The fourteen acupoints of the Form Heaven require at least twenty days to open and stabilize.
Zhou Wuji had originally calculated that he would reach the Fourth Rank of perfection within a year, but the difficulty of the Form Heaven exceeded his expectations.
Based on the current progress, it will take at least another year to open up the fourteenth level of the Form Heaven.
The third level of Brahma Heaven's Heaven must be even more difficult.
Zhou Wuji calculated the days; tomorrow was the Mid-Autumn Festival, the fifteenth of August. There was no point in staying in the secret realm to cultivate any further; it would be better to go out and celebrate the festival.
If you can't reach the Fourth Rank of perfection in the short term, there's no need to rush your cultivation.
Based on my experience in cultivation over this period, the Northern Dipper Tianshu Scripture is, after all, Secret Method of Daoism, and it is important to follow the natural course of things. Excessive hard work in cultivation is actually not the right approach.
After leaving the secret realm, Zhou Wuji found the steward of the Heavenly Authority Hall.
The secret realm is not a place you can come and go as you please; you must register and sign in to enter and exit, and there is a formal procedure.
When the middle-aged Daoist priest of the Heavenly Authority Hall saw Zhou Wuji come out, he hesitated to speak, his expression rather strange.
Zhou Wuji, puzzled, asked, "What is it, fellow Daoist?"
"Master, a few days ago someone came to the Upper Court to challenge you to a sword duel, which caused quite a stir and even alarmed the abbot."
"The abbot said not to disturb your practice, so that person has been staying in the Upper Court's guesthouse and hasn't left—"
When the middle-aged Daoist saw that Zhou Wuji had taken the initiative to ask, he hurriedly told him about it.
"Hmm?" Zhou Wuji was slightly surprised. He had gone to the Upper Court to challenge him to a sword duel, but this person wasn't here. He actually stayed and waited for him. So arrogant?
Although Daoism emphasizes rules, it is not without its own temper.
Zhou Wuji asked, "What's this person's background?"
" Startling Swan Sword Pei Zhengxiu '."
The middle-aged Daoist priest said, "I've heard of the swordsmen from the Profound Heaven Sword Sect."
"The people of the Profound Heaven Sword Sect ----"
Zhou Wuji actually knew about the Profound Heaven Sword Sect, which was known as the number one sword sect in the world, with a history of hundreds of years and a great reputation.
Of the so-called Seven Great Swordsmen of the World, four of them came from the Profound Heaven Sword Sect.
In terms of sect status, the Profound Heaven Sword Sect is no less than the Northern Pole Sect, and may even be stronger.
After all, it boasts four great swordsmen in the world, with immense prestige. Among them, the strongest, Pei Jifeng, is First Rank swordsman, known as unparalleled in the world, and is truly famous throughout the land.
Generally speaking, martial artists have their own path, and cultivators have their own path; the two rarely mix.
Just as Pei Jifeng is hailed as unparalleled in the world, no one would compare Pei Jifeng with the powerful figures of Buddhism and Daoism.
Conversely, even if Daoists and Buddhists possess exceptional Swordsmanship, they would not call themselves swordsmen.
It's extremely rare for Pei Zhengxiu, a dignified Fourth Rank swordsman, to come and challenge him, a Daoist cultivator, to a sword duel.
Zhou Wuji thanked the middle-aged Daoist priest and left the Heavenly Authority Hall. Zhou Wuji first went to find the Yuheng Hall.
Pei Zhengxiu suddenly appeared. Although he wasn't afraid, he still wanted to find out what was going on.
Since he wasn't very familiar with the abbot's place in the vast Upper Court, he could only go to True Person Zhihua.
Luckily, True Person Zhihua was indeed in the side hall.
Seeing Zhou Wuji enter and bow, True Person Zhihua lazily leaned back on the cushions and adjusted his posture. "You've emerged from seclusion."
Zhou Wuji replied, "My cultivation has improved slightly, and since it's almost Mid-Autumn Festival, I came out first."
True Person Zhihua laughed and said, "You've come at the perfect time; that Pei Zhengxiu is waiting for you."
" True Person, who is this person? Why is he suddenly challenging me to a sword duel?" Zhou Wuji asked.
"People from the Profound Heaven Sword Sect."
True Person Zhihua asked Zhou Wuji, "You know about the Seven Great Aristocratic Clans, right?"
