Chapter 76: The Secret of the Mountain and River
The spiritual power of the Mountain and River Map fluctuated more and more frequently. From time to time, disciples came out of the map, some were panicked, some were calm as usual, and there were fewer and fewer people on the map.
Looking at the sandalwood in the incense burner that was about to burn out, Lingxiang felt a little anxious, wondering whether Long Qi and the others had figured out the mystery.
Just when she was wondering whether she still wanted to keep Long Qi as her disciple, she saw a flash of light in the mountain and river map array, and Cheng Yu and his two companions fell out of the array almost at the same time, their robes and sleeves soaked. The difference was that Long Qi and his companions were dripping with water, while Cheng Yu and his two companions were covered with something like slime.
As the flame of the incense sticks went out, all the outer disciples in the diagram formation returned to the Taoist temple. Some of them were slow-witted, some were panic-stricken, and some were calm and composed. Each person had a different expression.
Moreover, some of them were wearing the same clothes as when they entered the formation, but some of them were wearing something, either their Taoist robes were damaged or they had flowers and leaves on their heads.
The martial arts performance ended here. Zhenren Zhaoming stepped forward and waved his sleeves. The map of mountains and rivers rolled up and flew into his hands. He just glanced at it and then handed it to Zhenren Qianyuan.
Zhenren Qianyuan took the scroll, asked for instructions from Zhenren Shangqing, and then stepped forward to speak.
"I believe you all can gain something from this martial arts performance. Whether you are qualified or not will be determined by the Mountain and River Map. I will announce the result now. Don't rush to get up. Just sit on the ground and rest." As he said this, he placed his hands on both ends of the scroll and made hand gestures.
I saw the dark pattern on the back of the mountain and river painting light up, and then words floated out from it.
Honeysuckle, thistle, horsetail, yarrow, bamboo, and locust tree...
When the names of Long Qi and others flew out, Lingxiang immediately laughed: It seems that he did not embarrass her. Forget it, it is better to accept this disciple and use him for now.
However, after the names of fourteen or fifteen people flew out, the map of mountains and rivers lost its sparkle.
Zhenren Qianyuan then announced the end of the banquet and told everyone to go back and rest. As for who would be successfully promoted, the elders would discuss and decide.
…
After all the ordeal, these outer disciples were exhausted. Although the map of mountains and rivers was just an illusion, it would consume both the physical and mental strength of those who entered the formation. Therefore, the sect specially gave these disciples three days off to allow them to recuperate.
Most of the disciples had a good sleep, and Long Qi was no exception. Ever since he came out of the Mountain and River Map, he felt as if all his limbs were falling apart. As soon as he returned to the Bamboo Garden, Sanqi fell asleep without asking any questions and slept for the whole day.
Although the outer disciples can relax for a few days, the elders are not slacking off at all. In order to discuss the promotion issue, the head sect leader Shangqing Zhenren and several elders have been discussing it for a long time in Wuji Hall, but Lingxiang has stayed out of it - it's just a formality, why bother with so much effort?
After several discussions, fifteen of the sixty-four outer disciples were selected for promotion. These people will live in Youyuan Palace on Kuncheng Peak and live with the direct disciples of the elders. The head of the sect, Shangqing Zhenren, will also personally teach them the true secrets of Taoism.
Just after the elders made this decision, Lingxiang suddenly spoke:
"It's not impossible for you, brothers, to decide this way, but I will bring all the disciples I select back to Qingwei Peak. The number of people may change by then, so please don't blame me for not reminding you."
Upon hearing this, Zhenren Qianyuan said that this was against the rules, but Lingxiang seemed to be indifferent and just said that rules are made by people. Besides, her disciples were temporarily handed over to the sect for discipline. Now that they have passed the trial, it is time to take them back for training. Besides, after the Dust-Peeking Mirror has tested their spiritual roots, won’t everyone have their own preferences? Will she take the disciples who have been selected in advance back to her own Taoist temple?
Such remarks made it impossible for the elders to refute them. After all, this was a rule that had been agreed upon long ago.
"In my opinion, it would be better to call these promoted disciples to come and test their spiritual roots earlier and take them away earlier so as not to waste time." Thinking of her house that had not been renovated yet, Lingxiang felt that it would be better to settle this matter as soon as possible. Besides, there were still a bunch of spiritual plants to take care of.
True Man Zhao Ming wanted to object, but True Man Qian Yuan stopped him. This was a good idea. It was just as well to announce it early so that those outer disciples could decide to stay or leave earlier. One less person would mean one less food ration and one less expense, right?
…
When Yuan Hui delivered the message, Long Qi was lying on the bed bored. He had slept for so long that his energy had been replenished, but he didn't know what to do for a while. He was thinking about going to Qingwei Peak to see Lingxiang.
Liu Xia also had nothing to do. Even if his sword did not fall into the map of mountains and rivers, he did not want to move after all this trouble. He just lay on the bed with a book and flipped through it casually.
However, Zhao Wuyang seemed to be in high spirits. He cleaned the house inside and out, and even took out everyone's mattresses to dry in the sun.
Looking at the busy Zhao Wuyang, Xinyi couldn't help but laugh. If his brother were still alive, he would probably be the same age as Wuyang. Looking at the bright sunshine outside, he suddenly thought of Maidong. It had been a long time since he saw her, and he didn't know what she was doing.
While he was in a daze, Yuan Hui in the courtyard rang the small bell, summoning everyone and telling them to go to the Hufeng Hall to listen to the promotion results.
After the outer disciples had gathered, Han Yang read out the list in his hand. He first mentioned the fifteen people who were promoted to inner disciples, and instructed these people to bring their belongings and live in Youyuan Hall under Wuji Hall within three days. Then he said some words to the remaining disciples, such as "you can stay or leave as you wish", and warned everyone that if they decided to leave Yuanqing Sect, they must not cheat and do evil in the name of Yuanqing Sect in the future.
After the banquet, everyone felt different emotions. Some were indignant, some were indifferent, and some were dejected. They were all disciples who were not selected.
After that, many of the disciples from the Plum, Orchid, Bamboo and Chrysanthemum courtyards actually left. Coupled with the departure of the disciples who were promoted to the inner sect, the courtyards that were once bustling with activity suddenly became much quieter. There were only less than ten people left in the four courtyards, which was beyond the expectations of Master Qianyuan.
Young people nowadays are really impatient!
…
There was a man kneeling in front of Bai Wuchang. It was this man who had previously disrupted the Wuji Palace and destroyed the spiritual formation. Looking at the man under his feet, Bai Wuchang's eyes were full of contempt. If there was no one else available now, he really didn't want to bother with such a waste.
"But is there anything you want to report?" He suppressed his disdain and asked.
"Please, messenger, lead me into the path of evil!" the man said as he prostrated himself on the ground.
Possessed by a demon? Interesting, interesting, as a human being, he actually wants to become a demon.
"It's not impossible, but I have something else for you to do. Once you've done that, I'll grant you demonic blood and lead you into the devil."
Upon hearing this, the man bowed twice hurriedly, but he didn't notice the contempt in Bai Wuchang's eyes.
It seems that Xinyi's chess piece is still useful.
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