Starting from the Tiger Demon Yaksha, the demon immortality

Chapter 241, 240: The Patriarch Transmits the Dharma, the Three Primal Ultimate True Grotto Heaven (6,000)

Is this a case of exceptional promotion to become a true disciple?
As soon as Daotong Zhenren spoke, the scene fell into a moment of silence.

Clearly, neither the sect leaders nor the disciples expected the sect leader's high regard to be realized so quickly.

Having only been a disciple for a little over a month, he has already been promoted from an inner disciple to a true disciple. If this were to actually happen, it would essentially break the record that Louguan Dao has ever set.

Not to mention others, even Li Cunxiao himself couldn't help but feel a moment of excitement upon hearing it.

However, noticing the silence around him, he quickly calmed down.

This probably won't work out.

"Senior Brother, isn't this a bit too hasty?"

Changsun Chi was the first to agree with Yan Daotong, but he was also the first to raise objections now.

"Li Cunxiao's talent and ability are beyond doubt; given time, he will surely become a true successor."

"But to promote someone out of turn right now is a stretch. To be a true successor, one must have achievements and be able to convince others."

These words seemed to oppose Yan Daotong's proposal and hinder Li Cunxiao's path, but Changsun Chi then changed the subject:
"However, Li Cunxiao's exposure of the Ming Cult's conspiracy and the killing of two leaders of the Demonic Sect are also meritorious deeds that should be recorded and rewarded."

What he said made perfect sense, and Qin Li and Yu Chi Mu, who were about to speak, both fell silent.

"That makes sense."

Yan Daotong seemed unsurprised by this, his gaze sweeping calmly across the faces of the three sect leaders before finally settling on Li Cunxiao.

"Li Cunxiao, you have killed two leaders of the Demonic Sect. This is a real achievement. We will reward you after we return to the sect."

Aren't those two people exactly what you offered them up?

Taiyi Zhenren had a strange expression; he had seen everything clearly from behind.

The old Taoist priest was not too surprised by the attitudes of the other three sect leaders.

Historically, those who wish to become true disciples must begin as inner disciples, possessing both strength and merit to secure their positions.

Generally speaking, the entire process takes at least five or six years, and often more than ten years.

After all, the position of true successor represents the future sect leader and elder. The chairs of the Louguan Sect's upper echelons hold real power, no different from those of the princes' heirs. How could there not be infighting?

Since a competition is inevitable, the most outstanding one must be chosen from among them. This is also the reason why sects do not rely on bloodlines for inheritance.

Moreover, in order for a person to exercise power, they must have a powerful force surrounding them.

Even if someone is exceptionally talented and masters the true teachings in a year or two, it doesn't really mean much because without a solid foundation, even if the master dies suddenly at this time, they won't be able to quickly take over the affairs after taking over.

This is actually similar to the situation of the Qin Dynasty royal family today, where the emperors of each generation had too short a lifespan, resulting in the successors not having enough time to develop and not having their own trusted confidants.

If this continues, the power of discourse will inevitably be seized by powerful ministers. Fortunately, although Gao Pian was a powerful minister, he was not a traitor; otherwise, the Western Capital court would have changed its ruler long ago.

In conclusion, sects have their own stable and mature models for cultivating talent, and Taiyi could see that Yan Daotong was merely testing the waters.

Yan Daotong and the others were all grandmasters. Riding on clouds and mist, their speed was incredibly fast, and in the blink of an eye, they had arrived at the mountain gate.

The return of the sect leader to the mountain is a major event.

Although it was already night, the sight of the Sect Leader and the four Sect Masters returning together quickly brought Louguandao to a bustling atmosphere, and the lights that had been extinguished were relit.

Countless outer and inner disciples flocked out, their heads stretching from the foot of the mountain all the way to the top, densely packed and shoulder to shoulder.

But the only ones who could actually step forward were the elders and deacons, who took turns reporting on the sect's affairs over the past few months.

Yan Daotong listened attentively, saying little, only nodding occasionally to indicate his understanding, and issuing instructions on the spot for some urgent matters.

"When I came to greet my master, my eldest brother was still in seclusion, so I did not disturb him."

After the elders stepped down, Du Guanglei stepped forward from the crowd. He had only said a few words when he noticed Li Cunxiao among the group of sect leaders behind his master.

The latter noticed Du Guanglei's gaze and smiled and nodded at him.

A few doubts welled up in my mind.

'That's strange. Master didn't announce his return this time. What happened to the sect leaders and disciples?'

"Is Tianyun still in seclusion?" Yan Daotong's voice immediately brought Du Guanglei back to his senses.

