As the night grew deep, Elder Zhao told Ye Wuji to get some good rest, as they had to resume their journey early the next morning. Ye Wuji returned to his tent, but after lying down, he found himself unable to sleep for a long time.
He replayed the massive changes that had taken place in this single day, feeling a mixture of excitement and apprehension in his heart. What kind of place was the Qingyun Sect? Could he truly establish a foothold there? Would those disciples who had received immortal cultivation education since childhood look down on him as a newcomer from the countryside?
Lost in these thoughts, Ye Wuji drifted off to sleep without realizing it. In his dream, he stood before a towering mountain gate, surrounded by swirling clouds and circling cranes, looking just like an immortal wonderland.
Early the next morning, the group packed their belongings and continued on their way. Today, Elder Zhao led them across three large mountains. Along the way, they encountered some low-level Demonic Beasts, all of which were easily dealt with by the Qingyun Sect disciples.
Ye Wuji secretly observed these disciples' fighting styles. Some used spells, while others deployed magical artifacts; every strike was fierce and of astonishing power. This made Ye Wuji yearn even more for the power of immortal cultivators.
"Elder Zhao, what cultivation stage are these disciples at?" Ye Wuji asked humbly, taking advantage of a rest break.
Elder Zhao pointed at the disciples and said, "They are all in the Mid to Late-stage Qi Condensation, around twenty-five years old. In the Qingyun Sect, this is considered a rather average rate of progress."
Ye Wuji made a silent comparison in his heart. He had only just stepped into Layer 1 Qi Condensation, and the gap between him and them was enormous. Yet, considering his brief cultivation time and lack of professional guidance, achieving what he had so far was already quite good.
"Then what stage are you at, Elder?" Ye Wuji asked curiously.
Elder Zhao smiled. "This old man is already at the Early-stage Nascent Soul, which gives me some status within the Qingyun Sect. However, compared to the truly top-tier figures, I am still far behind."
Ye Wuji's mouth dropped open in shock. The Nascent Soul stage! According to the descriptions in the Hunyuan Formula, cultivators at the Nascent Soul stage were already capable of sending their primordial spirits out of their bodies, possessed lifespans of over five hundred years, and were true powerhouses of immortal cultivation.
"What stage is our Sect Master at?" Ye Wuji continued to ask.
Elder Zhao smiled mysteriously. "The Sect Master is already a mighty figure in the Late-stage Void Refinement, with one foot already stepping into the Dao Integration stage, and could break through at any moment. Throughout the entire immortal cultivation world, there are no more than ten people who can rival the Sect Master."
Ye Wuji drew a sharp breath. According to the description in the Hunyuan Formula, Void Refinement Stage cultivators were already capable of carving out small worlds and possessed lifespans exceeding a thousand years. Such powerhouses were no different from gods in the eyes of mortals.
During the remainder of the journey, Elder Zhao explained in detail the basic common sense of the immortal cultivation world and the situation of the Qingyun Sect.
The Qingyun Sect was situated on "Qingyun Mountain" deep within the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains and was the most powerful immortal cultivation sect within a radius of ten thousand miles. The disciples within the sect were divided into three tiers: outer sect disciples, inner sect disciples, and core disciples. Outer sect disciples mainly handled miscellaneous chores while building a solid foundation for cultivation; inner sect disciples had access to more cultivation resources and could study more profound techniques; while core disciples were the primary focus of the sect's nurturing and were expected to become the pillars of the sect in the future.
Aside from disciples, the sect also held positions such as elders and stewards. Elders were mainly responsible for major decision-making and guiding top-tier disciples, while stewards managed daily affairs.
As for the cultivation system, the Qingyun Sect primarily practiced the "Qingyun Formula", a complete set of cultivation techniques with detailed methods ranging from Qi Condensation all the way to Dao Integration. Additionally, the sect's Scripture Pavilion housed countless secret manuals, allowing disciples to choose auxiliary techniques based on the characteristics of their spiritual roots.
"Little friend Ye, you possess the Chaos Spiritual Root, which allows you to study techniques of any attribute. In the Qingyun Sect, that is an unprecedented advantage!" When Elder Zhao said this, his eyes were filled with envy.
Ye Wuji responded modestly, "Although this junior's aptitude is good, I am a beginner after all, and I will still need much guidance from the elders."
Elder Zhao laughed heartily. "You rascal, knowing how to be modest—that's rare. However, a genius ought to have the confidence of a genius. With your aptitude, your future achievements will be limitless!"
By the evening of the third day, the group finally arrived at the foot of Qingyun Mountain. Looking up, amidst the swirling clouds, the vague outlines of buildings on the mountain could be seen, magnificent and grand, just like an immortal realm.
"We have arrived. This is Qingyun Mountain, the location of my Qingyun Sect." Elder Zhao pointed at the towering mountain before them, his tone filled with pride.
He led the group up the winding mountain path. This path was not easy to walk; it was rugged and occasionally infested with Demonic Beasts. However, under the protection of the Qingyun Sect disciples, everyone remained safe and sound.
"This path is specially set up to test the willpower of new disciples," Elder Zhao explained. "True members of the sect have much more convenient ways to ascend the mountain."
After climbing for about two hours, the view suddenly opened up. A magnificent mountain gate appeared before the group, inscribed with three large characters: "Qingyun Sect". The brushstrokes were vigorous and powerful, seeming to flow with Spiritual Qi.
