met free Chapter 81: The First Saint Sect
Chapter 81: The First Saint Sect
Back to Qingshishan.
Li Wu did not go into seclusion to cultivate, but instead wandered around the mountain gate.
Under He Yu's management, Qing Shi Mountain has now developed into a formidable force, with pavilions and palaces scattered throughout the mountain, and a protective array enveloping the entire mountain.
Li Wu walked into the Scripture Pavilion, where there were now over a hundred books of Qi Refining techniques and cultivation methods.
There are even several cultivation techniques at the Foundation Establishment level.
Its profound cultural heritage is self-evident.
"I'll go and check on Daji at the alchemy workshop," Li Wuxin thought to himself.
Although Lu Sui, the elder alchemist, is nominally the number one alchemist of Qing Shi Men, the person who actually practices the most alchemy is Da Ji.
Li Wu walked along the bluestone path for a while and then saw a two-story building that looked like a pill furnace, with three large characters on it: "Precious Pill Pavilion".
Before Li Wu even got close, he could feel the intense heat of the flames inside.
"Reduce the heat slightly, keep the fire steady, don't rush, and constantly monitor the refining process of the medicinal herbs in the furnace with your spiritual sense."
Daji's voice came from inside, carrying a hint of maturity and composure.
As Li Wu pushed open the door, a rich aroma of medicine mixed with a wave of heat rushed towards him.
In the main hall on the first floor of Baodan Pavilion, there were seven or eight alchemy furnaces. In front of each furnace sat a disciple, all of them intently watching the fire, with fine beads of sweat on their foreheads.
Daji stood in the very center, walking back and forth with his hands behind his back, just like an old teacher in a private school.
"Why are your hands shaking? The fire is unstable; how can the medicinal properties be properly combined?"
Daji stopped and pointed to a disciple whose face was pale.
The disciple quickly steadied his hand gestures, but even more sweat poured down his forehead.
"And you, you've gone too far! If this batch of Qi-Nourishing Pills is ruined, you'd better go and grow some Ganoderma lucidum in the herb garden for a month to make up for it."
Daji then turned to the other side, his tone utterly impolite.
Looking at him like this, Li Wu nodded slightly. Back then, Da Ji was just a beginner who often caused explosions in the oven.
Now he can teach others how to refine elixirs.
At this moment, a disciple saw Li Wu, his mind wandered, and his control over the earth fire became unstable, causing the fire to suddenly intensify.
Then, with a loud "boom," a muffled sound erupted from inside the alchemy furnace.
"Cough cough cough!"
Daji strode over, cast a spell to calm and gather the overflowing, gradually increasing earth fire, and then looked at the disciple with a serious expression, saying:
"One explosion in the furnace, and the punishment is a month of labor in the herb garden!"
The disciple immediately looked distressed and said aggrievedly:
"Elder, someone suddenly appeared in the alchemy room."
"one person?"
Daji looked up in the direction his disciple was pointing, his eyes lighting up immediately, and said:
"Sect Leader!"
"Sect Leader?"
Most of the disciples immediately turned their heads to look out of curiosity.
Most of them joined the Qing Shi Sect in recent years and have never seen the sect leader in person.
However, they must have heard of Li Wu's name.
After all, he was the only Foundation Establishment cultivator with the lightning attribute.
He even suppressed two mid-Foundation Establishment cultivators in Guang'an County, so his reputation is quite high.
Daji strode up to Li Wu, his face beaming with joy, and said:
"Sect Leader, you're back."
He knew that Li Wu had left the pass, after all, He Yu had told him about it.
However, Li Wu went out again not long after leaving the seclusion. Da Ji was busy refining pills at the time, so he did not see him.
Li Wuwei nodded slightly and smiled:
"I see you're teaching your disciples alchemy, what do you think?"
Daji nodded and replied:
"Currently, sects select students before teaching alchemy."
"First, you need to go to the spirit herb garden to plant spirit herbs yourself, and at the same time study the medicine books until you are familiar with the medicinal properties of the spirit herbs, and then take the exam."
"Only the top five can be involved in alchemy."
"Therefore, these disciples are all very hardworking and have excellent talent."
