Shushan Earthly Immortal

Chapter 435 The Lord of a Mountain, the Vice-Chancellor of a Sect

The 477th year of the Ming Dynasty, the Double Ninth Festival.

Meiji Mountain, where Zhan Biyun hid bamboo.

"Master, there's no need to rush."

Cheng Xinzhan was somewhat amused and exasperated. The group had just returned to the mountain when their master pulled him here, saying he wanted to pass on the position of mountain master.

Wen Sukong shook her head and said,

"You've already reached the Fourth Realm, it's time for you to take over the position of Mountain Master. Besides, you're now elusive and can be found anywhere if I don't pass it on to you now, or you'll disappear in the blink of an eye."

Seeing his master's resolute expression, Cheng Xinzhan nodded helplessly.

“We Meiji Mountain people are few in number, and the succession is very simple, requiring only three things. The first is the key to this bamboo stele.”

As she spoke, Wen Sukong handed over a square brocade box, about the size of a palm, and said,
"Although handprints and talismans can be used to enter and exit the stone tablet, the jade key can change the talisman at any time. It is the only unchanging proof of the stone tablet and also the key to opening the 'Clear and Turbid Two Phases Soaring Serpent and Black Tortoise Great Array' of the corpses below the mountain."

"Speaking of which, there is one more important thing to remind you, which is also the greatest responsibility of Mingzhi Mountain. You must not forget or neglect it. Collect corpses, collect the corpses of emperors outside the mountain, and collect the corpses of immortals inside the mountain. Protect peace outside and safeguard the sect inside."

"This disciple will remember it and will never forget it."

Cheng Xinzhan accepted the brocade box with both hands and solemnly accepted it.

"Yes, the second one is our Meiji Mountain's most treasured artifact, the 'Yin-Yang Eight Trigrams Mirror'."

As Wen Sukong spoke, she made a hand seal in front of her chest, and two tadpole-like dots of light, one black and one white, flew out from her fingertips. The two dots of light circled and rotated around each other, their speed increasing, until they transformed into a black and white Tai Chi diagram. Immediately afterwards, patterns of the Later Heaven Bagua appeared outside the Tai Chi diagram.

The outer eight trigrams correspond to the four directions and remain unmoved. Inside, the Tai Chi symbol swirls, the black and white hues becoming a chaotic mass, then transforming into a bright light, forming a mirror. Thus, a precious mirror with the eight trigrams as its frame and Yin and Yang as its surface is formed.

Upon seeing this, Cheng Xinzhan said repeatedly,

"Master, there's no rush to pass this on to me. You should keep it for yourself!"

Cheng Xinzhan knew that her master was a daring and adventurous person, so it was more appropriate for her to keep such a treasure for protection, as she already had enough treasures of her own.

Wen Sukong smiled upon hearing this.
"What are you refusing for? This mirror is neither mine nor yours; it's entrusted to the lord of Meiji Mountain for safekeeping. Do you think it's a private item that you can keep on your person or give to whomever you want? Wouldn't that create chaos in the rules?"

"Besides, don't think that my cultivation is slower than yours. I haven't lived these years in vain. Do you really think I'm relying on this treasure to protect me? Don't overthink it, just take it."

Wen Sukong removed the seal from the magic mirror, erased her own aura, and then handed the mirror over.

Upon hearing this, Cheng Xinzhan had no choice but to take over.

As he reached out, the magic mirror suddenly dispersed, turning into two black and white specks of light that swirled around him.

"It seems it really likes you."

Wen Sukong smiled and explained the origin of the magic mirror to Cheng Xinzhan.
"This mirror was forged by Wei Baoping, the third-generation patriarch of Mingzhi Mountain. It was made by combining the essence of the mysterious and mysterious female mother underground with the spirit of the nine yang heavens in the sky, along with the objects corresponding to the eight trigrams. When the patriarch was still in the fifth realm, this treasure had already reached the level of a celestial artifact. Later, after the patriarch completed his celestial tribulation, before passing through the Heavenly Gate, he left this treasure behind as a treasure to protect the mountain and pass down to future generations."

"Not just any treasure can be passed down through generations; there are many requirements for truly heirloom treasures. Because treasures cannot exist without human warmth and nurturing, if they are locked away in a box for too long, even the finest treasure will slowly lose its spiritual essence and will not last long. If one wants to pass it down through generations, the treasure must conform to the Daoist principles and intentions of all those who worship it, without any conflict. In addition, the treasure must be lively, affectionate, and sentimental, willing to change owners every few hundred years, and willing to protect the disciples and descendants of the first owner. Both of these are very difficult to achieve."

