Chapter 5 Introduction

Senior Brother Lei, you flatter me. There are likely many disciples recommended by other senior brothers who are far superior to me

After walking more than 500 meters, several individuals stopped in front of a flat courtyard on the mountainside, where one disciple entered the courtyard to report to the supervising elder.

Due to the lack of urgency in time, the journey was not arduous. Lin Shan showed no signs of fatigue on her face; instead, she appeared spirited and radiant. Coupled with the long sword at her waist, her heroic demeanor captivated those around her, making her look exceptionally graceful. The disciples were instantly mesmerized, unable to take their eyes off her. Had it not been for the presence of Thunder, a super expert at the ninth level of Qi Refinement, their scrutiny would likely have been even more unrestrained.

Qin Zhan and Lin Shan hurriedly stepped forward to pay their respects

After Zhang Wang completed the formalities, he immediately said to Qin Zhan and the other person: "Come quickly to pay your respects to Master Thunder."

Throughout history, the Sacred Xuan Sect has played the role of the guardian deity of the Enlightened Kingdom. Over the course of a millennium, the reason the Enlightened Kingdom has been able to thrive, with its national strength continuously rising and its territory expanding, is largely due to the outstanding contributions of the elites and strong individuals nurtured by the Sacred Xuan Sect

"Hehe, although we are both disciples of the Holy Xuan Sect, I am an inner disciple of the Tian Xuan Peak, while they are merely outer disciples of the Di Hong Peak. The difference in our statuses is indeed like heaven and earth." As he said this, he cast a reassuring glance at the two of them: "You need not feel envious. I believe that as long as you work hard, you will surely be able to advance to the inner sect in the future and become disciples of the Tian Xuan Peak."

Although the Holy Xuan Sect wields great power, they are ultimately practitioners who seldom interfere in the affairs of the Enlightened Kingdom. This is especially true for several transcendent beings who have broken through to the ninth level of Qi Refinement; they will only take action in the face of external threats or catastrophic disasters that could lead to the kingdom's downfall. Otherwise, they will not intervene or express support for anyone. If any prince or princess could move even one of the sword masters, the ruler of the Enlightened Kingdom would joyfully relinquish the throne.

Qin Zhan also found the gazes of those disciples quite distasteful, slightly furrowing his brows, yet he understood that as long as they were at the Sheng Xuan Sect, such a situation was unavoidable

After walking approximately 100 meters on the steps, I entered a small square that had been artificially constructed. After ascending another 50 meters behind the square, I encountered an archway that was not inferior to the gatehouse below. However, this archway was guarded by disciples of the Holy Profound Sect, and ordinary people were not permitted to enter lightly

It is precisely because of the immense and terrifying reputation of the Holy Xuan Sect in the Enlightened Kingdom, which is capable of influencing the very fate of the nation, that members of the royal family, whether princesses or princes, seek ways to enter the Holy Xuan Sect each year. They hope to establish good relations with the senior figures of the sect, ultimately gaining their support in their quest for the position of the national leader

Thank you, Senior Brother Zhang, for your efforts for the sect. The disciple glanced at Qin Zhan and Lin Shan, his gaze lingering on Lin Shan for a moment before quickly averting his eyes. He slightly bowed and gestured to Zhang Wangxu, saying: "Senior Brother, let Junior Brother take you over there, please."

Countless individuals come and go on the steps above. Some, like Qin Zhan and his companion, come to seek apprenticeship and learn skills; others are tourists visiting for sightseeing; there are also those who come specifically to witness the renowned reputation of the Sheng Xuan Sect; and there are disciples dressed in the attire of Sheng Xuan Sect, patrolling back and forth on the mountain peaks. In short, the entire staircase is filled with a continuous stream of people.

Zhang Wang nodded and followed the disciple up the mountain

Thunder nodded slightly. After Zhang Wang left, he summoned an outer sect disciple and said, "You go help them arrange accommodation. I will first take these two to the training grounds of the Sun and Harmony Library."

