Am I the old man who's always by my apprentices' side?

Chapter 345 The Design of the Sect Grand Competition

Compared to Bai Lang's third brother, Liu Ge, who was good-looking but otherwise useless and even a bit dim-witted, his sister-in-law, Asu, was incredibly smart.

White Wolf and Black Wolf, as the eldest brother, had worried more than once about what would happen if their third brother "grew old and lost his looks." They wondered if Asu would find an excuse to dump Liu Ge, and then they would have to take care of that troublesome idiot Liu Ge...

But at this moment, White Wolf and Black Wolf were extremely grateful that their third brother had managed to snag their remarkable strategist, their sister-in-law, just by using his looks.

At least avoid causing a disaster by not guessing the lord's intentions!
Asu nodded and said, "What you say is very true, elder brother. Since the lord's preference is not limited to Liaoxi, then the most important thing is to show how the lord has the magnanimity to embrace all rivers and the talent to appoint people."

……

While the local tycoons and wealthy families in Guangning Prefecture were making connections, the people in the Baishi Immortal Sect were also discussing the sect's grand competition in great detail.

In fact, several months ago, Zhang Chengdao and Xu Ying had already designed a complete system of major and minor competitions within the sect.

The sect holds a minor competition every month. Although it's called a minor competition, it's more like a "monthly exam." Every month, Chang Ping'an, Murong Ruyan, and Ye Shuyun take time out of their schedules to test and assess the disciples. The winners are awarded mid-grade spirit stones according to their ranking. The scale is limited, and it's only held in the square in front of Lingxiao Hall. It only takes half a day to complete.

The sect competition is completely different.

After some discussion, everyone decided that the entire sect competition should take at least three days, and that a special competition method should be designed and standard judging rules should be established as a fixed practice.

Because they were still tied up in Liaodong, Zhang Chengdao and Murong Ruyan only returned for a day before leaving again. Ye Shuyun was even busier representing Zhang Chengdao in social interactions with the Mohe nobles and local gentry of Guangning Prefecture, and didn't even have time to come back.

As for Hu Yun, she was temporarily left with the Immortal Alliance because she had become completely absorbed in the systematic and complete cultivation methods there. Even though they were only for human cultivators, they were completely compatible with the cultivation paths of demon cultivators.

Not to mention that after seeing its own kind, Xiao Li would act like it was seeing its own mother whenever it saw Hu Yun, insisting on playing with Hu Yun no matter what, and even reluctantly giving up its favorite fried chicken to bring to Hu Yun while drooling.

For this reason, Hu Yun looked at the fried chicken, which was covered in dust and saliva from the little fox, with disdain more than once, emphasizing that "chicken should be stewed with mushrooms," and that "frying and roasting are all heretical," and so on...

In short, because everyone had their own things to do, the preparations for the sect competition fell on the shoulders of Xu Ying, who stayed behind at the sect, and Chang Ping'an, who lived not far from the sect.

Fortunately, the entire set of regulations had already been designed in advance, and Xu Ying was an extremely good planner, so all matters were being carried out in an orderly manner.

"Before the sect leader left, he said that the purpose of this competition was to 'test cultivation levels and promote exchanges,' in order to encourage disciples to cultivate and prevent them from becoming complacent..."

Inside a side hall of Lingxiao Palace, Xu Ying pointed to a large sheet of paper filled with entries and said to everyone in a clear and steady voice, "Therefore, this competition must not degenerate into a simple battle of magic. In my opinion, it should be divided into three subjects: 'literary test,' 'martial test,' and 'artistic test,' and a comprehensive evaluation will be more thorough."

"A written test?"

Upon hearing this, Huang Wu scratched his head, looking utterly miserable.

Although his cultivation has improved considerably and he has read many books to prepare for the weapon crafting class, such as "Heavenly Craftsmanship Weapon Crafting," which he has almost worn out, he still finds book knowledge somewhat difficult and has not read any other manuals.

Therefore, upon hearing about the "literary examination," Huang Wu felt somewhat uncertain: "Manager Xu, does our cultivation sect require a test on classical texts?"

Xu Ying, of course, understood Huang Wu's concerns and explained with a smile, "It's not a test of classical texts. The so-called written test examines your understanding of the fundamentals of cultivation. This includes the essential points discussed in the *White Stone Immortal Dao Book*, the *White Stone Qi Sensing Book*, and the *Basic Treatise on Guiding Qi into the Body*, as well as the identification of common spiritual herbs and minerals, the principles of basic array formations and runes, and even sect precepts and common knowledge of immortal cultivation. No matter how high your cultivation level is, if your foundation is not solid, you don't recognize rare and precious materials, and you don't understand the taboos, it will ultimately be a castle in the air."

