The both of them were using Free Cloud Sect techniques. Zheng Hua Ran started his assault, and charged towards Pei Zi Yun. The sound of the sword swirling in the air was never ending, within a split second, he had launched an assault of three slashes towards Pei Zi Yun. These strokes were flawless and bore the entire essence of his technique. The audience below the stage watched on, clearly impressed as they shouted, "Impressive sword technique!"
The Sect Elders on top were nodding their heads in approval as well. This sword technique was extremely proficient and pure. It was clear that he was almost at the peak of sword ability.
Pei Zi Yun smiled, as he held his own wooden sword up. Similarly, he used a Free Cloud Sect sword technique. However, with just a single stroke, he managed to dissolve the three slashes directed at him, and neutralized the threat instantly.
Zheng Hua Ran was shocked, ‘This Sharp Soaring Swallow technique was just an average technique and yet he was able to neutralize my three killing strokes just like that?’
He started to incorporate more moves of the Free Cloud Sword techniques into his assault, and charged straight for Pei Zi Yun. Pei Zi Yun stood still, and calmly flicked his sword and slashed at his oncoming opponent. Instantly, he neutralized the flurry of blows, and cleared himself of the threat with a single motion.
Pei Zi Yun allowed Zheng Hua Ran to make ten moves, and yet he had only responded with a single slash. This was still the Sharp Soaring Swallow technique, "Pu!" Zheng Hua Ran’s felt a sharp pain on his wrist, as he dropped the wooden sword in his hand.
Zheng Hua Ran retreated several steps back, as if he had just witnessed the most horrifying thing in this world. He would never have imagined that these decades of practicing sword techniques could be defeated by a simple Sharp Soaring Swallow technique.
Zheng Hua Ran paused for sometime in a daze. When he finally snapped back to reality, he clasped his hands in salute, "Thank you Junior Brother for sparing me. I admit defeat."
As he spoke, he turned around to pick up his wooden sword before leaping of the stage. He bore a look of sadness and defeat.
The Daoist audience beneath the stage were all shocked and found it hard to believe. Everyone knew the proficiency level of Brother Zheng’s sword skills. It was unthinkable that he could be defeated. They were all stumped.
"You graciously let me win!" Pei Zi Yun said humbly, before taking two steps forward. He then bowed to the Sect Leader.
The Sect Leader smiled, "Your sword techniques are pretty good. First round, victorious!"
Song Zhi’s face was ashen. He sat beside the Sect Leader and observed that the Sect Leader had curled his hands into a fist when Pei Zi Yun was fighting. Song Zhi was shocked, "Even the Sect Leader was intimidated by Pei Zi Yun’s skills?"
Yu Yun Jun sighed, seeing how skillful her disciple was, "This disciple’s sword techniques is on another level. Clearly, is there no one in his generation that could match up to him?"
Zhao Ning thought to himself, ‘Speaking of sword skills alone, not only was he unrivalled in his entire generation, but maybe even among our generation?’
Zhao Ning had watched over Pei Zi Yun for the most part of his journey and knew of the obstacles he had faced while he travelled to the capital. He knew that Pei Zi Yun had slaughtered bandits, the six riders and the pirates. Zhao Ning could see that his strokes and techniques were firm and assured. Zhao Ning knew that the match before was only too easy for Pei Zi Yun. A person who had been involved in a real battle would be able to see how skillful Pei Zi Yun was, and that was indeed terrifying.
Those people who had not been involved in actual combat, or those whose skill levels were much lower would not have been able to see this.
There were many participants in the competition. Some skirmishes lasted for a long time, while others were short and quick. Pei Zi Yun sat below watching on as people competed with each other on the stage.
After some time, Pei Zi Yun noticed that the amount of existing competitors had been reduced by half. He walked to the stage calmly.
His next opponent was another senior brother. Pei Zi Yun looked at him and smiled. With the information from the original owner’s memory, he knew that this person was Li Zi Zhi, and was another extremely skilled swordsman, ‘What a coincidental arrangement!’
Li Zi Zhi had seen how easily Pei Zi Yun had disposed of Zheng Hua Ran and was filled with anticipation. He himself was very familiar with the skills of Zheng Hua Ran due to their frequent duels. And yet he could never pull off something like that. He would never have been able to defeat Zheng Hua Ran with such simple strokes. Furthermore Zheng Hua Ran had unleashed his ten signature moves and yet had been neutralized without much effort. His palms started to sweat. He felt extremely nervous.
