Chapter 10 contains hidden secrets
Wang Lin continued to chatter incessantly, and it seemed that after learning about Jin Minghai's identity, he had already given up on this opportunity
In this world, sects are numerous and noble families are widespread. This month, the son of the Jin family is coming to join the Chiyang Sect. Will there not be the sons of the Lin family, Wang family, or Zhou family next month?
However, once one is promoted to the Jiedan realm, their identity and status become entirely different, and most are able to take a Yuanying elder from the sect as their master, who will provide careful guidance
"Oh, this is promising!" Upon hearing this, Wang Lin immediately said to Li Wan, "The attendants are likely to pass on the techniques for cultivating your energy, to assist in your training. This signifies that they have high hopes for you. If you wait a few more months, there may be an opportunity."
Shortly thereafter, all candidates who came to apply completed their interviews, and the results were announced on the spot
As for whether there are high expectations or not, it is even more of a joke. People are brushed aside, and just a little bit of flattery is enough to be called high expectations. Such high expectations should not be too cheap
True disciple!" Li Wan could not help but fall silent
The steward of Chiyang Gate indeed showed no concern for this, merely stating: "Since you are a member of the Xuanmen, you must already be aware of the various rules of cultivation within the sect"
Hmm? This is indeed a question. A mortal who drifts outside for years, not engaging in productive work, not supporting their parents, and unable to fulfill their wishes, will inevitably harbor resentment over time. Very well, it seems they are not destined for immortality. Just reward them with a Longevity Pill, revoke their badge, and send them back home.
After Li Wan went out, the three stewards acting as examiners began to comment, with one of them in the middle expressing considerable admiration for him
Forget it, the selection for the special recording and the named dojo is ultimately different. The Chiyang Sect selects only three individuals each month, which has been a long-standing rule and cannot be changed because of me. If one wishes to join the Chiyang Sect, they will have to wait a few more months for any hope. However, the situation may change in a few months, and it is uncertain how it will evolve.
The three deacons each took up their pens and filled in the recommendation forms without further mention
The next individual is named Wang Lin, who is following a path dedicated to offerings and nurturing. After several interviews in the past, there is no need to review him again; he will be placed on the list for next year. If there is an opportunity to include him again, it will be considered; otherwise, it will be left as is.
Unbeknownst to her, it was now Li Wan's turn. Li Wan entered a small temporary hut that had been set up near the mountain gate, where three middle-aged men, resembling external court stewards, were already waiting inside. They spoke gently, saying: "Please, have a seat."
Li Wan suddenly understood everything: "No wonder they are so arrogant, it turns out they have someone backing them."
The crowd remains indignant, yet feels powerless to change the situation
Sigh, he is Jin Minghai, the young master of the Jin family in the capital. He has a cousin whose grandfather is a true disciple of the Chiyang Sect! Didn't you hear him say just now that his family’s brothers have probably already secured a spot for this special feature?
Moreover, even without these privileges, in terms of cultivation aptitude, our ancestors had no cultivators, which cannot compare to them. They have been immersed in their family traditions since childhood, possessing genuine skills and knowledge. What were we doing in our childhood? There is simply no basis for comparison!
"Thank you, steward." Li Wan came back to her senses, performed a respectful gesture, and then sat down in front of the three.
True disciples may become deacons or elders, but that is merely the least favorable outcome. A greater possibility lies in wielding actual power, or even becoming a Nascent Soul cultivator, a Grand Elder, a Dean, or the Sect Leader—these prominent figures are all at the upper echelons of the sect. They must take care of their own disciples, and it is not a simple matter to manage such responsibilities
The prominent families and the disciples of the elders often have situations where they occupy special quotas. The deacons in power beneath them must consider the arrangements of the nobility, promote truly promising talents, maintain the reputation of the sect, and soothe the emotions of those who are not selected, which indeed poses a challenge
Li Wan glanced at Wang Lin, said nothing more, but felt a stir in her heart
The steward, who held a considerable admiration for Li Wan, could only nod in response.
"There are people above, so naturally it is good to become an immortal." Wang Lin shook his head helplessly, "His arrogance is backed by his own merits. Who can blame us when our ancestors were all mortals? The descendants of cultivators can also become cultivators, while the descendants of mortals can only remain mortals. It is extremely difficult to break through this boundary."
Li Wan nodded slightly, yet in her heart, she remained unconvinced
Many people have been here for more than half a year and have not been featured in a special edition, and they continue to curse without restraint upon seeing this situation
Such disciples are indeed true inheritors, capable of receiving the attention of the sect, obtaining spiritual treasures, elixirs, techniques, spiritual peaks, separate courtyards, medicinal gardens, alchemy rooms, servants, and numerous other rewards, and can be said to be truly remarkable individuals
How about rating it as a good talent
This time, dozens of people came to participate, but those who have reached the Qi Refining stage do not exceed ten. Such individuals do not need to occupy the quota for the allocation of the Five Elements Spiritual Qi, which can save the sect a considerable amount of expenses
It is precisely for this reason that Li Wan easily obtained the special edition badge without the need for additional examination
Within the sect, disciples are divided into internal and external courts, corresponding to the Foundation Establishment and Qi Refinement stages of cultivation. These disciples represent the grassroots of each sect, imparting teachings and skills, which are also carried out by the elders responsible for passing on the teachings.
