I became an immortal in the mountains

Chapter 756 The Daoist Child of the Spirit Ruins Sect

Upon hearing Ye Zhenghong's invitation to serve as a guest elder, Gu Yuanqing couldn't help but recall Yun Yinghe's subtle mention during her visit to Youzhu Garden that Li Miaoxuan and Lingxu Sect should not be involved in his grudges.

His change of attitude is naturally due to the strength he has demonstrated.

His gaze unconsciously drifted to Li Miaoxuan beside him, and a clear yet familiar voice suddenly echoed in his mind: "Don't worry about me. The Lingxu Sect has no karmic connection with you. Just choose according to your own heart."

A barely perceptible smile appeared in Gu Yuanqing's eyes. He then looked at Ye Zhenghong and politely declined, saying, "I appreciate Sect Leader Ye's kind offer. However, I am used to a life of leisure and dislike constraints. Moreover, I am often away from home and I am afraid that I will find it difficult to fulfill my duties as a guest elder. I am truly unable to accept this offer and hope that Sect Leader will understand."

A clear hint of disappointment flashed across Ye Zhenghong's eyes, but since the other party's refusal was reasonable, he couldn't force the issue. He could only smile and say, "Fellow Daoist's ambitions lie in the far reaches of the world; it was I who was presumptuous." He then changed the subject, his expression becoming more serious. "There is another matter I would like to ask you, Fellow Daoist. That Hun Tian Grand Cultivator who attempted to assassinate Miao Xuan that day, and was ultimately killed by you... Do you know his background?"

Gu Yuanqing pondered for a moment, as if recalling the exchange of that instant, before saying, "Judging from their cultivation methods, their aura is cold and unpredictable, containing a trace of the Yin Annihilation. They should be cultivators from the Yin Palace."

"It really is the Taiyin Palace!" Ye Zhenghong and Yun Yinghe exchanged a glance.

Despite the Lingxu Sect's apparent great victory and the repulsion of their powerful enemy, they knew in their hearts that the situation was extremely dangerous.

If it weren't for the presence of a powerful ally like Gu Yuanqing, a reckless sneak attack by a Grandmaster of Chaos would have been enough to plunge the entire Lingxu Sect into utter ruin!
Even if the sect uses all its resources to survive this calamity, Li Miaoxuan will inevitably be affected. At best, she will miss the best opportunity to consolidate her realm and comprehend the Great Dao, thus hindering her path to enlightenment; at worst, she may even perish on the spot!

If this is true, the hope for the rise of the Lingxu Sect will be delayed for who knows how many more years.

"Does the Taiyin Palace have a deep-seated hatred with your sect?" Gu Yuanqing asked.

Ye Zhenghong's face showed a bitter expression: "I'm not afraid of being laughed at by you, fellow Daoist. Back then, when our sect's Undying Ancestor Hun Tian died unexpectedly on the battlefield outside the domain, we suspected that this matter was inseparable from the Taiyin Palace. However, since then, the Lingxu Sect's prestige has gradually declined, and even if we had some guesses, we could only bury them in our hearts. The conflict between the righteous and evil paths has existed since ancient times, and many evil sects are unwilling to see our Lingxu Sect have a chance to rise again."

Gu Yuanqing nodded slightly. In the cultivation world, it is common for sects to have endless grudges. They fight constantly for resources and lineage, and the righteous and evil paths have different ideologies, so conflict is even more unavoidable.

After a few more moments of casual conversation, Ye Zhenghong spoke up, "Fellow Daoist Gu has protected Miaoxuan for half a month, which must have taken a toll on your mind and body. Why don't you rest for half a day? The sect will prepare a simple banquet this evening to express our gratitude, and we would be honored if you would grace us with your presence." He spoke sincerely, and then added, "As for accommodations, we absolutely cannot allow you to return to the Silent Courtyard. I have already ordered someone to prepare an elegant courtyard in the Ruins Courtyard, and I hope you will not refuse. Otherwise, if word gets out that a Grandmaster of the Chaotic Realm has arrived, and our Lingxu Sect has allowed him to reside in the Silent Courtyard, wouldn't it make us a laughingstock among our fellow Daoists for being impolite and arrogant?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Yuanqing knew he couldn't refuse, so he stood up and said with a smile, "Since that's the case, I, Gu, will respectfully accept your offer."

