In Tianyin Pavilion's secret realm, within a cloud-wreathed pavilion, the first light of dawn penetrated the cloud layers, casting golden radiance. Xueji sat in red robes on a stone bench, a jade cup in her hand filled with mellow spirit wine. Yingxue stood at her side, respectfully pouring wine for her. Around the pavilion, exotic spirit flowers bloomed, emitting a faint fragrance.
"Yingxue, do you know what is most interesting in this cultivation world?" Xueji lightly sipped the spirit wine, a complex light flashing in her eyes. Her red lips appeared especially vivid in the morning light, like blooming equinox flowers.
Yingxue respectfully replied: "This disciple is foolish, please instruct me, Master."
Xueji put down the jade cup, gazing at the distant sea of clouds: "The most interesting thing is watching a seed slowly grow into a towering tree. Some people seem ordinary, yet contain amazing potential. Like the wild grass in the mountains—seemingly weak, yet able to stubbornly grow in wind and rain."
Yingxue's heart moved, tentatively asking: "Has Master discovered someone with potential?"
Xueji smiled mysteriously, her red lips slightly parting: "I am guiding a man with potential toward a path close to minge. He is very interesting. Though not yet strong enough, his persistence and character make me quite appreciate him. Like an unpolished jade that needs careful crafting to radiate brilliance."
Yingxue was about to ask more, but Xueji waved her hand: "Some things, knowing too much is not good. You only need to remember that this cultivation world's winds and clouds are ever-changing. Today's ant may be tomorrow's giant dragon. And our Tianyin Pavilion must occupy a place in these changing winds and clouds."
Yingxue respectfully assented, but in her heart secretly speculated—what kind of man could make Master value him so? Her gaze involuntarily looked toward the distance, as if wanting to pierce through those clouds to find that mysterious man.
At noon, in Tianyin Pavilion's main hall, immortal sounds wafted. The three demonesses—Xueji, Hanshuang, and Xuying—gathered together, sitting on cloud-patterned cushions. Spiritual energy was abundant in the hall, immortal sounds melodious, and powerful auras emanated from the three. The spirit lamps in the hall emitted soft light, illumingating the three women's faces.
Hanshuang, in white robes, cold as ice, spoke first: "Xuantian Sect's Hunyuan Mental Method is profound, and their True Martial Seven Absolute Formation has infinite power—it is truly a formidable enemy. Their foundation is deep, not to be underestimated."
Xuying's form was like emptiness or illusion, her voice ethereal: "Tianyin Pavilion's Eight Desolations Six Harmonies Art combines speed and power, and the Illusory Sound Soul-Seizing Seal is impossible to guard against. In terms of variety of methods, Xuantian Sect is ultimately not our match. Our techniques are varied enough to handle all situations."
Xueji sneered, her red robes fluttering: "Though Xuantian Sect is strong, ultimately their methods are not as many as our Tianyin Pavilion's. They emphasize the orthodox righteous path, their actions constrained. While we—as long as we can achieve our goals, why care about means? This is our advantage."
Hanshuang nodded slightly: "What Senior Sister says is very true. The cultivation world follows the law of the weak being prey to the strong—only strength is fundamental. Those so-called righteous paths are merely hypocritical disguises."
A sharp light flashed in Xuying's eyes: "I heard the Nitian Alliance has recently accepted a new force called Cangqiong Society, expanding extremely fast. It's said their sect master Cangqiongzi has formidable strength, already reaching Golden Core middle stage."
Xueji said indifferently: "Cangqiong Society? Nothing but a rabble. What's truly worth paying attention to are those few core figures. Though Cangqiongzi has some ability, he's ultimately only at Golden Core middle stage, not enough for us to take seriously. But that vice sect master Xuanjizi is said to cultivate the Mad Demon Blade Art—her strength is not insignificant."
The three exchanged smiles, continuing to discuss the cultivation world's situation, revealing Tianyin Pavilion's ambitions in their words. The immortal sounds in the hall grew more melodious, as if accompanying their scheming.
