Early the next morning, Li Yi rode Red Hare and galloped into the distance.
According to the map provided by Master Muxingzi, the Qingyun Sect is located in Yunshan County, 500 li east of Yanmen Pass.
Having gone through several major battles, Red Hare has also improved a lot. With the added benefit of its maternal bloodline, Red Hare now possesses formidable strength.
Among the beasts, they are considered among the best.
According to the martial arts realm, Red Hare also possesses the strength of the seventh level of Body Refinement.
Therefore, Red Hare's top speed was greatly improved.
However, this trip to Qingyun Sect wasn't particularly urgent.
Therefore, Li Yi traveled at a leisurely pace, sometimes experiencing the local customs and culture, and sometimes meditating on the universe to improve his cultivation.
Several days later, Li Yi finally arrived deep in Yunshan County.
Before Li Yi's eyes was a famous mountain and a great river, Qingyun Mountain.
This place is a famous mountain in the Chen Kingdom, with beautiful scenery and abundant life. The Qingyun Sect, one of the Three Clouds of the Chen Kingdom, is located here.
After observing for a while, Li Yi dismounted, took Red Hare as his horse, and walked along the mountain path towards Qingyun Mountain.
The soft clatter of hooves startled several birds into flight.
"May I ask who you are?"
Before long, two young Taoist boys emerged from the woods and came to Li Yi's side.
Looking at the two young Taoist disciples, Li Yi's expression hardened.
The two young Taoist disciples had long, steady breaths and firm steps. Although they were only fourteen or fifteen years old, their martial arts foundation was very profound.
"I am Li Yi from Yanmen Pass. I have come to Qingyun Mountain at the invitation of Jupiter."
As he spoke, Li Yi took out the identity token that Mu Xingzi had given him and handed it to one of the Daoist boys.
Upon hearing the name Mu Xingzi, the young Taoist priest's expression changed slightly. After verifying the identity token handed to him by Li Yi, the two men's attitudes instantly became even more respectful.
"So this is Master Jupiter's distinguished guest! Please, invite him in!"
The young Taoist priest at the head of the group respectfully returned the token to Li Yi. After exchanging a few words with the other Taoist priest beside him, the priest led Li Yi and headed towards Qingyun Mountain.
The other Taoist boy continued to patrol along the mountain path.
Along the way, Li Yi looked on with curiosity at the beautiful mountains and rivers of Qingyun Mountain, and occasionally saw disciples of the Qingyun Sect practicing martial arts and cultivating themselves in the mountains and rivers.
Upon seeing this, the young Taoist priest who was leading the way took the initiative to introduce Li Yi.
About half an hour later, the two arrived at the mountainside.
What came into view was a palace or temple nestled in the woods.
At the entrance of this palace complex stands a huge stone inscribed with the words "Sword-Unlocking Pool." In the pool beside it, a few fish swim among the lotus flowers.
"What incredible sword intent!"
Standing beside the stone, Li Yi glanced up and instantly sensed the profound sword intent contained within the writing.
Upon hearing this, the young Taoist beside him became rather proud.
"This was personally carved by Qingyunzi, the founder of my Qingyun Sect, and it contains a trace of his sword intent!"
It turned out to be the case.
As expected of the founder of the Qingyun Sect who created the "Minor Purity Qi Technique," his martial arts realm is truly unfathomable!
Standing beside the Sword-Unraveling Pool, Li Yi carefully studied the sword intent within the inscription, and then said:
"Young Taoist priest, may I ask if I should also remove this weapon?"
On this long journey, Li Yi brought along the Seven Killing Cold Bow and the Ink Cold Serpent Spear, among other things.
Upon hearing this, the young Taoist priest shook his head repeatedly:
"Sir, you are a military officer of the imperial court, and you also possess the identity token of Daoist Muxingzi. Naturally, you are different from others, so there is no need to remove your weapon."
"However, our Qingyun Sect has many rules, so please refrain from violence within the sect!"
Seeing this, Li Yi felt somewhat relieved and readily agreed to what the young Taoist boy said.
Behind the Sword-Unlocking Pool is an ancient gate with a plaque above it bearing the words "Qingyun".
Led by the young Taoist boy, Li Yi successfully entered Qingyun Temple and followed the paths deep into the Qingyun Sect.
Soon, the two arrived at a small courtyard.
"Please inform them that Master Jupiter's friend has arrived!"
The young Taoist priest led Li Yi to this secluded courtyard and gave instructions to another young Taoist priest inside the gate.
A short while later, the courtyard gate creaked open.
"Li Yi, you've finally arrived!"
