Cultivating Immortality: Starting from Ferrying Passengers

Chapter 185 Daoist Name: Xuanming
Upon hearing the words of the newcomer, Fang Jingxuan became more vigilant. The other party was clearly an evil cultivator; otherwise, what righteous cultivator would call himself Ghost Face?

However, Fang Jingxuan was still very confident in this person. With Tuoyuan and Liugu's help, he was not afraid of even ordinary mid-Foundation Establishment cultivators, let alone Ghost Face, who was only at the early Foundation Establishment stage.

"So it's Fellow Daoist Ghost Face. I am Daoist Xuanming. Greetings."

Fang Jingxuan naturally wouldn't reveal his real name. When traveling, a nickname is enough; his real name is something that must never be disclosed.

"So it's Fellow Daoist Xuanming. Your title is truly imposing."

With a hint of mockery, Ghost Face showed goodwill to Fang Jingxuan, but he didn't even bother to glance at the demonic cultivator on the ground.

If you don't reach the Foundation Establishment stage, you're just an ant. You don't even have the right to talk to him. There's no shortage of cannon fodder like this here, even if they're a bit stronger.

Only Foundation Establishment cultivators are true combat power and deserve his serious attention.

"It's just a title. Fellow Daoist Ghost Face, would you be willing to guide me into the Holy Sect?"

"Of course, please come with me."

Ghost Face made an inviting gesture, and the other Qi Refining cultivators all looked on with longing, but none of them dared to speak, for fear of interrupting the conversation between the two Foundation Establishment cultivators.

This place is different from the White Mountains in the mainland. Although Foundation Establishment cultivators there are powerful, they wouldn't kill someone just because of a single sentence.

Here, Qi Refining cultivators must be careful with their words and actions, otherwise they will be disliked by Foundation Establishment cultivators, who can easily take their lives with a single move.

Fang Jingxuan smiled slightly, nodded to the ghost mask, and followed behind.

After the two left, the pile of demonic cultivator's corpse on the ground immediately attracted several evil cultivators to fight over it, and the scene became extremely lively.

“Fellow Daoist Xuanming, our Holy Sect is open to all. We will accept anyone who comes to us. We don’t ask about your background or what blood feud you have. As long as you are loyal to the Holy Sect and willing to take responsibility, you are one of us.”

Ghost Face seemed to be in good spirits, after all, bringing in a Foundation Establishment cultivator was a considerable achievement for him.

As Fang Jingxuan's introducer, he would also receive a considerable share of the profits if Fang Jingxuan made any contributions in the future.

Listening to the ghost-faced man's introduction, Fang Jingxuan felt that the Holy Infant Sect was indeed very much in line with the style of evil sects, focusing only on practical benefits and not on those ethereal principles and morals.

However, this is actually a pretty good place for me to settle down right now. As a rogue cultivator in the outer sea, it would be more comfortable to join an organization.

Of course, the premise is that you are not forced to do high-risk things; otherwise, it is best to run away as soon as possible.

"Our Holy Sect only values ​​merit. As long as one has sufficient internal merit, cultivation resources will naturally be plentiful. Currently, there are twenty-three Foundation Establishment cultivators in the sect. If you are added, that makes twenty-four."

"Our sect leader is a Foundation Establishment cultivator at the Great Perfection stage. He has not yet achieved the Golden Core stage because he is working on perfecting his alchemy theory. However, his strength is absolutely unquestionable. As long as it is not a Golden Core ancestor who takes action, the sect leader is invincible within a radius of 70,000 to 80,000 nautical miles."

“We are in the Western Region, with a territory of over 30,000 nautical miles. Our superior is also a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator named Xiao Yan, respectfully addressed as the Great Evolution Master. Although his cultivation has not yet reached the ninth level of perfection, only the seventh level, he is the youngest among the four Holy Gate elders. Following him, the future is limitless.”

On the way, Ghost Face kept painting a rosy picture for Fang Jingxuan, trying his best to describe the benefits of joining the Holy Gate.

Foundation Establishment cultivators can be respectfully addressed as "Supreme Person," while Golden Core cultivators and Qi Refining/Foundation Establishment cultivators are generally addressed as "True Person," and those with closer relationships are addressed as "Ancestor."

