Sigh, another day bursting with vigor yet oh so dull, with a chess game that can only be described as dreadful. Not just for me but even a young child could play just as well, couldn't they? As the junior protector thought this, he sighed and walked down from the pavilion…

Not long after, both Mingfei and Zhan Yu had also left one after another, quietly stepping back. Looking at this chess game, who knew how many hours it would take.

Yet the two playing chess were thoroughly enjoying themselves, not the least bit flustered, savoring their tea and making their moves. However, it seemed that what they were really savoring was not tea, but the years of their lives, and the game they were playing appeared to be on the scale of the entire world.

At this moment, hurried footsteps approached from afar. An inner-sect disciple dressed in light blue attire rushed to report, "My lord..."

"Silence," Wu Tian interrupted the disciple before he could finish speaking, "Don't you know not to disturb me when I'm receiving guests? Have you forgotten even this bit of etiquette?"

"I wouldn't dare," the shade drained from the disciple's face as he hurriedly explained, "It's just that, people from the Holy Hall have arrived, and only for this reason... I hope my lord will forgive me."

Wu Tian exchanged a look with the white-haired elder he was playing chess with and then slowly said, "You may go."

Grateful for the reprieve, the disciple's heart finally settled, and he let out a breath before quickly retreating. He could not bear the sin of violating the sect's rules.

The white-haired elder opposite Wu Tian chuckled out loud, a kind laugh. "Your sect truly has strict rules. Look how scared that young brother was."

"The saying goes, 'without rules, there can be no standards.' Nations have laws, families have rules. Look at our Huaxia, always emphasizing respect for teachers and reverence for their teachings, adhering to sect rules. If not strict, how can we establish authority?"

"Ha ha ha..." The elder with white whiskers laughed heartily, "Too severe, I think. Taoism believes in the unity of heaven and man, naturally occurring, going with the flow. If a rule is broken, it's broken, at most a minor punishment is needed. Why set so many rules? I think your rules will eventually need to be changed."

Wu Tian listened but merely smiled in response without saying anything—the spirit of Yanhuang Soul and the protocols of the Jade Clear Sect were very different. How could he know that the rules of the Jade Clear Sect were not just about simplicity? If an inner-sect disciple were to clash with a hall master, committing an offense against a superior, the hall master would have the right to execute him on the spot. Above the hall master, there is still the high-ranking and powerful elder protector. The strict rules are precisely there to ensure that disciples behave with utmost respect when facing their superiors. When Mengdie once punished three inner-sect disciples, it was also a matter of a single word.

Of course, this so-called offense is relative to only a small portion of the disciples, namely those in name only of the inner sect. The restrictions of the Jade Clear Sect on the outer-sect disciples are not particularly strict; even public insults would not warrant a death sentence. Naturally, no fool would dare to do such a thing. Those who occupy the positions of a hall master, protector, or elder, who among them does not possess formidable martial skills and extraordinary means? Without real strength, you wouldn't be able to get by in the Jade Clear Sect.

Immediately Wu Tian said to the white-whiskered elder, "I shall go and welcome the people from the Holy Hall, please excuse me."

"Safe travels."

In just a short while, a group of people could be seen slowly approaching the foot of Immortal Mountain... quite a majestic sight. Walking at the very front of the group was none other than Forbes, the Red Cloak Archbishop of Holy Hall. To show respect, all eleven elders, including the three protectors, came out to welcome them.

"Our honored guests have arrived, and we have failed to welcome you from afar. Please forgive us for any oversight," Wu Tian said with a smile as he looked towards the group, his gaze finally resting on the Red Cloak Archbishop from Holy Hall.

"The gentleman is too polite. The Holy Hall has come uninvited, and we ask for your understanding for any improper conduct," the elder replied briefly in his not quite perfect Huaxia dialect.

"Not at all, it's just that..."

Seeing Wu Tian hesitate to speak, the Red Cloak Archbishop feigned a look of surprise, "If you have something to say, sir, please speak freely."

"It's just that the battle for the chief position will take a few more days. Perhaps the Archbishop and your disciples might consider staying for a few days to wait. My humble dwelling is quite small, please don't take offense, Archbishop."

"You are too kind, sir. I appreciate your generosity. Your magnanimity is truly admirable," the Archbishop said, placing one hand over his heart to make the sign of the holy cross, his eyes darting around and his gaze sweeping the surroundings...

There's no denying that the architecture of Jade Clear Sect was magnificent and awe-inspiring, with ancient halls suggesting resilience from afar, and the surrounding temples and pavilions sprawling continuously. The wind chimes, caressed by the light breeze, seemed to be subtly resonating with a long and distant history.

After passing through the reception hall, the bustling forms of disciples could be seen. Directly ahead stood the Azure Dragon Hall, solemn and sacred, a place for the cultivation of the Wood-element Five Elements disciples. Spiritually charged and framed by a glow of purple energy, it was gorgeous yet retained classic elegance.

At the very top was a colossal structure that was especially breathtaking and stirring, grand and imposing, sufficient to house far more than thousands of disciples. It was a match for the main cathedral of Holy Hall, and from this it was clear that Jade Clear Sect must have tens of thousands of disciples at the very least, as rumors had it.

To call such an impressive Ancient Martial Arts Hall a 'humble dwelling' showed just how seriously Huaxia, the nation of rituals, took these minor matters.

With a smile playing on his lips, the Red Cloak Archbishop courteously said, "There's no need; we can stay just fine at the foot of the mountain for a few days." Meanwhile, in his heart, he scoffed coldly. If you really wanted to accommodate someone, why go back and forth with excuses, over and over calling it a humble abode? It seemed there might be an underlying message; had they simply been accommodated in any random corner, it would be to the Holy Hall's discredit.

Hearing this, Wu Tian did not insist further, "Heh heh, then I shall respect your wishes."

This was hardly a way to treat guests. The disciples of Holy Hall all bore looks of displeasure, yet none of them actually spoke up. As everyone gradually moved away, Wu Tian shook his head silently...

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