The resolution in the Main Peak great hall became reality at the fastest speed. Several days later, when Tang Xiao Qi's injuries had stabilized most of the way under the nourishment of pills and his own purification source, an official decree personally signed by Sect Master Xuan Xuan Taoist was transmitted throughout Qingxu Temple.
The decree's content was clear and explicit:
First, posthumously honor disciples such as Zhang and Li who unfortunately died in the Cloud Mist Secret Realm as sect martyrs. Generously compensate their families. Their names will be inscribed in the Hero Spirit Hall for future generations to pay respects.
Second, in recognition of the surviving disciples' fearlessness in the face of danger and brave fighting against demonic cultivators in the secret realm, grant corresponding contribution points and cultivation resources as encouragement.
Third, disciple Tang Xiao Qi, performed outstandingly in the secret realm, showed no fear in crisis, and obtained an ancient purification technique inheritance that has an restraining effect on demonic cultivators and benefits the sect. Upon the Elder's Council resolution, specially promote him to Core True Disciple, grant corresponding identity tokens, clothing, and cave dwelling.
Fourth, the inheritance Tang Xiao Qi obtained concerns great matters. No disciple may privately inquire or spread information about it. Violators will be dealt with as betraying the sect!
This decree, especially the third item, was like a huge boulder thrown into a calm lake, causing a tremendous sensation within Qingxu Temple!
Core True Disciple! This was the highest level a Qingxu Temple disciple could achieve! With an honored position, second only to the Sect Master and various elders. They enjoyed the best cultivation resources, the top-grade technique access, and the sect's greatest cultivation and protection! Usually only disciples who had reached Golden Core stage and had outstanding contributions to the sect, after strict examination, could be promoted. And Tang Xiao Qi, with Foundation Establishment late stage cultivation, directly skipped multiple levels such as inner disciple and elite inner disciple, becoming a Core True Disciple in one leap. This was extremely rare in Qingxu Temple's entire history!
Although the decree only mentioned he obtained "ancient purification technique inheritance," everyone understood this was by no means an ordinary technique inheritance. For the sect to so exceptionally promote him, his actual gains and importance in the secret realm probably far exceeded outsiders' imagination.
For a time, Xiao Qi became the absolute focus of discussion in the entire sect. Envy, jealousy, admiration, curiosity... various emotions intertwined. Those disciples who might have previously slightly looked down on him for his menial origin, when they saw him now, all respectfully saluted, addressing him as "Senior Brother Tang."
This day, the weather was fine. On the plaza before the Main Peak's great hall, a commendation ceremony was held that, while not grand, was sufficiently solemn.
Sect Master Xuan Xuan Taoist personally presided. All peak elders were present. Elite disciples sat as observers. In the center of the plaza, Tang Xiao Qi stood upright, wearing the newly granted Core True Disciple attire embroidered with pale golden cloud patterns. After several days of recuperation, his face was much rosier. His qi was settled and condensed. Although his cultivation was still Foundation Establishment late stage, that temperament precipitated through blood and fire tempering, and the pure aura faintly emanating from the jade pendant mark merged with him, made him appear outstanding and extraordinary.
Sect Master Xuan Xuan publicly announced the promotion decision for Xiao Qi and personally handed the jade token representing Core True Disciple status to him. The token felt warm to the touch. The front was carved with "Qingxu" and the back was "Core True Disciple - Tang Xiao Qi," containing special sect marks and protective formations.
Next came generous material commendations. The Pill Hall Elder personally came forward to present three purple sandalwood boxes. One box contained ten bottles of "Jade Marrow Pills," top-grade pills for Foundation Establishment disciples to stabilize their realm and improve cultivation. One box had five bottles of "Clear Spirit Pills," specifically for restoring spiritual power with excellent effect. The third box contained a pill the size of a longan, emanating colorful rosy clouds—these were the "Nine Revolution Soul-Returning Pills" Xiao Qi had obtained in the secret realm's pill room, but extra ones granted by the sect after appraisal! The granting of this pill held extraordinary significance, representing the sect's extreme emphasis on his safety.
The Artifact Hall Elder presented a top-grade spirit artifact-level internal armor—"Flowing Cloud Soft Armor." It was as light as nothing yet had amazing defensive power, able to withstand a full-power strike from a Golden Core early stage cultivator. Simultaneously, he compensated him with a large amount of contribution points, enough to exchange for any materials he needed at the Artifact Hall, to repair or enhance his damaged frying pan and Red Flame Sword.
The Transmission Technique Elder publicly announced that the Scripture Library floors three and below (including a large number of Golden Core stage techniques and secret arts) were completely open to him for reading and cultivation anytime.
Additionally, there were large quantities of superior-grade spirit stones, rare talismans, and the usage rights to an independent cave dwelling located at a main spirit vein node with extremely abundant spiritual energy!
These rewards were so generous that many elite disciples present watched with envy. But no one dared object. After all, Xiao Qi's "merit" and "inheritance" in the secret realm were right there. More importantly, sect higher-ups clearly regarded him as the most important cultivation target for the future.
Xiao Qi accepted the token and rewards. His heart held little excitement, but rather greater heaviness. He understood that behind these rewards was the sect's tremendous expectation and even heavier responsibility. He respectfully bowed to the Sect Master and all elders: "Disciple Tang Xiao Qi thanks the Sect Master and respected elders for your generous gifts! Will definitely diligently cultivate, not let the sect's cultivation go to waste, and protect the righteous way!"
His voice was steady, his gaze firm. He already possessed the bearing of a Core True Disciple.
Sect Master Xuan Xuan looked at him, satisfaction showing in his eyes. He said warmly: "Hope you remain cautious and steady. Soon integrate the inheritance thoroughly and improve your cultivation. Qingxu Temple's future needs young people like you to support it."
After the ceremony, under the guidance of an assigned executive disciple, Xiao Qi went to his new cave dwelling named "Tingquan Residence" located behind the Main Peak.
The cave dwelling was in a secluded valley. It was by a spirit spring, the spiritual energy so abundant it almost turned to mist. The interior space was spacious. The cultivation room, pill refinement room, and spirit beast room were all complete. The facilities were complete, far incomparable to any place he had lived before.
Standing at the cave dwelling entrance, looking at the misty clouds and spirit spring babbling in the valley, Xiao Qi took a deep breath of the rich spiritual energy. He knew from today onward, his life would enter a completely new phase.
The Core True Disciple identity brought supreme glory and resources, but also pushed him to the forefront of attention. Concern from within the sect, spying from external forces (especially Shadow Snake Pavilion), and the threat of the lurking demonic entity Void Illusion... all hung above his head like a sword.
He touched the warm jade pendant on his chest, feeling the immense power and duty of guardianship within.
"Father, rest assured... I will live well, and I will protect everything that should be protected." He silently said in his heart.
Turning to walk into the cave dwelling, the heavy stone door slowly closed, temporarily separating him from the outside world's noise and troubles.
Tang Xiao Qi's cultivation journey as a Core True Disciple of Qingxu Temple had officially begun. And his first goal was to thoroughly digest his gains from the secret realm, stabilize his realm, and try to truly control the power of that Purification Source mark. The road ahead was long and challenges were many, but he had nothing to fear.