Becoming a Saint Starting with the Chasing Wind Leg Technique

Chapter 191 Introduction to Peerless Spear Techniques (Bonus Chapter, Please Subscribe and Vote)

There weren't many disciples on the peak, but upon his return, their eyes held less of their usual aloofness and curiosity, and more of shock.

Inquiry, disbelief, and a subtle sense of awe.

Clearly, news of the battle in Tianshui City had already spread within the sect through some channel.

"Junior Brother Song is back!"

"Is he Song Jing, the one who killed seven Refining Realm cultivators in Tianshui City?"

"My God, he looks so young, and his aura—is so profound! Is he really only at the Bone Forging Realm?"

"I heard he's already achieved minor mastery of the 'Mysterious Origin Heavy Water True Skill'!"

"Impossible! He's only been a beginner for a short time, and that technique—"

Whispers drifted from every corner. Song Jing remained composed and walked straight towards Tingtao Courtyard.

As soon as they entered the courtyard, several figures came to greet them.

The person in the lead was none other than the familiar Chen Mo.

Behind him stood two young men, around twenty-five or twenty-six years old, with calm demeanor and curious and kind expressions. They were Fang Yue, the fourth senior brother of the Water Clan, and Zhao Yuan, the fifth senior brother.

Lu Jiutian is not here; he must be handling matters at the main peak.

"Junior Brother Song, you're back." Chen Mo's tone remained calm, but his gaze paused slightly as it swept over Song Jing. He clearly noticed a significant change in Song Jing's aura, which was deeper and more composed than when he left, like an undercurrent surging beneath a calm sea.

"Junior Brother Song, I heard you displayed great prowess in Tianshui City, well done!" Fang Yue, with a cheerful personality, stepped forward and patted Song Jing's shoulder heavily, his eyes full of amazement. "One man and one spear, you took down seven Blood Lotus Sect Refining Realm cultivators and even killed the traitor Sheng Huaixu!"

This is truly a source of pride for our Water Clan! Now, in every branch of the outer sect, who doesn't know that our Azure Wave Peak has produced an extraordinary killing god?

Zhao Yuan also laughed and said, "Yes, Junior Brother Song, your record is simply astonishing. When we first heard the news, we all thought it was a rumor. We only dared to believe it after Senior Brother Chen Feng returned to the mountain to confirm it. Tell us quickly, how did you do it?"

"Are the Blood Lotus Sect's Refining Realm cultivators made of clay?"

Faced with the curiosity and concern of his senior brothers, Song Jing felt a warmth in his heart.

The population of the water region is sparse, but the atmosphere is relatively simple and united, with little infighting.

He pondered for a moment and said, "Thank you for your concern, senior brothers. There was some luck involved in winning this battle. It was mainly because Commandant Chen and Magistrate He fought desperately to hold off the two strongest opponents, which gave me the opportunity to defeat them one by one. As for my cultivation technique—I was fortunate enough to make some progress in the 'Mysterious Origin Heavy Water True Technique,' which can be considered a minor success."

"The minor success of the 'Mysterious Origin Heavy Water True Skill'?!" Even though Chen Mo, Fang Yue, and Zhao Yuan were mentally prepared, they still couldn't help but gasp in unison when Song Jing admitted it, their faces showing disbelief and shock.

"Small Completion? Junior Brother Song, are you sure it's Small Completion?" Fang Yue's eyes widened, his voice rising eight octaves. "Only a few years..."

"A month? When you came down the mountain, had you even grasped the basics of this technique? Even if you had, reaching the minor mastery stage—do you know how many disciples in our Water Cult are stuck at this hurdle?"

Chen Mo also spoke, a rare occurrence, his tone carrying a hint of solemnity: "The Profound Origin Heavy Water True Technique is a rare and precious technique. Ninety percent of the disciples are already eliminated upon entering the field. From the beginning to the minor mastery, it not only requires a massive accumulation of resources, but also a profound understanding of the true meaning of water, the profound mysteries of the technique, and the painstaking effort of grinding water."

Many disciples spend years, decades, or even more, and still may not be able to cross this threshold. Even I, only two years ago, after breaking through to the late stage of the Refining Realm, finally achieved minor success in this skill.

Zhao Yuan added, "Yes, Junior Brother Song. The number of young disciples in our Water Clan who have mastered this skill to a minor degree, excluding the elders and including the few of us, is no more than two hands' worth."

