How did a bastard like him become an immortal?

"Young brother, this humble monk sees that you have an affinity with Buddhism. Why not join my Huangjue Temple? Our temple possesses the Buddha's Heavenly Path Sutra, which can help you comprehend the Great Dao of Heaven and Earth and ascend to the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss sooner!"

A monk from Huangjue Temple, dressed in a monk's robe, held Zhao Tianming's hand tightly, his face full of sincerity.

"Go to hell, you bald monk! What connection do you have with your damned Buddha? This child is pure and simple, perfect for joining our Taishang Wangqing sect. Kid, don't listen to that old bald monk. What's so good about becoming a monk in a temple? Come with me, and our Taishang sect will help you become an immortal!"

A Taoist priest dressed in a dashing white robe grabbed Zhao Tianming's other hand and glared fiercely at the bald head of the Huangjue Temple master.

"Join our Wuji Sect! Although the Wuji Sect mainly focuses on martial arts, our cultivation of immortality is definitely no worse than theirs!"

"Bah! What do you bunch of warriors know about cultivating immortality? We are the legitimate royal Taoist sect, come to my Sanqing Temple!"

......

The elders and guardians of various sects were arguing amongst themselves, each clinging to Zhao Tianming and refusing to let go, fearing he might be recruited by someone else. Such a gifted youth was bound to be accepted into their ranks.

Tian Shouzhong arrived late and couldn't get close enough to join them. He could only pace anxiously to the side, waving his whisk and shouting, "The Longhu Mountain Taoist sect is orthodox. The Celestial Master is an enlightened immortal. Young man, don't listen to their nonsense. Coming to Longhu Mountain is the path you should choose!"

Zhao Tianming's already pale face turned even more ashen. Surrounded by a group of people, he didn't know what to do. He wanted to escape, but he couldn't.

Just then, the Sword Maniac's indifferent voice rang out, "With all the major sects making such a fuss, why aren't you inviting my Sword Pavilion?"

Upon hearing the voice of the Sword Maniac, everyone immediately became alert and shielded Zhao Tianming behind them. The Supreme Sect Deacon was the first to speak fiercely, "Sword Maniac, get away from me! Your Sword Pavilion has already taken in one genius, do you want to snatch a second one?"

Sword Maniac raised his eyelids slightly. "What my Sword Pavilion wants to do is none of your business. I'm just here to join in the fun since you're all here."

After saying that, he took Li Muyun and tried to take flight again. He knew in his heart that if he really took Zhao Tianming in, the other sects would definitely not let it go.

"Young Master Yun, please wait a moment."

Zhao Tianming, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke up and stepped forward despite everyone's attempts to stop him.

Li Muyun scratched his head, having never seen such a scene before, and said, "Brother Tianming, you've made quite a show of things."

Zhao Tianming smiled wryly, his clear eyes meeting Li Muyun's. "Young Master Yun, we fought fiercely today, but I feel it wasn't enough. If I had to join a sect, I would like to join your Sword Pavilion."

Li Muyun was taken aback and looked at the sword fanatic beside him.

A hint of surprise appeared on Jian Chi's usually calm face as he looked at everyone and said, "Ahem, seniors, you all heard that. I did not recruit him. This young man wanted to join our Sword Pavilion himself. It has nothing to do with me."

The faces of the various sect leaders and protectors surrounding Zhao Tianming were extremely grim, and their expressions turned cold.

"Sword fanatic, your Sword Pavilion is going too far!" The Supreme Sect steward's face darkened. "Do you think your tiny Sword Pavilion can handle these two geniuses?"

Sword Maniac frowned, his gaze instantly turning icy cold. His dark, cold eyes stared intently at the Supreme Sect steward. In that instant, it seemed as if a clear sword cry rang out, and a terrifying sword intent surged forth from those eyes like a raging storm!

"Bang bang bang!"

