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Chapter 11: Cloud Somersault Technique

"I am Zhong Shan, and I pay my respects to the three esteemed elders," Zhong Shan spoke first.

"I am Tianxingzi, the current Sect Master of the Kaiyang Sect. This is my junior sister, Gufengzi, the Peak Master of the Snow Bamboo Peak, and this is my junior brother, Xuanxinzi, the Peak Master of the Flame Mountain Peak. Where did you obtain this jade token?" the elder in daoist robes stared at Zhong Shan.

"One evening, I was resting in the courtyard of my home when a venerable person entered and asked me to bring him to the Kaiyang Sect. He said the Sect Master would fulfill a simple request of mine," Zhong Shan explained, recounting every detail about the person\'s appearance, voice, tone, and every word spoken, exactly as it had happened.

After hearing Zhong Shan\'s account, the three of them fully believed him. They exchanged glances before turning their gaze back to Zhong Shan.

"What is your request?" Tianxingzi asked.

Upon hearing Tianxingzi\'s question, Zhong Shan immediately knelt down and said, "I am Zhong Shan. I wish to join the Kaiyang Sect. I hope the Sect Master will grant my request."

Upon hearing Zhong Shan\'s request and considering the circumstances he had described earlier, the three of them unconsciously released their divine senses and carefully inspected Zhong Shan.

"Did you consume elixirs to reach the Innate Realm?" Tianxingzi furrowed his brow and asked.

"Yes, not long ago, I obtained a \'Breaking Barrier Pill\' and reached the Innate Realm," Zhong Shan answered truthfully.

The three exchanged glances, and both Xuanxinzi and Gufengzi couldn\'t help but frown. It was evident that they did not hold Zhong Shan\'s aptitude in high regard.

Seeing his junior brother and sister\'s reactions, Tianxingzi could only shake his head and smile. "In that case, you may join us and cultivate alongside the other Innate Realm cultivators. If any of the second-generation disciples take an interest in you, then we will consider accepting you as a disciple."

"Thank you, Sect Master," Zhong Shan exclaimed joyfully.

One month later.

Zhong Shan sat in meditation with closed eyes.

Now, Zhong Shan was officially a member of the Kaiyang Sect. The Kaiyang Sect consisted of three branches: Kaiyang Peak, Flame Mountain Peak, and Snow Bamboo Peak. Gufengzi presided over Snow Bamboo Peak, which exclusively recruited female disciples. Xuanxinzi presided over Flame Mountain Peak, which exclusively recruited male disciples. The Sect Master, Tianxingzi, presided over Kaiyang Peak, which mainly consisted of male disciples, though occasional female disciples were also accepted.

In the Kaiyang Sect, both the Sect Master and the Peak Masters had reached the Yuanying Stage, representing the first generation of disciples. Those in the Foundation Establishment Stage were considered second-generation disciples, while those in the Innate Stage were third-generation disciples. However, in the Kaiyang Sect, strength was paramount. If one\'s cultivation advanced, a third-generation disciple could instantly become a second-generation disciple, or even a first-generation disciple.

Zhong Shan was currently a third-generation disciple. Over the past month, he had been diligently cultivating while awaiting the return of the Kaiyang Sect members.

The Dragon Gate Assembly was not only held where Zhong Shan had previously visited, but also in other locations. Members of the Kaiyang Sect scattered in all directions to seek out potential disciples.

This month marked the return of all Kaiyang Sect members.

Zhong Shan had heard of Zixun Fairy, who was said to be a member of the Kaiyang Sect, but he dared not ask.

Gently waking from his meditation, Zhong Shan tidied his clothes and opened the door, slowly making his way toward a distant plaza.

This plaza was located beneath Kaiyang Peak, where all the newly recruited disciples were gathering today.

When Zhong Shan arrived, there were already over twenty people who had recently reached the Innate Realm or were on the verge of reaching it, gathered in the plaza. A young man in a purple robe was directing them.

"You, stand over here, line up properly. Our senior uncles and senior brothers will be coming here shortly," the young man in the purple robe called out.

Zhong Shan immediately positioned himself, followed by the gradual arrival of over twenty more people.

Finally, when all the newly recruited individuals had assembled, Zhong Shan did a quick count. There were a total of fifty-six people. This time, the Kaiyang Sect had recruited fifty-six disciples.

