168: Chapter 168 The Ceremony for Rewarding Merit

"This is the map of Yunzhou I recorded. Though incomplete, it should provide general directions."

"Be careful on your journey."

Lin Jingyun took the Jade Slip, then suddenly opened his arms and gave Li Changsheng a bear hug.

"Brother Li, take care."

Li Changsheng patted his back and said softly.

"You too."

Chen Yuanba and Liu Ruyan also walked over, each cupping their fists in salute.

Then, the three of them turned and walked into the distance.

After a few steps, Lin Jingyun suddenly looked back and waved at Li Changsheng.

"Brother Li! I'll send you a letter once I'm settled!"

Li Changsheng waved back.

"I'll be waiting!"

The figures of the three gradually disappeared into the morning mist.

Li Changsheng stood within the Ten Li Pavilion, gazing in that direction, motionless for a long time.

The wind blew past, carrying the faint fragrance of distant grass and trees.

He suddenly recalled the first time he met Lin Jingyun.

Back then, they had just entered the Secret Realm. Lin Jingyun had waved at him with a smile, calling him 'Brother Li' as if they had known each other for ages.

Now, that cheerful friend was embarking on a long journey.

To a distant place, to start a new life.

And he could only stand here, watching him leave.

Li Changsheng took a deep breath, turned around, and began walking towards the Qinglan Sword Sect.

Behind him, the Ten Li Pavilion stood quietly.

Ahead lay a new beginning.

And also, a new parting.

That very evening, Liu Qingchen, whom he hadn't seen for a long time, suddenly invited Li Changsheng for a talk.

When Li Changsheng arrived at Liu Qingchen's residence, he was brewing tea in the courtyard. Seeing Li arrive, he handed him a cup.

"Encountered a Bottleneck at the Foundation Establishment Initial Stage?"

Li Changsheng nodded. After reaching the Foundation Establishment Stage, his cultivation progress had slowed. Combined with the recent war, he had indeed hit a Bottleneck.

Liu Qingchen looked at him, a flicker of concern in his eyes.

"You need to achieve a Breakthrough and improve your cultivation level as soon as possible."

"Yes."

Li Changsheng took the teacup and took a sip.

Liu Qingchen looked at him and suddenly said,

"A lot has happened outside during this time."

"After the Blood Fiend Sect was destroyed, the four great Sects argued quite unpleasantly over dividing the spoils."

Li Changsheng nodded; he was aware of this too.

Liu Qingchen continued,

"But recently, the situation has changed again."

He paused, his voice lowering.

"The Jinyang Sect is completely finished."

Li Changsheng's hand trembled, nearly spilling the tea from his cup.

He knew a bit about this, but hearing it again from Liu Qingchen's mouth still sent a tremor through his heart.

Liu Qingchen said,

"After the post-war council ended, the Jinyang Sect fell into internal strife over resource distribution."

"Several Golden Core Elders took their Disciples and split off to establish their own factions. The old Sect Master, still severely wounded and not recovered, couldn't suppress them at all."

"Now, the Jinyang Sect is left with just a few stragglers, existing in name only."

Li Changsheng fell silent.

He thought of Lin Jingyun, of Chen Yuanba, of Liu Ruyan.

Their departure was the right choice.

Liu Qingchen continued,

"Qingxin Pavilion isn't faring well either."

"After the old Pavilion Master perished, the new Pavilion Master, though also at the Nascent Soul Stage, lacks sufficient prestige to keep the Golden Core Elders below in line."

"I heard that one Grand Elder at the Nascent Soul Middle Stage, due to ideological differences, left in anger, taking a group of people with him."

"Now, Qingxin Pavilion's high-level combat power is reduced to just three at the Nascent Soul Early Stage, suffering a great loss of vitality."

Li Changsheng frowned deeply.

So, Qingxin Pavilion was also in trouble.

Liu Qingchen said,

"Medicine King Valley was the most straightforward."

"The Valley Master directly ordered the mountain gates closed to recuperate and no longer participate in external conflicts."

"Now, Medicine King Valley's mountain-protecting formations are fully activated; no one can enter."

Li Changsheng smiled bitterly.

Medicine King Valley had completely withdrawn.

Liu Qingchen looked at him, his gaze profound.

"Do you know what this means?"

Li Changsheng was silent for a moment, then slowly said,

"The Qinglan Sword Sect stands alone, unrivaled."

Liu Qingchen nodded.

"Correct."

"Jinyang Sect split, Qingxin Pavilion is in turmoil, Medicine King Valley closed its gates."

"The entire Yunzhou now has only our Qinglan Sword Sect as a complete Sect."

He paused, his voice even lower.

"Moreover, our Sect Master intends... to unify Yunzhou."

Unify Yunzhou.

These four words pressed down on Li Changsheng's heart like a massive boulder.

