Heavenly Saint Lake.
Two Daoists walked side by side, traveling on the wind, one in a green robe, the other in a white robe.
"I wonder, what is the matter that made Senior Brother Ping Yue summon us this time?" asked the green-robed man contemplatively.
"Naturally, itâs about the Great Universe," replied the white-robed man nonchalantly. "What else could it be?"
The green-robed man squinted and said, "The Great Universe... Hasnât the Heavenly Mechanism Realm already calculated it, that it will take at least another two years for those at the Heavenly Human Rank to enter the Great Universe? And for people like us at the Three Layers of Heaven, it will take even longer."
"Are a few years really that long? Itâs merely the time spent in solitude cultivation," the white-robed Taoist said. "You and I canât enter, but your Junior Luo, and my junior sister both have a chance. Getting in early and seizing the advantage is the key."
"Letâs not talk about us, all the ancestor figures are breaking their heads over securing spots for their disciples and followers."
The ancestor figures he referred to were all powerful beings of the Heavenly King level, who were recently engaged in endless debates over spots for the Great Universe.
"I really donât understand why the upper echelons want to limit the numbers entering the Great Universe," the green-robed guest said with a frown.
The white-robed man shook his head: "You have it wrong, the sect limits the supported slots. If you want to go to the Great Universe, you can go by yourself. But if you want the sectâs resources given to you, you have to compete for a place there, because... this is the âfoundationâ of the sectâs future in the Great Universe."
The green-robed guest gazed deeply and sighed lightly, "Indeed, future branches will be difficult to assign spots."
On the way to the gathering, the two happened upon a person who looked to be in a hurry.
"Brother Han Hai, what brings you out today?"
The green-robed guest stopped mid-air, clasped his hands, and smiled.
Han Hai laughed heartily, "So itâs you two juniors, itâs been a while. All is well, I hope? Iâm on my way to deliver some items to Uncle Master No Heaven."
The two were surprised, and the green-robed man tentatively asked, "Is it for the Divine Prohibition in the sect?"
"Of course! Aside from Uncle Master No Heaven, who else could it be?"
The white-robed man suddenly asked, "Brother Han Hai, I heard not long ago that the Lower Realm offered a spiritual item of the innate kind. Is it still in the treasury?"
Han Hai quickly shook his head, "Itâs not there anymore, you two should not think about it. Such a divine item naturally belongs to Uncle Master No Heaven."
The green-robed guestâs expression changed, just about to say something, but was stopped by the white-robed man accompanying him.
The latter politely said, "We wonât disturb you any longer, Brother Han Hai. Farewell."
As the parties gradually drifted apart, the green-robed guest questioned, "Why did you stop me? Those innate elements were clearly decided by Senior Brother Ping Yue."
The white-robed man replied in surprise, "I didnât know when did you, Ping Zhen, become a loyal follower of Senior Brother Ping Yue?"
The green-robed guest was momentarily speechless, wanting to say something but stopping halfway.
The white-robed man said plainly, "In the next ten years, it will probably be the era of Tian Qiu. Why would you want to champion a cause for Ping Yue?"
The two walked in tandem, eventually arriving at a dojo situated in the middle of the Holy Mountain.
To be seated at the Holy Mountainâs midpoint at the Heavenly Human Rank meant a significant status within the sect.
Just as they stepped into the dojo, someone inside let out a cold laugh:
"I didnât expect that our final rival isnât the late Junior Tianyang, nor you or me, but this Tian Qiu who popped up from nowhere."
A man wearing a wide scholarâs cap scoffed self-deprecatingly.
"Rival?" another voice said flatly, "Thatâs hardly the case. As expected, that man is already comprehending the Supreme Method, what do you have to compete with him?"
"Hmph!"
With a heavy cold snort, a white-haired Daoist said grimly: "Just an outsider for now, when we donât need him anymore in the future, does he really think he can keep that position? Once heâs gone, the Supreme Method will be vacated again!"
The other disciples might not know Tian Qiuâs true origin, but those present were all core members of various lineages, even the position of Heavenly King had been set, only waiting to cultivate to the Heavenly Person Perfection to queue for the sequence.
They knew very well that Tian Qiu was just an outsider.
In past years, although Divine Prohibition was precious, it wasnât to the extent of pulling in someone newly initiated with the Supreme Method!
"Junior Ping Qing, be cautious with your words!"
One person furrowed his brow and sternly reprimanded,
"Remarks detrimental to unity, if spread, will surely bring severe punishment from the upper echelons and ancestors. Even your master wouldnât be able to protect you!"
Taoist Pingqing was indifferent and said, "Those summoned by Senior Brother Ping Yue today are all insiders. If even words from this gathering can spread, hehe..."
He didnât say anything further, but just looked around, sneering.
Everyone nodded slightly, expressing agreement.
One person said: "Thereâs sense to those words. We are all fellow disciples here. During such gatherings, it is only natural to speak freely. If there isnât even this level of trust, we might as well part ways soon."
Sitting at the head seat was Ping Yue, the leading disciple of the current Nanhua lineage, who spoke calmly:
"Being candid doesnât mean speaking recklessly. Fellow brothers should still be cautious, not acting on impulse. Besides, for our gatherings, internal confidentiality is naturally required."
Ping Qing smiled apologetically, "Senior Brother is right, I was a bit too impetuous, really advocating for Senior Brotherâs fairness."
The woman sitting beside Ping Qing tugged at her lips, her gaze skimming over the others, amused.
Impulsive? Overzealous?
The people here, who among them hasnât already proven the Spiritual Holy Embryo?
In the context of the Heavenly Saint Lake, they may be called disciples, but outside this place, who among them isnât in a high position with a bunch of disciples and followers?
Talking about being overzealous is truly absurd and laughable.
Itâs just about being outspoken and open-minded.
"Fellow brothers, please take your seats." Ping Yue gestured for the newly arrived Ping Zhen and the other to sit.
Just as they sat down, the white-robed man picked up a topic that had been discussed earlier, talking about meeting Brother Han Hai on the way.