The Jingyang Mountain are a range of towering peaks stretching for hundreds of miles.
Among the peaks, seven are the most majestic and imposing, with Upright Yang Peak being the tallest and most magnificent.
Upright Yang Peak serves as a northern barrier for Jingyang Commandery, with the city and the mountain situated on the same central axis.
To the east of Upright Yang Peak lies the famous Jingyang Lake, a vast expanse of water that connects the Jingyang Seven Peaks, creating a magnificent and picturesque landscape.
"Senior brother, look! There's a lake-viewing pavilion on the east side of Upright Yang Peak. When it rains, going to the pavilion to look down at the clear blue lake and watch the gentle drizzle is especially pleasant..."
Wuleng pointed to a small pavilion on the mountaintop and Zhou Wuji. It was only because Zhou Wuji had extraordinary eyesight that he was able to see a corner of the pavilion peeking out from under the trees.
Yang Tie Ying's eyesight was far inferior to Zhou Wuji's; he didn't see the pavilion, nor was he interested in it.
Instead, they were quite interested in the tall gate tower in front of them. The gate tower was five zhang tall and had a structure of five bays, six pillars, and seven stories.
Built of massive, dark blue-green stones, the gate tower is decorated with numerous carvings of deities, dragons, and phoenixes, giving it an overall majestic and imposing appearance.
The horizontal plaque above the gatehouse bears four large characters: Blessing and Protecting All Living Beings.
Passing through the gatehouse, one encounters a long, straight staircase that leads all the way to the main hall of the central palace, the North Pole Heavenly Emperor Hall, halfway up the mountain.
Standing at the mountain gate, one can only vaguely see the eaves of the North Pole Heavenly Emperor Hall, and the bright glazed tiles on the main hall shimmering in the sunlight.
Wuleng grew up in the Upper Court and was very familiar with the place. During this time, he traveled with Yang Tie Ying and they became quite close.
She explained to Yang Tie Ying, "From here, you have to climb three thousand steps to reach the North Pole Heavenly Emperor Hall, which is also the main hall of the Upper Court. All sacrifices are held in the main hall."
"Even on ordinary days, it is open to believers, and incense is burned continuously throughout the day."
The weather in late March was neither too hot nor too cold, and the sun was shining brightly. There were many believers on the steps leading to the North Pole Heavenly Emperor Hall, including quite a few graceful women.
Most of the women carried paper umbrellas for sun protection or wore veils, while some women had their faces completely uncovered, appearing poised and confident.
Many believers passed through the gate tower, and most would glance at Zhou Wuji and then at Wuleng.
The main reason is that more people are looking at Zhou Wuji. As for female Daoist priests, people are too embarrassed to look at them for long, while men don't have as many reservations.
Then there's Zhou Wuji, wearing a jade crown and a star-gold Daoist robe, truly handsome and extraordinary, making people want to take a second look.
Many people whispered among themselves, inquiring about the origins of this handsome male cultivator...
Zhou Wuji also felt good. Upright Yang Peak was majestic and imposing, with lush trees and beautiful flowers. The Jingyang Upper Court, built against the mountain, was magnificent and grand, with a building scale more than ten times that of the Lower Court.
This Upper Court truly has the grandeur of a top Daoist sect; it's very inspiring to look at.
Wuleng then pointed to the mountaintop and said, "The highest point is the Heavenly Pivot Hall. This hall has a golden roof cast in bronze, and during the rainy season, lightning often strikes the golden roof, causing it to flash everywhere. It is a good place to practice Thunder Method."
Zhou Wuji looked in the direction Wuleng pointing and saw a patch of golden light, but it was too far away and there were many obstructions, so he couldn't see anything else...
There are actually other smaller paths for cultivators of this sect to ascend the mountain.
To show Zhou Wuji the Upper Court, Wuleng led him and Yang Tie Ying Tieying straight up the steps.
The horses the three of them were riding were naturally not allowed to travel this road, Wuleng had the steward arrange for them to be taken to the Bixing Hall for safekeeping.
As Sixth Rank sword cultivator, Wuleng had no official position in the Upper Court, but most people still recognized her; even those who didn't know her personally recognized the Heavenly Pivot Token.
Zhou Wuji had nowhere to raise horses, so this was the only arrangement he could make for the time being.
The two fine horses, Wind Chaser Crimson Cloud, are somewhat special, as they eat different feeds. Raising them well is not easy.
For now, this is the only arrangement we can make. We'll see how to proceed once he's settled in the Upper Court.
The North Pole Heavenly Emperor Hall is located on the mountainside. The main hall sits on a three-story high white marble base, with nine bays in width and seven bays in depth. The pillars inside the hall are made of Phoebe zhennan wood, which is too thick for one person to hug.
The statue of the North Pole Heavenly Emperor at the very center is over three zhang tall, and the pure bronze, gilded statue is very majestic.
The coffered ceiling above the main hall is stacked in layers, with a huge translucent crystal embedded at the very top.
