Mountain Venerable and Sea Immortal

Three days later, the sky over Laoshan was clear and the air was fresh. Myriad rays of clouds swirled around the Taiqing Palace, and celestial music filled the air. Bells and chimes rang out nine times, their sound carrying for miles through the sea of ​​clouds. The entire Laoshan area was immersed in a solemn and dignified atmosphere.

The white jade square in front of Taiqing Hall has been cleaned and renewed. In the center stands a three-zhang-high (approximately 6.6 meters) blue stone altar for the apprenticeship ceremony. On the altar, the ancestral tablets of the Laoshan lineage masters are solemnly enshrined. In front of the altar is a three-legged gilded alchemical furnace, from which the thousand-year-old incense rises and transforms into wisps of clear light that linger. On the altar, the apprenticeship certificate, the lineage seal, and the sect's jade talisman are neatly arranged, exuding a strong sense of ceremony.

On either side of the altar, Elder Wudao sat high in the center, while Elder Xuanzhen, Elder Guanhai, True Man Yulan, Danchenzi and other sect elders stood to the left and right. Each of them wore elegant Taoist robes, exuding spiritual energy. An invisible pressure enveloped the entire venue, yet it did not diminish the peace and harmony of the immortal sect.

Below the stage, two hundred newly recruited disciples stood solemnly in formation according to the five academies. Their robes, in five colors—white, azure, crimson, sea blue, and jet black—were arranged like the five elements, their postures upright and their auras steady. Not one dared to utter a word or make a rash move. Lin Yan, Yun Xi, and Shen Yue were positioned in the front row, their expressions dignified, awaiting the commencement of the ceremony.

When the auspicious energy was at its peak, Elder Wudao slowly rose, his voice, imbued with spiritual power, resounding far and wide:

"The auspicious hour has arrived! The ceremony for the newly initiated disciples of Laoshan to become apprentices shall commence!"

The master of ceremonies held up the register and called out the names, and the disciples from each household took the stage in order.

Disciples of the Taiqing Inner Palace went first. Yun Xi and Shen Yue, dressed in moon-white robes with gold-threaded cloud patterns reflecting the sunset glow, ascended the steps steadily. They knelt before Elder Wudao and Elder Xuanzhen, performing the three kowtows and nine prostrations, holding high the jade tablet of apprenticeship, their voices clear as jade.

"Disciples Yunxi and Shen Yue wish to become disciples of the elders, uphold the sect rules, diligently cultivate the Dao, protect Laoshan Mountain, and live up to the expectations of the immortal sect!"

The two elders smiled and nodded, each bestowing upon the other a Taiqing True Transmission Jade Talisman, formally accepting them as their personal disciples.

Then it was the turn of the disciples of the Nine Waters Spiritual Mansion to step forward. Lin Yan, dressed in a deep sea blue robe with subtle water ripples that swayed gently with his steps, walked with the group to the presence of True Person Yu Lan and, in accordance with the orthodox etiquette of the sect, respectfully kowtowed:

"Disciple Lin Yan pays respects to Master. I wish to enter the Nine Waters to learn the techniques of water control, qi cultivation, marrow cleansing, and healing."

Master Yulan nodded gently and personally handed him the Water Pattern Inheritance Jade Token, which was considered a formal inclusion in the register, placing him under the jurisdiction of the Nine Water Spirit Mansion.

As the ceremony concluded, Elder Guanhai suddenly flicked his whisk, his clear voice resonating throughout the entire hall:

"Lin Yan is a kind-hearted and steadfast cultivator. He and I had a connection when he was in the outer sect, and I guided him in his cultivation. Now that he has entered the inner sect, I will still personally guide him on the key points of his cultivation. I hope that he will learn from all sources and live up to his spiritual talent."

The moment the words were spoken, the entire room trembled slightly, and then everyone understood.

Elders such as Wudao and Xuanzhen nodded slightly in tacit approval.

Within the sect, there is a precedent of openly returning to one prefecture while secretly inheriting the true teachings of the elders. This not only does not violate etiquette but also shows the sect's appreciation for talent.

Lin Yan immediately turned around and bowed again to Elder Guanhai, expressing his gratitude for the secret teachings he had received. One was in the open, the other in the shadows; the two masters were both respected in name and in spirit, without the slightest incongruity.

Afterwards, Ye Qing, Yi Azhu, Chen Dagang and others also took turns becoming disciples, each returning to their respective residences and paying respects to their masters. The entire ceremony was well-organized and exuded an aura of divine elegance.

After the entire household had finished their rites, Elder Wudao stepped forward again, his voice resounding throughout the square:

"The top three in this recruitment ceremony trial possessed exceptional talent and outstanding achievements, and deserve generous rewards!"

"Top of the competition—Lin Yan!"

"Second Place Winner—Yun Xi!"

"Third-ranked scholar—Shen Yue!"

The three men stepped forward and stood before the altar, attracting the attention of the crowd.

Elder Wudao flicked his whisk, his words ringing out: "These three are hereby granted exclusive cave dwellings, each in charge of a cave, and enjoying exclusive access to the spiritual veins!"