"However, the sect is short-handed. If Peak Master Huang is not good at this, there is no need to worry. The sect competition is based on realm. Each two major realms will form a group of participants. For example, the mortal realm before Qi Sensing and the Qi Refining stage will be a group, the Foundation Establishment stage and the Core Formation stage will be a group, and so on. However, due to the revival of spiritual energy and the nascent rise of immortality, there are less than ten disciples in the Foundation Establishment and Core Formation stages in total. Therefore, we will skip the competition and not hold a separate competition. This is also the sect master's intention."

Hearing this, Huang Wu finally breathed a sigh of relief and was extremely grateful that he had been inspired by those outer disciples to cultivate diligently and had just achieved Foundation Establishment half a month ago.

It's great that I don't have to compete with those Qi Refining stage brats. Otherwise, with my current level of scholarship, it would be really embarrassing if I did poorly in the "literary test," and how would I be able to teach them in the future!
But then, he grinned and looked at Shi Yizhi beside him with schadenfreude: "Sixth Junior Brother, hehe, you're in trouble. You joined the sect late and have a short cultivation time. You haven't even had time to establish your foundation yet. Now you're the only one among our master's direct disciples who has to participate in the sect competition!"

Shi Yizhi wore a pained expression and sighed helplessly.

Thanks to his time with the Immortal Alliance, most of the formations designed by the Heavenly Mystery Sect have been implemented above Xunmu, which is very helpful for cultivation. As a result, Shi Yizhi's cultivation level has increased rapidly in just one month, from the third level of Qi Refining to the sixth level of Qi Refining.

Even so, there is still a considerable gap between the sixth level of Qi Refining and the Foundation Establishment stage. It's definitely not something I can achieve in a short time, so I'll really have to participate in the sect's grand competition.

However, unlike Huang Wu, Shi Yizhi didn't have the burden of being the sect leader's personal disciple, so he just sighed inwardly and let it go.

At this moment, Chang Ping'an nodded in agreement and added, "What Manager Xu said is very true. The path to immortality is magnificent and is not determined by the level of martial prowess. While it is important to improve one's cultivation, one must also be able to unite knowledge and action and have a clear mind in order to truly glimpse the path to longevity and avoid being stuck in a low realm and unable to make any progress."

"Furthermore, this method can prevent some junior brothers and sisters from burying themselves in hard work without understanding the reasons behind it. It can encourage them to read and study more, which is really wonderful."

"I think the written test score should account for at least 30% of the final evaluation."

“The martial arts test will naturally be a contest of magical abilities,” Xu Ying nodded and continued, “but there are rules. In the arena, the contest must end when the opponent is touched, and intentional injury is strictly prohibited. Violators will be severely punished. We will need Headmaster Chang to preside over the event. The Sect Master has also said that he will observe the contest to prevent any accidents.”

"For the sake of fairness, high-level talismans and magical artifacts that exceed one's own crafting capabilities must not be used. One must rely primarily on one's own cultivation and magical abilities. This score will account for 40% of the final evaluation."

Chang Ping'an nodded and said, "I will do my best."

Huang Wu then pressed further, "Then what about the remaining 'art exam'?"

"The arts exam tests the myriad skills of the immortal path," Xu Ying replied. "The sect leader once said that the immortal path is magnificent, with countless great paths. Whether it is alchemy, weapon crafting, talisman making, formations, puppetry... any one of them, if cultivated to its peak, can lead to immortality and enlightenment. "Therefore, anyone with a skill can demonstrate it in this exam, and we, the stewards and sect leaders who are not participating in the grand competition, will work with the sect leader to score it based on the results, difficulty, and innovation."

"The purpose of this subject is to encourage disciples to develop their strengths and understand that cultivation is not just about fighting magic."

"As for the art exam scores, they also account for 30% of the final evaluation, how about that?"

Having led the Immortal Alliance for some time, Chang Ping'an now acts with considerable foresight. After secretly considering the three trials, he nodded and said, "There is no problem with this arrangement. Thank you for your planning, Manager Xu."

Xu Ying cupped his hands in greeting and said politely, "It is my duty, I dare not complain of hardship."

Chang Ping'an returned the greeting, but continued, "However, I have another idea. Perhaps the stewards and fellow disciples could consider it and see if it is appropriate."

"Please speak, Master Chang."

Chang Ping'an pondered for a moment before carefully saying, "The fellow Daoists in the Immortal Alliance have heard about the Grand Competition of the White Stone Immortal Sect and would like to observe it. After all, the White Stone Immortal Sect is still considered the number one force in the Immortal Path. Whether it is combat or other aspects, with a master's guidance, they are much stronger than other sects."

"How about this grand competition, inviting all the immortal sects and forces, and also inviting those martial arts practitioners who have connections with our sect, so as to encourage the prosperity of the immortal path throughout the world? What do you fellow Daoists think?"

Master Yi immediately understood what his senior brother meant.

Although the White Stone Immortal Sect has been established for quite some time, the martial arts world still holds a wait-and-see attitude towards it. None of the truly top-tier martial arts forces have switched to cultivating immortality.