Moreover, those people spent many years honing their skills in the Refining Realm. You're only in the Bone Forging Realm—this cultivation speed is simply unheard of! How did you manage to do that?

Seeing the shocked, curious, and even slightly inquisitive looks in his three senior brothers' eyes, Song Jing smiled bitterly to himself.

What could he say?

They say I have the talent of "Heaven rewards diligence," and that I have a "system" panel where my skill proficiency is clearly visible.

Obviously not.

He could only offer a half-truthful explanation: "It was just luck."

After descending the mountain, by chance, he obtained some resources and consumed a considerable amount of Xuan Yuan Dan and Qiang Gu Dan.

Having gained insights from the cultivation techniques pavilion and practical combat, coupled with some experience from previously practiced techniques like the Wildfire Spear Technique and the Wind and Thunder Leg Technique, his understanding of the *Mysterious Origin Heavy Water True Skill* seemed to come more quickly. Perhaps—it was just good luck.

"Abundant resources? Quick comprehension? Ability to apply knowledge to other situations?" Fang Yue clicked his tongue in amazement. "Junior brother, you're not just a little bit fast!"

You're practically cultivating while riding a flying sword!

It seems the spoils you plundered in Tianshui City, along with the sect's rewards, are indeed substantial. However, resources are only one aspect; talent, comprehension, and temperament are all indispensable.

"Your ability to cultivate this skill to a minor level within the Bone Forging Realm is enough to prove your extraordinary talent. It seems that the revival of my Water Vein truly has hope!"

Chen Mo gave Song Jing a deep look, but didn't ask any more questions. He simply nodded and said, "Congratulations."

Zhao Yuan also laughed and said, "Junior Brother Song, you've given us a really big surprise this time. It seems that the opportunity that Senior Brother Lu secured for you might actually work out."

"A stroke of luck?" Fang Yue asked curiously. "What kind of stroke of luck? What good stuff did Senior Brother Lu get for Junior Brother Song this time?"

Chen Mo's gaze shifted slightly as he looked at Song Jing.

Knowing there was no need to hide this, Song Jing said, "It's Elder Jinghong from the back mountain. Senior Brother Lu secured an opportunity for me to pay him a visit, and perhaps—I might get some guidance from Elder Jinghong."

"The back mountain? Elder Jinghong?!" Fang Yue, Zhao Yuan, and Chen Mo were shocked again, even more so than when they heard about the minor success of the "Mysterious Origin Heavy Water True Skill".

"My God! Elder Jinghong? The legendary Jinghong Spear?!" Fang Yue almost jumped up, his face flushed with excitement. "That's a Supreme Elder of the Blood Exchange Realm! The Sect Master's Martial Uncle! He's a figure who shakes the entire Hexi Road with a stomp of his foot!"

I heard that twenty years ago, when he was in the Marrow Refining Realm, he defeated ten evil masters of the same realm with just a spear, and his prestige was unparalleled!

Junior Brother Song, you... you actually had the opportunity to meet him? And even receive his guidance?

Zhao Yuan was so excited that he rubbed his hands together: "Elder Jinghong! He is an unparalleled master of the spear! His Jinghong Lueying Spear is said to be unpredictable and incredibly powerful!"

"Junior Brother Song, if you could receive guidance from him, even just a move or two, it would be an immense boon to your spear technique! Senior Brother Lu has truly gone to great lengths to secure this for you!"

Even the usually composed Chen Mo's eyes shone with an astonishing light, his tone tinged with rare excitement: "Elder Jinghong—his standards are extremely high. The sect's geniuses in spear techniques, such as Senior Brother Lin Jingyun, the eighth in the True Disciple lineage, and Senior Brother Xiao Chen, who is striving to become a True Disciple, have all sought an audience with him, but none have caught his eye. Junior Brother Song, you have actually been able to get an audience with him—this is already quite remarkable."

Faced with the excitement and envy of his three senior brothers, Song Jing remained calm: "It's just giving me a chance. Whether it works out or not is still uncertain. Elder Jinghong has a discerning eye, and I may not be able to meet his standards."

"Even if it's just an opportunity, it's already extraordinary!" Fang Yue exclaimed. "That's Elder Jinghong! Ordinary disciples..."

He didn't even have the qualifications to know that there was an elder in the back mountain, let alone pay his respects.

