Daoist Yifeng is a steward of the Northern Pole Purple Tenuity Hall, and is usually responsible for managing various affairs of the hall.
Seeing that the Daoist in blue remained silent, and that the young man ignored him even more, which was extremely rude, he immediately lost his temper.
He immediately ordered his disciples to go and arrest the person.
Several young disciples approached, about to grab Zhou Wuji and Yang Tie Ying, but Zhou Wuji merely glanced at them.
The group felt that the other person's eyes were as bright as stars and that he possessed an unassailable aura of authority, so they immediately dared not make any rash moves.
Seeing Daoist Yifeng became even angrier. He walked closer and pointed at Zhou Wuji: "Who are you, daring to be so insolent in the Purple Tenuity Hall?!"
Zhou Wuji was speechless. He just stood there quietly waiting for someone, and this Daoist priest immediately accused him of a crime.
His apprentice was indeed a bit restless, but it wasn't really a problem.
The rules of Daoism are strict. Entering the main hall is equivalent to meeting the gods. One must dress formally and cleanly, not expose one's body, and one's speech and behavior must conform to etiquette.
But outside the main hall, there's nothing wrong with just walking around.
The middle-aged Daoist priest who suddenly appeared offered a particularly serious criticism; this very attitude was condescending.
Zhou Wuji could certainly explain, but he didn't want to.
Who knows if this Daoist priest was sent by someone else to deliberately cause him trouble?
He painstakingly slayed demons and vanquished barbarian bandits, earning the title of a Third Rank True Person. Was it truly just an empty title?
Zhou Wuji wouldn't be arrogant about his achievements, but since he did nothing wrong, there's no reason for him to be subservient.
Zhou Wuji calmly said to the middle-aged Daoist priest, "I am a person who behaves naturally. What is wrong with me? Where is my insolence?"
Daoist Yifeng frowned, his thick eyebrows furrowing. "You're still trying to deny it!"
He paused and demanded, "Where exactly are you, Daoist? Do you know that the Purple Tenuity Hall is a sacred place of the sect and you cannot enter without permission?"
Hearing this, Zhou Wuji became somewhat suspicious. Could it be that the Daoist priest had deliberately brought him to the Purple Tenuity Hall to frame him?
Even if he didn't have True Person Zhihua True Person Zhihua as his backer, this little thing could only annoy him, and wouldn't really do anything to him.
Zhou Wuji considered the matter and concluded that the possibility of the Daoist priest harming him was extremely low.
The person opposite me has a volatile temper and doesn't seem to be someone sent by someone else.
Having figured all this out, Zhou Wuji became calm and composed. He said peacefully, "I am Zhou Wuji of the Jingyang Upper Court."
Daoist Yifeng heard that the person was from the "Wu" generation and from the Jingyang Upper Court, he was about to continue his scolding when he suddenly realized something was wrong.
"That name sounds familiar... Zhou, Wuji, True Person Hongde!"
He has a good memory, especially since many people were discussing this name, and he remembered it immediately.
Realizing that the young Daoist was the rising star True Person Hongde, Yifeng couldn't help but curse inwardly, "You're True Person, yet you're not wearing a high-ranking robe. What are you pretending to be so simple for!"
Daoist Yifeng was in a dilemma. Zhou Wuji couldn't control him, but he had even less right to control Zhou Wuji.
Strictly speaking, his shouting at Zhou Wuji and pointing at him was a serious breach of etiquette.
Daoist Yifeng looked somewhat embarrassed and said awkwardly, "So you are True Person Hongde. Forgive my rudeness."
The middle-aged Daoist priest bowed and prepared to leave.
Zhou Wuji stopped the middle-aged Daoist priest, saying, "My disciple is unruly and has behaved improperly. Fellow Daoist, please feel free to discipline him."
Yifeng was embarrassed and didn't know what to say. He just disliked outsider Daoists and always wanted to teach them a lesson when they met.
It wasn't just him; everyone in this institution was used to looking down on all outsiders.
This is how everyone in our institute does it; it has become a stubborn tradition.
Today, however, he was unlucky and ran into a tough nut to crack. But he wasn't actually afraid. Despite Zhou Wuji's title of Third Rank True Person, he held no official position or power in the academy and couldn't do anything to him.
