"The Clear Qi is pure and upright—a high score!"
The elderly, white-haired Daoist wrote the results of this inspection on a jade slip and left without saying another word to Zhang Yan, his face expressionless.
Every three months, the Upper Court dispatches a Master to evaluate the cultivation progress of True Disciples. Those whose progress stagnates or advances only slowly are graded as low scores. Three consecutive low scores result in the confiscation of half their resources; six low scores strip them of all their resources, and nine low scores revoke their status as True Disciples.
Zhang Yan naturally would not release his Qian Spirit Clear Qi but instead released a breath of Cloud Wave Pure Qi for the inspection. Though the purity of this Qi could only be considered average, the initial phase is always the most difficult. Having just entered the sect three months ago but already condensing Clear Qi, his progress was notable and deserving of a high score.
As he watched the Daoist ride a beam of light and leave, Zhang Yan was ready to turn and return to his Cave Mansion. However, upon lifting his head, he noticed soone standing before him and quickly bowed, greeting, "I greet Brother Ning."
"Your Spiritual Energy is pure and steady, not dispersing—clearly, you’ve made an effort," Ning Chongxuan, garbed in his usual white robes, spoke with a hint of lancholy.
He knew that the Qi Refining Technique from the "Lan Yun Secret Volu" was neither advanced nor refined, and cultivating within this Blessed Land filled with raging Evil Qi offered only brief windows during the nightti hours for progress. Zhang Yan had poor aptitude and no one to assist or shield him, yet achieving this level within three months demonstrated a consummate Dao Heart and extraordinary resilience far beyond his expectations.
Still, for such a talented and determined disciple to not be drawn into his lineage was, indeed, a regrettable loss.
Gazing intently at Zhang Yan, he said gravely, "I’ve co to inform you of sothing. Your ntorship has already been arranged—you’re to be a disciple under Elixir Cauldron Institute’s Dean, Zhou Chongju. This individual holds a unique position. He specifically ca to my master, requesting to take you as his apprentice, and my master has agreed. I couldn’t intervene, but know this—he is not aligned with the noble family lineage, so you can rest assured."
At this, he sighed lightly and added, "Such twists of fate—clearly, you and Brother Qi are not destined to share a ntor-student bond."
A flicker of light crossed Zhang Yan’s eyes as he asked, "From what Brother Ning has said, there seems to be more to this matter. May I ask why Senior Zhou seeks to take as his disciple?"
Ning Chongxuan shook his head, replying, "Knowing more now would do you no good." Stretching out his hand, he said, "Hand over the Ruyi Divine Shuttle."
Without hesitation, Zhang Yan produced the Divine Shuttle and handed it over, his expression unchanging. Ning Chongxuan touched it lightly, and the shuttle disappeared into his sleeve. After a glance at Zhang Yan, he said, "I shall now escort you to et this individual. Rember this—external aids, no matter how extraordinary, are re support, not sothing to rely on. As long as you devote yourself to the Dao, achieving enlightennt isn’t impossible. Bear this in mind—take it to heart!"
He stepped forward and placed a hand on Zhang Yan’s shoulder. Zhang Yan instantly felt his vision blur as the world seed to suddenly spin and shift. When he steadied himself and looked up, he found himself standing before a grand hall supported by beams of enormous timber, with the plaque above bearing the words "Elixir Cauldron Institute." Ning Chongxuan, however, had already vanished.
As Zhang Yan was about to step forward, his expression froze. Extending his palm, he discovered that the Ruyi Divine Shuttle was still resting neatly in the center of his hand!
After storing the Divine Shuttle away, Zhang Yan contemplated for a mont and began to grasp Ning Chongxuan’s intentions.
"Today, Brother Ning first took the Ruyi Divine Shuttle only to return it later. I suspect his aim was to prompt to reflect upon the feelings of gain and loss. His final words imply a lesson—that external objects, regardless of their magnificence, belong to others. What can be given can also be taken. By performing this act right before sending to the Elixir Cauldron Institute, it’s likely ant as a taphor—alchemy is also an external pursuit. Only through cultivating the Mysterious Skill is the true path, reminding not to lose sight of the foundation."
With this thought, he solemnly clasped his hands and bowed deeply toward the direction in which Ning Chongxuan had departed. No matter Ning Chongxuan’s motives, he had undeniably extended several acts of assistance, and leaving the shuttle behind was an act of utmost generosity. This debt of gratitude was one Zhang Yan swore to repay soday.
But...
A faint smile spread across Zhang Yan’s lips. Whether it was Ning Chongxuan or another ddler behind the scenes—both were gravely mistaken! Swishing his sleeves, he strode confidently into the hall.
The main hall was supported by golden timber that required two n to encircle it, its base shaped like a lotus flower. The arching beams were grandiose, and within stood a tall, twin-neck copper furnace. Above, sheer fabrics fluttered lightly, carrying a faint dicinal fragrance from afar. A Deacon Daoist boy promptly approached upon noticing Zhang Yan, bowing respectfully and asking, "What business brings you here, Brother? Are you seeking elixirs?"
Standing firmly, Zhang Yan responded in a deep voice, "My na is Zhang Yan, and I’ve been ordered to co et Dean Zhou."
"You’re Junior Master Zhang?"
The Daoist boy froze for a mont, then broke into a flattering smile. "Junior Master Zhang, please follow . This way, this way—I’ll go notify the Ancestor Master myself." With that, he hurriedly turned and rushed toward the inner hall.
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