Junior Brother Song, you must seize this opportunity! If you can truly become Elder Jinghong's disciple, even as a nominal one, your status will be completely different, and you will surely soar to great heights within the sect in the future!

"Yes, Junior Brother Song, we're just waiting to latch onto your coattails!" Zhao Yuan said, half-jokingly and half-seriously, his eyes full of anticipation. The Water Vein had been in decline for a long time, and if a disciple could truly be chosen by Elder Jinghong, it would be a tremendous boost to the entire Water Vein.

Chen Mo nodded, though he didn't speak, but the encouragement and expectation in his eyes were self-evident.

Just then, Lu Jiutian's voice came from outside the courtyard: "Song Jing, pack your things and come with me to the back mountain."

Everyone immediately fell silent.

Lu Jiutian stepped into the courtyard, nodded to Chen Mo and the other two, and then his gaze fell on Song Jing. After carefully sensing him, a hint of satisfaction and deeper anticipation flashed in his eyes: "Minor success in the 'Mysterious Origin Heavy Water True Technique'—as expected. It seems that my chances of seeing Elder Jinghong this time have increased even more. Let's go, don't keep the elder waiting."

"Yes, senior brother." Song Jing cupped his hands to his three senior brothers, then followed Lu Jiutian and left Tingtao Academy, heading towards the back of Bibo Peak, towards the area known as the forbidden land.

Fang Yue and the other two watched their departing figures, speechless for a long time, their eyes filled with excitement, anticipation, and a hint of trepidation.

The future of the Water Vein may truly depend on this junior apprentice who, despite having only been a disciple for a few months, has already achieved numerous miracles.

The forbidden area behind the mountain is completely different from the serene elegance of the front mountain of Bibo Peak. Here, ancient trees reach for the sky, vines entwine, and it is rarely visited by people. The air is filled with a primitive, desolate, and faintly imposing atmosphere.

There was no path; Lu Jiutian relied solely on some kind of intuition to traverse the dense forest.

After walking for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the view suddenly opened up, revealing a secluded valley surrounded by mountains.

In the valley lies a small pool of water, its clear waters reflecting a faint, ethereal aura. Beside the pool, a few simple thatched huts are built against the mountainside, with vegetable plots cultivated in front of them, planted with common herbs. Several cranes stroll leisurely along the pool's edge, creating a scene reminiscent of a secluded paradise, a hermit's abode.

If Song Jing hadn't known that a peerless master at the Blood Exchange Realm lived here, he would have thought it was the dwelling of some peaceful old farmer.

Lu Jiutian stopped at the valley entrance, straightened his robes, and became extremely respectful. He addressed the thatched hut in a loud voice, "Disciple Lu Jiutian, along with Song Jing, a disciple of the Water Vein, requests an audience with Grandmaster Uncle Jinghong."

The sound wasn't loud, but it echoed gently through the valley.

A moment later, the wooden door of the thatched hut in the middle creaked open from the inside.

An elderly man dressed in coarse linen clothes, with gray hair and a slightly hunched posture, slowly walked out.

The old man had an ordinary face, with deep wrinkles, like an ordinary old farmer working in the fields, and his skin was bronze from years of wind and sun exposure.

color.

But when he looked up, Song Jing felt a sudden chill run down his spine!

What kind of eyes were those?

Calm and profound, yet sharp as a hawk, it seemed to pierce through people's hearts and see through all illusions. As his gaze swept over him, Song Jing felt as if he had been completely seen through, all his secrets exposed, and even the Xuan Yuan Heavy Water True Qi flowing within his body seemed to pause slightly.

What startled him even more was that the old man did not exude any powerful aura or pressure. He just stood there in an ordinary manner, yet he seemed to be integrated with the surrounding valley, pool, and even the world around him, giving people a sense of unfathomable depth and returning to simplicity.

"Is this the Blood Exchange Realm?" Song Jing was shocked. Unlike any expert he had ever seen before, this Elder Jinghong had reached another level.

"Nine Heavens, do you know the rules?" Elder Jinghong's voice was somewhat hoarse, carrying the vicissitudes of time, and his tone was flat, revealing no emotion.

Lu Jiutian quickly bowed and respectfully replied, "Reporting to Grandmaster Uncle, this disciple understands. The reason I brought Song Jing here today is to ask Grandmaster Uncle to test his talent in spear fighting and give him a chance."

