Even losing was winning!

Tianquan Star, also known as Wenqu Star, represents wisdom.

Therefore, the Heavenly Authority Hall is used to store Secret Method, and cultivators go there to further their Heavenly Authority Hall.

The Tianquan Sword uses wisdom to control the sword; its Swordsmanship emphasizes calculation and has no real moves. The most important sword technique is actually Sword Evasion.

Zhou Wuji had always admired True Person Zhihua's Sword Evasion, but it wasn't until he learned the Tianquan Sword that he realized the Tianquan Sword was the method of Sword Evasion.

However, his cultivation level is too low. He needs to at least complete the Thirty-Three Heavens of his spine, open the Jade Pillow acupoint at the back of his head, and complete the great cycle of the Heavenly Qi before he can use Sword Qi to lift himself up and fly into the sky.

At present, with his level of True Qi, he can only fly close to the ground.

Tianquan Sword Evasion has Secret Method that allows him to instantly burst forth, enabling him to fly at high Sword Evasion close to the ground in a very short time.

With his True Qi level, he should be able to fly dozens of miles in one breath. The speed here is truly fast, far surpassing the Flying Star Armored Horse Technique.

This Sword Evasion technique is extremely useful whether you're trying to escape or chasing enemies.

When Zhou Wuji opened his eyes, he found that True Person Zhihua had already left. He bowed deeply towards the gate.

The Tianquan Sword passed down by True Person Zhihua was extremely useful to him.

He currently has no shortage of offensive combat techniques, defensive Law Technique, and the protection of the Heavenly Puppet; what he lacks is a secret technique for escaping.

The Tianquan Sword has arrived just in time!

True Person Zhihua probably intended to pass on the Dharma to him long ago, but he just found an excuse and casually passed on the Tianquan Sword to him.

Even though it's only at the Fifth Rank rank, it's still exceptionally precious.

Zhou Wuji remembered this favor very well.

Back in the side hall, Zhou Wuji Zhiyuan the situation to Zhiyuan. Of course, he wouldn't mention the Tianquan Sword, only that he had written a poem on the stone wall, True Person Zhihua greatly admired...

Zhiyuan nodded. "When one's cultivation reaches the Third Rank, one naturally values the spiritual energy of heaven and earth the most."

"If you can sense the spiritual energy, your cultivation level can improve rapidly. If you cannot sense the spiritual energy, the effect of external objects will be very small."

"Especially at the Second Rank, the condensation of primordial spirit depends entirely on sudden enlightenment. If you can't comprehend it, you simply can't comprehend it."

"Therefore, cultivation really depends on talent. If your talent is even slightly lacking, you can only reach the Second Rank..."

Speaking of Zhiyuan, the old man was quite emotional, mainly because he felt sorry for Zhiyun.

If Zhiyun advances to the First Rank, he will surely obtain the title of Celestial Master. When the sect leader passes away, he will be able to inherit the position of sect leader.

Zhiyun is from Tianshu, so his becoming the sect leader is naturally a great benefit to the Heavenly Pivot Lineage...

Zhou Wuji listened attentively, and the actual situation was indeed much as he had predicted.

The difficulty of advancing from Second Rank to First Rank still surprised him somewhat.

Back in his room, Zhou Wuji opened the Northern Emperor's Book of Heavenly Punishment and couldn't help but sigh.

The Origin Profound Spirit has been almost completely depleted, leaving only a few life essences of two or one ounce each.

He selected two individuals with a destiny value of over two ounces each and transformed them into the Origin Profound Spirit, thus elevating the Tianquan Sword to a proficient level.

Although his skill level wasn't high, he possessed Sword Spirit within him, which greatly enhanced his ability to use any Swordsmanship, allowing him to instantly activate his Sword Evasion.

In the afternoon, Zhou Wuji went to the Army-Breaking Hall and asked for a training room.

Of course, this costs money; one hundred taels of silver a day, which is very expensive.

