These people are too easily exploited, especially the younger generation.
Look at the Dan Refining Peak next door; they simply closed their doors and refused to recruit new Disciples to avoid trouble. What a wise choice.
“I have no objections. It was you who couldn’t find suitable candidates, and only thought of our Zhijian Lineage at the last minute.
But there’s one thing: the new Bixi Squad must at least be recognized by a group of descendants of the martyrs, otherwise, my Zhijian Lineage’s Disciples will still cause trouble,” Dao Lord Zisu said.
“Don’t worry, I will consider that. If worst comes to worst, we’ll just go fight the Demon Clan,” Mu Zhengting suggested.
“Currently, the Zhijian Lineage has no issues with personal conduct. The key is how to balance the interests of all parties. We need to find someone whose heart holds considerations beyond just the sword, preferably a descendant of the martyrs,” Yuan Qing True Lord analyzed.
“And their identity must be special, at least a direct Disciple of a Peak Lord, otherwise, they won’t be able to command respect. The person also needs some reputation among the peaks and a flexible mind…”
Mu Zhengting paused mid-sentence, exchanged glances with Yuan Qing True Lord, and said in unison, “Qing Feng.”
“The one who survived in the Thousand Lake World?” Dao Lord Zisu shook her head. “His cultivation is not high, and his personality is too casual; he’s not suitable to be a sword cultivator.”
“But he’s very suitable for the task,” Mu Zhengting emphasized.
“His ability and identity are not an issue, but how to make him act proactively is a problem. Smart people know how to protect themselves, but to make him actively engaged is even more difficult,” Yuan Qing True Lord said bluntly.
“As the Sect Leader, will he refuse me?” Mu Zhengting asked dismissively.
“Didn’t you call him last time? Did he show up?” Yuan Qing True Lord retorted.
“Wasn’t that because he was courting death? Wait, did he guess my plan last time?” Mu Zhengting suddenly realized, turning to Han Su Fairy and asking, “Han Su, you’ve been going to Chen Ming Peak often lately. Have you had any discussions with Qing Feng? What are his thoughts on these matters?”
“He told me not to meddle in other people’s business, saying I couldn’t manage it anyway,” Han Su Fairy replied.
“It seems he sees things clearly, but he’s just too lazy. However, as a Disciple of my Beast Taming Sect, it’s unacceptable to have ability but not exert oneself for the Sect,” Mu Zhengting sneered.
“Do you have a plan?” Yuan Qing True Lord asked.
“Although this kid is lazy, he’s honest and cares deeply about Chen Ming Peak. I will arrange the selection for the new Bixi Squad between Hu Ji Peak and Chen Ming Peak and reveal some information to him. Let’s see if he can still sit still.”
Mu Zhengting explained that as the Sect Leader of the Beast Taming Sect, he was well aware of the affairs of Hu Ji Peak and Chen Ming Peak.
“Let the two peaks compete?” Yuan Qing True Lord frowned.
“Exactly. Then we won’t need to force him; Martial Brother Qin and the others will push him forward,” Mu Zhengting said.
“Why not let the Longyang Lineage and Ziyan Lineage compete internally first, then decide on the affiliation?” Yuan Qing True Lord suggested.
Mu Zhengting was stunned for a moment, then a meaningful smile appeared on his face.
The warm spring breeze caressed their faces; the year's plan begins in spring.
Qing Feng lay sideways on the large green stone, half-asleep.
Compared to the gloom of Heaven Sword Peak, this place was bright and sunny.
This year was no different for the elders of the Beast Taming Sect, but for Qing Feng, there were many changes.
Eighteen years old, an adult.
He looked more mature compared to last year.
His breathing was steady and natural, without the extraordinary detachment of a master, just an ordinary existence.
The most peculiar thing was his extremely low sense of presence.
Even those with profound cultivation often drew attention, yet even lying there, he would barely be noticed unless one looked closely.
It was as if he had merged with nature, like a blade of grass, calm and indifferent, neither striving nor competing.
Within the dream sea, the lotus slowly rotated. Unbeknownst to him, the third petal of the flower seemed to appear, half-real and half-illusory, faintly emerging.
Qing Feng’s Nascent Soul gazed at the petal in his hand, a hint of helplessness in his eyes.
Since breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage, his cultivation speed had noticeably slowed.
Even with the help of the Kirin Blood Fruit, he could only advance one grade per year, which was almost the same as his speed before the breakthrough.
As he was pondering, the bell tower of Purple Rock Peak rang seven dull chimes.
This signal meant that all elders and direct Disciples must immediately gather at Purple Rock Peak, unless they were in secluded cultivation to the death.
“Brother Xuan Dog,” Qing Feng called softly. The Great Mysterious Dog beside him lazily got up, shook its fur, and instantly transformed from an ordinary local dog into a spirit beast as huge as a white elephant, grumbling discontentedly, “You’re already at Foundation Establishment, why are you still riding me?”
“Because riding Brother Xuan Dog is comfortable,” Qing Feng said with a smile, flipping over onto the Great Mysterious Dog’s back.
After taking the pills provided by Qing Feng, the Great Mysterious Dog had recovered to the Golden Core Ninth Level, even stronger than before.
It said worriedly, “In a few years, I’ll also go to the battlefield for training. I won’t be able to protect you then, so you need to learn to fly on your own.”
“It’s okay, Senior Sister is also close to the Golden Core stage; she’ll protect me,” Qing Feng replied. “Even if you all leave, Martial Aunt will take care of me. If worst comes to worst, I can go to Dan Refining Peak and scrounge for food with Senior Sister Yan Yi.”
He chuckled, “If everyone leaves, I’ll be even more at ease. I can sleep worry-free, undisturbed by anyone, sleep for a thousand years, and maybe I’ll become invincible.”
The Great Mysterious Dog traveled with the wind, its speed no less than a Golden Core flying sword of the Beast Taming Sect, quickly reaching the gathering point at Chen Ming Peak.
Many elders had already gathered there. Qing Feng dismounted the Xuan Dog and walked towards Men Shao and the others, quietly asking if they knew the situation, but everyone was clueless.
After the direct Disciples of the other elders arrived one after another, everyone proceeded together to Purple Rock Peak.
Meanwhile, Disciples from other peaks also arrived on their swords.
Finally, Disciples from all peaks gathered at Purple Rock Peak, standing in position according to the order of the seven peaks.
Chen Ming Peak and Hu Ji Peak were adjacent, and the gazes between the Disciples of the two peaks were filled with hostility, especially Zhang Gao and others, who still harbored resentment from their previous failure.
Facing the provocation, the Disciples of Chen Ming Peak stared back without showing any weakness.
It wasn't until a dazzling seven-colored light flashed and Yuan Feng True Lord appeared that this meaningless staring contest ended, and everyone focused their attention on the Chief of Purple Rock.
“Everyone here today is the future hope and pillar of our Ziyan Lineage. Perhaps the one who will succeed me as the Chief of Purple Rock is among you. You represent the future of Purple Rock.”
As soon as these words were spoken, the eyes of many young sword cultivators immediately ignited with fighting spirit.
“Originally, I thought that the day you would bring glory to Purple Rock was still far off, at least until the Seven Lineages Sword Competition. But now, circumstances are pressing, and there is a matter of great importance concerning the eternal prosperity of the Ziyan Lineage that requires you to accomplish. Are you afraid in your hearts?”
Yuan Feng True Lord’s voice resonated throughout Purple Rock Peak; his words always stirred the depths of people’s hearts. Hundreds of direct Disciples responded in unison, their voices shaking the heavens and earth:
“Eternal as the sun.”
“No fear.”