I forge immortality with a pagoda.

The extraordinary phenomena of a Foundation Establishment cultivator's Dao Seed, though a manifestation of their lifelong Dao foundation and Yuanzhen cultivation, are ultimately a mixture of reality and illusion, with illusion being more prevalent.

For example, the gray hand and the silver dragon of sword energy that the two of them transformed into during their battle were not physical entities, but were merely evolved from true qi.

Although it far surpasses the attacks of ordinary Qi Refining cultivators using only True Qi, it is still far inferior to the magical power of a Golden Core True Person.

To try to compete with a Golden Core cultivator using such illusory appearances is like a mantis trying to stop a chariot—a fool's dream.

Those who can surpass ordinary Golden Core cultivators at the third level of Foundation Establishment are all outstanding immortals in the world, possessing immense opportunities and fortune.

A vast and boundless magical pressure suddenly descended, enveloping the surrounding area.

All the cultivators present were deeply shaken, bowing respectfully and shouting in unison, "Welcome, Sect Master!"

Shen Yu dared not be negligent and immediately performed a Taoist kowtow.

As the clouds parted in the sky, a young cultivator with a face as white as jade gracefully descended.

He wore a purple Taoist robe with a black and gold cloak over it, a glass skull crown on his head, and flying shoes with dragon and phoenix patterns on his feet. He had a handsome face and a tall and straight figure, but the sinister and evil aura between his brows was so intimidating that people dared not feel any desire to get close to him.

The newcomer was none other than the sect leader of the Lujing Sect—Shigu Zhenren.

He stood with his hands behind his back in the center of the arena, his gaze sweeping indifferently over the crowd. "What? Are you two planning to tear down the gates of my Lu Jing Sect?"

Wu Suqing's face turned pale, and he quickly stepped forward, "Sect Master, please understand, I dare not do this. It is only because this brat Shen Yu is ignorant of his own limitations. I have given him a slight punishment to uphold the sect rules."

Yue Jianxin interjected, "Sect Master, you must investigate this thoroughly. Old Man Wu has allowed his disciples to commit atrocities and has failed to discipline them properly. This time, he has even bullied the weak and attempted to stifle the talents of our sect. This trend must not be allowed to continue."

Wu Suqing was so angry that his beard trembled. "Sect Master, this boy has no respect for his elders and openly defies me. If he is not severely punished, what will become of the sect's prestige? What will become of its rules?"

Yue Jianxin sneered and mocked, "Old man Wu, stop trying to argue. If you hadn't bullied others, how could that brat Shen have attacked you? It's ridiculous that you, a mere Foundation Establishment Stage 3 cultivator, could be injured by a Qi Refining Stage 2 cultivator. In my opinion, you should just resign from your elder position to avoid further embarrassment!"

"You!!" Wu Suqing was hit where it hurt, her face turned red, and she was about to make a move again.

"Enough!" the Diviner Master said impatiently. "Haven't you made enough of a scene yet?"

Having won the argument, Yue Jianxin raised his chin, beaming with pride.

Master Shigu swept his gaze across the crowd and slowly spoke, "I am already aware of the ins and outs of this matter. Wu Xuntian was at fault first, and he is punished by being confined to Shayun Peak for three years, not allowed to step out even half a step. Wu Suqing, you have not been strict with your disciples and should have been punished as well, but considering your past contributions to the sect, you will not be pursued this time."

"Sect Master, this—!"

Wu Suqing was unwilling to give up and wanted to argue again.

Master Shigu's gaze narrowed slightly. "Stop talking. Do you intend to disobey my orders?"

Wu Suqing trembled, then lowered his head dejectedly, "This subordinate dares not."

"As for you..." Master Shigu glanced at Shen Yu, "Your physique, temperament, and cultivation are all top-notch. It will only be a matter of time before you form a golden core. You should be included in the true lineage. Since we are here today, let's skip the tedious procedures."