From afar, Yu Yun Jun and several other Elders were observing the fight that was about to take place. Zhao Ning looked at the scene before him and laughed, "Li Zi Zhi is hesitating. It looks like he will not be able to hold on for long."
Hearing Zhao Ning speak, a white bearded Elder sighed, his eyebrows twitched, "Junior Sister Yu is such a good Master, to have produced a disciple of such standards. My disciple is not his match. However, I hope he would put up a good fight."
"After you!" "After you!" As the Elders were speaking, Pei Zi Yun and Li Zi Zhi were exchanging pleasantries and bowing to each other as a show of respect.
Once they were done with formal introductions, they drew their swords. They stood close to each other, both poised to strike. Without testing the waters, Li Zi Zhi started charging at Pei Zi Yun. With unimaginable speed, he had combined his strokes smoothly to produce an assault that was astonishing. As he was charging towards Pei Zi Yun someone below shouted, "Brother Li’s Six Forms of Wind Slashing is indeed formidable!"
Seeing such skills, Pei Zi Yun could not help but sigh, "Such good sword techniques!"
After he paused to admire the skills shown by his opponent, he reacted and swung his own sword in defense. He used the same Sharp Soaring Swallow technique to meet Li Zi Zhi’s offense. Both their swords collided in mid air, as Pei Zi Yun managed to defend himself successfully against his six strokes.
They both jumped backward as their swords peeled away from each other. Li Zi Zhi then started to use another technique, The Welcoming Visitor. This particular sword technique was extremely advanced and consisted of seven moves combined into one. The people behind could identify his moves and were astonished, "This technique is one of the most advanced within our sect. It seems like brother Li has already mastered it."
Some other Daoists among the audiences thought to themselves, "With such a powerful technique, how will Junior Brother Pei defend himself? Would he use the same simple technique again?"
They then noticed that Pei Zi Yun broke out in a smile, and defended himself with a simple stab. Several members of the audience found it incredulous that he would again resort to such simple tactics to overcome an advanced technique. However, their smiles froze when they realized that Pei Zi Yun’s sword technique was still the same old Sharp Soaring Swallow, albeit with several adjustments. In fact, it was the same technique but with incredible precision, as he had taken it to a whole new different level. At this point, the seven transformations of the Welcoming Visitor technique were rendered powerless. Both their swords met again once more with a dull thud.
When Zhao Ning saw this, cold sweat started to form, "Pei Zi Yun was using simplicity to overcome and break through the complexity of advanced moves. Seeing the way Pei Zi Yun had been on the defensive, it was evident that he was trying not to embarrass his opponent by winning too quickly. If I’m not mistaken, he will counter attack in the next move."
Li Zi Zhi then gave a shout of determination as his sword whirled in a flurry of moves, as he charged towards Pei Zi Yun once more. Pei Zi Yun raised his own sword and stabbed forward. In the next instant, a wooden sword could be seen flying up into the air. Pei Zi Yun then took a step back and bowed, "Senior Brother went easy on me."
"Junior Brother Pei really has some impressive sword techniques. Senior brother is no match for you." After some time, Li Zi Zhi sighed and turned around before leaping off the stage.
"Junior brother Pei is indeed an expert at sword techniques! If not, he wouldn’t have been able to achieve such a major achievement for our sect." A Daoist beneath the stage spoke out loudly and met with much approval. Someone else then shouted out, "That’s true. If you noticed, the strokes exchanged were all extremely clean and precise. Brother Li’s sword techniques are known throughout the entire sect as one of the best. And yet he had lost like this. It’s really hard to believe."
The Free Cloud Sect Daoists spectating all sank into deep discussion. It took sometime before the reality of what had happened set in, and everyone admired Pei Zi Yun. However, there were some who were afraid, "This person’s sword techniques are so amazing. How can we hope to compete against him in future?"
The Sect Leader stood beside several Sect Elders. At this point, he was laughing, "What impressive sword techniques. Junior Sister Yu, you’ve really acquired a good disciple."
