Three Words Tests His Dao by Orchid Terrace; the Sect Leader Retains a Talent and Delays His Journey

---- Several months later

The excitement of the Chongming Sect Core Formation Ceremony had barely subsided when the storytellers in the market and marketplace, who hadn't even finished telling their new stories, were already bustling with activity again.

Because of Senior Cultivator Wufeng's example, many self-proclaimed high-level cultivators, both Golden Core and False Core, were attracted to apply for the position of guest elder.

He Chang steward of etiquette, has recently been receiving and seeing off many distinguished figures who are rarely seen outside. If the gifts he has received were calculated carefully, they would probably be enough to cover his salary for sixty or even sixty years.

He Chang knows his own situation. With such talent, he has been able to cultivate smoothly to such a level at such a young age. If it weren't for the care and support of the sect elders, both openly and secretly, how could he have achieved such ability?

Today is the middle of the month, and as usual, he settled in the reception hall, asked his disciples to bring over a serving of fine tea and snacks, and shared them with the golden-haired old donkey beside him.

The old donkey's aura has become increasingly profound lately. He Chang sometimes vaguely feels that the former may not be much different from Zhu Yunsheng and Shan Yong, who have already formed False Core. He doesn't know if it's just his imagination.

When Sect Leader Kang Da heard about this change, he even took time out of his busy schedule to summon Old Donkey to see him. However, even with his Delusion-Breaking Golden Eyes, he could not discern the root cause of Old Donkey's abnormality.

So he could only say something like, "This beast's fate is good," and that was it.

He Chang didn't think that this donkey brother, who had even been stabbed in a vital spot, was particularly lucky, but since his uncle had spoken, it must be "lucky" without a doubt.

The tea and snacks were made by a newly hired chef at the Hundred Arts Pavilion, and they tasted quite good. Even someone like He Chang enjoyed them immensely.

As he sipped his tea, he flipped through the Jade Slip in his hand, carefully counting the numerous portraits of cultivators filled with records:

"There are three advanced cultivators and nine Pill Masters. In the past few months, almost every Rogue Cultivator with a reputation in the vicinity has come to my Chongming Sect to see my uncle. I wonder how many of them will actually remain and be of use."

Soon after, he put away the Jade Slip, regained his composure, and offered the last piece of tea and snacks to the old donkey beside him. Then he saw a person wrapped in clouds on the Mirage Qi Screen in front of him, who landed in Golden Pivot Spirit-Gathering Origin-Guarding Formation and said loudly:

"Rogue Person Three Words, have taken the liberty of visiting today to pay my respects to Sect Leader Kang Chongming Sect. Please inform the fellow Daoists within."

"This is the High Person Three Words?!"

He Chang's tone was somewhat surprised, because compared to the other Golden Core cultivators who had come to apply, this High Person Three Words was much more renowned.

He Chang had heard of this Daoist priest's name when he was serving wine to his uncles. He knew that the priest had some connection with Guhongzi, who often came to the Chongming Sect to preach. He was considered to have been a senior cultivator for many years, which was very rare among Rogue Cultivator.

As for whether the reputation of the High Person Three Words is good or bad, that is not a matter for him, a mere steward, to decide.

He Chang quickly concealed his surprise, smoothed the cloud pattern on his clothes, and patted the golden-haired donkey's back as he stood up. "Brother Donkey, please wait here. I'll be right back."

The old donkey seemed to understand. It snorted, pawed the ground twice, and then rolled the last piece of tea snack in the plate into its mouth, chewing it with relish, showing no trace of its usual animalistic clumsiness.

He Chang strode behind the Mirage Qi Screen, his fingertips flicking with spiritual energy, and the array gate slowly opened a crack.

Outside the formation stood a kind-faced, white-haired old man, his body even more frail than that of a courtesan in a brothel.

What's even more remarkable is that he had a bamboo plaque hanging from his waist, with the words "Three Words" engraved on it. The characters were elegant and graceful, and there was a faint spiritual light flowing through them, indicating that it was an extraordinary magical Law Treasure.

"Junior He Chang, humbly Chongming Sect, greets Senior Three Words." He Chang bowed respectfully, his tone respectful yet measured.

"Your presence is an honor to our humble abode. However, my uncle is currently discussing the Dao with Senior Brother Kang at Jade Peak Grotto-Heaven. Would you please wait a moment while I inform you?"

