The Taichu Sect hadn't had any major news for sixty years since the deaths of True Man Qiongju and True Man Fengchun. The sect had lived a peaceful life until recently when it was heard that the current leader, True Man Aoxue, had accepted three disciples but before the full term had expired, two of his disciples had defected to other sects.

As the most liberal sect, Wuya Sect has disciples defecting to other sects almost every generation. However, this happens after the disciples have studied in Wuya Sect for a long time. It is unheard of for anyone to change their minds so early, so the discussion is naturally very heated.

"No wonder the master didn't accept any disciples before. Was he completely unable to teach disciples and chose not to accept them?"

"It is said that he went into seclusion shortly after accepting a disciple and didn't pay much attention to his disciples. They all went to the master of Wuya Peak to learn magic."

"No wonder, as a true disciple, I can't learn anything if I stay in Wuya Sect without the guidance of my master. It's better to go to other sects to find another master to avoid being hindered in my cultivation."

"But I heard that one of these two people went to Wuwei Peak and the other went to Wuyin Peak, and both of them were promoted from true disciples to inner disciples."

"That's such a shame. The inner sect can only take large classes. Why not stay in the Wuya Sect and take large classes as well?"

"I'm from the Wuwei Sect, and I know the inside story. Jian Qiuguang said that after he joined the Wuwei Sect, our leader wanted to test him and ordered him to draw his best talisman. Do you know what talisman he drew?"

"We are not from the Wuwei Sect, how would we know?"

"Yes... well, forget it. You won't feel anything when I say the name. Let me put it this way. In our Wuwei Sect, only a Jindan-stage disciple can draw the talisman well. A Qi-refining stage disciple can't draw it at all. Although the effect of his talisman is not satisfactory, he can draw it completely, which is already better than all the new disciples."

"Wow, so powerful! No wonder he wants to join the Wuwei Sect. I believe he will be promoted to a true disciple in no time, right?"

"What about the other person who went to Silent Peak?"

"That... I'm not sure."

At the same time, Wuyin Peak Master Zhong Yingshao was also asking, "Why do you want to switch to our Wuyin Peak?"

Shen Qingmang stood in front of her, looking at this old friend whose appearance had hardly changed, feeling emotional.

So many years have passed, and the peak masters of Wuwei Peak, Wuxing Peak and Wuya Peak have all changed, except for Zhong Yingshao, who is still the peak master of Wuyin Peak. According to Gu Suihan, she is afraid that after she is promoted to elder, the new peak master of Wuyin Peak will not fight for power for Wuyin Sect, causing Wuyin Sect to decline as before.

Her concerns were not without reason. The Wuyin Sect had always been the least prominent of the four sects. The Wuwei Sect and the Wuxing Sect were both formidable, often taking turns to claim the top spot in sect competitions. While the Wuya Sect was often mocked as the "Turtle Sect," it was the oldest of the Taichu Sect and the home of every successive leader, a faction no one dared to truly underestimate. The Wuyin Sect was different. Their unique cultivation method was distinct from that of the other sects, yet their strength was not as strong as that of the Heshi Sect, a fellow sound-cultivating sect.

Although the Heshi Sect originated from the Wuyin Sect, they established their own independent sect after becoming independent, dedicating all their efforts to cultivating musical cultivation. Eight of the ten most famous qins handed down through the ages are from the Heshi Sect. But what about the Wuyin Sect, affiliated with the Taichu Sect? It's more like a ceremonial group, its presence strongest only during various sacrificial ceremonies, where music is crucial for setting the mood. Otherwise, it's largely ignored and might even be subject to public nuisance complaints.

After Zhong Yingshao took office, she tried her best to reverse the marginalization of the Wuyin Sect. The method she adopted was very simple and crude, which was to ask for money.

Like the sword-focused Formless Sect, the Wuyin Sect relies heavily on artifacts to aid their cultivation. The better the artifact, the greater the benefit, but also the greater the cost. Compared to the two top-tier materials, the three-foot-long Phoenix sacred wood used for zither crafting is slightly cheaper than the three-foot-long meteorite iron used for sword forging. However, due to the Formless Sect's superior combat power, the Wending Peak generously allocates funds to the Formless Sect for materials, while withholding them from the Wuyin Sect. This is a practical approach, but it's certainly unfair. Previous Wuyin Peak masters have simply tolerated this, but Zhong Yingshao refuses to tolerate it. She demands justice.

By the time Shen Qingmang arrived here, Zhong Yingshao had already fought dozens of battles, successfully making a name for herself, and retired from the world of crime. She appeared gentle, though a bit money-obsessed. Shen Qingmang only learned of her heroic deeds later, and after learning about them, he had a deep respect for this peak master.

So half the reason she came here was for her.

The other half of the reason...

"I know nothing about musical instruments." Shen Qingmang said.

The corner of Zhong Yingshao's mouth twitched.

"I have only a passing knowledge of music theory."

"Uh... then what are you..."

"But I've always wanted to learn music. I believe music is the oldest way for humans to communicate with nature. Music is the origin of dance, and music is the origin of poetry. It is the origin of art."

"That sounds very touching, but..."

"Besides, I can bring more money to Wuyin Peak." Shen Qingmang said, pulling out a piece of Phoenix Sacred Wood from his sleeve. "This is my welcome gift, Peak Master, please accept it."

Zhong Yingshao's eyes widened, his mouth almost stretched to his ears. "Oh my, you're so polite, kid! I'm embarrassed to accept such a generous gift. I'm so ashamed."

She said "I'm ashamed," but her movements to take the gift were so fast that only a shadow could be seen.

Shen Qingmang smiled at her. "Then Peak Master, may I have the honor of transferring to Wuyin Peak?"

"Of course, of course. Our Wuyin Sect needs outstanding talents like you." Zhong Yingshao said with a smile: "Whichever master you want to choose, I can convince them. If they can't convince me, there are other ways. In short, I guarantee you will be satisfied!"

"Anyone?"

"Anyone can do it!"

"Then..." Shen Qingmang paused deliberately for a while, then said: "Can you do it too?"

"Huh?" Zhong Yingshao pointed at himself. "Me?"

"Yes, I greatly admire your talent, Peak Master. I sincerely request to become your disciple and listen to your teachings."

"I haven't accepted any disciples since I became the Peak Master... But since you're so sincere, I can accept you. It's just..."

Zhong Yingshao looked her up and down and said, "You were originally the disciple of True Lord Aoxue, right? Then you know that his master, True Lord Qiongju, and I are of the same generation. Qiongju is considered my junior sister. If you become True Lord Aoxue's disciple, you will go from being True Lord Aoxue's disciple to being of the same generation as True Lord Aoxue. This will mess up the generations."

"It doesn't matter, I don't mind. The master won't mind either." Shen Qingmang said without thinking.

How could she not know this? She had specifically switched to Silent Peak for this very reason. The most accepted thing in the Taichu Sect was love between peers.