Taoist Academy, the Holy Land longed for by all martial artists and cultivators in the world. Even many martial artists and cultivators from powerful backgrounds hold no small amount of longing for this place. That's because a peerless expert resides here, and to earn his favour would be a fortune beyond measure.
Alas, it's a pity that Pei Xuanjing, keeps a reclusive existence within the confines of the academy. Besides his occasional preaching, it is rare for ordinary disciples to catch even a glimpse of him, let alone outsiders.
However, news has started to spread over recent days. It first circulated within the academy and then spread outwards. In a short amount of time, it became known to everyone – almost every martial artist and cultivator in the world has heard of it.
"The head of the Taoist Academy, National Master Pei Xuanjing, wishes to establish more Taoist Academies. Consequently, these Academies would need more instructors to teach the disciples; hence, the Academy will recruit more instructors. If chosen, you can have the opportunity to be personally instructed by Grandmaster Pei for some time. Moreover, if one can assume the position of the head of a subsidiary academy, the benefits will be even more…"
Although the Taoist Academy in Tiandu has only been established for about five or six years, the instructors who initially joined the Academy have experienced significant improvements in their cultivation level in that short time. Even the weakest of them have each advanced by one grade, while the most talented instructors have leaped directly from the Third-grade Realm to the First-grade Realm. More importantly, several instructors who were originally stuck at breaking through to the Spirit Realm, overcame their difficulties and stepped into the Spirit Realm to transcend worldly mortals upon receiving guidance from Grandmaster Pei Xuanjing.
It's safe to say that the position of Taoist Academy Instructor, which was already very coveted, has become even more fiercely sought after. However, those who currently hold these positions are reluctant to give up their slots, and newcomers without sufficient means or support struggle to replace existing instructors.
Everyone is waiting, waiting for the Taoist Academy in Tiandu to recruit more disciples, leading to more instructor positions. Indeed, there are many who are pushing for this development behind the scenes.
To everyone's surprise, Grandmaster Pei Xuanjing took a surprisingly large step forward by releasing so many spots at once, leading numerous martial artists to go mad with enthusiasm.
"Master, the Taoist Academy in Tiandu is supervised by the National Master himself, so it is understandable that the positions of instructors at this Academy would be fiercely contested since they may have the opportunity to receive guidance from the National Master. But the odds of receiving such guidance in the branch academies are slim. Are they worth such desperate contention?" Yu Yiyao asked her Master Zhao Baiyang in confusion.
At that time, on the outskirts of the border, on the territory of the Unorthodox Alliance, Zhao Baiyang, the leader of the Unorthodox Alliance, had been in seclusion here since the ordination ceremony of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty. He had hardly appeared in the public in the past few years.
However, such a powerful figure never goes unnoticed. Even though he has been inactive for several years, countless eyes from all over the world are watching him, ever ready to guard against him.
After all, the Unorthodox Alliance is now an extremely powerful force in the world. Based on the foundation of the Mire Sect, Zhao Baiyang wooed branches of the White Lotus Sect, integrated the remnants of the powerful warriors of the Diamond Gate, and finally accepted the powerful assassins of the hell. The power of the Unorthodox Alliance at this point is not weak, and in everyone's view, it was only inferior to the Taoist School, Buddhism School, and Demonic Cult and a few other major forces.
However, if one considers Zhao Baiyang's secret alliances with the Tie Sect, Heavenly King's Pavilion, and several other forces, the actual strength of the Unorthodox Alliance might be even stronger, at least surpassing the noble families' alliance, and powerful enough to compete with the Demonic Cult for a position in the top three of the martial arts world.
Over the years, Zhao Baiyang had completely unified the Unorthodox Alliance. He was undeniably the master of the Unorthodox Alliance, with supreme authority that could determine the fate of thousands.
Upon hearing his disciple's doubts at this moment, Zhao Baiyang smiled lightly: "Perhaps I have protected you too well, causing you to lack certain experiences. Which is why, you fail to understand some things and only see the surface."
"Master, could you please enlighten me?" Yu Yiyao quipped, somewhat unconvinced.
Given her age, stepping into the second layer of the Spirit Realm places Yu Yiyao among the extraordinary talents within her peers in the world — Of course, this is assuming they conveniently omit Pei Xuanjing from the peer group.
Over the years as Zhao Baiyang secluded himself for cultivation, Yu Yiyao was usually the one managing the affairs of the Unorthodox Alliance. Being able to manage the entire Unorthodox Alliance in such an orderly manner, speaks volumes about her remarkable abilities.
