Wu Yuan nodded. He was still acclimating to his new role within the immortal sect and lacked a solid understanding of the later three cultivation phases. As for the ninth Immortal Tribulation, his knowledge remained rather vague.
“Actually, all you need to do is focus on building your reputation, much like you did on Southmoon Island.” Zhuo Haiyue suggested.
“Building my reputation?” Wu Yuan mused.
Indeed, it seemed like a practical approach.
“The Dragon Star Immortal Sect extended an invitation for you to join them as a hereditary disciple as they’ve confirmed your age, strength, and so on, recognizing your potential,” Zhuo Haiyue remarked.
“There are a few probable reasons why Sword Immortal Dong Yang did not immediately accept you as his disciple. Perhaps he is currently assessing you without your knowledge. Or perhaps you have yet to meet his criteria for a successor,” Zhuo Haiyue added.
“For centuries, rumors of Sword Immortal Dong Yang’s intentions to accept disciples have circulated, but it has never come to pass. This only goes to show that the current sword cultivation disciples of the sect do not meet his standards.” Zhuo Haiyue continued.
“Thus, as long as you display enough talent and shine brightly as a prodigy, you may catch his eye.”
“It’s not necessary to meet all of Sword Immortal Dong Yang’s criteria,” Zhuo Haiyue explained. “You simply need to be the strongest among your peers, the most dazzling genius in the younger generation of the Dragon Star Immortal Sect. If you can achieve this, then you may very well be his chosen successor.”
Wu Yuan’s eyes sparkled. Indeed, it was likely that Sword Immortal Dong Yang was looking for a successor, and with the impending Immortal Tribulation looming, he had little time to waste on making his selection.
In that case, Wu Yuan did not need to fulfill all of Sword Immortal Dong Yang’s requirements. All he had to do was rise above his peers in the sect and prove himself as the top genius of his generation. If he could do this, then he would be the prime candidate for his successor.
“Haiyue, I am grateful for your guidance,” Wu Yuan expressed his thanks.
“I wouldn’t consider this guidance,” Zhuo Haiyue responded with a shake of her head. “Knowing what needs to be done is simple, but the execution is where the challenge lies. The younger generation of the Dragon Star Immortal Sect is full of talented individuals. If you aspire to shine the brightest among them, dedication and hard work are essential.”
“Mm, I will work hard,” Wu Yuan affirmed.
Zhuo Haiyue then presented him with a virtual immortal slip resembling a book. “This is for you.”
“What’s this?” Wu Yuan was puzzled.
“Here are details about the 34 Golden Core hereditary disciples and 648 Amethyst Cradle hereditary disciples of your sect, excluding yourself. This information includes their backgrounds, mentors, lifebound artifacts, cultivation techniques, past battle recordings in the Dragon Star Tournament, and more. I believe it will prove beneficial to you.”
Wu Yuan was taken aback.
Compiling such valuable intelligence must have taken a great deal of effort. And it happened to be precisely what he needed.
“It’s just information. Do not reject it, unless you wish to waste my good intentions,” Zhuo Haiyue stated with a shake of her head. “I only hope that your strength will mature swiftly.”
“Very well, I shall accept it,” Wu Yuan replied after a moment of contemplation.
As they continued to dine and converse, Wu Yuan had to admit that Zhuo Haiyue had impeccable taste. Each dish she ordered was delectable regardless of price.
It was undeniably the most delicious meal Wu Yuan had ever eaten, and the flavor of each delicacy was unforgettable.
Of course, if Zhuo Haiyue was speaking the truth, the cost of this immortal feast was a staggering nine million catties of ethercrystal. It was almost equivalent to the entire fortunes of relatively weaker Void Refiner cultivators.
After they finished their meal, Zhuo Haiyue bid him farewell.
“Li Xia, I shall not keep you here any longer,” she remarked. “As a hereditary disciple, you must be busy. We shall speak again when time permits. You will soon be introduced into the elite circles.”
With that, Zhuo Haiyue took her leave.
Does Zhuo Haiyue truly expect nothing in return? No, it’s more likely that her schemes are far grander than I imagined. Wu Yuan pondered as he gazed at the virtual immortal slip in his hand.
However, Wu Yuan was not afraid. If the soldiers come, block them with generals. If the water comes, dam it with earth.
If the occasion arises and I am capable of assisting her, it shouldn’t be a problem to lend her a hand.
He had no desire to live off the charity of others, but that did not mean he would blindly reject all assistance.
Let’s explore Dragon Star City. Wu Yuan swiftly exited the Drunken Immortal Building and promptly left Zhuo Star City.
Through the teleportation array, he made his way to Dragon Star City, a first-tier city within the Redmoon Immortal Realm.
…
In an elegant courtyard house of the Zhuo residence in the Redmoon Immortal Realm.
“Your Highness, Li Xia has already departed for Dragon Star City,” a black-armored soldier respectfully informed Zhuo Haiyue.
“Mm, you may leave,” Zhuo Haiyue replied, waving her hand.
