In the following days, Ye Qin thoroughly examined the remaining four colors of light within the ancient purple jade slip. He reviewed everything needed for the "Grand Five Elements Sword Array" in the Purple Sword Art, including the five required top-grade flying swords and their necessary raw materials.

The further he read, the more troubled he became.

Sun Crow Shining Crystal, Silk Sound Jade Bamboo, Heavenly One Water, Purple Fire Crystal, and Yellow Dust Sand—all required materials of at least three thousand years old, each needing the addition of Yuanjing (Essence Quintessence) and refinement using five completely distinct artifact forging methods.

After finishing the review, Ye Qin almost entirely abandoned the idea of cultivating the complete set of the Purple Sword Art.

The material requirements for these flying sword magic tools were utterly extravagant.

Take the Purple Fire Crystal, for instance. It was condensed after ordinary fire-element ore had been scorched by earth-fire for thousands of years. If he hadn't ventured deep into the third layer of the Myriad Withered Ridge Cave during the trial, he likely wouldn't have even seen its shadow.

How many people in this world possessed the capability to gather all the raw materials listed there?

Simply finding just one set of the refining materials would be considered sheer luck.

Ye Qin temporarily set aside his thoughts on cultivating the Purple Sword Art. He stayed for several days in the separate courtyard buildings reserved for Foundation Establishment stage cultivators of the Azure Pill Sect, changing into the white robes only Foundation Establishment cultivators were qualified to wear. He then visited the Scripture Pavilion, searching for the middle and final sections of the Sitting In Oblivion Sutra—the Foundation Establishment and Golden Core stage cultivation methods, respectively—to prepare for future cultivation.

This Sitting In Oblivion Sutra was incredibly ancient; even in a great immortal cultivation sect like the Azure Pill Sect, very few people practiced it.

The Azure-robed disciple responsible for chores in the Scripture Pavilion spent half a day laboriously searching, his face grimed with dust, before finally finding a jade slip that had been stored away for ages, untouched. He respectfully handed it to Ye Qin after Ye Qin mentioned wanting the Sitting In Oblivion Sutra.

Ye Qin used over ten low-grade spirit stones to copy both the middle and final sections of the Sitting In Oblivion Sutra and took them directly.

Of course, he also gathered other books such as Introduction to Basic Spells, Intermediate Spells Compendium, Usage of Various Common Magic Artifacts, Five Elements Generation and Restraint of Magic Artifacts, and Common Pill Refining Recipes for Foundation Establishment Cultivators, planning to conduct a comprehensive review and urgently catch up on general knowledge.

It was somewhat embarrassing to admit, but despite being a Foundation Establishment cultivator, Ye Qin understood very little about many low-tier spells. He had grasped extremely little about the general knowledge related to various spirit artifacts, magic tools, and pill refining.

He estimated it would take him at least several years just to fill in this gap in fundamental knowledge.

On this day, Ye Qin returned to his temporary residence from the Scripture Pavilion only to find a middle-aged, blue-robed disciple waiting at the courtyard entrance.

This disciple was the same blue-robed guard Ye Qin had seen at the entrance of the Purple Gold Grand Hall several days prior. Standing beside him was a young maiden, who stood slightly to the side with an expression of timid reluctance, yet also one of eagerness.

The blue-robed disciple waited anxiously at the gate. Upon seeing Ye Qin return, his face lit up with joy, and he quickly stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Junior Martial Uncle Ye, this disciple Peng Yuan offers his respects." He knew Ye Qin’s surname because they had previously gone together to update registration records.

Ye Qin glanced at him and asked coolly, "Is there something you need?"

The blue-robed disciple quickly forced a smile, "This disciple has nothing urgent, Junior Martial Uncle. It's just that I noticed you haven't had anyone useful around these past few days, and I worried you might be inconvenienced living alone here, so I kept thinking about it. I thought perhaps you might need a maid to attend to you for convenience. This is my younger sister, Peng Dan; she is seventeen, upright in character, skillful, and has never served another Martial Uncle before. I wonder if she meets your approval?"

Ye Qin’s face instantly darkened.

