Heavenly Pivot Hall.
Daoist Yizhen picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then put it down, saying to Zhou Wuji, "The tea is good, you should try it."
Zhou Wuji picked up the teacup and took a sip. The tea was greenish-blue, slightly bitter with a woody aroma, and had a hint of sweetness.
He doesn't know how to appreciate tea, but he has keen senses and can distinguish the aroma and flavor of tea.
The taste of the tea is not the key; the key is the pure and spiritual essence contained within the tea soup.
He took a sip of tea and felt as if he had swallowed a Purple Qi Pill, only the spirit was purer and more gentle, making him feel exceptionally refreshed and comfortable inside and out.
Such pure and spiritual essence contained in tea leaves was something Zhou Wuji had never even heard of, let alone tasted.
Daoist Yizhen smiled and said, "This tea is called Jasper Spring, and I brought it back from the Lake Heart Island."
"The brewed tea contains pure essence, which can help cultivators cleanse their internal energy. It is of great benefit to cultivators."
"Oh?" Zhou Wuji became interested. "Master Uncle has also been to the Lake Heart Island Nine Spirits Lake?"
" The Lake Heart Island is several dozen miles in circumference. It is said that there is a peculiar underground cave Lake Heart Island, which makes the soil very special. There are several thousand-year-old tea trees on the island. These tea leaves are picked from these thousand-year-old tea trees."
Daoist Yizhen slowly said, "In the past two years, evil spirits have suddenly appeared on the Lake Heart Island, causing many deaths and injuries. Last year, I told the abbot, 'It's because of the incident on the Lake Heart Island of the lake that I arrived late at Hidden Dragon Temple, which caused so much trouble.'"
Zhou Wuji suddenly realized why Yizhen had arrived Yizhen late last year.
At that time, he was also a little puzzled. Daoist Yizhen didn't care about others, how could he not care about his own daughter? Why did he arrive so late?
It turns out that the matter of the Lake Heart Island had delayed things.
"The evil spirits on the Lake Heart Island are very strange. They appeared frequently before I went there, killing many people. But after I went there, I never saw them again."
Daoist Yizhen said, "Evil spirits are also a kind of Yin Spirit. Low-level evil spirits have no intelligence and would never know how to avoid or hide. I suspect someone is pulling the strings behind the scenes—"
" The Five Dragons Gang?" This was the first gang that came to Zhou Wuji's mind.
The Five Dragons Gang all practice witchcraft and sorcery, act insidiously, and wield considerable power in Yunyang, making them highly suspicious.
"Maybe."
Daoist Yizhen shook his head slightly. The world is too chaotic, with all sorts of demons and monsters running rampant. Unless you catch them in the act, you can't make a judgment on such matters.
He then added, "Low-level evil spirits lack intelligence, and no matter how powerful they are, there are always ways to subdue them. Humans are different. You were entrusted to investigate this matter, and after staying there for more than half a month, you found nothing."
Be very careful when you go.
"The assessment wasn't urgent; if it didn't work out this year, we could take it again next year."
Daoist Yizhen paused here, his expression somewhat complicated, and said, "Next March is the Upper Court's advanced training, which takes place only once every five years. There are only two spots available for the Lower Court as well."
"If you cannot obtain your degree certificate this year, you will not be able to participate in next year's further studies."
The significance of Seventh Rank ordination certificate lies not in the small amount of tribute it receives from the imperial court, but in obtaining an officially recognized status.
According to the laws of the imperial court, one must have an official travel permit to travel long distances.
Having an official ordination certificate exempts one from all checks and avoids troublesome situations such as being harassed by officials at various levels. It also allows one to stay at official post stations.
This includes subduing demons and monsters; if someone dies in the process, the ordination certificate can explain everything clearly.
If a Daoist priest with a certificate of ordination is involved in an accident, the government must report it. If he is harmed by someone, it is considered a major murder case.
The ordination certificate was the most important recognition from the imperial court; any practitioner without an ordination certificate was considered to be practicing heresy.
At the sect level, Daoist priests with ordination certificates are naturally considered official successors of the sect and can obtain more support from the sect.
If you can't even get a certificate of ordination, you'll always be at the bottom of the sect. You'll have no right to participate in the Upper Court's advanced studies.
Zhou Wuji immediately understood why Daoist Yiding was making things difficult for him regarding the assessment.
Daoist Yiding was also after a spot for further studies at the Upper Court.
There are only two spots available, so the competition is fierce.
Excluding him for now would be greatly beneficial to Wuai. Not to mention that he and Yizhen have always had conflicts.
He easily suppressed the Wuai in today's Swordsmanship contest, Daoist Yiding will make things even more difficult for him.
