This is the true immortal of the Taoist sect.

Upon hearing this, Ye San Niang's expression darkened.

In fact, she was already mentally prepared. After all, judging from the terrifying strength of Qingfeng Mingyue and Jing Shu, the cultivation techniques they practiced were definitely not something that ordinary people could master.

"I understand, I..."

Li Daoxuan smiled and waved his hand, saying:

"Miss Ye, please don't misunderstand. I didn't mean to send you away when I said you weren't suitable for cultivating Taoist arts."

He pointed at Qingfeng and said:

"Qingfeng has been researching martial arts suitable for Taoist disciples, and now he has achieved quite good results."

"Now that you've arrived, you're essentially establishing a new sect for my Taoist martial arts lineage, becoming the first disciple to attain enlightenment through martial arts."

"From now on, you will be training with Qingfeng. I'm afraid I'll need you to cooperate with Qingfeng in trying out this newly created path of martial arts."

Ye San Niang was already extremely excited at this point, and could only shake her head repeatedly, saying:

"No trouble at all, I'll do my best to cooperate..."

Having said that, she turned to look at Qingfeng, and couldn't help but think to herself:

"You have shown me such great kindness in teaching me; shouldn't I kowtow and formally acknowledge you as my master?"

Thinking of this, Ye San Niang no longer hesitated and knelt down in front of Qing Feng.

Qingfeng thought for a moment but did not dodge; instead, he smiled and said:

"Third Sister, I will do my best to teach you the Taoist martial arts I know, but you are not my disciple, and I am not your master."

At this point, Qingfeng turned to look at Li Daoxuan, who understood and nodded.

Qingfeng then continued:

"From now on, we will address each other as fellow disciples."

San Niang understood immediately, turned around, and kowtowed to Li Daoxuan, saying:

"Disciple Ye San Niang pays respects to the Ancestral Master."

From that day on, Ye San Niang officially joined the Taoist sect.

She was neither Qingfeng's disciple nor Li Daoxuan's true successor; strictly speaking, she was the founding disciple of a branch of the Daoist martial arts lineage.

They revere Li Daoxuan as their patriarch.

Ye San Niang was very satisfied with this arrangement because she understood that she was extremely lucky compared to those who were still struggling to survive in the martial arts world.

She was already incredibly satisfied to be able to join the sect founded by this immortal, so how could she possibly have any other desires?

Wang Jingshu was overjoyed to learn that Ye Sanniang had finally succeeded in joining the sect.

He said a lot of flattering things to Li Daoxuan.

Her mouth is as sweet as honey.

After she finished speaking, Li Daoxuan smiled and gently flicked her forehead, his expression gradually becoming serious.

"Jing Shu, kneel down."

Wang Jingshu was taken aback, not understanding why.

Qingfeng, who was standing to the side, immediately realized what was happening and said with delight:

"Junior sister, kneel down quickly..."

Although Wang Jingshu still didn't quite understand, she still obediently knelt before Li Daoxuan.

Li Daoxuan raised his hand and wiped, and the Taoist genealogy book floated in front of him.

Upon seeing the four characters "Taoist Genealogy" on the scroll, Wang Jingshu finally realized what it meant and was overjoyed.

Li Daoxuan, with a solemn expression and speaking with an air of authority, declared in a clear and resonant voice:

"Wang Jingshu, the disciple in front of the stage, is pure and innocent by nature. She entered the Dao through swordsmanship and pioneered a new school."

"I guide you into the Dao in the name of the founder of the Daoist sect of the Xuanhuang world, bestow upon you the Daoist name Jinghong, and make you the true successor of the Daoist founder, with the honorific title Taiyi Qingfeng Jinghong Daojun."

After saying that, Li Daoxuan looked at Wang Jingshu.

"Jing Shu, kowtow and pay homage to Heaven and Earth, the Daoist tradition, and your revered teacher."

Wang Jingshu was excited, her heart was pounding, and her shoulders were trembling slightly. From this day forward, she had finally officially become her master's true disciple.

She slowly bowed her head, first to Heaven and Earth, second to the Taoist tradition, and third to her revered teacher.

On the genealogy, Wang Jingshu's name and title naturally appeared. A golden light pierced into her brow, leaving a vertical line like a sword mark, which disappeared in an instant.

Wang Jingshu lay prostrate on the ground, happily saying:

"Disciple Jinghong...pays respects...to the Ancestor..."

Li Daoxuan beckoned, lifted Wang Jingshu up, wiped the dust from her forehead, and smiled:

"Your master took so long to let you record the music, don't you feel it's unfair of him?"

Wang Jingshu was quite sincere, and said with a hint of embarrassment:

"I did have that thought a few years ago, but I've come to understand it later. If I can't even achieve a state of tranquility, how can I inherit my master's Taoist teachings? And where do I get the qualifications to be included in the Taoist lineage?"

Li Daoxuan nodded and sighed:

"It's good that you understand..."

Wang Jingshu sensed something unusual in Li Daoxuan's sentimental tone, and she immediately thought of her brother.

He couldn't help but think to himself:

"Alas, if my brother hadn't been so fixated on pursuing an official career through the imperial examinations, he probably would have already entered the Taoist lineage and become a Taoist priest."

"Judging by the time, the provincial examinations for the autumn harvest should all be over by now. I wonder how my brother did..."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

"Brother Wang, congratulations on winning first place! You are truly a role model for all students..."

Inside the Lijiang Guild Hall, a group of students congratulated Wang Yangming.

The imperial court has made a special exception for these candidates from other places who have just taken the provincial examination in Kyoto, allowing them to stay in the capital to take the exam.

As a tribute student, Wang Yangming was originally qualified to be directly appointed as an official.

However, he declined the offer of being appointed to an official position and instead continued his studies to participate in the imperial examinations.

As expected, he won first place in the Kyoto provincial examination, earning the title of Jieyuan (top scholar in the provincial examination).

Facing these students who came to congratulate him, Wang Yangming showed no arrogance whatsoever, but simply bowed and thanked them:

"It just so happens that the policy essay was a subject I excelled in, so I won by sheer luck; it's nothing to mention..."

Upon hearing this, someone nearby immediately started to stir up trouble:

"This is no fluke. Who in the capital doesn't know of your talent, Brother Wang? To win the top spot in the provincial examination is truly well-deserved..."

"Indeed, in my opinion, when the imperial examinations are held next April, my brother will surely win the titles of top scholar and first scholar, achieving the highest honor in all three categories, a feat worthy of being celebrated for all time..."

"Indeed, indeed! In the more than two hundred years since the founding of our Great Zhao Kingdom, there has never been a story of a triple crowning achievement. Brother, it is up to you now."

Wang Yangming smiled and waved his hand, saying frankly that he dared not presume to presume.

Since ancient times, the four great joys in life are: rain after a long drought, meeting an old friend in a foreign land, the wedding night, and passing the imperial examination.

And passing the imperial examination with flying colors is the most joyous occasion.

Although it was only the provincial examination, he had already earned the title of top scholar. Even with Wang Yangming's usually composed nature, he couldn't contain his joy. He felt a surge of pride, as if the world was at his fingertips.

He is already seventeen years old.

It is the most vibrant and youthful age.

For a teenager of this age to encounter such a rare moment of glory in life, it is already remarkable that they can remain somewhat clear-headed; to do more would be asking too much.

At the Lijiang Guild Hall, Wang Yangming hosted a banquet for many students. This was the first time he had indulged in heavy drinking and completely let loose.

He was completely drunk by the time the banquet ended.

In a daze, it seemed as if a soft, fragrant breeze entered my embrace.

As autumn gradually deepens, spring-like colors bloom...