In Zhongzhou City, at Cangqiong Society's headquarters. A magnificent mansion stood in the city's east, with "Cangqiong Society" in gold characters hanging high above the gate, imposing and majestic. Inside, pavilions and towers were scattered, spiritual energy abundant—it was a blessed cultivation ground.
In the mansion's main hall, Cangqiong Society's sect master Cangqiongzi sat in the main position, bold and imposing. He came from Gaxian Sect, cultivating the Dragon Subduing Palm, his realm already reaching Golden Core middle stage, his aura like a deep sea. Vice sect master Xuanjizi stood at his side, beautiful and moving, cultivating the Mad Demon Blade Art, her realm also reaching Golden Core middle stage. The two, one rigid one flexible, complemented each other.
"Xuanjizi, now our Cangqiong Society has reached several thousand members, and has some reputation in the cultivation world." Cangqiongzi said loudly, ambition flashing in his eyes. His voice was resonant, echoing in the main hall, full of confidence.
Xuanjizi smiled slightly, her voice clear: "Sect Master is wise. Cangqiong Society's success today is entirely due to Sect Master's strategic planing. Now we have applied to join the Nitian Alliance—if successful, Cangqiong Society's status will rise another level. By then, our resources will be more abundant, and disciples' cultivation will progress twice as fast."
Cangqiongzi nodded: "The Nitian Alliance is a major force in the cultivation world. Joining it provides both protection and expanded resources. However, we need to follow their rules and pay spirit stones on time. Though this is a constraint, it is also an opportunity."
Xuanjizi said: "Naturally. As long as we can obtain the Nitian Alliance's support, what are mere spirit stones? Moreover, with our Cangqiong Society's strength, we will surely occupy a place in the Nitian Alliance."
Just as they were speaking, a disciple hurriedly reported: "Sect Master, news from the Nitian Alliance—they have agreed to accept our Cangqiong Society. Please go to the council hall to discuss details."
Cangqiongzi was overjoyed, rising: "Good! Xuanjizi, come with me. This time, we'll let the Nitian Alliance see Cangqiong Society's strength."
Xuanjizi nodded, following Cangqiongzi out of the main hall. Her steps were light, like a dancing butterfly, but sharp light flashed in her eyes.
In the Nitian Alliance council hall, the atmosphere was solemn. Core members including Duan Changjian, Shuanghan, Xuantie, Bingxin, and Xueying sat on cloud-patterned cushions, discussing Cangqiong Society matters. The candlelight in the council hall flickered, shadows crisscrossing on each person's face, creating a solemn atmosphere.
Duan Changjian held the Longyuan Sword, saying proudly: "Cangqiong Society has great power with several thousand members. If properly managed, it will be of great benefit to the Nitian Alliance. However, someone needs to be specifically responsible for this. This person must have formidable strength and brilliant methods to control this new force."
Shuanghan said coldly: "The former Yinyuan Pavilion master has retired, and Yinyuan Pavilion affairs have been unattended. Why not let the newly joined forces be uniformly managed by Yinyuan Pavilion? This both solves Yinyuan Pavilion's problem and gives the new forces asense of belonging."
Xuantie said deeply: "The position of Yinyuan Pavilion master carries heavy responsibility. It requires someone with formidable strength and fair character to be competent. This person must not only manage Yinyuan Pavilion but also coordinate relationships between various forces—no easy task."
Bingxin, proud and cold, said indifferently: "I nomingate Yuyi. He has formidable strength and is fair in character. Moreover, Youyue Valley's power is moderate, not causing other forces to be suspicious. More importantly, we've all seen his methods—he is sufficient for this position."
Xueying nodded in agreement: "What Bingxin says is very true. Yuyi, though not showy, has unfathomable strength. For him to take over as Yinyuan Pavilion master is most suitable. Furthermore, he is calm and good at handling complex affairs—he will surely manage Yinyuan Pavilion well."
Duan Changjian pondered for a moment, then said loudly: "Good! We nomingate Yuyi to take over as Yinyuan Pavilion master. Pass the order—invite Yuyi to the council hall."