Fortunately, the training room was a stone chamber carved out of a cave, with some stone statues inside for people to verify their Law Technique skills.

Zhou Wuji practiced the Divine Thunder Bracelet in the sealed stone chamber, and the results were better than he had expected.

The key lies in the strength of the tree core. By activating the Northern Dipper Heavenly Pivot Yin Thunder through the tree core, the power of Thunder Method can be increased by one to three times.

The stronger the power of the Thunder Method, the more it consumes Divine Sense Law Power. The main problem is that his cultivation level is a bit low, and he is still somewhat strained to control this Third Rank Law Artifact.

The Northern Dipper Heavenly Pivot Yin Thunder also conceals a Yangming Thunder Method, which is actually Yang Thunder.

Yin Thunder Yin Thunder primarily used for killing and combat, specifically to destroy life. It is most effective against demons, monsters, cultivators, and martial artists.

Yang Thunder is different; he can blast anything to smithereens.

The other six sects of Daoism all practice Yang Thunder Method. Yin Thunder is Secret Method unique to the North Pole Sect.

The power of Yang Thunder is actually much greater, but it is very complicated and troublesome to activate, and its destructive power is particularly great, making it difficult to control.

If things go wrong, the cultivator could even be injured by the Yang Thunder.

Cultivators from the other six sects of Daoism must reach at least the Fourth Rank to truly master the Yang Thunder Technique.

Zhou Wuji activated Divine Sense Divine Aperture through the space between his eyebrows, connecting it with the Divine Thunder Bracelet on his wrist, and unleashing the Northern Dipper Tianshu Yangming Divine Thunder.

A blinding blue-white bolt of lightning shot out and struck the seven-foot-tall stone statue.

With a deafening roar, the upper half of the stone statue shattered amidst the lightning, sending fragments of stone and dust flying everywhere.

Although the lower half of the statue remains largely intact, it is covered with a fine, spiderweb-like pattern, indicating that the interior has clearly suffered severe damage.

Zhou Wuji tried several more times, blowing the remaining stone statues to pieces before he was finally satisfied.

All things considered, spending one hundred taels is a very good deal.

After continuously casting Thunder Method, Zhou Wuji became familiar with the Divine Thunder Bracelet, knowing how many times he could cast Thunder Method and how powerful they were...

After spending the entire night in the training room, Zhou Wuji returned to the Flying Profound Hall in the morning. Before he even entered, he saw his disciple Yang Tie Ying guarding the door.

Yang Tie Ying had been waiting for most of the night and was still sleepy. When she saw Zhou Wuji coming over, she rubbed her eyes and hurriedly went to greet him.

"Master, I want to go to the Demon-Expelling Hall with you!"

Zhou Wuji smiled, "The Demon-Expelling Hall is a bit dangerous. You should cultivate diligently in the Flying Profound Hall first to consolidate your cultivation. Once your foundation is solid, I will bestow upon you the initiation and talisman."

"I am Seventh-Rank Martial Artist and Seventh Rank Qi Refining. In such a vast Upper Court, there aren't many like me."

Yang Tie Ying, however, was determined. He said sincerely, "I want to slay demons and monsters, just like my master. Besides, with my master by my side, I have nothing to fear!"

Seeing Zhou Wuji shake his head, Yang Tie Ying hurriedly said, "When we're out and about, I can help Master with all sorts of chores. Master, you're a dignified Fifth Rank Master Hongde, you can't possibly feed the horses yourself, can you?"

Zhou Wuji was persuaded. Feeding the horses was secondary; with his own apprentice by his side, all sorts of miscellaneous tasks could be handled.

With his two Third Rank Law Artifact, the White Rainbow Sword and the Divine Thunder Bracelet, plus the Law Treasure Heavenly Puppet and the Sword Spirit, he could fight even Fourth Rank. Protecting his own disciple was more than enough for him.

