Honing the sword

"Lord of the Palace."

Zhou Wuji was also somewhat surprised to see Yizhen. The fact that this temple master had come all the way to Hidden Dragon Temple showed that the Lower Court attached great importance to this matter.

Yizhen Zhou Wuji up and down. Last time, Zhou Wuji was seriously injured. Even though he had an extraordinary appearance, he still looked very disheveled and weak.

Looking at Zhou Wuji again, his features were striking and handsome, his eyes were bright as stars, his figure was tall and slender, and he stood gracefully in his green robes with a sword at his side, truly possessing an extraordinary and outstanding demeanor.

A true master must possess their own unique personality and temperament.

However, Zhou Wuji's temperament and demeanor were very refined and elegant, reminiscent of the Daoist ideal of Clear Breeze and bright moon.

Judging solely from his temperament and demeanor, Zhou Wuji was truly Celestial Person individual.

Such a person possesses a captivating charm simply through their appearance and demeanor.

Putting aside everything else, just going out to preach and spread the Dharma can attract a large number of believers.

The Cloud Dragon Lower Court frequently preaches and spreads the Dharma, but for various reasons, its influence among the upper Lower Court of Yunyang Prefecture is rapidly declining.

Zhou Wuji, however, was able to start with the younger generation and change everyone's perception of the Cloud Dragon Lower Court.

This change in people's hearts will be reflected in reality and can greatly enhance the prestige of Cloud Dragon Lower Court.

The subtlety of this is something very few people can understand.

Yizhen now understood why her daughter liked Zhou Wuji.

Moreover, this person could also write poetry, and his calligraphy was especially outstanding, with strong, elegant strokes that resembled a crane's, exuding an ethereal quality.

He had never seen calligraphy like this in his life; it already possessed the air of a master in his own right.

Such an outstanding man, not to mention women's attraction, he himself would genuinely admire him.

Faced with Yizhen's scrutinizing gaze, Zhou Wuji lowered his eyes slightly, his expression calm, his posture polite yet unconstrained.

Zhou Wuji had nothing to be reserved about; he was neither Yizhen nor Yizhen.

Moreover, having dealt with him twice, he already understood Yizhen's nature quite well.

This temple master was quite aloof at heart; such people despise those who are obsequious and servile.

Yizhen nodded in praise, "Mingxiu often says that you have exceptional talent and extraordinary demeanor, and that's no exaggeration."

"Yiyuan has truly taken on a fine apprentice!"

"You flatter me, Your Highness. I am truly ashamed." Zhou Wuji was neither reserved nor arrogant.

"I see that the True Qi is flowing naturally, and it should have already opened up the seven orifices, right?" Yizhen asked.

"Yes."

"As previously agreed, I will help you receive the ordination and regalia. Now go pack your belongings; we'll take the boat back to the Lower Court tomorrow."

Yizhen had many things to do in Siming County, and he couldn't say much about the Five Dragons Gang's threats to Zhou Wuji. After explaining things clearly, he turned to leave.

"Master Uncle,"

Zhou Wuji called out to Yizhen, this time not calling him Palace Master, but using a more intimate title.

Yizhen looked at Zhou Wuji with a questioning expression, and Zhou Wuji said, "I have a junior sister Wuyi, who is quite talented. Her Li Household is the largest Lineage in Siming County."

"I previously mentioned that I wanted to recommend her to the Lower Court, and I was hoping my senior uncle Wuyi take a look—"

Yizhen immediately understood that Zhou Wuji wanted him to take Wuyi as his disciple.

As the head of the Lower Court, he had many Registered Disciple, so it was not unusual for him to take on a daughter of a prominent family in Siming County as his disciple.

Besides, since Zhou Wuji had asked him for a favor, he had to give him that small amount of face.

"Alright, bring her over so I can take a look."

Yizhen said, "If she truly has some talent, then take her back to the Lower Court to cultivate with me."

"Thank you, Palace Master." Zhou Wuji. He was just shamelessly asking for a favor. Regardless of whether Yi Yizhen agreed or not, he had done his best to help.

I didn't expect Yizhen to be so easy to talk to, giving him so much face.

Having fulfilled his promise to Li Ruyi, Zhou Wuji was quite happy.

After Yizhen left, Zhou Wuji summoned Shangxin and asked him to go to the Li Household and bring Li Ruyi over.

Having Shangxin as his errand boy also saves him a lot of time.

After all this trouble, the Li Household might not want him to come to their door in person.

Shangxin was very diligent and quick on his feet; a mountain road of more than ten miles was nothing to him.

In less than an hour, Shangxin returned with Li Ruyi.

Li Ruyi didn't know why Zhou Wuji had called her, but she greeted him respectfully when they met.