Over the years, Lin Shan has mostly traveled between the Lin and Qin families, rarely going elsewhere, and thus remains unaware of her own charm. Moreover, due to her frequent training, she is always dressed in training attire, which further highlights her inherent characteristics, fully showcasing her beautiful features and lively, heroic aura

Compared to the nearly ten thousand outer disciples of the sect, the number of inner disciples is relatively small, with only over four hundred individuals, each of whom has had at least a brief acquaintance with one another. However, although four hundred is few, every single one is an elite among elites, each possessing the innate cultivation level of the seventh layer of Qi Refinement, making them the pillars of the sect. Such strong individuals can rank among the top experts anywhere.

Even if one were to say that without the Holy Xuan Sect, there would be no heretical words against the Enlightened Nation, it is likely that few would voice opposition, and there would even be more supporters.

What Zhang Wang has learned is entirely inherited from the Sacred Profound Sect. If he were to recklessly impart the teachings of the Sacred Profound Sect to the two of them, it would be a grave offense. The lighter consequence would be the forfeiture of martial arts and expulsion from the sect, while the more severe could involve even more powerful Qi Refinement experts personally intervening to cleanse the sect.

All the various precautions were clearly explained when he arrived, so he had nothing to worry about. Moreover, the young eagle has grown up and will eventually spread its wings to soar; always sheltering them under his wings would undoubtedly be detrimental to them.

Before long, a middle-aged man who appeared to be in his forties emerged, accompanied by several disciples. Upon seeing Zhang Wang, he smiled slightly and said, "It is Junior Brother Zhang Wang. A few days ago, several of us senior brothers were wondering when Junior Brother Zhang Wang would be willing to send his disciples up the mountain gate. I did not expect you to come today."

The Two Poles Peak, covering an area of 700 square meters, is located in Fangyuli. The mountain range stretches continuously, featuring two peaks that stand in close proximity to each other, named Tianxuan and Dihong. The peaks rise majestically into the clouds, corresponding with each other, and behind the peaks lies the Sacred Xuan Sect, whose leader bestowed the name "Two Poles".

In front of the Di Hongfeng, a grand and magnificent gatehouse made of white jade stands proudly. Above the gatehouse, the three characters "Sheng Xuan Zong" are inscribed in a flowing script, exuding an ancient and profound aura. Behind the gatehouse, a jade stone avenue with an unknown number of steps leads directly upward, extending along the mountain range to the peak. Looking up, one can vaguely see the towering pavilions within this vast mountainous area, with figures moving about, creating a scene of thriving prosperity.

Five hundred meters beyond the archway lies the true outer gate of the Sacred Xuan Sect. At a glance, the pavilions and courtyards are stacked layer upon layer, likely numbering no less than a thousand, filling this flat area to the brim. One can often hear the shouts and exclamations of disciples practicing their cultivation from within.

The town is bustling with people coming and going, vehicles passing by, and a continuous flow of various vendors, pedestrians, and merchants. The number of shops, restaurants, mansions, and courtyards is countless, and the level of liveliness and prosperity far surpasses that of Shunhe City by several times

Zhang Wang led the two individuals to the archway, and immediately a disciple approached, seemingly wanting to inquire about something. However, upon seeing the identity badge worn by Zhang Wang, he was momentarily taken aback, and his inquiry quickly transformed into a formal greeting, respectfully saying: "I have met Senior Brother Zhang."

"Junior Brother Zhang is being modest; reaching the fourth level at the sixteenth tier is certainly not a low standard." Thunder did not elaborate much. Although Zhang Wang still held the title of a disciple of the Holy Xuan Sect, being outside the sect meant he could no longer speak so freely: "You still need to pay a visit to Master, right? I won't keep you any longer. You can rest assured to leave these two little ones to me; I will personally deliver them to Junior Brother Huang Hao at the Earth Character Academy."

