Personally Taught? I chose Alchemy Peak!
"Brother Zhang, your little fatty didn't embarrass you, did he?"
Standing on the Xuan Leaf, Zhan Wuji grinned mischievously at Zhang Lingxiao.
"You didn't embarrass me at all. If anything, you've been hiding your true strength," Zhang Lingxiao replied with a meaningful smile.
Zhan Wuji simply scratched his head and laughed, pretending not to understand the hidden meaning behind those words.
"You two little brats..." Elder Han shook his head with a smile.
An eighteen-year-old at the Fifth Heaven of the Spiritual Martial Realm was already an extremely rare genius, yet two had appeared at once. Even someone as experienced as Elder Han couldn't help but feel astonished.
"Elder Han, where are you taking us?" Zhang Lingxiao asked respectfully as Elder Han controlled the flying Xuan Leaf.
He secretly thought that after settling down in Qingyun Mountain, he would definitely acquire a flying Spirit Artifact of his own. It was both convenient and impressive.
"That's right, Elder Han. Are we going to become Core Disciples directly?" Zhan Wuji asked curiously.
Within Qingyun Mountain, those below the Spiritual Martial Realm were Outer Sect Disciples.
Anyone who reached the Early Stage of the Spiritual Martial Realm before the age of twenty could become an Inner Sect Disciple.
Those who reached the Middle Stage before turning twenty-five qualified to become Core Disciples.
If one could advance to the Late Stage of the Spiritual Martial Realm before the age of thirty, they would have the opportunity to become a Personal Disciple—a status held in the highest regard.
Personal Disciples were usually accepted directly by the Sect Master or one of the Peak Masters.
As for those who failed to meet the required cultivation level before the specified age, future breakthroughs could still allow them to become Law Enforcement Disciples, Outer Sect Elders, Inner Sect Elders, Law Enforcement Elders, and so on, depending on their cultivation and contributions.
Of course, they could also choose to remain ordinary disciples if they wished.
Since both Zhang Lingxiao and Zhan Wuji had already reached the Middle Stage of the Spiritual Martial Realm, they logically qualified to become Core Disciples immediately.
"Your cases are rather special," Elder Han explained. "Normally, you would indeed become Core Disciples directly. However, the final decision still rests with the Sect Master."
Soon afterward, Elder Han brought the two youths to Qingyun Peak—the main peak of Qingyun Mountain.
Atop the mountain stood an imposing hall.
Guarding its entrance were two Inner Sect Disciples dressed in emerald-green robes.
"Greetings, Elder Han."
The two disciples bowed respectfully.
"Is the Sect Master inside?" Elder Han asked with a nod.
"Yes. The Sect Master is currently entertaining an honored guest."
"An honored guest?" Elder Han muttered. "Could it be someone from the Imperial City?"
Just then, a deep and dignified voice echoed from within the hall.
"Elder Han, bring the two youngsters inside. There's no need for formalities."
"Yes, Sect Master."
Elder Han acknowledged the order before leading Zhang Lingxiao and Zhan Wuji into the hall.
As they entered, the two quietly observed their surroundings.
The hall was constructed entirely from a rare spiritual stone.
Seven enormous stone pillars stretched from the floor to the ceiling, supporting the grand structure.
Each pillar was intricately carved with lifelike sculptures, exuding an ancient and majestic aura.
Along the journey, Zhang Lingxiao had learned much about Qingyun Mountain.
Qingyun Mountain was not a single peak but an enormous mountain range composed of seven major peaks.
The central peak, Qingyun Peak, served as the Sect Master's residence.
The remaining six peaks were:
Ten Thousand Swords Peak
Wan Dao Peak
Body Refinement Peak
Lingxiu Peak
Pure Yang Peak
Alchemy Peak
Each peak was governed by its own Peak Master.
The seven stone pillars symbolized the seven peaks, representing the unity and strength of Qingyun Mountain.
Inside the main hall...
A tall, middle-aged man sat upon the main seat.
His green robes outlined a sturdy physique, and the powerful aura he naturally emitted made it obvious that he was an extraordinary cultivator.
Without question, this was the Sect Master of Qingyun Mountain.
