Cultivators Are So Weak in This World-Chapter 199: Submarine 185

Ultimately, Zhang Rongfang’s Daoist identity was revised back to thirty-five years old.

This was what Zhang Rongfang himself decided.

Rather than having others guess wildly and estimate him at forty, it’s better for him to set a younger age himself.

But this is fine.

He comforted himself inwardly that although his bone age had changed, his life had not.

According to the notion that lifespan represents life value, at most, his body just appeared older at this moment.

The so-called bone age estimation is merely calculating age based on the number of times the bones have changed and developed.

He had practiced so much, even his physique had surpassed the Tenth Grade limit, so if his bones did not change, how did all these enhancements and breakthroughs come?

Therefore, the bone age estimation was inherently wrong for him.

"Here. Senior Brother, don’t mess around next time."

Zhang Qingzhi handed the Daoist identity back to Zhang Rongfang.

"Thank you...." Zhang Rongfang took it, looked at the modified birth year on it, and felt somewhat melancholic.

Fortunately, this Daoist identity was only Zhang Ying’s.

"As for this round of inquiry, if Senior Brother does not wish to participate, another one will start in a couple of days, hosted by another Master. Senior Brother can check it out then."

Zhang Qingzhi said warmly.

"Of course, if Senior Brother truly dislikes it, you can spend money to find other high-level cultivators in the palace for initiation. However... many high-level cultivators are busy and can only issue symbolic documents, with Daoist titles assigned one-by-one in alphabetical order."

Zhang Rongfang blinked.

"Dare I ask, Junior Brother, how does one arrange for initiation by high-level cultivators?"

"This, it’s available here." Zhang Qingzhi looked around.

The two were not at the inquiry event site, having already come out separately. They were standing in the corridor beside a side hall.

There were many Daoists and pilgrims coming and going around them.

Zhang Qingzhi, seeing no one paying attention to them, quickly stuffed a scroll of paper into Zhang Rongfang’s hand.

"Senior Brother, this is the price list, take a look. Everyone follows this."

Zhang Rongfang felt reassured inside, as long as it’s about spending money, it’s a good thing.

He took out the scroll, unfolded it, and quickly scanned through it.

Listed above were clear prices from the Sect Leader, Palace Master, Hall Masters, high-level cultivators, and how much it would cost to become their initiated disciple.

’Sect Leader — Full set of initiation requires one thousand taels of gold.’

’Three Palace Masters — Full set of initiation requires five thousand taels of silver.’

’Twelve Hall Masters — Full set of initiation requires three thousand taels of silver.’

Below were numerous other roles like Head of Scriptures, Hall Master, Jingzhu, Transmutation Master, Estate Head, Treasury Head, Drum Head...

All sorts of miscellaneous positions.

"This Ancestral Court truly lives up to its name; so many people are high cultivators..." Zhang Rongfang sighed.

The names on the list were all Nascent Soul Stage cultivators.

And all were late-stage Nascent Soul, without exception. However, their backgrounds were from all over the country, every province, and every route.

"It’s very normal. Our Great Dao Teaching now encompasses twelve provinces, each with its major righteous power, plus this is the Ancestral Court of the sect."

Zhang Qingzhi smiled.

"Many Literary Cultivators who hit cultivation bottlenecks come here to exchange insights and seek breakthroughs."

"I see." Zhang Rongfang nodded. "Additionally, I have another question that I hope Junior Brother can clarify."

He felt that this Zhang Qingzhi truly had a good temper; it’s rare to meet such a good-natured person, so he should seize the opportunity to extract any benefits he could.

"Please ask, Senior Brother, I will try my best to answer what I can." Zhang Qingzhi nodded earnestly.

"It’s like this." Zhang Rongfang recalled, "Previously, I heard you mention that high-level Literary Cultivators here can receive protection from experts of the Snow Rainbow Pavilion. Why didn’t I have such benefits at my previous Daoist Palace?

I remember there were high-level Nascent Soul Cultivators at my previous Daoist Palace too?"

