The celestial Heavenly Master watched this scene unfold, their gazes shifting between the boy on Lin Yu's shoulder and the little fox in his palm.
A deeper meaning flashed in their eyes.
Heavenly Master Zhang laughed and said, "It seems that Junior Nephew Lin's journey to the East China Sea has yielded more than just the annihilation of demons."
Lin Yu smiled slightly, said nothing, and gently stroked the little fox's fur to comfort it.
At the same time, he steered the conversation back to the main topic. "Master, now that internal and external troubles have been quelled, what are the next steps?"
"Alas... it will probably take hundreds of years for the cultivation world to regain its former glory after this incident."
"Hundreds of years have passed, and I wonder if the cultivation world still exists."
The Grand Heavenly Master sighed deeply.
As planned, if the project hadn't been disrupted, the world's spiritual energy would have flourished and revived within a few years. But now...
Three or four out of ten cultivators left, and the blessed lands and grotto-heavens suffered severe damage.
The general fortunes of ordinary people were also affected, causing widespread anxiety.
The elder of the Numinous Treasure Pavilion added, "Moreover, the channels between heaven and earth have changed drastically, severing the path to ascension. Although our cultivation is complete, we fear that true ascension is still impossible..."
Everyone understood what he had left unsaid.
In this day and age, the mortal and immortal realms are separated. Even for a fully accomplished Earth Immortal, ascending to heaven like in ancient times is almost a pipe dream.
Lin Yu remained silent. The entire cultivation world was too vast. He wanted to save it, but he was powerless to do so unless his cultivation level increased.
Lin Yu returned to the Ren Family Town mortuary several days later.
In the mortal world, most people are unaware of what happened not long ago, and compared to many Daoist temples and Buddhist monasteries that were destroyed, they are considered lucky.
Uncle Nine was already waiting at the mortuary. When he saw his disciple return safely, a smile finally appeared on his face, which had been tense for a long time.
He patted Lin Yu on the shoulder forcefully, looked him up and down, his eyes full of satisfaction. "You did well this time, you didn't embarrass me."
In the days that followed, the cultivation world entered a difficult period of recovery.
All factions are taking stock of their losses, treating the wounded, collecting the remains of their fellow disciples, and repairing the damaged cave formations.
Lin Yu also stayed at the mortuary to recuperate and recover from the exhaustion of the series of battles.
Uncle Nine then led Wen Cai Qiu Sheng to deal with some minor troubles caused by the lingering evil energy in the area.
The boy and the little fox on his shoulder also settled down. The boy spent most of his time sleeping, seemingly digesting what he had devoured.
The little fox seemed determined to follow Lin Yu as well.
It regained its former liveliness, darting around the mortuary, occasionally baring its teeth at the sleeping child, but never daring to actually get close.
More than a month passed just like that.
That day, Uncle Nine came out of the ancestral hall with a complex expression on his face, a mixture of excitement, solemnity, and a hint of uncertainty.
He called Lin Yu to the quiet room, closed the door, and carefully set up a soundproof barrier.
Uncle Nine's voice was low, yet clearly excited. "Today, I received a secret message from the Celestial Heavenly Master."
Lin Yu's heart skipped a beat, and he waited for the next part to continue.
Uncle Nine took a deep breath and slowly said, "After days of discussion and numerous divinations by the Heavenly Master and other elders, it has been unanimously decided... to recommend you for the position of Heavenly Master of Maoshan!"
Even with Lin Yu's composure, he couldn't help but be slightly taken aback upon hearing this.
The position of Heavenly Master is no small matter; it signifies immense responsibility and recognition. It's likely that Maoshan has never had Heavenly Master of such a low seniority before.
"Don't rush to say anything." Uncle Nine raised his hand to stop Lin Yu from speaking.
"As you know, there's no one left to oversee a sect in the cultivation world these days. Several Heavenly Master are forcibly breaking through, and with the world lacking in immortal energy, they're constantly consuming their lifespan."
"They need to remain in seclusion year-round and can no longer be distracted by worldly affairs."
"But the position of Heavenly Master is related to the fortune of Maoshan and even the entire Daoist lineage; it cannot be left vacant."
"And you..." Uncle Nine stared intently at Lin Yu.
"Whether it's cultivation level, merit, good deeds, reputation, or the achievement of turning the tide, he is undoubtedly the deserving candidate."
"More importantly, the Heavenly Master and several senior Earth Immortal believe that the vast merit you possess may be the key to reconnecting with the Upper Realm."
Lin Yu immediately understood. "Ordination?"
"Not bad!" Uncle Nine nodded emphatically.
"Becoming Heavenly Master is only the first step. Once an auspicious day is chosen, we will gather the strength of all sects at the Maoshan temple to hold the most prestigious ordination ceremony for you."
"According to ancient rites and customs, such merit, even if it does not grant immediate ascension to immortality, should rightfully be bestowed with the title of a powerful celestial official and placed among the ranks of immortals."
Uncle Nine's words were full of expectation; this was his own apprentice.
His apprentice has become successful, and he feels proud of himself.
Upon hearing this, Lin Yu instantly understood the ancestors' plan.
They were taking this opportunity to see if the Heavenly Court would open its gates and allow the immortals to enter.
Although he was being used, Lin Yu didn't care.
It's a mutually beneficial arrangement for everyone.
If one receives Heavenly Register, then one also has the qualification to become an immortal.
If things go a step further and the Heavenly Gate opens wide, could he also ascend to immortality in one step?
"And what about you, Master?"
Lin Yu couldn't help but look at his master. Since the position of Heavenly Master was vacant, why couldn't the other two have one of his masters?
"Ahem... You're very kind, lad. However, your master was ordained as Earth Master many years ago and became the head of the Underworld, so I'm considered a member of the underworld system and can no longer receive Heavenly Register."
Hearing his disciple's concern, Uncle Nine's face showed a look of relief mixed with a bit of embarrassment.
Uncle Nine paused, a carefree smile appearing on his face, "My meager merits are nothing compared to yours. In this calamity, I only managed to protect my small plot of land."
"Compared to those you fight out there, it's nothing."
He patted Lin Yu on the shoulder, his tone becoming serious. "So, this time you can focus on your preparations."
"It's not just about securing a future for yourself, but also about exploring the path to the Heavenly Court for our lineage, for Maoshan, and even for the entire Daoist community, to see if it's still open."
"If it succeeds, that would be a tremendous success. Even if it doesn't... with your current abilities, you're more than capable of holding onto that position of Heavenly Master."
Lin Yu understood his master's situation and intentions, and nodded. "Disciple understands, and will certainly do his best."
"Okay!" Uncle Nine smiled.
"The specific date and ceremony should be announced in a few days by official decree."
"Take good care of yourself during this time and get yourself into top condition. This is a major event that will affect your entire life, so don't be careless."
In the days that followed, Lin Yu spent his time in quiet meditation at the mortuary while awaiting official notification from the Maoshan Temple.
The news that he would be appointed as Heavenly Master gradually spread among the upper echelons of the cultivation world, causing a huge stir.
Envy, admiration, anticipation, worry... a mix of emotions.
This position is not for just anyone; they all recognize their own status and do not feel jealousy.
Half a month later, the official edict and detailed ceremony were delivered to Uncle Nine through special channels.
The ordination ceremony is scheduled for the Double Ninth Festival, to be held at the Shangqing Ancestral Altar in Maoshan.