Chapter 152

Chapter 152: Creating a Master

This Immortal Sect Competition became the first to end without crowning a final champion. After the event, all sect disciples received identical orders – fully investigate the whereabouts of Qiu Yao and the escaped members of Ming Xin Sect. This joint decree issued by celestial maidens later became universally known among cultivators as the "Immortal Realm Decree."

Immediately, not just sect disciples but even loose cultivators mobilized to search for Qiu Yao. The once prestigious Ming Xin Sect collapsed completely after this incident. With Qiu Yao and several elders disappearing alongside celestial maiden Qin Yan, their disciples faced universal hostility and eventually abandoned their sect. Soon Ming Xin Sect’s halls stood empty, its former bustle gone forever.

You You harbored suspicions. If Qiu Yao truly orchestrated everything, neither Ming Xin Sect’s Zhu Xian Formation nor Yuyu Island’s celestial-grade Secret Realm could be created by a mere God Transformation cultivator. This made her question if Qiu Yao was actually Jing Chen – the traitor Nie Zheng mentioned.

Returning to Zhen Yan Sect, You You showed Qiu Yao’s recording stone to Nie Zheng. Surprisingly, he didn’t recognize the figure. "Without seeing him in person, I can’t confirm if he’s Jing Chen," Nie Zheng scratched his head. "With his cultivation level, altering appearance would be simple."

You You pondered this. "Even if he’s not Jing Chen, they’re likely deeply connected," Nie Zheng asserted. The Zhu Xian Formation exceeded mortal capabilities – even Immortals required high cultivation to create it.

Without answers, You You focused on finding Qiu Yao first. But months passed without leads. Though sects continued searching, the trail grew colder.

Meanwhile, Zhen Yan Sect’s reputation soared. The sect became inundated with messages – mainly two types. The first were challenge letters for competition participants. Though Lin Feng’s group hadn’t claimed victory, elite disciples from various sects sought duels. Surprisingly, Shui Yan received the most letters – ranging from flower-viewing invitations to moonlit strolls.

Shui Yan remained occupied with sword practice and training juniors. This infuriated Kui Bi, who started exploding alchemy cauldrons and taking Qiu Zhang’s sword classes, insisting he’d "respond" to Shui Yan’s challengers himself.

The second message type targeted You You herself – all from celestial maidens. Some proposed tea meetings or management discussions, while others like Wu Yue bluntly declared missing her.

Comparing Shui Yan’s pile of admirers’ letters to her own stack of feminine correspondence, You You wondered about her characterization. If Shui Yan embodied a Mary Sue, whose Jack Sue script was she holding?

("д")

"Sect Master, the tenth edition of Qiu Zhang Technique has been distributed," Ling Qi reported, consulting his notes. "Despite sect recognition post-competition, prices average only fifty spirit stones. However, mass production has boosted profits thirty percent."

"Won’t this expose our origins?" You You worried.

"No concern," Ling Qi assured. "Previous editions established rampant copying practices. Our sect blends into existing piracy networks."

So bootlegging became systemic? You You mused.

"We’re also receiving recruitment petitions nationwide," Ling Qi continued. "Many seek admission, including loose cultivators. Other sects promise attendance if our elders take disciples."

"So soon?" You You blinked. "Aren’t we years from Opening the Sect?"

"Our status changed," Ling Qi explained. "As a first-rate immortal sect, demand surges."

"Quality over quantity," You You shook her head. "Stick to original plans. Don’t overextend."

"Agreed." Ling Qi nodded. "However, another matter’s ripe for action."

You You’s eyes lit up. "The stockpiled techniques?"

"Perfect timing to release them all." Ling Qi confirmed. "Master Yuan verified preparations."

"Proceed."

The announcement shocked the still-reeling Immortal Realm. Ghost cultivator Qiu Zhang declared allegiance to Zhen Yan Sect, joining You You’s pursuit of the Great Dao. To repay the sect, he publicly released his life’s work – Qiu Zhang Technique editions 1-30, available for 500 spirit stones without requiring discipleship.

Zhen Yan Sect vowed all future editions would remain publicly accessible. This unprecedented generosity ignited cultivation fervor. Practitioners universally honored Qiu Zhang as "Master," eventually dubbing him "Master of the World."

Witnessing Ling Qi’s machinations, Ning Rui sighed: So this is how legends get manufactured? His past Reincarnation felt utterly pointless.

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