After a while, Yuyi entered the council hall. He wore green robes, his temperament steady, his gaze like an abyss. After bowing to everyone, he stood quietly in the hall. His expression was calm, as if he had long anticipated this.
Duan Changjian got straight to the point: "Yuyi, after core layer discussion, we have decided to nomingate you to take over as Yinyuan Pavilion master. What do you think?"
Yuyi's heart stirred slightly, but his face showed no change. The position of Yinyuan Pavilion master carried heavy responsibility, but also meant an elevation of power. He pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke: "I am honored by everyone's trust. However, for taking over as pavilion master, I have some conditions."
Duan Changjian's eyebrows rose slightly: "Oh? Let's hear them."
Yuyi said loudly: "There are two conditions. First, Yinyuan Pavilion's deputy will be appointed by me, not subject to Nitian Alliance interference. Second, I need to obtain minging rights for the North Four District Spirit minge. Both conditions are indispensable."
At these words, the council hall erupted in commotion. Xuantie frowned: "The North Four District Spirit minge? That's a high-grade spirit stone vein, invaluable. Your appetite is rather too large."
Bingxin said coldly: "Yuyi, your conditions are rather excessive. The position of Yinyuan Pavilion master is already a heavy responsibility, and you also want minging rights for the North Four District Spirit minge?"
Yuyi's expression was calm, saying indifferently: "The position of Yinyuan Pavilion master carries heavy responsibility. Managing several thousand members of Cangqiong Society, as well as other marriage-related affairs, requires massive resource support. Without sufficient spirit stones, how can we maintain Yinyuan Pavilion's operation? Moreover, if I take this position, I will surely bring greater benefits to the Nitian Alliance."
Shuanghan pondered: "What Yuyi says also has some reason. Yinyuan Pavilion indeed needs resource support, otherwise it will be difficult to operate."
Duan Changjian contemplated for a moment, his gaze sweeping over everyone, finally fixing on Yuyi. He slowly spoke: "Yuyi, I can agree to your conditions. But remember, the position of Yinyuan Pavilion master is not just power, but also responsibility. You must manage these forces well for the Nitian Alliance, without error."
Yuyi cupped his hands: "Yuyi understands. I will not fail the alliance master's trust."
Duan Changjian nodded: "Good! From today, you are Yinyuan Pavilion master. The minging rights for the North Four District Spirit minge belong to you. The authority to appoint your deputy is also yours to decide."
Joy rose in Yuyi's heart, but his face remained calm. He cupped his hands and bowed again: "Thank you, alliance master."
Outside the council hall, the sun set in the west, golden radiance falling. Yuyi stood before the steps, gazing at the distant horizon, thoughts swirling in his mind. Yinyuan Pavilion master, the North Four District Spirit minge—this meant his power would rise another level. But at the same time, the responsibility was also heavier. He needed to manage Yinyuan Pavilion well, coordinate relationships between various forces, and also deal with pressure from Cangqiong Alliance.
He took a deep breath, a trace of determingation flashing in his eyes. The path of cultivation was originally defying heaven. Having chosen this path, one must press forward courageously, without fear.
Behind him, Duan Changjian's voice came: "Yuyi, Cangqiong Society's matters are in your hands. Remember, the way of management lies in balane. You must both establish authority and show kindness to make people submit."
Yuyi turned, nodding slightly: "Yuyi understands."
Night fell, and the Nitian Alliance council hall was brightly lit. News of Yuyi taking over as Yinyuan Pavilion master quickly spread throughout the cultivation world. Various forces discussed animatedly—some envious, some jealous, others secretly calculating. And Yuyi had already begun planing Yinyuan Pavilion's future. The choice of deputy, Cangqiong Society's management, the North Four District Spirit minge's minging—every matter needed careful arrangement.
He stood at Youyue Valley's peak, gazing at the sea of clouds below, silently saying in his heart: "Shaying, if your spirit in heaven can see, have you witnessed? I, Yuyi, have finally taken this step."
The wind blew past, the sea of clouds surging. The river of time flows endlessly. The cultivation world's winds and clouds were just beginning to change. And Yuyi was already prepared to welcome it all.