Yuan's Ascension

Chapter 349: Teachings, Wealth, Companions, and Location (2)

In truth, he felt a sense of relief wash over him. Just a few days prior, Lu Zhu learned that he would be serving a disciple who had been directly admitted to the sect with hereditary status.

This news had initially filled him with worry. Those talented enough to start off as hereditary disciples were often known for their arrogance, and were usually difficult masters to serve. How could they understand the struggles of their subordinates if they had never faced hardships?

However, upon meeting Wu Yuan for the first time, Lu Zhu's apprehensions were eased. His first impression was that this young disciple treated others with humility and respect.

Lu Zhu turned and addressed the group of Golden Core cultivators behind him, “All of you, listen up. Heir Li Xia is someone who joined the sect as a hereditary disciple. He is a peerless genius with the potential to rule this world for hundreds or thousands of years. In the future, he will reach the Void Refiner phase."

"Follow his orders faithfully and do not betray his trust. If anyone is caught leaking information to outsiders... you should understand the consequences of breaking the sect's rules," Lu Zhu spoke gravely.

The authoritative pressure in Lu Zhu's voice caused many of the Golden Core cultivators to shiver, though some couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement.

Serving such a powerful hereditary disciple promised new opportunities and potential for growth for them as well.

Wu Yuan observed the reactions of his new followers.

According to the immortal slip, these Golden Core subordinates were all disciples who had cultivated for more than 500 years. Meanwhile, Lu Zhu was an inner disciple who had cultivated for over 1500 years.

According to the rules, these disciples should have left the sect’s headquarters. However, they volunteered to stay on as first-class or second-class custodians, seeking avenues for further growth and breakthroughs.

"Heir, please follow me," Lu Zhu gestured respectfully, leading Wu Yuan toward the hall in the distance. The group of Golden Core cultivators followed closely.

...

"Heir, the sect has assigned me, along with 100 Golden Core cultivators, to serve as your followers or subordinates," Lu Zhu explained. "Followers are stationed in various locations throughout the world, so typically only around 60 individuals reside in the sky city at any given time."

Wu Yuan walked alongside him, taking in the information.

The immortal slip Earth Immortal Xiang Sheng had given him only provided a general overview of how things worked. Wu Yuan had to figure out many details by himself

"Heir, the sky city is not too large, spanning only a few dozen li. Its main features are the meditation chamber and main hall. The meditation chamber is fitted with a customized jade platform, designated for your cultivation," Lu Zhu elaborated.

"It is also protected by a defense array that, in conjunction with the world's essence, forms a barrier. Even if the sect's external array is breached, the sky city's array can withstand attacks at the Earth Immortal level."

Wu Yuan marveled inwardly. As a hereditary disciple and core member of the Dragon Star Immortal Sect, the sect indeed held him in high regard. His status was comparable to that of a Void Refiner cultivator.

"Feel free to explore the meditation chamber at your leisure," Lu Zhu led Wu Yuan into the spacious central hall.

Numerous light particles materialized and converged, forming an enormous map projection.

"What is this?" Wu Yuan asked, curious.

"The sky city is the core of the world. Through the monitoring array in the main hall, you can observe every corner and witness any event that unfolds in this vast world residence," Lu Zhu said with a smile. "The entire worldlet spans around 60,000 li in length and 30,000 li in width, and currently houses a population of around 500 million."

"Beyond the sky city, there exist three main sectors," Lu Zhu continued. "The first being the mortal residential area." He gestured to a sizable section on the map projection. "All mortals reside here, their residential area taking up about two-thirds of the entire world."

"More than 99% of these individuals are mortals who have recently been transported to this world. Their primary function is to provide you with Faith Incense," Lu Zhu stated solemnly. "This will aid your cultivation."

"Faith?" Wu Yuan was slightly taken aback.

"Yes, we utilize various methods to ensure they revere you and you alone," Lu Zhu explained. "However, unlike the external world, the inhabitants of these worldlets are generally weak, and the power of their Faith Incense is minimal."

"However, as long as their devotion is unwavering and their numbers significant, the collective power of their Faith Incense can be substantial," Lu Zhu explained. "After all, it is extremely difficult to gather a comparable number of living beings for Faith Incense harvesting outside this worldlet."

Wu Yuan nodded in agreement. It was indeed difficult!

Across the vast immortal continent, various sects and families appeared to compete fiercely for power and benefits, but the moment Faith Incense was involved, the Redmoon Immortal Hall showed no mercy.