Zhou Wuji said loudly, "Don't worry, Uncle-Master, I will definitely pass the test!"
Daoist Yizhen was a little worried. He solemnly instructed, "Further study at the Upper Court is indeed important, but it is never as important as life."
"You're only twenty-two. Waiting another five years won't hurt. Don't take the risk for a single spot!"
Zhou Wuji also replied solemnly, knowing full well the gravity of the situation and not wanting to risk his life.
"Uncle-Master, I want to buy a good sword, but I don't know where to buy swords?" Zhou Wuji asked, seizing the opportunity.
If he had a good sword, he wouldn't be afraid of even Sixth Rank cultivator.
"A fine sword!"
Daoist Yizhen moment and said, "Truly good swords are very expensive and rarely circulate in the market. Most skilled swordsmen will have their swords custom-made."
" The Upper Court does possess several high-grade swords. I've heard that the Yuheng Lineage also has First Rank first-grade sword, but alas—"
Daoist Yizhen sighed softly. Even if the seven lineages were united and friendly, Zhou Wuji would not be allowed to use the Yuheng Lineage's precious sword.
Zhou Wuji was a little disappointed; the Lower Court was so poor that it didn't even have a decent sword!
However, it's also possible that all the good swords are already taken. That's normal.
As Zhou Wuji emerged from the Heavenly Pivot Hall, he deliberately slowed his pace.
The Heavenly Pivot Hall is situated at a very high position, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains from its main gate.
It was midday, the early April sun was shining brightly, the wind was gentle, and the green mountains were covered with large patches of pink, yellow and white wildflowers, creating a splendid scene.
"Senior brother," Wuming quietly approached from behind and gently greeted Zhou Wuji.
Zhou Wuji turned to Wuming and smiled, "Why didn't you come looking for me?"
Wuming lowered his bright eyes slightly, a little embarrassed, and said softly, "My father won't allow it. He said you're busy with important matters and told me not to disturb you."
She then asked with some curiosity, "I heard the inspector from the Heavenly Master's Manor has arrived. How did the assessment go?"
The bright sunlight shone on Wuming's face, making her, who already had beautiful features and fair, delicate skin, seem to glow even more under the sunlight.
A few strands of her hair fell Wuming's ear in the spring breeze, adding to her light and charming appearance; she was truly stunningly beautiful.
What was most touching was the deep concern in her bright eyes, which made Zhou Wuji feel loved and cared for, warming his heart: "Junior Sister still thinks of me—"
Wuming saw that Zhou Wuji was not speaking but just staring at her with bright and gentle eyes, her face inexplicably flushed, but her heart was filled with a sweet and indescribable joy.
Now both of them felt that this was a good thing, and that saying anything would be a bad thing.
There are always people coming and going at the main gate, and someone walks over very quickly.
Zhou Wuji immediately realized the problem; this was not a suitable place for romance.
He asked Wuming, "I'm going out in a few days. Where did you buy your White Eyebrow Needle, Junior Sister?"
Wuming hurriedly said, "I have one more box; give them all to my senior brother."
"That's not good, I use a lot, I should buy more."
"Oh, I bought mine from the Tianji Hall too. The Tianji Lineage is skilled in crafting artifacts, and they have quite a few of these little things."
Wuming suddenly became excited, "Senior brother, you haven't been to the Tianji Hall yet, have you? I'll take you there."
"Senior brother needs help!"
With this excuse, Wuming immediately convinced himself and happily led Zhou Wuji straight to the Tianji Hall.
Despite saying they were heading straight, the two strolled leisurely along the bluestone steps, chatting idly.
Wuming has so much to say, yet he doesn't know where to begin or how to say it.
The two turned a corner, and seeing that there was no one else on the stone steps leading up the mountain, he reached out and grasped Wuming hand. "The steps are a bit steep, let me help you—"
Wuming paused for a moment, letting Zhou Wuji hold her hand. Her face quickly flushed again, but she felt very at ease holding her senior brother's slender, warm hand.
The two walked in silence for a while, Wuming suddenly chuckled.
Zhou Wuji was somewhat puzzled. "What?"
"No, it's nothing, it's just that the mountain road was too steep. Thank you for helping me, senior brother, hahaha----" She found it more and more funny as she spoke, laughing so hard that she couldn't stop.
"It's what I should do, no need to thank me." Zhou Wuji was quite thick-skinned; no matter how much Wuming laughed, he held on firmly and refused to let go.
Holding hands felt like a ritual, more important than Zhou Wuji's secret kiss on the cheek. Wuming felt their relationship had clearly progressed further, and she truly relaxed, her innermost thoughts naturally flowing out.
"Senior brother, the Fine Jade Paste you made is exceptionally good; my mother loves it!"
