Chapter 317 - 153: Penglai Sect
On Profound Ice Island, outside the Dharma Ship.
Chen Xuanfeng stood in the snow, the disciples of the Four Islands Main Courtyard behind him.
Liang Cheng, Ye Zhiqiu, Xiao Qingxue, and Qin Lie were about to board the Dharma Ship, bound for the Penglai Sect.
The other disciples who had been eliminated stood far off, their eyes filled with envy. Not one of them spoke a word. Qin Wentian’s knuckles were white from clenching his fists.
’I was just one step away. So close, yet so far!’
Chen Xuanfeng looked at the four before him, his gaze lingering on each of their faces for a moment. He felt a mix of emotions, but pride was the strongest among them.
Since the founding of the Four Islands Main Courtyard, this was the first time four disciples had entered the Penglai Sect from a single Immortal Ascension Conference.
It was an unprecedented event.
He took a deep breath and began to speak.
"Once you enter the Penglai Sect, it’s not like being at the Main Courtyard anymore."
"It’s a place teeming with geniuses, overflowing with experts. But I hope the four of you will continue to advance with courage and diligence, and not bring shame to our Main Courtyard’s name."
He paused.
"Even if you find yourselves at the bottom after joining the sect, don’t be afraid. I hope that you won’t let it keep you down for good."
Liang Cheng and the other three cupped their fists in a salute. "We will remember the Elder’s teachings."
Chen Xuanfeng glanced at Liang Cheng and sent a Secret Transmission.
"You have already achieved Core Formation and have Broken Mortality. Once in the Penglai Sect, if you have the chance to look out for them, do what you can to help."
"Don’t worry, Elder. I understand."
Hearing this, Chen Xuanfeng felt reassured and waved his hand.
"Go on. Don’t keep them waiting."
Liang Cheng said no more and turned to board the Dharma Ship.
Ye Zhiqiu and the other two followed close behind.
The cabin door closed.
The Dharma Ship shuddered slightly and slowly began to rise.
Chen Xuanfeng stood his ground, craning his neck to watch the Dharma Ship ascend higher and higher, growing more distant until it finally disappeared beyond the sea of clouds.
Wind and snow fell on his shoulders, dusting them in a thin layer.
Behind him, a Steward said softly, "Elder Chen, they’re gone."
Chen Xuanfeng grunted in acknowledgment and stood for another moment before finally turning around.
"Let’s head back too."
He took a few steps forward and suddenly let out a small laugh.
"Four of them."
"Damn, that really makes me proud."
...
Aboard the Penglai Sect’s Dharma Ship.
Liang Cheng gazed through the porthole, watching Profound Ice Island shrink below and the figure still standing in the snow, until it was completely out of sight. Only then did he retract his gaze and close his eyes.
Liu Jingtiao’s voice reached his ears.
"We depart."
"Returning to the Penglai Sect."
The Dharma Ship broke through the sea of clouds and sped off to the northeast.
Inside the cabin, Liu Jingtiao stood with his hands behind his back, appearing calm on the surface. Inwardly, however, his mind was in turmoil.
He couldn’t help but glance at Liang Cheng again.
The young man was currently sitting cross-legged in a corner, eyes closed in meditation. His aura was restrained, but Liu Jingtiao could still sense a chilling Blade Intent, like a peerless sword hidden in its scabbard, ready to cut through anything at a moment’s notice.
’A True Pill Powerhouse.’
’One who has condensed Martial Dao True Intent has formed a True Pill.’
’A peerless monster who condensed Martial Dao True Intent the moment he broke through to a new realm!’
Liu Jingtiao couldn’t help but sigh internally.
’He had originally planned to take him on as a disciple after the Immortal Ascension Conference. If Liang Cheng managed to reach Core Formation in the future, he would have become a valuable asset.’
’But now...’
’Liang Cheng had already reached Core Formation, and was one of those monstrously talented types.’
’Liu Jingtiao recalled the file he had requested from the Main Courtyard. When Liang Cheng broke through to the True Qi Realm, he had condensed five True Qi Seeds.’
’Five seeds as a foundation to forge a True Pill.’
’That storm of Spiritual Qi, that resonance with the stone wall, that Blade Intent soaring to the heavens...’
Liu Jingtiao sighed again.
’Even within the Core Formation Realm, there are different tiers of strength.’
’Those who break through to the Core Formation Realm without condensing Martial Dao True Intent are known as Fake Pill powerhouses.’
’Only those who can condense Martial Dao True Intent after Breaking Mortality are considered True Pill Powerhouses.’
’A True Pill cultivator uses their own Martial Dao as a foundation, condensing their intent into the pill. Their chances of reaching the Golden Core Dao in the future are much greater.’
’Furthermore, the number of True Qi Seeds condensed in the True Qi Realm determines the foundation of the True Pill. All else being equal, the more seeds one has, the stronger they are.’
’Although Liang Cheng only formed his Dao from five True Qi Seeds, the fact that he condensed Martial Dao True Intent puts him in a completely different league...’
At this thought, Liu Jingtiao shook his head.
’What a pity.’
’I am merely an Outer Elder, and my cultivation is only at the Core Formation Middle Stage. What’s more, I formed a Fake Pill back then. I’m afraid I have no hope of reaching the Golden Core Realm in this lifetime.’
’Now, Liang Cheng has formed a True Pill right as he’s entered the Breaking Mortality realm. If I were to fight him, I might not even be able to win.’
’A prodigy of this caliber is no longer someone I am qualified to take as a disciple.’
’Back at the Main Courtyard, when we first met, if only I had swallowed my pride and shown some goodwill—even just to form a friendly connection...’
Liu Jingtiao suppressed the regret in his heart, his expression remaining neutral.
...
「Three days later.」
The Dharma Ship passed through the clouds, and a majestic Immortal Mountain came into view.
The mountain was divided into Nine Peaks that pierced the heavens. Spiritual Mist swirled between them, refracting countless rays of auspicious light.
At the foot of the mountain, pavilions and towers were built into the slopes, and the Spiritual Qi was so dense it had almost materialized.
The Penglai Sect.
They had arrived.
The Dharma Ship landed in the square outside the main gate.
The cabin door opened, and the newly promoted disciples filed out. They gazed at the sight before them, all utterly stunned and filled with yearning.
Ye Zhiqiu took a deep breath. "So this is the Penglai Sect..."
Xiao Qingxue tightened her grip on her sword hilt, a bright light flashing in her eyes.
Qin Lie remained silent, but his fists were already clenched.
Only Liang Cheng’s expression was calm.
With the saber hanging at his waist, he strode off the ship.
Just then—
From within the main gate, a dozen or so figures emerged together.
The one in the lead was tall and slender with a smile on his face, his gaze sweeping over the new disciples.
"Junior Brothers, you’ve come a long way. It must have been an arduous journey."
He cupped his hands in greeting, his tone gentle.
"I am Outer Disciple Zhou Yuan. I have come to welcome you all under the orders of my Senior Brother."
Although his words were polite, his eyes roamed over the new disciples, full of scrutiny and a hint of amusement.
The Outer Disciples behind him made no effort to hide their smiles.
Someone whispered, "Quite a few people in this batch."