Then, Liu Wuyan said with great solemnity:
"Lin Xuan, in recognition of your performance within the Puppet Secret Realm, from this moment onward, I appoint you as the True Disciple Grand Senior of our Flowing Cloud Sect! This is the True Disciple Token; take it well. As the True Disciple Grand Senior, you hold a status equal to that of the sect's elders. I hope you will continue to uphold this, bring honor to the sect, and not disappoint its expectations!"
After speaking, Liu Wuyan glanced at Liu Qianyu beside him.
Liu Qianyu promptly retrieved a white jade token carved with a white cloud from his storage ring and handed it to Liu Wuyan. This white jade token symbolized the position of True Disciple Grand Senior. Whoever possessed it was the True Disciple Grand Senior of the Flowing Cloud Sect, standing alongside the elders in the sect, second only to the Sect Leader in rank. In name, they could command all disciples. Surrendering this white jade token meant relinquishing the position of True Disciple Grand Senior.
Yet Liu Qianyu willingly gave it up. After all, Lin Xuan far surpassed him in both strength and talent. Making Lin Xuan the True Disciple Grand Senior would lead the sect to rise anew and reach greater heights. As a direct descendant of the sect, Liu Qianyu would also reap more benefits once the sect flourished, broadening his martial path. Naturally, he was happy to do so.
Liu Wuyan took the white jade token, nodded slightly, then turned to Lin Xuan and handed it over.
"I thank the sect for its regard. This disciple will strive even harder and will not disappoint the sect's expectations!"
Lin Xuan accepted the white jade token and replied solemnly. At the same time, he sighed inwardly. This meant he was now part of the sect's high-ranking leadership. It also signified that he had reached the pinnacle of the Flowing Cloud Sect. Staying within the sect, or even in Cangyuan Nation and the Red Sun Domain, would make it difficult to progress much faster. It was time to leave Cangyuan Nation, even the Red Sun Domain, and venture out for training.
"Lin Xuan, there's also this. For promoting the Flowing Cloud Sect's prestige in the Cangmang Wasteland and the Puppet Secret Realm, this is the sect's reward for you."
Then, Liu Wuyan continued, handing a storage ring to Lin Xuan.
Lin Xuan took it, infused a trace of spiritual power, and examined its contents. His heart stirred slightly, and a hint of surprise flickered in his eyes.
"Three thousand low-grade spirit stones—such a generous reward!"
Lin Xuan murmured inwardly. He knew that most Opening Aperture Realm cultivators had only a few hundred low-grade spirit stones in total. Three thousand low-grade spirit stones was a considerable sum even for the Spirit Element Realm. Of course, it was insignificant for the entire sect. Similarly, for Lin Xuan now, it was quite ordinary and would hardly make a significant difference.
"These three thousand low-grade spirit stones might only be enough to break through to the fifth layer of the Opening Aperture Realm; even the sixth layer would be difficult."
Lin Xuan sighed inwardly. Originally, these three thousand low-grade spirit stones would have been sufficient to take him from the early Opening Aperture Realm to the late stage. For an ordinary Opening Aperture Realm cultivator, they could even reach the peak of the Opening Aperture Realm or break through to the Spirit Element Realm. But after replicating numerous treasures in the Puppet Secret Realm, his potential and talent had soared dramatically, surpassing the level of the Red Sun Domain. The resources needed for cultivation had also skyrocketed. These stones would only allow him to advance one layer.
"Your disciple thanks the sect for the reward."
Lin Xuan still expressed his gratitude. Though it wasn't much, it was the sect's goodwill and investment, so he accepted it. As for the high-ranking sect members present, he hadn't replicated any of their treasures. His greatly enhanced talents had raised his standards, and he no longer coveted the possessions of these Spirit Element Realm elders.
"Hmm."
Liu Wuyan nodded. "Let's go. Return to the sect!"
He then turned and walked toward the sect, waving his hand in a gesture.
Instantly, the crowd erupted in cheers like tidal waves, their voices shaking the heavens.
"Welcome back our Flowing Cloud Sect prodigy, Lin Xuan!"
"Welcome back our Flowing Cloud Sect prodigy, Lin Xuan!"
"..."
The cries echoed repeatedly. The disciples stepped aside, clearing a wide path, lining both sides to welcome him. The True Disciples watching this scene were also thrilled and exhilarated. Though it wasn't prepared for them, it was still a treat to experience it alongside him.
The surrounding high-ranking members and sect disciples all fixed their gazes on Lin Xuan at the front of the procession, their expressions filled with awe, reverence, and admiration.
Then, led by Sect Leader Liu Wuyan, Lin Xuan followed closely, with Liu Qianyu behind him, and then the other True Disciples. They entered the Flowing Cloud Sect.
Afterward, Liu Wuyan had the elders dismiss the disciples. He then instructed the Fifth Elder to guide Lin Xuan through the formalities of becoming the True Disciple Grand Senior before sending everyone off.
The Fifth Elder was also deeply astonished, sighing repeatedly. He hadn't expected Lin Xuan to surprise him once again. He then took Lin Xuan to the sect's core area.
Within half an hour, all the procedures were completed.
Near the Sect Leader's peak, on the mountainside of a towering, cloud-piercing peak, stood a luxurious and spacious hall. Surrounding the hall was a vast complex of buildings, with countless servants bustling about. The spiritual energy in the air was so dense it seemed to turn into mist, spreading everywhere. This was the residence of the Flowing Cloud Sect's True Disciple Grand Senior. Though slightly inferior to the Sect Leader's palace, it was not much worse than those of the other elders.
Inside the central luxurious hall, in a cultivation chamber, Lin Xuan sat cross-legged on a cushion, organizing the gains from the Puppet Secret Realm.
After completing the formalities, he had moved into this True Disciple Grand Senior's palace. But after a brief look around, he came straight to the cultivation chamber. So-called benefits and status were mere accessories. What mattered most was the power in his own hands. Lin Xuan understood this well and wasn't swayed by temporary status or glory. He chose to come to the cultivation chamber to sort through his spoils and prepare for continued seclusion to enhance his cultivation and strength.
In ten days, the Red Sun Domain's Eight Major Powers' Grand Competition and the Xuan Yuan Ranking qualification battle would take place. There, he would clash with the true top talents of the Red Sun Domain, including the Four Young Masters. He wouldn't take them lightly and needed to boost his strength as much as possible.
Soon, Lin Xuan finished organizing and a smile appeared in his eyes.
"Fourteen thousand low-grade spirit stones, plus these scattered pills, herbs, ores, and spirit tools—if I sell them all, I estimate I'll get about twenty thousand low-grade spirit stones. Not bad, not bad."
Lin Xuan showed a hint of satisfaction. It was worth it for killing nearly a hundred Opening Aperture Realm martial artists in the Puppet Secret Realm. These resources would be enough to sustain his cultivation for a while and raise his cultivation by several layers.
Then, Lin Xuan sorted everything into categories. He took out a small pile of low-grade spirit stones and inserted them into various small holes on the floor. Activating the spirit-gathering array, he began to cultivate.