The Supreme Sect steward's face turned pale instantly, and he staggered back several steps, a trickle of blood spilling from the corner of his mouth.

The sword fanatic, his black robes fluttering even without wind, coldly said, "Who are you to tell me what to do in the Sword Pavilion?"

The Supreme Sect steward wanted to say something, but the terrifying sword intent made him feel as if Mount Tai was pressing down on him, making it hard to breathe. He was only at the Nascent Soul stage, while the Sword Maniac was already half a step away from the Divine Transformation stage. He had long heard that the Sword Maniac was obsessed with the sword, a protector of the Dao City's human race, who had used the sword to prove his Dao for many years, killing demons without hesitation. If he were to really kill him here, the Supreme Sect would have no way to deal with the Sword Maniac.

The others from the other sects were only at the Nascent Soul stage. Seeing the Sword Maniac so ready to fight, although they were unwilling to back down, none of them dared to be the first to step forward.

“Brother Tianming, you are not a sword cultivator, so the Sword Pavilion may not be suitable for you. I have long heard that the Longhu Mountain sect is orthodox and its talismans are unparalleled, which is a perfect match for your immortal arts; moreover, my Golden Light Spell and Thunder Magic also come from Longhu Mountain, and I have a deep connection with Longhu Mountain. I will have to pay a visit to them sooner or later. Why don’t you join Longhu Mountain?”

Just as the atmosphere reached its freezing point, Li Muyun spoke up with sincere advice.

Zhao Tianming thought for a moment and asked, "If I go to Longhu Mountain, will you come to spar with me?"

Li Muyun nodded, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Of course. I hope we can give it our all next time."

Tian Shouzhong was surprised by this unexpected joy. He had thought that he would not be able to get Zhao Tianming because he arrived late and missed the opportunity to join the group. However, things took an unexpected turn, and he seemed to have gotten a great deal. He immediately said, "Young man, the talismans of Longhu Mountain are unparalleled. If you are willing to come, I can inform my senior brother and have him pass on the Tongtian Talisman to you!"

Scratching his head, Zhao Tianming nodded, bowed to everyone, and said, "Thank you for your kindness, seniors. I have made my decision to join Longhu Mountain."

Tian Shouzhong laughed heartily, grabbed Zhao Tianming's hand as if afraid he would run away, and chuckled as he said to the other sects, "I'm sorry, I'll take him back to Longhu Mountain to meet my senior brother and ask him to accept him as a disciple."

Seeing that the door was open, the others didn't say anything more, snorted coldly, and left.

Sword Maniac smiled and said, "Daoist Master, you Dragon Tiger Sect got a good deal."

With a flick of his whisk, Tian Shouzhong stroked his beard and cupped his hands in greeting. “Many thanks to Brother Li Muyun for the recommendation. Brother Li Muyun possesses the secret techniques of Longhu Mountain and the Golden Elixir of the Celestial Master Sect. You have a deep connection with my sect. My senior brother specifically instructed me during this trip to the capital that if I were to see you, I would invite you to Longhu Mountain. I hope you would do me the honor.”

Li Muyun awkwardly wiped his nose, it seemed that Longhu Mountain had found out all about his past. "Ahem, I'll definitely go when I have time, I'll definitely go."

Sword Maniac said calmly, "There will be an opportunity. Next year, your Longhu Mountain Luotian Grand Ceremony will be held together with the Eight Sects Grand Competition. All the major sects will gather at Longhu Mountain. I will definitely bring my junior brother there."

Tian Shouzhong nodded and smiled, then pulled Zhao Tianming along, "Amitabha, then we'll meet again then."

After saying that, they threw down the whisk, which instantly grew several times larger. The two stepped onto the whisk and soared into the sky.

"It's time for us to go."

Sword Maniac led Li Muyun away into the air.

Li Muyun asked, "Where are we going?"

Without turning his head, the sword fanatic said, "Come to my place, I'll heal your wounds, and while I'm at it, I'll teach you swordsmanship!"