Elder Jinghong's gaze fell on Song Jing, scrutinizing him from head to toe. He lingered for a moment on the Five Elements Dao Spear on Song Jing's back, a glint of light flashing in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.

"Hmm." Elder Jinghong responded lightly, without saying anything more. He simply turned around and walked back to the thatched hut, took out a long spear that was entirely black and looked ordinary, and then came out again.

"The first challenge." Elder Jinghong gripped his spear, looking at Song Jing, his voice still calm. "I possess a spear technique called the 'Swift Shadow Spear.' This technique comprises sixteen forms, divided into two parts, eight forms each. Mastering the first eight forms will grant you a lower-grade Rare skill. If you can seamlessly integrate all sixty forms, achieving perfect harmony, you can reach the peak of the middle-grade Rare skill, doubling its power."

He paused, then continued, "Now, I will demonstrate the first eight moves to you. Only once. If you can learn them in one go and grasp their essence, understanding the basics, then I will consider you to have passed the first test and give you a chance to face the subsequent challenges. If not, go back to where you came from, and let's not waste each other's time."

After speaking, without waiting for Song Jing's response or not noticing Lu Jiutian's slightly nervous expression, he slowly raised the seemingly ordinary long spear in his hand.

In an instant, the old man's hunched figure seemed to straighten slightly, and his entire demeanor changed drastically! An indescribable sharpness...

A sharp, yet ethereal and agile spear intent rose from his body!

He was no longer an ordinary old farmer, but a peerless divine spear about to be unsheathed!

"Watch closely."

Elder Jinghong gave a low shout and moved.

There was no earth-shattering burst of true energy, nor any flashy or dazzling light and shadow effects.

There was only a simple, unadorned gunshot, yet it was so fast that it exceeded the limits of vision!

"The first move, a fleeting glimpse!"

The gun flashed like lightning, a cold glint appearing and disappearing in an instant, like a fleeting glimpse of a swan, leaving no trace, yet it precisely pierced a point in the void, carrying an indomitable and piercing intent to see through illusion.

"Second move, Shadow Strike!"

The gun trembled, then multiplied into two, then four—instantly creating several indistinguishable gun shadows, like intertwined light and shadow, attacking from different directions, unpredictable and elusive.

"The third move, Gentle Breeze Swaying the Willows!"

The spear's momentum suddenly became gentle and flowing, like a spring breeze rustling willows. It seemed powerless, yet it contained a continuous, lingering force and endless variations. The trajectory of the spear was mysterious and difficult to describe.

"Fourth move, stars fall like rain!"

The gunshots suddenly exploded, transforming into a sky full of cold stars, pouring down like a torrential downpour. Each "point" contained the power to penetrate metal and stone, dense and violent.

"Fifth move, Cloud Dragon Probing Claw!"

The spear shot out like a dragon, protruding from an extremely tricky angle, like a dragon reaching out with its claws, striking unexpectedly and directly at the vital point, carrying a domineering sense of capture and locking.

Elder Jinghong's demonstration was not fast, it could even be described as slow, but each move was crystal clear, clearly showing Song Jing the techniques of exertion, the path of true qi circulation, the coordination of body movements, and even the artistic conception contained in the spear technique.

But it is precisely because of this that the exquisite, complex, and profound nature of this marksmanship is all the more awe-inspiring.

The eight spear techniques, whether fast or slow, hard or soft, orthodox or unorthodox, complex or simple, fully demonstrate the characteristics of the spear as a weapon, and also contain a unique martial arts concept of "a fleeting glimpse, a traceless shadow, moving like thunder, and still as a virgin".

Song Jing watched with rapt attention. As a master of the gun himself, he could better appreciate the profoundness and boundless potential of this gun technique.

This is not just a technique, but a philosophy and realm of gunmanship!

More importantly, the moment Elder Jinghong began demonstrating the first move, Song Jing's "Heaven Rewards Diligence" talent was activated on its own. It imprinted every detail of what he saw and heard, including the moves, strength, movement, and even the mysterious artistic conception, into the depths of his consciousness like the most precise engraving machine, without any error or slight detail!

At the same time, the invisible panel representing "The Flickering Shadow Gun (Fragment)" lit up instantly, and the proficiency level soared from 0!

When Elder Jinghong sheathed his spear and stood still, his aura returning to normal, as if the stunning spear technique he had just displayed had never been used, the panel in Song Jing's mind clearly showed...