Upon hearing this, Li Wu nodded in agreement:
"That's right. The foundation of alchemy lies in recognizing and identifying medicinal herbs. Letting them grow herbs and read books on medicine before selecting them is the right approach."
Daji chuckled, scratched his head, and said:
"Sect Leader, I also went through a lot of detours before figuring it out. I exploded my furnace too many times back then. Later I realized that if you start refining pills without even understanding the properties of the herbs, it's just a waste of spiritual herbs."
Li Wu turned around, looked at Da Ji, and asked:
"How many disciples in the sect can refine pills independently now?"
"There are twelve or thirteen people refining the common types of pills," He Yu replied.
"Currently, we can produce about three hundred pills per month."
Upon hearing this, Li Wu raised an eyebrow and asked in surprise:
"Three hundred? Is the sect's supply of spiritual herbs sufficient?"
Daji explained:
"Although my senior sister is trying to increase the number of spirit fields, it is indeed not enough, so about 60% of the spirit herbs have to be purchased from outside."
"However, my senior sister has already reached cooperation agreements with several forces that make a living by cultivating spiritual herbs, so the supply of spiritual herbs is still quite stable."
Upon hearing this, Li Wuwei nodded slightly. Indeed, with He Yu around, all matters within the sect could be handled properly.
Having learned the gist of the matter, Li Wu did not linger and turned to leave.
As for Daji, he naturally continued to teach his disciples alchemy.
…………
Li Wu then went to see Zhou Weishan and the others.
Within the Qing Shi Sect, there are only ten disciples like Zhou Weishan who cultivate the [Purple Mansion Golden Elixir Path], and all of them are promising talents found from the secular world.
They were all brought to the mountain when they were not yet six or seven years old, so their sense of belonging to Qingshimen goes without saying.
Of these ten people, apart from the original three, including Zhou Weishan, who were at the Qi Refining stage, the rest were only at the Qi Opening stage.
With a thought, Li Wuyi appeared in a clearing of woodland.
Zhou Weishan sat cross-legged by a stream, where he found his practice of the "Water Virtue" path to be particularly beneficial.
Zhou Weishan sensed someone behind him, abruptly opened his eyes, turned around, and saw a figure. After recognizing the person, he quickly cupped his hands and said:
"Sect Leader."
Li Wuwei nodded slightly and said:
"Fourth level of Qi Refining, not bad."
"Having cultivated to this point, have you encountered any difficulties?"
Zhou Weishan nodded and said:
"Sect Leader, it has been more than ten years since I came up the mountain to cultivate, but I have only come down the mountain a handful of times. Therefore, I would like to ask the Sect Leader to allow me to go out and gain some experience."
Upon hearing this, Li Wu frowned slightly. The reason he sought out immortal seedlings from the mortal world to teach them the Dao of Purple Mansion Golden Elixir and prevented them from leaving the mountain gate was because...
Actually, it's to protect them.
After all, if they go out to train and encounter Core Formation cultivators or even Nascent Soul level monsters, they might be subjected to soul-searching due to the special nature of their cultivation techniques.
After a moment's thought, Li Wusi spoke:
"The cultivation method you practice is quite special, and it is extremely dangerous to travel outside. Let's talk about it again after you reach the later stage of Qi Refining."
By the time he reaches the late stage of Qi Refining, Li Wu will probably already be at the Purple Mansion Realm.
With the enhancement of supernatural powers, even if they encountered a Nascent Soul stage monster, they would have the strength to fight.
"Wei Shan, you must be aware of the power of the cultivation techniques you all practice."
Zhou Weishan nodded and said:
"Sect Leader, even if you were all at the mid-stage of Qi Refining, you would not be a match for me if you attacked me in a group of five."
Li Wu nodded and said:
"The reason I am passing on this method to you is that I hope you can support the future of our sect."
Upon hearing this, Zhou Weishan's expression turned solemn, and he bowed, saying:
"This disciple understands the sect leader's good intentions and will certainly devote himself to cultivation to live up to the sect leader's expectations."
Li Wu nodded slightly in satisfaction. Once Zhou Weishan and the others broke through to the Foundation Establishment stage, Qing Shi Sect would have the strength to completely control Youyang County, and even Guang'an County.