Fang Jingxuan can currently refer to himself as a superior, but other Qi Refining cultivators should address him as Xuanming Shangren.

However, when referring to himself as Xuanming Daoist to fellow cultivators of the same level, it appears rather humble. The title "Xuanming" carries a certain weight, though for Fang Jingxuan, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, to use it in this way still seems somewhat arrogant. But then again, what kind of heretical cultivator wouldn't be arrogant?
"The Holy Gate is indeed full of talented people. I have made the right choice in coming here."

Fang Jingxuan echoed his agreement a few times, making the ghost-faced man even more smug. As the two flew, a large island came into view in the distance.

"I'll take you to see Elder Xiao later. From now on, we'll be family. Remember, everything should be done in the interest of our Xiao faction. Don't pay too much attention to other factions."

Wow, we haven't even entered the gate yet, and the atmosphere of internal strife is already overwhelming. Unlike the subtle discord among other forces, this is all out in the open.

"Our sect leader is focused on perfecting the alchemy treatise and rarely attends to worldly affairs. Therefore, all major matters of the Holy Sect are discussed and handled by the four elders. Our Holy Sect currently also faces external enemies: the Four Seas Society, the Thousand Sun Sect, and..."

As Fang Jingxuan listened, he felt something was amiss. Why did the Holy Sect have so many external enemies?

Fortunately, Ghost Face only mentioned four or five companies before stopping, otherwise Fang Jingxuan might not have had the courage to join.

"We've arrived. Elder Xiao will give you some small gifts later; you can choose whichever you like. Of course, I don't need any."

"No, no, no, without your introduction, how could I have joined the Holy Sect? Please rest assured, I am a person who knows how to be grateful and repay kindness."

Upon hearing Fang Jingxuan's words, Ghost Face immediately looked relieved. He laughed heartily and did not utter a word of refusal.

After passing through the protective mountain formation, Ghost Face carried Fang Jingxuan all the way, finally stopping in front of a mid-grade second-tier spiritual vein.

As the ghost mask sent in a token, a short while later, a Foundation Establishment cultivator who looked very young arrived with more than ten people to greet them.

"This must be Fellow Daoist Xuanming. He is indeed extraordinary. I am Xiao Yan, and these are Aogu, Kuangshou, Haihu, and Baigui. Come, let's all get to know each other and attend the banquet together later."

Upon hearing these titles, Fang Jingxuan secretly regretted his actions. He thought how simple and unassuming these titles were, and how his own Xuanming name seemed out of place among them.

As expected, the other four Foundation Establishment cultivators looked at Fang Jingxuan's name with amusement and a hint of hostility.

But since Fang Jingxuan had already called it out, he couldn't change it back, otherwise he would lose face completely, so he had no choice but to accept it.

"I am deeply grateful for Elder Xiao's hospitality. I will gladly accept your invitation. Elder Xiao, please."

After some polite exchanges, Fang Jingxuan was led into the banquet and seated next to Xiao Yan.

Watching the group of female cultivators, some alluring, some innocent, and some dignified, begin to perform songs and dances, undress, and feed each other wine, Fang Jingxuan had no choice but to act in accordance with his own persona, embracing them on both sides and enjoying himself immensely.

"Since Xuanming has joined our Holy Sect and submitted to my command, I naturally cannot treat him poorly. Here is a list of spiritual materials. Take a few items, as long as they do not exceed a hundred high-grade spirit stones. Consider it a gift for your first meeting."

Xiao Yan spoke from above, and a female cultivator delivered a list. After receiving it, Fang Jingxuan thought to himself, "This Holy Sect is truly damn extravagant."

One hundred high-grade spirit stones, you make it sound so easy. I've worked hard for decades and my total assets don't even reach that much.

Fang Jingxuan then opened the list and was surprised to find that it contained all kinds of cultivation pills and high-quality materials for refining weapons. Most importantly, the top column clearly displayed the four characters "Xuanming True Qi".

Now, I can finally complete the refining of my first strand of Xuanming True Qi Gang Sha.

(End of this chapter)