A difficult problem

Zhiyuan is Zhiyuan old and highly cultivated; he wouldn't have lost his composure like that in other situations.

But what he cared about most was money. He saved up all his life and only had a little over 300,000 taels of silver.

He was genuinely heartbroken to have to give away a third of it at once.

Zhou Wuji felt a pang of pity for the old Daoist priest, who was on the verge of tears. He couldn't bear to see him like this; at his age, why did he have to do this?

He comforted her, saying, "A philosopher once said that the greatest pain in the world is dying before you've spent all your money. If you have money, you should enjoy it while you're alive."

"Money only matters when you spend it. Money that isn't spent is meaningless."

Zhi Yuan was too lazy to listen to Zhou Wuji's nonsense. Zhiyuan, he had profound cultivation and quickly recovered.

He said, "You've made it sound so amazing, but I have to try the medicine myself first."

"Of course." Zhou Wuji smiled brightly. "Given our father-son relationship, there's no need for such formalities. Please, enjoy yourself. I'll protect you."

Zhiyuan didn't stand on ceremony; he summoned the young Daoist and instructed him not to be disturbed.

Once the side hall door was closed, Zhiyuan swallowed the Jade Liquid in one gulp.

Zhou Wuji sat opposite the old Daoist priest, silently reflecting the old Daoist priest's image in his Mind Mirror.

The nine Jade Liquid were given to nine people, representing men, women, young and old, and each person's experience after consuming the Jade Liquid was different.

By observing the changes in each person's physical condition and combining this with his cultivation and medical skills, he also gained a great deal.

Zhiyuan he has cultivated for a lifetime and his spirit is strong and vigorous, his Qi and Blood are very weak.

The pure vitality transformed from the Jade Liquid was used to nourish the depleted source of Qi and Blood in Zhiyuan.

The Jade Liquid he consumed barely raised his Zhiyuan level; it only altered his aging physical condition.

This process was also very slow, taking more than five hours.

Zhiyuan didn't open his eyes until midnight.

The old Daoist's face was still full of wrinkles, but his eyes had become much clearer, and his internal Qi and Blood was very strong, just like that of a martial artist.

Zhiyuan ignored Zhou Wuji opposite him, feeling the boiling power of his Qi and Blood and qi within his body. This feeling was both so unfamiliar and so familiar.

He felt like he was back in his thirties, a time when he was mature and full of energy.

"How do you feel?" Zhou Wuji asked.

"I might need to find a dao companion."

Zhiyuan said something, then realized he'd overreacted and coughed, saying, "Women are too troublesome and too expensive. I was just joking, don't take it seriously."

Zhou Wuji laughed heartily; those words were indeed somewhat amusing.

"One hundred thousand taels is well worth it."

Zhiyuan was very satisfied with the result, and he said, "Deducting the ten thousand taels you owe me, I should give you ninety thousand taels."

The old Daoist priest paused for a moment, then asked, "You're not in a hurry to need the money, are you?"

Before Zhou Wuji could speak, the old Daoist said, "I lend my money in a money exchange. If you want to withdraw it, you need to give me at least three months' notice."

Since you're going to stay in the Upper Court anyway, you can live in the Flying Profound Hall. I won't charge you for food, clothing, or lodging; consider it interest.

Seeing the old man's serious expression, Zhou Wuji thought for a moment and nodded, "Alright, that's settled for now. I'll let you know in advance when I need money."

Zhiyuan was delighted to see Zhou Wuji agree. He picked up his wine gourd and poured Zhou Wuji a cup of wine. "It's late at night, so let me tell you about the situation in the Upper Court..."

The Upper Court is large and has many affairs. There are also seven factions constantly fighting among themselves, and the two great Aristocratic Clan, the Lu Household and Zhou Household, are also involved.

Zhou Wuji didn't recognize any of them. Hearing a string of names and their complicated relationships, even if he remembered them, he would still be a little confused.

"Just remember this: don't mess with the Lu Household, and don't get involved with the Zhou Household family either."

Zhiyuan said, "Speaking of which, you also have the surname Zhou, but unfortunately, the Zhou Household family has kept a family genealogy for generations, even recording the illegitimate children born to concubines. Outsiders can't get in."