He guessed the situation after only the first few sentences and his impression of Peng Yuan immediately soured.

This Peng Yuan was far too eager to curry favor! He had just met him a few days ago, and now he was sending his own sister over just to please him, a newly ascended Martial Uncle? Was such fawning necessary?

Ye Qin swept his gloomy gaze over Peng Yuan.

However, to his surprise, despite showing some fear under Ye Qin's icy aura, Peng Yuan showed no intention of giving up. Instead, he adopted an even more servile smile, as if he would not leave until he had successfully presented his sister.

Ye Qin stared at Peng Yuan for a long moment, then glanced at Peng Dan beside him, and sighed.

Such was the harsh reality of the immortal cultivation world. The status of Qi Refining cultivators was pitifully low. Even blue-robed disciples, without deep familial backing, had to scheme constantly to please higher-ranking cultivators.

But thinking carefully, perhaps Peng Yuan wasn't entirely motivated by mere flattery. It was more likely he sought a better future for his sister.

Peng Dan was around seventeen or eighteen, possessing only the fourth level of Qi Refining. She had an oval face, delicate features, wore a pale blue gown, and possessed a well-defined figure—certainly attractive enough. She looked shy, daring not to raise her eyes to look at him.

A low cultivation level like the fourth level of Qi Refining might allow one to get by well enough in the various kingdoms, but in the Azure Pill Sect, barely anyone would spare her a second glance. Among the sect's low-level disciples, without a high-tier Qi Refining cultivation, one's voice carried no weight.

However, if she could become the attendant or concubine of a Foundation Establishment Martial Uncle, it would be a leap onto the high branches, significantly boosting her status and standing.

Although Ye Qin felt a degree of sympathy, he didn't want a woman around him without reason, so he found an excuse and politely declined, "I am very poor and lack the spare funds to support attendants. Please return."

Peng Yuan quickly interjected, "Junior Martial Uncle Ye, every Foundation Establishment cultivator receives a fixed monthly stipend. Furthermore, if one has attendants or servants, the sect issues additional subsidies, so it doesn't cost much."

Ye Qin was momentarily stunned. Foundation Establishment cultivators who kept attendants received subsidies? This truly surprised him.

He pondered for a moment. Once he had his own personal courtyard and complex later on, he would need someone to manage the interior and exterior. It would be inconvenient to ask ordinary Azure Pill Sect disciples to handle these chores. Keeping one or two trusted individuals around seemed necessary.

"Let her stay for now. She can handle the routine upkeep of the courtyard; nothing more is needed."

Peng Yuan was overjoyed. "Thank you, Junior Martial Uncle!"

He quickly pulled his sister, urging Peng Dan to offer her thanks.

Peng Dan quickly bowed.

She had been very unwilling to come, fearing her brother would send her off to an old Martial Uncle in his fifties or sixties, or perhaps serve some repulsive, overweight senior. But upon seeing Ye Qin, she suddenly realized how wrong her imagination had been.

This Martial Uncle was astonishingly young. While his appearance was somewhat ordinary, it certainly wasn't ugly. His temper seemed gentler than expected. Although he appeared detached, he seemed more approachable than she had anticipated. To be able to serve such a Martial Uncle was a blessing; she naturally ceased her resistance.

Ye Qin nodded indifferently, gave Peng Dan a few instructions on what needed doing, and proceeded into the courtyard, heading straight up to the second floor. In his private room, he began browsing the pile of books he had just acquired from the Scripture Pavilion.

Since it wouldn't cost him anything, doing a good deed on a whim was harmless. However, he harbored absolutely no intention of taking her as a concubine.

Several days later, Sect Master Wu Ruiyang finally arrived in person at the temporary residence Ye Qin was occupying, his voice hearty as he called out, "Haha, is Junior Martial Brother Ye here? I have been busy handling some pressing matters these past few days and couldn't see you sooner; please forgive me, forgive me!"

Ye Qin was somewhat surprised. He had expected the Sect Master to send someone to summon him once he was free, not to visit personally. Daring not to show disrespect, he immediately exited the upper floor to greet him, cupping his hands in salute: "Greetings to the Sect Master!"

