The envoy from the Heavenly Master's Manor was Zhishan, who was also an acquaintance of Zhou Wuji.
His examination for the Seventh Rank ordination certificate was completed by Zhishan.
When Zhishan sent him to the Lake Heart Island to investigate, he found the secret realm where the Five Dragons Gang performed their blood sacrifice.
This triggered a series of events, which ultimately led to the defeat of the Five Dragons Gang, but also resulted in heavy casualties and brought misfortune to Yunyang's high-ranking officials.
Ultimately, it all stemmed from Zhishan's selfishness.
Zhou Wuji disliked Zhishan very much. This man looked very amiable with a full moon-like face, but he was too calculating in his heart.
The old Zhichong of the Primordial Chaos Cult is quite good, and I admire him greatly, but he didn't come this time.
This time, Zhishan was particularly friendly and approachable. He took the initiative to talk to Zhou Wuji and even brought up some past events.
"The first time I met you in Cloud Dragon, I knew you were exceptionally talented and would surely bring glory to the Nine Provinces and revitalize your sect sooner or later."
"It hasn't been long, and you've already accomplished another great feat. Congratulations!"
Zhou Wuji smiled and exchanged a few polite words. The old Daoist was speaking more politely now, but the rift he had left behind could not be mended with just a few words.
Abbot Zhi'en, Hall Master Yiming, and the heads of each hall all arrived. Even if they had never met Zhishan, they could still strike up a conversation with Zhishan through their sect connections.
After exchanging pleasantries in the side hall for a while, and waiting for all the cultivators from the Lower Court to arrive, everyone returned to the main hall, where Zhishan acted as the messenger to convey the Celestial Master's decree.
" The Wuji was of noble character and profound in Daoist practice. He also slew demons and eliminated rebellious forces, quelled chaos, and saved the people."
"He was bestowed the title 'Master Hongde' and awarded a silver belt..."
Zhishan finished reading the decree, he solemnly handed it to Zhou Wuji Zhou Wuji both hands, who then placed it on the incense table.
Zhou Wuji then took out his Heavenly Pivot Token and placed it on the decree.
After offering incense and prayers, the decree emitted a strong spiritual light. When the light dissipated, four more characters appeared on the front of the Heavenly Pivot Token: Master Hongde.
The titles conferred by the Heavenly Master's Manor's Mansion are directly imprinted on the Heavenly Pivot Token through the magical Law Power condensed by the decree.
Zhou Wuji found it interesting; it seemed that the Heavenly Pivot Token had pre-reserved runes, allowing one to adjust its external form using Law Power.
That's how it is; such a spell looks quite magical...
The area below the main hall was filled with cultivators. Most of the cultivators from Cloud Marsh Lower Court were seeing such a scene for the first time, and they all stared wide-eyed with envy and amazement.
Yang Tie Ying, being Zhou Wuji's apprentice, stood in the front row. He looked around smugly, but unfortunately, no one paid attention to him; everyone was focused on Zhou Wuji.
Today, Zhou Wuji wore a star-studded crown, a star-blue brocade Daoist robe, a sash around his waist, and a long sword. His expression was calm and serene, exuding the air of a highly accomplished Daoist master...
The several cultivators of the "Zhi" generation were all highly skilled and had their own unique demeanor, but they all appeared somewhat vulgar next to Zhou Wuji, who seemed like Celestial Person.
Zhishan smiled and said, "As the saying goes, 'When a person cultivates virtue, the Way is not practiced in vain.' The title of Master Hongde is truly prestigious."
" The Heavenly Master's Manor bestowed this title upon you because they value you highly. You must continue to study diligently and uphold the righteous path, so as not to fail the high expectations of the Celestial Masters..."
Zhou Wuji bowed and agreed, also feeling that the title of Master Hongde was quite fitting.
Although it may not sound as imposing as the Sword Lord Xiaoxiang, the Sword Lord Xiaoxiang is just a nickname. People use it for fun in private, but it's not a real title.
Master Hongde, however, was an official title bestowed by the imperial court. With a four-character title, he could receive a salary of one thousand taels of silver from the court every year, with treatment equivalent to Fifth Rank official, as well as privileges such as not having to kneel before the emperor.
Zhou Wuji didn't understand this either, but Daoist Yizhen was familiar with the situation and had explained it to him beforehand.
The imperial court bestowed five titles upon Daoist priests: Master, Dharma Master, True Person, True Lord, and Celestial Master.
The title "Sir" is the lowest in rank, yet it is still an extremely prestigious one.
Between Cloud Dragon Lower Court and Cloud Marsh Lower Court combined, he was the only one who received the title of "Teacher".
After the imperial decree ceremony concluded, Abbot Zhi'en hosted a banquet for Zhishan.
Zhou Wuji's status is different now, so it's necessary for him to accompany him; otherwise, it would be too impolite.