"As for Miaoxuan," Ye Zhenghong looked at Gu Yuanqing, his tone slightly apologetic, "I still have some matters to discuss with her regarding the sect's inheritance and future cultivation with her, which may take some time. I hope you don't mind, fellow Daoist?"

Gu Yuanqing smiled and nodded: "That's only right. Miaoxuan has just entered Huntian, and the sect must have many arrangements. This is a serious matter, so Sect Leader Ye doesn't need to worry about me."

"Thank you for your understanding, fellow Daoist." Ye Zhenghong breathed a sigh of relief, then turned to an elder in the hall, "Junior Brother Zhang, I will trouble you to personally guide Fellow Daoist Gu to the Xuzi Academy for settlement. If there are any of Fellow Daoist's personal belongings in Youzhu Garden, please go and retrieve them for him."

Zhang Hegui, who had met Gu Yuanqing once before, immediately stepped forward, bowed, and said with a smile, "Brother Gu, please come with me."

"Thank you for your trouble, Elder Zhang." Gu Yuanqing cupped his hands to greet everyone in the hall, his gaze briefly meeting Li Miaoxuan's before turning around and slowly leaving the hall with Zhang Hegui.

Once Gu Yuanqing's figure had completely disappeared outside the palace gate, Ye Zhenghong slowly withdrew his gaze, his expression regaining the majesty of a sect leader. He said in a deep voice, "Elders, please go about your business. The sect's defenses and the preparations for the banquet still require your attention."

The elders responded in unison, bowed, and withdrew.

In the blink of an eye, only Ye Zhenghong, Yun Yinghe, and Li Miaoxuan remained in the main hall.

Only then did Ye Zhenghong casually ask, "Miaoxuan, what are your plans for your future cultivation?"

Li Miaoxuan lowered her eyes and replied, "This disciple plans to cultivate quietly within the sect for a period of time to stabilize my cultivation level, and then I intend to go to the battlefield outside the domain."

Ye Zhenghong and Yun Yinghe exchanged a glance, pondered for a moment, and then slowly spoke: "The sect has no objection to your becoming Daoist partners with Fellow Daoist Gu. However... there is one more matter that you need to carefully consider."

"Please speak, Sect Master."

"Although you have only been in the Lingxu Sect for three hundred years and have spent most of your time cultivating outside, you should still be aware of the current state of the sect." Ye Zhenghong said in a deep voice, "Although I have been fortunate enough to enter the Chaotic Heaven Realm, my foundation is limited, and the Shattered Heaven Realm is the limit. Miaoxuan, the future of the sect now... rests on your shoulders."

He paused, his voice heavy with emotion: "If the sect has ever treated you unfairly in the past, causing you to feel distant, it is all due to my, as the sect leader, failing to properly supervise you." Before he finished speaking, he bowed deeply to Li Miaoxuan!
"Sect Master, what are you doing..." Yun Yinghe couldn't help but exclaim softly. She had long expected that the Sect Master would keep him and Li Miaoxuan behind because he had something to say, and it was probably something important, but she never expected him to perform such a grand bow. As an elder, a Grand Master of the Chaotic Realm, and the leader of a sect, Ye Zhenghong's bow was as heavy as a mountain.

Li Miaoxuan quickly stepped aside to avoid him, then returned the greeting: "Sect Master, you flatter me. Miaoxuan's success today is inseparable from the sect's nurturing. I will do my utmost in the affairs of the sect, taking the revitalization of Lingxu as my own responsibility."

"Good! With your words, I am relieved." Ye Zhenghong straightened up and laughed loudly.

"If I can witness the sect regain its former glory in my lifetime, even if I die, I will have the face to meet the ancestral masters!"

As he spoke, he took something out of his waist and handed it over.

This object is about the size of a fist. It is neither gold nor jade, neither stone nor wood. Its entire body is filled with a natural Daoist charm. Three mysterious runes are coiled around its surface like swimming dragons. Inside, it seems to contain an entire star-studded universe.

A flicker of surprise flashed in Yun Yinghe's eyes: "Daozi Seal!"

“That’s right, it is indeed the Daoist Seal of the Lingxu Sect.” Ye Zhenghong said solemnly.

"The one who holds this seal can directly enter the Spirit Ruins Palace with their soul and undergo the 'Three Tests of the Heart' left by the Ancestral Master. If approved, they will become a Dao Child and the next sect leader appointed by the sect. With this seal, one can take charge of the mountain-protecting formation, freely enter and exit forbidden areas such as the Taixu Tower and the Tianbao Pavilion, and their status is second only to the sect leader. In the event of a major sect event, even the sect elders must obey orders upon seeing the seal!"