Behind the door, Mu Xingzi, wearing a Taoist robe, walked out of the house and welcomed Li Yi inside.
"Greetings, Taoist Master!"
Li Yi smiled slightly, and then Mu Xingzi took his hand and led him into the courtyard.
In this courtyard, there is a gourd shed with stone tables and chairs placed underneath.
The young Taoist boy beside Jupiter brought over tea with great flair, then quietly slipped away.
For a while, the two chatted about their recent situations over hot tea.
"I observe that your true energy is profound and well-rounded, indicating that your martial arts foundation is indeed quite solid. It is evident that your cultivation has not declined during this period."
Jupiter felt quite satisfied with the aura emanating from Li Yi.
Li Yi put down his teacup and said in a deep voice:
"In the realm of martial arts, if you don't advance, you regress!"
"Even though I am burdened with military duties on the border, I dare not slack off and immerse myself in martial arts training day and night."
Upon hearing this, Jupiter nodded in satisfaction.
"Now that you've come to my Qingyun Sect, let me ask you one more question: are you willing to join my Qingyun Sect?"
Hearing what Mu Xingzi said, Li Yi did not hesitate at all.
He had prepared himself mentally before coming to the Qingyun Sect.
Led by the young Taoist boy, Li Yi toured the Qingyun Sect and met many of its members, gaining a complete impression of this prestigious sect that supported the Chen Kingdom.
Li Yi said in a deep voice:
"My purpose in coming here, Li Yi, is to join the Qingyun Sect!"
"Please, Daoist Master, introduce me to your sect!"
Seeing that Li Yi had given his answer, Mu Xingzi also showed a satisfied smile.
Jupiter stroked his beard and then said:
"Our Qingyun Sect has five generations of characters: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. The current sect leader is Mu Yangzi, who is of the same generation as me. As for the elders, most of them are of the metal generation."
"My lineage was passed down from the Second Elder, Jin Lingzi. Would you be willing to join my lineage?"
Upon hearing this, Li Yi was immediately delighted.
As the saying goes, it's good to take shelter under a big tree. Along the way, Li Yi realized how powerful the Qingyun Sect was. In his casual conversation with the young Taoist boy, Li Yi had already found out that Mu Xingzi held a respectable position within the Qingyun Temple.
Now that Jupiter was willing to take him as a disciple, he naturally agreed readily.
"Thank you for your appreciation, Master. I'm willing to join!"
Seeing this, Mu Xingzi stood up and led Li Yi out of the courtyard.
"In that case, I'll take you to see my master!"
According to Mu Xingzi's opinion, Li Yi's abilities and talents are extremely high. Even though he has practiced other martial arts, he comes from the Chen State Army and is not considered a martial arts practitioner. Therefore, accepting him into the sect is in accordance with the sect's rules.
In that case, it is only natural to bring this jade into one's own lineage.
Soon, under Mu Xingzi's guidance, Li Yi ventured deep into the back mountain of the Qingyun Sect.
Before long, the two arrived at a waterfall cliff.
Behind the waterfall, nestled within the cliff face, lies a natural stone chamber where seven or eight Taoist priests are studying scriptures and discussing medicinal texts.
As soon as Jupiter appeared, everyone stood up and bowed to him.
Some of them even had higher cultivation levels than Jupiter.
"It seems that Master Jupiter's status is indeed quite high!"
Li Yi watched this scene and thought to himself.
Deep within the stone chamber, an old Taoist priest in blue robes lay reclining, eyes closed in deep thought.
"My little apprentice, what brings you here to see your master?"
The old Taoist priest spoke slowly.
Mu Xingzi quickly pulled Li Yi forward and said with a smile:
"Master, didn't I tell you before that we discovered a talented person in Yanmen Pass?"
"Now, I've brought him here!"
Li Yi, who was standing nearby, stepped forward with a keen eye and said respectfully:
"This humble one, Li Yi, greets Senior Jin Lingzi!"
The golden spirit before him possessed a perfectly unified aura, far surpassing anyone Li Yi had ever seen.
Li Yi had a gut feeling that this Taoist in blue wanted to kill him, and it would only take one hand to strike him! His strength was definitely not at the True Qi Realm!
Upon hearing this, Jin Lingzi slowly opened her eyes and looked at Li Yi.
Suddenly, Li Yi felt a heavy weight pressing down on him.
But soon, this heavy feeling disappeared as Jin Lingzi's gaze left.
"Yes, my little disciple, what you say is indeed true. This child has good potential and can become my disciple."
Upon hearing this, Mu Xingzi repeatedly gave Li Yi meaningful glances, and Li Yi knelt down and bowed before the old Taoist in green.