A family in the county was killed by Devil Cultivator, Devil Cultivator was then killed by Zhou Wuji.

This incident caused a great stir in the county town, and everyone knew about it.

Soon, a constable recognized the two Devil Cultivator as the Cold-Blooded Twin Fiends, two fiends on the Yunyang Prefecture's wanted list.

The Cold-Blooded Twin Fiends were infamous for their ruthlessness, ruling Yunyang Prefecture for many years with no one able to subdue them.

Zhou Wuji actually killed the Cold-Blooded Twin Fiends, making Zhou Wuji famous throughout the county once again.

Everyone praised him, saying that Zhou Wuji, despite his young age, had received the True Disciple Daoist Yiyuan who could pacify Siming!

Li Ruyi had been hearing about Zhou Wuji from her family, and her father even said that the matter involved the Five Dragons Gang, making the situation very complicated, and that she should be careful not to get involved.

However, since Zhou Wuji took the initiative to contact her, she couldn't refuse.

Not to mention her, even her father wouldn't dare to refuse Zhou Wuji now.

In just a few months, Zhou Wuji killed countless people in Siming County.

Even highly skilled fighters like Commander Wu Di and Zhang Xinhu died mysteriously because they had a feud with Zhou Wuji.

Regardless of their opinions of Zhou Wuji, none of the major Lineage in Siming County dared to offend him.

Zhou Wuji noticed that Li Ruyi a little nervous; this eighteen-year-old girl now appeared to be somewhat afraid of him.

He and Li Ruyi used to have a pretty good relationship. Even when he killed Zhang Wuding and the others, Li Ruyi remained calm. But now her attitude towards him has really changed.

He had always felt that Li Ruyi was quite talented, and that her strong and patient nature made her well-suited for cultivating Daoism.

Sending Li Ruyi to the Lower Court was a simple matter for him, and it also fulfilled his promise.

If Li Ruyi can truly establish himself and even achieve something, it will be thanks to his connections.

But who can predict the future?

Zhou Wuji said softly, "Junior sister, I promised to recommend you to the Lower Court. Since the Yizhen is here today, I told him about it."

He's willing to give you a chance; you should seize it.

Li Ruyi a little surprised. She had already used this favor to save the people of Old Cang Village last time, but she didn't expect Zhou Wuji to be willing to help her again.

Although she was somewhat aloof, she couldn't help but show her joy at this moment. "Thank you, Senior Brother."

During this period, Wuzheng was in charge of Hidden Dragon Temple, and Hidden Dragon Temple was repeatedly involved in major incidents, so Li Ruyi did not return.

With Zhou Wuji's recommendation, Li Ruyi immediately changed into her Daoist robe, tidied her hair, and made all sorts of preparations.

When Yizhen returned, Zhou Wuji took Li Ruyi to pay their respects.

Yizhen saw that Li Ruyi had a delicate appearance and a natural air of calm and tranquility between her brows. He thought she was good and immediately nodded in agreement to take Li Ruyi as his disciple.

Li Ruyi was overjoyed and immediately performed the grand ceremony of becoming a disciple, bowing three times and kowtowing nine times.

Yizhen told Li Ruyi to go back and prepare, and that they would return to the Lower Court together tomorrow.

Li Ruyi hurriedly returned home and told her father about it.

Li Cheng'an was overjoyed. He really didn't want to get involved with Zhou Wuji because Zhou Wuji was ruthless and had made many enemies.

The Lower Court is different.

Even though the Lower Court has lost much of its former power in recent years, it is still the most powerful force in Yunyang Prefecture.

Behind the Lower Court lies the Northern Pole Sect, one of the seven most famous Daoist sects in the world.

If Li Ruyi can achieve success in her cultivation, it will be of great help to the Li Household.

Li Cheng'an immediately took the large sum of money and returned to Hidden Dragon Temple with his daughter.

He first went to see Zhou Wuji, expressed his sincere gratitude, and presented him with a hundred taels of gold with both hands.

Zhou Wuji exchanged a few polite words, but still accepted the gold.

The main reason is that the Li Household is so sincere; if we don't accept their offer, wouldn't we be hurting Li Cheng'an's feelings?

Besides, he genuinely recommended it enthusiastically, so he felt perfectly justified in accepting the money.

Li Cheng'an was also very pleased to see Zhou Wuji readily accept the money.

The two didn't have much of a relationship to begin with, and if Zhou Wuji n't accept the money, he wouldn't know how to repay the favor.

Moreover, the relationship between the two parties naturally becomes closer after receiving the money, and they can then talk about certain things.

Li Cheng'an was unaware of the Yizhen situation, so he politely asked Zhou Wuji for clarification.