However, Zhou Weishan and the others' cultivation techniques were only at the second or third grade, which was very low, making it quite difficult for them to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage.
Thinking of this, Li Wuxin thought to himself:
"We need to find an opportunity to switch their cultivation techniques to those of the fourth or fifth rank."
…………
A month passed in the blink of an eye.
Li Wu set off for the Biyang Sect to see if he could obtain one or two lightning-attribute spiritual items.
Biyang Sect is located in the central part of Danfeng Continent, occupying a blessed land of spiritual mountains stretching for thousands of miles.
Outside the mountain gate, the spiritual energy was already so dense that it was almost tangible. Looking into the distance, amidst the swirling clouds and mist, one could vaguely see magnificent palaces, waterfalls, and flowing springs—truly a scene of celestial beauty.
As Li Wu landed outside the mountain gate, a young disciple stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said:
"Fellow Daoist, are you here to participate in our sect's inner disciple selection ceremony?"
Li Wu took out the invitation and handed it over. The disciple took it, glanced at it, and his expression immediately became solemn. He said respectfully:
"So it's Sect Leader Li of Qingshi Sect. My apologies for my rudeness. Uncle Su has already instructed that Sect Leader Li should come with me."
Having said that, he led the way, guiding Li Wu through layers of restrictions and into the mountain gate.
Along the way, the grandeur of the Biyang Sect was fully revealed.
The spiritual rice paddies are lush and green, the herb garden is filled with exotic flowers and rare herbs vying for attention, and the mountains are often graced by flying cranes. In the distance, palaces and pavilions are hidden in the clouds and mist, their grandeur far surpassing that of Qing Shi Men.
Li Wu nodded secretly, pondering to himself:
"The Biyang Sect is indeed deeply rooted, worthy of being the number one sect in Danfeng Continent."
The disciple who was leading the way brought him to the front of a hall called "Welcoming Immortals Pavilion" and respectfully said:
"Sect Leader Li, Martial Uncle Su is waiting inside. This junior will take his leave."
Li Wuwei nodded slightly and stepped inside.
The hall was decorated with great elegance, with the fragrance of sandalwood wafting through the air and the melodious sound of a zither filling the air.
Today, Su Wanqing changed into a light green long dress and her hair was tied up in a high bun, making her look even more radiant and beautiful.
When she saw Li Wu enter, she stood up to greet him and said with a smile:
"Fellow Daoist Li is indeed a man of his word."
Li Wu returned the greeting with a cupped hand and said calmly:
"Since I've promised, I will naturally keep my word."
Su Wanqing covered her mouth and smiled, without much formality, she led Li Wu to a seat, personally poured him a cup of spiritual tea, and said:
"The selection ceremony for inner disciples will not be held until tomorrow. We invited you here today because the sect leader would like to meet you in advance."
Li Wuxin's heart stirred slightly, but he remained expressionless. He picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and said:
"The sect leader has summoned you personally; what important matter does he have to discuss?"
Su Wanqing shook her head, her eyes flashing with a meaningful light, and said softly:
"How could I possibly guess what the sect leader is thinking? But rest assured, fellow Daoist, it will ultimately be something that benefits you."
She paused, then said:
"The sect leader is currently in the meditation room on the back mountain. I will take you there now."
Li Wu nodded and got up, following her through several corridors and along a small blue stone path towards the back mountain.
The roadside is lined with lush trees and babbling brooks. Occasionally, spirit beasts appear, but they are not frightened by people, creating a peaceful scene.
Upon reaching a secluded courtyard, Su Wanqing stopped and said softly:
"The sect leader is inside. Fellow Daoist, please come in. I'll be waiting outside."
Li Wu straightened his robes and pushed open the door to enter.
In the courtyard was a small, quiet room, simply furnished with only a futon, a low table, and a pot of tea on it.
A man sat on the futon, his hair and beard were all white, his face was thin and refined, and he was dressed in a gray Taoist robe. At first glance, he was no different from an ordinary old man.
However, Li Wu could sense the terrifying aura emanating from him, and he pondered to himself:
"Perfect Core Formation... half-step Nascent Soul?"
"He's probably an old monster who's lived for five or six hundred years."
However, Li Wu was not too surprised, after all, he had even met several Purple Mansion True Persons.