His gaze was sharp as he stared directly at Li Miaoxuan: "Miaoxuan, do you dare to accept the seal?"

Even with Li Miaoxuan's composure, her eyes couldn't help but ripple with emotion at this moment.

Although the Lingxu Sect is currently ranked at the bottom among the top sects, its foundation built over tens of millions of years is incredibly profound. If she can receive the sect's full support, her path to enlightenment will surely be smoother.

Yun Yinghe hesitated and said, "Sect Master, according to the sect's ancestral rules, the selection of a Dao Child requires the joint discussion of the peak masters and elders. Such a unilateral decision might be..."

"I will explain this matter to the elders myself," Ye Zhenghong interrupted calmly, his gaze still fixed on Li Miaoxuan.

Li Miaoxuan's mind raced, but she finally bowed and said, "Miaoxuan accepts the seal and will certainly live up to the sect's trust!"

"Good!" Ye Zhenghong's eyes shone brightly. With a loud laugh, he raised his hand and threw the Daozi Seal into the air. At the same time, he formed a mysterious seal with his hands, and a vertical eye opened between his eyebrows, its divine light flowing and shining directly on the treasure seal.

The Daozi Seal emitted a bright light, and the phantom of a magnificent hall appeared. On the high platform in the hall, the three ancestral master statues opened their eyes at the same time, their gazes falling on Li Miaoxuan as if they were real.

Li Miaoxuan slowly closed her eyes.

The hall fell silent instantly.

Ye Zhenghong and Yun Yinghe both involuntarily held their breath.

This matter is not only a gamble by Ye Zhenghong, who is making a reckless decision, but also the ultimate test of Li Miaoxuan's Dao heart!
The three tests of the Daoist heart are an examination by the patriarch. If one passes, one is deemed a Daoist child, and the sect will do everything in its power to assist in their cultivation; if one fails…

This is why he sent the other sect elders away.

At this moment, Li Miaoxuan is too important to the sect. Surviving the Chaotic Tribulation is the hope of the sect and a boost to the morale of the people. If she fails to pass the ancestral master's test, many people will suspect that she has ulterior motives. In that case, it is feared that the sect will inevitably be in turmoil again.

There were only him and Yun Yinghe here, so even if there were problems, there was room for maneuver. However, in that case, Li Miaoxuan would also be destined not to receive more sect resources.

A moment later, the Dao Seal suddenly emitted a bright light, merging with Li Miaoxuan's aura. Then, the illusory image dissipated, and the Dao Seal spun around before disappearing into Li Miaoxuan's brow. Ye Zhenghong and Yun Yinghe couldn't help but smile upon seeing this.

……

The Ruins Courtyard is the most prestigious guest courtyard within the Lingxu Sect.

The entire courtyard is like a small cultivation cave, full of spiritual energy, and has all the necessary facilities for alchemy and weapon crafting.

Zhang Hegui only stayed in the courtyard for a short while before a servant disciple brought him tea and spiritual fruit, at which point he took his leave.

Gu Yuanqing strolled around for a while, then casually flipped through a biography in the pavilion by the pond.

About an hour has passed.

Li Miaoxuan arrived outside the courtyard gate.

Gu Yuanqing waved his hand, and the courtyard gate opened.

Li Miaoxuan slowly entered and came into the pavilion.

Gu Yuanqing put down his book and casually asked with a light laugh, "What is the purpose of Sect Leader Ye keeping you here?"

Li Miaoxuan raised her hand, and a large seal floated in her palm.

Gu Yuanqing stared at it for a moment, then asked in surprise, "The Dao Child Seal of the Lingxu Sect? Does this mean you've been chosen as the next sect leader?"

Li Miaoxuan nodded slightly, sat down on the stone bench on the other side, and asked with some curiosity, "This is also the first time I've seen this seal today. How did you recognize it?"

Gu Yuanqing smiled and said, "Coincidentally, there are records of this within the Qingping Dao Palace."

"Oh!" Li Miaoxuan responded coolly, then asked, "When do you plan to leave?"

Gu Yuanqing teased, "What, you're trying to get rid of me now that you've just survived your tribulation?"

