338: Discussion and apprenticeship (three-in-one thanks to the fish leader in the romantic rain)

On Qingxuan Mountain, Tianjian Peak, in the vast plaza, two auspicious dragon spirit shadows ascended, soaring into the sky.

After a period of riding the clouds, their giant mouths suddenly opened, spewing out large swaths of colorful auspicious clouds.

Accompanied by immortal music and spirit melodies, the colorful auspicious clouds descended, and countless Spirit Lights transformed into spirit rain, sprinkling onto the earth.

It fell upon the Cultivators, causing them to turn their heads in surprise and delight.

"Seventh Uncle, this spirit dew can advance one's Cultivation!" Lin Zeli also exclaimed in surprise.

"Zewen, Zeli, absorb more!"

Lin Shiming nodded. He had also absorbed some spirit dew and felt the changes in his True Essence, astonishing him. It truly lived up to the Qingxuan Sect's grandeur.

This spirit dew was comparable to a Spirit Pill for advancing Cultivation for ordinary Qi Refining Cultivators, and it was clearly suitable for any Cultivation Technique.

Beyond the miraculous nature of this Spell, its value was immeasurable simply by virtue of it sprinkling over the entire Tianjian Peak, reaching tens of thousands of Cultivators.

The spirit dew lasted for a full quarter of an hour. The Foundation Establishment Cultivators were fine, but the Qi Refining juniors who accompanied them almost all closed their eyes, having entered a state of Cultivation.

This made Lin Shiming feel a touch of envy. If the Lin Family could one day also have spirit dew descend, with all spirits bowing in reverence!

What would it be like to become a truly recognized Immortal Family?

On Tianjian Peak, Lin Shiming was naturally not the only Cultivator astonished by the auspicious dragon and phoenix phenomenon. Almost all Cultivators, while chatting excitedly, felt that their trip had been well worth it.

After the spirit dew finished falling, Thunder Talisman True Person and Heavenly Beast Zhenren stepped out together.

On the high platform of Tianjian Peak, Daojian True Person and True Person Zixuan also stood side by side, returning the bows and inviting them to take their seats.

This was also the first appearance of the Immortal Master in the entire ceremony.

All the Cultivators who came to congratulate immediately bowed, paying respects to the Immortal Master.

Before everyone could finish their bows, Azure Bamboo Taoist cleared his throat again and spoke loudly.

"Real Person Tianmo of the Heavenly Demon Sect congratulates True Person Zixuan and Daojian True Person on their Major Achievement of Golden Core, and presents a two-thousand-year-old crimson ginseng and a fifth-grade Heavenly Sun Crystal!"

"True Person Qianshi of the Corpse Refinement Sect congratulates True Person Zixuan and Daojian True Person on their Major Achievement of Golden Core, and presents a Five Elements Fire Origin Ganoderma and a fourth-grade top-tier Pill Furnace!"

...As Heavenly Beast Zhenren and Thunder Talisman True Person took their seats, True Person Liuhe, True Person Qianshi, Tianyang Zhenren, and Wanjian Zhenren, the Immortal Masters of the four great Sects, came forward to offer their congratulations as if by prior arrangement.

And in the sky, spirit dragons reappeared, one after another, occupying most of the Qingxuan Mountain Range's Peaks.

Auspicious clouds rose again, and spirit dew descended greatly.

Moreover, the spirit dew showed a subtle trend of increasing in quality, causing even the Foundation Establishment Cultivators to close their eyes and Cultivate, enjoying the spirit dew.

This made all the Cultivators attending the ceremony extremely excited.

To both witness the Faces of the Immortal Masters and enjoy the Opportunity of the spirit dew—this was no ordinary Opportunity!

Daojian True Person and True Person Zixuan also looked composed and joyful, and once again invited True Person Liuhe and the others to take their seats.

Besides the Immortal Masters of the other six Sects, next came the Immortal Masters of the Qingxuan Sect. The first to appear were Tianjian Zhenren and Xuanjian Zhenren.

Both possessed an ethereal demeanor, like peerless Sword Immortals, descending from the air.

Lin Shiming's heart tightened. Although dragons and phoenixes presented auspiciousness on the stage, and colorful clouds and spirit dew were constant, this was also the most crucial moment.