The soldier quickly departed, leaving Zhuo Haiyue alone in the courtyard,
Suddenly, a raspy voice spoke up, “Aren’t you going to inform him about Earth Immortal Qing Feng?”
“Li Xia has a unique personality; he isn’t willing to owe me too much,” Zhuo Haiyue said coolly. “However, this goes to show that his ambition is genuine, and his Dao Heart is the sort that believes grudges and kindness must be repaid in kind.”
“Twenty million catties of ethercrystal is no small sum for him, yet he refused outright. He is no ordinary individual.” The raspy voice commented.
“With his talent and character, I have high expectations for him,” Zhuo Haiyue continued softly. “Thus, there is no need to reveal the matter regarding Earth Immortal Qing Feng to him. When the time is right, he will discover it on his own.”
“Hehe, I told you long ago that you should have used the Myriad Star Blood Soul Art to bind him as your servant,” the raspy voice hissed.
“In the long river of time and space, few servants, even those of great beings, ever rise to the level of super powerhouses,” Zhuo Haiyue shook her head. “Those with a subservient mentality struggle to overcome the challenges of the Immortal Tribulations.”
“You have traversed many spacetimes, but how many of your early slaves ever became Archimmortals?” Zhuo Haiyue countered.
The raspy voice fell silent.
“I neither wish for his servitude under oath nor to enslave him, because I desire his genuine willingness to help me,” Zhuo Haiyue said softly. “Coercion often backfires, or leads to other undesirable outcomes.”
“Yet all external aid is secondary; my own abilities are still the most important,” Zhuo Haiyue declared.
“If I possessed my master’s power, would I still need to ask others for help?” A hint of coldness flashed in Zhuo Haiyue’s eyes. “Prepare for Soul Forging.”
“Again? You underwent it just last month,” the raspy voice exclaimed in astonishment.
“If I cannot endure this bit of pain, how can I hope to get through the Immortal Tribulations in the future?” Zhuo Haiyue responded coldly. “Don’t worry, I will speak up when the pain becomes unbearable.”
“You are truly insane!” the raspy voice chuckled. “But I like it!”
…
Dragon Star City, a first-tier city under the rule of the Dragon Star Immortal Sect and a benchmark for cities in the Redmoon Immortal Realm, was a prosperous virtual metropolis rivaling that of Zhuo Star City.
After being transported here via teleportation array, Wu Yuan flew into the sky. His destination: the base of the Dragon Star Immortal Sect within the Redmoon Immortal Realm.
The sect’s base was not Dragon Star City itself, but a colossal island above the city called Dragon Star Island. Accessible only to the disciples of Dragon Star, this exclusive space opened by the Dragon Star Immortal Sect was a sprawling expanse spanning thousands of li.
This island served as the singular stronghold of the sect within the Redmoon Immortal Realm, with countless disciples frequenting the place and boasting more than ten entrances.
As Wu Yuan approached the island’s edge, a bustling scene unfolded before him, the area teeming with what seemed like thousands of immortal cultivators.
Amidst the throng, dozens of figures flew over from one of the entrances, led by Lu Zhu who had been waiting for him.
“Greetings, Heir,” Lu Zhu and the other followers bowed respectfully.
The sudden display drew the attention of various immortal cultivators.
“A hereditary disciple?”
“Who is that? He’s managed to gather quite the following.”
“I’ve never seen him before. From his aura, he doesn’t seem too strong.” Most of these immortal cultivators were outer and inner disciples.
“It’s Li Xia!”
“It’s Reverend Lu Zhu. I heard he has become Li Xia’s guardian.” Some keen-eyed disciples recognized Reverend Lu Zhu.
It should be noted that, while the Dragon Star Immortal Sect had millions of disciples, less than 100,000 inner disciples made it to the Amethyst Cradle phase.
Given the memory retention of immortal cultivators, recalling at least half of them wouldn’t be too difficult if they made the effort.
“Apologies for the trouble.” Wu Yuan smiled.
“Haha, it’s no trouble at all. There are many privileges that come with access to Dragon Star Island, and this is your first time here.” Reverend Lu Zhu chuckled, “Please follow me. I shall bring you on a tour of your mansion on Dragon Star Island.”
“Alright.” Wu Yuan nodded.
The procession transformed into streaks of light, entering Dragon Star Island through a passageway. As they passed by other disciples, many bowed in respect after sensing Wu Yuan’s aura and recognizing his status.
Within the Dragon Star Immortal Sect, the status of hereditary disciples was equivalent to that of Void Refiner protectorates. When outer and inner sect disciples passed by them, they all paid their respects.
…
Nestled deep within Dragon Star Island lay a sizable mansion. Its close proximity to the central region was proof that its master was someone of high status.
Whoosh! A black-robed youth suddenly materialized in mid-air and shot straight into the mansion, calling out, “Bei Hua, come quick. Li Xia has arrived on Dragon Star Island.”
“We’ve already dealt with Kuang Long. Now it’s Li Xia’s turn.”