Cultivating with Top Enlightenment

The matter of Daoist partners was quickly brushed off by everyone, after all, there were also Ning Qi and Zhuang Chen, two 'little Taoists' here.

The second disciple Xiong Shi brought up another matter:

"Senior brother, when is the next ranking of the world's Taoist sects? How are the preparations going?"

All eyes turned towards them.

Although the True Martial Sect has received a Taoist plaque awarded by the Great Yan imperial court, to truly gain worldwide recognition and become a top-tier Taoist sect, it must participate in the Taoist rankings.

Only nine top-tier Taoist sects are chosen worldwide.

Countless Taoist sects are highly envious of these spots, and many generations strive just to be among them, and the True Martial Sect is no exception.

But it's very challenging, even to be the ninth the last spot requires substantial foundation.

The True Martial Sect may have enough top-end strength with the True Man Tianjian, but its foundation is slightly lacking, having only been established for a few decades. To enter the rankings, they must find some supplements from other places, as those already in the rankings refuse to be squeezed out, inevitably causing friction.

In fact.

Over the years, few top-tier Taoist sects have been squeezed out.

Luo Wentian said:

"The specific time has not been determined yet; it depends on the intentions of those nine Taoist sects. Given our True Martial Sect's foundation, we can compete a bit, but it's just a trial. After the True Martial Peach Assembly, I will go to Tao State to communicate with the True Profound Sect and see the specifics."

Everyone raised their glasses to toast Luo Wentian.

Over the years, Luo Wentian has sacrificed a lot for the development of the True Martial Sect, and recently, Taoist Longshan has been discussing passing the leadership to him, but Luo Wentian is still hesitating, worrying his cultivation isn't high enough and would tarnish the True Martial Sect's prestige.

However, everyone knows that Luo Wentian taking over is inevitable.

He is the most qualified in the entire True Martial Sect.

Ning Qi is aware of this; he has considered some ways to help Luo Wentian break through quickly, but the Martial Path inherently offers few shortcuts. He can only try to make Luo Wentian's cultivation smoother and quicker, but no significant breakthrough is possible in a short period.

Hearing about the True Profound Sect.

Ning Qi's heart was stirred, and he recalled the prior Taoist Baishan.

He laughed and said:

"Senior brother, if you're going to the True Profound Sect, help me check how Taoist Baishan is doing. Is he drawing nearer to the Celestial Human Realm?"

Everyone laughed, having heard the past rumors of Taoist Baishan pestering the junior disciple on True Martial Mountain. The White Ape, upon hearing the name of that shameless old Taoist, rolled his eyes, bearing a grudge against the old Taoist wanting to take him away.

Everyone began discussing the preparations needed for the Taoist rankings.

Inevitably, they mentioned True Man Tianjian.

The fourth disciple He Yan thought for a moment and suddenly brightened:

"Counting the time, the Great Yan Celestial Being List, updated every three years, should be coming out again. If Senior Tianjian can get on the list, our chances in the Taoist rankings will greatly increase."

Everyone's expressions became excited.

"That's right, hopefully, Senior Tianjian can make it on the list."

The Great Yan Celestial Being List ranks only thirty-six.

Sometimes the strengths of thirty-six to thirty-seven or thirty-eight may not differ much, but only those on the list are recognized worldwide, resulting in a significant difference in fame.

Ning Qi smiled slightly, though he was somewhat helpless inside.

If possible, he didn't really want to be on the Celestial Being List, as it would attract some unnecessary trouble, but it wasn't his choice.

Everyone looked forward to the list's update.

During this time, Zhuang Chen also expressed admiration for True Man Tianjian, unabashedly stating he aims to become an unparalleled swordsman like him one day.

Everyone nodded with smiles.

Everyone acknowledged Zhuang Chen's talent, especially in the Sword Dao.

He spontaneously practiced a set of sword techniques with much flair, clearly possessing an inexplicable charm in the same sword technique, and having the demeanor of a master at a young age, prompting even Luo Wentian and others to show admiration, praising the innate Sword Bone's excellence.

Ning Qi chuckled lightly.

If Zhuang Chen perseveres, the Celestial Human Realm will be a natural result; such talent suggests becoming a generation's Sword Saint isn't impossible, especially after the Sword Bone is broken and rebuilt.

Happy times are always short.

Numerous senior and junior brothers gathered well into the night before reluctantly leaving.

Ning Qi saw them off and pointed at the Enlightenment Tea saplings already calf-high:

"If all goes well next year, maybe we can have a taste of Enlightenment Tea."

Everyone's eyes lit up, full of anticipation.

"Rest assured, Jiu, for this cup of Enlightenment Tea, we'll help gather more Martial Saint secrets for you!" everyone pledged confidently, rubbing their hands eagerly.

Ye Qinghe also said:

"I'll go to that small town once again to see if I can gather more information from that blind old gentleman."

Ning Qi didn't dissuade him; he couldn't say he had already been to the small town, and that old gentleman might have departed.

He merely nodded with a smile.

Listening to this, Zhuang Chen also kept it in mind, thinking if he had related information in the future he would definitely inform Ning Qi at once, always remembering Ning Qi's kindness.

Watching everyone leave, Ning Qi's smile broadened, feeling at peace, as spending time with his senior brothers and sisters always made him more relaxed.

The slight impacts from recent killings completely faded away.

...

After the True Martial Peach Assembly.

A few True Disciples set off on their training journeys, which had gradually become a habit for them. Especially Jiang Baishan, who couldn't wait to go down the mountain first, was teased by everyone thoroughly.