"Disciple Li Yi greets Master!"
Jin Lingzi sat up and looked solemnly at Li Yi. The others in the stone chamber also slowly walked over and stood with Mu Xingzi.
"As the Second Elder of the Qingyun Sect, I still hold a certain position within the sect."
"As my disciple, you must abide by your duties and not violate the sect rules. You must strive diligently in your cultivation!"
Hearing Jin Lingzi's instructions, Li Yi quickly and earnestly agreed.
"Including you, I have nine disciples in total. You are my last disciple!"
"I see that you are surrounded by murderous intent and a chilling aura, belonging to the yin aspect of yin and yang."
"As for the Way of Wind and Fire, fire is Yang and wind is Yin. Since you are skilled in the Way of Wind, why not take Yin as your Daoist name?"
"From this day forward, you will be my ninth disciple, with the Daoist name Mu Yinzi!"
Mu Yinzi?
Li Yi silently recited the Taoist name, his face showing deep thought.
But Mu Xingzi and the others behind him were stunned.
The Qingyun Sect is a Taoist lineage that believes in the Three Pure Ones. The concept of Yin and Yang has many special meanings for the members of the Qingyun Sect, and they generally do not use the words Yin and Yang.
Moreover, the current leader of the Qingyun Sect is Jin Lingzi's senior brother's lineage. The pride of this lineage is named Mu Yangzi, who is not only the leader of the Mu generation in this lineage, but also the sect leader of the Qingyun Sect!
Did Jin Lingzi give Li Yi this Taoist name because he wanted Li Yi to take up the mantle of this lineage and compete with Mu Yangzi?
For a moment, everyone had different thoughts and looked at Li Yi with curiosity.
Li Yi overheard the hushed discussions among the crowd and realized the special meaning behind this Taoist title.
However, upon thinking about his skill panel, Li Yi subconsciously straightened his back.
"Disciple Muyinzi thanks Master for bestowing upon me this title!"
The firmness in Li Yi's words made Jin Lingzi nod slightly, and then Jin Lingzi looked at Mu Xingzi.
"Since you were the one who introduced him to this field, then I'll leave it to you."
"Come see me again after you pass the entrance exam!"
After leaving the cliff, Li Yi followed Mu Xingzi towards the courtyard.
Seeing that no one was around, Li Yi asked in a low voice:
"Senior brother, what's with this entrance exam? Wasn't I personally accepted by Master?"
Upon hearing Li Yi's question, Mu Xingzi laughed heartily:
"Normally, it would be your master who gives the order, and then you would be accepted into the Qingyun Sect."
"But you were already a True Qi Realm martial artist before you joined the sect, so this is considered joining a sect with prior skills."
"According to the rules of my Qingyun Sect, you need to pass an assessment to officially become a member of my Qingyun Sect!"
"I see!"
Listening to Jupiter's explanation, many of Li Yi's doubts were resolved.
But before Li Yi could ask again, Mu Xingzi said:
"Don't worry, with your abilities and status, passing the assessment will be a piece of cake!"
Seeing that Mu Xingzi didn't care at all, Li Yi stopped talking and silently followed Mu Xingzi towards the core area of Qingyun Sect.
Soon, a grand hall appeared before them.
"This is the Zhenwu Hall, where the Zhenwu Emperor is enshrined, and it is also the location of the sect's central leadership."
Led by Jupiter, Li Yi entered the Zhenwu Hall.
One could see Taoist priests coming and going among them. Looking up, one could see a tall statue of the True Martial Emperor sitting in the center.
Mu Xingzi led Li Yi forward, lit an incense stick, and then walked towards the side hall.
This side hall enshrines the tortoise general under the command of Zhenwu the Great.
A Taoist priest, who appeared to be in his thirties, was sitting in a side hall, handling various miscellaneous tasks.
"Sect Leader, Junior Brother!"
Mu Xingzi gently called out, and the Taoist priest looked up from his desk and gazed at Li Yi and the other man.
"Senior Brother Jupiter, what brings you here to see me?"
Upon hearing this, Mu Xingzi chuckled and pushed Li Yi, who was standing beside him, forward.
At this moment, Li Yi realized that this person was none other than Mu Yangzi, the current head of the Qingyun Sect!
After being pushed out by Mu Xingzi, Li Yi bowed to Mu Yangzi with neither servility nor arrogance:
"Greetings, Senior Brother Sect Leader!"
Mu Yangzi quickly returned the greeting, and Mu Xingzi, who was standing to the side, didn't hesitate either, and immediately explained Li Yi's background and situation.
