A blinding flash passed before his eyes.

When his vision returned, Qi Xiu found himself within a colossal hall.

In this majestic hall stood numerous towering and dignified statues, as if they had witnessed the passage of a millennium. The hall soared into the clouds, its top invisible. The grand and spacious hall had a floor laid with stone tiles as smooth as mirrors. Giant pillars supported the roof, their surfaces engraved with myriad ancient patterns and characters. Light streamed down from high-hanging colorful glass skylights, flooding the space with a mysterious and ancient aura.

He looked up at these huge statues. Suddenly, a deep and rumbling murmur echoed in Qi Xiu's ears, as if ancient gods and Buddhas were chanting scriptures. The scripture resonated like thunder. It contained a certain powerful implication, yet it was as fleeting as lightning, vanishing in a moment. Before Qi Xiu could listen closely, the chanting had disappeared, its source untraceable.

"These are all the ancestors of our Shenxiao Sect. Impressive, aren't they?"

Behind him, an old Daoist with a bushy beard had appeared at some unknown time, clad in a Deep Blue Taoist Robe, with his hands clasped behind his back.

Looking at the old Daoist in surprise, Qi Xiu's eyes flickered, and he cupped his hands, "Senior is…?"

"Shenxiao Sect, Yun Xiong."

"Greetings, Senior Yun Xiong. I am Qi Xiu."

Qi Xiu felt the bearded old Daoist's presence, as overwhelming as a lofty mountain. Recognizing him as an elder of the Shenxiao Sect, Qi Xiu respectfully bowed.

"No need for such formalities. Our Shenxiao Sect isn't like those chaotic sects with their numerous and complicated rules. In this sect entry assessment, your performance could be said to be the best. Courage, intelligence, talent, comprehension... and also Temperament and luck. In these six criteria, although you did not excel in every single one, you scored the highest overall. Especially at the last trial. Why did you dare to linger in place? Weren't you afraid of being torn to shreds by those abnormalities?" Daoist Yunxiong looked at Qi Xiu with interest, curiously asking.

After all, the secret of the final trial was known only to him and Yun Qing. It was impossible for a third party to have been informed. And Yun Qing, who had entered the sect with him, would never do something like leaking the questions. The only explanation was that the youngster before him had some special talent.

"Perhaps... it was luck," Qi Xiu replied humbly, without further explanation.

"HEH, HEH, HEH, you youngster." Everyone has their own secrets, and as Qi Xiu was unwilling to elaborate, Daoist Yunxiong did not press, "If you don't wish to say, then I won't ask further. In this assessment, you, the Slaughter King's son, and the Chi Family's boy all ranked among the top three. Hence, you can bypass the Inner Sect and directly become a personal disciple of the Shenxiao Sect. However, before that, there are two things I must clarify with you. Listen carefully."

"Please speak, Senior," Qi Xiu said earnestly, standing straight.

"This is the first matter. Our Shenxiao Sect's method of accepting disciples is unlike others; we accept all students with skills, whether from orthodox or unorthodox streams, without discrimination.

"As long as one is not greatly treacherous and evil, a Demonic Cultivator, or a Demon, they may join our ranks. However, once a disciple, if one harbors evil thoughts and uses our sect's Dharma Gates for nefarious deeds, no matter where in the world, no matter how time passes, our sect will capture you and bring you back to be struck by Heavenly Thunder on the Thunder Punishment Platform for all eternity.

"In life after life, you'll be unable to live as you wish or die as you please."

As he spoke, Daoist Yunxiong's eyes seemed to flash with lightning, his voice like thunder, exuding an infinite deterrence as the space around him quivered.

But amid this thunderous authority, Qi Xiu's eyes remained clear and bright, unsullied by any trace of panic or fear.

Seeing Qi Xiu's demeanor, Daoist Yunxiong's expression showed even more satisfaction, "Good, a straightforward and guilt-free fine young man. The second matter: within our Shenxiao Sect, disciples are divided into two types: clan disciples and branch disciples. Clan disciples are the direct lineage of the Shenxiao Sect, destined to carry on our Daoist Inheritance, often nurtured from a young age, or they are the offspring of our disciples and their partners. They cultivate the fundamental scripture of our sect, the 'Nine Heavens Divine Thunder Scripture.' You are the top ranker of this assessment. If you wish, you can also become a clan disciple of the Shenxiao Sect. However, to become a clan disciple, you must first enter the Thunder Pond and cleanse yourself of all your current Cultivation. The 'Nine Heavens Divine Thunder Scripture' is fierce and overpowering, difficult to integrate with other forms of Gang Qi, thus you must start cultivating from scratch. Are you willing?"

As Daoist Yunxiong spoke, Qi Xiu's expression became pensive.

Discard the 'Hunyuan Dragon Tiger Scripture Mystery' and switch to cultivating the 'Nine Heavens Divine Thunder Scripture'?

If it were some desperate, rootless Loose Cultivator, this wouldn't be a choice, but rather a question with only one answer. As the core scripture of the Shenxiao Sect, the 'Nine Heavens Divine Thunder Scripture' is a supreme True Scripture that points directly to the Primordial Spirit Great Path. Moreover, the Shenxiao Sect is a super sect with a long heritage, its foundation tracing back to the Middle Ancient Era. The intricacies of the 'Nine Heavens Divine Thunder Scripture' have been thoroughly explored by countless predecessors. With the support of these senior disciples within the sect, his Dao Path would be smooth, and he could advance rapidly, singing triumphantly all the way.