"Congratulations Junior Sister Yu. Based on this sword competition, it seems like your disciple is at least among the top three." A Daoist stroked his beard as he spoke. When Zhao Ning heard this, he burst into smiles. How good would it have been if he’d accepted this person as his disciple back then. It was only that when Zhao Ning checked up on his spiritual potential, it was thin and didn’t amount to much. Hence, he had given up on Pei Zi Yun. Who would’ve imagined him to turn out this way? It must’ve been that he had overlooked this young man.
When the second round of competition began, the time waiting to fight on stage was reduced significantly. Before long, Pei Zi Yun carried his sword as he walked up the stage once more. The Elder said, "The third match begins."
"After you!" "After you!"
Immediately after this person stepped on the stage and exchanged pleasantries, Pei Zi Yun could hear the whooshing of his sword as he charged towards Pei Zi Yun. The first stroke was directed at Pei Zi Yun’s chest. He deflected the blow at once, and heard his opponent shout out before delivering six swift stabs. His strokes were extremely vicious. Although it was just a competition, Pei Zi Yun felt like his opponent was out for his life. When the audience looked on, they all furrowed their brows.
‘This person must be Yue Ning. Although his sword techniques were on par with Li Zi Zhi, this person was Song Zhi’s man. At this point he wished to save Song Zhi from losing his spot, and wanted to suppress all the hype and glory surrounding me.’
Pei Zi Yun smiled, and followed along with his strokes, matching every single blow with a defensive parry. Instead of counter attacking whenever he had the chance, Pei Zi Yun allowed him to execute all his moves before neutralizing it at the final seconds. He could hear people on the upper deck shouting. This man’s attacks were becoming more and more vicious. It felt almost like a duel to death.
The Elders on the upper deck were becoming more and more displeased, as they bore worried and anxious looks. All of a sudden, Pei Zi Yun counterattacked as his sword moved in a blur. With a soft shout, Yue Ning’s sword left his hand and dropped to the ground. Pei Zi Yun immediately took a step back and bowed, "Senior Brother went easy on me."
This person was undaunted. Seeing that Pei Zi Yun had retreated and was off his guard, he leapt high up into the air and charged towards Pei Zi Yun. This caused the crowd beneath to shout out in objection, as others remained silent, petrified. Clearly this man did not want his face any more.
Pei Zi Yun retaliated by thrusting his sword forward, "Chi" The sword connecting with the attacker’s right shoulder. Yue Ning fell to the ground and cried out in pain, blood was flowing from his wound.
The Sect Elders immediately called for them to halt as someone rushed forward to inspect the severity of his injuries. The Elder looked extremely unhappy and berated Pei Zi Yun, "Why did you use so much strength in your attack?"
Pei Zi Yun received the scolding and wasn’t bothered by it. He then replied, "Senior Uncle, I thought that the match was over, and thus was not prepared. When he attacked I acted in self-defense, and accidentally used more strength that I meant to. I beg for Senior Uncle’s forgiveness."
Deep down however, he was smiling. Although his outburst did not seem very powerful, the strength he put into that attack had destroyed the muscles beneath his skin. This man would never be able to compete in a sword fight in future.
Since you wish to lay your body down on the line for your master, I shall cripple you for life. Pei Zi Yun gave another bow before retreating.
The following matches led to the final moments of the competition. They were down to the final three. Yu Yun Jun hurriedly went up to him and said, "It’s okay. Do your best to bring me the glory of winning first place."
"Yes, master." Pei Zi Yun bowed.
Seeing how Pei Zi Yun disposed of all his opponents so cleanly, the Sect Leader smiled at the Sect Elders around him. With such pure skills, even the most skillful member within the inner circle of Free Cloud Sect would not be able to best him. Sword techniques were the primary way of defending the Dao. Everyone had their different views on this.
The time for the final three to compete against one another. The three of them stepped onto the stage to draw lots.
Pei Zi Yun reached his hands in and pulled out a stick. When his opponent drew Pei Zi Yun, he forced a laugh and said, "I admit defeat!"
This man had seen Pei Zi Yun’s sword techniques and knew that he was not a match for Pei Zi Yun and thus conceded before even fighting.
"Zhao Yi"
"Pei Zi Yun"
The pair wanted to win the glory of attaining the winner status of this competition. When they stepped on the stage, they bowed to each other politely before drawing their swords slowly. The tense atmosphere started to build up on the stage. The audience beneath looked on silently, everyone holding their breaths.