Since alcohol was not permitted at the Daoist temple, the group drank fruit juice and ate delicate vegetarian dishes. The main course consisted of special spiritual items...
After the banquet ended, Zhou Wuji excused himself and left. He really had no interest in chatting with a group of old men.
Back in his room, Zhou Wuji saw the gift box from the Heavenly Master's Manor.
The sandalwood box is exquisitely carved.
Upon opening the box, one sees a silver belt with a black leather base, three inches wide and four feet long, with an inner ring buckle and thirteen square silver buckles on the outside.
Thirteen mysterious runes are engraved on the silver band, representing the seven stars of the Big Dipper Seven Stars and the six stars of the Southern Dipper.
According to Zhishan, this belt is Fifth Rank Law Artifact, made of black snake skin, inlaid with star silver, and engraved with runes that can ward off evil and purify. It also contains a Golden Light Divine Incantation.
This belt is very valuable, yet it is even more generous than the last reward.
Zhou Wuji tried on the belt; the silver belt buckle was as smooth and warm as jade, not at all ostentatious, and it matched his star-gold brocade Daoist robe perfectly.
The belt is very practical, with an inner compartment where you can store small items. It also makes carrying the sword more stable.
This thing is also very sturdy; it's impervious to swords and spears, and unharmed by water or fire.
Zhou Wuji was quite satisfied; the people from the Heavenly Master's Manor knew how to give gifts, just what he needed!
The next day, Zhishan left, Xie Lingyun arrived.
" Master Hongde!" Xie Lingyun bowed respectfully.
Zhou Wuji found it somewhat amusing. "Then I shall address you as General Who Proclaims Might!"
The Fire Phoenix Army killed Lord of Yunmeng, and the entire army received rewards from the imperial court. Xie Lingyun, as the deputy commander, was promoted to General Who Proclaims Might.
This is Principal Fourth Rank title, though it's a nominal one, it still carries the title of "General".
Many people don't understand that titles like General Who Proclaims Might, Mobile General, and Assistant General, which sound ordinary, are actually Principal Fourth Rank- or Principal Third Rank officials, which are extremely high-ranking positions.
Xie Lingyun laughed heartily, "This title is worth more than the General Who Proclaims Might! Such a good thing must be celebrated! At Myriad Joy Tower, we won't leave until we're drunk..."
Zhou Wuji gladly accepted the invitation, and this time he also brought Yang Tie Ying with him.
He also needed to bring someone with him when drinking at banquets. Furthermore, he needed to familiarize Yang Tie Ying with such occasions to prevent him from making a fool of himself later.
Although the Yang Household was considered well-off in Siming County, they were still just commoners. They were far, far below Xie Lingyun's social class.
My apprentice is not young anymore; he needs to experience more of the world so he won't be easily fooled.
Myriad Joy Tower has singing girls who, although not as beautiful as the women of the Hundred Flowers Pavilion, are gentle and obedient, and their songs are quite charming.
Yang Tie Ying had never seen anything like this before. After listening to the songstress sing a song, and without anyone else doing anything, his face turned completely red.
By the time the singing girls came to offer him more wine, before the banquet was even over, Yang Tie Ying was already completely drunk and had no idea where he was...
Xie Lingyun found it amusing and quite liked this straightforward young man.
That night, Zhou Wuji and Yang Tie Ying stayed overnight at Xie Household's residence.
The two sat facing each other, drinking tea. Xie Lingyun knew that Zhou Wuji would soon be going to the Upper Court, and he was quite reluctant to part with him.
"I have many relatives and comrades in Yunze, but you are the only friend who shares my interests."
Xie Lingyun sighed, "If you leave, I don't know who to drink and chat with."
He wasn't putting on airs; it was just that at his level, making a friend was incredibly difficult.
Those who gravitate towards him all have something to ask for or a purpose.
No matter how much a person tries to flatter, he will never respect them.
Zhou Wuji is not only highly skilled in martial arts, but also wise and insightful, and most importantly, he is a particularly interesting person.
Being with Zhou Wuji was truly like basking in a spring breeze. He was genuinely reluctant to see Zhou Wuji leave.
As the poem says, "Though separated by vast oceans and distant lands, true friends are never far apart." Although we are temporarily separated, we share the same aspirations and follow the same path, and will forever be friends.
"That's so well said!"
Xie Lingyun practiced martial arts and led troops since childhood, and he could talk eloquently about commanding troops and fighting battles, but his appreciation of literature was only so-so.
"A bosom friend afar brings a distant land near." This simple phrase evokes a profound sense of friendship, which he greatly admired.
Zhou Wuji smiled and said, "Before we part, I have a small gift for you. It's a spiritual item I obtained deep within the Dream Marsh, which is quite beneficial to cultivation."
"Oh?!"
Xie Lingyun became somewhat interested. He took the Jade Liquid and examined it carefully, but he couldn't discern anything special about it.