Therefore, after hearing her Master's comment, Yu Yiyao naturally felt somewhat aggrieved.
While her strength varied greatly from Pei Xuanjing's, which was worlds apart, in matters such as these, she certainly wouldn't be so inept as to not understand his tactics and strategies. Her Master seemed to underestimate her too much.
"Ah, perhaps I should have let you go through more trials and tribulations." Zhao Baiiyang sighed ruefully, looking at his unconvinced disciple.
Although this disciple of his had a Mire Sect origin, she was always well-fed and well-clothed, living a life of wealth. Particularly after being chosen as the Saintess of the Mire Sect, she was adored by numerous people as the darling of heaven and hadn't experienced any hardship or loneliness.
Even though he had never considered Pei Xuanjing his junior, but rather an equal and worthy rival, he couldn't help but feel ashamed every time he compared the young man's talents and tricks to the fact that he was of the same age as his disciple.
He ruefully remarked, "Pei Xuanjing's move can be said to have attracted countless independent martial artists to join him. After all, there are countless martial artists and cultivators in the world, but not all of them are as wealthy as you lot, not needing to worry about their cultivation resources nor having to struggle for a livelihood. Most martial artists and cultivators spend their lives depending on others, wishing to throw themselves into a major force but unable to do so…"
Zhao Baiyang, who had struggled from the bottom to the peak of the martial arts world, had a clearer understanding of the minds of these martial artists and cultivators than anyone else.
If it were the ordinary cultivators, it would be fair, but those who have some talent or those who have risen because of certain opportunities—their identity might seem legendary and glamorous, but in reality, it was quite awkward.
After all, many try to join a school, but the number of disciples who can earn complete trust from their teachers to be taught their full set of skills, is extremely rare.
These martial artists have risen without any support from a major force. Once they've acquired a certain level of abilities, they will realize that they can't stand alone in this world, which gives rise to their desire to seek protection from a major force.
But they would then recognize that outsiders like themselves hardly receive trust or resources in a major force, which would limit their cultivation progress. Yet if they go to a smaller force, they would feel demeaned. The smaller forces not only seldom provide resources for their cultivation but might also drag them down.
Therefore, some powerful martial artists and cultivators either choose to establish their own force or choose to continue being independents.
However, in the current Great World, it's not exactly a favourable situation for independent cultivators or small forces. The difficulties they face are greater than ever before, and it's harder for them to rise.
Pei Xuanjing's current approach undoubtedly provides a new direction for them.
Although Pei Xuanjing is the Imperial Advisor of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, the leader of the Taoist School and the head teacher of the Shenxiao Sect with his direct subordinates, the Taoist Academy he newly established is a force that overlaps with the Shenxiao Sect, Taoist School and Great Ming Divine Dynasty but can be regarded as a completely independent entity.
At this moment, joining the Taoist Academy would mean becoming one of the original members, avoiding the dispute of being new or old. No one will exclude them there; they are all equals.
The most important aspect, a supreme expert bestowing protection and advice, presents a scenario that is too tempting for countless people to resist.
"Is this simple tactic enough to have such an impact?" Yu Yiyao voiced shock in her gaze after hearing her master's explanation.
Although she had already maintained enough awe for Pei Xuanjing, the underlying purpose of his tactics revealed by her master left her in continued astonishment.
Is this the approach and method of the top individual in the world?
An act that seemed casual on his part captured the hearts of countless martial artists and cultivators by inducing a longing in them.
"Of course, there's more!" Zhao Baiyang laughed lightly, but a flicker of apprehensive color flashed unintentionally in his eyes.
He seriously told his disciple, "Brother Pei achieved such a great influence not because of this method. This tactic is simple but, in the world, only he can execute it."
Attracting independent practitioners under one's command, providing them guidance and protection in their cultivation practices, and then gaining their obedience are things every power leader wants to achieve.
However, maintaining the distinction between insiders and outsiders, and the perception of social distance is not something that can be rooted out in a short time.
Moreover, the fear of taking in those of unknown origin, hastily assigning them important tasks, giving more than average trust, and suffering the potential impacts of a possible betrayal are issues many organizations can't afford to bear.
Even if the Great Ming Divine Dynasty continuously recruits experts, it can hardly achieve much effect. After all, both the Great Ming Divine Dynasty and those independent practitioners face difficulties in establishing mutual trust.
However, if it is Pei Xuanjing doing it, then those troubles vanish.
Though Pei Xuanjing is known for his ruthlessness with countless martial artists and cultivators having been killed by him, no one would accuse him of being fickle.