They moved into position abruptly, circling each other. Zhao Yi then said, "Junior Brother Pei, do not hold back against me."
As he spoke, the sound of his sword whirling through the air could be heard, his sword darted towards Pei Zi Yun. Pei Zi Yun felt the intensity of his strokes and parried it away. Zhao Yi slashed forward once more towards Pei Zi Yun. Every single stroke was heavy and extremely precisely. Pei Zi Yun was forced to retreat several steps.
"Elder Han, Zhao Yi’s sword techniques have improved by a notch since the last time." Yu Yun Jun smiled and said.
"Elder Yu, your disciple has already grasped the essence and core of the Free Cloud Sect sword techniques. With just a single stroke he could overwhelm all of his opponents. It’s indeed frightening. His future is immeasurable." Elder Han said as he twirled his beard.
The cultivation of Daoists was of foremost importance. Anything in regards to improvement have to be pursued unrelentingly. The spoils of victory was only a bonus.
Pei Zi Yun retreated several steps more. At this point however, Pei Zi Yun went on the offensive, "Chi chi chi" Zhao Yi had been hit three times by Pei Zi Yun’s sword.
"Shoulder, chest and heart!" Zhao Yi stepped back, his chest glowed. The first blow to his shoulder would’ve broken his shoulder immediately. The second blow would’ve split open his stomach and cracked his rib cage. The final blow would’ve cost him his life. His face turned pale, he was completely disheartened. After sometime, he then saluted, "Thank you Junior Brother for your pointers."
"I do not dare to offer you pointers!" Pei Zi Yun bowed, "Senior Brother Zhao went easy on me."
In actual fact this person’s sword skills were extremely proficient. Pei Zi Yun could not afford to hold back and thus had to defeat him as soon as possible.
"The Great Competition has been won by Pei Zi Yun effortlessly." The spectators had seen the amazing display by Pei Zi Yun and knew that he was on a different league. At first, they had thought that he his proficiency was due to his constant refinement of his techniques. Later on, they realized that reaching the highest pinnacle of a swordsman was just a matter of reaching the crucial point in his battles. They were all stunned by this revelation.
Realizing that such a talent had landed himself in Free Cloud Sect, the Sect Leader and the Elders were all delighted and yet were mystified. Feeling a myriad of strange emotions, the Sect Leader paused before standing up "For this sword evaluation, Pei Zi Yun has emerged victorious!"
He then stepped forward and encouraged Pei Zi Yun, "Only after you open the gates to heaven will you be granted a spot among the Core Disciples!"
He then started encouraging all the other participants of the competition. Hearing this, all the Elders looked at each other and were surprised. Although the rules of the sect was that a disciple would only be permitted to become a Core Disciple after opening the gates to heavens, there were many exceptions to this rule. Pei Zi Yun had achieved a great contribution to the sect and was a clear genius. Why didn’t he announce for Pei Zi Yun to become a Core Disciple?
Furthermore the group of Elders had decided and agreed beforehand, that should Pei Zi Yun win this competition and ace the evaluation, it would be a good enough reason to break the rule and make an exception. Now that he had obtained first place, and had achieved a great accomplishment for the sect, he deserved to be an exception to the rule and get promoted to Core Discipline status. Why did the Sect Leader go back on his word?
Yu Yun Jun’s face was seething with anger, as she gave a cold harrumph.
Apart from two or three Sect Elders who were chatting happily with the Sect Leader, the rest of the Sect Elders looked extremely unhappy. Seeing the tense scene before him, the Sect Leader managed a weak and forced smile.
It was late in the night. A small gust of wind blew across the mountain, causing the thick forest of trees to rustle. The shadow of a man creeping towards a room could be seen. He walked slowly until he reached the Sect Elder’s room before knocking on the door.
"Master, have you fallen asleep?" Song Zhi’s voice rang out from outside. Realizing that it was quiet inside the room, he gently pushed open the door and entered the Sect Leader’s room.
"Pu"
The candles within the room lit up instantly, emitting a dazzling glow all across. The Sect Leader sat upright on his bed. It seemed like he had snapped his fingers and the candles were ignited all at once.
