The cultivation master

The sect leader was seated in a vast garden that had been created using a mesmerizing formation of illusions. When Fang Yuan entered the garden, he immediately sensed the presence of concentrated and pure spiritual energy.

The sect leader gestured toward a carved wooden chair made from a tree trunk. Fang Yuan smiled and placed his hands in front of him as a sign of respect.

"Lu Zheng, I believe you've heard that the venerable elders will soon take you to the supreme Moon Sect."

Fang Yuan smiled and replied, "Yes, esteemed leader."

Although there were no overt signs of hostility, Fang Yuan could feel the weight of the leader's words.

"You saved my disciple, and I couldn't properly express my gratitude. Therefore, I allowed you to enter the disciple tournament so that you could receive a reward that reflects your merit."

"The heavens are generous, and the earth, a host of the blessings from heaven. Anyone worthy will tread the Dao to uncover the truths of the universe."

Fang Yuan smiled and nodded.

"The leader is indeed very wise."

"But the heavens and the earth have been separated by the Dao. Only a few are worthy of traversing this path and ascending to the heavens."

"A mere snake, no matter how hard it struggles, cannot compare to the magnificence of a dragon..."

The sect leader laughed. "Haha... Mr. Lu, sometimes your words astound me. The wisdom of sages and the humility of ancient trees are no small traits. I look forward to seeing your brilliance in the competitions. Heaven is not stingy; the path of progress is infinite."

"You are correct, my lord. I hope I do not disappoint you."

"Do not misunderstand, Mr. Lu; there are few situations that could disappoint me. To be disappointed, one must have hope first. I wish you success, but let's be realistic; you lack powerful cultivation. Furthermore, zombie-slaying techniques are not very effective against a cultivator, especially in a battle without surprises. I merely hope this fight will grant you profound insight into the Dao."

[He encourages me while simultaneously preventing me from becoming arrogant. The sect leader is truly an interesting person...]

After that, Fang Yuan continued his conversation with the sect leader, and this meeting concluded shortly thereafter.

In another location, at the Second hanging Temple, many disciples had gathered to discuss the tournament. The prizes announced were highly diverse and could almost meet anyone's needs, ranging from spiritual roots to other items such as weapons, armor, martial arts skills, cultivation techniques, mana stones, and so on.

This high level of variety made many yearn to join the competitions, but what drew the most attention among the prizes was the permit to enter the Spiritual Energy Concentration Zone.

After the elders went to inspect the mountains, they noticed greenish-blue auroras in the sky that seemed to flutter like a flag.

Typically, cultivators did not allow disciples to enter this area and would cultivate there themselves, but this time, by the sect leader's order, the first-place winner in the competitions would be allowed to enter the zone with the elders.

Additionally, the first-place competitor received another special prize; they could choose one special item of their preference.

Perhaps this was why Fang Yuan wanted to enter the tournament. However, he needed to prepare specific conditions to participate. Therefore, he decided to first go to the market located at the sect's exit.

[In truth, the elders planned to head to the supreme Moon Sect tomorrow, but because of the competition, they decided to stay here a few more days.]

[I must take advantage of this opportunity and gather some resources!]

Fang Yuan wandered through the market, looking at various items. There were many low to mid-grade swords available, but he didn't need any of those. The sect leader had given him a high-grade sword earlier as compensation.

What he needed now...

"These masks are made of cedar wood and metal, sir! They are usually used in religious festivals to ward off demons..."

The merchant explained with a smile, pointing to the masks Fang Yuan was observing.

Fang Yuan glanced at the masks from the corner of his eye and then picked one up.

Upon seeing his choice, the merchant was shocked.

"Sir, that mask is known as the Mask of the Black Demon. It is typically used in ancient performances to represent the demons of the underworld. They say that wearing that mask brings bad luck. If you wish, please choose another one."

But Fang Yuan had made up his mind. He took the mask and hung it at his waist. Now, he intended to head to his next destination: the Mission Hall.

Cultivators from each sect had mission halls. Disciples could earn points, wealth, and fame by completing these missions.

Sometimes, remarkable performance in missions could lead to advancement, propelling one toward higher positions, but Fang Yuan had a different goal in coming here.

In the Mission Hall of the First hanging Temple, many disciples were visible, often conversing in pairs or small groups, discussing missions or engaging in various other activities.

Each temple had a mission hall where missions suitable for the level of its disciples were posted.

Typically, the Mission Hall of the First hanging Temple offered missions concerning the mortal realm. Most were about suppressing waves of low-ranking demonic beast attacks, eliminating bandits, collecting mid to low-grade spirit herbs, and so on.

Fang Yuan, just before entering the hall, put on the mask; his eyes glowed green, and he stepped inside the hall.

In front of the counter sat one of the lower-ranked elders, who was busy smoking an intoxicating spirit herb recently brought from the southern territories.

The smoke produced from using the herb was light and misty, resembling a dragon during exhalation, swirling in the air before disappearing.

Fang Yuan's dark green eyes scanned the elder from behind the wooden-metal mask, occasionally glancing at the disciples.

Fang Yuan approached the mission board when he heard a familiar voice.

"Let's go this way."

"Yes, my lady."

Yuno and Yan'er had also entered the Mission Hall in disguise.