Liu Qingchen said,

"Recently, I've heard the Sect has already begun taking action."

He looked at Li Changsheng, a complex emotion in his eyes.

"Do you understand what this means?"

Li Changsheng remained silent.

He understood.

Of course he understood.

Not long after the great war ended, the Righteous Path alliance had fallen into internal strife.

Former allies had become rivals.

Comrades who once fought side by side might now face each other with drawn swords.

Was this the Righteous Path?

Liu Qingchen sighed.

"Li Changsheng, you must be mentally prepared."

"In the coming days, there may be many things beyond your control."

Li Changsheng looked up at him.

"Senior Brother Liu, what about you?"

Liu Qingchen was silent for a moment, then said softly,

"That's also why I called you here this time."

"My master plans to take me on a journey outside to seek an Opportunity for my Golden Core Formation."

"We will depart in a few days."

The two sat facing each other, wordless for a long time.

He stood up and cupped his fists towards Liu Qingchen.

"Senior Brother Liu, I'll take my leave now."

Liu Qingchen nodded.

Li Changsheng turned and walked out of the courtyard.

From behind him, Liu Qingchen's voice came:

"Li Changsheng, no matter what happens, hold fast to your original heart."

Li Changsheng's steps faltered for a moment, but he did not look back.

He strode away.

After the great war ended.

In the second month, the Qinglan Sword Sect held a grand Merit Recognition Assembly.

This was a grand event rarely seen in the Sect for a century.

On the Martial Arts Field of the Main Peak, a commander's platform three zhang high was erected. It was covered with a red carpet, and flags of the Qinglan Sword Sect were planted on both sides. Below, thousands of Disciples stood in neat, solemn rows.

Li Changsheng stood among the crowd, dressed in green robes with a long sword hanging at his waist.

His position was much closer to the front than before, now within the ranks of Inner Sect Disciples, right below the commander's platform.

He looked up at the platform.

On it sat over a dozen Golden Core Elders and Nascent Soul Elders, each with deep, profound auras and solemn expressions.

In the very center was a large sandalwood chair, upon which sat a middle-aged man.

The Sect Master of the Qinglan Sword Sect, Ling Cang.

Nascent Soul Middle Stage.

This was Li Changsheng's first time seeing the Sect Master up close.

He had a lean face, profound eyes, and a faint, almost imperceptible smile at the corner of his mouth, giving an impression of gentle refinement.

But Li Changsheng knew this man was not simple.

Ling Cang's gaze swept over the crowd below as he slowly began to speak.

"Disciples, you have all worked hard."

His voice wasn't loud, yet it clearly reached every ear.

It was a voice both gentle and powerful, carrying a persuasive magic.

"The Blood Fiend Sect wreaked havoc in Yunzhou for centuries, slaughtering countless living beings."

"This time, our Righteous Path allied forces joined hearts and efforts, finally eradicating this scourge."

"In this campaign, the Disciples of our Qinglan Sword Sect fought bravely, achieving outstanding merit. This Sect Master is greatly pleased."

He paused before continuing.

"Today, we recognize merit and bestow rewards."

"Those with merit shall be promoted to the Inner Sect and bestowed with Magical Artifacts and Medicinal Pills. Those with contributions shall have their deeds recorded for future priority in promotion."

Below, a stir immediately rippled through the crowd. The eyes of the young Disciples shone with excitement.

Li Changsheng, however, showed little expression.

He simply stood quietly, waiting for his name to be called.

The merit recognition proceeded in order of contribution.

The first names called were those of several Golden Core Elders.

They had either slain enemy leaders or commanded effectively, and all received generous rewards.

Spirit Stones, Medicinal Pills, Magical Artifacts—chests of them were carried up, making the Disciples below watch with burning envy.

Then came the Disciples at the Foundation Establishment Stage.

"Wang Hai, slew three Foundation Establishment Middle Stage evil cultivators. Recorded for a major merit, promoted to Inner Sect, bestowed with one Medium Grade Magical Artifact and five bottles of peiyuan pills."

Wang Hai walked onto the platform, bowed in salute, and received his rewards.

A flicker of excitement crossed his face, but he quickly regained composure.

"Zhao Qian, slew one Foundation Establishment Early Stage evil cultivator, rescued five wounded. Recorded for a merit, promoted to Inner Sect, bestowed with one Low Grade Magical Artifact and three bottles of peiyuan pills."

Zhao Qian grinned, limping as he walked onto the platform to receive his rewards.

Watching his back, a faint smile touched Li Changsheng's lips.

This kid had finally entered the Inner Sect too.

The list continued.

Name after name was called, Disciple after Disciple walked onto the platform.

Some were excited, some calm, some wept for joy, some remained taciturn.

Finally, that name rang out.

"Li Changsheng."

The entire assembly fell silent for a moment.