Sect Master Wu seemed slightly displeased. "Junior Martial Brother Ye, why such formality? We are both Foundation Establishment cultivators; we should address each other as Martial Brothers from now on. Our Azure Pill Sect only produces three or four Foundation Establishment cultivators annually. We cultivators of the same generation are rare."

"Yes, Martial Brother!"

Ye Qin forced a wry smile and had to change his address. In his heart, he noted that this Sect Master Wu was not as stern as he had been before; it seemed Wu Ruiyang maintained a significant difference in attitude between peers and juniors.

Only then was Wu Ruiyang satisfied. He clapped Ye Qin on the shoulder, and the two entered the upper floor together.

Ye Qin was unaware that among the two hundred Foundation Establishment cultivators in the Azure Pill Sect, few received such treatment—a personal visit from Sect Master Wu Ruiyang.

Firstly, it was due to Ye Qin's age. Many Foundation Establishment cultivators reached that stage in their forties or fifties, whereas Ye Qin had achieved it in his early twenties, meaning his lifespan was still long.

In the immortal world, longevity was a massive advantage. Setting aside cultivation level for a moment, if others died and he lived, the benefits gained during that intervening time were endless. Young Foundation Establishment cultivators like him invariably attracted the attention and favor of the sect's high command.

Secondly, it was due to the incident at Myriad Withered Ridge three years ago.

Wu Ruiyang had recently received reports from the blue-robed disciple stating that a sect member named Ye Qin had successfully reached Foundation Establishment. He quickly recalled Ye Qin’s past achievements: Ye Qin had performed a great service for the sect by obtaining eight map scrolls and had generously given two Foundation Establishment Pills to Yan Xuan, causing Elder Yan to owe him a profound favor.

Now that Ye Qin had successfully established his foundation and returned to the sect, Elder Yan would undoubtedly expend considerable effort in cultivating him to repay that debt. Consequently, this Junior Martial Brother Ye could be considered part of Elder Yan's faction within the sect, possessing backing and no longer being isolated.

Wu Ruiyang considered this and naturally saw no reason to hold back his status. After finishing minor sect administrative matters, he decided to visit personally to strengthen their camaraderie. His ability to maintain his position as the Azure Pill Sect Master was proof of his exceptional capabilities.

Not only that, but he offered Ye Qin extra consideration, discussing the construction of a brand-new complex spanning several hectares on Azure Spring Peak, one of the seven peaks of the Azure Pill Sect, to serve as Ye Qin's residence.

Furthermore, he designated several hectares of prime medicinal herb fields near the residence, assigning them to Ye Qin's name. These fields were excellent for cultivating spirit herbs.

Ye Qin displayed great satisfaction with these benefits, but inwardly he offered a wry smile. He already possessed the Wood Purple Mansion, which was sufficient for growing herbs. The Azure Pill Sect's fields were merely negligible to him. He couldn't possibly wait decades just to harvest spirit medicines.

After bestowing these numerous benefits, Sect Master Wu’s smile faded, and his expression turned solemn. "Junior Martial Brother Ye, now that you are a core disciple of our sect, there are certain internal and external sect matters that Martial Brother must clarify for you, to prevent any unexpected trouble in the future."

Seeing the Sect Master’s serious expression, Ye Qin knew the matter was significant and quickly replied, "Senior Martial Brother Wu, please speak!"

"Our Azure Pill Sect was founded ten thousand years ago and has numerous rules to regulate the behavior of its disciples. However, all sect rules combined are not as important as one: the Spirit Mist Alliance Covenant."

Sect Master Wu stood with his hands behind his back, speaking calmly. "Ten thousand years ago, the founders of the various immortal cultivation sects entered the Spirit Mist Mountain Range, established their mountain gates and cave dwellings, and swore an oath binding their sect's destiny, establishing three covenants.