Song Zhi was not shocked at all by this display of powers. He then stepped forward and bowed, "Master, your disciple is feeling anxious and worried. My apologies for intruding on your meditation."
"Are you here because of Pei Zi Yun?" The Sect Leader opened his eyes.
"Yes, master. My heart feels extremely unjust. Pei Zi Yun was just lucky, and thus managed to secure such a huge accomplishment. And now all he needs to do is to open the gates of heaven before he can become a Core Disciple. And I, Song Zhi, have labored for more than ten years and contributed greatly to the sect in various ways before I could reach my current status of a Core Disciple. I feel that it's extremely unfair. And I'm not pleased." Song Zhi paused before spilling out his worries, his face showed a look of anxiousness.
"I know what you're thinking and how you're feeling. How can his one single accomplishment match up to your years of hard work. Do you really not understand, or are you pretending not to understand? Song Zhi my good disciple." The Sect Leader sighed and looked at Song Zhi as he said frankly.
Hearing the Sect Leader’s words, Song Zhi fell into a state of panic. Honestly, how could he not understand? It was clear that his years of hard work were considered small and insignificant manual layout. And yet the accomplishment of Pei Zi Yun was a huge victory for the sect. It was so huge that even the Founder and the whole Paradise and sect could feel the effects.
Placing all other benefits aside, having the title of True Sovereign meant that the officials from various prefectures would look out for the interest of the sect. Having a benefit like this would benefit the sect for several hundred years.
Song Zhi’s deepest fears had been placed out in the open by the Sect Leader. He swallowed hard and stammered before speaking, "Master, I know that Pei Zi Yun had done a great deed for out sect. But I am…."
The Sect Leader had a strange look on his face. He sighed and interrupted Song Zhi from completing his sentence. The Sect Leader opened his eyes once more, and didn’t allow Song Zhi to continue, "Silly, why should you bother? If he’s unable to break through the gates of heaven, all his accomplishments will be for naught."
"Master, you have to help me. I understand this as well. But if I do not eventually become the Sect Leader, where will I find the resources to cultivate immortality? If I do not become the Honorary Disciple, how can I receive guidance? Although all these stems from a selfish agenda, if I get to become an Honorary Disciple, I will eventually become the Sect Leader. Then I can take the sect to greater heights."
"Hm, you do not have to say all these. Let me ask you, when can you open the gates of heaven?" Hearing Song Zhi’s words, the Free Cloud Sect Leader bore a cold expression as he asked. This disciple of his had sacrificed much time and effort, and yet was stuck at this point of cultivation.
"Master, I.." Song Zhi spoke halfway and did not finish his sentence. He was dumbfounded. The Sect Leader looked at his disciple struggling with anxiety and panic. The Sect Leader gave an indescribable expression.
The Sect Leader recalled to a time, twenty years ago. His own master took hold of his hands and said, "I’ve failed in this life. I hope that when I reincarnate into my next life, you will come and get me. Remember this, remember this."
He closed his eyes and recalled the look on his master’s eyes when he gave this instruction. The Free Cloud Sect Leader heaved a sigh, "In order to secure your spot as the Honorary Disciple, you have to break through the gates of heaven and become Yin Master . If you can’t even accomplish that, why should I elect you as my main disciple to become the Honorary Disciple?"
"Even becoming a Core Disciple required the Daoist to break through the gates of heavens and become Yin Master. Didn’t I bypass that criteria for you? Here you are as a Core Disciple, and yet you’ve failed to accomplish the very same requirement." Song Zhi looked extremely displeased. He struggled within himself as if he wanted to speak out. It was clear that he felt unjust, "In fact, there are many who wished to promote Pei Zi Yun to Core Disciple. Many Sect Elders wish to promote him. Elder Zhao even brought up the possibility of bypassing all that and making Pei Zi Yun the Honorary Disciple."
Song Zhi mumbled to himself. That was his greatest fear.
"Hm, can you do the same? Whatever skills or contributions you had done for the sect also came as a result of me. If it weren’t for my support and to collaborate everything for you, how would you hope to achieve these little contributions to the sect? You should know, that even as a Sect Leader, I do not have full control over everything and cannot overuse my authority. When I first promoted you to a Core Disciple, even before you met the requirements, many people had been speaking out in disagreement."