"Think about it, of all the magical treasures you possess, which one can be passed down to future generations?"

Wen Sukong said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Cheng Xinzhan began to seriously consider it. He had quite a few magical treasures, but he was looking for one that could be widely compatible with the Dharma intent of future generations and that was also willing to accept the aura of Yi Shengren. He considered them one by one, but found that apart from the ritual artifacts passed down in the sect, there were really none that were particularly suitable!

"right."

Wen Sukong could tell from Cheng Xinzhan's expression that he had already realized how rare and precious the treasure of the mountain was.

Cheng Xinzhan nodded.

"It is precisely because of this that neither the first nor the second generation of patriarchs passed down a suitable magic weapon to protect the mountain. Only the treasure mirror that Patriarch Wei refined, which takes Yin and Yang as its meaning and the Eight Trigrams as its form, is extremely comprehensive and is particularly in line with the great Dao lineage of my Meiji Mountain. In addition, the treasure is lively by nature, which is why it has been passed down to the world."

"Later, after being nurtured and refined by the successive lords of Meiji Mountain, with the addition of magical restrictions from various angles of Yin and Yang and the Eight Trigrams, it has undergone countless trials of the Golden Core Tribulation and the Immortal Ascension Tribulation, and its power has continued to increase. Therefore, although this treasure has remained in the mortal world, it is a rare celestial item."

"Now, this treasure is passed on to you, the twenty-second mountain master of Meiji Mountain. You must carefully nurture this treasure, replenish its spiritual seals, and use it to protect the mountain and its laws. It must not be lost, nor should it tarnish the treasure's reputation."

Wen Sukong said solemnly.

"Disciple obey!"

Cheng Xinzhan also answered with a solemn expression.

Wen Sukong nodded, and then said,
"As is customary, now that you've become the mountain lord, I have a few more words to say to you."

"Master, please speak."

"The succession of the lineage is of paramount importance. Now that you've become the mountain master, you need to put more effort into this. The first thing is to take on disciples. Now that you've entered the fourth level, you have two disciple slots. I remember you mentioned before that you wanted to take on Bai Long, so that counts as one. You also need to keep an eye on the remaining one. If you encounter someone with good aptitude, take them on."

"The second is magic. Each successive mountain lord has a task. During their term, they must find at least seventeen magic methods suitable for the cultivation and inheritance of Meiji Mountain and add them to the mountain's repertoire. Among them, there must be no fewer than two third-level magic methods, no fewer than five second-level magic methods, and no fewer than ten entry-level magic methods. There are no requirements for fourth-level and above. These can be original magic methods, re-creations and annotations of existing magic methods, or magic methods from outside the mountain. However, if they are from outside the mountain, it must be ensured that they do not involve karma and cannot harm future generations."

"This rule is naturally the least stressful for you. I've calculated that since you started practicing, you've taught many unique methods to the people in the mountains. Let me calculate it for you."

The five-character mantras 【曌】, 【净】, 【灭】, 【分】, and 【合】 are of a similar rank to the *Guangcheng Chixu Suixin Mantra*, and are both considered part of the Four Realms Dharma Gate. The *Sun Burning Palace Method* and the *Three Lights Divine Illumination Method* both belong to the path of embryonic formation and are also Four Realms Dharma Gates. The *Hidden Wind Corpse Cicada Mantra*, which even I cannot comprehend, should also be considered a Four Realms Dharma Gate. The flying sword technique *Sun and Moon Detoxifying Life* is similar.

"The 'Star and Moon Bright Light Purification Mantra' has an extremely high purpose and wide application; it is not an exaggeration to regard it as a method of the Five Realms. The same applies to the 'Essentials of Refining the Spirit and Returning to Truth in Lesser Yin and Lesser Yang'."

"Annotations on more than ten supernatural powers, including 'Mind-Bright Flame Divine Power,' 'Jade Liquid Refining Form Divine Power,' 'Yin-Yang Five Elements Hoop Divine Power,' 'Whale Inhales Dragon Roar Divine Power,' 'Heart and Kidney Refining Body Divine Power,' 'Heart Fire Burning Palace Divine Power,' 'Yellow Dragon and Green Tiger Walking Aperture Opening Yellow Court Route Annotation,' etc., can all be regarded as the Second Realm Life Treasury Method."

"I really don't have any Three Realms Methods. The only One Realm Method is the 'Four-Unlikes Steps' that you created when you were in the First Realm."

