In the early morning light, the training grounds of Qingxu Temple were already filled with sword qi cutting through the air. Hundreds of disciples practiced the fundamental sword techniques in perfect formation, their sword lights like ribbons, reflecting their focused expressions. Standing on the high platform, the senior instructor elder nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping across the crowd and lingering briefly on a few exceptionally talented disciples.
"Halt." The elder raised his hand in a stopping gesture. "Today's morning practice ends here. Next, your Senior Sister will explain the introductory volume of the Scripture of World Purification."
The crowd parted automatically as a female cultivator in plain white Taoist robes walked slowly onto the high platform. Though barely twenty years old, her brow and eyes already carried an air of transcendence. This was Lin Suwen, a water-element single spiritual root disciple who had joined the sect three years ago. Now at the middle stage of Foundation Establishment, her comprehension of the Scripture of World Purification far exceeded that of her peers.
"The scripture states: 'Purification means not merely removing filth and impurity, but illuminating the mind and revealing the true nature...'" Her clear voice echoed across the training grounds, every word precious as a pearl. The disciples listened spellbound, and even the several elders observing from the side nodded frequently.
Such a thriving scene had become the norm at Qingxu Temple.
Inside the deliberation hall, Xiao Qi set down the jade slip in his hand, a satisfied expression crossing his face. This was the monthly summary report from various departments, detailing the three new spiritual pills developed by the Pill Hall, the improved Gathering Spirit Talismans from the Talisman Hall, and the new-style magical artifacts created by the Artifact Forging Hall using overseas technology he had brought back.
"Sect Master," the executive elder reported respectfully, "This month, another seventeen cultivation families have requested to send their children here for study, including two from overseas noble families."
Xiao Qi nodded slightly: "Have them take the examinations as per the rules. Remember, regardless of background, only character matters."
This was precisely the key to Qingxu Temple's rising reputation in recent years. Under Xiao Qi's insistence, the sect had completely broken down sectarian barriers—as long as one passed the examination, regardless of noble or humble origins or high or low talent, everyone had the opportunity to begin cultivation. What was even more precious was that factional struggles were strictly forbidden within the sect, and everyone stood united.
The scripture repository was particularly lively in the afternoon. New disciples flipped through basic cultivation manuals, senior disciples debated the intricacies of Daoist techniques, and even several elders argued face-to-face over some theoretical issue. This open academic atmosphere had made Qingxu Temple's Daoist research advance with each passing day.
"Sect Master." The elder of the scripture repository hurried over when he saw Xiao Qi. "The third volume of the Scripture of World Purification has been compiled and organized. Please review it."
Xiao Qi accepted the jade slip, his divine sense scanning its contents. This scripture, which condensed his lifetime of learning, was now taking shape. The first volume discussed basic cultivation and tempering of character, the second volume described the essence of various sect's Daoist techniques, and the third volume contained his ultimate insights on the paths of purification and protection.
"Excellent." Xiao Qi nodded with satisfaction. "Starting next month, outstanding disciples may be selected to study the third volume."
As the sun set, Xiao Qi walked idly to the newly developed herb garden behind the mountain. Various spiritual herbs grew vigorously there. A few outer disciples were watering the herbs when they saw the Sect Master and quickly bowed in respect.
"No need for such formality." Xiao Qi waved gently. "This Heart-Clearing Grass is growing well. It can be used in medicine in another half-month."
The disciples were both surprised and delighted, never expecting the Sect Master to be so attentive to such details. Indeed, though Xiao Qi was busy with numerous affairs, he had a thorough understanding of all the sect's developments. From disciples' cultivation progress to the growth of spiritual herbs, from new inventions in the Artifact Forging Hall to diplomatic relations with various sects, he knew it all.
During the evening lecture session, the bell rang melodiously. All disciples gathered in the lecture hall to listen to the Sect Master's Daoist teachings. This was not mandatory, yet every session was packed. Xiao Qi's teachings were profound yet accessible, often getting directly to the crux of cultivation, benefiting the disciples immensely.
Today he spoke of the true meaning of the Path of Protection.
"Some believe that protection means firmly shielding what you cherish under your wings. This is actually a misunderstanding of protection." Xiao Qi's voice was calm yet powerful. "True protection means giving those you protect the ability and courage to face storms. Just like our Qingxu Temple, we are not about confining disciples within the mountain gates to shelter them, but about helping them grow into talents capable of standing alone."
The disciples below pondered deeply. These words differed greatly from the cultivation philosophies they had heard before, yet inspired inexplicable trust.
After the teaching session ended, Xiao Qi climbed the Star-Gazing Platform alone. The night sky was clear, stars twinkling. He gazed down at the brightly lit Qingxu Temple below, feeling its vibrant vitality.
Compared to three years ago, Qingxu Temple had expanded more than threefold, the number of disciples increased fivefold, and most importantly, overall strength had improved dramatically. Now the sect had seven Golden Core elders, over a hundred Foundation Establishment disciples, and thousands of Qi Refining disciples. What was even more precious was the harmonious atmosphere, the unity among disciples, and the amicable relationships with various sects.
The compilation of the Scripture of World Purification was also progressing smoothly. This scripture, which fused his lifetime of learning, not only contained cultivation methods but also recorded the essence of artifact forging, pill making, formations, and other aspects, a true encyclopedia of the cultivation world. Given time, it would surely become the foundation for Qingxu Temple's inheritance for ten thousand generations.
The mountain wind brushed past, carrying the distant sounds of disciples practicing. A faint smile curved Xiao Qi's lips. This Qingxu Temple was precisely what he had envisioned, not seeking to dominate the cultivation world, but striving for the Dao lineage to endure and the torch to pass on.
He knew that the Demon Calamity was approaching, and the road ahead would be difficult. But with such a sect as his backing, with these outstanding disciples to inherit the Dao lineage, he had nothing to fear.
As night deepened, the lights in the temple extinguished one by one. Xiao Qi still stood on the Star-Gazing Platform, like a guardian deity silently protecting this land where he had poured his heart and soul. The Nirvana Crimson Flame Sword in its sheath emitted a soft hum, as if whispering an eternal vow.