Then Divine Machine Zhenren and Qinglin Zhenren appeared together.

Both also came to offer their congratulations!

The spirit dew in the air was noticeably greater, and the immortal music almost reached its Peak. Besides the dragons and phoenixes presenting auspiciousness, there were also spirit cranes soaring, like an immortal palace.

However, everyone's expressions were somewhat intriguing.

Daojian True Person and True Person Zixuan quickly cupped their hands in return.

Lin Shiming didn't dare to look directly at those Immortal Masters; he only looked at the Purple Mansion Cultivators of the Demon Sect.

From the looks in their eyes, it could be seen that even the Immortal Masters present probably hadn't seen through Divine Machine Zhenren.

Otherwise, their expressions wouldn't be like this, and the entire Golden Core Ceremony wouldn't have proceeded so smoothly.

One must know that the four Sects had never intended to let the Golden Core Ceremony pass peacefully.

It was only because the Spirit Beast Sect and Talisman Gate at the Auction had expressed their stance early.

This caught the four Sects off guard.

He would not believe that the four Sects' methods relied solely on him as a hidden hand.

Tests at the ceremony were naturally unavoidable.

However, after sensing Divine Machine Zhenren's powerful strength and confirming he was not a Clone, the others hesitated again.

Divine Machine Zhenren's deterrence of the demons in the Qingyun Mountain Range could have been dismissed by the Demon Sect as a sensing error due to distance, but now Divine Machine Zhenren was right before their eyes.

That powerful spiritual might could not be faked in the slightest, and the Qingxuan Sect would not have a second Peak Golden Core Cultivator.

Even these Immortal Masters felt it was extraordinarily troublesome... Besides Tianjian Peak, at this moment, an underground hall countless meters away.

Nine dragon corpses roared in succession, their nine huge eyes, like enormous crystal stones, flashed with scene after scene.

If anyone with a keen eye were there, they would surely discover that these scenes were of the Qingxuan Sect!

The Qingxuan Sect's mountain gate was wide open, holding a ceremony, which naturally meant that countless Formations had to be closed, and this gave them an Opportunity for reconnaissance.

Besides the nine dragon corpses, a Devil Head also turned over, biting a piece of brocade robe between its ferocious teeth.

Countless streaks of blood light flowed, accompanied by bursts of demonic mist, and the final scene clearly became the Golden Core Ceremony site!

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

A roar swept past, and two figures stood up.

They were none other than Nine Corpse Zhenren and Real Person Tianmo.

The two exchanged glances, then both shook their heads.

Although they were certain that Divine Machine Zhenren had entered seclusion for a Breakthrough, by now, Divine Machine had appeared repeatedly, and Qingxuan Mountain had been largely surveyed by them, yet no place of great Dao evolution had appeared.

This made them wonder if Divine Machine had truly obtained the treasure for breaking through to the Nascent Soul Realm...

On Tianjian Peak, as the Golden Core Immortal Masters took their seats, the entire Golden Core Ceremony officially began.

Countless spirit fruits and Spirit Cuisine were served on the stone tables, and the Cultivators, like Mortals in a marketplace, eagerly awaited each dish of Spirit Cuisine.

"In the future, I must attend more ceremonies!" Lin Houwei said, holding a spirit wine pot, as he drank.

The spirit wine was the Qingxuan Sect's third-grade Low Grade spirit wine, jade ambrosia dew, and the spirit fruits were also third-grade Low Grade spirit fruits. As for the Spirit Cuisine, it was equally excellent.

Moreover, he believed that the tables of Purple Mansion Cultivators might even have fourth-grade spirit fruits.

This time, the Qingxuan Sect was incredibly lavish.

This also led to a magnificent scene of guests enjoying themselves and cups clinking.

"Fellow Daoists, on this joyous day, why don't our juniors have a competition for some prizes!"

Heavenly Beast Zhenren couldn't help but suggest, using a Spell to ensure his suggestion reached the ears of all guests and Cultivators on Tianjian Peak.

"Good!" Spirit Talisman True Person and other Cultivators also nodded. For Golden Core Immortal Masters, Cultivation had almost reached its end, and their greatest wish now was for their Sect and their juniors.

Coming to congratulate this time, they naturally brought some outstanding juniors.

True Person Liuhe and the others also nodded repeatedly but did not speak.

