To comprehend all laws and attain immortality

Gu Fan had assumed it would be a silver token summons.

After all, the last time he accepted the Golden Order summons, and given the frequency of Golden Orders, it shouldn't be happening so quickly.

Chen Yunfan seemed to have guessed Gu Fan's doubts, and put down his teacup to explain: "This recruitment is not actually very difficult, but it is a long-term process."

"Long-term conscription?" Gu Fan frowned slightly.

The so-called long-term conscription means that someone like Yan Tieyi is stationed in one place for a long time. Once he leaves, he may not be able to return for three to five years.

"Senior Brother Chen, even with a long-term conscription, it doesn't seem like it qualifies for a Golden Token, does it?"

Gu Fan poured Chen Yunfan another cup and asked in confusion.

He doesn't want to leave the Lingxiao Sect for the time being unless absolutely necessary.

Chen Yunfan nodded slightly: "Speaking of which, this recruitment is somewhat related to the Luofu Secret Realm..."

After speaking, Chen Yunfan recounted the situation after entering the Luofu Secret Realm, and Gu Fan suddenly understood.

In summary, there is only one reason for Jin Ling's summons—the struggle between the states of Wei and Chen on the Cloud and Mist Sea.

Due to the fall of the Dragon Turtle King and the escape of the Sky Eagle King, the power of the monsters in the Cloud Mist Sea has been greatly reduced, especially the two spiritual veins of Meteor Cliff and Hidden Dragon Island, which have become highly contested areas.

Although it was said that the Wei and Chen states were at war, in reality only the Lingxiao faction was handling the situation.

After all, the Hualing Sect has been suppressed by the Manghuang Mountain and cannot raise its head. The Bailian Sect is suppressing the Fallen Soul Abyss and also has to be wary of the Yan Kingdom in the north. Only the Lingxiao Sect has the spare strength to deal with the Chen Kingdom.

Fortunately, the State of Chen was not without pressure, as the neighboring States of Chu and Qin were also eyeing it covetously.

"So...we're going to have a full-scale war with the Chen Kingdom?" Gu Fan asked in a deep voice.

Chen Yunfan smiled and shook his head: "That's not the case. The six nations of the two continents signed a treaty after the ancient war and will not easily start a war."

"And this time...?"

"In this war with Chen, neither country's Golden Core cultivators will act rashly. The fertile lands on the Cloud Mist Sea will be open for their disciples to fight over."

"I see." Gu Fan nodded, then asked, "Then why is this conscription long-term?"

If it's just about fighting for an island, it will only take a few days at most.

Chen Yunfan explained, "Junior Brother, this time you need to guard Falling Star Island. Actually, this island has been occupied by our Lingxiao Sect, but we need someone to guard it for a long time."

"Moreover, Falling Star Island is located in the center of the Cloud Mist Sea, not far from Hidden Dragon Island, making it particularly important."

"Junior Brother is skilled in formations, making him perfect for guarding the island. In addition..." Chen Yunfan paused slightly, turned his head to look in one direction, and continued, "I heard that Elder Xuanji also approved of Junior Brother's arrangements."

"Hmm?" Gu Fan suppressed his surprise and cupped his hands, saying, "Thank you for informing me, Senior Brother."

Chen Yunfan explained the details of the recruitment to Gu Fan one by one before taking his leave.

The conscription was scheduled for two months from now. In addition to Gu Fan, two other Foundation Establishment cultivators accepted the Golden Order and had already gone to Falling Star Island.

After Chen Yunfan left, Gu Fan returned to the stone table, sat down, and began to ponder with a frown.

Being stationed on Falling Star Island for an extended period would certainly not be a peaceful environment. Xuanji Zhenren had not previously mentioned the conscription to him, but what Chen Yunfan just said did not seem false.

"Alright, I'll ask Master later," Gu Fan thought.

Just then, the spirit beast pouch at his waist trembled.

Gu Fan smiled slightly, untied the spirit beast pouch, and poured out the gourd.

The gourd fell to the ground and shook its head violently.

It used to be just a palm-sized Wind Breath Rat, which spent most of its time lying in Gu Fan's arms or playing freely, only briefly entering the spirit beast pouch when fighting.

Now that its size has increased dramatically, it's still a bit uncomfortable being in the spirit beast pouch.

"I'll get you a bigger spirit beast bag later." Gu Fan poked the gourd's chubby cheeks.

......

The third floor of Chenxing Pavilion features a white jade altar.

Just as Gu Fan bowed in greeting, he heard the aged voice of Master Xuanji: "No need for formalities, I already know why you have come."

