A model for all cultivators

"Senior Sister Wuying, have you heard?"

Inside the cool pavilion, Leng Wuyou Wuyou's beautiful face was filled with seriousness. "Zhou Wuji killed a Fifth Rank martial artist in the Heavenly Pivot Hall!"

Daoist sword cultivators, who also practice both magic and martial arts, are much stronger than ordinary martial artists, but their skills are not as pure.

Even a sword cultivator wouldn't dare say he'd be guaranteed victory if he fought against a martial artist of the same level.

After all, this isn't a game of chess; real combat involves far too many layers. In battles between opponents of the same level, because their cultivation levels are similar, there are even more factors that determine the outcome.

The Fifth Rank martial artist Zhang Cheng, who was killed, was a master who had cultivated for decades. He had rich combat experience, and his martial arts skills must have been honed to an extremely high level.

Although Leng Wuyou Fifth Rank Perfection, he dared not say that he could definitely defeat Zhang Cheng, let alone kill Zhang Cheng with a single sword strike!

This greatly shocked her, and she hurriedly arranged to meet with Yue Wuying, eager to share this important news with her.

Yue Wuying also somewhat surprised. "Really?"

"It's all over town!" Leng Wuyou shook her head. She wasn't quite sure about it either, which was why she came to find Yue Wuying.

"That's amazing?"

Yue Wuying was somewhat doubtful. Although she was Fourth Rank sword cultivator, she wouldn't dare say that she could kill a very powerful Fifth Rank martial artist with a single sword strike.

Zhou Wuji only completed the Sixth Rank ordination ceremony this year. Even if his cultivation speed is fast, he can only reach the Fifth Rank at most. How could he be so powerful?

Yue Wuying then asked, "Why did he kill someone in the Heavenly Pivot Hall? What exactly happened?"

Leng Wuyou stared with her clear, large eyes. "I don't know."

"You..." Yue Wuying was speechless. Eighteen years old is not young, but Leng Wuyou is still like a child, with an extremely simple mind.

Leng Wuyou, however, said confidently, "It's all over the city. Now everyone knows that a remarkable genius has emerged from Jingyang Upper Court."

She added with a hint of envy, "We've practiced swordsmanship for years, and nobody knows. Zhou Wuji, on the other hand, became famous overnight. Now everyone in Jingyang City knows him. How impressive!"

"I didn't realize you liked showing off so much." Yue Wuying couldn't help but laugh.

Leng Wuyou, chin in hand, looked on with longing. "How wonderful it would be to be famous! I also want a cool nickname, so I can introduce myself to strangers as 'Sword Immortal Wuyou,' and they'll bow down as soon as they hear the name. How majestic and impressive that would be!"

"Alright, from now on I'll call you the Sword Immortal Wuyou, and I'll have Qingning spread the word about you..." Yue Wuying found it somewhat amusing; indeed, the title Sword Immortal Wuyou sounded quite nice...

The name of Sword Lord Xiaoxiang spread throughout Jingyang Commandery in a very short time.

Rumors about Zhang Cheng's murder were circulating in great detail. They all said that Zhou Wuji was acting on behalf of Heaven, which is why he killed Zhang Cheng with a single sword strike...

The masses don't care about the facts; they just love intense conflict and dramatic tension.

As the story spreads, almost everyone instinctively embellishes it, making the event increasingly exaggerated and captivating.

Zhang Dingyang was also helpless when he heard the news. He had finally managed to calm down a few of his men and tell them to shut up and not talk nonsense, but the news had spread so far as to become so outrageous.

He also knew that someone must be behind this, stirring things up.

Otherwise, it wouldn't have been able to spread so quickly and so rapidly.

That's how rumors work; once they start spreading, everyone instinctively believes the first version they hear.

Although the Great River Gang had a large number of members and great influence, it was almost impossible for them to reverse public opinion.

The reason is simple: the Great River Gang has a bad reputation, and everyone wants to see Great River Gang suffer.

Whether it's true or not, as long as everyone's having fun, that's fine. There's no point in trying to argue with these people.

Zhang Dingyang could only sigh. This time, Zhou Wuji made his name and fame by stepping on their Great River Gang.