No matter how strong a Core Formation cultivator is, they can't surpass a Purple Mansion True Person.
Li Wuxin's mind raced, and he immediately cupped his hands and bowed:
"Li Wu of Qingshi Sect greets Senior Sect Leader."
The old man opened his eyes, his gaze gentle and peaceful. He swept his gaze over Li Wu and nodded slightly.
"Not bad. Although you are only at the early stage of Foundation Establishment, your foundation is solid and your mastery of lightning magic is not low. Ordinary mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators would probably not be your match."
"You flatter me, senior."
Li Wu was neither humble nor arrogant.
The old man smiled slightly and raised his hand in greeting:
"Please sit down, no need for formalities."
Li Wuyi sat down on the futon as instructed, pondering to himself:
"Since the sect leader of Biyang Sect personally summoned me and was so polite, what he requests must be extraordinary."
The old man picked up the teapot, poured Li Wu a cup of tea, and then slowly began to speak:
"My Daoist name is Xuanqing. I have been in charge of the Biyang Sect for over a hundred years. Over the years, I have seen many sects, large and small, in Danfeng Continent, but I have rarely seen anyone as young and promising as you."
Li Wu cupped his hands and said:
"Senior Xuanqing, you flatter me. I was just lucky."
Xuan Qing shook his head and chuckled softly:
"To be able to cultivate thunder magic in Danfeng Continent, where cultivation resources are scarce, reach the Foundation Establishment stage, and establish a sect, is not something that can be achieved by luck alone."
He paused, picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and spoke in a calm, even voice:
"To get straight to the point, the reason I invited you here is to discuss a deal with you."
Li Wuxin's heart stirred slightly, but his face remained expressionless:
"Please speak, senior."
Xuan Qing said in a deep voice:
"South of Danfeng Continent, there is a sect that is in no way inferior to Biyang Sect, called the [First Saint Sect]. It is a demonic sect that controls a small country called [Xu Kingdom]."
"It is said that Lu Yang, the current sect leader of the [First Saint Sect], is preparing to break through to the Nascent Soul stage. Once he breaks through, Danfeng Continent will surely suffer a great calamity. Therefore, I hope you can lend a helping hand."
Upon hearing this, Li Wu frowned slightly and said:
"How could I, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, possibly be a match for a Core Formation cultivator?"
Xuanqing waved his hand and said:
"Lu Yang intends to set up the [Ten Thousand Spirits Blood Sacrifice Array] to sacrifice the life force of a million people in the Xu Kingdom in order to break through to the Nascent Soul stage."
"But to destroy this great formation, one more force is needed: the extremely powerful and yang thunder."
"Senior, there is something I don't understand." Li Wu looked up at Xuan Qing.
"Please feel free to speak."
"With the resources of the Biyang Sect, surely they can find a cultivator who practices lightning magic? Why go to such lengths to find an outsider like me?"
Upon hearing this, Xuan Qing gave a wry smile:
"To be honest, lightning-based cultivation techniques are rare. Although my Biyang Sect has several lightning techniques passed down, the conditions for cultivation are extremely harsh, and no one has been able to master them in the past hundred years."
"Those who can master the Thunder Technique are all exceptionally talented individuals. Looking across the entire Danfeng Continent, I really can't think of anyone else besides you."
Li Wuwei nodded slightly, and then said:
"I can agree to this, but you need to agree to two things."
Xuan Qing nodded slightly and said:
"Please feel free to speak."
"The Biyang Sect needs to give me three Foundation Establishment level lightning-attribute spiritual items."
"Can."
Xuan Qing nodded in agreement without hesitation.
After all, Li Wu's strength in the early stage of Foundation Establishment was still a bit weak. He had prepared a lightning-attribute spiritual object so that Li Wu could break through to the middle stage of Foundation Establishment.
This would greatly increase the chances of thwarting the First Saint Sect's conspiracy.
"Furthermore, I hope that Biyang Sect can establish a formal alliance with Qingshi Sect, with mutual non-aggression and mutual assistance."
"The Biyang Sect will grant Qingshi Sect the right to purchase spiritual herbs and materials, with prices calculated according to the sect's internal rates."
