Xiuxian: Start with the medicine boy

quickly!

Inside the Zhenhai Alliance Hall, other cultivators gathered in twos and threes, some offering congratulations, others inquiring, and still others forming alliances.

Today, the position was only verbally confirmed...

It's not foolproof.

The final decision will be made after the inaugural ceremony of the Monks' Association tomorrow.

Night deepened...
Streaks of rainbow light flew out from the Zhenhai Alliance headquarters and disappeared into the night sky.

In the Zhenhai Alliance Hall, Cheng Buzheng stood with his hands behind his back on the high pavilion, gazing at the starry sky.

His gaze was profound, as if he could see through endless time and space.

"I hope everything will go as I wish!"

He muttered to himself, his figure gradually blending into the night and disappearing from sight.

A speechless night!
The next day, at 3:45 AM
The echoes of the morning bells had not yet completely dissipated through the thousands of streets and alleys of Zhenhai Immortal City...
The rising sun was already casting its molten gold-like rays upon the earth.

The light was not spread evenly, but flowed along the unique "Nine Palaces Cloud Pattern Array" of the Immortal City.

Every main street and every iconic building seems to be gilded with a breathable pale gold.

The spiritual mist generated by the autonomous operation of the city's protective array evaporated and transformed in the sunlight.

Sometimes like a dragon, sometimes like a phoenix.
It makes the entire majestic city look like a fairyland in the clouds.

At this time of day in the past, the market would have been bustling with activity as cultivators came and went, but today a strange silence enveloped the entire city.

At this time of day, when the golden light is clear and the spiritual energy is at its most active...

The headquarters of the Zhenhai Alliance, the "Wen Dao Square" which is said to be able to accommodate 100,000 sword cultivators in formation, now presents a completely different scene than usual.

As far as the eye can see...

They were all figures, straight as pines, exuding a profound and majestic aura.

Densely packed, the array of symbols extends from the yin-yang symbol in the center all the way to the eighty-one coiled dragon jade pillars at the edge of the plaza.
Even the outer corridors and viewing platforms were packed with people.

A cursory glance reveals countless wonders!

However, what is most chilling is not the quantity.

Rather, it was the spiritual pressure emanating from any one person in this vast crowd that was enough to make a Golden Core cultivator's bones go weak and their soul tremble.

Even the lowest cultivation level was surprisingly at the late Nascent Soul stage!

A Nascent Soul True Monarch who could normally establish a sect and be admired by thousands in a region, here his cultivation level was merely the most basic entry qualification.

Their aura is like a deep-sea current, calm yet containing destructive power;
Or like a volcano about to erupt, scorching and violent;
Or like the sharp edge of Geng metal, cutting through the void;
Or like an ancient tree reaching for the sky, its vitality endless...

The countless powerful pressures were not intentionally released, but merely existed and converged unconsciously, causing the air above the plaza to distort like ripples on water.

The light refracted, creating a mesmerizing, iridescent effect.

Even the space itself seemed to become viscous and heavy.

now.

This plaza, shrouded in terrifying spiritual pressure, was not entirely silent.

Conversely, bursts of noise, though forcefully suppressed, still sound "lively" due to their sheer volume, surged in the air like deep-sea currents.

Those were subtle fluctuations from divine thought transmission, the background sound waves formed by rapid conversations in hushed tones.

Among the crowd, a man wearing a crimson robe with flowing clouds stood out.

The robe was not static; the flame patterns embroidered on it seemed alive, flickering and shifting slightly with his breath and emotions.

He had a middle-aged face with sharp features, and his eyes sparkled with golden-red light as they opened and closed.

At this moment, he looked up, his gaze passing over the many figures in front of him, and landing at the end of the square—

There, a giant arena, over a hundred feet tall and forged entirely from a single piece of "Southern Fire Jade" and "Northern Darkness Cold Iron," stood silently.

The naturally formed red and blue patterns on the surface of the arena shimmer with an eerie glow under the morning light, alternating between hot and cold, and exude a chilling, lingering aura of law.

Looking at the empty arena, the man in the flame-robed robe unconsciously furrowed his brows into a deep frown.

The flame mark between his brows also brightened.
This reveals his inner anxiety.

Immediately.

He abruptly turned his gaze to several distinguished colleagues beside him, who were clearly closely connected.

His voice carried an uncontrollable restlessness, like subterranean fire surging beneath the rock strata:
"My patience is almost blown away by this morning breeze!"
We've been waiting for almost an hour, and the sun is already so high in the sky. Why hasn't the senior shown up yet?

Could it be... that some unexpected event has occurred that we are unaware of?

He spoke very quickly, and the last syllable even had a crackling sound like sparks bursting.

To his left stood a middle-aged scholar dressed in a moon-white Taoist robe and wearing a carefree turban. Upon hearing this, he gently twirled the folding fan in his hand, which was neither gold nor jade but engraved with star runes. His voice was as gentle as a spring breeze rustling willow branches.