High Person Three Words's He Chang, then glanced at the golden-haired old donkey peeking out from behind the Mirage Qi Screen. A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, and he smiled and said:

"You're too kind, sir. I've heard that Chongming Sect is open to recruiting talented individuals and is inclusive of all kinds of people. Even someone as esteemed as Fellow Wufeng is willing to serve as a guest elder, so I'd like to join in the fun. Since Sect Leader Kang has important business to attend to, I'll wait for you."

Having said that, he raised his hand and flicked a jade talisman, which floated towards He Chang. "This is a small gift from this old man, a token of our greeting. Please pass it on to Sect Leader Kang."

He Chang took the jade talisman and felt its smooth, warm texture. Inside, it contained a wisp of pure wood-attribute spiritual energy, making it a Higher Vehicle -quality spiritual object suitable for cultivation.

This made He Chang secretly startled; the work of the High Person Three Words was far more substantial than that of the previous recruits.

However, hearing that this old cultivator had earned a considerable amount of Spirit Stone when he partnered with Guhongzi back then, and was quite capable, it wasn't entirely surprising.

Having received numerous teachings and personal instruction from Sect Leader Kang Da, He Chang had no reason to refuse. He respectfully thanked him, saying, "Thank you for your generous gift, senior. I will certainly pass it on."

He Chang bowed again and led the High Person Three Words towards the reception hall. "Senior, you must be tired from your journey. Please have some tea and rest. I will go and inform the sect leader now."

The living room was filled with Spiritual Qi. On the rosewood table in the center was a set of ice-crack patterned tea set, and next to it, a celadon plate still had most of the tea snacks left. He Chang led the High Person Three Words to his seat.

Just as He Chang instructed his disciple to serve some tea, the golden-haired old donkey came over to the table, nuzzled He Chang's hand with its head, and stared longingly at the tea and snacks on the plate. It showed no sign of ferocity, but rather a rather endearing and simple-minded demeanor.

Upon seeing this, High Person Three Words's eyes flashed with surprise, then he smiled and said, "Sir, you seem quite affectionate with this spirit donkey. This animal has bright, intelligent eyes; it's definitely not an ordinary donkey."

"Senior, you flatter me. This donkey is an old member of the sect, with many more years of service than I am. He may be mischievous, but he is intelligent and respectable, and he has a lot of face in front of the sect leader and the elders."

He Chang smiled and picked up a snack, offering it to the old donkey's mouth. The donkey happily took it, chewing it with relish, and even pawed the ground with its hoof as if to express its gratitude.

He Chang led the High Person Three Words to sit in the Zhi Living Room. Not long after, they quickly walked through the misty corridor and headed towards Jade Peak Grotto-Heaven. The spiritual leaves rustled along the way, and the earth's spiritual energy surged up the stone steps, making his steps lighter.

He pondered to himself, "Since High Person Three Words is an old friend of Guhongzi and possesses the cultivation of the Middle Stage of Golden Core realm, if he can sincerely submit to the sect upon his visit, it would be a great help to the sect. However, the sect leader is always cautious; I wonder how he will decide."

Within the Jade Peak Grotto-Heaven, the stone gate was half-closed, and spiritual mist drifted in like a light veil.

Kang Dabao and Kang Rongquan were sitting around a white jade table, on which was an open painting called "The Diagram of Clear and Turbid Transformation and Circulation". The painting depicted the circulation of the pure and turbid energies of heaven and earth with spiritual ink, and there was a faint spiritual light flashing on it.

Once his disciples reached the Core Formation stage, the effectiveness of Sect Leader Kang Da's Spring and Autumn Brush Edge diminished considerably. Therefore, most of the time, his discussions with Kang Rongquan revolved around his own principles.

Fortunately, the grandfather and grandson shared the same Cultivation Method style, which greatly benefited Kang Rongquan.

The two of them, having discussed it for an unknown period of time, both showed signs of understanding on their faces.

It was during this quiet moment that He Chang's voice soon came from outside the door. "Uncle, Senior Brother Kang, High Person Three Words is already waiting in the reception hall. He has come to inform you that he has come to apply for the position of a disciple of our sect."

"High Person Three Words?" Sect Leader Kang Da murmured for a moment. Because Fei Nanying pointed out that High Person Three Words, his impression of this long-time cultivator was far from good.

However, Chongming Sect is currently eager to recruit talented individuals, and this esteemed Golden Core cultivator should be treated with respect. It is neither reasonable nor sentimental to treat him coldly.

"Okay, I understand. Chang'er, go and invite your third uncle and Brother Xi over so that Rongquan and I can assess this senior's qualifications together."

He Chang received Kang Dabao's instructions and turned to head towards Jiang Qing's quiet room and Kang Changxi's residence.

