Translator: CinderTL
The most capable of resolving issues and the most formidable in combat.
Li Chunjun suddenly thought of the Nine True Transmission Peaks of the Taixu Sword Sect.
Immediately after, he thought of the Nine Provinces of Taixu.
So...
"Do the Nine True Transmission Peaks correspond to the Nine Provinces of Taixu?"
"Correct."
Qin Zhou nodded: "One True Inheritor oversees each province."
"But aren't there time limits for disciple promotions?"
"That applies to ordinary disciples, not True Inheritor Disciples."
Qin Zhou explained: "The oldest True Inheritor Disciple in our Taixu Sword Sect is Hao Chang Kong, who has been cultivating for 261 years."
He then added: "The Core Formation is the essence of a cultivator's vital energy, spirit, and vitality. After 200 years, it inevitably begins to decline, and the power of the Core Formation diminishes. However, Chang Kong has refined a Golden Core, so his peak state can be maintained until he reaches 300 years of age."
A 261-year-old True Inheritor.
This was indeed quite different from Li Chunjun's understanding of True Inheritor Disciples.
"Unlike deacons, supervisors, and Elders who are responsible for handling various internal sect affairs, True Inheritor Disciples are purely supported by the sect. They don't need to deal with any daily matters, focusing solely on cultivation and enjoying the sect's best resources! They only step in when the sect faces critical, life-and-death situations!"
Qin Zhou paused briefly before continuing: "When a True Inheritor leaves the mountain, it's always a matter of life and death!"
"How many True Inheritors does the Chiyang Sword Sect have?"
"Three."
Qin Zhou replied: "Zhou Wu Gou, who oversees Great Shang; Chu Tian Que, who oversees Great Chu; and Xiao Yan Zhi, who oversees Great Li."
"So few?"
"With less territory and fewer resources, naturally, fewer True Inheritors can be supported."
Qin Zhou's tone shifted slightly: "Moreover, not every disciple aspires to become a True Inheritor. If too many True Inheritors are appointed without sufficient strength, no one would dare to take that position."
"I recall there's also the concept of 'True Inheritor treatment' in the sect?"
Li Chunjun thought of something and asked.
"Yes, there is."
Qin Zhou nodded: "Enjoying True Inheritor treatment! But the actual treatment of a True Inheritor includes not only the sect's provisions but also the unique resources from the regions they oversee. The two are incomparable."
After saying this, he glanced at Li Chunjun: "After hundreds of thousands of years of evolution, True Inheritor Disciples have essentially taken on the role of vice-sect leaders. The vice-sect leader... is truly the sect leader's assistant, helping to handle matters the sect leader cannot attend to."
"Mm."
Li Chunjun listened attentively.
"The Chiyang Sword Sect is different from our Taixu Sword Sect. Below the sect leader, there are six halls. The hall masters are roughly equivalent to the peak masters of our Four Governance Peaks. These need not concern us. Below the six halls are numerous Elders... the number of these Elders ranges between 300 and 320."
Qin Zhou continued his explanation.
300 to 320 Core Formation cultivators?
Li Chunjun paused.
He then thought of the Taixu Sword Sect.
The Flaming Phoenix Peak of the Taixu Sword Sect alone had over a dozen Core Formation cultivators.
And Taixu has nineteen peaks.
It's likely that the number of Core Formation cultivators exceeds 300.
Although the Chiyang Sword Sect's influence doesn't match that of the Taixu Sword Sect, it is still one of the Nine Immortal Sects. While its combat power may not be as strong, its numbers shouldn't lag far behind.
But...
"Does overseeing a single Blue Star require so many Core Formation cultivators?"
Li Chunjun asked.
Finally, he added: "Believers?"
Core Formation cultivators can fly at supersonic speeds when fully unleashed.
They also master numerous Arcane Arts.
In terms of mobility, flexibility, and lethality, they far surpass the so-called sixth-generation fighter jets of decades ago.