"The same high-level cultivators also have distinguishing conditions." Zhang Qingzhi smiled wryly, "In fact, many people coming here have this question. But there are so many high-level Literary Cultivators nationwide, how could experts be assigned to protect all of them?

Of course, those who receive protection are the very top tier among all Literary Cultivators."

"Then what is considered top tier?" Zhang Rongfang asked again.

"Young age, high cultivation, determined mind." Zhang Qingzhi summarized all the traits in a few words.

"Young age?"

"Indeed, to stand out among the vast number of Literary Cultivators, one’s talent must be seen.

Ordinary people rely mainly on accumulation for cultivating Literary Arts. However, those with extraordinary talent accumulate faster than usual. Practicing for one day can equal two or three days for others.

But this speed also brings about enormous expenses, several times that of an average person. Ordinary people simply cannot afford to practice."

Zhang Qingzhi sighed slightly.

Zhang Rongfang understood by now.

Even in Literary Arts, talent and financial power naturally divided everyone into distinct categories.

"Then what are the thresholds for protection by the Snow Rainbow Pavilion?" he was still somewhat curious.

"Before thirty, reaching the Nascent Soul Stage." Zhang Qingzhi answered solemnly.

Seeing that Zhang Rongfang did not seem to find it difficult, he added,

"Does Senior Brother know how many Literary Cultivators at the Golden Core Stage below thirty exist within our Celestial Treasure Palace?"

"I would like to hear more." Zhang Rongfang slightly furrowed his eyebrows.

"Over two hundred!" Zhang Qingzhi sighed, "From all the provinces, recommended geniuses come here every year, numbering in the hundreds. These are people who, from a young age, devoted themselves purely to the cultivation of Literary Arts with extreme focus.

Yet even so, only a handful, one in a hundred, can break through to the Nascent Soul Stage."

Zhang Rongfang pondered thoughtfully.

Indeed, in his previous experiences at Qinghe Palace and Mingjing Palace, it was the same. The Nascent Soul cultivators serving as Hall Masters had been diligently cultivating there for decades with no successors.

In Mingjing Palace, Xu Yi Daoist, a Nascent Soul cultivator, was already a major figure within the palace.

As for Nascent Soul cultivators under thirty...

He had never encountered one!

"Understand now?" Zhang Qingzhi remarked, "So you should also realize, Senior Brother, that although many people come to the Celestial Treasure Palace every year, very few can stay.

The majority of them, after inquiries, further studies, reluctantly give up, and then spend money to buy the identity of a high-level cultivator disciple, and return to their local area, which is also considered a form of qualification."

"Understood, may I ask one question?" Zhang Rongfang seemed to understand, "If I purchase a disciple status under the Sect Leader, would I be able to meet them?"

"Uh... the Sect Leader is very busy, often needing to communicate with the Judgement of the Twelve Provinces, and also holds the educational examination position at the Jixian Institute. They need to revise, correct, and oversee the examination systems of various academies nationwide, attend meetings everywhere, receive audiences with the Imperial Court, travel to meet friends and discuss the Dao, and so on... Often too busy to be seen," Zhang Qingzhi answered hesitantly.

Although the Sect Leader was his teacher, even he had not seen them in nearly two years.

He guessed his master truly was too busy.

After all, someone in that position must have a multitude of concerns.

"That is indeed busy," Zhang Rongfang reflected solemnly. "So, even if I spend the money, I won’t be able to see anyone, just carry a title back?"

"It’s not quite like that. At least when you go back, when talking to others or introducing yourself, you can openly and legitimately say you are a disciple of the Sect Leader of the Great Dao Teaching, officially registered at the Celestial Treasure Palace. Doesn’t that sound impressive?" Zhang Qingzhi consoled.

Although his words were awkward, many people came here for just this reason.

He himself felt a bit unnatural but still conveyed these words.

Zhang Rongfang was speechless.

He cupped his hands in thanks.

"Thank you for your help, junior brother. Sigh... What a pity... I naturally prefer quietness over activity, originally just wanting to find a quiet and modest position at the Celestial Treasure Palace for self-cultivation and refinement.