Zhou Wuji said, "The Yizhen Palace is of a refined and aloof nature, and dislikes worldly possessions. He is skilled in alchemy, so you could send him some precious spirit medicine. If you don't have those, you could send him some antiques or calligraphy and paintings."

He didn't actually know Yizhen; he had only heard some things from Wuming.

Yizhen the dignified head of the Lower Court, and with this kind of personality, Ichijin definitely wouldn't like people giving him money directly.

The most important thing when giving gifts is to cater to the recipient's preferences.

Li Cheng'an naturally understood this principle, which is why he sought Zhou Wuji's advice.

He cupped his hands in thanks, saying, "I see, I understand now. Thank you for your guidance, Daoist Master."

Zhou Wuji didn't ask any more questions. The Li Household was, after all, a prominent clan, and they must have some good things.

Li Cheng'an was a clever man, and naturally knew what to give as a gift.

He was leaving tomorrow, so Zhou Wuji called Shangxin over and gave him five Golden Flower Pill and five Purple Qi Pill.

The Golden Flower Pill strengthens the body, the Purple Qi Pill, and he has refined a Second-Stage Rejuvenation Pill; ten pills are still worth some silver.

Shangxin took care of him, and even if he didn't do anything special, he still put in a lot of effort. He gave Shangxin the pills he refined himself, which was a kind gesture without costing him anything, and it also suited Shangxin.

For Shangxin, these ten pills would save him from many detours. Those with some talent could even use them to enter the path of cultivation—

Shangxin was a disciple of Wuzheng and had some knowledge of elixirs, so he naturally knew that these elixirs were valuable. He was so moved that he immediately knelt down and kowtowed in gratitude.

Zhou Wuji quite liked this honest and simple-minded boy and gave him a lot of encouragement.

The next day, Zhou Wuji took Yang Tie Ying onto the boat, and they sailed downstream with Yizhen.

Because of the presence of Yizhen, the fast boat traveled through the night and arrived in Yunyang Prefecture by noon the next day.

Upon arriving at Cloud Dragon Lower Court, with Yizhen leading the way, the guest master naturally dared not obstruct them.

Zhou Wuji glanced sideways at the middle-aged receptionist. He still remembered the receptionist's cold attitude towards him back then, but unfortunately, he had no reason to argue with him now.

The middle-aged receptionist no longer remembered Zhou Wuji, only noticing the young, handsome Daoist's arrogant demeanor, but had no idea who he was.

Li Ruyi followed Yizhen away, while Zhou Wuji took Yang Tie Ying to the Flying Profound Hall.

He was close to his Yiping, so naturally he would seek refuge with him when he came to the Yiping Lower Court.

Flying Profound Hall was quiet, and he felt no constraint living there.

Shangxing was sweeping the yard when he saw Zhou Wuji enter. He was both surprised and delighted. He dropped the broom and jumped up to greet him, "Uncle-Master!"

I've missed you so much!

Zhou Wuji patted Shangxing's head. This child was not yet fifteen years old and still had a childlike nature, but he was very clever and sensible.

I haven't seen you for two months, but you've grown quite a bit taller.

Hearing the noise, Yiping from the side hall came out as well. He was somewhat surprised to see Zhou Wuji: "Wuji, what brings you here?"

Zhou Wuji went over and greeted him with a cupped hand. He had something to say, so he asked Yang Tie Ying to follow him upstairs to tidy up the room.

Once they were seated in the side hall, Zhou Wuji briefly recounted the events.

Upon hearing that Zhou Wuji had already opened the seven orifices and was about to receive the ordination, Yiping was overjoyed.

He stood up and paced back and forth. "The Seventh Rank ordination ceremony is very important; I need to prepare well!"

Zhou Wuji was somewhat moved. Although his Yiping was lazy, he really cared about his affairs.

He hurriedly said, "The Lord of Yizhen Palace has agreed to bestow ordination upon me, so there's no need to trouble you, Uncle-Master."

Yiping was very surprised. "Yizhen?!"

His chubby face had a rather strange expression, mainly because Yizhen Zhen was inherently arrogant and didn't take anyone else seriously except for the host.

It's really strange that such a person would be willing to receive ordination for Zhou Wuji.

Zhou Wuji and Yiping also corresponded, but due to inconvenient transportation, he couldn't say too much in his letters.

Yiping was unaware that he was seriously injured.

Zhou Wuji immediately gave a brief account of what had happened over the past few months. Yiping listened with amazement, slapping his thigh in admiration from time to time.

After Zhou Wuji finished recounting the events, Yiping exclaimed, "You and your master are so alike!"

"However, you are even more sharp-tongued and ruthless than your master."

Yiping then revealed a worried expression. "The host is treating you so well, he must want to use you as a weapon—you must be careful to know your limits—"