Once everyone was in place, the young man in the purple robe began to speak, "From today onwards, you are all members of the Kaiyang Sect. Your previous master-apprentice relationships established at the Dragon Gate Assemblies are now null and void. Remember, you are third-generation disciples. If you wish to be noticed by the second-generation or even the first-generation disciples, you must diligently cultivate and reach the sixth level of the Innate Realm, forming your true essence. Only then will you have the chance to be accepted as disciples by the seniors. Otherwise, you will remain third-generation disciples for life."

"Yes," the crowd immediately responded.

Seeing the newcomers so cooperative, the young man in the purple robe felt a sense of satisfaction.

"I am also in the Innate Realm, but I have already reached the seventh level. I am your ninth senior brother, Nan Batian. Today, I will explain some things to you. Our Kaiyang Sect has many residences, each with its own courtyard. You will cultivate individually to break through as soon as possible. Over there, do you see that Scripture Pavilion?" Nan Batian pointed to a distant small palace.

"Yes," everyone replied.

"Inside, there are numerous cultivation techniques for the Innate Realm disciples. Each person is given ten days to search for the techniques they need. You are not allowed to transcribe them, only to memorize the ones you choose and practice them on your own. After ten days, you are not permitted to enter again. Every year, we will open the Scripture Pavilion for ten days, and only then will you be allowed to enter again to select techniques. Is that clear?" Nan Batian explained.

"Crystal clear," the newcomers immediately responded.

Seeing the newcomers behaving this way, Nan Batian also felt a sense of pride.

"Little Nan, are you imitating my father\'s way of instructing people again?" Suddenly, a jarring voice interrupted Nan Batian\'s pride.

Everyone turned to look and saw a girl dressed in red, exuding youthful energy like a porcelain doll. She descended gracefully onto the square, her face carrying a mischievous look as she observed Nan Batian lecturing the group of newcomers.

"Sister..." Nan Batian\'s previously proud expression instantly turned sour.

"Huh?" The porcelain doll girl narrowed her eyes at Nan Batian.

"Sister..." Nan Batian forced a smile.

"Mm," the porcelain doll girl replied smugly.

"Ling\'er," a commanding voice suddenly came from above.

Everyone looked up and saw the sect master and two peak masters descending on clouds, followed by about twenty others riding on magic treasures. The one who had spoken earlier was the Kaiyang Sect\'s sect master, Tian Xingzi.

"Dad, it\'s no big deal. It\'s the rule of the Kaiyang Sect. Whoever has higher cultivation and seniority gets to be the boss. I\'m already at the eighth level of the Innate Realm. Is it wrong for me to be Little Nan\'s senior sister?" the porcelain doll girl immediately expressed her dissatisfaction.

"Alright, let\'s not talk about this. You shouldn\'t speak," Tian Xingzi shook his head, seemingly helpless with his daughter.

"Mm," the porcelain doll girl immediately stood behind Tian Xingzi.

Tian Ling\'er? Everyone took a glance at the porcelain doll girl. So, this was the sect master\'s daughter.

After inspecting the fifty-six newly recruited disciples, Tian Xingzi said, "As Nan Batian has already informed you, later on, you will go to the Scripture Pavilion to choose your cultivation techniques. Then, you will cultivate individually. One year from now, we will gather again to assess your progress."

"Yes," everyone responded promptly.

"Mm," Tian Xingzi nodded.

Then, Tian Xingzi, Xuanxinzi, and Gushuangzi gave some instructions to the people behind them. The second-generation disciples nodded in agreement, then turned to look at Zhong Shan nearby, apparently referring to the incident with the jade token earlier.

Tian Ling\'er, Nan Batian, and the others also cast curious glances in Zhong Shan\'s direction.

Then, the sect master and the two peak masters stepped on the white clouds and flew away. According to Zhong Shan\'s memory of the direction, they should be leaving the Kaiyang Sect.

They\'re leaving?

As the curiosity sparked in the eyes of the porcelain doll-like Tian Ling\'er, her frustration at being left out by her father, Tian Xingzi, simmered underneath the surface. Yet, she couldn\'t help but cast an intrigued glance at Zhong Shan.

"Alright, let\'s head to the Scripture Pavilion to select our techniques," a second-generation Golden Core disciple instructed.

"Yes," the crowd immediately responded.

