Chapter 4: Arriving at the Luoyun Sect Branch
The third day passed in the blink of an eye.
For those two days, he had not left his room, waiting until it was time to disembark.
The merchant vessel descended onto a bustling, enormous dock.
Fang Yuan followed his senior brothers and stepped off the merchant vessel.
On the dock, a group of cultivators dressed in Luoyun Sect attire were already waiting for them — clearly disciples sent by the Luoyun Sect Branch to receive them.
The group walked straight over.
The man leading them was a middle-aged cultivator with a steady aura and a resolute expression. He wore a cyan Daoist robe with a white cloud embroidered on the cuff — the mark of an early-stage Foundation Establishment Inner Sect Disciple, or an outer sect steward of equivalent rank.
"Greetings, Senior Brother!"
The dispatched disciples hurriedly bowed.
In the Luoyun Sect, addressing those of higher cultivation as "Senior Brother" or "Senior Sister" was perfectly acceptable.
"Mm." He swept his gaze across the group. "Thirty-three people? Everyone's accounted for!"
His eyes wandered casually, and when they landed on Fang Yuan, a flicker of surprise crossed his face.
"Someone actually broke through at this point? What's your name?"
His voice was not quiet, and everyone instinctively looked toward Fang Yuan.
Fang Yuan replied, "Senior Brother, my name is Fang Yuan."
"Mm. My surname is Li. I took on the task of escorting you all back. Follow me."
"Yes!"
Senior Brother Li produced his disciple token and mission documents for everyone to inspect.
At the same time, Senior Brother Li also verified everyone's disciple tokens and dispatch papers.
Only then did Senior Brother Li lead the group to an open area, where a medium-sized Flying Vessel was already docked.
"Board up!"
Everyone climbed onto the Flying Vessel.
Senior Brother Li then took control, and the Flying Vessel soared into the sky, shooting off into the distance through the air.
Many people on the dock watched with envious eyes — the Luoyun Sect insignia on the Flying Vessel was a symbol of a major sect.
Aboard the Flying Vessel.
Senior Brother Li introduced the area to everyone: "This is the Red Dream Dynasty. It has a population of one billion, spans fifteen thousand miles in all directions, and its territory is vast. While the Spiritual Energy here is somewhat thin overall, there are still some blessed lands where it gathers richly."
'So enormous!' Fang Yuan thought inwardly. 'In my past life, the land of China spanned only around five thousand miles across — this Red Dream Dynasty is nine times its size!'
"Our destination is Cangyun Mountain, the branch's resident spirit mountain. The Spirit Vein at Cangyun Mountain is of the third-tier upper grade. If you remain at the branch to cultivate, you will never lack for Spiritual Energy! Beyond that, our sect has three third-tier operations, thirty-two second-tier operations, and a large number of first-tier operations spread throughout the Red Dream Dynasty's territory. We have also established twelve Market Districts, and maintain shops in other Market Districts as well. All of these are places where you may be posted in the future!"
Everyone who heard this was visibly astonished.
Fang Yuan clicked his tongue. The sheer scale of the Luoyun Sect's holdings within the Red Dream Dynasty far exceeded his expectations.
No wonder a branch was stationed here — the operations were simply too numerous.
Senior Brother Li smiled and added, "I personally oversee the second-tier operation at Red Leaf Forest, which includes some herb valleys and gardens, medium and small ranches, and minor mineral deposits. If any of you are interested, you're welcome to come to me. I've already spoken with the Hall Master — if you're unhappy with your assigned post, come find me. I won't treat you poorly."
Many of the disciples fell into thoughtful silence.
Fang Yuan understood now. No wonder a Foundation Establishment disciple had personally come to escort a group of Third Layer of Qi Refining disciples — he was here to recruit talent.
Those with Mid-Grade Spiritual Roots generally had the potential to reach Foundation Establishment, making them rare and valuable assets even within a branch.
Senior Brother Li, seeing that no one intended to respond on the spot, kept his smile and continued explaining the affairs of the Red Dream Dynasty.
The Flying Vessel cut swiftly through the clouds. Looking down, one could see scattered mortal towns dotting the landscape, and occasionally a large, prosperous-looking city would come into view.
Across vast stretches of farmland, neatly planted crops grew in orderly rows — the food yields of the immortal cultivation world were clearly not low.
Two and a half hours later, Cangyun Mountain came into view!
