Journey to the head

The Yunshan Sect's mountain gate, Biluo Peak, is lush with spiritual trees and filled with spiritual energy.

This is the central location of the eight departments and two divisions of the Yunshan Sect. After fifteen years of development, a new generation of disciples has gradually grown up, and the Yunshan Sect is gradually recovering from the damage caused by the demonic chaos. A new combat force is being formed in an orderly manner, and this central location of the sect seems to be more lively.

Especially this month, which is the sect's once-every-five-years "Mysterious Sound Dharma Assembly," disciples gathered in droves, and the training ground was packed with people.

The whispers among the disciples, the loud judgments of the various deacons of the Transmission of Skills Department, and the occasional exclamations of praise, cheers, or surprised discussions made the entire Biluo Peak exceptionally lively.

The transmission of skills and teachings among Yunshan disciples is generally divided into two modes.

The first method is to become an apprentice and receive personal instruction from the master.

Since its re-establishment over 170 years ago, the Yunshan Sect has broken through and developed through wisdom and strength, seizing various opportunities after several life-or-death battles. Its rapid rise has resulted in a severely distorted structure of its disciples' strength.

Currently, there are six Nascent Soul cultivators, fifteen Golden Core cultivators, nearly eighty Foundation Establishment cultivators, and a total of twelve thousand Qi Refining disciples.

According to the rules of Yunshan, the sect leader, elders, and first-class disciples have the right to accept disciples.

In other words, the Yunshan Sect currently has eight members who can accept disciples, pass on their teachings, and spread their lineage: Sect Leader Lu Qian, and Elders Wang Yu, Jiang Qingfeng, Gu Nishang, Wu Yan, Lin Le, Su Yan, Wang Ruoyu, and Xiao Tianci.

The top-tier disciples have not yet been selected. The closest to being selected are the second-tier disciples Cui Linglong and Tao Zhongxian. There are also third-tier disciples Xie Yongchang, Dongfang Hui, and An Fanghe, and a fourth-tier disciple Zhao Kongque.

Compared to the nine elders who have the authority to take on disciples, there are a total of 12,000 disciples available for taking on apprentices, or rather, those who aspire to become disciples.

Over the years, among the nine, Wang Yu, Jiang Qingfeng, Wu Yan, and Lin Le have not taken on any disciples. Lu Qian only took on Li Sheng, and Gu Nishang only took on Zhao Kongque. Su Yan, Wang Ruoyu, and Xiao Tianci have each taken on several disciples. Among them, Xiao Tianci has the most direct disciples, and the Yunshan Sword Dao lineage has flourished under his leadership.

This is negligible compared to the base of 12,000 disciples.

Therefore, the transmission of skills and techniques in the Yunshan Sect still fundamentally relies on the second method: the transmission of skills and techniques by the Transmission Department.

For disciples who have not yet formally become apprentices, the cultivation techniques and secret arts they mainly practice, along with the cultivation insights and guidance they need, primarily come from the Transmission of Skills Department.

For novice disciples still building their foundation, the Transmission Department conducts regular "large-class teaching" sessions, systematically teaching cultivation knowledge and imparting introductory cultivation techniques based on the disciples' spiritual aptitude. Simultaneously, it recruits "part-time teachers" from among outstanding disciples to supplement the teaching, encouraging discussion and exchange among fellow disciples to complete the foundational teaching for the initial stages of Qi cultivation.

For disciples who already possess a certain foundation in cultivation and have begun independent practice, the "Mysterious Sound and Wondrous Dharma Assembly" held by the Transmission Department every five years is a cultivation course that absolutely cannot be missed.

The process of this year's Mysterious Sound Dharma Assembly was the same as in previous years. First, the Nascent Soul and Golden Core cultivators of Yunshan were invited to teach the disciples their cultivation paths and insights.

For ten consecutive days, Wang Yu was the first to appear, teaching martial arts methods for cultivating strength and tempering muscles and bones. Then Jiang Qingfeng taught the secrets of condensing water into ice and controlling cold air.