As Wen Sukong spoke, he chuckled to himself. This was the true strength of the youngest Wanfa Jing Master in the history of Sanqing Mountain. And these were merely the methods suitable for Mingzhi Mountain and untouched by external karma. There were also the Thunder Method of Shuji Mountain, the Void Method of Ziyan Mountain, the Spirit Preservation Method of Juqu Mountain, the Altar Method of Gezao Mountain, and even the modified methods of Langshan, Huolong Island, and Wuliang Mountain, not to mention countless talismanic and array methods. Some of these were included in the Zong Canon, and some were even included in the Daoist Canon.

"However, the rules in the mountains are very clear: the more high-level methods the better, but there can't be too few low-level methods either. There must be enough suitable methods for newly initiated disciples to choose from. So, excluding methods for the fourth and fifth realms, you have only completed the quota for methods for the second realm. Before your term ends, you must create at least two third-realm methods and nine first-realm methods, for a total of eleven methods."

"Besides, you are a world-renowned master and great monk. You should not be stingy with the resources in the mountains. After completing the existing tasks, you should do as much as possible."

Cheng Xinzhan smiled and nodded in agreement. Wen Sukong nodded in satisfaction upon seeing this, and then continued...
"In matters of inheritance, besides people and the Dharma, there is also wealth. The mountain treasury is also divided into the Dharma treasury and the treasure treasury, both located at the foot of the mountain. I have already given you the key to open them. As the mountain lord, you not only have to replenish the Dharma treasury, but also the treasure treasury. There are no fixed rules for the amount of wealth to be replenished in the mountain. The amount taken and returned is entirely up to the mountain lord's will; the more capable, the more work. For example, the bamboo staff I gave you is not my personal item; it is a treasure of the mountain treasury. It is because of the use of this bamboo staff that, even after all these years as the mountain lord, I have only barely managed to achieve a balance between what is taken and what is returned, and in the end, you benefited."

Wen Sukong spoke and laughed, then with a flick of his sleeve, he released a yellow stone treasure chest half the height of a person, and said,

"This is the last thing I need to hand over to you. Inside are the lineage records of Meiji Mountain, the life stories and epitaphs of all the Yin corpses at the foot of Meiji Mountain, the catalog of the mountain's Dharma Treasury, and the register and entry/exit records of the treasure vault. From now on, I entrust them entirely to your safekeeping. I suggest you don't carry this box with you; it's safer to leave it in the mountains. I just took it out from below specifically to hand it over to you. Also, this bamboo pavilion is the mountain lord's residence, and it's now yours too. I'm going back to my previous cave dwelling; don't disturb me unless necessary."

After saying this, Wen Sukong smiled freely and then strode away, unable to wait even a moment longer. Her steps were light and cheerful, as if she had unloaded a heavy burden.

Cheng Xinzhan put away the jade key brocade box, the mountain-suppressing mirror, and the yellow stone treasure box one by one. Then, looking at the mountain lord's bamboo pavilion and the bamboo-hiding stele, he suddenly felt a heavy burden on his shoulders. This was a completely different feeling from when he was appointed as the master of all laws and the lord of Pear Snow Mountain.

He entered the Hidden Bamboo Stele, arrived at the secret realm at the foot of the mountain, hid the Yellow Stone Treasure Chest, and then looked through the Dharma Treasury and Treasure Vault again to make sure he had a clear understanding of the situation before coming out.

At this moment, he thought to himself:

The population of Mingzhi Mountain is sparse, and the treasure trove contains very little. In the past, when I destroyed Tianqiao Mountain, including rebuilding Fire Dragon Island and Wuliang Mountain, and joined forces with Lushan Sect to take Ailao Mountain, I had acquired a lot of wealth. At that time, I was too lazy to deal with these matters and left them to the sect to handle. Perhaps I should approach the sect leader and ask him to allocate some of these spoils to the Mingzhi Mountain treasure trove.

"Xinzhan, do you have some free time? Come to Sanqing Palace when you do."

It was quite a coincidence; Cheng Xinzhan had just started thinking about the sect leader when he heard the sect leader's voice transmission in his ear.

Furthermore, it's worth mentioning that things are different now than before. Cheng Xinzhan has reached the Fourth Realm, his Nascent Soul connecting with Heaven and Earth, linking to the Void. Communicating with cultivators at the Fourth Realm and above is much easier now. No communication artifacts are needed; he only needs to remember the other person's aura, and he can directly transmit his voice through the void, no matter where they are, which is extremely convenient. Therefore, he can directly respond to the sect leader's summons this time.

"I'll come as soon as I have some free time."

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Sanqing Palace.

"Su Kong told me that you've taken over as the head of Meiji Mountain, right?"

Ji Hehe asked with a smile.

Cheng Xinzhan nodded in agreement and said,

"Yes, by the way, Sect Leader, speaking of which, this disciple has another request."