The key is that Yang Tie Ying wants to go. This kid is brave and warlike, so it's really not suitable to put him in the Flying Profound Hall.

"All right."

Zhou Wuji said, "If you behave well, I'll take you with me."

Yang Tie Ying said with some grievance, "No one in this world listens to Master more than I do..."

"Hahahaha..." Zhou Wuji couldn't help but burst into laughter.

In the morning, Zhou Wuji brought Yang Tie Ying to Bright Yang Peak.

The Demon-Expelling Hall is built on the mountaintop, and from the foot of the mountain, you can see a large area of buildings, which looks quite impressive.

Upon entering the mountain gate, you are greeted by the main hall of the Demon-Expelling Hall, with side halls on both sides, and large rooms on both sides, which are the daily living quarters of the Daoist priests.

After informing someone of their purpose, Zhou Wuji and Yang Tie Ying waited in the courtyard for a while before a Daoist priest led Zhou Wuji into the left side hall, where they met Zhiying.

Zhiying had white hair and a face full of wrinkles. He wore a loose, dark blue Daoist robe, but his eyes were bright and clear.

At the ordination ceremony at the end of March, Zhou Wuji met this True Person of the Zhiying Realm.

He hadn't paid much attention to it at the time, but now, facing this elderly female cultivator, he felt a certain amount of pressure.

I heard from Zhiyuan that Zhiying is only in his seventies, Third Rank True Person can live to be one hundred and fifty. According to the age ratio, he should be in his middle age. How come he is so old?

Zhou Wuji did not look at it for long, and respectfully bowed his head in greeting.

Yang Tie Ying followed his master closely, imitating his actions.

Zhiying nodded slightly. "The abbot said that you volunteered to come to the Demon-Expelling Hall to slay demons and eliminate evil spirits."

"Among the younger generation of cultivators, those with courage lack talent, while those with talent are unwilling to take risks."

"A cultivator of your wisdom and courage is truly rare."

Zhiying said softly, "Our Demon-Expelling Hall is divided into ten groups according to the Heavenly Stems, each led by a deacon."

"Daily affairs are managed by the First Yi Guan. With your cultivation and talent, you will first serve as a steward, Ding Group, which will be led by Yigeng..."

As the head of the Jingzhu sect, Zhiying also serves as the Demon-Expelling Hall, but she rarely interferes in the daily management of the Demon-Expelling Hall.

She was giving Abbot Zhiyun face today, and seeing Zhou Wuji's extraordinary talent and the Northern Emperor's Blessing, she explained some specific details to him.

After chatting for a while, Zhiying asked someone to call Yigeng over.

Yigeng was a middle-aged Daoist priest with a big beard and a tall stature. Perhaps because he was often away from home, he had dark skin and looked quite brave and strong.

Zhiying briefly introduced Zhou Wuji's identity and asked Yigeng to take good care of him.

Yigeng had naturally heard of Zhou Wuji, the cultivator Northern Emperor's Blessing, who had caused a sensation throughout the Upper Court.

However, after Zhou Wuji went into seclusion for three months, no one talked about the Northern Emperor's Blessing anymore.

Seeing Zhou Wuji in person today, Yigeng thinks Zhou Wuji is quite good-looking, and can be described as handsome and dashing.

As for Zhou Wuji's abilities, he had heard that he was quite capable, but he couldn't say for sure what the specifics were.

Zhiying giving a few instructions, Yigeng, being very sensible, took Zhou Wuji and Yang Tie Ying and left.

Arriving at the side hall on the right, Yigeng led Zhou Wuji into a spacious room.

After both sides took their seats as host and guest, Yigeng politely introduced the situation of Ding Group to Zhou Wuji.

Ding Group has 32 people, most of whom are of the Seventh Rank or Eighth Rank, with only three of them being of the Sixth Rank.

Ding Group is responsible for Xiu Mountain, Long Forest, Jade River, and other places. When demons and monsters appear in these areas, they are sent to provide assistance.