Third, the Bottomless Taoist, as a special guest, imparted the secrets of Earth Element Techniques; fourth, Wu Yan lectured on the transformations and application of Water Element Techniques; fifth, Wang Ruoyu demonstrated the key points of attack and defense in Metal Element Techniques; sixth, Cui Linglong guided the study of Wood Element Techniques and the identification of medicinal properties of spiritual herbs; and seventh, Zhao Kongque briefly discussed the exploration of Fire Element Techniques and the principles of high temperature.

The eighth section features Xiao Tianci demonstrating the essential principles of Yunshan Swordplay, and the ninth section features Tao Boliang providing a brief analysis of the art of weapon crafting.

Finally, Lin Le taught the basic concepts of formations and the supplementary teachings of the Five Elements techniques.

Then, for another five days, the ten teachers in charge of this course will take the stage simultaneously, and all students can freely raise their hands to ask questions and have them answer their doubts.

The saying goes, "True teachings can be conveyed in a single sentence, while false teachings fill countless volumes." The Nascent Soul and Golden Core cultivators, who had achieved a high level of understanding on their respective paths, generously shared their insights, pointing directly to the essentials. The thousands of disciples gathered in the training ground listened with rapt attention, often experiencing moments of sudden enlightenment.

The doubts accumulated over the past five years are rapidly diminishing, and all the disciples feel that they have gained a great deal. Many even felt that their key points were being cleared and that they were about to break through.

Unfortunately, my personal energy is limited, so I can only choose one or two main areas to study. When I hear that the Taoist methods taught by other teachers are very profound, I only regret that I am unable to cultivate them because I am too busy. I am so anxious that I scratch my head and stamp my feet.

Therefore, all the deacons of the Transmission Department would go out and loudly remind the disciples before and after each lesson that they should not try to learn too much at once, or they would end up being a jack of all trades and master of none.

Many people, while taking careful notes, also recorded the entire lecture process with a photo recorder, so they could study it day and night for the next five years.

After the fifteen-day course, the "Mysterious Sound Dharma Assembly" will last for another half month, which is also highly anticipated by the disciples.

In this second half, the Transmission Department will carefully examine the disciples' cultivation progress and, based on the results of the assessment in four aspects—the disciples' spiritual root aptitude, daily performance, past merits, and moral character and reputation—will select suitable cultivation methods and secret techniques from the "Seven Grades of Yunshan Cave Mystery True Scripture" to bestow upon them.

Some disciples made significant progress and were bestowed with even more profound and wondrous techniques, naturally overjoyed and thrilled. Others, however, made only moderate progress and received no new techniques, only being instructed to hone their foundations and master their existing skills first.

In addition, some disciples who stagnate in their cultivation or perform poorly in various aspects will not only fail to obtain new techniques, but will also be severely reprimanded by the Transmission Department and listed as key targets for observation and assistance in the next stage.

The second half of the event was naturally the busiest time for the Transmission of Skills Department. Almost all the department's deacons and staff were present, with the Vice Headmaster and Director, Lin Le, personally overseeing the proceedings. Faced with the assessment needs of thousands of disciples, the staff of the Transmission of Skills Department could only rest for a maximum of two hours a day, otherwise they simply couldn't keep up.

At this moment, thousands of disciples were gathered in the arena. Although the Transmission Department had issued several notices asking the disciples to come to the training ground at the corresponding time according to their number plates to participate in the assessment, the disciples couldn't resist their love of comparison and excitement. They would come even before it was their turn, or they would be reluctant to leave after the assessment, wanting to see what grade their fellow disciples had obtained and what they had gained.

Therefore, the voices of the Transmission Division's judgment and the disciples' discussions mingled together, creating a buzzing sound that almost broke through the silence barrier.

"This is unfair! This is unfair!"

Suddenly a voice shouted.

"I want to report this to the Inspection Department!"

