Chapter 499: Chapter 438: The Dueling Convention, A Page of History.
Donghua Jungle.
The Taoist Master, Wang Ziyue, was deeply anxious.
What should be done? As the main base of the Donghua Taoist Sect, if they can’t achieve decent results, it would be a tremendous humiliation.
In truth, this wasn’t entirely Wang Ziyue’s fault. It was primarily the fault of Song Lin. Though Donghua Jungle had a variety of magic veins internally, all the powerful ones had been separated out by Song Lin.
Among the Six Prefectures and Nine Forests, most of the disciples originally came from Donghua Jungle.
But now that they had split off, it was time to compete and determine superiority.
Moreover, Donghua Jungle’s strength wasn’t weak.
Compared to the other jungles, they were far ahead.
In the Transcendance Tribulation Stage, they had Zhengxin and Mei Hua. In the Earth Evil and Purple Mansion stages, they had Shi Yinhua, Qingyu, Xiangling, and others.
Although some had become Masters or Heavenly Mechanism Ministers, their names were still affiliated with Donghua Jungle—unlike others who had established their own jungles and split off.
Even Wang Ziyue himself was a Three Flowers Gathering at the Top and Purple Mansion Peak cultivator.
The disciple before him, Chen Xiao, by the rules of the Taoist Sect, should be classified as a second-generation disciple. His Core Formation cultivation was rather talented.
Among the second-generation disciples, most would have achieved Purple Mansion already. Although Chen Xiao seemed underwhelming, in truth, he had been set up by Wang Ziyue.
As a first-generation disciple, Wang Ziyue naturally had second-generation disciples under him as students. Otherwise, by entry time and ranking, Chen Xiao should have been a third-generation disciple.
"Master, please don’t worry. This disciple has made some progress in the Tao of Talismans. I have condensed twelve Cloud Seals and successfully entered the sect. Facing Purple Mansion cultivators shouldn’t be a problem."
"Haha, that works. Just do your best."
Wang Ziyue patted Chen Xiao’s shoulder. The two appeared to be of similar age; in reality, Wang Ziyue was more than a decade older.
Ten days later.
In Xuanyu City, the Eight Sceneries Platform was magnificently decorated. To welcome this grand event, every detail had been carefully attended to.
Above the city stood the Heavenly Master’s Dojo, overlooking eight platforms below.
The high-ranking members of the Taoist Sect were gathered here. Besides upper-level members of the sect, external cultivators such as Taihua Heavenly Master and other Outer Sect disciples were present. White Brow Taoist from the Spirit Treasure Dao also came to offer congratulations.
Soon, everyone arrived.
First came the ritual to worship Heaven and Earth and prayers to the heavens, followed by the new liturgy.
Aside from the Child Talisman, all other talismans were granted personally.
Before the dharma altar, the cultivators of the Donghua Taoist Sect stood solemnly, not exchanging pleasantries.
All eyes gathered onto Song Lin.
Each cultivator present boasted significant cultivation, and their combined power could sway the entire Wu Country.
And all of these individuals obeyed Song Lin’s commands.
Emotion surged in Song Lin’s heart. Years ago, he had been just a lone Taoist disciple. Now, he’d become a renowned Heavenly Master.
Who could have foreseen it? Likely, even Song Lin himself hadn’t imagined reaching this level.
Back then, his confident words were merely self-encouragement.
Without the Monster Chronicles and countless opportunities, success wouldn’t have been possible.
Thus, a person’s life depends greatly on self-determination. Yet, one must not overlook fate and chance.
These thoughts flashed briefly in Song Lin’s mind.
"Ahem, let us begin the liturgy. For the Qi Refinement Realm, we have nine hundred and eighty-one recipients of the Grand Commissioner Talisman: Zhang Feng, Lin Jixue, Li Chengye..."
Song Lin painstakingly read every name aloud. Those called would go up one by one to receive their Dharma Seal, talisman, and formal titles.
Ever since Song Lin reformed the Taoist Sect, the treatment for Taoists improved significantly. Along with stricter requirements for receiving talismans, their value greatly increased.
After the Grand Commissioner Talismans, the Divine Establishment Period members received the Alliance Power Talismans. Next in rank were the Core Formation Stage cultivators, who received the Five Thunders Talisman. Those in the Purple Mansion Stage could retain the Five Thunders Talisman while also receiving a High Divine Sky Talisman.
For the Transcendance Tribulation Stage, they were granted the Three Cave Five Thunder Talisman.
Currently, however, all Transcendance Tribulation Stage cultivators were not locally trained, so Song Lin only awarded talismans below the Purple Mansion Stage.
A total of thirteen hundred talismans were distributed.
Though the process was dull, it marked the growing power of the Donghua Taoist Sect. Excitement shone in everyone’s eyes.
In the battle at Tianhe not long ago, many had consumed undying medicine to awaken their potential. Through its enhancement, most of the survivors experienced breakthroughs in their cultivation.
The Outer Sect members, unaware of the underlying causes, were shocked to see the emergence of so many talents. Their hearts filled with awe.
How could such a new Taoist sect have such profound foundations?
Soon, the duel contest began.
White Brow Taoist watched in silent contemplation. Among other motives, the Spirit Treasure Heavenly Master Sect had sent him here to assess the Donghua Taoist Sect’s strength.
Initially, he thought the establishment of the Taoist Sect would have cost them significant manpower, leaving them weakened. However, the sheer strength displayed was surprising.
Many disciples joined the fray, including first-generation disciples eager to participate for fun.
As the saying goes: "No first place in culture, no second in martial arts."