"After breaking through the barrier, he has been spending more time alone. He should occasionally exchange ideas and skills with his fellow disciples and mentor the younger generation."

Even Master can joke now.

Du Guanglei thought to himself, "Xue Tianyun is the master's first disciple, the senior disciple of the younger generation of Louguan Dao, and the first person among all the true disciples of the Heavenly Ladder Realm to break through the Xuan Gate. Who is qualified to spar with him?"

Even among geniuses, there are differences, especially since everyone has fought against those of higher levels. When one person has a significant advantage, the other person's situation becomes self-evident.

'I'm afraid that if Senior Brother were to draw his Lesser Yin and Lesser Yang swords, all the true disciples here would be lying on the ground. Promoting the younger generation? Suppressing the juniors, I think that's more like it, isn't it?'

Mentoring and supporting younger generations?

Du Guanglei followed his master's gaze, and where their eyes met, there was Li Cunxiao again.

He was startled.

Junior Brother Li is a promising young talent worthy of Senior Brother's guidance. Doesn't that mean that Master believes Li Cunxiao's potential is comparable to Senior Brother's?

The Four Symbols Peaks cover a considerable area; it would take an average person 15 minutes to walk from the mountain gate to the Two Elements Peak where the sect leader resides.

However, everyone was skilled in martial arts and moved extremely fast. In the first half, elders and deacons would occasionally come forward to greet them, but in the second half, the disciples who had come to watch the excitement dispersed, and only some inner disciples followed the original route back.

Soon, the strange mountain peaks that seemed to merge into one came into view.

The main hall of the sect, also known as the Sanqing Hall, which enshrines the Three Pure Ones and the Three Treasures Lord, is located at the top of Liangyi Peak. It is also the place where the sect leader and several sect masters discuss matters.

The Ancestral Hall, which enshrines the patriarchs of the Louguan Dao, is located right behind the Sanqing Hall.

Li Cunxiao originally planned to slip away as soon as he arrived at Liangyi Peak. After all, when it came to rewarding meritorious service, the old Taoist priest would definitely fight for him as long as he was present, so it didn't matter whether he was there or not.

But Master Taiyi stopped him and said that since he entered the sect, he had only paid his respects at Qinglong Peak and had not yet paid homage at the sect's ancestral hall.

If that were all, it wouldn't be a big deal. However, the other sect leaders seemed to have been reminded of the rumors, and they kept glancing at him with complicated expressions.

They continued until they reached the entrance of the Sanqing Hall. Li Cunxiao was about to leave first when, unexpectedly, the group passed by the Sanqing Hall and came with him to the entrance of the Ancestral Master Hall.

Li Cunxiao could no longer hold back.

"Master, fellow disciples, what brings you here?"

"What, Taiyi, didn't you tell him?"

Yan Daotong turned around in surprise, only to see the old Taoist cough awkwardly. Upon seeing this, Yan Daotong smiled and shook his head before looking at the puzzled Li Cunxiao:
“The Ancestral Hall of our Louguan Taoist sect is not an ordinary ancestral hall.”

"More than a thousand years ago, the founder of the sect, Guan Yinzi, fought a great battle against many heroes here and obtained the spiritual treasure Four Symbols Two Elements Banner. He built a pavilion out of grass to observe the stars and the qi, hence the name Pavilion for Observing the Dao."

"Although the patriarch passed away later, his powerful will was not completely extinguished."

"The successive sect leaders have followed this method, and after their death, they would leave a mark here."

"After a thousand years of accumulation, it can be said that all the divine skills and unique techniques of the Louguan Sect are contained here."

"Disciples of later generations with exceptional talent who enter the Ancestral Master Hall to worship will have the opportunity to receive the will and power of the past patriarchs."

Can power be transmitted through willpower?
Li Cunxiao recalled the scene when Taiyi Zhenren and Monk Qici preached the Dao in his dream, and he understood.

However, if Yan Daotong's statement is true, then the Ancestral Hall contains the marks left by ancestors for hundreds of generations, including the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, Black Tortoise, and even the lineage of the sect leader, and all the divine skills and unique techniques are here.

According to normal procedures, ordinary disciples who want to acquire the divine skills must meet various conditions and it takes four or five years, or even more than ten years, to obtain the true skills.

This is partly because the teachings should not be passed on lightly, and partly because ordinary martial artists cannot master or even perfect a martial art without several years of study. Even if they were given ultimate skills or divine techniques, they would not have the extra energy to learn them.

There is simply no one else like Li Cunxiao who can master martial arts in just six months or even a few months.