Listening to Mu Xingzi's introduction, Mu Yangzi nodded slightly and smiled:
"Since he is a lieutenant general in the Yanmen Pass army and a junior brother recognized by Uncle Jin Lingzi, then there is naturally no problem."
"However, the sect's rules cannot be easily changed, so I'll trouble you to participate in the entrance examination, junior brother."
After a pause, Mu Yangzi continued:
"However, given your situation, Junior Brother Mu Yinzi, those complicated matters are unnecessary. You only need to participate in the final assessment."
"Evening lessons will begin in one hour."
"Then, let's conduct this final assessment!"
Immediately, Mu Yangzi summoned a Taoist priest from inside the hall and whispered a few instructions to him.
Seeing that everything was arranged, Mu Xingzi exchanged a few pleasantries and then left the Zhenwu Hall with Li Yi.
After what just happened, Li Yi also learned about the content of the assessment. Thanks to his own strength, Li Yi was no longer worried.
clang clang ~
As the bell rang three times, Li Yi, who was resting in Mu Xingzi's courtyard, quickly got up and, accompanied by Mu Xingzi, walked towards the west side of Qingyun Sect.
The Qingyun Sect is located in Qingyun Mountain, and its members have become one with the mountain.
To the west of the Qingyun Sect lies a naturally formed, wide stone platform called Xifengping, which is where the disciples of the Qingyun Sect practice martial arts.
When Li Yi and his companion arrived at Xifengping, the place was already crowded with people.
Mu Yangzi stood in front of the crowd. When he saw Li Yi arrive, he quickly waved and called Li Yi to his side.
"This is the newly recruited junior disciple, Mu Yinzi, who is about to undergo his entrance examination!"
With Mu Yangzi's introduction, everyone looked at Li Yi with curiosity.
Li Yi, who was used to being the center of attention, remained calm and composed in the spotlight.
This scene drew slight nods of approval from both Muyoko and Mushoko.
Soon, under Mu Yangzi's arrangement, two martial artists at the True Qi Realm came out.
"Junior Brother Mu Yinzi, these two junior brothers will be the ones to conduct your entrance examination!"
The two True Qi Realm Daoists looked at Li Yi and performed a Daoist salute: "Greetings, Junior Brother Mu Yinzi!"
Seeing that everyone had arrived in front of him, Mu Yangzi slowly said:
"Your entrance test is simple: defeat them using your best martial arts skills!"
What is your best martial art?
Li Yi was slightly taken aback, then his gaze fell on the quiver at his waist.
Under Mu Yangzi's arrangement, everyone left, and a large open space appeared in Xifengping in an instant.
In the open space, Li Yi and the two True Qi Realm martial artists stood on opposite sides.
"Once you're ready, you can begin!"
At Mu Yangzi's command, Li Yi took out the Seven Killing Cold Bow from his back and said to the two Taoists in front of him:
"Thank you both, senior brothers. Let's begin the assessment now!"
Upon hearing this, the two martial artists nodded and said in a deep voice:
"Junior brother, please be careful. If you can't hold on, just admit defeat!"
The next moment, two martial artists leaped forward and attacked Li Yi.
Seeing this, Li Yi didn't dare to delay. With a wave of his hand, he took out three arrows from the quiver at his waist and nocked them onto the Seven Kill Cold Bow.
This was just a test, so Li Yi didn't use the more powerful Frost Arrow.
With a slight frown, Li Yi aimed his arrow directly at the two martial artists, and at the same time, the arrow's intent surged out instantly, locking onto their figures.
"He has actually mastered the essence of archery. No wonder Martial Uncle Jin Lingzi wanted to take him as his last disciple and even bestowed upon him the Daoist name Mu Yinzi!"
Watching this scene unfold, Mu Yangzi's expression hardened, and her mind raced with thoughts.
Li Yi had no interest in guessing what the others were thinking.
Seeing his two senior brothers rushing towards him, Li Yi's face darkened, and the arrow in his hand instantly flew out.
[Triple Kill by Breaking Army!]
Three feathered arrows whistled out, but what was even more astonishing was the aura that accompanied these arrows!
[The Arrow Piercing the Clouds!]
This is an archery skill that Li Yi mastered after cultivating the [Breaking Army Bow Technique] to a high level.
This arrow technique is combined with breathing techniques and has many characteristics of wind.
In an instant, the arrow spun like a whirlwind in mid-air and flew straight toward a Taoist priest.
The Taoist priest sensed the astonishing force emanating from the arrow and immediately turned to dodge its edge.