The sect’s preeminence was worth contesting.
The first battles featured fourth-generation disciples, most of whom were in the Qi Refinement Realm, with a few in the Divine Establishment Period.
Song Lin glanced at Taihua and White Brow.
"Gentlemen, why don’t we place a wager? Let’s bet on which disciple will claim victory."
"What’s the wager?"
"I’ll offer a bottle of Seven-Transformation Golden Core."
"Oh? Such a hefty stake?" White Brow chuckled. Everyone knew the reputation of the Donghua Great Rejuvenation Pill, a treasure many sought but couldn’t attain.
"I’ll contribute a multi-user Alchemy Furnace."
Taihua Heavenly Master added, smiling.
The furnace was an acquired spiritual treasure, capable of hosting forty-nine cultivators simultaneously for alchemy.
"Then I’ll offer a tribe of Ganoderma People and Grass Horses."
Seeing them wager such valuable treasures, White Brow was intrigued.
Ganoderma People and Grass Horses were heaven and earth spiritual objects, useful not only for alchemy but also as Taoist soldiers or spell materials.
"I select the one in red robes. He’s adept at controlling puppets."
White Brow pointed toward a disciple of Yin Fu Jungle manipulating a White Tiger Puppet.
"Hmph, you beat me to it. Then I’ll pick the sword-wielding one! Sword cultivators have a slight edge at the same level."
"Decided?" Song Lin didn’t want to take advantage. After letting them pick, he made his own choice.
"That one, in purple Mystic Robes. I believe his name is Zhang Huayang?"
Song Lin had personally granted this young man the Grand Commissioner Talisman earlier. His Qi Refinement Realm cultivation was one realm lower than the Divine Establishment talents among the fourth generation.
The matchmaking was based on generational ranking. Given the sect’s rapid rise, it had spanned from jungle to sect in just one Jiazi.
Many disciples were even several generations older than Song Lin.
Facing this complexity, Song Lin set rankings by entry time. Cultivators like Zhengxin, who were of the same generation as him, were considered elder-level.
Next came Wang Ziyue and the first-generation disciples, followed sequentially.
"Why him?"
The two Masters asked, puzzled.
His cultivation level was clearly lower than the others, and nothing appeared particularly remarkable about him.
Were there hidden talents?
"You’ll see soon enough."
Song Lin smiled cryptically.
This youth cultivated under the Cloud Seal System.
The hallmark of the Cloud Seal System was its complexity, yet it unified skills effectively. Initially cultivating a single magic vein, it later transformed into Cloud Seals for condensed use in combat.
The drawback was the hassle—it consumed considerable time.
So it wasn’t that the youth lacked talent; rather, he had devoted substantial effort to diverse training.
Soon, as Song Lin predicted, the outcome unfolded.
Using coordinated magic from multiple systems, the youth consecutively overcame three higher-leveled opponents.
Ultimately, he claimed first place.
The name Zhang Huayang deeply imprinted itself in Song Lin’s memory.
Within decades or centuries, he would undoubtedly become a rising star.
"Hahaha, gentlemen, a bet is a bet!"
The two Masters shook their heads and laughed, indicating they would deliver the wagered items to the sect the next day.
Song Lin showed no concern, confident they wouldn’t default, given their reputations.
Next up were third-generation disciples.
"I choose Zhu Baichuan from the Li Fire Sect."
White Brow Taoist immediately spotted a disciple radiating fire energy like a walking furnace.
"I’ll pick Weiru from the Ghost King Jungle."
The Ghost King Jungle’s Taoist Master specialized in Spirit Talismans, and this disciple was previously a prodigy of Holy Might Taoist School, making Taihua familiar with him.
"Decided?" Song Lin asked with a faintly mocking smile. The two had chosen top-tier talents, displaying excellent judgment.
Barring unforeseen circumstances, their choices seemed solid.
Another potential candidate, the sword cultivator Huo Yun, was also impressive.
The two Masters, fearing Song Lin might scheme, meticulously examined the third-generation group before confirming their selections.
"This time, what’s the wager?"
"A hundred thousand dharma coins."
"Same for me."
The two became cautious this time, worried Song Lin might set them up again.
"I’ll match your stakes," Song Lin said, pointing at a plain-looking short girl in the crowd. "I select Wu Chen!"
Zhengxin and Mei Hua had suppressed Wu Chen’s aura, making her seem unremarkable.
The two Masters assumed she was just another ordinary participant.
Donghua Jungle’s rules didn’t favor winners taking all. As long as participants ranked in the top fifty, they received varying rewards.
As a result, many third-generation disciples stuck in the Fetal Breath stage joined for fun, boosting the numbers and clouding assessments.
When Wu Chen revealed her Purple Mansion cultivation and dominated the competition, the two Masters turned pale.
"Shameless! Despicable! Donghua brat, this is unfair!"
"Hahaha! Keep going!"
Song Lin laughed heartily.
Those present didn’t realize that after today, history would turn a new page. This fleeting joy marked a rare light-hearted moment amid chaotic times.
In the years to come, even these two indignant Masters, recalling today’s peaceful interlude, might smile knowingly.
Nine Heavens Jade Tower Dao Alliance.
Jian Wuliang was on the verge of a breakthrough.
That day, Qingchen’s loyal servant from the Python God Tribe betrayed them, leading the northern tribes of Moyu Country to invade the border. It was a stark demonstration of what happens when one partners with a tiger.
Meanwhile, the demon army advanced from the west, encircling the Nine Heavens Jade Tower.
The Demon Emperor issued an order: in this battle, humanity’s backbone must be broken.