NOVGO.NET Chapter 804 - Chapter 804: Chapter 754: Dragon Struggles Tiger Fights, Interest Moves the Heart
Chapter 804: Chapter 754: Dragon Struggles Tiger Fights, Interest Moves the Heart
When you learn that a senior powerhouse you admire is willing to guide the junior disciples, no cultivator would want to give up such an opportunity.
“Dragons battle tigers for dominance; who knows how many ascetic cultivators, usually detached from worldly affairs, will emerge from seclusion at this time to join in this competition,” Qingyang Zi’s lips curled with an indescribable expression.
Actually, aside from those disciples of the Taoist Academy who are often seen, there is also a small number of disciples who, like Pei Xuanjing, devote themselves wholeheartedly to closed-door cultivation.
In other forces, perhaps only a small portion of cultivators would be qualified, but the Taoist Academy is different. The Academy’s control over its disciples is very loose. It barely puts forth any demands. As long as you feel that you have enough cultivation resources, you could do nothing, and the Academy would not compel you to do anything.
And these disciples, thanks to the existence of the Academy, exchange their cultivation insights within the contribution system for what they need for their cultivation, without getting involved in any other affairs.
However, Qingyang Zi knew that these people’s former detachment was merely due to insufficient temptation. The opportunity at hand would inevitably lure many out of seclusion.
Let alone those Academy disciples who had long aspired to follow the Golden Core Dao, even those without such aspirations, upon hearing this news, would decisively switch their cultivation path.
After all, compared to their silent, arduous cultivation, having the guidance of a supreme strong like Pei Xuanjing, who could truly say they did not need it?
Therefore, it was an inevitable event!
Whoosh… There is no wall in the world that does not let the wind pass through. The Shenxiao Sect might still keep secrets, but the Taoist Academy is not a tightly knit organization to begin with, so the news quickly spread.
The message that Junior Leader of the Shenxiao Sect, Sect Master Pang Hong, had changed his cultivation to the Nine Revolutions Divine Sky Skill, gathered a Golden Core, and embarked on the Golden Core Dao, becoming the second person after Pei Xuanjing to set foot on the Golden Core Dao in Between Heaven and Earth.
Although this matter was observed with restraint, it was not considered a big deal, for as the only direct disciple of a supreme strong, it was almost expected of Pang Hong to take this path. After all, he was fortunate to have a great master, which was an object of envy others could not attain.
But the second matter, that truly shook the entire world, leaving countless cultivators envious to the point of speechlessness.
“Longevity True Person Pei Xuanjing has ordered the Shenxiao Sect and the Taoist Academy to each select disciples interested in switching to the Golden Core Dao. He will personally assist these disciples in the conversion and help them condense Golden Cores and step onto the Golden Core Dao.”
“Within the Shenxiao Sect, many junior disciples and mid-high level cultivators vie for spots, each employing their own methods…”
“The Taoist Academy is in turmoil, as strong cultivators from various provinces and counties continuously send messages to the Tiandu Taoist Academy, all vying for more spots. It’s heard that many provincial Taoist Academy branch heads have banded together to head to Tiandu, seeking an audience with Pei Xuanjing, the head of the Taoist Academy, only to be regrettably turned away…”
One could say that when the news of Pei Xuanjing gathering disciples to assist with their Golden Core cultivation spread, the cultivators Between Heaven and Earth were immediately abuzz, with countless rumors circulating, both true and false, compelling endless pursuit.
Watching the commotion is human nature; even though they know this matter does not concern them, many cultivators are still drawn to the fierce competition for the internal spots within the two powers, and even some factions from the Sky Wasteland closely monitor the situation.
Keep in mind that the Shenxiao Sect and the Taoist Academy have rapidly developed over the years. Aside from Pei Xuanjing, who stands at the pinnacle Between Heaven and Earth, there has been a continuous emergence of outstanding talents among the younger generation, rivaling top powers and first-rate forces.
However, this time the spots are limited. Beyond those occupied by mid-high level cultivators, there are only so many spots left for the junior disciples. With so many talents contending, the competition is bound to be fiercely intense.
“You claim to be a genius, a prodigy, but if you don’t secure a spot in this competition while your longstanding rival does, does that not mean you are inferior? Is it all just bragging?”
The situation has escalated. At this moment, it is not just about seizing the opportunity for Pei Xuanjing’s guidance; it’s also a chance for the prodigies to prove their status. If they fail to secure a spot in this competition, they will lose not only the chance for guidance but also their past glory, appearing unworthy of their name, which is unacceptable to them.
Moreover, some mischief-makers have ranked the prodigies from the Shenxiao Sect and the Taoist Academy, opening betting pools on who will make it and who won’t, pushing the situation to its peak.
…
Great Ming Divine Dynasty, Tiandu.
Divine Dynasty Lord Zhu Houji sits high upon the Emperor’s throne, observing the Courtiers below the jade steps with a calm face, betraying no hint of joy or anger.
At that moment, the discussion among the Council Elders and distinguished nobility at the Court is not about other matters but about the most widely spread and eye-catching event Between Heaven and Earth—the dispatch of Shenxiao Sect and Taoist Academy disciples by Pei Xuanjing to the Longevity World for cultivation on the Golden Core Dao.
“Your Majesty, might I implore the national teacher to reserve some spots for the Divine Dynasty?” one official petitions.
As the Great Ming Divine Dynasty approaches its peak, each and every noble official possesses a Divine Position. With the strengthening of the Divine Dynasty, they have acquired considerable power without the need for cultivation, which, despite not being adept at combat, undeniably extends their lifespans.
Having their own Divine Positions, they are not immediately concerned with their longevity. But with vast familial ties, they aim to ensure a legacy for their wives and descendants. After all, aside from their Divine Positions, having a powerful family would allow them to solidify their standing within the Divine Dynasty, so it is only natural to want to expand their family’s power.
Yet, Divine Positions in the Great Ming Divine Dynasty are limited—or to say, even if there were enough Divine Positions, given the principle that scarcity breeds value, Zhu Houji, the Lord of the Divine Dynasty, would not recklessly distribute them.
So, even though they hold high office, many of their family members are not eligible for Divine Positions; to gain longer lifespans, they must rely on their own cultivation.
Cultivation is not easy. Even though the threshold to break through from the Mortal Realm to the Spirit Realm has lowered with the Revival of Heaven and Earth, not everyone can confidently step into the Spirit Realm. Moreover, even after breaking through, the odds of a family producing a genius of extraordinary talent remain slim.
But now they see an opportunity. If they can secure a spot in the Longevity World, even if they fail to form a Golden Core, it would be an extraordinary experience. After all, to receive guidance from a supreme strong would vastly aid the growth of their descendants. Thus, these high-ranking officials of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty naturally feel some temptation.