These are merely superficial skills for self-defense in the mundane world, yet they can test a disciple's comprehension and dedication to the path. Those who are lazy and dull-witted will not excel in martial arts, let alone in the mastery of supernatural powers and spells
"I would like to hear more details," Li Wan felt somewhat restless in her heart, but still patiently continued to inquire.
However, Wang Lin seems to be just an ordinary wealthy merchant's son, and he has already submitted his application to my Chiyang Gate for half a year. Time waits for no one
Indeed, in my sect, the selection of disciples is not as simple as the foolish commoners might imagine, who only emphasize innate talent and aptitude. In addition to possessing all five faculties, one must also be evaluated on their appearance, demeanor, conduct, and character. These aspects are meticulously documented in secret archives. This Li Wan can indeed be regarded as a talented individual.
"Your name is Li Wan, and you are a registered disciple of the Original Righteousness Sect, having cultivated yourself to the Qi Refinement stage?" The steward sitting in the middle displayed a look of interest towards Li Wan.
They are the future elders of the sect, including the Supreme Elder, the院主, and the protectors, among other high-ranking positions. Some, having exhausted their potential and unable to hold positions of real power, will still become deacon elders, responsible for managing various estates and peaks. Their identity and status are far beyond those of ordinary individuals. It can even be said that the true disciples are the essence of a sect, determining its rise and fall.
Li Wan listened to his rambling, but could not muster any enthusiasm
Brother Li, seeing everyone around chatting and waiting, Wang Lin lowered his voice and said with a mournful expression, "I fear we may not have a chance."
It seems that this road is very difficult to traverse
Yes!
Jin Minghai, with great bravado, revealed the secrets of heaven. Soon after, it was his turn to take the exam, and he simply left.
Li Wan may not dare to claim that he knows these by heart, but after many years of life in the dojo, he is extremely familiar with them and answers without any hesitation
Although several deacons did not explicitly state it, Li Wan, drawing on years of experience in the named temple, subtly guessed the underlying circumstances and had already formed a clear understanding in her heart
The steward said, "Very well," and then proceeded to quiz some of the named disciples on the rules and regulations they should be aware of, as well as various matters concerning the inner and outer courts
Damn it, I dare say there must be something fishy going on here
The steward led several disciples from the outer sect to stand beneath the list and loudly declared: "Do not make a fuss. The results of this selection have already been finalized by our Chiyang Sect. Since you have been eliminated, what benefit is there in making a clamor? It would be better for you to descend the mountain early and await the opportunity next month"
At this moment, the stewards mentioned the names of several individuals who had come to cast their votes, stating that they would impart to them the methods as a form of encouragement, one of whom was Li Wan
Indeed, the petition I submitted has already explained the situation
The central steward suddenly sighed, appearing quite regretful as he said: "It is a pity that this special recording has already been reserved by the Jin family. Next month and the month after, there are several other families as well, and it is difficult to free up a slot for him at this time"
He is also a considerate person. Seeing Li Wan's silent demeanor, he assumed that Li had been affected and comforted him in return: "Oh, Brother Li, why are you still in a daze? Let's just let this go this time. We can wait until next month or later."
Another deacon said: "This is not a problem, first pass on the breathing technique to him, stabilize the situation, and when the time comes, if there are spots available, accept him; if there are no spots, just inform him that he has not been selected"
Several stewards reviewed the submissions and began to discuss the course of action for the next individual, and unfortunately, it happened to be Wang Lin's turn
As previously stated by Jin Minghai, the three selected individuals are all cousins from their family
In fact, during the Zhengqi Gate incident, Yin Shahua, who had a conflict with Li Wan, was also the elder in charge, but he may not have been a true disciple. In comparison, he is not even on par with the elders of the Jin family
This individual's identity and background are yet to be investigated, but their innate qualities are exceptional, and their understanding surpasses that of ordinary people, making them worthy of being considered among the elite. What is particularly rare is their clear and articulate expression, coupled with a calm demeanor
Then the three stewards called upon Li Wan to casually demonstrate a set of external martial arts techniques, and Li Wan complied as instructed
Although the method of regulating qi is indeed what he needs, if it can be casually disseminated, it is certainly of common quality and not particularly valuable
What, are all the selected individuals surnamed Jin
From beginning to end, he displayed an attitude of superiority, looking down on both individuals. Although Li Wan and Wang Lin were furious, they deemed it pointless to argue with him and instead became concerned about their own futures
At such moments, they focus wholeheartedly on maintaining stability, rendering personal rise and fall, honor and disgrace, as well as future and fate, insignificant
Although the Zhengqi Gate and the Chiyang Gate are both major sects in the Southern Heaven's Cultivation Realm, they are not under the same jurisdiction and there is no need to conceal their origins. As for the matter concerning Yin Shaohua, he is certainly just embellishing the story, simply stating that he offended someone and fled to seek refuge elsewhere
His words were filled with envy, and recalling his own outcome, he lamented, "I am truly unfortunate; I have been excluded multiple times, and this time they are even taking back my number plate. Fortunately, the celestial gate has shown mercy due to my ancestors' sincere offerings, granting me a Changchun Pill, so this trip was not in vain"
The three regulations and five laws, various precepts, as well as the internal and external court regulations, are all thoroughly memorized by the disciples. I request the three officials to examine them.
Before long, the three stewards were full of admiration for Li Wan, as Li Wan's boxing was fluid and graceful, demonstrating an extraordinary level of skill. Such an aura could not be achieved without the relentless practice of a disciple from a prestigious sect.