He first promoted the Great Ming Divine Dynasty to send troops outside the border, then gifted a military city to independent practitioners before establishing the Taoist Academy. By introducing a point contribution plan, he provided countless martial artists and cultivators with a possible ascent.
All these actions and events were known to the world. His name was deeply engraved in the hearts of countless martial artists and cultivators. Even three-year-old children knew about the current Imperial Adviser of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, the leader of the Taoist School, the Head Teacher of Shenxiao – the Longevity True Person, was regarded as a virtuous and benevolent sage.
So when he made these commitments, nobody doubted that Pei Xuanjing would go back on his words. This guaranteed trust from everyone.
Similarly, his reputation for ruthlessness and his exceptional strength assured everyone that he could execute this arrangement. Many understood that if there was any betrayal, the punishment would be severe.
With a glance, countless experts would take action to deal with the problem in order to please him, let alone if the punishment was from such a powerful individual.
Under the attention of such a universally dominating supreme character, nobody would be so foolish as to choose betrayal.
"This is one of the reasons why I admire him," Zhao Baiyang confessed with a complex expression.
He was not extremely cruel, but he absolutely couldn't be classified as a good person either. His reputation in Jianghu was half good, half bad, which made him extremely troubled recently.
The previous Zhao Baiyang plotted to overthrow the Great Ming Empire. For this goal, he used every means, unfazed by any possible consequences or backlash. Contempt and slander were irrelevant to him as he did not need the adoration or praise of ordinary martial artists, just their awe, and obedience.
Now, when Zhao Baiyang truly wanted to expand the alliance of heretical paths, he suddenly realized the negative impact of his unscrupulous past actions.
His alliance is presently expanding rapidly. Zhao Baiyang did not mind the joinings of experts, and if the independent practitioners were willing to join, he would treat them equally – something he could completely guarantee. His colleagues in the Diamond Gate and the Underworld could testify to this.
However, unfortunately, even with such a promise offered, all the strong independent practitioners and martial artists, except those with no choice, declined his invitation and refused to join the alliance of heretical paths upon being given the slightest latitude of choice.
The reason was reputation.
What is a heretic?
Isn't it a devil not tolerated by the Righteous Path?
Even some strong practitioners wouldn't want to bear such a reputation because, given the possibility, nobody wants to be born as a villain or an evil person.
Yu Yiyao remained silent on this, because, as someone handling more practical matters of the alliance, she was all too aware of it.
"But we are not the most unlucky, the Demonic Cult is in the hot seat!" Zhao Baiyang suddenly appeared pleased, his worries swept away.
Sometimes, seeing others in a worse state makes one realize their own situation isn't that bad.
In the current world, their alliance and the Demonic Cult were considered by many to be of the same ilk. In fact, there existed a loose alliance between both sides indeed.
But alliances didn't guarantee complete intimacy. Apart from cooperation, there were frictions and competition.
Now, with all these things happening to the Demonic Cult, Zhao Baiyang found some joy in their misfortune.
"Arrange some people to take part in the selection for instructors in the Taoist Academy," Zhao Baiyang ordered Yu Yiyao.
Given an opportunity like this, how could he miss it? Not taking advantage of the situation to plant some seeds in the Taoist Academy would be out of character for him.
In Zhao Baiyang's opinion, not just him, but all forces in the world, regardless of their impression of the Taoist Academy, would certainly seize this opportunity to infiltrate the institution.
…
Of course, in regards to Zhao Baiyang's plan for exploiting the opportunity to plant seeds in the soon-to-be-established Taoist Academy, Pei Xuanjing was not clueless. He discussed it with Qingyang Zi as well.
"Their meddling is their own business, it doesn't warrant any attention." Upon hearing Qingyang Zi's concerns, Pei Xuanjing laughed and shook his head, finding the matter unimportant.
If he is seeking to enroll instructors from the public, there is bound to be a mix of various types. This is an inevitable situation that Pei Xuanjing had anticipated.
"In fact, these forces interfering is a good thing, because the people they send over are definitely not your average fillers," Pei Xuanjing said with a laugh.
Although the upcoming branch of the Taoist Academy would need a large number of instructors, there are countless martial artists and cultivators in the world, hence the competition for the positions would surely be fierce.
These forces aiming to plant moles and hold some cards in their hand for future use would have to send highly skillful martial artists and cultivators, mere average candidates would not make the cut or be able to infiltrate key positions, thus they would return empty-handed.
So in a way, their actions are unknowingly assisting Pei Xuanjing by providing him with more useful talents. After all, these martial artists and cultivators from large forces usually have the custom of instructing their junior fellow disciples, and their teaching methods are far superior to those of independent practitioners.