Several guards stood on either side of the mountain gate. Seeing Elder Zhao return with people, they bowed respectfully, "Greetings, Elder Zhao."
Elder Zhao nodded. "These are newly recruited disciples. Go notify the Steward Hall and have them arrange quarters."
The guards acknowledged the order and left. Soon, several steward disciples dressed in cyan robes arrived and took charge of the two youths who were to become outer sect disciples.
"Little friend Ye, come with me," Elder Zhao said to Ye Wuji. "You are an inner sect disciple, and your quarters are in the inner sect area. Also, I need to report the discovery of you to the Sect Master immediately."
Ye Wuji followed Elder Zhao through the mountain gate and entered the Qingyun Sect. The sights within left him marveling incessantly.
Pavilions and kiosks, rockeries and flowing streams dotted the Qingyun Sect, exuding an immortal aura dense with Spiritual Qi everywhere. Disciples either cultivated alone or gathered in groups of three or five to discuss cultivation techniques, presenting a scene of complete harmony.
Many disciples saw Elder Zhao and bowed respectfully. When they noticed Ye Wuji following behind him, looks of curiosity appeared in their eyes.
"Elder Zhao went out to recruit disciples this time and actually brought back a new disciple in person?"
"Judging by this kid's attire, he's clearly from the countryside. What is so special about him that warrants Elder Zhao bringing him directly into the inner sect?"
"I heard there was a major discovery during this recruitment. Could it be this kid?"
Various discussions reached Ye Wuji's ears, but he paid them no mind, focusing instead on observing this completely new world.
Elder Zhao brought Ye Wuji to a stop before an exquisite small courtyard. "This is the residence assigned to you. Inner sect disciples generally live alone in a small courtyard, and the conditions are much better than those in the outer sect. You settle in first; I am going to report to the Sect Master, and someone will come to fetch you shortly."
Ye Wuji expressed his gratitude, "Many thanks to the Elder for the arrangement."
Elder Zhao exhorted him, "Once you enter the sect, you must obey the sect rules in everything. As a newcomer, if there is anything you don't understand, feel free to ask your fellow disciples more often. Remember your identity; others might look down on you because of your background, but as long as you display your talent and strength, no one will dare to despise you."
Ye Wuji nodded solemnly. "Ye Wuji will firmly keep the Elder's teachings in mind."
Elder Zhao smiled with satisfaction and turned to leave.
Ye Wuji pushed open the courtyard gate, finding the interior layout simple yet elegant. There was a bedroom, a cultivation chamber, and a small courtyard planted with a few exotic flowers and rare herbs.
Hardly had he finished settling his belongings when Ye Wuji heard a knock at the door. Opening it, he found a cyan-robed woman of about twenty, with delicate features and a gentle demeanor.
"Junior Brother Ye, hello. I am Li Mengzhu, an inner sect steward. I have been sent by the Sect Master's decree to take you to the deliberation hall," the woman said politely.
Ye Wuji was somewhat surprised. "The Sect Master wants to see me?"
Li Mengzhu nodded. "Yes. Elder Zhao has already reported your special spiritual root situation to the Sect Master. The Sect Master attaches great importance to this and wants to see you personally. This is a rare honor indeed!"
Ye Wuji tidied his attire and followed Li Mengzhu toward the deliberation hall. Along the way, he couldn't help asking, "Senior Sister Li, what kind of person is the Sect Master?"
Li Mengzhu thought for a moment before replying, "The Sect Master is just and strict, treating disciples with both severity and care. As long as you respect your master, revere the Dao, and strive in your cultivation, the Sect Master will surely grant you the best nurturing possible."
As they penetrated deeper into the Qingyun Sect, Ye Wuji found the architecture becoming increasingly grand and the Spiritual Qi ever denser. Finally, they arrived before a resplendent and magnificent palace. The hall was towering and majestic, exuding an imposing momentum, with two lifelike stone lions standing before the gate, as though they might awaken at any moment.
Li Mengzhu stopped in her tracks. "We have reached the deliberation hall. Go on inside by yourself; the Sect Master is already waiting for you inside."
Ye Wuji took a deep breath, gathered his thoughts, and then pushed open the doors of the hall and walked inside.
The interior of the hall was spacious and flashed with golden light. Seated on a high platform right in the center was a middle-aged man with resolute features, eyes like lightning, dressed in a blue Daoist robe and wearing a jade crown, exuding an extraordinary aura. Surrounding him were several elders of varying ages, each emanating a profound presence that made one reluctant to meet their gaze.
"Ye Wuji pays respects to the Sect Master and all the elders." Ye Wuji bowed respectfully.
The middle-aged man nodded slightly. "Rise. I am Yun Tianqi, the Sect Master of the Qingyun Sect. Elder Zhao has already reported your situation to me. A Chaos Spiritual Root is indeed rare."
An elderly man with white hair spoke up, "Sect Master, although this child's spiritual root is good, his background is humble after all, and he has no foundation in immortal cultivation whatsoever. To rashly bring him into the inner sect will likely lead to him failing to keep up with the cultivation progress."
Another dignified-looking middle-aged elder retorted, "Spiritual root aptitude is determined by birth and has nothing to do with one's background. Our Qingyun Sect has always promoted people based on ability. Since we have encountered a genius with a Chaos Spiritual Root, we should naturally focus on nurturing him."