Any who dared propagate their Faith in the immortal continent were swiftly eradicated without hesitation.

When I reach the Amethyst Cradle phase, I will be able to perceive Faith Incense. At that time, I will make an attempt. Wu Yuan pondered silently.

"The second sector is the cultivation area," Lu Zhu pointed out the region on the map, "Here, you will find a variety of facilities such as pill refining furnaces, equipment forging cauldrons, talisman pools, etc."

Wu Yuan studied the area. While smaller in size, this sector still spanned thousands of li in radius.

"This sector was specially constructed by the sect at great expense," Lu Zhu said with a serious tone. "Many of the auxiliary treasures here are beyond the reach of even Void Refiner cultivators. As a hereditary disciple, you may explore them whenever you wish and cultivate any cultivation path that suits you. However, each path represents a complex journey, so it is crucial that you make your choice wisely."

Wu Yuan listened quietly.

These satellite worldlets were created by the Dragon Star Immortal Sect for the exclusive use of hereditary disciples, hence only the finest amenities were provided, all dedicated solely for Wu Yuan's personal use.

“The last sector is the experimental zone.” Lu Zhu smiled as he pointed the area out. "Around 10,000 li in width, this region is fortified by numerous arrays, making it impervious to destruction by Void Refiner cultivators. Here, you have the freedom to experiment with various arcane arts and arrays."

"While immortal realms also allow for such experimentation, voidrealm simulations cannot compare to experiments in the physical world," she explained. "After each experiment, the zone will be swiftly reset to its original state by the arrays."

"This is just a glimpse of what the world residence offers," Lu Zhu smiled politely. "For other matters regarding hereditary disciples, you may find more information in the Dragon Star Immortal Realm."

“Mm.” Wu Yuan nodded thoughtfully.

...

Over the next day, Wu Yuan wandered through the various sectors of his world residence. The mortal realm within this worldlet had developed to a certain level, with dozens of small nations vying for dominance and hundreds of families locked in competition.

He then proceeded to explore the cultivation and experimental sectors, testing each one out. Eventually, he had to concede that the Dragon Star Immortal Sect had crafted a truly unparalleled cultivation environment for its hereditary disciples.

The pill refining furnace was a top-tier quality spirion device that would drive numerous Void Refiner cultivators in the world outside into a frenzy. On top of that, a Heavenly Earthfire Vein was constructed, designed to be used in combination with the furnace, greatly increasing the success rate of pill refining.

But unfortunately, giving all this to me is just a waste of resources. Wu Yuan shook his head slightly. He was still in the early stages of cultivation, and already decided on the sword cultivation class; he had no desire to be sidetracked by these other classes at present.

Yet, for the Dragon Star Immortal Sect, such facilities were the minimum standard. Hereditary disciples could choose not to utilize them, the option to access them was always open.

The path of cultivation is not just about talent. Wu Yuan mused inwardly. The external factors of teachings, wealth, companions, and location are equally crucial. [1]

He recognized the difficulty of providing such a cultivation environment, even for a first-rate sect like the Dragon Star Immortal Sect.

Wu Yuan couldn't help but feel that the installation of a mortal civilization was likely intended for more than just Faith harvesting.

Allowing hereditary disciples to observe the ebb and flow of a genuine civilization, from its early growth, development, rise, and then fall over the course of hundreds and thousands of years could greatly influence cultivation. Wu Yuan pondered to himself.

Of course, even the Dragon Star Immortal Sect only permitted their hereditary disciples to enjoy such a feature. They couldn’t afford to grant all inner and outer disciples the same privilege.

It has only been a few days. I’ve yet to hear any news from Sword Immortal Dong Yang. Does he not intend to take me on as his disciple? Wu Yuan furrowed his brow in contemplation.

Environmental factors held significant importance, but a mentor was equally crucial.

Hmm? Zhuo Haiyue is looking for me? Wu Yuan suddenly received a message via the Redmoon Immortal Realm.

Swiftly, he sent a strand of consciousness into the voidrealm.

1. (法财侣地) A reference to the four conditions that are necessary for spiritual progress. Teachings usually refer to the Buddhist/Taoist teachings, which provide the foundation for spiritual practice. Wealth refers to the material resources that are necessary to support spiritual practice, such as food, clothing, and shelter. Companions refer to other spiritual practitioners who can provide support and guidance. Location refers to a place where one can practice the teachings in peace and quiet. ☜