The more powerful the Great River Gang became, the more formidable Zhou Wuji appeared.

He dared not say anything, but instead went to the Upper Court to apologize. If this matter got out, it would surely elevate Zhou Wuji's status even further.

Zhang Dingyang could only grit his teeth inwardly. The higher they were praised now, the harder they would fall later. He wanted to see how long Zhou Wuji could be so smug...

He originally intended to delay his apology for a few days, at least until the storm had passed, but then he heard that Zhang Zhian had been transferred back to Heavenly Capital.

The Heavenly Master's Manor reacted too quickly this time. Normally, it would take ten or eight days just to send a message, and a round trip would often take a month.

In just a few days, Zhang Zhian has been dealt with?!

Zhang Dingyang was somewhat puzzled, but he also realized that it was the Jingyang Upper Court that was exerting its influence, which also showed the Jingyang Upper Court's tough stance.

He dared not hesitate any longer and immediately led his men to Jingyang Upper Court.

The convoy was carrying a large quantity of grain, vegetables, sesame oil, and other goods, none of which were particularly valuable, but their sheer quantity made them worthwhile.

The long convoy also attracted the attention of many pilgrims and believers.

The news quickly spread Jingyang Commandery that Zhang Dingyang, the vice leader of the Great River Gang, had personally gone to the Jingyang Upper Court to apologize.

This incident further spread the name of Sword Lord Xiaoxiang, and made Zhou Wuji a true celebrity in Jingyang Commandery.

For Zhou Wuji, the real impact of this matter lies in the Upper Court.

Deacon Yigeng of Ding Group had originally treated him well, but now when he saw him again, he was much more polite, even a little respectful.

He hadn't realized before that Yigeng, this bearded Daoist priest, could smile so obsequiously and intimately.

The other members of Ding Group were the same; their attitude towards him became noticeably warmer and more respectful.

When he went to the dining hall for meals, more people greeted him, and there were more smiles on everyone's faces.

Zhou Wuji had a similar experience in the Cloud Marsh Lower Court, and it happened again in the Jingyang Upper Court, so he still felt quite moved.

Indeed, in a place like a Daoist academy where people cultivate, they tend to respect the strong more.

Although Zhou Wuji was vain, he was also aware of his own limitations and would not get carried away by the praise of others.

On the contrary, Yang Tie Ying was too young, and became somewhat arrogant after being praised by everyone. Zhou Wuji had to give this apprentice a few lessons to remind him to prioritize virtue...

Yigeng dared not assign Zhou Wuji any more difficult tasks, which allowed Zhou Wuji to have a very leisurely time.

At the end of August, Zhou Wuji finally received news about what he had been longing for.

Heavenly Pivot Hall, Lu Zhijing and Lu Wuyuan were chatting with the special envoy from the Heavenly Master's Manor.

The two special envoys who came this time were Yuan Zhifeng and Zhichong. Yuan Zhifeng, who was the leader, had an ordinary appearance but was extremely tall.

He wore a five-cornered crown and a purple robe with gold patterns; he was a Third Rank True Person from the Taiyi Sect.

Lu Zhijing, unaware of the Heavenly Master's Manor's purpose in sending a special envoy, inquired, "May I ask what brings you two fellow Daoists here?"

"Deqi Novel Network" first published [d][e][q][i][x][s][.][o][r][g]

Yuan Zhifeng, not one for many words, replied simply, "I've come under orders."

Zhichong, however, was good-natured. He smiled and replied, "This is a good thing. Someone in the Upper Court has shown outstanding talent and has received an award from the imperial court."

"Hmm?" Lu Zhijing was a little puzzled. How come he hadn't heard a word about who had received the imperial reward?

"It's Zhou Wuji." Zhichong they were in the Upper Court, there was no need to hide anything.

"Ah?"

Lu Zhijing was even more surprised, "What is the reason for this reward?"

Zhichong smiled and said, "Zhou Wuji possesses both virtue and talent, and is compassionate towards the people. He is a role model and is therefore commended."

Lu Zhijing understood. It turned out to be the same incident from last time. The Great River Gang Zhou Wuji of extortion and embezzlement, but Zhou Wuji used all the money to help the dead and injured.