Only Daojian True Person and True Person Zixuan couldn't help but look at Xuanjian Zhenren and Divine Machine Zhenren.

"A competition is also a good thing. Today's young Cultivators also need to broaden their horizons!" Divine Machine Zhenren also nodded.

"Qingzhu, you will arrange the competition. Set up ten arenas for Qi Refining and ten for Foundation Establishment. Those who rank in the top ten and remain on the arena will be rewarded by our Sect with a top-grade Magical Artifact of the corresponding Realm. Furthermore, Cultivators without Sect affiliation can join the Qingxuan Sect without examination and choose a Purple Mansion Cultivator as their master!"

Divine Machine Zhenren looked at Qingzhu, who quickly nodded.

Azure Bamboo Taoist acted extremely quickly, and soon, twenty huge elevated platforms were erected on Tianjian Peak.

And the Qingxuan Sect also sent out twenty Purple Mansion Cultivators, each walking to the front of an arena.

"Fellow Daoists of the Eastern Region, this grand competition is for junior exchange. Those under sixty can enter the Qi Refining arena, and those under one hundred can enter the Foundation Establishment arena!"

...Azure Bamboo Taoist once again synchronized the rules, and on the field, many Cultivators immediately cupped their hands towards the Immortal Masters.

Stepping onto the arena, not to mention the reward of top-grade Magical Artifacts, just the possibility of becoming a Disciple of a Qingxuan Sect Purple Mansion Cultivator moved many Families and Loose Cultivators.

"Thirteenth Uncle, Zeli, Zewen, you should also try!" Lin Shiming looked at Lin Zeli and Lin Houwei.

Lin Zeli had dual Spiritual Roots and was at Qi Refining Stage Seventh Level, but unfortunately, she was too young, only in her twenties.

Lin Zewen was older but only at Qi Refining Stage Eighth Level in Cultivation.

He brought them to temper them, to let them see the Disciples of major Sects.

As for Thirteenth Uncle, there was no need to mention him. He had been in the Foundation Establishment Early Stage for over thirty years and was ready to attempt a Breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage. Participating in an arena battle would also be a form of tempering.

The three all nodded. Lin Houwei also became uncharacteristically serious. In his hand was the zijin gourd, formerly Lin Shiming's Magical Artifact, but its power had greatly diminished after the Wind Fire Star Sand was completely devoured by the Spirit Devouring Ant.

However, the power of this Magical Artifact was not weak in Lin Houwei's hands.

The arena battles quickly began, with Loose Cultivators and Cultivators from small Families going first.

Lin Zeli's opponent was also a female Cultivator, wielding twin swords. Judging by her attire, she was a Cultivator from the Ye Family, also at Qi Refining Stage Seventh Level.

However, Lin Zeli's Cultivation Technique was identical to Lin Xianzhi's; she also Cultivated the Golden Lotus Dao Scripture. Although she hadn't comprehended Sword Intent, her endless spiritual power and impressive sword moves made the Ye Family female Cultivator unable to resist.

She quickly won the first arena battle.

Lin Shiming also nodded. Lin Zeli's Sword Dao talent was also remarkable. Perhaps she could even go to the Sword Pavilion to gain some insight. If she could comprehend Sword Intent before Foundation Establishment, the Lin Family would definitely gain another peerless Sword Cultivator.

Lin Zewen's fight was much more perilous. His Cultivation was at Qi Refining Stage Eighth Level, but his combat strength was limited. Relying on several impressive Magical Artifacts, even when facing a Disciple from a remote Foundation Establishment Family, he appeared flustered.

But in the end, he also won using the advantage of his Magical Artifacts.

Lin Shiming then looked at Lin Houwei, who was holding the huge zijin gourd. Countless golden sand particles flew out from the gourd, forming a giant sand hand that fiercely grabbed towards the opponent.

The Cultivator reacted extremely quickly, taking out three Flying Swords to cut the sand hand into pieces.

However, the sand hand dispersed and instantly reformed into three smaller giant sand hands, continuing to grab.

And just as it was about to Face the spiritual shield, a massive flame suddenly erupted from the sand hand, and countless fiery sand particles shattered, directly knocking the Foundation Establishment Early Stage Cultivator off the arena.

"I concede!"