The sunlight streaming down from above the main hall, through the intricate design of the coffered ceiling, converges into a beam of light that falls upon the statue, giving it an even more sacred and radiant glow.
The devout worship and prayers of numerous believers caused the main hall to gather immense source power, forming a powerful Law Domain.
Zhou Wuji, being among them, felt the invisible pressure brought by that Law Domain.
He was quite amazed by this. As expected of the Upper Court, the Law Domain condensed around the North Pole Heavenly Emperor's Palace even covered several nearby mountain peaks.
Although the power of such a vast Law Domain is not readily apparent, it will be immediately Law Domain if demons or evil spirits were to enter.
Zhou Wuji knelt before the statue of the Northern Emperor, silently recited scriptures, and lit three incense sticks before following Wuleng to the Flying Profound Hall.
Flying Profound Hall was not qualified to be located on Upright Yang Peak, but instead was located on the top of Azure Yang Peak.
Large terraced fields have been created on the mountainside of Azure Yang Peak. Wuleng explained that they are the medicinal garden of the Upper Court, where some special spirit medicine are grown.
Tianxuan Hall is also located on Azure Yang Peak, occupying a large area. It also has dozens of specially set up Alchemy Chamber. You can see the smoke rising from it from afar, and you can even faintly smell the fragrance of medicine in the wind.
Flying Profound Hall is relatively small, but it is still much more impressive than Cloud Dragon Lower Court. The main hall has five rooms and three courtyards, with a regular layout.
The side rooms were clean and tidy, and the courtyard was quite spacious. It was surrounded by large pine and bamboo groves, making it very tranquil.
Wuleng and Zhiyuan were not familiar with each other and did not want to go in to talk, so they stopped at the door after seeing Zhou Wuji and Yang Tie Ying off.
She said, "I'll be focusing on my cultivation in the Yuheng Hall lately. Please come visit me whenever you have free time, senior brother. Just send a message if you need anything."
Having consumed the spiritual item given to her by Zhou Wuji, her True Qi is now circulating through her eight orifices, and she is only one step away from reaching the perfect Sixth Rank.
At such a crucial moment, she naturally needed to focus on her cultivation.
"Alright." Zhou Wuji nodded as he saw Wuleng; he really didn't need this junior sister for the time being.
There are many experts in the Upper Court. If he really has something to do, Wuleng, a mere Sixth Rank sword cultivator, can't help him much.
He invested in Wuleng because he was optimistic about her future.
Upon entering the Flying Profound Hall, a young Daoist disciple greeted them. Hearing that they were looking for the head monk, the disciple immediately hurried off to inform him.
Before long, the young Daoist boy ran back and bowed respectfully again. "The head monk requests your presence; please follow me."
Upon entering the side hall, Zhou Wuji saw Zhiyuan.
The old man sat by the window, basking in the sun. On the small table next to him was a gourd of wine and two small dishes filled with pickled vegetables and dried meat as snacks to accompany the wine.
Zhou Wuji was slightly surprised. The old man was still diligent and conscientious in the Lower Court, always maintaining a high-class demeanor.
Why did they start drinking alone in broad daylight, before it was even mealtime, when they arrived at the Upper Court?
The Northern Pole Sect forbids drinking alcohol, but drinking in a side hall during the day is a violation of the precepts.
In mild cases, they will be publicly reprimanded; in severe cases, they may even be expelled from the religious order.
Zhiyuan glanced at Zhou Wuji and waved, "Come, sit down and have a couple of drinks."
Zhou Wuji's expression was somewhat complicated. "Grandmaster Uncle, why go to such lengths?"
Zhiyuan smiled gently on his aged face, "I am already seventy-seven years old. Life is a hundred years long, and I can live for at most another twenty years."
"I used to have this idea in my mind, always wanting to go further. Now I've let go of that obsession, and enjoying the breeze and the moon while drunk is truly delightful. Haha..."
The old Daoist priest laughed heartily, a truly carefree and unrestrained laugh.
"You're a respected elder with a high social standing, so drinking is no problem for you. I wouldn't dare to do anything reckless."
Zhou Wuji waved his hand in refusal, but he still sat down across the table and had his apprentice come over to pay his respects.
Yang Tie Ying bowed respectfully and greeted Zhiyuan with Zhiyuan greeting. Zhou Wuji then sent his apprentice away.
He picked up the wine gourd and filled the old Daoist's cup with wine. "Grandmaster Uncle, I came to the Upper Court to seek refuge with you, and I'm counting on you to take care of me."
Zhiyuan smiled again, "I may not be able to handle big matters in the Upper Court, but I can still help with small things."
"It's getting late today, you can stay at the Flying Profound Hall for now. I'll inquire tomorrow to see when the abbot is available."
Zhiyuan took a sip of wine before slowly saying, "Master True Person Zhiyun is gentle and kind; he is a good person."
"Be careful in the Upper Court, don't offend that guy surnamed Lu."
Zhou Wuji asked curiously, "I've heard that the abbot is Second Rank, so how come he's True Person?"