However, they still approached the second-generation disciples, offering their respects. These senior disciples had chosen them, foreseeing that they would become disciples under their guidance. Seeing the chosen ones arrive, they felt a surge of joy and proceeded to offer them some guidance before allowing them to enter the Scripture Pavilion.

Clearly, they were guiding these future disciples on how to choose their techniques. After all, once these disciples cultivated their True Essence, they would inevitably become disciples of these senior figures, so naturally, they received a bit more attention.

After informing these future disciples, these formidable Golden Core cultivators began to leave, one by one.

Watching the newcomers joyfully search for techniques, Zhong Shan could only smile wryly. Obviously, no one would come to help him choose techniques.

He made his way slowly towards the Scripture Pavilion.

"Are you Zhong Shan?" Tian Ling\'er suddenly intercepted him, her curiosity evident.

Meeting the gaze of the beautiful porcelain doll before him, Zhong Shan simply nodded, saying nothing more.

"I\'m asking you, what was in the jade slip you gave my father? It made him and two other senior brothers deliberate for a month before deciding to leave?" Tian Ling\'er suddenly asked.

"Huh?" Zhong Shan looked at Tian Ling\'er strangely.

"I don\'t know either. It was something a senior entrusted to me, just asking me to bring it over," Zhong Shan replied truthfully.

"If you tell me, I\'ll tell you a secret about the Scripture Pavilion," Tian Ling\'er suddenly said mysteriously.

"A secret?" Zhong Shan looked at Tian Ling\'er curiously.

"Yes, it\'s something Aunt Guan told me. It can help you find the best technique among those thousands of secret scrolls," Tian Ling\'er whispered immediately.

"Oh? Really?" Zhong Shan exclaimed in surprise.

"Of course, I also told Little Nanzi about it. That\'s why he cultivated so quickly, isn\'t it, Little Nanzi?" Tian Ling\'er looked at the last person left in the square and said with a mischievous smile.

"Yeah, Senior Sister," Nan Batian replied somewhat awkwardly.

Listening to the two of them, Zhongshan frowned. Cultivation techniques - he knew their importance all too well. A good technique could save one from many detours in cultivation. And given Zhongshan\'s mediocre aptitude, he craved good techniques even more.

But Zhongshan truly knew nothing about what they were asking. How could he respond? Yet, he didn\'t want to waste this opportunity. It put him in quite a dilemma.

Glancing at the curious pair before him, Zhongshan was certain that the sect leader and the two peak masters hadn\'t divulged any information to them. So, for the sake of obtaining a technique, he decided to make something up. After all, acquiring the technique was paramount. He could always make it up to them later.

"This thing, you must never say I mentioned it," Zhongshan said, looking around and feigning nervousness.

Seeing Zhongshan\'s mysterious demeanor, Tian Ling\'er\'s eyes lit up as if she anticipated something exciting. While Nan Batian pretended not to care, his sidelong glance gave away his interest.

"A magical treasure, an incredibly powerful one," Zhongshan said in a hushed tone.

"Oh?" Tian Ling\'er\'s eyes widened at the mention of a magical treasure.

"It\'s called the \'Somersault Cloud.\' They say, with the corresponding method, just one somersault can cover a distance of one hundred and eighty thousand miles," Zhongshan said, channeling the persuasive spirit he once had in business. His tone was serious, as if afraid they might reveal his secret.

Tian Ling\'er\'s mouth formed a perfect "O" shape, her face filled with astonishment and excitement.

Meanwhile, Nan Batian wore an expression of disbelief. Somersault Cloud? One somersault covering a distance of one hundred and eighty thousand miles?

"Well, I don\'t know much else. After all, I haven\'t seen the internal details myself; I\'ve only heard about it. And please, don\'t mention that I told you," Zhongshan reiterated seriously.

"Got it," Tian Ling\'er nodded immediately.

Nan Batian, however, looked at Zhongshan with a puzzled expression.

"Um, how do you choose the best cultivation techniques?" Zhongshan asked Tian Ling\'er.

"The best techniques? Right, when you go inside, just look for the ones with a white fingerprint behind the books; those are the best techniques," Tian Ling\'er replied promptly and generously.

"Okay, thanks," Zhongshan said, bidding farewell to the two before quickly entering the palace.

Leaving the two behind to contemplate the incredible Somersault Cloud.