Although he thought this way, he still faithfully fulfilled his duties and arranged accommodation for the two. However, given the underlying relationship, it was evident that he arranged for them to stay in a place with better conditions, which could be seen as a subtle gesture of goodwill

As fellow inner disciples, there was no need for us to exchange formalities; even if we did, a half-formality would suffice. However, in the presence of Thunder, a distinguished ninth-level Qi Refinement master within the inner sect, Zhang Wang willingly offered a full bow of respect.

The two immediately bowed and said: "Yes, Master"

The outer sect disciple looked at Qin Zhan and Lin Shan in surprise, not expecting that their various matters could actually be handled personally by Master Lei, one of the three deacons of the outer peak. It seemed that their identities were certainly not ordinary

It is currently the period when the Holy Xuan Sect is recruiting disciples, and the management is relatively lax. Along the way, many disciples dressed in the Holy Xuan Sect attire can be seen. Most of these disciples are around sixteen years old, similar in age to Lin Shan, and they occasionally cast glances at her.

Other disciples responsible for guarding also stepped forward, performing the courtesy of juniors, which drew the attention of the onlookers nearby

The disciples of the Sacred Profound Sect number nearly 10,000. For the sake of efficient management, they are divided into four academies: Heaven, Earth, Profound, and Yellow, based on their qualifications and cultivation levels. The training environment and faculty resources of the Earth Academy are already second only to those of the Heaven Academy, which gathers the most talented individuals.

Therefore, if they wish to cultivate higher-level techniques and sword arts, and to revitalize their lineage, they can only join the Sacred Xuan Sect and become a member of the Sacred Xuan Sect

Six days later, Zhang Wang led Qin Zhan and another person into the territory of the Two Extremes Peak.

When she sensed the unusual gazes of those disciples, she felt a profound discomfort throughout her body. However, in the presence of the elder Thunder, she could not express her displeasure and could only glare fiercely at those disciples of the Illustrated Book. Little did she know that this only made her appear more genuine and endearing, captivating those disciples to the point where they could not look away.

Everything will be entrusted to you, Senior Brother.

This is the Holy Xuan Sect Qin Zhan and Lin Shan both looked up the mountain with expressions of curiosity

"All have reached the fourth level of Qi Refinement." The middle-aged man, known as Thunder, nodded, his gaze lingering on Lin Shan for a moment longer, then he chuckled and nodded: "What a beautiful young lady. If I am not mistaken, this little girl is not yet fifteen years old. At the age of fifteen, her own cultivation has already reached the peak of the fourth level of Qi Refinement. With just a little more guidance, she is likely to break through the fourth level and reach the fifth level of true energy projection. What a remarkable skill, Junior Brother Zhang."

Zhang Wang led Qin Zhan and Lin Shan through the bustling town area, directly arriving at the foot of Di Hong Peak, one of the two peaks of the Twin Peaks.

Due to the immense influence of the Holy Xuan Sect, countless clusters of buildings densely spread out around the Apex Peaks. These clusters are not constrained by tall city walls; they extend freely and connect with one another, forming a super town so vast that it is hardly inferior to the capital of an empire.

Beside them, Qin Zhan and Lin Shan observed their master being so highly respected even as the leader of the largest sect in the Mingguo, their eyes revealing a glimmer of envy. The more straightforward Lin Shan quietly asked, "Master, why is it that although you are both disciples of the Shengxuan Sect, he treats you like a servant..."

Zhang Wang slightly bowed to the middle-aged man and said: "I have met you, Brother Thunder."

Zhang Wang smiled and nodded: "This is the Hongfeng of the Shengxuan Sect's outer peak. Let's go up." After saying this, he stepped forward and ascended the stairs towards the mountain peak.

Zhang Wang chuckled lightly and waved his hand, saying: "No need for formalities, I am here to bring my two disciples and recommend them for admission to the Sacred Xuan Sect."