Sect Leader! Please strengthen our Dao Sect!

Under the hazy moonlight, in the depths of winter, the people on Tianyi Mountain did not feel cold.

"It's so dark, should we hurry on our way?"

Seeing that some people around him had taken a short rest and continued to wait for the mountain under the cover of night, Li Daniu was moved.

"The mountain path is steep, and even with a torch, you can only see about ten steps at most."

If we take the wrong path, we'll waste even more time. It's better to conserve our energy and set off again at dawn.

He Wenzheng shook his head. He did not follow the crowd in his actions, nor was he anxious. Instead, he rationally assessed the current situation.

As he expected, sporadic curses soon echoed from the mountain. They were coming from those who had chosen to travel through the night, falling down the steep mountain path.

The mountain path is difficult to walk on, and the steep slope is full of loose rocks. A fall won't kill you, but if you injure your leg, you will completely lose the right to compete with others.

Li Daniu nodded and fell silent, simply staring quietly at the campfire in front of him.

He didn't actually have much of an interest in joining the immortal sect; he was just trying his luck.

His home is in a village not far from Qingyang City. He has been strong since he was a child, and at this age he is already a skilled farmhand.

Hearing that a magical sect had suddenly appeared in Qingyang County, and since it was winter and there wasn't much farm work to do, the villagers urged him to come and try it out, so he did.

"Brother Hua, you've helped me twice today. After this is over, whether it works out or not, you and Brother He should both come to my village for a visit."

"I'll take you to the field to dig up mouse holes. The field mice are fattest at this time of year, and they don't run very fast."

Perhaps the atmosphere among the three was too silent, so after a while, Li Daniu took the initiative to start a conversation.

"it is good."

Hua Ming nodded, still sparing with words. Compared to before, there was less sweat on his forehead; his body seemed to be slowly adapting to the change in spiritual energy concentration.

"I wonder if we can become disciples of immortals. I've heard that immortals don't need to eat, let alone farm."

Li Daniu looked up at the night sky and smiled sheepishly.

Hearing the other party's simple words, He Wenzheng couldn't help but chuckle. It wasn't mockery, but rather amusement.

"Brother Da Niu, you really overestimate cultivators. Whether there are truly immortals in this world is still unknown."

Take eating, for example... even cultivators in the Qi Refining stage, unless they've reached the Foundation Establishment stage, still need to eat grains and cereals, so they're not much different from ordinary people.

He Wenzheng's knowledge was far superior to Li Dani's, and in his mind, cultivators were not superior at all; in fact, he held them in some contempt.

"Brother He is much more knowledgeable. I've never been to school, all I know is farming, I have no other experience."

Li Daniu admired the scholar quite a bit. In his mind, those who could cultivate were immortals, and those who could read were more capable than him.

However, Li Daniu has an optimistic attitude and never feels inferior, so he does not subconsciously feel inferior to He Wenzheng.

He Wenzheng shook his head and sighed softly, saying, "I have indeed read a lot of books, but I dare not claim to be knowledgeable. The vastness of the Immortal Dynasty far surpasses what I see before me."

The Immortal Dynasty has a vast territory, and the customs and traditions vary from prefecture to prefecture and even from county to county.

No matter how many books you read, nothing beats going out for a walk.

Li Dani stretched, his eyes filled with hope: "If I join the immortal sect, I wonder if I'll be able to fly in the future? If I can fly, I'll go and see outside Qingyang County."

I heard the storyteller say that besides Jiangnan Prefecture, there's another prefecture called Tianyang Prefecture, where the girls are the most beautiful. I'll definitely pick the prettiest one then!

He Wenzheng covered his face and chuckled. Li Daniu's idea was too naive, but it also revealed a very simple truth.

Why do people go to such lengths to embark on the path of spiritual practice? Isn't it all for that one thought?

Lifespan, wealth, wine and women, power!

This is also what pure scholars like He Wenzheng are worried about.

A powerful cultivator possesses immense power capable of destroying the world, but can his virtue truly match that power?

No matter how strict the laws of the Immortal Dynasty are, they cannot truly prevent cultivators from breaking the law and violating discipline.

Leaving aside the powerful cultivators, even a rogue cultivator could easily slaughter the entire village if he wanted to, if he wanted to.

Moreover, afterward, government investigations rarely yield results. Most cases can only be solved by posting a reward at the government office; with luck, the case might be solved, the ringleader apprehended, and the perpetrators deterred. With bad luck, the case might remain unsolved for years or even decades.

The world is vast, and not all places are as peaceful as Qingyang County.

"Brother Niu, even the most beautiful girl needs to be in love with someone. If you are able to embark on the path of cultivation, you must not forget your roots."

Even a Nascent Soul Dao Venerable started as just an ordinary person.

Perhaps there are no immortals in this world; we are all just the same kind of human being.

He Wenzheng said with a light laugh, also reminding Li Daniu not to forget his original aspirations.

……

At the summit, Shen Shanshui kept his eyes closed, his body enveloped in profound Daoist energy.

"A sudden enlightenment? Young friend Shen is truly blessed!"

Liu Jiujiang and Wu Lianshan watched quietly from the side, dumbfounded with surprise, but did not disturb Shen Shanshui's sudden enlightenment.

Based on just a few words from that kid named He Wenzheng, Shen Shanshui actually gained some insights, and their comprehension was truly enviable.

After a long while, Shen Shanshui slowly opened his eyes. His eyes were like a starry river, with Daoist charm flowing through them, incomparably brilliant and clear.

He had just vaguely touched something, but unfortunately, he was not of high enough status to grasp it properly; it was like trying to catch the moon's reflection in the water—he could not see what it truly was.

However, it did offer a glimpse into a potential breakthrough, providing a vague direction for the future.

"Many start well, but few can succeed in the middle. If this child does not change his original intention due to circumstances and maintains this mindset, he will surely achieve great things."

Shen Shanshui was generous with his praise for He Zhengwen.

In this world where cultivation is possible, almost everyone has an indescribable longing for it.

It is truly commendable that He Wenzheng was able to maintain a pure heart.

Shen Shanshui's sudden enlightenment was also due to being awakened. Powerful cultivation can lead one astray, and he was no exception.

If cultivators transcend the realm of humanity, then what difference is there between them and those ferocious beasts that possess immense power but lack intelligence?

"Young friend, are you tempted to take him as your disciple? If this person truly goes far on the path of immortality, he will likely stir up endless storms in the future."

Liu Jiujiang looked at Shen Shanshui with curiosity.

"Let it be."

"If there is truly a connection, what harm is there in accepting him as a disciple? Strengthening the Heavenly Dao Sect is my master's dying wish, and it is something I must do."

If that's the case, what is there to worry about? Extraordinary people all possess great fortune and are destined to stir up storms.

If the Heavenly Dao Sect wants to grow stronger, it cannot expect to have smooth sailing. Since Shen Shanshui has acknowledged He Wenzheng's Dao heart, he will not think about those uncertain variables and troubles in the future.

Besides, this person is different from Tang Yan. Tang Yan is just having a fit of chuunibyou (middle school syndrome), and he will definitely suffer from this person's sharp tongue in the future.

……