The arena, which had been filled with tremendous roar, fell into an eerie silence in an instant.

The thousands of disciples turned around in shock, trying to find the source of the sound.

The group looked at each other, wondering if they had misheard.

Was he really referring to the Department of Inspection?
When the red-faced disciple was finally found, and he shouted it out again in full view of everyone, the disciples were all stunned, as if struck by lightning.

To be honest, the Transmission of Skills Department can't possibly cater to everyone, and its work can't possibly satisfy everyone. However, since the Transmission of Skills Department holds the reins of all disciples' cultivation, it wouldn't dare to offend them easily. Even if there are some complaints, they will tolerate them or resolve them through other channels.

Aside from reporting violations of the Yunshan Sect's rules and regulations, openly expressing dissatisfaction with the work of the Transmission Department, and filing complaints with the Supervisory Department, the number of such cases since the establishment of the Eight Departments and Two Divisions can be counted on one hand.

At the "Mysterious Sound and Wonderful Dharma Assembly," it was the first time in history that someone had publicly cried out against injustice and demanded to file a lawsuit against the Supervisory Department in front of all his fellow disciples!
Amidst astonishment, the crowd surged forward, surrounding the person in the center in layers. Someone who recognized him finally couldn't help but exclaim softly, "It's Junior Brother Zhao Gang! Oh dear, I knew this guy was a simpleton, but how dare he shout and cause trouble here?"

A low murmur finally broke out; quite a few people actually knew him.

This sixth-generation disciple, Zhao Gang, a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator, had a stubborn temper that often embarrassed his fellow disciples, who described him as "lacking a screw in his head" and kept their distance from him.

Zhao Gang's face was flushed, veins bulging on his neck, and he stood there with his fists clenched. The clerk of the Transmission Department opposite him was also stunned, never expecting his junior brother to react so excitedly.

As the disciples gathered in increasing numbers, Zhao Gang's eyes turned red, and he angrily said, "It's been thirty years, six Mysterious Sound Dharma Assemblies, but I have never received an advanced cultivation technique. I'm still practicing a beginner-level seventh-grade technique!"

"Now even seventh-generation disciples are being taught sixth- or even fifth-grade cultivation techniques. I've worked so hard in the sect for so many years, am I supposed to be treated like this? Is it fair for your Transmission of Techniques Department to do things this way?"

"I'm going to report you to the Inspection Department and have you charged with dereliction of duty!"

After being publicly berated by Zhao Gang, the head of the Transmission Department lost face and said in a low voice, "Junior Brother Zhao, don't be unreasonable! There are established standards for judging which cultivation method to impart. Your innate aptitude is poor, with only four spiritual roots, and you've already struggled with even a seventh-grade cultivation method. How can you be taught a higher-level cultivation method?"

Zhao Gang retorted, "I may lack talent, but I've worked hard over the years. Shouldn't that earn me an advanced cultivation technique? Besides, you haven't even taught it to me, so how do you know I can't master it?"

"If you pass it on to me and I am unable to cultivate, then it is naturally my incompetence. But if you do not pass it on to me, then it is your fault!"

The official was amused and said, "The merits you have made for the sect have already been converted into merit points, which you can exchange for what you need. However, when it comes to passing on skills and techniques, the merits you have made are only one of the references, not the main basis."

"Our evaluation criteria in the Transmission of Skills Department are determined by the Elders Council and are constantly being optimized and revised. Judging from your talent and cultivation progress, you are barely able to even reach the Foundation Establishment stage, let alone master a sixth-grade skill."

"I advise you to be down-to-earth and master the seventh-grade cultivation technique first. When the time comes, our company will definitely grant you a new cultivation technique according to your progress."

The disciples watching whispered among themselves, most of them siding with the Transmission Department, believing that talent is predetermined and that since Zhao Gang did not meet the standards, he should not be granted advanced techniques.

A small number of disciples, like Zhao Gang, who were not particularly gifted, felt sorry for him and thought that the Transmission Department was being a bit heartless. Just as Zhao Gang said, what was wrong with teaching him a sixth-grade technique to practice? If he couldn't master it, they could always talk about it.