"Why is the Zhou Household so powerful?" Zhou Wuji asked.

"Because the current sect leader's surname is Zhou, isn't that simple?" Zhiyuan's old face revealed a sneer. "The sect leader is good, but unfortunately, the sect leader is still human after all, and can't be heartless."

"But he lived a long time, and the Zhou Household gradually gained power; there was nothing that could be done about it."

He said to Zhou Wuji, "By the way, Wuleng's surname is Zhou, her master Yining's surname is Zhou, True Person Zhihua's surname is also Zhou; they are all Zhou Household."

Zhou Wuji suddenly realized that Wuleng and Zhihua were quite close; indeed, they were family...

The Zhiyuan priest Zhiyuan reminded Zhou Wuji again, "Although Yining is Zhihe's disciple, she is only Fourth Rank cultivator. She also has a strong personality and is the head of the Upper Court's Discipline Hall."

"Although you and Wuleng have some acquaintance, don't associate with them too much, lest you attract Yining."

Zhou Wuji didn't have any particular thoughts about Wuleng, but he was still somewhat unhappy to hear these words.

"Making friends isn't allowed? That's a bit domineering."

"It's the master's job to manage the apprentice, so don't worry about it."

Zhiyuan reminded Zhou Wuji, "The Upper Court is different from the Lower Court. Your cultivation level is nothing in the Upper Court, and no one will pay much attention to you. Of course, no one will specifically come to make things difficult for you."

The old Daoist priest concluded, "I'll first help you complete the Sixth Rank ordination and regalia ceremony, then I'll send you to the Heavenly Authority Hall to further your studies in Secret Method."

He paused for a moment and then said, "The initiation ceremony costs two thousand taels, and the advanced study of Secret Method also requires one thousand taels."

Zhou Wuji understood the old Daoist's meaning. He took out three thousand taels of silver from his Five Yin Pouch and placed it on the table.

"Thank you for your hard work, Grandmaster Uncle."

Zhiyuan satisfaction. He did owe Zhou Wuji 90,000 taels of silver, but one thing at a time, Zhou Wuji still had to pay for the business himself; otherwise, the accounts would get messed up.

The old Daoist priest then instructed, "The Lord of the Heavenly Pivot Hall, Zhijing, is very strict and domineering. You are also a Heavenly Pivot Lineage, so you still need to pay your respects, register at the Heavenly Pivot Hall, and complete the conversion of your Daoist status."

"Zhijing is arrogant and conceited. If you don't provoke him, he won't do anything to you. Just be respectful."

He thought for a moment and then said, "Zhijing is the leader of the Lu Household."

"Yes, I understand." Zhou Wuji wasn't actually afraid of these things. At worst, he could seek refuge with Yuheng, True Person Zhihua would surely protect him.

But there was no need for him to argue with Zhijing. Zhijing was just domineering and arrogant, what did that have to do with him?

The next morning, Zhiyuan took Zhou Wuji and Yang Tie Ying to the Heavenly Pivot Hall.

The main hall of the Heavenly Pivot Hall Temple has seven rooms and five courtyards. It is built of huge bluestone, and the interior pillars, tiles and steps are all made of pure copper. The statue of Heavenly Pivot Star Lord is also made of special gold and iron.

The main hall has an ancient and dignified overall design, which, compared to the bustling North Pole Heavenly Emperor Hall, has a more solemn and dignified atmosphere befitting Daoist practice.

Zhou Wuji entered the main hall, kowtowed, offered incense, and silently recited the "Big Dipper Scripture".

After everything was finished, Zhiyuan led him to a side hall to pay his respects to Zhijing.

Zhijing had regular features, a long beard, wore a purple-gold five-pronged crown, and a purple-gold star-patterned robe. He sat upright on a long couch, exuding a cold and dignified air.

Zhou Wuji bowed respectfully and said, "Disciple Wuji pays respects to the True Person."

Zhijing sized up Zhou Wuji, noticing the young Daoist's handsome appearance and composed demeanor. He nodded slightly, "I've heard of you. You've done well in the Lower Court. In the Upper Court, you must strive even harder in your cultivation and strictly adhere to the precepts..."

The two were complete strangers. Zhijing exchanged a few casual words with Zhou Wuji, who then presented two boxes of spirit fruit preserves as gifts.