'This is my chance. If I can gain the approval of the patriarch, I can bypass many restrictions and be granted divine skills.'

"However, the sect leader also said that the Ancestral Hall is closely related to the spiritual treasure possessed by the Louguan Sect."

'The dragon boat on my body... it shouldn't be discovered, right?'

Thinking of this, Li Cunxiao couldn't help but feel a little uneasy.

Although his divine skills were impressive, he could still deduce them himself using the Vajra Pestle.

But once the treasure is exposed, it will instantly become the target of everyone's attacks.

Thinking of this, he subconsciously looked at Taiyi Zhenren. The old Taoist priest did not speak, but pointed to Yan Daotong beside him and gave him a reassuring look.

Finally, Li Cunxiao bowed to his teachers and elders and slowly walked into the Ancestral Hall.

At first glance, apart from its magnificent and grand appearance, the Ancestral Hall is not particularly remarkable.

Starting with the first ancestor Guan Yinzi, the ancestral tablets were arranged in layers, from far to near and from high to low, with an incomparably rich and unique aroma of incense.

Just standing here, looking at the names of the founders shining brightly in the candlelight, one can easily be captivated by their profound cultural heritage.

"I suppose there's another reason why inner disciples are invited to come here to pay their respects."

Li Cunxiao glanced at it briefly and didn't look at it much. Instead, following Du Guanglei's kind suggestion, he took some incense sticks from the side, lit them, and bowed respectfully three times.

Nothing unusual happened during this process, until the moment he inserted the incense stick into the incense burner—

hum!
A faint humming sound seemed to vibrate the surrounding space, creating ripples.

In the blink of an eye, Li Cunxiao was still standing in the same spot, still in the Ancestral Hall, but something about this place felt different to him.

"Didn't they say the patriarch passed on his skills? Why haven't I seen any changes? Is it because my talent isn't enough?"

Li Cunxiao was puzzled, so he tried to sense the dragon boat and found that it was still in the depths of his mind, and he could communicate with it without any problems.

However, the spirit seemed to have shut itself off, and could no longer be sensed or touched as before.

"Could it be."

Li Cunxiao had a guess in his heart. After respectfully bowing three more times to the ancestral master's spirit tablet, he simply turned around and walked out.

However, the scene that greeted him after he stepped out of the Ancestral Hall surprised him.

Liangyi Peak is surrounded by four mountains and is not very tall. Even the town of Huayin cannot be clearly seen from it.

But now, what one sees is as if suddenly arriving at the top of a mountain range, with a sea of ​​clouds stretching endlessly.

A hundred paces outside the Ancestral Hall lies a sheer cliff, and before the precipice stands a solitary mountain gate.

With its vermilion beams and green tiles, painted and gilded, and eaves extending far out, the mountain gate, viewed from Li Cunxiao's perspective, seemed to encompass the entire sky within its open opening. Upon closer inspection, one could see six elegant and unrestrained characters on the gate's plaque:

"The Three Primal Ultimate True Grotto Heaven?"

Swish!
The moment the words left his mouth, behind the mountain gate, the sea of ​​clouds surged like boiling water, and the cold mist parted with the wind.

Golden light radiated across the sky, and immortals flocked to the scene!

"When was the last time a disciple entered the sect and received the favor of the Patriarch?"

The four sect leaders and Daotong Zhenren remained in front of the Ancestral Hall.

"Naturally, it is my senior brother's top disciple, Xue Tianyun."

The Xuanwu Sect Master, Yuchi Mu, was a middle-aged man with thick eyebrows and big eyes. Although he wore a Taoist robe, he looked more like a military general.

His hair was so thick that it couldn't be tucked into his small crown, so he tied it up with a handkerchief, just like a scholar-official.

"Xue Tianyun is indeed a genius. On the day he entered the sect, the Four Symbols God appeared in the sky, and it was on that day that the headmaster took him under his wing."

Qin Li, the leader of the White Tiger Sect, has a refined and elegant appearance. His long beard is neatly groomed and hangs down to his stomach, making him a dashing and handsome man with a beautiful beard.

As he spoke, he began to laugh:
"It's shameful for you, Master, to boast like this. In our generation, only you and Junior Brother Taiyi have drawn the favor of the Ancestral Master."

"The three of us could only watch you steal the spotlight back then. Sigh, who would have thought that even teaching disciples couldn't compare to you?"

Upon hearing this, even Changsun Chi nodded in agreement, and a hint of resentment rose in the eyes of the three sect leaders.

Meanwhile, the disciples standing nearby lowered their heads even further, keeping their eyes down, as if afraid of incurring bad luck at this moment.

