Chapter 9: Go to the Chiyang Gate

Speaking of which, Li Wan has quite a good understanding of the rules of the Foreign Language Institute, after all, she was once regarded as an outstanding candidate, yet she has always fallen just short and has never truly entered.

Upon seeing this, Li Wan could not help but feel a stir in her heart

It is rumored that the disciples of the Outer Court are all practitioners at the Qi Refinement stage. The primary challenge they face is the establishment of a spiritual field. After the spiritual field is established, the generation of Qi Refinement is dependent on a true essence that is distinct from that of ordinary mortals.

Some items bear the special marks of sects, making them difficult to dispose of. Li Wan had heard that in certain black markets of the cultivation world, there are individuals skilled in artifact forging who can erase these marks. He had also seen such methods in the "Great Canon of Artifacts." However, it is crucial to stay away from the influence of the Zhengqi Sect for now, and he has no intention of attempting this; it is better not to complicate matters.

In front of the dojo, a spacious and flat large square has been constructed, with the mountain gate behind it. A small path, barely visible, winds its way into the layers of mountains behind, disappearing amidst the clouds and mist

Speaking of which, Li Wan had little understanding of the Chiyang Gate, nor could it be said that he yearned for it; it was purely because the dojo he had previously been in happened to be located at the junction of the two major sects, making it most convenient for him to come here

It is evident that Wang Lin has come with high expectations

However, large sects have always preferred to cultivate their own talents, and those who have spent several years in a registered dojo, having undergone the test of time, are more likely to be prioritized for inclusion

Unless Li Wan is able to find the naturally occurring spiritual springs and spiritual veins in the world, which are essential for cultivation, it is utterly impossible for her to be separated from such treasures.

It was not until this moment that his anxious heart finally began to settle down

If you wish to join my Chiyang Sect, you may ascend the mountain today to participate in the selection. Please remember that the latest reporting time is 12:00 noon, do not be late

The young master shook the folding fan in his hand, cast a disdainful glance at the two, and said: "With your kind of people, you think you can enter the Chiyang Gate? Don't be ridiculous. Let me tell you, the three spots for this external academy special have already been secured by our Jin family, so you have no chance."

Li Wan originally had the opportunity for priority admission at Zhengqi Gate, but he no longer wished to stay there

Wang Lin, upon hearing the young master refer to him as a fat pig, could not help but clench his fists, his anger surging, and his face turning red.

Several hours later, the participants in the entry selection gathered together at the disciple training hall of the Chiyang Gate.

Moreover, he has caused a tremendous disaster under the righteous gate, and for ordinary small doors and households, there is no way to evade it; they will inevitably be exposed and will sooner or later suffer the consequences

The young master, upon seeing Li Wan's gaze directed at him, scoffed and said: "So it turns out you are just a wandering practitioner, relying on your achievement in the Qi Refinement stage, daring to speak recklessly."

The Chiyang Gate is known for the supreme martial arts created by Chiyangzi, including the "Chiyang Scripture." Additionally, it possesses two exceptional secret techniques passed down from the Daluo Sect: the "Liehwang Divine Sword Technique" and the "Guiyuan Classic." The gate is home to countless skilled practitioners and talented elites, and it boasts the finest blessed land in Southern Heaven, the Taiyan Cave. It oversees dozens of sects, guilds, and organizations, large and small, beyond the five major sects, and operates under the edicts of the Xuantian Gate, which governs the heavens. It is undoubtedly the leader of the Southern Heaven cultivation world.

During this period, Li Wan met a short and stout disciple from a wealthy family. This person, surnamed Wang and named Lin, was the son of a rich merchant from a secular dynasty located five hundred miles outside of Chiyang Gate. His family had made contributions to Chiyang Gate in the form of offerings and a thousand taels of gold in books many years ago, which allowed him to obtain a badge for participation in the selection process and come along this time.

A few days later, the outer court sent someone to the inn to distribute the tokens

Li Wan turned her head and discovered that it was a young gentleman dressed in luxurious attire, adorned with a splendid robe and a jeweled crown

Even among the wealthy commoners, there are those with foresight who are willing to spend large sums to invest in their children entering the sect. If by chance they acquire the magical techniques and spells of the immortals, the opportunity for the family's prosperity hinges entirely on this.

During the days of waiting, he did not wander around but instead hid away to diligently practice the newly learned techniques of the illusory treasure seal

Various unforeseen influences, limited quotas, the preferences of the principal examiner, and numerous factors that can affect success or failure are simply too many for me to control. The major sects do not care; they only require overall fairness and justice. Leaving a little margin, when the water is too clear, there will be no fish.

Li Wan has just recently advanced and cultivated true essence, but he does not yet have a sufficiently solid foundation. Not to mention other matters, he does not even know where to seek the spiritual jade required for the Qi Refining realm

Everyone responded in unison, each preparing their belongings without further discussion

Therefore, he is still very much looking forward to the things within this treasure pouch

This time, the sect that Li Wan wishes to join is called Chiyang Sect

Possessing the treasured "Great Canon of Instrumentation," one should naturally develop in this direction. The illusory treasure seal can enable him to understand more about the Dao patterns and seals, serving as an enlightening effect for his future genuine engagement with the path of instrumentation.

Wang Lin nodded politely and said, "Thank you for your kind words, Brother Li. If I can successfully enter the outer academy, that would be wonderful"

It is still necessary to assess the situation at that time before making a decision, however, there will surely be a way when the car reaches the mountain. If one does not try, how can one know it is not feasible

I only hope for a smooth path ahead, after overcoming this round of setbacks, to successfully escape.

... ...

