination next year."

"If there's no one else, I can help you with the ordination and regalia."

"It is only natural for a 23-year-old Sixth-Rank Refining Master to enter the Heavenly Authority Hall to study the arts."

Zhiyuan valued Wuji highly, and he had already figured out how to send Wuji to the Upper Court.

The reason for clarifying things with Zhou Wuji now is to prevent a conflict between Zhou Wuji and the new host.

No matter Zhihe, Zhihe is the host and has a higher seniority, Wuji has no need to fight with him.

He can just endure it for a year in the Lower Court. Zhihe doesn't like Zhou Wuji, he won't really do anything to Zhou Wuji.

Zhiyuan Zhou Wuji is well aware of the stakes involved.

Zhou Wuji thanked him again, Zhiyuan the old Daoist was greedy for money, he had also taken good care of him.

"I have reported your merits truthfully, and I expect the Heavenly Master's Manor will bestow some reward upon you."

Zhiyuan smiled kindly and said, "If everyone in the Heavenly Master's Manor's Mansion remembers your name, it will be much easier to advance in rank."

Zhou Wuji thanked the old Daoist priest again, sincerely.

"Zhang Shiheng has been demoted and transferred, and Peng Yue won't be here for more than a few days."

"Heavenly Dragon Court will definitely deal with Xinjue, but they may not be able to rehabilitate Xinjue. After all, this monk has established himself in Yunyang, so he must have some merit and ability..."

Zhiyuan had spent decades at the Cloud Dragon Lower Court and was very familiar with the situation in Yunyang.

From the Aristocratic Clan families and various gangs to the Golden Leaf Temple, they explained the general situation to Zhou Wuji.

The old Daoist priest also introduced some important figures.

After all, Zhou Wuji still had to stay in Yunyang Prefecture. Zhiyuan to know that Zhou Wuji was bold and ruthless, and was afraid that he would kill people he shouldn't have, which would be a real problem.

"I will always remember the master's earnest teachings."

Zhou Wuji bowed deeply and clasped his hands in thanks to the old Daoist priest for his thoughtful guidance.

"You are intelligent, brave, and thoughtful. It's just that you're young, and sometimes you can't help but get angry."

Zhiyuan stood up and patted Zhou Wuji on the shoulder, saying earnestly, "Others have no choice but to retreat. But you've taken a step back for a greater future. Let's not fight over momentary pride..."

He laughed as he spoke, "If something happens to you, who am I supposed to find for that ten thousand taels IOU...?"

Zhou Wuji smiled. The old Daoist wasn't joking; that's precisely why his words were so funny.

After leaving the Heart-Questioning Hall, Zhou Wuji went to see Daoist Yizhen.

Regardless of his relationship with Wuming, Daoist Yizhen was his most important ally in the Lower Court.

I'm closer to Martial Uncle Yiping, but this Martial Uncle who lies flat is clearly not suitable for fighting side by side.

Daoist Yizhen also learned that Zhihe the position of abbot, and he felt very bad about it.

This kind of internal power struggle within a sect doesn't involve swords or life and death, but it's still more complicated and troublesome.

Seeing that Daoist Yizhen was frowning, Zhou Wuji knew that Daoist Yizhen didn't have any good solutions either.

Indeed, Zhihe is appointed by the Upper Court and has the legal authority to rightfully manage the Lower Court, any countermeasures they devise are useless.

After discussing it for a while, the two of them came up with just four words: "Act according to the situation."

The next day, everyone from the Lower Court gathered at the Heavenly Pivot Hall.

In front of everyone, Zhiyuan handed over the Northern Pole Token, which he was representing, to Zhihe. The Northern Pole Token was a gold medal engraved with the Big Dipper Seven Stars and the Northern Pole.

Zhihe wore a purple star-patterned Daoist robe and a purple copper five-pronged crown. He was of medium height, with fair skin, thin eyebrows, bright eyes, and a long black beard. He had a gentle expression and a tranquil temperament, and looked like a highly accomplished Daoist master.

The Daoist Yiding, Wuai, and others standing behind Zhihe were all from the Yuheng Lineage of the Lower Court.

The Yuheng Lineage uses swordsmanship as its foundation, making it easier to master and resulting in greater combat power. This lineage is also extremely influential.

The Yuheng Lineage in the Lower Court is led by Daoist Yiding, and its Qi Consumption number in the dozens, accounting for one-third of the Lower Court.

With Zhihe, who hails from Yuheng, presiding over the event today, the Yuheng Lineage is greatly encouraged, and everyone is beaming with joy.

Zhihe first arrived, with the support of the Yuheng Lineage, he immediately gained a great deal of influence.

Despite their own agendas, the members of the Lower Court were all intimidated by the Zhihe and influence of the Supreme Harmony.

Daoist Yizhen sighed inwardly. This Zhihe was quite capable. Before he had even done anything, he had already controlled everyone in the Lower Court by relying on the influence of the Yuheng Lineage.

Back at the Flying Profound Hall, Daoist Yiping Zhou Wuji, "I don't think Zhihe and stay in the Flying Profound Hall and don't wander off."

Zhou Wuji nodded. "This is the abbot. With my status, would I go and oppose him? That would be asking for trouble."

He truly had no interest in fighting with Zhihe. His ambition lay in the highest heavens; he wouldn't care about the Lower Court.

As for the resources in the Lower Court, they are of little use to him.