“I’ve just acquired a new cave dwelling and plan to go into seclusion for a while. Why don’t you come and stay there?” Li Miaoxuan rolled her eyes at Gu Yuanqing, and her aloof expression gave her a unique charm.

Gu Yuanqing laughed and said, "Forget it. When I attacked the Holy Heaven Sect, I did agree to go to the outer battlefield. I also want to go and see the outer battlefield myself. Now that you are the Dao Child of the Spirit Ruins Sect, there is nothing to worry about. We will set off in a few days."

Li Miaoxuan nodded slightly.

Gu Yuanqing added, "Now that you've broken through to the Chaotic Heaven Realm, you should return to Beiquan Mountain. I imagine Cheng Yi is still worried about your tribulation."

Li Miaoxuan said, "Then let's go back and take a look."

The moment the two gently clasped hands, the world changed.

……

Returning from Beiquan Cave to Lingmiao Blessed Land, it was already close to evening.

Perhaps it was because she had seen Cheng Yi that Li Miaoxuan's aloof expression softened.

At night, the Lingxu Sect held a grand banquet.

Gu Yuanqing sat in the first seat among the guests, accompanied by the seven peak masters and many elders of the Lingxu Sect.

In addition, the envoys from various sects and the monks who had come to observe the ceremony and had not yet left were also invited to take a seat.

The entire Lingxu Sect was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and celestial music filled the air, creating an unusually festive scene.

Those who came to the banquet had close ties with the Lingxu Sect and had learned some information about Gu Yuanqing from others. In addition to wanting to see Li Miaoxuan, the proud daughter of heaven who had survived the Chaos Tribulation in just three hundred years, they also wanted to see Gu Yuanqing, who single-handedly suppressed the enemies of Chaos.

Ye Zhenghong, as the sect leader and master, sat in a high position.

Li Miaoxuan sat at the head of the right-hand side, ahead of the peak master and elders.

Upon witnessing this scene, not only the guests from outside the sect, but also many disciples within the Lingxu Sect were astonished.

Although it was reasonable for her to be seated like this with her cultivation level of the Chaotic Heaven Realm, she still felt that something was a little unusual.

After everyone was seated.

Ye Zhenghong raised his glass and stood up, saying loudly, "I thank all my fellow Daoists for coming! Today's feast is to celebrate the success of my sect's Miaoxuan in achieving the Great Dao!"

He paused briefly, then raised his voice abruptly: "Secondly, I am also announcing a major event for my Lingxu Sect, and I ask all fellow Daoists to bear witness: From this day forward, Li Miaoxuan will be the Dao Child of my Lingxu Sect! Since she has only recently broken through and still needs to stabilize her realm, the celebration and the ceremony for becoming the Dao Child will be kept simple."

Upon hearing this, the square fell silent for a moment, then erupted in uproar!

Many guests and Lingxu Sect disciples looked shocked. The position of Dao Son was of great importance, concerning the sect's inheritance.

Only the sect elders present remained calm, clearly already aware of the matter.

But upon closer reflection, it makes perfect sense. Besides Li Miaoxuan, who else in the Lingxu Sect could secure the position of Dao Child?

Only at the very end of the main position on the right, a young man wearing a Lingxu cloud-patterned Daoist robe looked somewhat dejected. As the senior disciple of the current generation of Lingxu Sect, he had achieved the Yin-Yang Void Breaking Realm in 2,100 years and was not weak. He could also be called a prodigy. However, compared with Li Miaoxuan, he inevitably paled in comparison.

However, in an instant, that sense of loneliness disappeared. He had been prepared for this day, it just happened a little earlier than expected!
So he was the first to stand up, smiling and cupping his hands in greeting, saying, "Congratulations, Daozi!"

……

Gu Yuanqing stayed in the Lingxu Sect for three days. Li Miaoxuan did not rush to go into seclusion, but accompanied him to tour the beautiful scenery of this blessed land.

In the past three days, a number of things have happened quietly. Three elders have resigned from their positions, wishing to go into seclusion in the back mountains for quiet cultivation, or to go to guard the sect's forbidden area.

Many disciples from various sects were also assigned to leave the blessed land and reside in the outer Dao Academy of Lingxu, becoming outer sect stewards.

Ordinary people may not know the reason, but if they investigate carefully, they will find that these people all had some grudges with Li Miaoxuan back then.

Li Miaoxuan herself was unaware of all of this...

(End of this chapter)