If it were anyone else, even if it were a divine object, they would verify it first; he would never eat anything indiscriminately.
Xie Lingyun still trusted Zhou Wuji completely. He immediately swallowed the Jade Liquid...
When Xie Lingyun woke up again, it was already getting light outside the window.
Xie Lingyun's piercing gaze fell upon Zhou Wuji opposite him. After a moment of silence, he got off the bed, clasped his hands in a deep bow, and said, "Wuji has treated me so kindly; I Wuji to repay him!"
After taking a dose of the Jade Liquid, he felt completely refreshed, as if his bone marrow had been replaced.
Fifth Rank martial artist condenses two Qi Sea, while Fourth Rank martial artist uses two Qi Sea to condense acupoints and temper their bones.
He fought a grueling battle at the Cangwu Tree Palace before breaking through the bottleneck and advancing to the Fourth Rank. But the most difficult part of this step was refining bones and marrow, and exchanging blood for regeneration.
Only in this way can one's blood be as deep as mercury and one's bones as hard as steel. Only with a strong life force as the foundation of the physical body can one have the opportunity to open the Qi Sea between the eyebrows and advance to the Third Rank.
Although he is talented, it will take him at least twenty years to hone his skills and reach this level.
He now feels he has completed the marrow transformation; all he can do is refine his True Qi and condense it in his acupoints. Perhaps within three to five years, he will have the opportunity to advance to the Third Rank.
Xie Lingyun to discover how precious the divine object was, and that Zhou Wuji was actually willing to give it to him—this was an immense favor!
Zhou Wuji grabbed Xie Lingyun's hand and laughed, "This thing will soon lose its effectiveness if not used. We're good friends, who else would I give it to if not you?"
"Once you advance to the Third Rank, you can fly to Jingyang to visit me anytime."
Xie Lingyun gripped Zhou Wuji's hand tightly and said solemnly, "From now on, Wuji says the word, we'll go through fire and water!"
"But there's no need for that. Just wait for Lingyun to get promoted and make a fortune, then he can take me out for food, drink, and fun..." Zhou Wuji smiled, not taking his words too seriously.
This favor was immense, and he could tell that Xie Lingyun appreciated it, but he couldn't expect Xie Lingyun to risk his life for him because of it.
What kind of deep affection would make someone disregard life and death? Zhou Wuji knew he couldn't do it, and he didn't expect anyone else to.
That's not how you use favors...
When Zhou Wuji left, Xie Lingyun gave him two fine horses, one of which was a white horse, particularly magnificent.
"This horse is named Wind Chaser. It is a stable breed that my Xie Household has cultivated through dozens of generations of crossbreeding with Dream Marsh Scale Horse. Wind Chaser is the best of the best, and it is only three years old this year. This horse is extremely fast and has great endurance. It is no exaggeration to say that it can travel a thousand miles a day."
The white horse was pure white, over six feet tall at the shoulder, with full and strong muscles, and a pair of large, intelligent black eyes.
Zhou Wuji fell in love with it at first sight; the horse was undeniably beautiful.
The Flying Star Armored Horse Technique is very useful, but it cannot travel in the daytime.
Moreover, the Flying Star Armored Horse Technique is, after all, a manifestation of Yin Spirit. Its advantage lies in its ability to cross various barriers, but its speed is not fast.
He laughed and said, "What a fine horse! I like it at first sight. I won't stand on ceremony."
Xie Lingyun laughed too, "It's a good horse, but raising it is quite troublesome. The feed and water are particular, and you also need to brush its coat and walk it..."
He pointed at Yang Tie Ying and said, "Let your apprentice stay at my house for two days, and let the groom give him a good lesson."
Without Zhou Wuji saying a word, Yang Tie Ying nodded repeatedly. He really liked the red horse that had been given to him. Although it wasn't as magnificent as his master's, it was only a little bit inferior...
Such a fine horse must be well cared for!
Zhou Wuji nodded. Live horses are such a hassle. If it weren't for this apprentice, he might not have had the time to take care of them.
Yang Tie Ying stayed behind to learn horse breeding, Zhou Wuji returned to the Lower Court and secretly met with Li Ruyi, giving her the Jade Liquid.
After consuming the Jade Liquid, Li Ruyi immediately broke through to the Seventh Rank rank.
She also noticed the object's extraordinary nature and immediately bowed deeply to Zhou Wuji: "Senior Brother, you have shown me such great kindness; I will never forget it."
"We're like brothers and sisters, our friendship dates back to childhood."
Zhou Wuji said softly, "The road ahead is long, and we, as fellow disciples, must support each other to go further..."
Li Ruyi fully understood what her senior brother meant. She didn't say anything, but just nodded vigorously!
She didn't have a high status with her master, so she naturally wanted to hold onto this relationship with her senior brother.
Having received care and attention from my senior, I should naturally do things for him in return; this is the simplest principle of being a good person...