Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

Tianji Pavilion is a mysterious and transcendent organization with an extremely ancient heritage. It is renowned for its ability to deduce celestial secrets and compile various lists and classic texts.

The rankings they release can, to some extent, even influence the rise and fall of a sect or a region!

Shen Mo's consciousness immediately sank into the jade slip. The jade slip contained a vast amount of information, listing the names of hundreds of sects in the Eastern Wilderness that the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion considered to have "potential".

His divine sense swept across the list at lightning speed, and finally at the very bottom of the list, at number ninety-nine, he saw that familiar name—Qingyun Sect!

Following that, there was a brief comment:

"Qingyun Sect is located in Qingyun Mountain, Blackwater Marsh, in the southern region of the Eastern Wilderness. According to research, its lineage is ancient, dating back to the past, but the lineage has almost been cut off, and the sect has declined."

"Recently, there seem to be signs of a mysterious resurgence. Its performance in the Liuyun Water Mansion incident has attracted attention, and it is suspected that there is an unknown connection with the ancient 'Star Radiance' lineage. Its potential remains to be assessed, and it is currently ranked last."

The comments were carefully worded, even tinged with uncertainty, but the words "ancient heritage," "mysterious revival," and "star lineage" were like hooks, enough to arouse the curiosity and greed of countless people!

Shen Mo put down the jade slip and remained silent for a long time, his expression constantly changing.

They made the list? And it's the supposedly authoritative Tianji Pavilion list? For a small sect struggling to survive, this would be a coveted opportunity to gain fame.

But in this degenerate age where "all things are withering away," is this name truly a blessing?

The saying "all things wither and decay" is not an exaggeration.

The cultivation world of today is no longer as glorious as it was in ancient times. The spiritual energy of heaven and earth is becoming increasingly scarce, various rare resources are being depleted, and countless powerful lineages have been lost in the long river of history.

It is said that the highest level of cultivation in the entire Eastern Wilderness Region is only at the Nascent Soul stage! Moreover, their numbers are very few, and they are all powerful figures who hold sway over their respective regions and rarely show themselves in the world.

Once a Golden Core cultivator is established, they can open their own sect and dominate a region.

Foundation Establishment cultivators are already the backbone of the cultivation world. As for Qi Refining cultivators, they represent the largest and most ruthless bottom tier of this world.

Resources are limited; if you have more, I have less. The struggles and battles between major powers for the remaining spiritual veins, relics, and even a possible fragment of an ancient cultivation technique have almost never ceased.

The rites and music have long since collapsed; strength is now the only true passport.

In this environment, a small sect that is named by the Tianji Pavilion as having "potential" and is especially likely to be associated with the "Ancient Starshine Lineage" is like a child carrying gold in the market, attracting the attention of many hungry wolves.

"Sect Leader... is this a good thing or...?" Seeing Shen Mo's solemn expression, Wang Lie's excitement cooled down, and he asked anxiously.

Shen Mo didn't answer immediately, but instead asked, "Where did you get this jade slip? It must have been very expensive, right?"

The jade slips listing the rankings from the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion are always highly sought-after and expensive, usually only sold by major sects or large markets.

With the current financial resources of the Qingyun Sect, they would never be so extravagant as to buy such a thing.

Wang Lie quickly replied, "It's Manager Chen from Baibaoge! He specifically sought me out today, saying that this is the latest list and he insists that you, the sect leader, review it personally."

"He...he didn't want money, saying it was a free gift, and...he said a lot of flattering things, his attitude was more than ten times better than before!"

A knowing glint flashed in Shen Mo's eyes. Sure enough, the news had already spread. The Hundred Treasures Pavilion was well-informed; they had come to sell ahead of time.

He could even imagine how many eyes in the Blackwater Marsh, and even further afield, would be drawn to this inconspicuous corner of Qingyun Mountain because of this list.

"Good fortune may be a harbinger of misfortune, and misfortune may be a harbinger of good fortune." Shen Mo gently stroked the jade slip and sighed. "It's too early to say whether it's a blessing or a curse."

He walked out of the main hall and came to the square in front of it. The afterglow of the setting sun dyed the sky a dim yellow, carrying a desolate and twilight atmosphere.

The disciples had just finished a day of cultivation and gathered in twos and threes to exchange their experiences or practice their spells.