"I know that the Cui, Li, Pei, Wang, Zhang, Xie, and Han Aristocratic Clan are all prominent clans with a history spanning over a thousand years. They have survived numerous dynastic changes—"
The Seven Great Aristocratic Clans were so famous that almost everyone in the Nine Provinces knew them. Although Zhou Wuji didn't know the details, he had a general idea.
Just like the Zhang Household Chunan, as long as you are in Chu Province, you will inevitably have to deal with the Zhang Household.
The Zhang Household in Jingyang is only a collateral branch; only the Zhang Household in Chuyang, the capital of Chu Province, is the true direct line of the Zhang Household.
As for the other Aristocratic Clan, Zhou Wuji only knew their names and was unaware of their specific circumstances.
Information in this world is too tightly controlled, and secrets involving Aristocratic Clan are of utmost importance.
He was always busy cultivating and fighting, and had neither the energy nor the means to learn about these things.
Xie Lingyun had told him some basic knowledge about the Aristocratic Clan.
" The Seven Great Aristocratic Clans have been able to maintain their lineage for a thousand years not only because of their wealth and status, but also because of their powerful military force."
True Person Zhihua patiently explained to Zhou Wuji, "The reason why the Zhang Household Chunan is so strong is because half of the Eight Extremes Sect belongs to the Zhang Household."
"With a powerful martial arts lineage and a large Zhang Household, each generation has produced one or First Rank experts, ensuring the Lineage's continued prosperity."
The Pei Household is the same; a thousand years ago, they are said to have produced a sword saint of the Above First Rank who passed down the supreme Swordsmanship, the Profound Heaven Sword.
" The Pei Household has inherited the Profound Heaven Sword for thousands of years, thus becoming Aristocratic Clan."
" The Profound Heaven Sword Sect is the Pei Household, Pei Household is the Profound Heaven Sword Sect."
True Person Zhihua said, "This Pei Zhengxiu is a direct descendant of the Pei Household. Even if he uses the name of the Profound Heaven Sword Sect, the Upper Court will not expel him."
Zhou Wuji was somewhat worried. "This person insists on a sword duel; wouldn't it be troublesome if he died by my sword?!"
True Person Zhihua glanced at Zhou Wuji: "You're quite confident."
She paused for a moment and said seriously, " Pei Zhengxiu is known as the Startled Swan Sword.' He is naturally combative and likes to say that he must find enlightenment between life and death."
"This man is ruthless with his sword; he has killed many people in sword fights, earning him a notorious reputation."
"When you're dueling with him, just go all out; don't worry about whether he lives or dies."
True Person Zhihua sneered, "Since this person wants to comprehend the Dao amidst life and death, he should be prepared to die by the sword."
"You're having a fair and square sword fight. Whether Pei Zhengxiu dies or is injured, the Pei Household won't blame us. You don't need to have any worries."
Zhou Wuji's spirits lifted; he was afraid that the Upper Court might have various concerns and ask him to go easy on Zhou.
True Person Zhihua's words are the true truth.
In a duel between two swords, life and death hang in the balance; he had no right to show mercy to his opponent.
He said seriously, "I'm relieved to hear your words, True Person."
"The sect leader greatly admires your Water Mirror Technique, and given your victory in the Dharma Assembly, he agrees to award you two major merits."
True Person Zhihua then said, "The sect leader also agrees to accept you as True Disciple Candidate."
"Thank you so much, True Person." Zhou Wuji was overjoyed and really wanted to hug Sister Zhihua and kiss her a couple of times to express his gratitude.
Nothing else, my older sister is really capable and efficient!
True Person Zhihua reached out and pressed down twice, signaling Zhou Wuji to calm down and not to laugh so smugly.
" The True Disciple Candidate can not be given to Fifth Rank cultivator. You will have to wait until you complete the Fourth Rank initiation next year before you can be transferred to this academy."
"As is customary, becoming a True Disciple Candidate requires rigorous examination. Opponents and competitors from various factions will undoubtedly take the opportunity to create difficulties for you, so you must be prepared."
"Disciple understands!"
Zhou Wuji nodded vigorously; he had been prepared for this.
There are only a few positions for True Disciple, but the number of cultivators in the Northern Pole Sect is in the tens of thousands.