The Demon-Expelling Hall is also responsible for guarding several secret realms, with each group rotating every three months.

Daoist Yigeng complained loudly, "Our Ding Group has a lot of people, but the places we are responsible for are far away from Jingyang. We often have to travel hundreds or even thousands of miles away."

"Leaving aside the dangers of slaying demons and monsters, the sheer amount of travel to and from the destination is enough to exhaust one's mind and body..."

Zhou Wuji nodded. "That's true."

"If other groups have problems, we might have to provide support. It's all tough and tiring work, but the rewards aren't much!"

Knowing that Zhou Wuji was sent by the abbot, Daoist Yigeng seized the opportunity to pour out his grievances to Zhou Wuji.

Zhou Wuji knew that Daoist Yigeng was mistaken and truly believed that he was a confidant of the abbot, but he couldn't say it outright, so he just casually agreed.

The transportation in this world is very backward. Riding horses or taking boats is considered good. In some places, there are no roads or waterways at all, and people can only travel on foot.

Traveling hundreds of miles to exorcise demons is indeed quite arduous.

After talking for a while, Yigeng called someone over and transferred Zhou Wuji and Yang Tie Ying to the Demon-Expelling Hall 'Ding Group roster.

Zhou Wuji's name was always listed in the Upper Court, but he did not hold a specific position until he entered the Demon-Expelling Hall, where he was given the title of deacon.

The Demon-Expelling Hall offers the best treatment in the Upper Court. Zhou Wuji, as Sixth Rank steward, receives fifty taels of silver per month just for his monthly allowance.

When going out, they will receive subsidies such as travel expenses and spell fees, and they will also be evaluated and awarded corresponding merits based on the demons and monsters they slay.

"The Demon-Expelling Hall is tough, but you can still make money and accumulate good deeds, which can be exchanged for various cultivation materials."

"The hall master, the chief monk, and other eminent figures will also preach in public, imparting knowledge and resolving doubts for the masses..."

Yigeng then went on to talk about many of the benefits of the Demon-Expelling Hall, a tactic he often employed, starting with the bad and then moving on to the good.

He understands human nature well. When people are forced to accept bad things, but discover that there are many benefits within those bad things, they will not resist them, and may even feel that they are good things...

Zhou Wuji didn't really care about this; his real purpose was to slay demons and uphold justice!

In the afternoon, Yigeng gathered all the members of Ding Group for a meal. There were a total of 32 people, but only 17 showed up.

Most of them were in their twenties or thirties, with the youngest being about the same age as Yang Tie Ying, only twenty.

A group of people were quite curious about Zhou Wuji. The Northern Emperor's Blessing was a rare event that hadn't happened in hundreds of years.

As cultivators of the Northern Pole Sect, the people may not be so devout in their faith in the Northern Emperor, but they still believe in him.

The stories of Zhou Wuji had spread throughout the Upper Court. He was said to have discovered the Blood Sacrifice Secret Realm, cleverly captured the bandit leader, and killed the traitor. In short, Zhou Wuji, and extraordinary abilities.

Having seen Zhou Wuji in person, they all had to admit that Zhou Wuji indeed exceptionally handsome. But as for ability, it was impossible to tell from his face...

The cultivators of the Demon-Expelling Hall face various battles Heavenly Capital. They feel that the legends are a bit too far-fetched and are eager to witness Zhou Wuji's abilities firsthand.

After everyone finished their meal and returned to their quarters, Wu Feng, a Sixth Rank Wufeng, immediately said, "I have long admired your superb Swordsmanship, which commands respect throughout the region. I also know some basic Swordsmanship; I would like to ask you to teach me a few moves. What do you say?"

Wufeng is only thirty-three years old, but he is already Sixth Rank cultivator Seventh-Rank Martial Artist. He is considered one of the best among the Wu generation in the Upper Court and has a very promising future.