"The title 'True Person ' is bestowed by the imperial court. What does it have to do with one's cultivation level?"
Zhiyuan's old face revealed a hint of amusement. "You're only Sixth Rank, yet you've managed to become a Fifth Rank 'Master Hongde,' while I, a dignified Fifth Rank, don't even have a title."
"I see." Zhou Wuji smiled ingratiatingly. "I thought that First Rank's cultivation reached the Second Rank, there would be a corresponding title."
"It mainly depends on the Heavenly Master's Manor and the imperial court. There are precedents for bestowing titles of True Person or True Lord upon someone without much cultivation."
Zhiyuan shook his head at Zhou Wuji: "You're focusing on the wrong thing. The real point is that the Lu Household is not to be trifled with. You need to remember that."
"Why?" Zhou Wuji asked, puzzled. Everyone called each other by their Buddhist names; how would he know whose surname was Lu?
Besides, is this guy surnamed Lu really that powerful?
" Lu Wuyuan, the head of the Heavenly Pivot Hall, is a few years older than you. He is currently Fourth Rank. His father is the Hall Master, Zhijing, Lu Zhijing."
Zhiyuan slowly said, "This branch of the Lu Household actually originated from True Lord Mingjing. Since True Lord Mingjing disappeared, the Lu Household retreated to Jingyang Upper Court and has been operating here for hundreds of years."
"Many big businesses in Jingyang City are run by the Lu Household. It is because of the Lu Household's support that the Upper Court can maintain its normal operation."
The old Daoist priest gestured with his hand and said, "You must have seen it when you came. The Upper Court is so grand. These palaces and pavilions, just the daily maintenance alone costs a lot of money, not to mention supporting the three thousand cultivators of the Upper Court, which also costs a lot of money."
"You can't achieve enlightenment with just money, but without money you can't even afford food. What right do you have to talk about cultivation..."
Zhou Wuji nodded. He had actually thought about this question as well. Such a large Upper Court must cost a lot of money to maintain.
Making money in the Upper Court isn't so easy. Aside from imperial rewards and donations from believers, they can only sell some elixirs, talismans, and Law Artifact.
These things are too expensive, and not many people can afford them, so the profit margin is naturally limited.
In a large prefecture like Jingyang, with its orthodox Daoist sects like Greater Yin and Lesser Yin, and even a major Buddhist temple like Dragon Elephant Temple, making money is even more difficult.
It makes perfect sense that the Lu Household pays for the support of the Upper Court, so naturally the Lu Household is powerful.
He Zhiyuan to see Zhou Wuji understand this principle and nodded with satisfaction. "At your age, you should know the importance of money. So, when are you going to pay me back the ten thousand taels you owe me?"
"Hahaha..."
Zhou Wuji couldn't help but laugh out loud; the old man had been waiting for him all along.
He confiscated Chen Dalu's assets, but he still had money in his hands, and he had previously considered paying it back to Zhiyuan ahead of schedule.
This time when he came to the Upper Court, he didn't intend to give the money to Zhiyuan.
Zhou Wuji took out the last piece of Jade Liquid from his sleeve and placed it on the table. He said, "My grandmaster uncle mentioned money, and coincidentally, I also have a big deal to discuss with you..."
Zhiyuan picked up the jade Jade Liquid and examined it carefully, but couldn't discern anything special.
He asked, "What is this?"
"A treasure that can extend one's life by fifty years."
Zhou Wuji smiled slightly at Zhiyuan: "Grandmaster Uncle, how much are you willing to pay for fifty years of lifespan?"
Although Zhiyuan gave up on the idea of going further, he wasn't tired of living. On the contrary, he felt very comfortable and at ease with his current life.
At this point, he hoped to live a few more years.
He instinctively gripped the Jade Liquid tighter, a hint of surprise appearing on his old face. "Really?"
"This item is the heartwood of Cangwu Ancient Tree, its vitality pure and abundant, it couldn't be more authentic!"
Zhou Wuji looked at Zhiyuan and said in a low voice, "Grandmaster Uncle, do you think selling such a treasure for 200,000 taels of silver isn't too much?"
Zhiyuan my age, I can't help but feel thirsty and my eyelids twitch uncontrollably.
He actually wanted to refute it, but if the idea of extending one's life by fifty years were spread, people would be willing to pay three to five hundred thousand taels of silver for it.
After all, there are still many rich people in this world, and the richer they are, the more afraid they are of dying.
" Wuji, I've treated you very well..."
The old Daoist priest wanted to haggle a bit, but Zhou Wuji said directly, "I've always been grateful for your patronage, so I'll give you a 50% discount!"
Zhiyuan was very tempted, but 100,000 taels was still too much for him, and he really couldn't bear to part with it.
His lips trembled as he tried to speak, but Zhou Wuji immediately took the Jade Liquid back. "Forget it, how could I make money off you? I'll sell it and pay you back 20,000 taels of silver when I have the money."
Before Zhou Wuji finish speaking, Zhiyuan snatched the jade Jade Liquid: "Ten thousand taels, I want it!"