The anticipated ambushes by bandits, attacks by demon beasts, and traps laid by demonic sects — none of them materialized.
This left Fang Yuan deeply relieved. He had made it through this ordeal.
A mere early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, brazenly flying through the open sky with a group of Qi Refining cultivators!
Such a conspicuous target — if they had happened to run into a Core Formation old demon, wouldn't that have been the end of them?
Fortunately, luck was on their side, and none of those scenarios came to pass.
Cangyun Mountain was immense. Looking out from afar, there were thousands of peaks of varying sizes, many still in their natural, undeveloped state.
After the Flying Vessel passed through a barrier of Formation light, they had fully entered the grounds of the Luoyun Sect Branch.
Atop many of the peaks, layered structures could already be seen rising up, with white clouds drifting past, cranes soaring through the air, and Spiritual Energy billowing like mist — a scene like something out of an immortal realm.
The Flying Vessel finally came to rest on one of the peaks, landing steadily before a grand hall.
"Alright! We've arrived at the branch's affairs peak. Head into the Hall of Affairs to receive your assignments."
Senior Brother Li pointed toward the grand hall in the distance, above which the name "Hall of Affairs" was inscribed.
"I'll wait here. If you end up being assigned to my post, I can take you there directly — no need to make your own way!" Senior Brother Li continued with a smile.
"Thank you, Senior Brother!"
All the disciples bowed in gratitude, thanking Senior Brother Li for his escort.
Senior Brother Li nodded, watching the disciples file into the hall. His gaze lingered briefly on Fang Yuan's retreating figure, but he looked away again in an instant.
Inside the grand hall.
Five cultivators were already waiting within.
Fang Yuan could not see through any of them.
One of the middle-aged men addressed the group: "I am Hall Master Zhao of the Hall of Affairs, here to oversee the assignment of this batch of headquarters-dispatched disciples."
He swept his gaze across the crowd, pausing a moment longer on Fang Yuan, then said casually, "The four individuals behind me are the Peak Masters of the branch's Four Great Peaks, each at the Core Formation Stage. They will each select three dispatched disciples. Introduce yourselves — this is a chance to enter one of the Four Great Peaks directly. Seize this opportunity."
He glanced at Fang Yuan. "You, stand aside and watch for now."
"Yes!"
Fang Yuan bowed and promptly stepped to the side.
Many of the dispatched disciples showed signs of nervousness.
He searched his memories and quickly understood why.
It was not easy for dispatched disciples to remain at the branch headquarters directly.
Being selected by one of the Four Great Peaks not only meant staying at the branch, but also immediately becoming an official branch disciple, with access to a considerable supply of resources — and even the chance to take a Core Formation cultivator as a master.
Those not selected might be assigned directly to one of the outer operations, unable to remain at the branch at all.
Fang Yuan's situation was different. He had the right to choose freely, able to remain wherever he wished.
Hall Master Zhao casually pointed to a disciple at the peak of the Third Layer.
"You, come first!"
The disciple took a deep breath and stepped forward with a bow.
"My name is Xu Zhongshan. I have a Mid-Grade Earth-Wood Dual Spiritual Root. I cultivate the Yellow Grade, Upper Tier technique "Thick Earth Art." Throughout my cultivation, I have never consumed a single Pill. I believe that only Magic Power cultivated through one's own effort, drop by drop, can lay the most solid foundation. That is how I have always trained. Of course, I am not inflexible — after the Fourth Layer, I am open to consuming Pills for faster progress. I hope to receive guidance from a senior to illuminate my cultivation path. That concludes my introduction."
Xu Zhongshan stepped back slowly, his gaze fixed on the Four Great Peak Masters.
His eyes burned with intensity, and his bearing was steady and grounded — enough to make even Fang Yuan take notice.
If he remembered correctly, Xu Zhongshan was also flat broke — he had advanced five years' worth of Contribution Points to exchange for the upper-tier "Thick Earth Art," and then had no money left to buy Pills. Framing poverty in such a refined and lofty way was truly impressive.
Hall Master Zhao smiled and nodded, then looked toward the Four Great Peak Masters.
The four Peak Masters exchanged glances, their lips moving silently without making a sound.
Clearly, the four of them were engaged in a Voice Transmission discussion.
Fang Yuan noticed that one of the Peak Masters had even turned red in the face — the argument was evidently quite heated.
In the end, a powerfully built Peak Master smiled and said, "I am the Peak Master of Zhenyue Peak. Come cultivate at my peak from now on!"