If this continues, he will definitely lose face.
Daoist Yifeng was in a dilemma, Daoist Zhike led True Person Zhihua out of the main hall.
The Daoist Master Zhike naturally recognized Yifeng, and he knew the Yifeng and his ilk behaved. In fact, he was the same way; if people from the Upper Court and Lower Court came and he didn't give them any benefits, he would definitely make things difficult for them.
However, Zhou Wuji's matter had already been explained by his superiors.
Besides, he's not stupid; he wouldn't dare to make things difficult for a promising genius.
The Daoist priest cleared his throat and said, " Yifeng, let me introduce you to this True Person Hongde, Zhou Wuji."
He then Zhou Wuji: "This is Yifeng steward of the Purple Tenuity Hall."
Taking advantage of the opportunity offered by the guest master, Daoist Yifeng quickly bowed and said, " True Person, it was all a misunderstanding. Please forgive True Person."
Zhou Wuji smiled and said to his apprentice Yang Tie Ying, "Why don't you thank Yifeng for showing leniency and sparing you this time?"
With True Person Zhihua by his side, Yang Tie Ying respectfully bowed and expressed his gratitude.
Daoist Yifeng was even more embarrassed. After returning the greeting, he hurriedly took his leave.
The Daoist priest respectfully bowed to the two True Person before leaving.
True Person Zhihua flicked his whisk and chuckled, "Everyone in this academy is arrogant and looks down on outsiders. That's how they always act, but it's not directed at you, so you don't need to take it to heart."
Today, True Person Zhihua wore a purple-gold five-pearl crown and a purple-gold robe, and held a white jade whisk, which added a touch of solemnity and majesty to her beauty.
But a slight smirk played at the corners of her lips, revealing a carefree and unrestrained side.
True Person Zhihua deeply disliked the academy's practices and held the geniuses it cultivated in low regard.
They believed that this group of people were all show and no substance, unable to work diligently below or plan for the big picture above.
Even if First Rank cultivator has reached the first rank of cultivation, they can only cause trouble!
Zhou Wuji laughed too, "Those who despise those below them are the most obsequious to those above them. Because such people possess a strong sense of hierarchy."
"In fact, most people are like this; only by distinguishing ranks can a true organization be formed."
"However, these kinds of people have a particularly obvious sense of hierarchy, so they need to look down on others in order to maintain their own status."
"Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant! What a profound insight!"
True Person Zhihua clapped her hands in admiration, then clicked her tongue in amazement. "You are ten years younger than me, but you think as if you are ten years older than me."
"I just enjoy reading and thinking."
Zhou Wuji explained in a serious tone, "Even a fool can have one stroke of genius."
True Person Zhihua laughed heartily, "If everyone were as foolish as you, the world would be in chaos!"
Seeing True Person Zhihua laughing so freely, Zhou Wuji also chuckled twice in response.
"Let's go, don't keep the sect leader waiting."
True Person Zhihua suppressed her smile and added, "The sect leader knows you quite well, so you don't need to put on airs. Just be yourself."
"Yes." Zhou Wuji, thinking of meeting First Rank expert and the sect leader, replied succinctly.
Upon entering the main hall, Zhou Wuji respectfully offered incense and kowtowed to the statue of the North Pole Heavenly Emperor.
After finishing, he followed True Person Zhihua through the main hall and arrived at the rear hall.
The rear hall has five bays in width and six rafters in depth, with a single-eaved hip roof and a brick-and-wood structure.
The roof of the hall is covered with blue tiles, the vermilion pillars have faded, and the nine blue stone steps are worn smooth as a mirror, revealing...
The marks left by time.
True Person Zhihua told Yang Tie Ying to stay in the courtyard and not to move around.
Yang Tie Ying was a little disappointed. He was still very curious about the sect leader. True Person Zhihua had spoken, he could only stand obediently in the courtyard.
Zhou Wuji followed True Person Zhihua into the back hall, which was actually the traditional abbot's quarters and did not contain any statues of deities.
Zhou Xuan'an, the leader of the Northern Pole Sect, sat on the long couch in the main hall. He had a thin and frail appearance, gray hair, and some wrinkles on his face, making him look like an old man in his sixties. Only his eyes were bright and clear, with exceptional spirit.