Speaking of this matter alone, Zhou Wuji was indeed a person of noble character and compassionate, truly like a saint.

It's a bit strange that the imperial court heard the news so quickly and even offered commendation...

Lu Zhijing felt uneasy, but on the surface he had to show a pleased expression, "Such virtue certainly deserves commendation."

At this moment, Zhou Wuji also arrived. He knew Zhichong, who had taken good care of him at the Yunyang Lower Court.

Zhou Wuji stepped forward to pay his respects, and then, with the introduction of Zhi Zhichong, paid his respects to True Person Yuan Zhifeng.

Yuan Zhifeng said, "This matter is important. I request that the Palace Master gather everyone and announce the commendation in public."

Although Lu Zhijing was unwilling, he had no choice but to pass on the order.

This matter is not only related to the Heavenly Pivot Lineage, but also a major event for the Upper Court.

After more than half an hour, more than a thousand people had arrived at the Heavenly Pivot Hall.

Fortunately, the main hall was spacious enough to accommodate more than a thousand people. People like Zhiyuan, Zhixing, Yigeng were also present.

Their identities were extraordinary, and they were all qualified to stand in the front row. True Person Zhihua Zhiying True Person also arrived and stood in front to watch the ceremony.

The imperial court's bestowal of rewards followed the old rules, with Zhichong publicly reading the imperial edict.

"Zhou Wuji of the Jingyang Upper Court possesses great vision and ambition, outstanding talent and strategy, and a kind and virtuous heart, truly a model for all cultivators. He is hereby conferred the Dharma Master Hongde and bestowed with a golden belt..."

Zhou Wuji bowed and thanked the decree, then placed it on the incense table after offering incense, followed by the Heavenly Pivot Token.

Zhichong the True Person Zhichong performed the ritual, a dazzling light shone, and the Master Hongde on the Heavenly Pivot Token was changed to Dharma Master Hongde.

"Sir" is Fifth Rank title, and "Master" is Fourth Rank title.

In the vast Upper Court, and even in the entire Jingyang, only Zhou Wuji holds the title of Mage. This demonstrates his high status.

As everyone in the Upper Court watched Zhou Wuji accept the reward, they couldn't hide their envy and jealousy.

Especially Lu Wuyuan, who thought his cultivation was higher than Zhou Wuji's and he had a good family background, how come he was doing worse than a wild Daoist from the bottom of society!

He also realized that his grandfather was right; Zhou Wuji was a huge threat to him!

If this continues, the entire academy will only know Zhou Wuji, and will Lu Wuyuan...

Zhiyuan Daoist priest Zhiyuan was somewhat envious of Zhou Wuji at this moment. The title of Master and the bestowal of a golden belt—what an honor!

After the awarding ceremony ended, Lu Zhijing, though unwilling, could only force himself to host a banquet for the special envoy from the Heavenly Master's Manor.

Zhou Wuji was Fourth Rank monk, so he was naturally qualified to sit at the same table with the guests.

During the meal, Zhou Wuji chatted and laughed with ease and grace, which greatly impressed Yuan Zhifeng, who felt that such a person was indeed extraordinary...

After the banquet ended, Lu Zhijing returned to the Heavenly Pivot Hall and summoned Lu Wuyuan.

As soon as Lu Wuyuan entered, he saw his grandfather's grim expression. He said in a low voice, "Grandfather, Zhou Wuji has clearly gained power; we're in for trouble from now on!"

"I don't know what Zhihua is thinking. He hasn't even figured out his own Yuheng Lineage yet, and he's already sending Zhou Wuji to cause trouble."

Lu Zhijing said with a gloomy face, "There's no other way but to restrict his practice of the Tianshu Secret Method and suppress him for a few years."

"Huh?" Lu Wuyuan asked with some concern, "He's Dharma Master Hongde, is this really appropriate?"

Lu Zhijing coldly said, "Dharma Master Hongde is an imperial title, and the Tianshu Secret Method is a lineage tradition. If he has the ability, he should go to the Heavenly Master's Manor to learn the Secret Method..."