Lin Houwei's strength had clearly improved a lot, and his application of the zijin gourd was far better than before.

With this strength, Lin Houwei even had a chance to win against a Foundation Establishment Middle Stage Cultivator.

And as expected by Lin Shiming, Lin Zewen was eliminated after three more battles, unfortunately losing.

Lin Shiming even comforted him for a while, and immediately afterward, Lin Zeli also entered the arena. Although Lin Zeli also lost in the third round, she defeated a Qi Refining Stage Eighth Level female Cultivator in the second round, which slightly increased the Lin Family's reputation.

However, after the third round, she was defeated by a Qi Refining Stage Ninth Level Cultivator.

The little girl was clearly unhappy, pouting as she walked to Lin Shiming's side and sent him a voice transmission.

"Seventh Uncle, if it weren't for Great-great-grandpa not allowing me to use the secret technique of the Golden Lotus Dao Scripture, I could have won against a Qi Refining Stage Ninth Level Cultivator!"

"Great-great-grandpa is doing this for your own good!" Lin Shiming patiently replied via voice transmission.

After two battles, Lin Houwei also lost to a Foundation Establishment Middle Stage Cultivator from a Purple Mansion Family.

As soon as he came down, Lin Houwei ran to the table and took another sip of jade ambrosia dew, as if someone was trying to snatch his wine.

Lin Shiming was accustomed to this; his Thirteenth Uncle was naturally so unrestrained. It reminded him of Nine Heavens Hermit. He looked around but did not see this Cultivator who was also addicted to wine.

Instead, he saw Xuanfeng Sanren and the Qingxuan Sect Cultivator clinking cups, their friendship seemingly deep.

The arena battles proceeded in an orderly fashion. Later on, the Qi Refining arena was almost entirely filled with Peak Qi Refining Cultivators from various major Sects, and they were getting younger and younger.

The Cultivators on the Foundation Establishment arena also all became Peak Foundation Establishment Cultivators!

However, at this moment!

Boom!

With a loud bang, a Foundation Establishment Middle Stage Cultivator from the Zhengyang Alliance was almost instantly cut down by a sword on one of the arenas!

The Cultivator guarding that arena was none other than Azure Bamboo Taoist!

The Cultivator from the Qingxuan Sect who made the move was Xu Qing, Azure Bamboo Taoist's Disciple.

Lin Shiming and the others were still immersed in the shock of the first death when, in the next moment, a monstrous spiritual might suddenly descended. At this moment, everyone felt as if the mountains were collapsing and the earth was splitting.

Their breathing became rapid, and many Qi Refining Cultivators directly collapsed to the ground.

Even Lin Shiming felt as if his shoulders were filled with lead.

Above the sky, Immortal Master Tianyang was enveloped in flames, his dazzling spiritual fire like a scorching sun. His immense Late Golden Core Stage cultivation was fully displayed.

He looked at Immortal Master Divine Machine and took a step forward.

The sky-filling fire instantly condensed into a sea of fire, like a volcano ready to erupt at any moment.

"Fellow Daoist Divine Machine, I have not yet done anything unreasonable, have I?"

Xu Qing, behind Azure Bamboo Taoist, wanted to explain, but his Face was flushed, and he couldn't utter a single word. Even Azure Bamboo Taoist, at this moment, seemed to have practiced silent meditation.

He looked dejected and extremely anxious in the air.

"Immortal Master Divine Machine will naturally provide an explanation for this matter. Before that, if Fellow Daoist Tianyang wishes to spar, Immortal Master Divine Machine will cooperate!" Immortal Master Divine Machine remained perfectly calm, as if he had expected it.

He took a step out and ascended to the Nine Heavens, and Immortal Master Tianyang followed suit.

The two instantly began a great battle, and the Qingxuan Mountain's Star Shifting Great Formation was also instantly activated. Countless starlight fell, forming a terrifying defensive Formation.

In the sky, the scorching flames, the Bagua Sword, and the shenji pagoda all fought against each other.

Lin Shiming frowned, trying to clearly see the Golden Core battle, but in the end, he only saw countless red flames and various spiritual lights.

Such a Late Golden Core Stage battle was simply beyond his ability to perceive clearly.

His gaze then turned to Immortal Master Liuhe, who at this moment also had a look of shock on his Face.