But for him… The 'Hunyuan Dragon Tiger Scripture Mystery' was crafted according to his own situation. Its hardships were indescribable. Moreover, it cost him countless efforts and numerous setbacks to succeed in his Cultivation.

Just give it up like that?

"May I ask, Senior, what does it mean to be a branch disciple?" Unable to decide in a short period, Qi Xiu had no choice but to ask Daoist Yunxiong about branch disciples.

Seeing that Qi Xiu did not immediately choose to become a clan disciple, Daoist Yunxiong's face showed a hint of regret.

Still too young. But at this age, it's normal.

"The difference between a branch disciple and a clan disciple is not significant, except that you cannot cultivate the main scripture, the 'Nine Heavens Divine Thunder Scripture.' All other treatments are basically the same. However, branch disciples cannot hold positions within the sect."

Hearing Daoist Yunxiong's words, Qi Xiu nodded slightly. The difference between clan disciples and branch disciples seemed small, but in reality, both differences struck at the heart of the matter. The 'Nine Heavens Divine Thunder Scripture' is very likely the foundation of many Thunder Magic techniques in the Shenxiao Sect. Not being able to cultivate the entire scripture means that when cultivating other thunder techniques, the effort would be doubled for half the results, or one might even be unlikely to achieve anything significant. And not being able to hold positions within the sect also means that branch disciples will always just be disciples, existing only at the grassroots level and unable to enter the core system of the Shenxiao Sect.

However, Qi Xiu actually understood these two differences very well. The Shenxiao Sect is a grand sect, not a charity association. Wanting the benefits without fully joining the sect—there's no such good deal in this world. For the Shenxiao Sect to allow many Loose Cultivators and those from minor paths the opportunity to learn Thunder Magic as branch disciples was already extremely generous. In the entire Dianchuan Province, even in the Great Xuan Dynasty, it would be hard to find many sects with such magnanimity as the Shenxiao Sect.

"Regarding the matter of clan versus branch disciple, may I ask Senior to give me a few more days to consider?" Unable to decide on the spot whether to give up the 'Hunyuan Dragon Tiger Scripture Mystery' and switch to the Shenxiao Sect's 'Nine Heavens Godly Thunder Commandment,' Qi Xiu had no choice but to ask Daoist Yunxiong for a few more days.

"That's not a problem; there's plenty of time. You can certainly take your time to consider before making a decision, as it concerns your future Dao Path. Do not rush; simply follow your heart."

After reassuring Qi Xiu, Daoist Yunxiong led him out of the ancient hall. "Come, I will first take you to see our lineage's place of Cultivation."

Before his words had fully faded, Daoist Yunxiong transformed into a fierce Lei Mang, sweeping up Qi Xiu and thundering out of the ancient hall.

So fast!

Within the Lei Mang, Qi Xiu's expression was one of amazement. Looking outside from this Escape Light, he saw the surrounding scenery change in the blink of an eye.

This Thunder Escape technique of Daoist Yunxiong is at least ten times faster than my Water Patrol Escape Light!

They arrived like lightning before a towering mountain peak that reached into the clouds. This mountain peak radiated clusters of azure blue. The blue originated from more than a hundred Yunti trees, which twisted their bodies and stretched out into the sky. Their branches and limbs entwined and tangled, swaying gently in the breeze. The azure blue Yunti groves, bathed in light, seemed to emit a mesmerizing aura. Each string of blue Yunti fruits was crystal clear and temptingly plump.

Now, it was getting late. Dusk set in, and the sunset painted the entire mountain peak with a warm and mysterious purplish hue.

"This is our lineage's Dao field, Yunti Peak. The Yunti trees that grow on this mountain are called Yunti. Born from the essence of thunder, their fruit, peel and pulp, are very beneficial to the cultivation of Thunder Magic. The seeds can also be used as the main ingredient for Fire Thunder pellets. The finances of our lineage—our clothing, living expenses, and Cultivation materials—all rely on these Yunti trees," Daoist Yunxiong said, pointing at the dense clusters of Yunti fruit trees on the mountain with a proud expression.

"Finances? Doesn't the sect take care of it?" Qi Xiu opened his mouth, feeling that the Shenxiao Sect seemed different from the sects he had imagined.

"The sect doesn't give a damn…" Stopping himself from uttering a disrespectful remark, Daoist Yunxiong chuckled awkwardly, "After many years of reform, our Shenxiao Sect is no longer like those old sects that share a common pot. Now we implement a system where each lineage is responsible for its own profits and losses, and we encourage innovation and competition. You can make offerings to the sect, but you can't ask the sect for money. In summary, it's just one sentence: All self-reliance in Cultivation!"

While speaking, Daoist Yunxiong led Qi Xiu to the summit of Yunti Peak. The large array of buildings, built into the mountainside, hadn't looked very large from below. But once they stepped onto the white jade stone steps of the plaza, the scene before them instantly expanded more than a hundredfold.

Is this the same kind of Divine Marvel Dharma Gate as on that ship?

Looking at the abruptly expanded complex, Qi Xiu's gaze became slightly peculiar. Previously on the ship, Zhu Mo had asked the old boat master about the ship's formation. But the boat master had been sparing with his words and did not respond. Now it seemed such Divine Marvel formations were quite common within the Shenxiao Sect.

...

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