It's never wrong to be overly polite.

The gift itself isn't important; the main thing is to express respect and courtesy.

After leaving the side hall, Zhiyuan led him to the opposite side hall, where there were many people. Everyone stood quietly in line, waiting to go in and get their business done, not daring to speak.

Zhi Yuan, relying on his seniority, led Zhou Wuji directly into the side hall, found the steward to register Zhou Wuji's name, and stamped the register with Zhou Wuji's Heavenly Pivot Token. From then on, Zhou Wuji's Daoist status was transferred to the Upper Academy.

Zhou Wuji was a formally ordained Seventh Rank Daoist priest with an imperial title. Wherever his Daoist registration was transferred, he would receive money from that place.

The Upper Court's roster also needs to be submitted to Jingyang, and the money will only be transferred to the Upper Court after approval. This is no small matter.

Only after Zhou Wuji received the title of Master Hongde did Zhijing make things difficult for him, and his Daoist registration was easily transferred.

After completing the formalities, Zhiyuan instructed Zhou Wuji to find True Person Zhihua and apply for the use of the North Pole Heavenly Emperor Hall for ordination and investiture.

Zhiyuan, then go and pay your respects to the abbot.

Zhou Wuji arrived at the Yuheng Hall, which was also a magnificent hall, quite imposing, and no less impressive than the Heavenly Pivot Hall.

After explaining his purpose to the young Daoist boy at the gate, Zhou Wuji waited in the gate for a while before a boy led him to the main hall.

True Person Zhihua was still the same as before, wearing her usual dark blue Daoist robe and a headband. She stood below the statue, holding a whisk in her hand, her gaze deep and unreadable.

"Disciple pays respects to the True Person." Zhou Wuji greeted him.

True Person Zhihua turned around and smiled slightly at Zhou Wuji: "You've arrived. Are you settling in well?"

Zhou Wuji nodded. "With the Zhiyuan Grandmaster Zhiyuan, everything went very smoothly."

"You want to use the North Pole Heavenly Emperor Hall?"

Seeing Zhou Wuji nod, True Person Zhihua said, "The day after tomorrow will be fine. There's no moon at the end of the month, and the stars will be shining brightly, making it a perfect day for the transmission of ordination and bestowal of talismans."

She then said with a smile, "If you're willing, I can help you with the ordination and regalia."

Zhou Wuji shook his head slightly. If he allowed True Person Zhihua to bestow the title and initiation upon him on his behalf to join Yuheng, he would be regarded as a traitor by everyone, which was unacceptable.

He was somewhat puzzled. Hadn't they discussed this matter before? Why was True Person Zhihua bringing it up again?

"What a pity."

True Person Zhihua sighed softly. Since returning from the Cangwu Tree Palace, whenever she thought of Zhou Wuji's "Free and Free and Easy Wandering," she felt that the text was full of profound meaning, and she appreciated Zhou Wuji even more.

If such a person could join her Yuheng Lineage, she would definitely do her best to support him. It doesn't matter if he doesn't become the sect leader's True Disciple; after a few decades, he will have the opportunity to become the sect leader directly.

She then added, "Everyone knows that you Northern Emperor's Blessing, and they are all very curious about it."

"Many people will attend your ordination ceremony; you should be prepared..."

"Yes."

Leaving the Yuheng Hall, Zhou Wuji was in a bit of a predicament; this matter was proving difficult to handle!

Having accumulated a considerable amount of Origin Profound Qi during the previous two ordination ceremonies, he took the opportunity to enhance his cultivation and impersonate the Northern Emperor's Blessing.

Many people are coming to witness the ceremony, so it would be bad if he didn't make any move.

True Person Zhihua specifically emphasized this point, which was also a reminder that he must make a name for himself in order to stand out in the Upper Court and gain attention and fame.

To become a True Disciple disciple of the sect leader, one must possess a good family background, talent, and seniority.

His family background was not good, so he could only highlight his special status through the ceremony of Northern Emperor's Blessing.

Zhou Wuji had actually thought about this issue before, but he hadn't expected it to be so important.

So much so that he hadn't made any special preparations, and now he's a bit bewildered; this is going to be difficult...