Their faces showed exhaustion, but their eyes were filled with hope for the future. They were unaware that the sect's name had already spread throughout the Eastern Wilderness in a way they could never have imagined.

"Junior Sister Xiao, go and call Junior Brother Tie, Qingyan, and Xiaocao over here," Shen Mo instructed Su Xiao, who was following behind him.

Soon, the core disciples gathered in the main hall. When Shen Mo informed everyone about the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion's rankings, their reactions varied.

Shi Tie scratched his head, grinned widely, and said happily, "We made the list? That's great! It means our Qingyun Sect has made something of itself! Let's see who dares to look down on us now!"

He was simple-minded and only felt that this was a great opportunity to hold his head high.

Zhang Daniu excitedly waved his fist: "That's right! From now on, when I go out, I can hold my head high and say I'm a member of the Qingyun Sect!"

Li Xiaocao and Zhao Qingyan were much more attentive, their faces showing worry.

Li Xiaocao said softly, "Sect Leader, the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion's comments mentioned 'the Ancient Star Radiance Lineage'... Won't this attract unnecessary trouble? Possessing a treasure can be a crime..."

Zhao Qingyan nodded in agreement: "Moreover, it's only 'potential yet to be assessed,' ranking last. This ranking will probably not deter the villains, but will instead make people think we are weak and easy to bully, making us an easy target in the eyes of some people."

Su Xiao looked at Shen Mo, her eyes filled with worry: "Sect Leader, what should we do?"

Shen Mo's gaze swept over the crowd, taking in their reactions. He spoke slowly, his voice steady yet carrying an undeniable power:

"Junior Brother Tie feels honored, and that's understandable. Xiao Cao and Qing Yan are worried about getting into trouble, and that's also understandable. The key is for Su Xiao to ask how to deal with it."

He walked to the entrance of the main hall, gazing at the distant, rolling mountains and the seemingly unchanging, hazy sky further away.

In the Dharma-ending Age, Heaven and Earth grieve together, and all things strive to survive.

"This is the worst of times. Spiritual energy is depleted, and traditions are broken. For a few drops of resources, it is common for fellow practitioners to kill each other and for masters and disciples to turn against each other."

Shen Mo's voice carried a touch of desolation in the twilight, "But this is also the best of times. The old order is collapsing, which gives us insignificant people the possibility to struggle for survival and even rise up!"

He turned around, his gaze sharp as he looked at each disciple in the hall: "The fact that the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion has listed us on their list, whatever their purpose, means that our Qingyun Sect can no longer remain in its corner and develop quietly as it did in the past."

"From this day forward, we will be standing at the forefront of the storm, with countless eyes watching us—some well-intentioned, but many more, likely malicious probing, or even… blatant plunder!"

"Should we... hide?" Zhang Daniu asked timidly.

"Hide?" Shen Mo shook his head, his tone resolute. "We can't hide! And there's no need to! Now that our reputation has spread, we'll accept it honorably!"

"Not only will we accept this, but we will also show everyone watching us that although Qingyun Sect is small, it is not to be trifled with!"

He looked at Shi Tie and Su Xiao and instructed, "Pass down the order: effective immediately, the sect's alert level will be raised to the highest level! Qingyan will be in charge of the mountain-protecting formation; operate it at full capacity and do not be stingy with spirit stones!"

"Double the number of patrol posts, with Junior Brother Tie personally leading the team. If any suspicious individuals approach the mountain gate, do not request permission; immediately raise the alarm. If necessary... use swift and decisive measures!"

"Yes!" Shi Tie and Su Xiao replied in unison, their expressions solemn.

"Xiaocao," Shen Mo looked at Li Xiaocao again, "the herb garden is our most important foundation right now, especially the main root of the Vermilion Fruit and several key spiritual herbs. We must protect them well. Activate all the formations; we cannot afford to lose anything!"

"Little Grass understands!" Li Xiaocao nodded emphatically.

"Junior Sister Xiao," Shen Mo said, turning to Su Xiao one last time, "you will still be in charge of external communications. You can show some goodwill towards the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, but remember, not a single word of core secrets will be leaked."

"If any other forces come to inquire, turn them away on the grounds that 'the sect leader is in seclusion and visitors are not allowed,' and maintain a respectful but not arrogant attitude."

"Yes, Senior Brother Sect Leader!" Su Xiao immediately felt the burden on his shoulders grow even heavier.