Yangming Mountain is shrouded in mist, and dewdrops cling to the Clear Stream Tree along the corridors, making a crisp sound as they drip, which only enhances the tranquility of the mountain.

Before long, the group gathered outside the reception room.

After absorbing the Golden Core, Kang Rongquan had lost much of his sharpness. His attire was extremely simple, making even the Sect Leader Kang Da think that he was wearing Zhou Yixiu's clothes from her previous life.

Jiang Qing was still dressed in a black outfit, his face was cold and stern, and his aura was as deep and unfathomable. There was not a trace of spiritual power leaking out when he walked, which clearly showed that his cultivation had improved again.

Kang Changxi was dressed in a brocade Daoist robe with a warm jade pendant hanging from his waist. Although those who had seen him said that he looked very much like his father, the sharpness between his brows was quite striking, far surpassing that of the usually cautious Sect Leader Kang Da.

"Father, is the High Person Three Words the one inside?" Kang Changxi peeked into the hall and saw that the Venerable High Person Three Words had a kind face and a slender figure. He couldn't help but think to himself, "This old monk is quite unremarkable."

Kang Dabao nodded and said, "Indeed. This senior has a past with Senior Guhongzi, and his Daoist skills are renowned among the Rogue Cultivator in both the Mountain South and Mountain North. Today, we may be able to see them for ourselves."

"I was just about to ask for your guidance." Kang Changxi seemed quite interested.

"Since we're here to see each other, let's Law Seals, and stop short of a point." After saying this, Kang Dabao pushed open the door, went in, exchanged pleasantries with the High Person Three Words, and then clearly explained the matter of their exchange.

High Person Three Words, upon hearing this, showed no signs of stage fright. Knowing it was a test from the Chongming Sect, he was well-prepared. As he stroked his beard and rose, the bamboo token bearing the inscription "Three Words" at his waist flashed with a subtle light, faintly exuding a fiery and sharp aura.

"I have immersed myself in the methods of the Flame Metal Sect for three hundred years. Today, I dare to challenge your sect's practitioners, not to compete for victory, but simply to mutually verify the depth of our Daoist teachings."

Kang Rongquan had only just Golden Core Formation Pill, so such a friendly exchange wouldn't be his responsibility; at most, he could only gain some knowledge. However, upon hearing his suggestion, he said, "The Spiritual Qi at Orchid Terrace is abundant, and the view is expansive. Why don't we move over there so that our fellow disciples can observe a bit?"

With no objections, the group, along with the disciples who had rushed over upon hearing the news, headed towards the Orchid Terrace at the foot of Elegant Spirit Peak.

The spiritual mist drifted over the stone steps, and the spiritual dew on the leaves of the Clear Stream Tree dripped with a sound. The golden-haired old donkey followed along, lying on the edge of the Orchid Terrace, watching the commotion while chewing on a spiritual herb.

Above the Orchid Terrace, the earth's spiritual energy slowly surged.

Kang Dabao raised his hand in a gesture of suppression and said loudly, "Today's exchange will only focus on the subtleties of the Daoist arts, not on victory, defeat, or life and death. We will stop when we have made our move and must not damage the harmony of the occasion."

No sooner had Kang Dabao finished speaking than Kang Changxi leaped to the center of the Orchid Terrace, flipped his right hand, and a crimson spear appeared out of thin air, its shaft shimmering with pale golden light.

A faint golden Qi and Blood surged around him, his Primordial Ancient Body beginning to show its power, Delusion-Breaking Golden Eyes gleamed slightly, not yet fully opened, but already carrying a hint of sharpness. "Please enlighten me, senior."

High Person Three Words stroked his beard and nodded. The "Three Words" bamboo plaque at his waist suddenly shone brightly, and a fiery, sharp aura rushed towards him. He formed a hand seal, and two clusters of pale golden spiritual fire condensed at his fingertips. As the spiritual fire flickered, there was even a sound of metal clashing.

"Fellow Daoist, be careful." Before the words were finished, the two clusters of spiritual fire suddenly surged, transforming into two three-foot-long golden blades of flame, carrying scorching heat waves, and slashing straight at Kang Changxi's face.

Before the Fiery Golden Blade even got close, its scorching heat had already left scorch marks on the ground of the Orchid Terrace. Kang Changxi dared not take it head-on; a flash of spiritual light appeared beneath his feet, and he dodged to the side like an arrow.