However, the arrow's inherent intent had already locked onto it, and as the Taoist moved, the arrow repeatedly changed direction.
"What?"
This scene shocked the Taoist priest, but before he could react, three arrows struck him instantly.
pat~
The three arrows struck the Taoist priest's chest and other vital organs with deadly force, much to the Taoist's horror.
However, after the arrows hit the Taoist, the energy attached to the arrowheads slowly dissipated. Without the support of the energy, the Taoist gently flicked them away, and the three arrows fell to the ground.
Looking at the arrows he had swept away, the Taoist priest's expression was complex. After several changes in his expression, he said to Li Yi in a deep voice:
"Junior Brother's archery skills are unfathomable; the power of this arrow is truly extraordinary!"
"This time, I lost!"
This Taoist knew very well that if Li Yi hadn't deliberately dissipated the energy from the arrow, he would have been unable to withstand it and would have been injured even if he hadn't died!
Therefore, he readily admitted defeat.
Seeing that the Taoist priest had conceded defeat, Li Yi reached for his waist again, preparing to draw his bow and nock an arrow once more.
This scene startled the other Taoist priest slightly, who then waved his hands repeatedly.
"Junior brother, your archery skills are indeed impressive. I lack the confidence to withstand even one of your arrows, and I concede defeat in this battle!"
The fact that the two Taoists voluntarily conceded defeat sparked a flurry of discussion among the Qingyun Sect members watching the battle, with some even beginning to inquire about Li Yi's situation.
Seeing that the two Taoists had conceded defeat, Li Yi put away the Seven Killing Cold Bow and smiled slightly:
"Thank you both, senior brothers!"
Seeing that the assessment was over, Mu Yangzi came to Li Yi's side and praised him:
"Junior Brother's strength is truly formidable. More importantly, he has already forged his own path in the cultivation of the Dao of Intent!"
Hearing Mu Yangzi's praise, Li Yi waved his hand repeatedly.
"Now that you've passed the assessment, I'll arrange for someone to deliver the corresponding identity token, cultivation resources, and so on!"
After Mu Yangzi finished speaking, he exchanged a few more words with Mu Xingzi and then left Xifengping.
Watching Mu Yangzi walk away, Mu Xingzi chuckled and suddenly slapped Li Yi with his large hand:
"Good lad, I didn't expect your archery skills to be so impressive. You made someone admit defeat with just one arrow. Now, Junior Brother Mu Yangzi will be under pressure!"
After a few lighthearted words, Mu Xingzi looked at Li Yi solemnly:
"Now that you have passed the entrance examination, you have officially become a disciple of the Qingyun Sect."
"I will take you to see Master again tomorrow!"
"Thank you very much, Senior Brother!"
Seeing that he had successfully joined the Qingyun Sect, Li Yi couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
They chatted as they followed Mu Xingzi back to their lodgings.
"By the way, Senior Brother, since the Qingyun Sect and the Baiyun Temple are closely related, I wonder what the meaning of the character 'Shui' in Shui Chengzi's name is?"
Li Yi thought of Shui Chengzi, who had taken Li Xin and the other two away, and asked Mu Xingzi about it.
Upon hearing this, Jupiter chuckled.
"The Qingyun Sect, Baiyun Temple, and Biyun Palace are all from the same school and have always been closely connected."
"That's why the generational names are also shared."
"This Shui Chengzi belongs to the Shui generation. If you meet him next time, he'll have to call you 'Uncle-Master'!"
These words surprised Li Yi slightly.
After chatting for a while, the two returned to the courtyard.
The next morning, Mu Xingzi led Li Yi to the stone chamber behind the waterfall once again.
"Master, I have not failed you; I have passed the entrance examination!"
Li Yi bowed slightly to Jin Lingzi and briefly explained the entrance examination.
Seeing that Li Yi had subdued the two Taoists who were conducting the assessment with a single arrow, Jin Lingzi nodded slightly:
"Not bad."
"Now that you have successfully become my disciple, I will have Mu Xingzi take you to receive the sect's cultivation techniques shortly!"
"Furthermore, you must come to me every three days to listen to my teachings!"
Upon hearing Jin Lingzi's words, Li Yi quickly expressed his gratitude.
After becoming fellow disciples with Mu Xingzi, Li Yi also learned about the rules of the Jin Lingzi lineage.
In the past, Jin Lingzi would preach once every seven days, but now he preaches once every three days, which shows how much Jin Lingzi values it.
After giving a few instructions, Jin Lingzi added:
"Also, I have a task for you."
"The sect competition will be held in a little while!"
"Your mission is to win first place in the sect competition!"
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