"Fellow Daoist Chi Yan, do not be impatient."

The senior is a Venerable One who has transformed into a Divine Being, whose spirit roams the vast void, and whose thoughts are followed by the Dharma.

Perhaps I had a sudden realization, which caused a slight delay;

Or perhaps, something is holding me back right now.

We, the younger generation, will simply wait patiently.

He is known as "Xinghe Daoren" and is famous for his array deductions.

On the right, a burly man, as tall as an iron tower, with skin that gleamed with a bronze sheen, carrying a sheathless, broad-bladed greatsword on his back, spoke in a deep, booming voice, like muffled thunder:
“Fellow Daoist Xinghe is right.”

Moreover, I, Old Bear, have calculated carefully that the 'first quarter of noon' announced yesterday has officially begun, and it is only the end of Chen Shi (7-9 AM) now, so there is still more than an hour to go.

"It's only right that we arrived early."

This is Xiong Pan, wielding the "Giant Mountain Sword," which uses brute force to overcome skill and boasts astonishing defense.

Beside her stood a female cultivator dressed in a flowing, light blue dress with wide sleeves, her face shrouded in a misty haze, revealing only her bright, clear eyes. Her lips parted slightly, and her voice was ethereal and melodious:

"Arriving early allows you to secure a better spot and demonstrates your sincerity and respect."

But this waiting is truly agonizing.

She is Ling Ruoshui, the "Azure Wave Fairy," whose water-based supernatural powers are unparalleled.

Crimson Flame True Lord (the man in the flame-robed robe) waved his hand impatiently, and the temperature around him seemed to rise a few degrees.
He lowered his voice, his tone filled with deep doubt and a hint of barely perceptible tension:

"Let's leave these formalities aside for now."

Fellow Daoists, please speak the truth about those positions we fought for yesterday…

Could there be any changes to today's final list?

The Star River Daoist paused, his folding fan still in his hand. Starlight flickered in his eyes. After a moment of contemplation, he slowly said:
"In my humble opinion, the positions of the main and deputy hall masters, especially the main hall master, are very influential."

It not only requires absolute strength to convince the public, but also involves the future power structure and resource allocation of the alliance.

Yesterday's competition, seemingly fair, was in reality a game of power and compromise among various forces.

Although the predecessor possessed unparalleled power, the newly established 'Cultivator Association' was ultimately a blank slate, lacking any foundation or substance.

To smoothly inherit the vast empire, intricate networks, and scattered resource points left behind by the original three major alliances—'Zhenhai,' 'Xianmeng,' and 'Momeng'—...
It cannot be separated from the support and cooperation of those top sects.

Therefore, the position of the main hall master, which was decided yesterday, will most likely come from these top sects, and it should not be easily changed today.

This is necessary to maintain overall stability.

Azure Wave Fairy Ling Ruoshui added softly, her eyes, hidden behind the mist, glancing towards the direction of the Zhenhai Alliance Master's Hall:

"As for the ministers and deputy ministers of each department..."

Although a preliminary plan was drafted yesterday, it has not yet been officially announced or formally confirmed by senior colleagues.

A slight adjustment today... is probably not impossible.

Her words were tactful, but her meaning was clear.

True Lord Chi Yan's expression changed slightly. He had just managed to compete for the position of vice minister yesterday.

Although his position wasn't at the top level, it was still significant for someone like him who lacked the lineage of a semi-divine being...
This is a crucial step.

Xiong Pan also toned down his rough manner and lowered his voice:

“I agree with what Fairy Ling said.”

To be honest, after I settled down last night, I did sense several powerful auras and returned to where you were staying.

It seems that several fellow Daoists from prominent sects who had been active in yesterday's power struggle also accompanied them.

Daoist Xinghe nodded slightly:

"I have also heard about this matter. The Cold Mirror Half-Venerable of the 'Mysterious Frost Sect,' the Sword Elder Wufeng of the 'Azure Nether Sword Sect,' and several others... have indeed gone."

Visiting an elder to express respect is perfectly reasonable.

"Ugh……"

Crimson Flame True Monarch sighed heavily, the flame pattern between his brows dimming slightly, his voice tinged with bitterness and resentment.

"I hope it's just an expression of deference..."

As you all know, I, Chi Yan, have cultivated to this day entirely thanks to the sect's "True Technique of Departing Fire" and a bit of luck.

If there are any changes...

He paused, glanced around at his friends, his expression complex.

“Cultivators like us, without a strong background, are probably the easiest to become the victims of compromise, and be replaced by those fellow cultivators who have connections and backgrounds…”

I sensed the helplessness and worry emanating from my close friend's deep anxiety...
Xinghe Daoist gently patted his arm with his folding fan, his tone becoming exceptionally firm, carrying a calm understanding of the world:

“Fellow Daoist Chi Yan, your concern has clouded your judgment.”