But he quickly sensed Lin Shiming and returned a smile to him.

Lin Shiming's heart immediately turned cold, and he quickly turned his head away. He dared not smile back at Immortal Master Liuhe.

The perception of a Golden Core Cultivator was truly too terrifying. He had only glanced at him during Immortal Master Divine Machine's great battle and had been discovered.

"Seventh Uncle, someone just sent me a voice transmission, telling me to remember the Sky Fragrance Wine!" Lin Zeli sent a voice transmission to Lin Shiming.

Her Face was also filled with shock, as she didn't know who had sent the voice transmission.

"Hmm, I understand!" Lin Shiming shook his head, sighing a little.

He understood that this was Immortal Master Liuhe reminding him, and the method of reminder had shifted from Lin Shiming to Lin Zeli.

It was also likely that this trial by the various Sects had completely failed!

Or perhaps, they had already obtained the answer they wanted!

Immortal Master Divine Machine hadn't broken through and had lost Face, but they wouldn't care!

Whether it was Immortal Master Divine Machine's true body or not was no longer important.

More than half an hour passed, and Immortal Master Divine Machine descended gracefully.

"The wine has been drunk, and the ceremony has been watched. I shall take my leave!" Immortal Master Tianyang's words flashed and disappeared in the sky.

Clearly, Immortal Master Tianyang had lost, and there was no longer any need for him to stay.

And then Immortal Master Tianshou also spoke, bidding farewell!

It was Immortal Master Tianshou who proposed the Grand Competition. After such an incident, he naturally had no Face to stay.

More and more Immortal Masters departed, and finally, only True Person Zixuan and Daojian True Person remained.

And the ceremony had reached its final stage.

Preaching the Dao!

The Dao originates from heaven and earth, and it is also limited by heaven and earth.

This was a rule of ancient ceremonies, and it was also the reason why countless Purple Mansion Cultivators came to the Qingxuan Sect to participate in the ceremony, offering a small portion of their wealth as gifts.

Because the Immortal Masters who broke through this time were Daojian True Person and True Person Zixuan, the time for their preaching was staggered, with each preaching for three days!

True Person Zixuan began first.

The preaching was largely similar, starting from Innate Qi Refining, but most of the Cultivators present were Foundation Establishment and Purple Mansion. So, the Innate Qi Refining part was covered a bit faster, and less was said about Foundation Establishment and Purple Mansion.

At this moment, Lin Shiming listened with exceptional seriousness. Although True Person Zixuan had guided him before, he was, after all, seemingly at the Foundation Establishment cultivation level, so it was impossible for him to ask questions related to Purple Mansion Cultivators.

Now that True Person Zixuan was preaching the Dao, it was naturally an Opportunity for him to resolve his doubts.

Even if True Person Zixuan spoke of profound topics, it wouldn't matter to Lin Shiming, as he had the System prompts.

True Person Zixuan explained things in great detail, especially the Purple Mansion stage, which greatly benefited Lin Shiming.

After True Person Zixuan preached for three days, Daojian True Person took over, for a full six days.

Lin Shiming's thoughts expanded; most of his previous Cultivation Technique confusions disappeared, and his comprehension of the Kui Wood Sword Scripture reached another level!

...On Shenji Peak, Immortal Master Divine Machine, Immortal Master Xuanjian, and Immortal Master Tianjian sat together.

On the mountain, a spiritual pagoda rotated continuously.

Then, the original Immortal Master Divine Machine suddenly stumbled, and a soul shadow walked out. Immortal Master Divine Machine's aura suddenly plummeted, eventually dropping to the Early Stage Golden Core.

"Cough!" Another mouthful of fresh blood was spat out!

Which made Immortal Master Xuanjian and Immortal Master Tianjian somewhat worried.

"Senior Brother!"

"It's nothing. How are the Sect's backup preparations coming along?" Immortal Master Divine Machine shook his head and continued to ask.

"All preparations are complete!" Immortal Master Tianjian replied.

"Continue to arrange for Cultivators to join the Sect and Cultivate these Cultivation Techniques!" Immortal Master Divine Machine threw out a Jade Slip.

Immortal Master Xuanjian caught it.

"Senior Brother, how much longer will it take?" Immortal Master Xuanjian asked again.