"And Pei Zi Yun had done a great accomplishment to the sect. Although my junior brother Zhao started watching over and protecting him halfway on his journey, he was able to kill a Rogue Cultivator, kill the gangsters, kill the riders. Which one of these wasn’t on his own merit?"
"Which such proficient martial arts, he already impressed many. On top of that he still has immense wisdom and strategies. All these are extremely astonishing and amazed everyone who knew."
"He became a High Scholar, wrote many amazing poems, designed the policy to rid the nation of pirates and finally attained the True Sovereign title for our Patriarchs. With such an outstanding achievements, I’ve disrupted the intentions of our Patriarchs and offended many Sect Elders by blocking his ascent to Core Disciple." The Sect Leader himself was impressed just by speaking of Pei Zi Yun’s accomplishments, "I’ve done all these for you. Why else would I have prevented him from becoming a Core Disciple? Now, I can still hide behind the rules and claim that he hasn’t fulfilled the requirements, and nobody can speak a word against me. But if Pei Zi Yun were to be a step ahead of you again, what do you think of your chances?"
The Sect Leader spoke harshly, bearing his anger in his words. He had an immense gratitude for his master, and thus looked everywhere to find his reincarnation. Who would’ve thought that he would fail to elevate his master’s reincarnation to a higher status. He had been stuck at the stage of opening the gates of heavens for a long time. At last, Pei Zi Yun had caught up with him. The Sect Leader felt frustrated, which translated into anger as he lashed out at Song Zhi.
"No, master. You are the Sect Leader, and you wield immense authority and power. Why can’t you directly elevate me to the status of Honorary Disciple?" Song Zhi heard his master’s words and said frantically.
"With regards to the Honorary Disciple position, it’s true that I as the Sect Leader have a large say in this matter. However, the Core Elders and Elders have a say each as well. Furthermore the Patriarch within the Paradise has a say as well. If I could elevate you just like that, do you think I wouldn’t already have done so?" The Sect Leader shook his head. Matters like this could not be resolved in just one sentence.
"Master, please help me." Song Zhi fell on his knees and begged. Hearing these words, the Sect Leader sighed deeply, "Don’t be delusional. Although the Patriarchs no longer have a corporeal body, they all reside within Paradise. Since Pei Zi Yun has achieved such accomplishments for our sect, he’s managed to earn the favor of the first generation’s Patriarch. If it weren't for the fact that I blocked his promotion, he would’ve been a Core Disciple by now."
As he said this, the Sect Leader recalled the favor and grace his own master had shown him decades earlier. He then sighed, "Fine, I shall thicken my skin and pave another way for you again. You can enter my Exponential Powers Cave and cultivate your spiritual senses. This should help you break through the heavens within a year, so that you can become Yin Master ."
"Pei Zi Yun is a genius, and he’s already at the seventh stage. I’m afraid he will break through the gates of heaven within a year or two. Once that happens, it will be extremely difficult for me to contain him further. These are the rules, and nobody can change them." The Sect Leader’s expression was cold, as he said emotionlessly, "Once you’ve become Yin Master and have met the requirements, I shall go all out and elect you as the Honorary Disciple."
"Yes, master. I will not let you down, and beat Pei Zi Yun in breaking through the heaven." Song Zhi was elated after hearing his master’s words.
At this point, Yu Yun Jun had walked through the stone pavements to the hall. When she was outside the entrance, she turned around to observe her surroundings before walking in with light steps into the hall. The interior of the hall could not be more different than the exterior. Within the hall, it was spacious and quiet. Apart from the incense altar, there were paintings of several Patriarchs and an inscription tablet before the painting. Each of the inscription tablet had different words on them.
The first person was the Patriarch from the previous generation, Dao Master Shan Qing. The paintings behind this Patriarch were the Core Disciples of that generation, sharing Paradise with their Patriarch. There were three from every generation.
As for the other Sect Elders, even if they had attained Yin Master status, they would not be able to share the Paradise due to lack of resources. For them to progress would be extremely difficult. Thus, most of them would choose to be reincarnated.
If one doesn’t become a Yin Master, they would not even have the choice of reincarnation. They would have to follow the arrangements of the Underworld.
Yu Yun Jun walked past Dao Master Shan Qing and bowed her head in respect. She then arrived at the portrait of another Patriarch and bowed deeply. She then retrieved an incense before placing it in the burner. With a wave of her hand, the incense was ignited and burned a deep bright red. Wisps of smoke was emitted from the incense, and wafted through the air.