Gu Fan bowed respectfully upon hearing this, and then asked, "I have heard that this recruitment of disciples is Master's intention, so I have come to ask Master for his guidance."

"It's nothing serious," Master Xuanji chuckled twice, then asked, "When do you plan to enlighten the next acupoint?"

"I estimate it will take five years."

He has already activated three acupoints. At his current cultivation speed, he expects to activate the next acupoint in five years. At that time, the number of activated acupoints will reach four. He only needs to activate one more to break through to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage.

"Five years, not bad." Master Xuanji nodded slightly: "That should be enough to catch up in the next competition for the position of true disciple."

Gu Fan was taken aback, but quickly understood what Xuanji Zhenren meant.

There are seven true disciples of the Lingxiao Sect, who compete for the position every sixty years.

There are two conditions for a true disciple to abdicate: reaching the age of 180 or successfully forming the Golden Core.

It goes without saying that after reaching the Core Formation stage, one will be promoted to Elder.

Foundation Establishment cultivators have a lifespan of 240 years, but the probability of forming a Core gradually declines after 180 years of age. With the talent of a true disciple and the cultivation resources at their disposal, if they cannot form a Core by 180 years of age, they may never have another chance.

In addition, if a true disciple wishes to attempt to reach the Core Formation stage before the age of 180, they may voluntarily step down.

In either case, the position of true successor will be vacant, and these vacant positions are coveted by countless people.

Of course, not just anyone can compete for the position of true successor.

There are three restrictions for participating in the competition: one must be under 120 years old, have a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation level, and have completed at least two Gold Order recruitments or twenty Silver Order recruitments.

One must meet all the conditions to be eligible to compete.

As the disciple of Xuanji Zhenren, Gu Fan's prerequisite for succeeding as the head of Wendao Peak is to become a true disciple. Only by being a true disciple can one receive preferential treatment from the sect's resources.

Gu Fan met the first two conditions for participating in the competition; the only missing condition was the last one.

Xuanji Zhenren did this to make up for this condition for him.

Of course, Gu Fan could also complete the recruitment of twenty silver tokens, but it would inevitably take a lot of time. He might not have gathered them all by the next time he competed for the position of true disciple, and then he would have to wait sixty years.

Although Gu Fan was still under 120 years old at that time, Xuanji Zhenren would not live to see that day.

After figuring it out, Gu Fan asked, "May I ask, Master, how many years until the next competition for the position of true disciple?"

"About eighteen years from now," said Master Xuanji.

"Disciple understands, and will certainly not disappoint Master."

"Good." Master Xuanji nodded in satisfaction and said softly, "Go. Your cultivation during these years away from home cannot be delayed. What you need to comprehend is all in this jade slip."

After speaking, Master Xuanji took out a white jade slip and tossed it to Gu Fan.

Gu Fan bowed again, accepted the jade slip with both hands, and then stepped down from the altar.

Outside Chenxing Pavilion.

Zhou Furui and Fang Linghe also learned that Gu Fan was leaving, and the three brothers held a farewell banquet.

After a long conversation, Gu Fan bid farewell to the two and did not return to Phoenix Perch Island, but went straight to the Hall of Duty.

Since you'll be gone for many years, there's no need to leave behind any good deeds.

"The magical artifacts, elixirs, and array-setting equipment also need to be replenished."

Thinking this, Gu Fan entered the Hall of Duty and embarked on a thorough shopping spree, spending all his merit points before stopping.

Returning to the Green Stone Palace with a full load, the gourd's figure darted out as soon as they entered, opening its mouth wide and howling.

"Hungry?" Gu Fan took out a pill and handed it to it.

Unexpectedly, the gourd swallowed the pill in one gulp, and then stared at him expectantly.

Looking into the gourd's bright, watery eyes, Gu Fan was startled.

"You...you can eat way too much!"

Although he only fed the gourd a first-grade pill, it contained a considerable amount of spiritual energy, yet the gourd was still not full.

Reluctantly, I fed it another one, and only then did Hulu let out a satisfied burp before drowsily curling up on the futon and falling asleep.

Just then, Chang Yuan's smug laughter echoed in his mind: "If you want to grow quickly using the Devouring Heaven Secret Technique, you'll have to eat a lot!"

"Back in the day, I devoured countless rare and precious treasures and demonic beasts from all realms."

"Tsk." Gu Fan shook his head.

In the future, in addition to using elixirs myself, I will also need to raise gourds, which will increase my demand for resources.

Suddenly, he remembered that he was about to go out, and looking at the gourd sleeping soundly, he couldn't help but laugh and say, "This time when I go out, I can let you eat your fill."

Explore the genres of Xianxia novels; there's bound to be one that suits you.