At the same time, with a flick of his wrist, the tip of the spear ignited with a flame over ten feet long. Taking advantage of the momentum of turning around, he swept it out horizontally. The flame grazed the Fiery Golden Blade, making a crisp "clang" sound, and sparks flew everywhere.

"This body-refining technique is truly remarkable." A hint of approval flashed in the eyes of the High Person Three Words. With a flick of his left hand, a fiery gold shield covered with intricate patterns appeared out of thin air.

The Fiery Golden Blade in his right hand condensed once more, this time transforming into three blades that attacked Kang Changxi in a triangular formation. At the same time, the Fiery Golden Shield pushed forward, using the momentum of the attack to lock onto Kang Changxi's body.

Kang Changxi took a deep breath, activated his Primordial Ancient Body, and his pale golden Qi and Blood surged into the spear, making the flames at the spear tip even more intense.

Without dodging or evading, he spun his spear shaft, and the flames transformed into a spinning wheel of fire, forcefully shattering the three fiery gold blades. Then, with a flick of the spear tip, the wheel of fire crashed into the fiery gold shield.

With a loud clang, the Flame Gold Shield was slightly jolted by the impact of the fire wheel, and the spiritual light on the patterns on the shield dimmed a bit.

High Person Three Words was surprised by the fierce strength of the attack. He quickly used his spiritual power with his left hand to stabilize the Fiery Golden Shield, while his right hand had already condensed a half-foot-long Fiery Golden Cone. Taking advantage of the moment when the fire wheel dissipated, he thrust it straight at Kang Changxi's vital point in the heart.

This swift, precise, and ruthless move revealed the ability of High Person Three Words to rise through the ranks from humble beginnings.

Kang Changxi's Delusion-Breaking Golden Eyes had already seen through the trajectory of the Flaming Golden Cone. He stomped his foot hard, and his pale golden Qi and Blood sank down. His body remained as still as an ancient pine tree rooted to the ground. At the same time, he held his spear upright in front of his chest, and the flames on the spear shaft condensed into a strong shield.

With a clang, the Flame Gold Cone struck the Flame Shield, but was deflected several inches. He seized the opportunity to counterattack, the flame at the tip of the spear transforming into a thin needle that pierced the gaps in the patterns on the Flame Gold Shield.

That was the weak point in the flow of spiritual energy in the Flame Gold Shield, the very flaw he had just discovered.

High Person Three Words was greatly alarmed and quickly withdrew his shield and retreated. He then swept the Flaming Golden Cone horizontally, forcing back Kang Changxi's attack.

"Fellow Daoist, you actually saw through the flaw in my Flame Gold Shield! How impressive!"

He stroked his beard and laughed, his eyes burning with even stronger fighting spirit. His body surged with fiery golden energy, and spiritual fire and golden light intertwined, transforming into a fiery golden lion half the height of a person. The lion spewed fiery golden fire from its mouth and pounced towards Kang Changxi.

Kang Changxi dared not be negligent. He intensified the pale golden Qi and Blood of his Primordial Ancient Body, making it even more vibrant. His body shone with spiritual light, and the flames on the tip of his Flame-Patterned Spear surged to two zhang in length. He charged towards the Flame Golden Lion, the spear tip piercing straight into the lion's head.

The Flame Lion opened its mouth and spewed out a pillar of flames. Kang Changxi dodged to the side, swept his spear shaft horizontally, and struck the Flame Lion's hind leg. The flames burned the Flame Lion, causing it to let out a mournful cry and stagger.

Taking advantage of the moment, Kang Changxi leaped up, the flames at the tip of his spear condensing into a single point of cold light, precisely striking the spiritual core atop the Flame Golden Lion's head. The Flame Golden Lion's spiritual light dissipated, transforming into a sky full of golden flames that vanished.

High Person Three Words withdrew his spiritual power, but did not stop. He rapidly formed hand seals, condensing the fiery metal energy into dozens of tiny fiery metal blades, which hovered around Kang Changxi like an impenetrable net.

Fellow Daoist, take another move from me!

Kang Changxi took a deep breath, circulating his pale golden Qi and Blood to its fullest extent. He suddenly threw the Flame-Patterned Spear into the air. The spear spun, and the flames transformed into a protective shield, protecting his entire body.

At the same time, he formed a hand seal, and his pale golden Qi and Blood transformed into an invisible wave of energy that spread outwards. The flaming golden blades shattered upon impact with the flame shield, and the remaining blades were dispersed by the energy wave.

He seized the opportunity to catch the falling Law Treasure spear, and in a flash, he circled around to the side of High Person Three Words. The flame at the tip of the spear subsided, leaving only a tiny inch, and gently touched High Person Three Words's sleeve.

