Chapter 121: Ascending to the Azure Cloud Sect

The air in the world of immortals was always so fresh and brimming with spiritual energy. However, having abundant spiritual energy was only useful if one could harness it properly.

At present, Yang Wenhao lacked any immortal cultivation technique to rely on. According to the system’s information, his current cultivation method could only support him up to the ninth stage of Foundation Establishment.

Without a new method, further breakthroughs were impossible.

Pondering this, Yang Wenhao stroked his chin. In this vast land of Shenzhou, there were both righteous sects and demonic paths.

Among the righteous were the Qingyun Sect, Fanxiang Valley, and Tianyin Temple. The demonic sects included the Ghost King Sect, Ten Thousand Poisons Gate, Longevity Hall, and the Joyful Sect.

Theoretically, Yang Wenhao’s first choice among these major sects should be the Qingyun Sect.

Qingyun Sect was a cultivation sect, and more importantly, a sword-cultivation school. Since Yang Wenhao himself practiced sword cultivation, joining Qingyun Sect would be most fitting.

Tianyin Temple was a group of monks, and Yang Wenhao had no desire to become a monk.

Yet finally, Yang Wenhao shook his head. No matter what choice he made now, none of these sects would accept disciples casually.

What he needed to do first was to ask for directions and find out where he was.

At that moment, the white clouds in the sky were suddenly pierced through by a swift figure flying at great speed.

“Sword flight.”

Seeing the figure, Yang Wenhao felt a pang of yearning.

He then shouted loudly, “Up there!”

Apparently hearing his shout, the figure in the sky paused, then descended in front of Yang Wenhao.

“Young man, what are you doing?” An elder dressed in a Taoist robe, with a long beard and ceremonial crown, with an ethereal air about him, stood before him. On his back was a sword—likely the very sword he had just ridden.

Seeing this, Yang Wenhao was stunned. He had not expected that the person he casually encountered would be the leader of the Qingyun Sect.

Yet, judging from his strength, Yang Wenhao was puzzled.

The system responded, “The target’s power far exceeds the host’s; detailed information cannot be retrieved at this time.”

The system had mentioned before that it could only scan within certain limits; beyond that, it was impossible.

“May I ask, Immortal Master, do you know where the Qingyun Sect is located?”

Since he had met Dao Xuan, he might as well join Qingyun Sect. After all, it had been Yang Wenhao’s initial preference.

Dao Xuan stroked his beard, sizing Yang Wenhao up and down, then asked, “Why do you seek the Qingyun Sect?”

“I wish to join the Qingyun Sect,” Yang Wenhao replied.

Dao Xuan narrowed his eyes, his gaze making Yang Wenhao feel exposed, as though his very being was laid bare.

“Do you know the Qingyun Sect is the foremost righteous sect? Not just anyone can enter. Without talent and aptitude, joining Qingyun Sect means being nobody,” Dao Xuan said.

“I understand, Immortal Master. But I have confidence in my own aptitude.”

If it weren’t for the sparse spiritual energy in the previous worlds, he would surely have surpassed Foundation Establishment by now.

With his rapid progress, reaching the Golden Core stage would be a mere formality.

Suddenly, Dao Xuan reached out and placed a hand on Yang Wenhao’s shoulder.

Startled, Yang Wenhao nearly struck back in defense.

Fortunately, he held back. Had he attacked, death would have been certain.

How could a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator contend with Dao Xuan, whose strength was beyond measure?

Soon, however, Yang Wenhao realized something: in the cultivation world, it was easy to probe a person’s power.

If Dao Xuan could probe his cultivation, then...

“Rest assured, host. Your information is completely confidential. No matter how powerful, no one can access your details,” the system assured him.

Hearing this, Yang Wenhao relaxed.

But another question arose: if probing was impossible, how could one discern his aptitude?

Dao Xuan slowly withdrew his hand, stroking his beard. “Strange, very strange.”

“Why is it strange, Immortal Master?” Yang Wenhao asked, puzzled.

Dao Xuan shook his head. “I cannot detect your aptitude, but if you wish to join Qingyun Sect, I can take you there.”

“Thank you, Immortal Master,” Yang Wenhao bowed respectfully.

Dao Xuan glanced at him but said nothing further.

He then mounted his sword and flew away, leading Yang Wenhao.

It was Yang Wenhao’s first time flying on a sword; his heart was excited, though the feeling soon faded, leaving him simply looking around.

Sword flight—once he reached the Golden Core stage, he too could fly on a sword.

Under Dao Xuan’s guidance, Yang Wenhao arrived at Qingyun Sect.

Qingyun Sect was divided into seven branches: Tongtian Peak, Great Bamboo Peak, Small Bamboo Peak, Dragon Head Peak, Wind Return Peak, Morning Sun Peak, and Sunset Peak.

Dao Xuan belonged to Tongtian Peak, the main peak.

He was the head of Tongtian Peak, akin to a hall master.

Qingyun Sect was built atop a high mountain, shrouded in white clouds, resembling a fairyland.

Countless grand halls and palaces stood within, the very image of a prestigious sect.

Yang Wenhao was genuinely shocked upon his first sight.

He had never seen such a grand immortal sect.

Compared to Qingyun Sect before him, the grandest place he had seen before—the Blackwood Cliff—was insignificant, as if heaven and earth apart.

But it made sense: the peak strength in this world was the cultivators.

They were vastly superior to mere martial artists.

“All right, wait here,” Dao Xuan said, leaving Yang Wenhao behind. “Chang Jian, take care of him.”

After Dao Xuan left, a disciple approached—Chang Jian, Dao Xuan’s attendant.

“Huh? Junior brother?” Chang Jian said in surprise.

Yang Wenhao smiled and shook his head. “I have not yet become a disciple.”

Chang Jian nodded knowingly. “I believe Master will arrange your apprenticeship soon.”

Not knowing what Dao Xuan was thinking, Yang Wenhao could only follow Chang Jian to learn more.

Chang Jian was a disciple of Tongtian Peak and very familiar with Qingyun Sect.

Soon after, Yang Wenhao was summoned to the Jade Purity Hall, the main hall for Tongtian Peak’s affairs.

Upon entering, he saw many people seated inside.

All were Qingyun Sect’s experts.

If Yang Wenhao guessed correctly, there were seven of them—probably the heads of the seven branches.

Among them were also two children.

“Zhang Xiaofan? Lin Jingyu?” Yang Wenhao was surprised but then thought it only natural.

“I have already informed you all about the recent incident in Caomiao Village. Now, let us arrange matters for these three,” Dao Xuan said calmly from the head seat.

“Sect Leader, I know these two, but who is this person?” Cang Song, head of Dragon Head Peak, asked.

Dao Xuan said, “This young man wishes to join Qingyun Sect. I found him suitable and brought him here.”

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(The chapter ends)