Qingyunzi was undoubtedly a responsible sect master.

However, it seemed he had poured all his talent into immortal cultivation, lacking in other areas, which led to the current state of the Azurecloud Sect.

Now, with over eighty new disciples and no clear direction, how could he calm his mind to enter seclusion?

Thus, he had always been attentive to the changes within the Azurecloud Sect, pondering ways to resolve its situation.

Despite claiming he wouldn't interfere with Zhang Yang's reforms, if the Azurecloud Sect faced issues, he would still have to step in. After all, he was the sect master.

When Zhang Yang returned to the Azurecloud Sect, Qingyunzi noticed immediately.

What he didn't expect was that Zhang Yang had brought back a large amount of spiritual herbs and materials for crafting.

Even more surprising was the acquisition of numerous spirit stones.

In the next moment, he was furious.

Everyone received ten thousand spirit stones, yet he wasn't mentioned at all?

The Azurecloud Sect had been accustomed to poverty for years, never having so many spirit stones... Back when they outfitted Zhang Yang, they had to exchange labor for resources, never seeing spirit stones.

So, he immediately jumped out.

He needed spirit stones too!

"Master!" Zhang Yang was a bit surprised, "Weren't you in seclusion?"

He genuinely thought Qingyunzi was in seclusion, which was why he hadn't allocated spirit stones to him.

Besides, by the time Qingyunzi emerged from seclusion in half a year, the Azurecloud Sect might not even lack spirit stones.

Qingyunzi glared at Zhang Yang, "You still remember I'm your master? Where are my spirit stones?"

Zhang Yang laughed and distributed ten thousand spirit stones to everyone, including Qingyunzi.

"Master, and all the uncles, once you receive the spirit stones, quickly enhance your cultivation! Ultimately, the Azurecloud Sect will rely on you. But don't enter closed-door seclusion, so we can find you when needed.

I'll temporarily manage the extra spirit stones, as there are many expenses. Once the Azurecloud Sect's reforms are complete, we can discuss financial management. By the way, Master, I took in a registered disciple for you. Now that you're out of seclusion, how about meeting him tomorrow and teaching him a technique?" Zhang Yang looked at Qingyunzi.

Qingyunzi's smile froze.

He had just received some spirit stones, and now this troublesome disciple found him another student?

Seeing Qingyunzi's expression change, Zhang Yang explained, "Master, don't worry, you just need to meet him and teach him a technique. I'll handle everything else."

Qingyunzi felt relieved and nodded, "Then tomorrow at the hour of the dragon, meet him in the main hall. Alright, since we have spirit stones, everyone go cultivate!"

After speaking, he left first.

The other members of the Seven Sons of Azurecloud, except Lingyunzi, also left.

Zhang Yang was the last to leave, his residence on Azurecloud Peak, as he was the sect master's disciple.

Returning to Azurecloud Peak, Zhang Yang closed his door and began cultivating with the spirit stones.

With spirit stones, the efficiency was much faster than Qi Refining.

Zhang Yang looked inwardly at his dantian, observing the golden core the size of a soybean, continuously extracting spiritual qi from the spirit stones to strengthen it.

The spiritual qi from one spirit stone was equivalent to five days of full effort in Qi Refining.

"This is what true immortal cultivation is!" Zhang Yang smiled with satisfaction.

***

The next morning, sunlight illuminated the Azurecloud Sect's main hall.

In the square outside the hall, all eighty-seven disciples of the Azurecloud Sect were seated.

Today was the first day of imparting techniques, and everyone took it seriously, arriving early at the square.

Standing nearby was Jiang Zhiqiu.

At this moment, Jiang Zhiqiu felt a bit anxious.

Although Zhang Yang promised to let him join the Azurecloud Sect, he hadn't officially joined yet.

Another concern was whether joining the Azurecloud Sect would truly provide him with a legacy of techniques.

Under the gaze of the crowd, figures descended from the peaks towards the main hall.

Watching them ride the wind, the ordinary disciples' eyes lit up with excitement.

Even Jiang Zhiqiu felt a surge of emotion.

The Azurecloud Sect, with its long-standing heritage, had so many experts whose cultivation levels he couldn't discern?

Qingyunzi and others entered the hall and sat down, while Zhang Yang instructed the ordinary disciples, "Everyone, sit quietly and wait!"

He gestured for Jiang Zhiqiu to follow him into the hall.

Inside the hall, everyone appeared refreshed and cheerful.

Clearly, last night's cultivation with spirit stones had brought about significant changes.

Seeing Jiang Zhiqiu enter, Qingyunzi smiled and said, "I've heard about you from Zhang Yang and am willing to accept you as a registered disciple. Although you are my disciple, you won't be included in the disciple roster for now. Once you've achieved results in your cultivation, you'll become a true disciple!"

If not for Zhang Yang accepting him on his behalf, he wouldn't have taken Jiang Zhiqiu as a disciple.

He wasn't one to easily accept disciples.

Jiang Zhiqiu bowed deeply, "Jiang Zhiqiu greets Master and all the uncles!"

Even as a registered disciple, he finally had backing.

Qingyunzi raised his hand, signaling Jiang Zhiqiu to rise, then said, "Your cultivation is higher than Zhang Yang's, having reached the mid-Golden Core stage. However, Zhang Yang joined before you and is the next sect master candidate, so you should address him as senior brother.

Within the Azurecloud Sect, if you encounter any issues, you can approach him. Later, let him take you to the Scripture Repository to find a suitable technique. But I must remind you, upon joining the Azurecloud Sect, you must adhere to the sect's rules, fostering camaraderie among fellow disciples, and avoiding internal conflicts. Otherwise, there will be severe consequences!"

"I will definitely abide by the sect rules!" Jiang Zhiqiu quickly responded.

"Good!" Qingyunzi nodded, "For any cultivation issues, you can come to Azurecloud Peak to find me or visit other peaks to consult with the uncles. However, we might all be busy for a while, so consult later!"

"Thank you, Master and all the uncles!" Jiang Zhiqiu expressed his gratitude again.

After the initiation ceremony, Qingyunzi and the others left to attend to their affairs.

In reality, if Jiang Zhiqiu hadn't joined with skills, they wouldn't have met him, leaving it to Zhang Yang to handle.

Now with spirit stones and various resources, they needed to quickly utilize them to enhance their cultivation.

Watching the elders depart, Jiang Zhiqiu turned to Zhang Yang, "Senior Brother, I look forward to your guidance!"

Zhang Yang nodded, "Let me first address the juniors outside, then I'll take you to select a technique!"

"No rush, Senior Brother, take your time!" Jiang Zhiqiu, having joined the Azurecloud Sect, was naturally in no hurry.

Outside the hall, as Zhang Yang stepped out, everyone sat up straight, awaiting his address.

Zhang Yang glanced at them, speaking seriously, "Not every sect recruits disciples without any selection. You are fortunate to join the Azurecloud Sect at this time. Do you know why?"

The crowd shook their heads, unfamiliar with cultivation matters.

Zhang Yang continued solemnly, "Immortal cultivation requires talent! No matter how good the techniques or abundant the resources, without talent, it's all in vain! Every sect's assessment evaluates cultivation talent.

None of you underwent an assessment before joining the sect, so it's possible some may lack cultivation talent.

However, I assure you, regardless of talent, you can remain in the Azurecloud Sect. Now is a time when the Azurecloud Sect needs people, and there will surely be a place where you can contribute."

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Proofreader & Editor: Peter Pan