Without resorting to nuclear weapons, a single Core Formation cultivator could destroy over 90% of the world's air forces.
"The Evil God's Believers are like grasshoppers after autumn, in the final stages of cleanup. The most important aspect of the Blue Star world is its location at a spatial node, where a Star Gate can be established."
Qin Zhou smiled: "Strategic locations have always been crucial, so before the Star Gate is established, it's natural to deploy more personnel to ensure everything is secure."
"Star Gate?"
"I don't know the specifics."
Qin Zhou chuckled wryly: "But once the Star Gate is opened, the Blue Star world will become a transportation hub, and the tolls collected will bring in immense wealth. This is why the Nine Sects have established branches in the Blue Star world."
"So, Blue Star is very important to the Chiyang Sword Sect."
Li Chunjun said.
"Of course."
Qin Zhou responded accurately.
"Alright."
Li Chunjun nodded: "Tell me about Bai Yang, Yan Wuya, Tian Jian, Bei Feng, and Yan Tian Lie."
"True Inheritor Disciples oversee various countries, but they serve only as the ultimate force guarantee. The ones handling day-to-day matters are these Elders. Bai Yang, Bei Feng, and another Elder, Shang Bie Li, are the Chiyang Sword Sect's liaisons with Great Shang, all True Core cultivators."
Qin Zhou began introducing the various Core Formation cultivators.
The Core Formation realm is divided into Virtual Core, True Core, and Golden Core.
Most Virtual Core cultivators remain within the sect, performing relatively safe garrison duties, with fewer external missions.
The sect's true main force consists of True Core cultivators.
Those who undertake dangerous missions are also True Core cultivators.
True Core cultivators often accumulate significant resources and wealth. When they reach the Golden Core stage, they focus entirely on cultivation, attempting to touch upon the Nascent Soul realm.
Only those Golden Core cultivators who know they have no hope of reaching Nascent Soul will leave their caves and take risks for one last attempt.
This explanation lasted three days.
After three days of introduction, Li Chunjun barely managed to grasp the details of the many Core Formation cultivators in the Chiyang Sword Sect.
At the same time, he gained a deeper understanding of the Core Formation realm.
At its core, this realm is about using the "Golden Core" as a new control center to take over the cultivator's body, thereby releasing all the energy within.
In more sci-fi terms...
It's called unlocking the genetic code.
With this deeper understanding, he felt a sense of anticipation.
He wondered how much his strength would improve after refining his sword into a core, unlocking his "genetic code," and releasing all the power within his body.
"Refining the sword into a core..."
Li Chunjun sensed the Flaming Phoenix Power within him.
Perhaps...
He should follow the traditional path of Flaming Phoenix Sword Cultivators and use the Flaming Phoenix Power to perform two life-sacrificing sword rituals?
This thought lingered in Li Chunjun's mind for a moment before he suppressed it.
If he were to try it, he should wait until his life level was about to reach level 22.
That would provide a safety net.
Additionally, although he had now tapped into the second level of the Flaming Phoenix Blood, it didn't mean he should waste both opportunities for rebirth.
Refining the sword into a core is extremely perilous for a sword cultivator, akin to pouring one's life into the Lifebound Flying Sword to nurture a second life. For safety's sake, he should keep one opportunity for rebirth.
And...
Wait for another level-up opportunity.
"When my life level is on the verge of reaching level 23, that will be the day I charge into the Core Formation realm and step into the Spirit Refining realm."
...
In the following days, Li Chunjun practiced the Flame Phoenix Sun Refining, Flaming Phoenix Profound Light, and Void Sword Flash on his own.
In theory, having cultivated Sword Intent, his sword practice should be more efficient. However, without Jiang Wanyu to spar with, he found it difficult to adjust, and his actual progress didn't improve much.
For a moment, he couldn't help but glance toward Jiang Wanyu's courtyard.
But then he realized something and was momentarily stunned.