【"The Flying Shadow Spear" (First Eight Forms), Beginner (1/1000)】!

Become!

I've already mastered the basics after examining it carefully just once!

This is the terrifying aspect of the "Heaven rewards diligence" talent!

What is difficult for ordinary people to understand and requires repeated contemplation and practice is something he can grasp in one look and understand the meaning. He directly crosses the most difficult threshold of comprehension. What remains is only the accumulation of proficiency and the tempering of actual combat!

An overwhelming surge of excitement and ecstasy welled up in Song Jing's heart.

He could sense that this spear technique was exceptionally compatible with his "Mysterious Origin Heavy Water True Skill"!

The condensation, penetration, and transformation of heavy water true qi, combined with the speed, unpredictability, and explosive power of the Swift Shadow Spear, will inevitably lead to a qualitative leap in power once they are combined!

At that time, challenging opponents of higher levels will be much easier. In fact, as Elder Jinghong said, it's not impossible for one person to take on ten opponents of the same level. "Did you see this spear technique clearly?" Elder Jinghong's voice pulled Song Jing back from his excitement.

Song Jing took a deep breath, suppressing his excitement, stepped forward, clasped his hands in a fist and bowed respectfully, saying, "This disciple has seen clearly."

"Oh?" A slight ripple finally appeared in Elder Jinghong's usually calm eyes, as if she was somewhat surprised by Song Jing's straightforward answer. "Then demonstrate it for me."

"Yes."

Song Jing took off the Five Elements Dao Spear from his back and walked to the open space in the center of the arena.

He closed his eyes and concentrated for a moment, quickly reviewing the eight spear techniques that had just been imprinted in his mind, and then suddenly opened his eyes!

A fleeting glimpse!

The same thrust of the spear! Although the speed, power, and artistic conception were far inferior to Elder Jinghong, the moves, the exertion of force, and even that trace of the "swift as a flash" spirit were already seven or eight parts similar!

"Fleeting glimpses of light!" "A gentle breeze rustles the willows!" "Stars fall like rain!"

Song Jing began to execute various spear techniques. At first, they were a little clumsy, but they quickly became fluid.

The Five Elements Dao Spear seemed to come alive in his hands, sometimes appearing like a thunderclap, sometimes flowing like water, displaying the essence of the first eight moves of the Swift Shadow Spear in a very impressive manner.

More importantly, he didn't simply copy the movements; during the execution, he subtly attempted to incorporate his own "Mysterious Origin Heavy Water True Skill."

The sense of "heaviness" and "penetration" is incorporated into the gunplay, making the gun shadows not only agile and swift, but also adding an indescribable sense of oppression.

Although its power and skill are vastly different from Elder Jinghong's, its form is already present and its spirit is beginning to emerge!

This is clearly a sign that they have already mastered the basics and are beginning to incorporate their own unique style!

After completing one rehearsal, Song Jing put away his gun and stood up, slightly out of breath.

These eight spear techniques consume a significant amount of mental and physical energy.

The room fell silent.

Lu Jiutian's eyes widened, his mouth slightly agape, almost unable to believe what he was seeing.

Although he had high hopes for Song Jing, he never expected that Song Jing would actually be able to practice such a complex and exquisite spear technique to the beginner level after only watching it once!

This talent—it's simply monstrous!

Elder Jinghong's eyes, usually as calm as an ancient pool, finally showed obvious ripples. He stared intently at Song Jing, his gaze sharp as a knife, as if he wanted to dissect Song Jing thoroughly from the inside out.

After a long pause, he slowly spoke, his voice carrying a hint of undisguised surprise: "You can master it after just one look, and even make a preliminary attempt to integrate it with your own true qi characteristics—kid, your talent in spear fighting is even above that of Lin Jingyun, the eighth disciple of the true lineage."

To receive such high praise from Elder Jinghong is already extremely high.

Upon hearing this, Lu Jiutian's face lit up with ecstatic joy.

But Elder Jinghong's next words made Lu Jiutian's heart jump again.

"However," Elder Jinghong changed the subject, her tone becoming calm again, yet carrying an undeniable authority, "entering the sect merely proves you are qualified to undergo the test. Becoming my disciple is not that simple."

He stared at Song Jing and said, word by word, "I'll give you six months."