Seated beside him was a handsome young man dressed in a luxurious golden robe embroidered with dragon patterns.
His bearing was elegant and noble, and every movement naturally radiated the dignity of royalty.
"Greetings, Sect Master. Greetings, Your Highness, Third Prince."
Elder Han bowed first, prompting Zhang Lingxiao and Zhan Wuji to follow suit.
"Greetings, Sect Master. Greetings, Your Highness, Third Prince."
Since they had joined Qingyun Mountain, it was only proper to observe the Sect's etiquette.
"No need to be so formal."
The Sect Master's cultivation pressure was immense, yet his tone remained gentle and approachable.
"You are Zhang Lingxiao and Zhan Wuji?"
The two nodded.
"Elder Han has already informed me of your performance. At only eighteen years old, both of you have already reached the Fifth Heaven of the Spiritual Martial Realm. Such talent is truly exceptional.
"Ordinarily, the two of you would immediately become Core Disciples.
"However, after hearing the news, the other six Peak Masters have all expressed their desire to accept you as Personal Disciples.
"So, tell me—which peak do you wish to join?"
The Sect Master, Dongfang Hanshan, smiled.
The Third Prince remained silent.
Although his face betrayed no emotion, he sneered inwardly.
Hmph.
Eighteen years old and only at the Fifth Heaven of the Spiritual Martial Realm? They're actually being praised as geniuses?
Then what does that make me—a monster among monsters?
Ridiculous.
Zhang Lingxiao fell into thought.
He immediately ruled out Ten Thousand Swords Peak, Wan Dao Peak, and Body Refinement Peak.
He already possessed an Emperor-rank Sword Art and an Emperor-rank Body Refinement Technique.
Whatever inheritances those peaks offered could hardly compare.
Wan Dao Peak was even less suitable since he was devoted solely to the sword.
That left Pure Yang Peak, Lingxiu Peak, and Alchemy Peak.
Pure Yang Peak accepted only male disciples.
Lingxiu Peak accepted only female disciples.
Naturally, Lingxiu Peak was impossible.
Among the remaining options, Alchemy Peak appealed to him the most.
There were several reasons.
First, from the moment he learned about the seven peaks, Alchemy Peak had already caught his interest.
Second, his unique physique, combined with the Devouring Heaven Demon Art, allowed him to refine medicinal pills without accumulating pill toxins or impurities.
Third, alchemists held an esteemed position throughout the cultivation world.
By mastering alchemy, he would never need to rely on others for cultivation resources.
Whether for personal cultivation or future dealings with other cultivators, becoming an alchemist would greatly smooth his path along the Martial Dao.
Having made his decision, Zhang Lingxiao stepped forward.
"Reporting to the Sect Master, this disciple wishes to join Alchemy Peak and become a disciple under the Alchemy Peak Master."
Dongfang Hanshan looked at him in surprise.
"Zhang Lingxiao, do you have any experience in alchemy?"
"No."
Zhang Lingxiao shook his head.
"Then why choose Alchemy Peak?"
"Alchemy requires an enormous amount of time and effort. If you divide your attention between cultivation and alchemy, your Martial Dao progress may suffer."
"I advise you to think carefully. Don't waste your extraordinary talent."
Zhang Lingxiao shook his head once more.
He understood the Sect Master's good intentions.
However, his decision had already been made.
Even if he couldn't become the Peak Master's Personal Disciple, he was willing to start as a Core Disciple—or even an Inner Sect Disciple—as long as he had the opportunity to learn alchemy.
"Reporting to the Sect Master, this disciple understands."
"However, this disciple sincerely longs to pursue the Dao of Alchemy."
"I hope the Sect Master will grant my request."
Dongfang Hanshan burst into hearty laughter.
"Haha! A youngster with conviction—I like that."
"Very well."
"I'll have someone escort you to Alchemy Peak shortly."
He then turned toward Zhan Wuji.
"Little Fatty, what about you?"
"Which peak do you wish to join?"
Zhan Wuji scratched his head, grinned, and answered without hesitation,
"Reporting to the Sect Master…"
"This disciple wishes to join Lingxiu Peak and become a disciple under the Lingxiu Peak Master!"