E Mountain Sect, Yellow Flower Hall.

Gao Zhongyuan looked at the golden wood pillars in the hall, the jade bricks on the floor, the Copper Crane with Hua Dan, the Bright Pearls hanging on the walls, and the wispy green smoke from the Purple Gold Incense Burner, and couldn’t help but feel a sense of envy.

When he joined the Han Yuan Sect as a young boy, he did not expect much, only hoping to embark on the path of cultivation and rejuvenate his family’s name.

However, as his Daoist cultivation deepened, he gradually grew dissatisfied with the Mountain Gate, spending his days thinking about how to escape from the dilapidated Mountain Gate of the Han Yuan Cave Mansion.

He firmly believed that with his talent, wherever he went, as long as he could acquire enough cultivation external objects, one day he would become a Great Cultivator presiding over a domain.

The Great Elder Yong Fu of the E Mountain Sect sat atop a Green Flower throne, his appearance scholarly, with eyes like phoenixes that glittered with intelligence. His exquisite beard floated gently on his chest, and everything about him, from his attire to his hair, was kept impeccably clean and neat. He addressed Gao Zhongyuan below the steps, saying, "Daoist Gao, you’re saying the visitor is a Nascent Soul cultivator?"

Gao Zhongyuan replied, "Indeed, I heard that the person claimed to be Master Shen’s disciple nephew. Chu Muran has already handed over the position of Sect Leader."

Yong Fu nodded slowly, saying, "Ah, Daoist Chu stepping down is a sign of wisdom. This person’s identity must be correct. I didn’t expect Master Shen to leave such a preparation behind."

He looked again at Gao Zhongyuan, his expression warm and cordial. "Daoist Gao, thank you for coming personally to report. Someone, bring a tray of jade pearls here."

As soon as he finished speaking, a graceful maid in a green dress came forward, holding a jade plate with a smile.

Yet when she reached Gao Zhongyuan, he did not reach out to take it. Instead, he looked up and said to Yong Fu, "During this descent from the mountain, it is likely Chu Muran will discover something amiss, making it difficult to return to the sect. I hope Master Yong will fulfill his previous promise and guide me, to complete what I seek."

Yong Fu pondered for a moment before nodding and saying, "Though circumstances have changed, my previous promise still holds. However, staying in the E Mountain Sect is not appropriate. In that case, let me find a distinguished teacher for you, one that surely will not disappoint."

He took up a brush, writing swiftly, then tossed down a letter, saying, "You must accept this well. Carry this letter to Moxin Stone in the Chu Kingdom, and someone will come to guide you on the path of cultivation."

Upon hearing the words "Moxin Stone," Gao Zhongyuan immediately felt relieved. He bowed and said, "Thank you, True Master, for your guidance. I shall take my leave now."

After speaking, he turned and walked out of the hall but did not forget to tuck the jade pearls into his sleeve as he left.

At this moment, he suddenly felt several disdainful gazes fall upon him. He didn’t need to look to know they were the disciples of Elder Yong, yet he ignored them. The prosperity of the E Mountain Sect within the immortal city for two hundred years, such jade pearls mean little to them, but how could these people comprehend the hardship he endured in seeking the Dao?

He snorted coldly to himself. These people disdain him now, but once he becomes a Nascent Soul True Master, won’t they still have to bow and scrape before him?

Below the steps, the senior disciple Bai Jiyin watched him leave, saying sternly, "This person betrays his master and ancestors. Why does master still assist him?"

Within a cultivation sect, the relationship between master and disciple is paramount. If someone betrays their master, no sect, whether righteous or evil, demon or otherwise, will accept them.

Yong Fu replied calmly, "He merely rose to prominence by acquiring a spell from Master Shen, not truly a disciple, so it does not count as betrayal. Moreover, he originally worked hard within the sect, only to have even the Hua Dan external medicine he was about to receive taken for other uses, inevitably sowing resentment. Do not underestimate this person; given a chance, he might also become a noteworthy figure in the future."

As these words spread, more than thirty disciples, including Bai Jiyin, felt disgruntled internally.

Yong Fu observed their expressions and smiled without elaborating further.

In his view, Gao Zhongyuan acted decisively, breaking away from the sect without reluctance upon noticing changes within. Such a person is both ruthless and ambitious. If not dispatched, he couldn’t risk leaving him in the sect; best to send him away early.

Just then, a disciple entered the hall, reporting, "Elder, Sect Leader Chu from the Han Yuan Sect is seeking an audience outside!"

The disciples within the hall stirred immediately.

Yong Fu was also surprised. His eyes flickered as he wondered about Chu Muran’s purpose of visit. After a while, he said, "A guest from afar, let Sect Leader Chu come in."

In no time, Chu Muran entered the hall, holding a horsetail whisk and walking confidently, nodding to Yong Fu, "Greetings, True Master Yong."