If you can master the first eight moves of the "Fleeting Shadow Spear" to the Lesser Mist level within six months, I will accept you as a disciple, teach you the subsequent spear techniques, and grant you guidance.

If not, it means that although you have talent, you lack perseverance and determination, or you are not suited for this marksmanship. In that case, don't bother me again.

O

"Half a year? Xiao Wu?!" Ping Jiutian's expression changed slightly upon hearing this, and he couldn't help but exclaim.

A rare low-level spear technique, from beginner to the Lesser Mist, requires even a normal genius to practice for several years. Even figures like Lin Jingyun and Xiao Chen would never dare to say they could reach the Lesser Mist in half a year.

These conditions are far too harsh!

This is an almost impossible task to complete!

"Grandmaster Uncle, this—" Ping Jiutianyuan tried to persuade Song Jing, even if it meant extending the timeframe to one or two years.

Elder Jinghong waved his hand, interrupting him, his gaze fixed on Song Jing: "These are the conditions. Agree, and leave the spear manual; return in six months. Disagree, and you may leave now; I will not force you. The choice is yours."

Ping Jiutian looked anxiously at Song Jing, signaling with her eyes not to act impulsively. She suggested that he agree first and then discuss the matter further, or ask the sect leader for help to see if he could find a relatively easier trial.

However, faced with these almost impossible and harsh conditions, Song Jing did not show the slightest hesitation or retreat on his face. On the contrary, his eyes were bright and he had a strong sense of confidence.

Half a year?

Light fog?

What might seem like an impossible task to others is not impossible for him, who possesses the talent of "hard work pays off" and can grind for proficiency like crazy!

He felt he could be even faster!

While the "Fleeting Shadow" spear technique is indeed exquisite, once one's own "Wildfire Spear Technique" reaches its peak and breaks through its limits, wouldn't practicing it be a piece of cake?

With a clear cultivation path in place, the rest is up to you!

It means investing time and resources to continuously practice, learn, and apply what you've learned!

"This disciple is willing!" Song Jing stepped forward, bowed deeply to Elder Jinghong, and said resolutely, "For half a year..."

"You must practice this spear technique until you reach the 'Light Mist' level before you can test yourself before the elders!"

Elder Jinghong looked at Song Jing's firm and confident eyes, a barely perceptible hint of admiration flashing in them, but his face remained expressionless. He simply took out a thin, yellowed, thread-bound book from his robes and casually tossed it to Song Jing.

"This is the secret manual for the first eight forms of the spear technique, the 'Heartless Method.' Take it. Six months later, bring your spear and return here. Remember, I only care about the results." With that, he ignored the two men and turned to walk into the thatched hut, the wooden door creaking shut behind him.

Ping Jiutian looked at the tightly closed wooden gate, then at Song Jing, whose expression was firm and who was holding the gun manual, and felt a mix of emotions.

He felt a mixture of awe and joy at Song Jing's talent, and worry and helplessness at the harsh conditions. He patted Song Jing on the shoulder and sighed, "Junior Brother Song, you—alas, since you've already agreed, you can only do your best. In the next six months, if you need anything, just come to me. I will also try my best to secure resources for you from the sect. However—this six-month period is really too tight, you—take care."

"Thank you, Senior Brother Ping." Song Jing carefully put away the spear manual, his eyes burning with fighting spirit. "Don't worry, Senior Brother, I know what I'm doing. I will definitely come back here in six months."

Just as Song Jing was undergoing an almost impossible test by Elder Jinghong on the back mountain, the atmosphere in the valley where the Alchemy Hall was located on the other side of the main peak was somewhat solemn.

Inside the main hall of the Alchemy Hall, several elders dressed in alchemist robes were discussing matters. Among them was none other than the one who had previously wronged Zhou Ming…

Zhou Mu, a close elder of the Dan Hall, is also a member of a collateral branch of the Zhou family.

The other person was Wu, the deputy head of the Dan Hall, an elderly man with gray hair and a gentle demeanor.

Zhou Mu put down a jade slip in his hand, his brows furrowed, and said to Vice Hall Master Wu, "Vice Hall Master Wu, recently, the various branches, especially the Water Branch, seem to have received too many Xuan Yuan Pills. The sect's resources are currently strained, and the northwest border and Hedong are both unstable. Large quantities of pills need to be supplied to the elite inner disciples on the front lines. Shouldn't the quotas for the outer branches be recalculated and allocated more—reasonably?"