This is not hard to understand. The higher the level of power, the more it benefits from the existing rules and systems, and therefore the more conservative it becomes.

This self-deceiving mentality has remained unchanged throughout history and in any time and space.

Those who eat meat are base and incapable of long-term planning; that's the case.

Therefore, Shi Yizhi thought it would be better to simply bring over this group of stubborn old fogies and let them personally experience the vast difference between martial arts and immortality.

As for the eldest brother's idea, it is a bit conservative. What can one learn from simply observing the competition?

Only by trying it out themselves and being instantly defeated will they realize how terrifying the Immortal Path is.

Thinking this way, Shi Yizhi immediately interjected, "Senior Brother, why not just add an exchange competition, like a martial arts tournament, where all martial artists can participate? That way, they will be able to recognize the difference between the immortal path and the martial path. Wouldn't that be more effective?"

"Absolutely not!"

"inappropriate."

Unexpectedly, Xu Ying and Chang Ping'an both rejected Shi Yizhi's idea.

Shi Yi was bewildered: "Why is that?"

“After several such incidents, the White Stone Immortal Sect has already become the target of public criticism, so it’s not good to continue acting so blatantly.” Xu Ying spoke first. “Besides, this sect competition is, in the end, an internal competition of our White Stone Immortal Sect. It would be fine if outsiders were allowed to observe, but if outsiders are allowed to participate, what kind of sect competition is that?”

"Manager Xu is right, Sixth Junior Brother. The matter you mentioned should be handled by the Immortal Alliance. For example, the Immortal Alliance could take the lead in holding a grand Immortal Dao competition every three or every few years. This way, everyone in the world can participate, and the prize money should naturally come from the Immortal Alliance. This is the responsibility of the Immortal Dao. How can we shirk it onto Master? He is already very busy managing the sect and providing assistance to various places. We disciples cannot be so troublesome and cause him more trouble."

As he spoke, Chang Ping'an unconsciously adopted a lecturing tone towards Shi Yizhi—

I've been personally guiding this kid's cultivation all along. If he weren't about the same age as me, I'd practically be his father by now. So disciplining him is a breeze for me!
"Oh……"

After listening to Xu Ying and Chang Ping'an's explanation, Shi Yizhi nodded in understanding and gave a somewhat dejected "oh".

Just then, Xu Ying turned to Huang Wu and cupped his hands in greeting, saying, "Peak Master Huang, there is one more matter concerning the sect competition that I would like to trouble you with, fellow Daoist."

Huang Wu waved his hand and said generously, "Just say what you need to say, no need to go to all this trouble!"

"Although this sect competition already includes spirit stones as rewards, we also need to prepare some other prizes. After all, our sect has many hidden talents among its disciples. Some of them are said to be quite wealthy, with their businesses making them practically the richest people in the area. If we only reward them with spirit stones, it might not be enough..."

At this point, Xu Ying added somewhat embarrassedly, "Besides the Sect Master, the only one in our sect skilled in weapon crafting is Peak Master Huang. The Sect Master is in charge of the prizes for the top three winners, and he entrusted them to me for safekeeping before he left. However, for the prizes for the later winners, my cultivation is too low, and I am truly unfamiliar with weapon crafting, so I am somewhat powerless. I wonder if Peak Master Huang could spare some time to craft some prizes to help with this sect competition? Of course, the spiritual materials will all be provided by the sect, and the labor costs will be based on your usual rates."

Huang Wu glared with his bull-like eyes, his face flushed red, and shouted loudly, "Hey, you're being too polite! Even if you don't say anything, I'm still one of those little brats from the outer sect! It's my duty to contribute!"

Seeing this, Shi Yizhi opened his mouth, hesitated, and then stopped himself, finally keeping quiet. He thought to himself, "Fifth Senior Brother, there are quite a few outer disciples who are older than you!"

Chang Ping'an hurriedly advised, "Hey, Fifth Junior Brother, let's keep things separate. If you refuse to accept the money, how will you handle it if you need help from other disciples in the sect in the future? If you don't give them money, won't that be making them work for nothing? If you do give them money, with you setting an example, how can they accept it? Wouldn't that put our future junior brothers and sisters in a difficult position? In my opinion, Fifth Junior Brother, you should accept it!"

Xu Ying nodded and said, "That's right. Besides, the sect is still very rich in spirit stones, and there are so many spirit materials that more than a dozen warehouses can't hold them all. There are also many stored in the sect's Qiankun Treasure Bag, which can hold all things in the world. There's no need to worry too much about this matter."

Since Xu Ying and Chang Ping'an both said so, Huang Wu didn't insist anymore. He chuckled, revealing his big white teeth, and said, "Alright then, I'll take this big business deal from our sect. Consider it a bargain for me, hehe!"

(End of this chapter)