Upon hearing this, Master Xuanqing remained silent for a moment.
He gave Li Wu a deep look, then suddenly smiled:
"You greedy little rascal."
Li Wu cupped his hands and said:
"As the head of a sect, I have no choice but to plan for the sect's future."
Xuan Qing pondered for a long time before finally nodding slowly:
"In that case, you shall become a guest elder of my Biyang Sect."
"Can."
Li Wu nodded in agreement.
After Xuanqing finished speaking, he took out a jade token from his sleeve and handed it to Li Wu, saying:
"This is the identity token of the guest elder of the Biyang Sect. Please keep it safe. I will officially announce this matter after the selection ceremony tomorrow."
Li Wu took the jade pendant, its surface warm and smooth to the touch. It was engraved with the character "客" (guest), and faintly emanated a spiritual energy.
"As for the lightning-attribute spiritual items, I will give them to you after the ceremony."
"Okay." Li Wu nodded.
"Go ahead, Wanqing is still waiting for you outside."
Li Wu stood up, bowed, and turned to leave.
When she pushed open the door, Su Wanqing was quietly waiting outside.
Seeing Li Wu come out, she asked with a smile:
"Are you done talking?"
"Um."
"Judging from your expression, the talk went well?"
Li Wu glanced at her and nodded, saying:
"It's acceptable."
Su Wanqing nodded slightly and said:
"Come on, I'll take you to your lodgings. The ceremony will last all day tomorrow, so you need to get a good rest tonight."
The next morning, as dawn broke, the entrance to the Biyang Sect was already bustling with activity.
Li Wu walked out of the inn and looked up. He saw streaks of light from all directions streaking across the sky like shooting stars, all heading towards the gate of the Biyang Sect.
Those who came either flew on swords, rode spirit boats, or rode spirit cranes or spirit birds, each with their own unique aura.
Su Wanqing was already waiting outside the inn. When she saw Li Wu come out, she smiled and said:
"Did Fellow Daoist Li rest well?"
"Very good."
Li Wuwei nodded slightly, looking at the streaks of light, and said:
"There are quite a few people here today."
Su Wanqing nodded and said:
"The Inner Disciple Selection Ceremony is held once every ten years and is a major event for the Biyang Sect. Therefore, we invite fellow Daoists from various sects and factions to attend the ceremony."
"Let's go, the ceremony is about to begin."
The two rode the flying shuttle towards the main peak, Biyang Peak.
Biyang Peak soared into the clouds, its summit flattened by a single sword stroke, forming a vast plaza spanning several miles in circumference.
Twelve jade pillars stand around the square, each carved with a lifelike depiction of various mythical birds and beasts.
To the north of the square stands a magnificent hall with the three characters "Biyang Hall" inscribed on its plaque. The calligraphy is vigorous and powerful, with a faint spiritual light flowing through it.
The square was already packed with people; a rough count revealed that there were at least a thousand.
Most of them were disciples of the Biyang Sect, dressed in uniform and standing in neat rows.
The rest were guests from various sects and factions, dressed in different colors, chatting in twos and threes.
Su Wanqing led Li Wu towards the guest seating area, attracting curious glances from many people along the way.
"Is that Sect Leader Li of the Qing Shi Sect?"
"So young? He looks no more than a hundred years old."
"I heard he is a Foundation Establishment cultivator with lightning attributes and extremely high attainments in lightning magic."
"Hmph, it's just a small, isolated sect. Does it really deserve such treatment from the Biyang Sect?"
Various discussions reached my ears; it seemed that the Biyang Sect was intentionally spreading rumors.
Li Wu remained unmoved by the comments of these people.
The guest seating was located on the steps in front of the Biyang Palace, offering an excellent view of the entire square. Su Wanqing led Li Wu to a seat in the front row, and then sat down next to him.
"These positions are arranged according to the sect's status. Fellow Daoist Li is able to sit in the front row, which shows how much the sect leader values you," Su Wanqing said in a low voice.
Li Wu glanced around and saw that those sitting in the front row were all people with profound auras, at least at the late Foundation Establishment stage, and there were even a few Core Formation cultivators.
As a Foundation Establishment stage cultivator, he certainly stood out from the crowd.