He fell silent for nearly half a minute before regaining his composure.
He shifted his gaze away from the courtyard.
"Habits... truly are a terrifying human weakness."
With that, he left the courtyard.
As soon as he stepped out, Qin Zhou hurried over again: "Sword Prodigy, the Peak Master asked me to give you this list. These are the nine additional people she has selected for you."
Li Chunjun glanced at it.
The list contained thirty-three names.
It detailed the strengths, backgrounds, origins, and cultivation levels of these thirty-three individuals.
Jiang Yuqiu's intention was clearly for him to choose the nine most suitable candidates from these thirty-three.
"Have all these people agreed?"
Li Chunjun asked.
"More than just these people."
Qin Zhou immediately replied: "Your current reputation in the sect is unparalleled, even surpassing that of the True Inheritors. Everyone who mentions you speaks with utmost praise and deep respect. If you choose anyone, as long as you say the word, they would be honored to join your team and do their utmost to serve you."
He smiled: "The thirty-three names here have already been heavily filtered."
Although Li Chunjun felt Qin Zhou's words were somewhat exaggerated...
The deeper he delved into the legacy left by the previous Flaming Phoenix Sword Prodigy, the more he understood this sentiment.
The previous Flaming Phoenix Sword Prodigy had brought immense benefits to the Taixu Sword Sect, to the point where everyone had a blind confidence in the new "Sword Prodigy."
As Li Chunjun reviewed the profiles of the thirty-three individuals, Qin Zhou suddenly remembered something.
He carefully chose his words: "Sword Prodigy, an old acquaintance of yours in the sect recently approached me, hoping to meet with you. It seems they have something they need your help with."
"An old acquaintance?"
Li Chunjun quickly thought of someone.
The Ling family?
After a moment of contemplation, he said: "Then let's meet."
Then he added: "Take me to them."
"You're going personally? I can bring them here..."
Qin Zhou quickly offered.
Li Chunjun shook his head.
He didn't want to have too much involvement with the Ling family...
To be precise, he didn't want to have any relationship with Ling Zhi beyond friendship.
"Let's go."
Li Chunjun said.
"Alright. Although he's a Nominal Disciple, he's a key Nominal Disciple, enjoying treatment no less than that of an Official Disciple. He also has the privilege of living at the foot of the mountain. We'll head there now..."
Qin Zhou said, preparing to take Li Chunjun on a flying sword.
But Li Chunjun waved his hand.
Activating his Divine Sense, the Spirit Artifact-level Crimson Sky Sword nimbly circled around him.
"Your Lifebound Flying Sword has evolved into a Spirit Artifact?"
Qin Zhou was pleasantly surprised.
A Spirit Artifact-level Lifebound Flying Sword indeed allows a sword cultivator to achieve flight during the Qi Refining stage.
With that, he leapt into the air, leading the way.
Li Chunjun, gripping the Crimson Sky Sword tightly, unleashed his sword energy, merging with the sword. Using the sword's edge to cut through the air resistance, he soared into the sky, closely following Qin Zhou.
This method of sword flight wasn't as composed as that of Core Formation cultivators, but it was the fastest way to fly.
Before long, the two had traversed dozens of miles, descending toward a cluster of buildings where the disciples resided.
As their sword lights landed, the disciples along the way respectfully saluted these sword-flying seniors.
Qin Zhou paid no attention, pointing to a courtyard: "He's inside."
Li Chunjun nodded and followed Qin Zhou into the courtyard.
But just as he was about to step inside, he paused: "You said friends from Guangzhou City... are they here?"
"Yes, there are three of them."
Qin Zhou replied: "This person is named Qin Chuan. We checked afterward, and he is indeed your classmate, and you were quite close."
He smiled: "You tutored him a lot back then. His grades were good enough to get into the capital university of Great Shang, so he has some potential. He's worthy of the sect's Official Disciple training."
(End of the Chapter)
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