"The first covenant divides spheres of influence. Immortal Destiny City and the Spirit Mist Grand Canyon are governed by the Immortal Destiny City Rogue Cultivator Alliance. The nations surrounding the Spirit Mist Mountain Range are governed by immortal cultivation families. Our foundation in the immortal cultivation sects is restricted solely to the Spirit Mist Mountain Range. You came from a rogue cultivator background; perhaps you are not entirely clear on this point?"

Ye Qin nodded. "I originated as a rogue cultivator from the Martial Nation and spent some time in Immortal Destiny City. I know a little about it."

Sect Master Wu chuckled. "That is excellent. Remember this point and avoid making errors. If you travel to Immortal Destiny City or the surrounding nations in the future, do not casually stir up trouble. Next, the second covenant is the Alliance Contract. The major immortal cultivation sects of the Spirit Mist Mountain Range and Immortal Destiny City share the same origins; we must absolutely not engage in trivial disputes."

Ye Qin paused upon hearing this, confused internally.

Where did this agreement come from?

Inside the Myriad Withered Ridge Cave, mutual slaughter among disciples of various sects was commonplace. Didn't the higher-ups of every sect tacitly permit this behavior?

Sect Master Wu seemed to sense Ye Qin's bewilderment and smiled. "This agreement was established ten thousand years ago. All our sect founders originated from Immortal Destiny City, hence this covenant. Although many immortal cultivation sects have risen and fallen since then, this covenant has generally been upheld.

"However, to preserve the fighting spirit of our disciples, in a few specific circumstances—such as trial grounds—moderate fighting between sect disciples is permitted. When you descend the mountain for experience in the future, the most crucial thing to remember is that minor skirmishes are fine, but you must never provoke conflict between the various immortal cultivation sects of the Spirit Mist Mountain Range or Immortal Destiny City. If small troubles arise, the sect can support you. But if you provoke major trouble, leading to conflict between sects or with Immortal Destiny City, the sect cannot cover for you."

Ye Qin nodded, deciding to remember the details for now, regardless of the implications.

A question suddenly occurred to him: "Senior Martial Brother Wu, do all Foundation Establishment disciples need to leave the mountain for experience?"

Sect Master Wu laughed. "Correct. All disciples of this sect must venture out for experience for more than three years after completing Foundation Establishment to understand the conditions of the Central Continent before returning to the sect for secluded cultivation. Thereafter, they will be dispatched outward roughly once every one or two decades. This is the custom for all major immortal cultivation sects; it’s not just Azure Pill Sect disciples who must do this.

"But this is not urgent. After about a year or so, once the sect has promoted two or three more new Foundation Establishment cultivators, you can travel together for experience; it will be safer that way."

"I will rely on Senior Martial Brother Wu for the arrangements!"

Ye Qin had no objection to this experiential training. Since the sect had this custom of sending out Foundation Establishment disciples, he naturally intended to comply.

Sect Master Wu continued, "The third covenant is the Offensive and Defensive Alliance Covenant. If we encounter cultivators from other Immortal Destiny Cities in the Central Continent, those of us in the Spirit Mist Mountain Range are obligated to offer assistance."

Ye Qin was taken aback. "There are other Immortal Destiny Cities?"

Sect Master Wu smiled. "Naturally. We cultivators here are generally called Spirit Mist Immortal Destiny City cultivators. The Central Continent is vast; we are not the only ones. Strictly speaking, our Spirit Mist Mountain Range is not large. Cultivators from other regions surpass us in both years of cultivation and geographical scope. When you go out for experience, you will naturally understand this better then."

Ye Qin was immediately shocked. The Spirit Mist Mountain Range covered millions of square miles; even flying on a sword would take over half a year. And the territories controlled by immortal cultivation families surrounding the Spirit Mist Mountain Range were even more expansive.

Just how far away were the other Immortal Destiny Cities in the distant Central Continent?

Sect Master Wu stated solemnly, "These three covenants are the foundation upon which our Azure Pill Sect has stood for ten thousand years. Since you are a core disciple of our sect, you must remember that the covenants take precedence above all else. As long as the covenants are not violated, the other rules are easily negotiable."

Ye Qin replied, "Thank you for your guidance, Senior Martial Brother!"

First published