Please hear me out—

Even if those seniors and fellow practitioners who went to visit had the intention, what could they possibly offer to move a Nascent Soul cultivator who had already transcended the mortal realm?

His gaze swept over the group, and though his voice was soft, every word was clear:

"A top-grade magic weapon?"
The senior could break it with a flick of his finger.

A peerless elixir?

It's completely useless to the older generation.

A sect's secret manual passed down for thousands of years?
The path of our predecessors has long transcended the realm of ordinary cultivation methods.

Even some legendary longevity treasures...

Upon reaching the Nascent Soul stage, one enjoys a long lifespan and places greater emphasis on comprehending and breaking through the Great Dao.

Ordinary treasures, to the elders, are no different from roadside pebbles.

"Even 'chicken rib' wouldn't be enough to describe it."

Xiong Pan slapped his thigh hard (producing a deep, metallic clang), and grinned:

"yes!
Brother Xinghe hit the nail on the head!

A Nascent Soul Venerable, what kind of person is that?

Would they care about such 'common things'?
The vision of our predecessors must be broader and more distant, encompassing the future of the alliance, how to deal with the hidden dangers of the forbidden sea, and even...

To the higher levels of the mysteries of heaven and earth!

How could the list initially agreed upon yesterday in full view of everyone be so easily changed because of a few private gifts?

Wouldn't that be lowering one's status and inviting criticism?

The Azure Wave Fairy also said softly:

“Brother Chi Yan, unless there is a major reason, you would not easily deny yesterday’s results.”

Listening to my three friends offering their comforting words and analysis...

The tense expression on True Monarch Crimson Flame's face gradually eased.

He took a deep breath, and the rich spiritual energy in the square filled his lungs, seemingly taking away some of the gloom in his heart.

The flame mark between his brows resumed its steady pulse, and the confident light of a strong man rekindled in his eyes.

"Fellow Daoists are right!"

True Lord Crimson Flame clasped his hands in a deep fist salute, his voice regaining its usual booming quality.

"I was just a little impulsive and made a fool of myself."

They come, the security.

Whether to stay or leave, to be promoted or demoted, ultimately depends on the senior's decision.

Our speculation and worries are futile.

Why not calm down and adjust your breathing, and wait for the grand event to begin!

"Haha, that's exactly right!"

Xiong Pan laughed loudly, his voice resounding for several feet, attracting the attention of some nearby cultivators, but he didn't care at all.

Xinghe Daoren smiled and nodded, and a hint of a smile also flashed in Bibo Fairy's eyes.

The conversation gradually subsided as they turned their attention back to the towering arena.

The square was filled with a cacophony of noise that rose and fell like the tides.

The golden sunlight continued to pour down impartially, enveloping the entire Dao Asking Square, every Nascent Soul cultivator and even those at higher levels, the silent arena, and the mysterious pavilions in the same glorious light.

Time, in silence and anticipation, quietly slipped towards the beginning of noon.

Just as noon was approaching—

"Look! The senior has arrived!"

A gasp of surprise erupted from who-knows-where.

Like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, it instantly shattered all the oppressive silence and anxious waiting in the square.

next moment!
The vast square, which had been teeming with undercurrents and filled with a faint murmur, seemed to have been instantly silenced by an invisible giant hand.

Absolute silence descended; even the sound of the wind seemed to have stopped.

Thousands of eyes were fixed on them, regardless of whether they had been resting with their eyes closed, exchanging secrets, or were anxiously impatient...

At this moment, they all converged towards the same focal point, like iron filings attracted by a magnet, without any deviation.

On that towering, giant arena with interwoven red and blue patterns.

Looking around, the space in the center of the arena rippled silently like water.

Without dazzling light or deafening sound, a figure dressed in an elegant gray-blue Taoist robe, with white hair and a youthful face, exuding an air of otherworldly grace, appeared silently out of thin air.

He stood there, as if he had been one with the ring since time immemorial.
It was as if it had just stepped out of the void, natural and harmonious, without the slightest trace of worldly affairs.

His deep eyes were calm and still, yet they seemed to reflect the starry sky and the vast ocean.

This was precisely the Divine Transformation Body that Cheng Buzheng had personally manifested in the Endless Sea!

"We pay our respects to the Chairman!"

"Greetings, President!"

"···"

No orders were needed, and the arena was filled with...

Thousands of cultivators, at least at the late Nascent Soul stage and including many half-Saint level experts, bowed in unison in perfect unison.
The sounds were initially slightly uneven, but they quickly coalesced into a vast and powerful wave of sound that soared into the sky!

This roar, filled with awe, anticipation, excitement, and submission, reverberated violently throughout the headquarters of the Zhenhai Alliance.
The shock caused the spiritual mist at the edge of the square to surge and churn.

Even the roar of the endless sea in the distance seemed to be briefly suppressed.

...(End of this chapter)