Zhou Xuan'an did not wear a Daoist crown; his Daoist bun was adorned only with an ebony hairpin. He wore a dark blue Daoist robe with star and gold patterns on it.
He sat cross-legged on the long couch, his back straight but not stiff, holding a book in his hand.
Zhou Wuji only glanced at it before hurriedly bowing deeply and saying, "Disciple Zhou Wuji greets the Sect Leader."
"No need for formalities." Zhou Xuan'an put down the book in his hand, his lean face full of gentle smiles.
Zhou Wuji stood there with his head slightly lowered and eyes downcast, as a sign of respect.
Zhou Xuan'an looked Zhou Wuji up and down and nodded slightly, quite satisfied with him.
He was over 140 years old and had seen countless heroes and great men throughout his life.
People like Zhou Wuji, with both extraordinary appearance and demeanor, are few and far between.
Not to mention Zhou Wuji's quick wit, decisiveness, pragmatism, and competence—qualities that our sect's geniuses lack most.
"Your heart is extremely sincere in your pursuit of the Dao, you are diligent in your cultivation, you are kind and wise by nature, and you have made great contributions to our sect."
"Since you have been selected as a True Disciple Candidate, you must remember to remain true to your original aspirations, diligently cultivate yourself, and abide by the rules and regulations of this sect."
"I will heed the sect leader's teachings and never forget them." Zhou Wuji bowed respectfully once again.
Zhou Xuan'an said, "The position of True Disciple Candidate is special, and you also bear important responsibilities. You will first transfer to the Heavenly Pivot Hall and follow the Hall Master's arrangements. If you need anything in the future, you can come directly to me."
Zhou Wuji; the qualification to have a private audience with the sect leader was still very important.
As the leader of the Northern Pole Sect, Zhou Xuan'an disregarded worldly affairs, and his words represented the highest authority of the sect.
The Northern Pole Academy looks chaotic and disorderly, and since he belongs to the Heavenly Pivot Lineage, it wouldn't be easy for him to ask True Person Zhihua for help if something really happened.
Complaining to the sect leader can really solve the problem.
Zhou Xuan'an pondered for a moment, then said to True Person Zhihua, " Wuji new here and doesn't understand many things. Zhihua, please guide him."
True Person Zhihua bowed respectfully and replied.
Zhou Xuan'an gave him a brief instruction, then said to Zhou Wuji, "Just focus on your work. As long as you adhere to the sect's rules, no one will dare to make things difficult for you—"
With the sect leader's words, Zhou Wuji felt even more confident and bowed again in thanks.
Seeing that Zhou Xuan'an intended to see the guest out, True Person Zhihua reminded him, "Sect Leader, Wuji n't even have a master. He will face various trials upon arriving at our academy."
"Please, Sect Leader, bestow upon him Secret Method so that he may begin practicing it."
Zhou Xuan'an chuckled, "As the sect leader, I can't be so biased."
True Person Zhihua refused to give up, saying earnestly, " Zhou Wuji has performed three great deeds; that should be enough to exchange for a Fourth Rank True Disciple Secret Method."
Zhou Xuan'an nodded slightly. "That's acceptable."
He naturally knew that Zhou Wuji had performed three great feats, but using them to exchange for the Secret Method ahead of time wasn't exactly a good deal.
Our academy has several grotto-heavens, as well as spiritual elixirs and secret treasures, all of which can be exchanged for great merit.
Even if he could exchange it for a True Disciple Secret Method, his cultivation level would still be limited. With Zhou Wuji's current cultivation level, practicing more Secret Method would actually hinder his progress.
True Person Zhihua gave Zhou Wuji a look, and Zhou Wuji immediately understood. He then cupped his hands and said, "This disciple is willing to use my great..."
"Earn the True Disciple Secret Method in exchange for merit."
Seeing that Zhou Wuji was willing, Zhou Xuan'an said, "Very well, which True Disciple Secret Method do you want to learn?"
Zhou Wuji didn't stand on ceremony and said directly, "This disciple wishes to learn the Myriad Phenomena Golden Wheel."