Everyone's eyeing those few positions; the competition is fierce. He only has half a powerful backer True Person Zhihua. He might hold his own in the Upper Court, but in the Main Academy, he'd be nothing special.
As an outsider without the support of senior figures within the institute, this path is bound to be exceptionally difficult!
True Person Zhihua then said, "Recently, large numbers of barbarians have been frequently appearing on the outskirts of Yue Ridge. The barbarians are truly preparing to invade Chu Province."
" Jingyang has already mobilized several elite troops to the edge of the Yue Ridge, and your good friend Xie Lingyun has also arrived with a thousand elite Fire Phoenix Army."
"To combat the barbarians' witchcraft, the imperial court has issued an edict ordering Buddhism and Daoism to send reinforcements. You are quite familiar with Xie Lingyun; how about you Fire Phoenix Army?"
Both Buddhism and Daoism are supported by the imperial court. When the court needs something, it will naturally conscript practitioners from both sects. This is a responsibility that both sects must bear and cannot shirk.
As the first person of the Wu generation in the Upper Court, Zhou Wuji had to accompany the army on the expedition, both for public and private reasons.
"That's excellent. Thank you True Person."
Zhou Wuji understood this principle as well. Going on a military expedition was unavoidable, so it would be best to follow Xie Lingyun.
He then said, " True Person, I'd like to challenge Pei Zhengxiu to a sword duel in the Heavenly Pivot Hall tomorrow night. What do you say?"
"Alright." True Person Zhihua explained everything clearly and waved his hand, indicating that Zhou Wuji could leave.
Zhou Wuji bowed and took his leave, returning to the Flying Profound Hall, where his eldest disciple Yang Tie Ying hurriedly came to greet him.
"Master, a man named Pei Zhengxiu has come looking for death! You must grant his wish!"
Pei Zhengxiu has been here for a few days, and he inevitably makes some outrageous remarks, which infuriates Yang Tie Ying.
Upon seeing Zhou Wuji return, he couldn't wait to complain to his master.
Zhou Wuji took out a jade ruyi from his sleeve and tapped the furious Yang Tie Ying on the head. "You brat, all you think about is fighting and being tough. Don't you realize how dangerous sword fights are? If your master gets killed, let's see if you'll still be so cocky!"
Yang Tie Ying was seeing stars from the blow, and he covered his head with a wronged expression, muttering, "Master is invincible, dealing with this kid is a piece of cake."
"Invincible under heaven? You dare say that? I dare not claim it."
Seeing that the boy was becoming increasingly arrogant and stubborn, Zhou Wuji tapped him twice more with his jade ruyi.
Yang Tie Ying was so badly beaten that tears were about to well up in her eyes. She dared not be defiant anymore and just looked at her master with a pitiful expression.
"What are you looking at? Still not Qi Ingestion?"
"I was wrong—" Yang Tie Ying hurriedly admitted his mistake. He knew he had gotten a little carried away, and after being tapped a few times by his master, he came to his senses.
On the other hand, he felt closer to his master. He was puzzled; was he some kind of masochist who only felt happy when his master beat him?
Zhou Wuji returned to his room, picked up a pen and wrote a note. He used the Tianji Profound Yang Sword Qi to steam it slightly, and the ink dried instantly.
He folded the note and handed it to Yang Tie Ying, saying, "Go and give this to Pei Zhengxiu."
Yang Tie Ying obediently took the note. Although he was curious, he didn't dare to look at it and hurriedly ran to the guest room in the Upper Court.
The guesthouse is located diagonally above the North Pole Heavenly Emperor Hall. It is a clean and quiet courtyard, specially used to entertain important guests.
Pei Zhengxiu was practicing his sword meditation in the courtyard when he saw Yang Tie Ying knock on the door and enter. His eyes lit up, knowing that this young man was Zhou Wuji's disciple.
After being reprimanded by his master, Yang Tie Ying dared not make a fuss anymore. After bowing, the master Shangxin.
Pei Zhengxiu opened the letter and saw sixteen large, elegant characters written on it, "On the night of the full moon, at the peak of Zhengyang, let us meet with swords, and face death without regret."
The signature reads "Upper Court Wuji " in small characters.
Pei Zhengxiu read it twice and really liked the words written on the note: a swordsman should be this carefree!
He loudly proclaimed to Yang Tie Ying, "Your master is a true swordsman; let's proceed with this duel as he says!"