"Okay, no rush, we'll talk about it later. I have some good news to tell you."

"Huh? What's the matter?"

Cheng Xinzhan was somewhat puzzled.

"Hmm, hahahaha—"

Ji Hehe had barely opened his mouth when he burst into laughter, leaving Cheng Xinzhan completely bewildered. Then, Ji Hehe rubbed his face, trying to suppress his laughter, and continued:

"Yes, that's how it is. You're already at the fourth level, right? As you know, the fourth level is always in short supply in the mountains, and the position of vice leader has been vacant for many years..."

not good!

Upon hearing this, Cheng Xinzhan's expression changed, and he said repeatedly,

"Sect Leader, this disciple has only just assumed the position of Mountain Master..."

Ke Jihe didn't give him a chance to speak at all, his face beaming with a smile as he quickly said,

"Now, Du Yi in the mountains is in charge of both Goddess Peak and Jade Capital Peak, and he curses me behind my back every day. Since the Marshal woke up, he has been in charge of the Eight Blessed Lands and curses me to my face every day. I have a lot of bitterness in my heart that I can't express!"
"Now it's all good. You've entered the fourth level. Yesterday, when we came back from Yuyang, the Marshal was blocking my door at the Sanqing Palace. As soon as he saw me, he threw the seals of the Chunyang and Yuanyin Halls at me and left without a word. I don't even know where he is now. Duyi arrived a step too late and then started cursing at me to my face."

"Hey, but as a sect leader, even if you haven't learned any other skills, you've certainly mastered the art of 'turning the other cheek.' I endured Du Yi's scolding and sent her away, thus getting you the job at Yujing Peak. Now all you need to do is sit in Pingdingshan and manage the blessed land. What do you think?"

Ji Hehe spread his hands, revealing two small seals lying in his palm, and handed them to Cheng Xinzhan. His eyes were bright and sparkling as he looked directly at Cheng Xinzhan.

Cheng Xinzhan looked at Ji Hehe with a bitter expression in his eyes.

"Come on, come on."

Ji Hehe pretended not to see, grabbed Cheng Xinzhan's hand, stuffed the seal inside, and then said with great interest,
"Actually, being a vice leader isn't difficult, and being a vice leader of the Pure Yang Hall and the Primordial Yin Hall is even easier. Let me tell you, I guarantee I'll finish in no time."

"The top priority, of course, is cultivation. Your job is to supervise, then discuss with the mountain masters to set a quota for each mountain based on their cultivation progress, and verify whether they have recruited the required number of disciples, and what the aptitude of these new recruits is like. Are any mountains significantly lagging behind in their cultivation progress? If so, you need to think about how to help them…"

"Secondly, we must examine their discipline. We need to investigate whether they have committed dereliction of duty, embezzlement, collusion, oppression, laziness, and so on. Apostasy and spies are extremely rare, but we must still be careful. A small leak can sink a great ship, so we must be vigilant..."

"...

"...

"Holding regular altars is necessary, to expound the Dharma and resolve doubts. Moreover, both literary and martial arts skills are essential. Sometimes, organizing inter-mountain martial arts competitions can stimulate the competitive spirit of young disciples and add vitality to the mountains—that's a good thing. And also…"

"Mediation is also very important. Sometimes, conflicts inevitably arise between different mountains. At this time, you need to step in, resolve the issues properly, and avoid being biased or damaging harmony..."

"...

"...

"Oh, right, there's one more thing, and the last one. The Vice Sect Leader has another important responsibility. What I just told you is all about dealing with subordinates, but also with superiors. But dealing with superiors isn't about me; it's about the entire sect. As you know, the sect has a treasury, divided into a magic treasury and a treasure treasury. Remember your Five Elements Magic Sword? The materials all came from the sect's treasure treasury. And where do the things in the treasure treasury come from? Hehe, they're contributed by the Vice Sect Leaders and the mountain strongholds they govern. Every Vice Sect Leader has the right to withdraw from the treasury, but they also have the obligation to replenish it, and there are quota requirements for this."

"But Xinzhan, you don't need to worry. You are special. Over the years, you have sent a lot of things to the Dharma Treasury and Treasure Treasury in the Zongzang. I have kept a record of them for you. You are not under much pressure."

"That's about it. This is your first time as the vice leader, so take it slow. The evaluation criteria will be relaxed for you, so don't worry. Oh, by the way, you just said you had a favor to ask. What is it? Just say it. As long as the leader can do it, I will definitely do it for you."

Ji He patted his chest and said.

Cheng Xinzhan remained silent for a long time, then forced a smile and replied,

"No, it's okay."

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(End of this chapter)