Zhou Wuji had made up his mind. He would stay in the Flying Profound Hall to read books, refine pills, and teach his disciples in his spare time.

The Daoist Yizhen. He is the temple master, whose status is second only to the abbot.

The position of temple master is of little use in a small Daoist temple, but in the Lower Court, it truly wields great power.

All rituals, including accepting disciples, transmitting ordination, reciting scriptures, offering incense, and worshipping gods, are managed by the temple.

Daoist priests need to set up an altar in the main hall to worship the gods for various purposes, including refining Law Artifact, practicing Law Technique, and even alchemy. All of these are under the jurisdiction of the hall.

With such great power, Zhihe would never relinquish it to an outsider. This is neither good nor bad; whoever was the abbot would have handled it the same way.

The saying "a new emperor, a new court" perfectly illustrates this.

Early the next morning, Zhou Wuji and Daoist Yizhen and others respectfully saw Zhiyuan off onto the ship.

Zhihe didn't come, nor did anyone from the Yuheng Lineage, including Daoist Yiding. Cultivators from the Tianji lineage also didn't come.

Although Zhiyuan managed the Lower Court well, he was quite greedy, and the lower and middle classes had grievances Zhiyuan him.

Now that Zhiyuan to leave, naturally no one is willing to support him.

Zhiyuan took it all in stride, smiling as he bid farewell to Yizhen and Zhou Wuji.

Having said all that needed to be said, everyone simply bowed to Zhiyuan in farewell.

Zhou Wuji thought he had finished speaking, but then a question suddenly occurred to him, and he decided to ask the old Daoist priest for guidance before he left.

He leaned Zhiyuan and whispered, "This disciple has another question about cultivation that I would like to ask the abbot."

Before Zhiyuan speak, Zhou Wuji asked, "Our Heavenly Pivot Lineage cultivates various methods; if we could only choose one to cultivate, how should we choose it?"

Zhiyuan paused for a moment; the question had taken him somewhat by surprise.

He considered it carefully and said, "I specialize in the Golden Light Divine Incantation Golden Light Divine Incantation it is most compatible with me."

"Every Law Technique has its own unique charm. The Law Technique that a cultivator finds most comfortable and easy to use indicates that he is in harmony with that Law Technique."

"If I could choose Law Technique without restrictions, I would definitely choose the Northern Dipper Heavenly Pivot Yin Thunder. This is the highest killing technique of my Northern Pole Sect, and it also contains various essential teachings of the Northern Emperor's cultivation. It is extremely profound..."

Zhiyuan looked at Zhou Wuji and said, "If you have talent in Yin Thunder Method, then concentrate on cultivating Yin Thunder Method, which will far surpass all other techniques!"

"I have learned a lot." Zhou Wuji bowed respectfully. The old Daoist was truly a guiding light, his words awakening him from his dream.

After seeing Zhiyuan off, Yizhen looked somewhat gloomy, while Wuming to the sorrow, occasionally stealing a glance at Zhou Wuji before revealing a satisfied smile.

With Zhiyuan gone, the Yunyang Lower Court has also changed...

Zhou Wuji originally thought that Zhihe would deal with Daoist Yizhen first, so he could see how capable this person was.

Unexpectedly, he and his Uncle-Master Yiping were the first to suffer misfortune.

Zhihe summoned Daoist Yiping Heart-Questioning Hall to speak with him.

When Daoist Yiping returned, his face was full of bitterness. He sighed deeply to Zhou Wuji, "Our lives are so miserable..."

Zhou Wuji felt a little sorry for him. This chubby old Daoist priest didn't care about food, drink, or daily necessities; he just wanted a peaceful life. He never expected that in his old age, he would be the one being dealt with.

He asked, "So, what are the arrangements for us, sir?"

"Snort..."

Daoist Yiping said irritably, "The abbot said the Ten Thousand Ghosts Grotto Ten Thousand Ghosts Grotto to be guarded in shifts, so he's sending my son and me to guard it..."

Zhou Wuji couldn't help but laugh, "Such a good thing!"

Last time, when the Seventh Rank Master opened the altar for initiation, Zhiyuan exempted him from the training in the Ten Thousand Ghosts Grotto, and he was upset for quite a while.

Even if the Heart-Questioning Hall has the Law Technique to monitor the Ten Thousand Ghosts Grotto, he has nothing to fear.

They guard the Ten Thousand Ghosts Grotto, and their duty is to cleanse the cave of Yin Spirit Sha Ghost. This allows them to legitimately collect Origin Profound Qi.

Daoist Yiping scoffed, "The Yin Qi in the Ten Thousand Ghosts Grotto is intense. Going there occasionally is fine, but staying there Yin Qi will damage one's foundation and be very detrimental to cultivation."

"I can refine Golden Yang Pill; refining a few Golden Yang Pill will be enough."

Zhou Wuji comforted Daoist Yiping: "As for dispelling the Yin Qi and slaying evil spirits, leave that to me. You can rest assured and relax."

"This is also a valuable opportunity for the Shangbing and officers to cultivate themselves; it will greatly benefit them..."

Daoist Yiping was a little surprised. He knew his junior disciple very well. Despite Zhou Wuji's seemingly aloof Clear Breeze untainted appearance, the boy had a terrible temper and would want to kill someone if he was upset by the slightest thing.

Now that he's been banished to the Ten Thousand Ghosts Grotto to suffer, he can still remain so calm and collected—it's truly unbelievable...