Yue Jianxin was overjoyed upon hearing this and quickly replied, "Sect Master, Shen Yu and I are destined to meet. I have now reached the second level of Foundation Establishment and am looking for a worthy disciple to inherit my mantle. How about we let him join my sect and make him my first disciple?"

Master Shigu nodded slightly: "His following you is not a waste of his talent. However, it is somewhat unexpected that you, Yue Jianxin, would take the initiative to mention taking on a disciple."

Yue Jianxin waved his hand, "Sect Master, you are mistaken. I have always been concerned about the affairs of the sect, and I have been thinking about taking on disciples for a long time, but I have not had the opportunity to inform you."

Master Shigu curled his lip, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, and changed the subject, "However, Shen Yu's public confrontation with the elders is ultimately a violation of the sect rules. This trend should not be encouraged, and punishment is necessary."

Shen Yu was already prepared, and upon hearing this, he remained calm, bowed, and said, "This disciple is willing to accept the punishment."

The Diviner announced loudly, "Disciple Shen Yu has disrespected the elders and is hereby fined half a year's salary as a warning to others."

These words immediately sparked a clamor among the surrounding crowd.

The crowd looked at each other in disbelief. Shen Yu had stormed Sha Yun Peak, publicly humiliated its disciples, and even fought with the elders, yet his final punishment was merely half a year's worth of monthly allowance?

Everyone knew perfectly well that Master Shigu had seen Shen Yu's amazing potential and couldn't bear to punish him severely. This person might become the hope for the revival of the Lujing Sect in the future, leading the sect to further progress in this southern region.

Strength reigns supreme; this is an ironclad rule in every world.

Just like the world of "laughing at poverty but not at prostitution" in Shen Yu's previous life, how are they essentially different from the world of cultivation where the strong prey on the weak?

Shen Yu shook his head and smiled wryly, suppressing the distracting thoughts in his mind, and accepted the punishment calmly: "This disciple accepts the punishment."

Having said that, the Diviner Bone Immortal did not linger any longer. He stepped onto a cloud of turbidity and vanished into thin air, disappearing without a trace in an instant.

Wu Suqing glared fiercely at the two of them, snorted coldly, and led the disciples of Shayun Peak away angrily.

Seeing this, Yue Jianxin was extremely pleased. "This old thief suffered a setback here today and will surely hold a grudge. He might seek revenge in the future, so you need to be careful."

Shen Yu nodded emphatically, "Senior Yue, this junior has remembered."

"Still calling me 'senior'? Don't you want to live in this cave anymore?"

Shen Yu was taken aback, then immediately changed his words, "Master, thank you so much for your help in saving me from this predicament."

Yue Jianxin's smile widened, and he patted Shen Yu on the shoulder. "That's more like it. Now that you've joined my sect, Yue Jianxin, you're family. Protecting you is my duty, so there's no need for thanks."

He then instructed, "Now that you have been promoted to a true disciple, you need to go to the Star Pointing Pavilion to register your name as soon as possible, and then go to the Internal Affairs Hall to choose a spiritual peak to open a cave dwelling. Hmm... Although the environment of Lanxiu Peak is quiet and secluded, the spiritual energy is still a bit thin, which is not conducive to long-term cultivation. You need to choose carefully this time."

"I recently had a sudden enlightenment in swordsmanship and need to travel around to verify what I have learned, so I will not tell you any further. When I return, I will teach you more advanced sword techniques."

Without waiting for Shen Yu's response, he transformed into a sword rainbow and soared into the sky, disappearing in the blink of an eye.

Shen Yu stood still, bowing solemnly in the direction where the sword rainbow had disappeared, and only straightened up after it had completely vanished.

The surrounding disciples swarmed forward, instantly surrounding him completely.

Congratulations and offers of friendship filled the air, and everyone's face was filled with envy and flattery.

Shen Yu managed to cope for a moment, but felt overwhelmed and dizzy. In the end, he had to apologize repeatedly and forcefully squeeze a way out of the enthusiastic crowd.

He only breathed a sigh of relief when he flew far away on his true qi and looked back to see that no one was chasing him anymore.

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