"Hahaha, they are really making efforts indirectly to benefit the headmaster this time," Qingyang Zi laughed heartily, secretly admiring how bold Pei Xuanjing's plan was, and suspecting that no one else would dare to implement it.
No matter what the plan or idea is, it requires people to carry it out. Inviting so many people from various forces is bound to carry great risks and potentially backfire, a risk that many people dare not take.
Only Pei Xuanjing has such confidence to suppress any potential mishaps and isn't afraid of anything going wrong. Pei Xuanjing shook his head with a smile, "It's not exactly like that, I have told them that the aim of establishing the Taoist Academy is to foster more powerhouses. The wisdom of these people can provide me insights and become nourishment for my cultivation, nothing more. But they just don't believe it!"
On this issue, Pei Xuanjing is quite helpless. He has voiced his thoughts and intentions more than once. But as his words fall on deaf ears, he can do nothing but let them have their way.
"Oh! Yeah, they just don't believe," Qingyang Zi sighed helplessly, revealing a complex expression.
Frankly speaking, if he himself hadn't stayed at the Taoist Academy for several years and knew well that apart from occasionally preaching, Pei Xuanjing didn't bother about the daily affairs of the academy or care about the future of his disciples, allowing them to leave freely, he wouldn't have believed in Pei Xuanjing's selfless actions either.
But the fact is clear, Qingyang Zi knows that Pei Xuanjing truly doesn't care; he just wants to give these martial artists an opportunity.
Pei Xuanjing wore an indifferent expression, "These people are just too suspicious. I have already told them my purpose but they simply won't believe it. So, I can only accept their 'kind' actions."
The reason why Pei Xuanjing wanted to establish a Taoist Academy was to provide the martial artists and cultivators in the world with another path, giving them more opportunities to make their own choices.
However, even if Pei Xuanjing revealed his thoughts, no one would believe it.
Pei Xuanjing's actions seemed very virtuous and saintly, however many people in the world, especially those ambitious individuals, actually didn't see it that way.
They never believed anyone could be so selfless, to do so many things without seeking any personal gains, it was simply unimaginable.
Therefore, they paid close attention to Pei Xuanjing's Taoist Academy, and many secretly speculated whether this was another grand plan similar to the ascension of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, considering Pei Xuanjing's past style.
After all, the constructions of so many Taoist Academies and the construction of his own sculptures symbolic to the divine position within the academies all bore resemblance to the basing of arrays all across territories during the promotion phase of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty. How could such a similarity not give rise to speculations?
So, regardless of the circumstances, all parties would seize this opportunity to plant their people in these soon-to-be-established branch academies, hoping to find out Pei Xuanjing's plan and gain a part of the potential benefits.
"All factions have been closely observing the Taoist Academy without any break, and they will not miss this opportunity. They only trust their own judgement," laughed Qingyang Zi.
Not to mention unfamiliar forces, even after the news spread, a lot of information came into the hands of their own True Martial Sect.
Although the headmaster didn't express any opinions on the matter, given the headmaster's control over the True Martial Sect, Qingyang Zi did not believe that the activities of these elders went unnoticed by the headmaster, and their non-interference could be seen as an implicit consent, could it not?
Even when their very own vice-headmaster of the academy relayed the detailed situation back to the sect, and the sect continued with their ways whilst harbouring some doubts, what about the rest of the factions?
"Well, let them send their people then!" Pei Xuanjing said with a smile, "In this world, it is these large forces that can provide ample instructors to support the branches of the academy, if they truly do not lift a finger, I would worry about how to find people."
Indeed, these large forces are the ones that have a complete legacy system. Many of their top fighters have experience teaching the younger generation and know how to easily explain the complicated matters.
However, the independent martial artist cultivators, most of them lack systematic cultivation experiences. Their current statuses are mostly a result of fortuitous encounters, and many find it hard to explain how they reached their present positions.
Thus, even though they might have great potential and prowess, when it comes to teaching students in the academy, they might only rely on their instincts for guidance and wouldn't be as clear-cut.
…
As Pei Xuanjing and Qingyang Zi have said, the attention paid to the academy by all factions has never diminished. Even with Pei Xuanjing bluntly explaining his intentions, no-one believes him.
Now that Pei Xuanjing wants to establish more academies and recruit more instructors, no-one wants to miss this opportunity for sabotage.
Even the head of the Demonic Cult, Xue Wuheng, who is currently overwhelmed with various troubles, made a prompt decision without hesitation after receiving the news, and sent a group of martial artists and cultivators from the Demonic Cult to join.