After igniting the incense, Yu Yun Jun started praying. Before long, a bright ray of light started to form before Yu Yun Jun. The light then transformed into the shadow of a person. By the looks of it, it was of an immortal who took the form of a young lady.
"Master, I have something important to report." Yu Yun Jun bowed as she spoke.
"The smell of incense here had reached paradise. Something must’ve happened. Did something important happen within the sect?" The lady asked.
"Patriarch, naturally. My disciple Pei Zi Yun is extremely extraordinary. He managed to attain the title for the first generation of Patriarchs, and thus contributed greatly to the sect. The few of us and several other fellow brothers petitioned to the Sect Leader to accept Pei Zi Yun as a Core Disciple. Sect Leader rejected the idea and said that Pei Zi Yun had not opened the gates of heavens and thus was not worthy. However, when Song Zhi had been inducted into the Core Disciples group, he too had not broken past the gates of heavens. He became a Core Disciple solely based on his contributions to the sect. I plead with Master to address the issue."
"As for the conferring of titles, we are all aware of this. The True Sovereigns are still accepting congratulations. As of now, all the spirits, deities and immortals within a few hundred kilometers radius are celebrating the happy occasion. As for this matter…." The lady’s face had a surprised expression. She had been cultivating hard every day, and she knew that Yin and Yang must be separated and should not be meddled in. Hearing Yu Yun Jun’s reports however, her expression changed as she hesitated.
"Yes, and that’s not all. According to what Pei Zi Yun said, I’m afraid someone secretly planted a Tracing Amulet on him. Holy Jail Sect could not have mounted a sneak attack like this without anyone realizing. This was planted by someone from within our sect, to leak his location out to other people."
"After receiving the news, I then asked fellow brother Zhao and several other Elders to secretly protect Pei Zi Yun when he made his way to the capital.
"What?" When the lady had heard about the previous matter, she was still calm and composed. Hearing that someone had intended to harm him she was shocked. This was extremely suspicious. According to the rules of the sect, these Patriarchs were not allowed to interfere with daily occurrences within the sect. However, if someone betrayed the sect, the rule was that these Patriarchs had to vanquish the traitor.
"I understand. However, there’s a big celebration now in Paradise, and the immortals have yet to leave. After sometime, I shall discuss this with the other Patriarchs. Since we do not have any evidence now, you do not need to bother yourself with this. When the traitor leaves his mark the next time, we shall discuss more about what to do." The lady said angrily.
"Master, I had no intentions of acting. I just wanted to report this matter to you. If I guessed correctly, this person must be Song Zhi. If not, there’s a spy planted within our sect. This traitor’s powers were not strong enough to conceal the Tracing Amulet." Yu Yun Jun sighed as she spoke.
"No matter what, the Sect Leader is the Sect Leader. He is entitled to his own choices. Unless he ruins the flow, or interrupt in the grand scheme of events, we cannot do anything about it. Even if he wishes to completely block off any promotion to Core Disciple, there’s nothing you can do about it."
"This Pei Zi Yun’s fortunes are extremely good and are vast like the sea. Acquiring a disciple like this is good fortune for you, and good fortune myself as well. You have to support him, and provide all your resources to this disciple of ours. As long as he manages to break through the gates of heaven and become Yin Master, even the Sect Leader cannot prevent his ascent." The lady thought for sometime before saying.
"With us, Patriarchs watching from Paradise, the grand scheme of things would not be complicated. It’s just that you smaller beings have to be prepared and on your guard. Many things are based on perspective. If you see it as a big deal, it shall be a big deal. You have to be careful."
"Yes. master. I shall be cautious in my endeavors." Yu Yun Jun bowed. The minute she said this, the shadow of this lady disappeared.
"Oh, now that I have the protection and supervision of my Patriarch, I shall see that, both of you master and disciple, any of your schemes will amount to nothing. As long as Pei Zi Yun manages to break through the gates of heaven and become a Yin Master, not only will he become a Core Disciple but he can even be an Honorary Disciple!" Yu Yun Jun laughed, her heart feeling significantly relaxed. She was full of eager expectations for Pei Zi Yun to excel.
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