This Daoist priest had a dignified appearance, with a sharp and capable air about him, clearly having experienced many battles and developed a strong sense of self-confidence.

Faced with the expectant gazes of the crowd, Zhou Wuji was about to speak when Yang Tie Ying stepped forward and said, "A disciple is obliged to serve. Master, let me give it a try."

Zhou Wuji knew that Wufeng didn't mean any harm; he genuinely wanted to spar and see who was truly better. It would also help everyone quickly recognize their own position, which was a good thing.

Yang Tie Ying, however, was full of enthusiasm and wanted to share his burdens, but she didn't want to dampen his enthusiasm.

"Very well, let Uncle Wufeng give you a good pointers."

When Wufeng heard Zhou Wuji say that, he was somewhat unhappy. It was normal for two people of the same generation to compete and exchange skills, but what was the point of bringing out a child?

Just as he was about to refuse, he saw Zhou Wuji casually flick his hand, and Yang Tie Ying suddenly appeared in a magnificent and dazzling azure light robe, with seven stars shining brightly on his chest.

"Swords and blades have no eyes, so be careful." Zhou Wuji said with a smile to Wufeng, "Please show mercy, fellow Daoist."

"Instantaneous cast of the Big Dipper Heavenly Gang Divine Incantation?!" Wufeng was immediately taken aback. The casting was so smooth and seamless; was the spell pre-stored in his acupoints?

The problem is that even if you pre-store the mantra, you still need to perform the mudra and recite the mantra, which takes time. How can a mantra be blessed with just a flick of the sleeve?

Somewhat surprised and doubtful, Wufeng lost the will to object.

The members of Ding Group were all knowledgeable and could tell that something was off about the spell. Their expressions turned slightly strange.

Yang Tie Ying didn't think much of it, took a wooden sword and stepped forward to bow.

Wufeng also returned the greeting with a proper attitude.

Yang Tie Ying, being a junior, immediately began with the Falling Goose Sword. Being competitive and young, he found it difficult to comprehend the subtle Sword Intent of the Xiaoxiang Sword.

Zhou Wuji taught according to the students' aptitudes, removing the ethereal and subtle changes from Swordsmanship and simplifying Swordsmanship into speed, ruthlessness, and power.

After consuming the Jade Liquid, Yang Tie Ying integrated his True Qi and Transforming Force, making his sword strikes incredibly fast.

Wufeng had originally intended to be polite and yield a few moves, but the rapid, continuous thrusts of the Falling Goose Sword forced him to retreat and adjust, and for a time he found himself at a disadvantage.

Having gained the upper hand, Yang Tie Ying didn't hesitate any longer, swiftly thrusting and slashing with his sword, giving Wufeng no chance to catch his breath.

The two exchanged more than thirty blows, Wufeng hadn't had a single chance to retaliate, leaving the members of Ding Group completely stunned.

Wufeng also felt a little embarrassed, and he had no choice but to unleash his True Qi to return the sword and block it.

The two swords clashed, Yang Tie Ying's wooden sword broke, but Wufeng relied on his stronger True Qi to protect his wooden sword.

Yang Tie Ying sheathed his sword and stepped back, clasping his hands in a salute. "Uncle-Master, your Swordsmanship is superb."

Wufeng sighed, "I'm ashamed, I'm ashamed. Your Swordsmanship is excellent, but I am no match for yours..."

Zhou Wuji cupped his hands and smiled, "My disciple was reckless; thank you for your mercy, fellow Daoist."

Wufeng smiled bitterly and remained silent. This battle seemed like a victory, but in reality, it was a complete defeat.

Everyone in Ding Group had strange expressions. If their apprentice was this fierce and powerful, what was their master supposed to do?!

In everyone's mind, Zhou Wuji rose from the legendary lucky one Northern Emperor's Blessing to a very high level, a level they could neither compare to nor provoke...