The officer's words clearly failed to convince Zhao Gang, and the statement "Even Foundation Establishment is extremely difficult, there is absolutely no possibility of mastering a sixth-grade cultivation technique" deeply stung him, prompting him to question the officer.

"Who says that having four spiritual roots makes it difficult to establish a foundation and has no future? Speaking of which, Sect Leader Lin only has pseudo spiritual roots, but he has still cultivated countless profound techniques and methods. Not only has he established a foundation, but he is now at the peak of the Golden Core stage and is on the verge of reaching the Nascent Soul stage."

"If Sect Leader Lin can achieve such a path, why can't I? Sect Leader Lin has reached this point with a pseudo-spiritual root, and he must have expended countless rare and precious materials. If those rare and precious materials were given to me, of course I could succeed too!"

Upon hearing these words, the disciples around them were startled and all took a big step back.

The clerk was stunned for a moment, then flew into a rage. Just as he was about to shout, a voice suddenly rang out.

"Then let me tell you why I can do it, but you can't."

Before everyone's eyes, Lin Le was already standing inside the circle.

So the disciples hurriedly bowed and paid their respects. Zhao Gang's face turned pale, and he realized what absurd things he had said in his anger.

"Sect Leader Lin, I—"

“When I first entered the sect, I never imagined that this day would come,” Lin Le continued to say to himself. “My spiritual root is too poor. Let alone Foundation Establishment, I can hardly advance to the late stage of Qi Refining. I thought that this was all I would ever be. Therefore, I devoted myself to the sect’s affairs, hoping to repay the sect leader’s kindness.”

"At that time, Yunshan was newly established and all industries were waiting to be developed. I did some things for the leader in terms of intelligence, operation, internal affairs and strategy, and contributed my meager strength. Therefore, I was recognized and praised by the leader."

"It is precisely because of the abilities I have demonstrated and the value I have created for the sect that I have been favored by the sect leader, who has continuously poured his heart and soul into me and gone to great lengths to help me reach the Foundation Establishment stage. Otherwise, how could I be where I am today?"

He looked at Zhao Gang, his voice slightly cold: "I've heard about your situation. You keep asking to be taught advanced techniques, but you haven't passed the evaluation according to the standards."

“If you say that you are diligent in your daily work and have made contributions to the sect, I will not deny it. But your contributions are only concentrated on completing daily tasks and making talismans for the sect as a production disciple.”

"Your performance and contributions to the sect are not enough for the Transmission of Skills Department to make an exception and grant you an advanced skill."

Lin Le stood there, and Zhao Gang lowered his head for a long time before suddenly saying aggrievedly, "The sect leader once said that the ultimate goal of the Yunshan Sect is to allow every disciple to choose their own future and enjoy their own life."

"I choose to try again. I just want to try an advanced cultivation technique. Is that not allowed?"

"Although I am now a piece of rotten wood, who knows, after my cultivation improves, I might also be able to possess profound Dao patterns like you. Who can say that my value in this life is limited to this?"

Lin Le suddenly fell silent.

Yes, that's what the sect leader said, and I am working hard for the sake of the Yunshan Sect.

The sect leader also said that one should never easily measure a person by their value, otherwise it will often lead to injustice and undermine the foundation for the sect's survival.

But
A picture suddenly flashed into my mind.

There were three mummified corpses in front of him amidst the desolation of the surrounding area.

An Fanghe, Li Jing, Ding Shu.

I only have one Nine-Turn Divine Pill!
Whom to save? There was absolutely no time to hesitate. What choice did I have?
Everyone has value, and at that moment, judgment can only be based on value!

So, did the sect leader say something wrong?

Or did I save the wrong person?

At that moment, a large shadow suddenly rose, Lin Le's mind churned, and he let out a muffled groan, feeling a metallic taste in his mouth. (End of Chapter)