"The conditions for the patriarch's favor are extremely demanding. The reason it is considered an opportunity is because the threshold is extremely high. In the past thousand years, only a dozen or twenty people have been recognized."

"Opportunities are just opportunities. They may allow one to progress faster for a while, but the path of martial arts is ultimately about who can walk more steadily and further."

"Although my fellow disciples did not receive the favor of the founder, aren't they still ranked as grandmasters and in charge of their respective lineages?"

When Yan Daotong said this, his eyes swept over the disciples, including his own apprentice Du Guanglei. They all knew that the sect leader was giving them pointers, and they all expressed that they had learned something from him.

"Therefore, it is not surprising that Li Cunxiao returned empty-handed."

"However, since he has just made a contribution, I think we can make an exception and pass on the divine skill to him."

Seeing that everyone was about to say something, Yan Daotong added another half-sentence:

"Only the introductory part of martial arts."

Changsun Chi and the other two looked at each other, and after a moment they all nodded.

"The rebels and the demonic cult have been rampant lately. Li Cunxiao's thwarting of the demons' conspiracy can appease people's hearts at this time. It is not unreasonable to grant him some divine skills ahead of schedule."

At least, it's much more acceptable than directly promoting Li Cunxiao to be the true successor.

Taiyi had been staring at the entrance of the Ancestral Hall, and only after hearing the conversation did the tense expression on his face ease a little. At the same time, he subconsciously glanced at his senior brother.

Although he had great confidence in his disciple, this guarantee at least ensured that Li Cunxiao would receive the divine skill.

That's how things are sometimes; you make steady progress day by day, and often, without realizing it, things have already come to fruition.

This is how Dao Tong Zhenren does things.

"Having only been a student for a month, he has already received divine skills."

The other disciples who were listening in all showed complicated expressions, but Du Guanglei alone showed a genuine smile.

He had gone through great lengths to become a disciple of the sect leader, and later, in order to receive the divine skills, he traveled everywhere for the sect. Naturally, he understood the complex feelings of Guo Zhao and the others at this moment.

But more than envy or jealousy, he felt fortunate for his "keen eye" in recognizing talent.

Saying things like "when Li Cunxiao becomes a grandmaster" is too far off, but right now, Master Taiyi still owes him a batch of Twenty-Four Qi Pills.
"Roar!"

Suddenly, the roar of a tiger and the cry of a dragon exploded in the air, like thunderbolts falling.

Everyone was startled and looked up, only to see that above the Ancestral Hall, layers of clouds gathered, a giant azure dragon stirred the sea of ​​clouds, and opposite, a black-striped white tiger leaped and galloped.

"Dragon and tiger appearing together? Is the patriarch about to impart his ultimate technique?"

As soon as Yu Chi Mu finished speaking, Qin Li, standing to the side, grabbed his chin and beard with a serious expression:

"No, that's not all!"

"Wow!"

The Vermilion Bird cried out, and the fiery clouds in the sky dispelled the killing aura of the White Tiger's Geng Metal, but then dark Yin Water spread out, like dark clouds.

The tortoise and snake are intertwined, occupying the north, while the other three stand in the southeast, northwest and southwest respectively.

"The Four Symbols and Four Gods have appeared together; the Patriarch is about to impart divine skills to my disciple!"

Taiyi looked up at the four-colored light that illuminated the night sky as if it were daytime and laughed loudly.

Since his son passed away, he has laughed more times today than he has in the entire past year.

Seeing his smug look, the three sect leaders all turned their heads away, their gazes making the disciples feel uneasy.

"Junior Brother has gained a fine disciple; it is a blessing for the sect."

Daotong Zhenren patted the Ruyi in his hand with satisfaction, causing the black and white alms bowl to tremble and vibrate, from which the angry curses of Jingfeng could be faintly heard.

"However, since Li Cunxiao has received the master's teachings, it seems that the reward will have to be changed."

The disciples' faces once again revealed envy and even resentment, but a single sentence that followed shattered these thoughts without a trace:

"Clear distinction between rewards and punishments is the foundation of a sect's existence."

"Those who deserve reward have been rewarded. Some members of the sect should also be punished for the incident that occurred down the mountain."

"Hahahaha, it's done! It's finally done!"

In a small courtyard on Qinglong Peak, a burst of hearty laughter filled the air as the tightly closed door swung open, and Li Siqi strode out, holding a jade box in his hands.

"Congratulations, young master! You have painstakingly refined this precious elixir!"