"Ten years!" Immortal Master Divine Machine said, then fell silent.

His eyes began to look at the rotating shadow of the spiritual pagoda, vaguely seeing a figure sitting atop the spiritual pagoda, with various spiritual lights and Dao rhymes blooming like flowers.

His eyes were somewhat hazy, as if he was extremely engrossed.

Immortal Master Xuanjian and Immortal Master Tianjian exchanged glances, then cupped their hands, bid farewell, and withdrew.

Only Immortal Master Divine Machine and the emerging spiritual shadow remained.

The spiritual shadow also transformed, taking on the appearance of a pagoda.

It was the Pagoda Spirit.

The Pagoda Spirit's eyes were exceptionally cold.

"Fellow Daoist Divine Machine, nine spirits has suffered no small loss this time. I hope Fellow Daoist Divine Machine remembers what was promised!"

...Above Qingxuan Mountain's Tianjian Peak, as Daojian True Person rose and departed, the entire Golden Core Ceremony came to a complete close.

A group of Cultivators bowed repeatedly.

"Many thanks, Daojian True Person!"

"Many thanks, True Person Zixuan!"

...Under a series of thanks, countless Sect Cultivators also began to depart.

Everyone looked joyful; two Golden Core Cultivators preaching the Dao was a rare occurrence in the past century.

For those Purple Mansion Cultivators, the gains were immense.

At this moment, Lin Shiming was sitting upright, his understanding of Cultivation Techniques and the Purple Mansion Realm becoming even deeper.

In the Lin Family, he was now the Cultivator with the highest cultivation, and what he lacked was precisely this kind of experience.

With the gains from these six days, he was confident that he would not encounter any Bottleneck before the Mid Purple Mansion Realm.

"Thank you all for coming. Qingzhu represents Junior Martial Uncle Zixuan and Junior Martial Uncle Daojian in thanking everyone!" Azure Bamboo Taoist once again ascended the high platform.

"At the same time, on this auspicious day, the Qingxuan Sect will once again open its gates wide to recruit Disciples..."

Azure Bamboo Taoist shouted again.

These words also made many Cultivators stop. This ceremony, the Auction, the Ascension Ladder, the spiritual marsh, and the power of Immortal Master Divine Machine, all left an indelible impression on these Cultivators.

Many Foundation Establishment Families and Loose Cultivators immediately became enthusiastic.

Some Family Disciples even disregarded their elders' dissuasion and insisted on joining the Qingxuan Sect.

The most unexpected was Xuanfeng Sanren, who, as one of the ten great Loose Cultivators, joined the Qingxuan Sect, setting an example for many Cultivators and increasing the number of Cultivators who wished to join a Sect.

Lin Shiming glanced at Lin Zewen and Lin Zeli, and seeing no such expressions on their Faces, he breathed a sigh of relief.

The Lin Family's Hall of Teachings was proving to be somewhat useful.

He was well aware that the Qingxuan Sect now had a big pit.

"Shiming, remember not to miss the Spirit Gathering Platform. See you on Shenji Peak in three days!" As Lin Shiming and the others paused, Xie An's voice transmission also came to his mind.

Lin Shiming smiled back, said "Senior Brother," and then frowned deeply.

The timing of the Spirit Gathering Platform was simply too tight for him.

Lin Shiming dared not delay and quickly led Lin Houwei back to Laiyue Restaurant. He had to make arrangements for the Lin Family's upcoming matters!

Upon returning to Laiyue Restaurant, Lin Shiming activated all the Formations and looked at Lin Houwei.

"Thirteenth Uncle, I might not be able to leave Qingxuan City. Next, there might be a few things I need you to do!"

"First, the Family needs to gradually withdraw completely. Let Lin Shimo act as a Devil Cultivator once, and Second Uncle act as a Blood Cultivator once, slaughtering the Lin Family. The Lin Family needs to disappear!"

"Second, two years from now, help me find Nine Heavens Hermit. He has refined two Magic Treasures for me!" Lin Shiming then took out a token.

However, what he didn't expect was that the System prompt appeared again:

"Please guide Lin Houwei to become Nine Heavens Hermit's Disciple. You can obtain the Earth Rank water-attribute Cultivation Technique, Nine Heavens Spirit Water Scripture!"