"Lin Yan, the Xuan Shui Cave in Mingxia'ao is located near the main vein of the Lingxi River, containing a spiritual spring that gathers water and condenses energy, making it most suitable for your pure water spiritual root cultivation!"

"Yunxi, bestow upon me the Sword Heart Cave on Lanxing Peak, a high vantage point to embrace the rosy clouds and draw upon the sword energy of the stars, making it a superior grotto-heaven for the sword cultivators of Laoshan!"

"Shen Yue, bestowed upon the Qingming Cave on the side peak of Taiqing, near the Transmission Dharma Retreat, possesses pure and abundant spiritual energy, suitable for cultivating the orthodox Laoshan cultivation methods!"

The moment the reward was announced, all the disciples present were filled with envy.

Those ranked fourth to tenth will be granted a superior private courtyard in the Elite Villa, equipped with a small spirit-gathering array, and their monthly allowance will be doubled; the other ranked disciples will also receive rewards of spirit jade, pills, and talismans.

The bells and chimes rang nine more times, and the rosy glow swept across the mountains.

Elder Wudao proclaimed in a clear voice: "From this day forward, you are all officially accepted into the Laoshan sect. The path of cultivation is long, and you must be diligent and self-disciplined, helping each other as fellow disciples, to jointly realize the Great Dao!"

All the disciples bowed deeply in unison, their voices echoing through the mountains:

"I will obey the elder's decree and vow to live or die for Laoshan!"

The grand ceremony was completed, and auspicious energy spread far and wide.

Holding the Xuan Shui Cave token, Lin Yan, led by the steward, headed towards his own unique and enchanting cave dwelling.

Having joined the Nine Waters Spiritual Palace, openly inheriting the teachings of True Man Yulan and secretly continuing the true legacy of Elder Guanhai, he also gained his own exclusive grotto-heaven. From this day forward, he can finally establish a firm foothold on the immortal path of Laoshan, rising step by step to great heights.

Xuanshui Cave is nestled deep within Mingxia Valley, backed by verdant peaks and facing the main vein of the Lingxi River. Surrounded by ancient pines and swaying bamboo shadows, it possesses an even greater sense of tranquility and spirituality than the Elite Villa. Before even reaching the cave entrance, one can hear the murmuring of water. A clear, cool spring seeps from the crevices of the mountain rocks, forming a shallow stream that meanders around the cave. The pebbles at the bottom of the stream shimmer with a faint spiritual light, and the misty vapor washes over you.

Upon approaching, a natural granite cave stood against the mountain, its entrance about ten feet high. The three ancient seal characters "Xuanshui Cave" were carved on its lintel, their strokes subtly shimmering with the light of water, clearly the work of a high-ranking Taoist master. Two small stone beasts stood outside the cave, each containing a simple enchantment. Lin Yan gently touched them with his token, and a faint light flashed as the enchantment dissipated on its own.

Upon entering the cave, one is immediately enveloped by a spiritual energy several times richer than that outside. The cave hall is spacious and bright, with smooth, warm stone walls, free of any dust or grime. Natural cracks in the ceiling allow sunlight to filter in, bright yet not glaring. To the left, a naturally formed, smooth and warm blue stone couch is the perfect spot for meditation. To the right, a groove is carved into a stone platform, suitable for placing alchemy furnaces, jade bottles, scriptures, and other miscellaneous items. Beside it is a small spring, its gentle flow tinkling, the water clear, sweet, and imbued with pure aquatic spiritual energy.

Even more wondrous is the hidden pool at the bottom of the cave, its water crystal clear and its spiritual energy so dense it's almost condensed into mist—a perfect place to cleanse one's marrow and refine one's water-based spiritual roots. Several water-loving spiritual herbs grow by the pool, their round leaves shimmering with a bluish glow, silently absorbing spiritual energy, keeping the cave perpetually spring-like, impervious to evil spirits, and undisturbed by heat or cold.

The entire cave dwelling was well-protected inside and out, quiet and secluded, with pure spiritual veins. It was free from noise and disturbed, and nourished by water vapor. For him, a cultivator with a pure water spiritual root, it was a blessed land created by heaven for cultivation.

Lin Yan slowly walked into the cave, gently touching the stone wall. He felt his meridians relax and his mind become clear.

Yunxi received the Sword Heart Cave token and, led by a steward from the Taiqing Inner Palace, headed towards Lanxing Peak.

Lanxing Peak is extremely high, with a winding stone staircase leading straight up, clouds and mist swirling around you, and the wind whistling like swords. The summit offers a wide and open view.

On a cliff halfway up the mountain is the Sword Heart Cave. The cave entrance is hidden among the ancient pines, with huge rocks naturally guarding it. The three characters "Sword Heart Cave" are carved on the cliff wall, with sharp strokes and restrained sword intent, as if they are the lingering charm left by the swordsmanship predecessors of countless years ago.

There is a narrow, elongated opening in the cave ceiling that allows sunlight to shine directly onto the sword bed. During the day, it gathers the glow of the sunset, and at night, it absorbs starlight, forming a natural array for gathering swords...