With a wave of his hand, the elder immediately sent forward a new batch of servants, some fetching clean handkerchiefs, some bringing new clothes, and others quickly lighting all the candles inside and outside the house.

In an instant, the courtyard was as bright as day, illuminating Li Siqi's somewhat messy hair and his purple robe stained with a lot of black and gray.

"Get out of the way, get out of the way."

He waved away the servants who wanted to serve him, his face filled with a mixture of bittersweet satisfaction and melancholy.

"The Dao of alchemy is profound and complex, and extremely difficult to master."

"But now I have finally refined the Twenty-Four Qi Pill. Compared to it, those so-called sixth-grade pills of the past can only be called pseudo-pills!"

As he spoke, he gently opened the jade box, revealing a wisp of cold air that swirled and shifted within. If one were to get close, one could almost hear a faint whistling sound in their ear.

"Is this the 'Winter Solstice'?"

The elder looked at this pill that did not resemble a elixir, his eyes filled with indescribable shock and admiration.

"That's right. The spine has twenty-four vertebrae, which correspond to the twenty-four solar terms, and the waxing and waning of Yin and Yang."

"Only a pill that works internally within the human body and externally in harmony with heaven and earth can truly be called a miraculous elixir!"

Li Siqi was initially very excited, but at this point, she couldn't help but sigh.

"It's a pity that I never received the Azure Dragon lineage's divine alchemy skills. After years of research, I have only managed to refine one of the twenty-four qi."

“My master said that alchemy and martial arts are based on the same principle. If I had that divine skill, with my current understanding of the minor achievement of the Heavenly Ladder, I could at least refine a quarter of the Twenty-Four Qi Pills.”

"Young master, please don't underestimate yourself," the elder comforted him.

"Divine skills are rare to begin with. Even the Four Lineages True Transmission only provides the fundamental techniques. Divine-level martial arts are merely a move or two, let alone a mysterious secret technique like the Nine Revolutions Divine Elixir Scripture?"

"Your ability to refine the Twenty-Four Qi Pill has allowed you to grasp the Achilles' heel of martial artists at the Heavenly Ladder Realm, truly making you a vital force. Your position within the sect will undoubtedly be further solidified in the future."

"Especially Li Cunxiao, he is even less worthy of competing with you for the position of Azure Dragon Pavilion Master. Aside from this worry, why are you still so sullen?"

"That's true," Li Siqi said, her expression softening.

The Heavenly Ladder Realm isn't particularly dangerous, but it's extremely grueling. Without the help of the Twenty-Four Qi Pills, it might take more than ten years to even reach the entrance to the Profound Gate.

For a sacred place like Louguandao, while low-level martial artists with strong muscles and internal organs are the basic foundation, what allows the sect to stand firm are top-level masters such as grandmasters or even great grandmasters.

For such a top-tier master to emerge, there must be enough Heavenly Ladder warriors to break through the barrier.

The existence of the Twenty-Four Qi Pill can be described as a bridge between the past and the future.

That's why the elders said that Li Siqi, who has the ability to refine the Twenty-Four Qi Pills, has become a key figure in any power.

"Indeed, Li Cunxiao is no longer worthy to be my opponent. Now it's time to think of a solution."

"Roar!"

"Wow!"

The roar of the tiger and the cry of the dragon resounded through the sky and spread far and wide, so much so that Li Siqi could hear it clearly even in the house.

The two of them climbed onto the roof almost immediately, and saw the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise—the four symbols and four gods—suppressing the sky above Liangyi Peak.

A brilliant light shot into the sky, illuminating all the disciples on the four mountains who were eagerly awaiting its arrival, as well as Li Siqi's shocked and expressionless face.

"The Four Symbols appear simultaneously? The Patriarch's favor?! Have any new inner disciples recently entered the secret realm? Isn't the Sect Leader still missing?"

Upon hearing this, the elder pondered for a moment, his expression suddenly changed, and after struggling for a while, he finally managed to say with difficulty:

“Young master, just a quarter of an hour before you came out of seclusion, the sect leader returned to the mountain and went to Liangyi Peak with the four sect leaders.”

"Among that group, besides your true disciples, there are also..."

"Li Cunxiao".

Snapped!
The jade box in his hand suddenly snapped shut due to the force of the sudden burst, and crack-like patterns spread across the warm and beautiful jade, with wisps of cold, medicinal energy escaping from the gaps.

But Li Siqi had no time to think about the elixir he had painstakingly refined; he was only staring intently at the extraordinary celestial phenomenon until it disappeared. Only then did he utter a few words in disbelief:

"Li Cunxiao, has he acquired divine skills?"

(End of this chapter)