"Yes, this disciple obeys!"
Xu Zhongshan let out a quiet breath and walked steadily to stand behind the Peak Master of Zhenyue Peak.
Envious looks spread across the crowd.
Hall Master Zhao casually pointed to another person.
This was a young woman with a graceful figure and eyes like autumn water — also a cultivator at the peak of the Third Layer of Qi Refining.
Her voice was soft and gentle.
"Esteemed Peak Masters, my name is Li Mengyao. I have a Mid-Grade Water-Fire Dual Spiritual Root. I am a princess of the Red Dream Dynasty, and I cultivate the Qi Refining chapter of the Earth Grade, Middle Tier technique "Red Dream Heart Scripture." Not wishing to stray too far from home, I chose not to break through to the Fourth Layer, and instead applied for an external posting to the Red Dream Dynasty. I have a solid grasp of both Water and Fire Techniques, and I have also dabbled in the art of illusion. I hope a suitable senior will be willing to offer guidance."
Fang Yuan's mouth twitched. That background, that talent, that technique — she was a true daughter of heaven!
At this point, three of the Peak Masters had already begun competing for her again.
Only the Peak Master of Zhenyue Peak shook his head with a look of regret.
The three argued for a while.
The sole female Peak Master clearly came out on top. She smiled and said, "I am the Peak Master of Wangyue Peak. Guiding you is well within my ability — come cultivate at Wangyue Peak."
"This disciple obeys!"
Li Mengyao gracefully moved to stand beside the Peak Master of Wangyue Peak, and the two immediately began conversing in low voices — the Peak Master was clearly very pleased with Li Mengyao.
Hall Master Zhao pointed to another peak-Third-Layer disciple.
It was none other than Yu Jin!
"This disciple is Yu Jin. I have a Mid-Grade Water-Wood-Earth Triple Spiritual Root. I cultivate the Yellow Grade, Upper Tier technique "Azure Wood Technique." I have trained in four Wood-element Techniques, three Water-element Techniques, and two Earth-element Techniques, two of which Wood-element Techniques have reached Minor Mastery. I am skilled in cultivating spirit herbs, and my family carries a Spirit Planter lineage — I have been immersed in it since childhood and am familiar with first and second-tier herbs of various kinds. I hope to have the opportunity to join one of the Four Great Peaks."
Fang Yuan stared in disbelief. This person was from the same hometown as him?
He himself had come from an ordinary mountain village. This fellow clearly came from a cultivating family — how could they possibly be considered from the same hometown?
The remaining two Peak Masters seemed to have no intention of deliberating.
One of them spoke up: "I am the Peak Master of Qiyun Peak, and I am also a Spirit Planter. Guiding you is no problem — come over."
"Yes, Peak Master!"
Yu Jin nodded, visibly delighted.
Hall Master Zhao's finger moved to the last peak-Third-Layer disciple.
This was a young man with a rather refined appearance.
He spoke with confidence: "My name is Han Zimo. I have a Five-Element Spiritual Root — however, my Fire attribute is of the upper grade, while the rest are of the mid grade. I cultivate the Yellow Grade, Middle Tier "Minor Five Elements Art." Because I cultivate all five elements simultaneously, my progress is somewhat slower, but my foundation is extremely solid. I am also open to switching to a Fire-element technique — I simply haven't had the opportunity to exchange for one yet. I excel in Fire-element offensive Techniques and am also proficient in swordsmanship."
"Upper grade?" Hall Master Zhao showed a look of surprise.
Clearly, having a disciple of upper-grade talent among those dispatched outward was unexpected to everyone present.
He looked toward the last remaining Peak Master.
That Peak Master's eyes lit up, and he turned to the other three with a broad grin.
The other three Peak Masters' expressions darkened.
He then turned and said, "I am the Peak Master of Zhanchun Peak. I know a thing or two about Fire-element arts and swordsmanship — you are most welcome at my peak."
"As you command, Peak Master!"
Han Zimo nodded with confidence.
Fang Yuan was puzzled. Talent like this was being sent on an external posting? Was it to motivate the others, or to temper Han Zimo himself?
He mentally summarized the top-tier talents from this batch:
Xu Zhongshan, the Thick Earth specialist; Yu Jin, the Wood-path expert; Li Mengyao, the genius princess; Han Zimo, the upper-grade prodigy; and Fang Yuan, who had broken through by sheer luck.