Now it seems, there might be no chance...."

"There are indeed quiet and modest positions, but they are truly just a waste of time. Senior brother could take positions such as managing the medicinal garden, organizing books, or serving as a manager of sorts..." Zhang Qingzhi, seeing the other’s crestfallen and disappointed expression, felt a bit unwilling as well.

"But these positions really do pay little and take up a lot of time... Very few are willing to do them."

"Is there a position where I can learn alchemy? Could junior brother help recommend one or two? Rest assured, money is not an issue!" Zhang Rongfang said earnestly.

"Well... you don’t actually need money, but the work in the Alchemy Hall is not easy... managing the fire, measuring the medicine, purifying the distillate, each task is quite laborious," Zhang Qingzhi replied helplessly.

"No problem! Junior brother is both talented and handsome, clearly well-connected within this palace. I entrust everything to you!"

Without another word, Zhang Rongfang took out a stack of silver notes from his bosom, and with lightning speed, stuffed them into Zhang Qingzhi’s arms and turned to leave.

Zhang Qingzhi hadn’t had time to react when he saw the other person disappear around a corner at the end of the corridor.

The speed clearly indicated he was trained.

He could only stand there, sighing helplessly.

Actually, he had more to say, that the Alchemy Hall also had inner and outer divisions. The outer hall generally handled the hard labor, which was very demanding and time-consuming, hindering one’s own practice.

The inner hall, indeed, could teach you many things, but it’s not a place money alone could get you into.

You also needed connections.

Such a significant place wouldn’t dare to let someone in without a proper background.

Zhang Qingzhi looked down at the silver notes in his arms.

"Hiss!"

He took a sharp breath.

Good heavens....

All were large denomination notes of five hundred liang each, and after counting, there were ten in total!

Five thousand liang!!

This....

With this amount of money, one could directly become a disciple under the Palace Master....

What a grand gesture!

"Wait, why was this money given to me? I can’t accept it!"

Zhang Qingzhi suddenly realized and hurried to catch up.

*

*

*

Late at night.

Outside the Celestial Treasure Palace.

Hongyan held a wooden staff, gazing from afar at the colossal and majestic palace complex.

"Finally here... Next, one strike to kill, and then escape for a thousand miles!"

Whoosh!

He tapped his foot, transforming into a phantom, rushing swiftly towards the palace complex.

A minute later.

After a muffled collision and explosion sound.

Hongyan swiftly charged out beyond the high wall. Behind him followed a group of shadowy figures with equally swift body techniques.

In just a moment, he sprinted several miles away, leaving the city of Yangshuo, only then shaking off the group of shadows behind him.

But though he escaped pursuit, Hongyan was now as pale as gold paper, with a large hole in his chest and abdomen, clearly visible and rapidly healing by itself.

Within the wound, numerous metallic filaments weaved like threads, accelerating the filling of the bloody hole.

"Truly, the Ancestral Court of the Great Dao Teaching... I was careless... It seems I’ll have to proceed cautiously, can’t confront them head-on.

This way, let’s see when that young lad goes out."

Earlier, he planned to infiltrate silently, swiftly eliminate Zhang Ying, and then make a quick exit.

But....

Upon entering, he encountered a group of unknown Spiritual Veins.

Moreover, their bodies bore traces of the Spirit Court Snow Rainbow Pavilion’s martial arts.

He dared not linger and could only turn and flee.

Previously, he always thought the Great Dao Teaching was soft and gentle, never daring to create trouble, and this so-called Ancestral Court was the same.

But....

This time he understood why a soft Daoist sect had stood peacefully for so many years....

The group of Spiritual Veins that pursued him, though all were Ninth Grade, merely common transformations of people.

Yet these people, paired with their high-power miniature crossbows, were extremely deadly....

"I just can’t believe you’ll never come out...."

Hongyan’s wounds healed rapidly, and his complexion returned to normal, as if he had never been injured.

He gazed towards the Celestial Treasure Palace direction, let out a cold snort, then turned and vanished into the nearby mountain forests along the official road.