Chiyang Gate is the foremost among the five major sects of the Southern Celestial Realm of cultivation, named after its ancestral master, a giant of the Middle Ages, who is honored with the title Chiyangzi

Upon hearing this, Wang Lin immediately lowered his head like an eggplant struck by frost, his face ashen.

However, even if I wish to join the Chiyang Sect, it is not that easy. Major sects have strict recruitment criteria for disciples, prioritizing those who have been nurtured from a young age as registered disciples. As a loose cultivator, I am already at a disadvantage, and encountering bad luck makes it quite normal to be unable to gain entry.

Do not even think about it before cultivating progress

Li Wan traveled eastward, stopping and starting along the way, until he reached over three thousand miles away, completely leaving the control of the Zhengqi Gate behind.

Moreover, although this method of crafting is a technique for refining tools, becoming a master in the art of crafting is also a commendable choice. Those skilled tool refiners can forge magical artifacts and spiritual treasures, and their status is by no means inferior to that of accomplished practitioners.

Indeed, even for small families, if they possess sufficient capital and receive attention, they are better off than the ordinary disciples of large sects; this ultimately depends on opportunities and circumstances

Upon seeing this, Li Wan's feelings of frustration immediately dissipated. What he needed most at this moment was the Spirit Jade, as well as the Qi-Enhancing Pill, which was also beneficial for cultivation. This Senior Brother Fang had originally brought them along for his own cultivation, but in the end, they all became a boon for him

Seeing Wang Lin seemed a bit nervous, Li Wan could not help but comfort him: "Brother Wang, there is no need to be anxious. Your family has contributed 1,000 taels of gold, equivalent to 10,000 pieces of spiritual jade, which is already a considerable fortune. With this wealth, how many named disciples can you support, and how many talented individuals can you cultivate? Just based on this contribution, it is sufficient to ensure your admission to the outer academy"

"What, is it true?" Upon hearing this, Wang Lin's body trembled violently, as if he suddenly remembered something. He exclaimed in shock, "Could it be... could it be that the rumors are true... you... you are the second young master of the Jin family in the capital!"

Although he is at the beginning of his cultivation journey, he possesses a certain level of insight and understands that this seal is extraordinary. Each additional increment of cultivation represents an increased opportunity for enlightenment.

In his heart, the righteous path had completely become a thing of the past; he intended to travel to a spiritual mountain in the east to join another major sect.

Li Wan let out a cold snort, her expression unfriendly as she stared at the young master

A few days later, at dusk

I do not know if, apart from him, the Yin family has sent others to hunt me down. However, I have already fled far away and cannot worry about that for now. I will first see what is inside this treasure pouch before anything else

Li Wan felt inexplicably irritated upon hearing this. Her attempts to comfort Wang Lin were merely a formality; why should it concern her at all

"Hmph!" A sudden snicker came from beside, "With your fat pig-like figure, you also wish to join the sect? What do you take the Chiyang Sect for?"

Li Wan silently put away the treasure pouch and gradually walked further away

Apart from that, there are only some ordinary clothing, shoes, and socks. The Qi Refining stage is considered the entry point of cultivation, and one is not yet a skilled expert, thus temporarily cannot detach from these.

Only such large sects can provide protection

It seems something is amiss. This person mentioned that the quota for the special feature from the foreign institute has already been secured by their family, the Jin family. What exactly is going on? And what kind of prominent family is this Jin family? It sounds quite impressive.

A glimmer of unusual light flashed in the young master's eyes as he smiled and said: "I didn't expect you, a country bumpkin, to have some insight. However, I am not the second young master Jin; my cousin is! I am Jin Minghai, so remember that."

However, after some consideration, Li Wan decided to only take these items, leaving behind the other disciple garments and swords marked with the emblem of righteousness, to avoid future complications

Li Wan is not currently thinking that far ahead, nor is she able to think that far ahead, somewhat reflecting a sense of going with the flow

It is said that Chiyangzi is one of the esteemed celestial beings of the Great Luo Sect, also serving as the Supreme Elder, wielding substantial power, and holding an extraordinarily revered status. Later, encountering a great upheaval in the world, he became concerned about the loss of the foundation for the safety of his disciples. Consequently, he joined forces with several other prominent figures within the sect to establish a small alliance of mutual support, becoming allies with one another

This item is akin to the sustenance of a cultivator, containing a trace of spiritual energy, and is an essential item for cultivation

Li Wan and others only received the invitation and were not yet disciples of Chiyang. Upon arriving at the square in front of the mountain gate, they stopped and formed several lines according to the order of their numbers, waiting for the preliminary selection.

According to the rules of the Xuanmen sect, registered disciples are not considered true disciples and are not listed on the sect's wall. At this time, switching to another sect is permitted by various sects and is an important aspect of the circulation of talent

However, spiritual springs, spiritual veins, and similar entities are the root sources of the creation of blessed lands and paradises, and are almost entirely occupied by prominent families and powerful individuals. How could a mere insignificant person like him enjoy such benefits

Li Wan opened the treasure pouch, only to discover that within this auspicious pouch, there were not only more than six hundred spirit jades, but also eight Thunderbolts, a vial of Qi-boosting elixir, as well as several talismans including the Swift Movement talisman, the Golden Armor talisman, and the Sword Slaughter talisman

Li Wan arrived at the gate of Chiyang Mountain. In accordance with the rules, she first submitted a letter of greeting to declare her intentions. Then, she found an inn in the town at the foot of the mountain to stay in, and next, she waited for the handling of the letter of greeting and the issuance of a token at the courtyard entrance of Chiyang Gate.

Originally, this badge was not something that just anyone could obtain, but as a Qi Refinement practitioner, he indeed possesses this qualification