"Senior brother, the flute sheet music you gave me is so exquisite, with a beautiful melody and a complete structure, it's truly wonderful!"
"Senior brother, your calligraphy is as elegant as a crane's and as graceful as an immortal. Several of my friends say it's incredibly beautiful, unparalleled in the world! Could you teach me?"
"Senior brother, when will you teach me Swordsmanship— "
Wuming became more and more excited and joyful as he spoke, wishing that the two of them could walk side by side forever, never to reach the end.
"The sheet music was found in ancient books----"
"This style of calligraphy is called 'Slender Gold Script.' If you like, I can write a calligraphy model for you, and you can practice by copying it."
"I'll teach you Swordsmanship after I finish my business—"
Zhou Wuji responded casually, but he was secretly delighted.
On a bright spring day, with a gentle Clear Breeze, the verdant mountains teem with life. The woman beside me, however, was more radiant than the spring day, more gentle than the Clear Breeze, and more vibrant than the mountains themselves.
Holding Wuming's hand, Zhou Wuji felt as if he were holding the entire spring.
He was absolutely certain that he would remember this beautiful moment forever!
Tianji Hall wasn't far away after all. They were almost there, and Zhou Wuji had no choice but to let go, even though he was reluctant.
She led Zhou Wuji into the Tianji Hall. A young Daoist boy guarding the gate came out to greet them. Upon seeing Wuming, he immediately beamed and went inside to welcome them. "Uncle-Master, you've arrived! Please come in."
Wuming was quite familiar with this place. She led Zhou Wuji to a side hall, where long tables were placed on both sides, covered with various items.
Zhou Wuji spotted the White Eyebrow Needle at a glance, along with several boxes of needle-shaped hidden weapons, though their shapes differed.
He stepped forward and picked up a White Eyebrow Needle, exactly the same as the one Wuming had given him.
A middle-aged Daoist priest sat lazily to one side, slowly introducing the items: " White Eyebrow Needle are two taels of silver each, a box costs one hundred and fifty taels. There are also Golden Light Needle, three times heavier than White Eyebrow Needle, with Golden Light Incantation on them, which can be activated with True Qi, ten taels of silver each—"
Besides these flying needles, there were also hidden weapons such as darts and caltrops.
There are also Law Artifact such as the Tianpeng Ruler and the Demon-Subduing Bell, as well as magical swords shaped like the Seven Star Sword.
Various Law Artifact and weapons are displayed together, and their quality and workmanship are all quite good.
Zhou Wuji was quite interested in these things, and he didn't stand on ceremony, picking up whatever caught his eye immediately.
They're all from the same Northern Pole Sect; even if there's fierce infighting within the Seven Families, they wouldn't resort to any sales tricks against him.
The middle-aged Daoist priest sat to the side, ignoring everything, while the young Daoist boy stayed by his side, diligently introducing the situation.
Zhou Wuji glanced through them and, judging by their grade, the Law Artifact here were at most Seventh Rank.
He asked the middle-aged Daoist priest, "Do you have any high-grade swords?"
The middle-aged Daoist priest shook his head. " The Upper Court might have some, but the Lower Court truly doesn't."
In the end, Zhou Wuji bought two boxes of White Eyebrow Needle, a wide woven ribbon, and a black-scaled python skin sleeping bag.
The light blue webbing has a brocade outer layer and a leather inner layer, with excellent workmanship, a simple and stable buckle, and an inner lining.
It can be used to carry a sword or to carry small items. The webbing also provides some protection.
When going to Nine Spirits Lake, the sword cannot be hung at the waist as usual. A woven belt can keep the sword securely inserted at an angle at the waist.
The black-scaled python skin sleeping bag is made of python skin. The skin is soft and breathable, yet it can protect against water, fire, poisonous insects, and is extremely practical for sleeping outdoors.
Apart from that, all kinds of Law Artifact were useless against him.
The three items together cost exactly one thousand taels of silver. The price was quite high.
Fortunately, Zhou Wuji was wealthy and generous, and he didn't even blink an eye when spending this much money.
This slightly surprised the middle-aged Daoist priest. The Lower Court wasn't very large, yet this young Daoist priest was so extravagant! He didn't even recognize him—
After leaving the Tianji Hall, Wuming was somewhat reluctant, but he could no longer follow Zhou Wuji.
With a serious expression, she said, "With the protection of the Northern Emperor, Senior Brother will surely have a smooth journey and achieve great success."
99
"Thank you for your kind words, Junior Sister."
Zhou Wuji smiled, cupped his hands in greeting, and turned to leave with a nonchalant air.
Wuming watched Zhou Wuji's figure disappear, but remained motionless for a long time.