Vice Hall Master Wu Tianming stroked his beard and said, "What do you mean by that, Deacon Zhou? The quota allocation for each branch is a sect rule, determined by a comprehensive evaluation of the number of disciples, their cultivation level, and their contributions. How can it be easily changed? Although the Water Branch has few members, its core cultivation technique, the 'Mysterious Origin Heavy Water True Technique,' is..."

Cultivating a stable spring requires a significant amount of Profound Essence Pills, a fact widely known.

Zhou Mu shook his head and said, "Vice Hall Master Wu, you are right. Resources should be used wisely. The Water Vein is now suffering from a shortage of talent. Apart from a few people like Ping Jiutian and Chen Mo, most of the other disciples have mediocre cultivation, and many have not even broken through to the Bone Forging Realm."

Distributing large quantities of precious Profound Origin Pills to them, especially to ordinary disciples who haven't even reached the Earth Rank, would be a waste.

He paused, a glint of light flashing in his eyes, and continued, "On the other hand, our Metal, Fire, and Earth veins are teeming with talent, with numerous Earth and Profound Rank disciples, and even more peerless geniuses striving to break through to the Heaven Rank and become true disciples. Concentrating resources on these disciples with greater potential and the ability to contribute more to the sect is the right path."

In my opinion, it would be better to revise the rules and redistribute resources according to the disciples' cultivation levels and strength. For example, only disciples who advance to the Earth Rank should be eligible to receive a fixed share of Profound Origin Pills each month. This way, we can both motivate disciples to strive for excellence and concentrate resources to cultivate more experts, thus enhancing the prestige of our sect!

"This—" Deputy Hall Master Wu frowned slightly. What Zhou Mu said seemed to make some sense, but it was clearly aimed at the Water Vein, which had few people and few high-level disciples.

Moreover, revising resource allocation rules is a major undertaking, affecting the whole system.

Seeing Vice Hall Master Wu hesitate, Zhou Mu lowered his voice and said, "Vice Hall Master Wu, this matter is not solely my opinion. Senior Brother Zhou Lingyun, the top disciple of the Heavenly Rank, is also concerned about this. Senior Brother Zhou believes that since the sect's resources are limited, we should emulate the imperial court's system of 'the strong rise, the mediocre fall,' in order to ensure the Pingtian Sect's continued strength amidst the chaos. The Alchemy Hall—should also follow this trend. If a small allocation of water veins can earn Senior Brother Zhou's favor and lead to more efficient resource utilization, why not?"

Upon hearing the name "Zhou Lingyun," Vice Hall Master Wu's expression finally changed. Zhou Lingyun, the top disciple of the Heavenly Rank, was already a Marrow Refining Realm expert at the young age of thirty-eight. His strength was unfathomable, and he was hailed as one of the strongest contenders for the future sect leader, wielding immense influence within the sect.

Even the peak masters of each peak dared not easily ignore his opinions.

Seeing that the matter had been brought to a head, Zhou Mu pressed his advantage, saying, "Vice Hall Master Wu, we don't necessarily need to immediately reduce all the Water Vein's quota. How about making some adjustments first? For example, temporarily reduce the Profound Origin Pill allocation for those Water Vein disciples who haven't yet advanced to the Earth Rank, and observe the effect. If the Water Vein disciples truly have potential, they can advance to the Earth Rank based on their abilities and then receive resources. This would be fair and reasonable, beneficial to the overall situation of the sect, and even if the Sect Master loses out to the peak masters, they will understand."

Deputy Hall Master Wu pondered for a long time, looking into Zhou Mu's meaningful eyes, considering Zhou Lingyun's influence and the current tense situation. Finally, he sighed slowly and waved his hand helplessly: "Fine—let's make adjustments as Deacon Zhou suggests for now. The water veins—sigh, I hope they can live up to expectations."

A hint of smugness flashed in Zhou Mu's eyes as he cupped his hands and said, "Vice Hall Master Wu, this move is truly for the long-term benefit of the sect. I will make the arrangements immediately."

An undercurrent targeting the water veins, especially the cultivation resources of lower-level disciples like Song Jing, is quietly brewing within the Alchemy Hall.

Song Jing, who had just received Elder Jinghong's sudden blessing and was preparing to make a big splash, was unaware that his future cultivation path would be added with some twists and turns because of this small "quota adjustment".