This strike, though brief, had already secured victory.

High Person Three Words laughed heartily, raised his hand to dispel the remaining fiery metal energy, and cupped his hands in greeting:

"Fellow Daoist, you are so young, yet not only are your strength formidable and your Movement Method swift, but you can also see through the flaws in my techniques. Your spear skills and Primordial Ancient Body are perfectly integrated. In this exchange, you narrowly emerged victorious!"

Kang Changxi sheathed his spear and bowed, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. Although he hadn't used his full strength in the previous exchange, it had still taken a toll on his Qi and Blood. "Senior, you flatter me. If we were to fight to the death today, the outcome would be uncertain."

High Person Three Words chuckled softly, clearly not taking it to heart.

He Chang was watching the battle from the sidelines, was beaming with joy. The old golden donkey also raised its head and snorted at Kang Changxi, as if to cheer him on.

"Third," Kang Dabao, looking at Jiang Qing was standing to the side.

Jiang Qing remained dressed in a black, close-fitting outfit, his posture upright as a pine tree, his aura as calm and still as a deep pool, without a trace of spiritual power leaking out. He slowly walked to the center of the platform, not taking out Law Treasure, but simply nodding slightly. "Senior, please."

Seeing Jiang Qing's nonchalant attitude, Master Sanyan's High Person Three Words grew even more solemn.

He knew that Double Brightness Jiang Third was far superior to Kang Changxi, a junior, so he immediately stopped holding back. His fiery metal aura surged to its limit, and the spiritual fire and golden light intertwined and converged, transforming into a fiery metal furnace that was half a zhang tall.

As the furnace turned, the scorching heat almost burned through the spiritual mist of the Orchid Terrace, and dense rain of fiery gold spewed from the furnace mouth, while the furnace body slowly rolled in.

"Fellow Daoist Jiang, be careful!" High Person Three Words shouted, and a rain of fiery gold poured down like a waterfall. The furnace, with its power to cleave gold and sever jade, blocked all of Jiang Qing's escape routes.

Jiang Qing remained calm until the rain of fire was upon him and the furnace was close at hand, at which point he slowly raised his hand. A flash of light appeared at his fingertips, and a long sword shimmering with azure light appeared out of thin air.

He didn't unleash any complex moves; he simply flicked his wrist, and the longsword transformed into a streak of azure light, piercing straight towards the Fiery Gold Furnace and the rain of fire.

Where the sword light passed, the domineering and incomparable rain of fiery gold was actually cleaved open by the sword light, and the scorching fiery gold power was instantly neutralized wherever the azure rainbow reached;

The unstoppable Fiery Gold Furnace was abruptly halted by the gentle touch of the sword tip. Its rotation stopped abruptly, the spiritual fire dimmed instantly, and the surrounding Fiery Gold aura dissipated like a tidal wave.

This sword strike, seemingly casual, struck precisely the vital point of the Fiery Gold Furnace, demonstrating effortless skill and exquisite precision.

High Person Three Words felt a gentle yet irresistible force flowing through the Flame Gold Furnace, causing his spiritual energy to become instantly disordered. He hurriedly withdrew his attack and retreated, but was still shaken by the aftershocks and staggered two steps. The spiritual light of the "Three Words" bamboo pendant at his waist dimmed.

He gazed at the flying sword in Jiang Qing's hand for a long time, then bowed and clasped his hands in a gesture of respect.

"Fellow Daoist Jiang, your sword strike can shatter all laws; I am truly ashamed of my inferiority!"

Jiang Qing merely nodded slightly, then with a flash, retreated to his original position, still maintaining that cold and indifferent demeanor, as if he had merely brushed away a speck of dust.

A moment of silence fell over the Orchid Terrace, followed by an outpouring of admiration.

Kang Changxi watched Jiang Qing's retreating figure, his eyes filled with admiration.

He had just fought the High Person Three Words uncle had broken through the opponent's full-force attack with a single sword strike. This difference in strength made him realize his own inadequacy even more.

He Chang was completely dumbfounded. Even the golden-haired old donkey stopped chewing, raised its head and brayed twice at Jiang Qing, as if to cheer him on.

High Person Three Words was asked to return to his temporary residence to await news, while Sect Leader Kang Da only smiled at Jiang Qing:

"Third, take a look. It's not that I, as your senior brother, am reluctant to let you go, but we really can't find a reliable person for the time being. You'll have to travel around, or you'll have to wait a while longer."