Qingxu Temple, Main Peak Council Hall.
The atmosphere in the hall was solemn. Temple Master Xuanxuan Zhenren sat at the upper seat, with Xuanlin Zhenren, the Enforcement Hall elder, the Inheritance Hall elder, and several other core senior members of the sect seated on either side. Before them floated a jade slip emitting a faint spiritual light, containing detailed records of intelligence about external undercurrents targeting Tang Xiaoqi, especially confirmed information about the Shadow Snake Pavilion's covert enormous bounty, collected through various channels.
"The situation is more severe than we anticipated." The Enforcement Hall elder's expression was grave. He spoke first, his voice echoing in the empty hall. "The bounty issued by the Shadow Snake Pavilion this time is so generous it could move even Golden Core cultivators. Although they concealed their own name, the movements of killer organizations like 'Blood Blade Tower' and 'Seven Killing Alliance' cannot escape our eyes. Now, who knows how many eyes are secretly watching our Qingxu Temple, watching Xiaoqi."
The Inheritance Hall elder stroked his beard, his brow tightly knit. "Xiaoqi is now our sect's pillar, bearing an ancient inheritance and unlimited potential. He absolutely cannot be allowed to come to harm. However, open spears are easy to dodge; hidden arrows are hard to guard against. Those assassins and killers employ treacherous means, impossible to fully guard against. If we let Xiaoqi normally take missions that require leaving the sect, the risk is too great."
"Indeed," another elder responsible for external affairs nodded in agreement. "According to reports, recently there has been an increase in unfamiliar faces in the main markets around the sect. Although no clear hostile intent has been detected, their movements are secretive. It cannot be guaranteed that there aren't scouts or killers coming for the bounty. Once Xiaoqi leaves the sect's protective umbrella, the consequences would be unthinkable."
Everyone's gaze finally gathered on Xuanlin Zhenren and Temple Master Xuanxuan Zhenren.
Xuanlin Zhenren contemplated for a moment, then slowly said, "Xiaoqi is currently in closed retreat consolidating his cultivation, researching alchemy and the applications of that purifying technique, with complete focus. He already knows about the external disturbances and understands the art of keeping a low profile. The most urgent matter is to ensure his absolute safety and buy him enough time to grow."
Temple Master Xuanxuan Zhenren nodded slightly, a decisive light flickering in his eyes. "What everyone has said is very reasonable. In unusual times, we must employ unusual methods. Hear my decree—"
His voice was clear and resonant, carrying unquestionable authority, ringing out in the hall:
"First: starting today, Core Disciple Tang Xiaoqi is to suspend all external missions requiring him to leave the sect's sphere of influence. His mission quota shall be adjusted by the Mission Hall, or completed by other disciples on his behalf."
"Second: strengthen sect vigilance. Raise the Great Protective Formation to 'Class B' alert status. Increase patrol disciples, especially around Cloud Hidden Peak, where late Foundation Establishment deacons must take shifts on guard duty. All incoming visitors shall be strictly inspected, with identities verified."
"Third: to prevent Xiaoqi from becoming complacent or feeling isolated, arrange suitable internal sect affairs for him, so he can continue contributing to the sect and accumulate merit while also honing himself in a relatively safe environment."
With the orders issued, the entire Qingxu Temple immediately began operating efficiently.
Several days later, when Xiaoqi finished a round of closed cultivation and went to the Mission Hall to take new experience missions, he received respectful and tactful notification from the duty disciple.
"Brother Tang," the duty disciple's manner was humble as he explained, "By Temple Master's order, due to the complex external environment recently, to ensure the safety of core disciples, you temporarily do not need to take external missions. Your sect contribution requirements have been specially approved by the sect and can be fulfilled through other means."
Xiaoqi heard this and was slightly stunned, then understood. He was no fool; the external winds and his own spiritual perception's warning both let him understand the deep meaning behind the sect's actions. He had no complaints; instead, warmth welled up in his heart. This was the sect protecting him in its own way.
"I understand. Thank you for letting me know." Xiaoqi nodded calmly.
"Brother is too kind." The duty disciple hurriedly said, then handed over a jade slip. "This is an internal mission posted by Danxia Pavilion, recruiting disciples skilled in alchemy to refine a batch of 'Spirit Gathering Pills' and 'Mind Calming Pills' for inner disciples' daily cultivation and mind stabilization. Remuneration is calculated based on the quality and quantity of pills refined into contribution points. Additionally, the Inheritance Hall is recruiting disciples to explain the 'Basic Qi Introduction Art' and cultivation insights for newly entered disciples. There are also considerable contributions available. If Brother is interested, you may give it a try."
Xiaoqi took the jade slip. With a sweep of his spiritual consciousness, the mission requirements, remuneration, and the timing for the teaching session were all detailed inside. Both types of missions required no departure from the core sect area and were completely safe.
He considered briefly and made his decision. Alchemy was precisely the direction he had been refining recently. He could use this opportunity to practice extensively, consolidate his skills, and also reserve pills for the sect. As for teaching... although he felt his cultivation was still shallow and experience insufficient, sharing some of his insights with lower-level disciples, teaching and learning from each other, might also benefit his own clarification of his Daoist foundation.
"Alright, I'll take the alchemy mission. I can also choose a date to go for the teaching session." Xiaoqi agreed.
"Excellent!" The duty disciple's face lit up with joy. "With Brother Tang's involvement, the quality of this batch of pills is certainly assured! I'll register you right away."
Leaving the Mission Hall, Xiaoqi did not return directly to his cave dwelling. Instead, he first went to Danxia Pavilion to receive the corresponding alchemy materials. Then he went to the Inheritance Hall to confirm the specific schedule for teaching.
In the days that followed, Xiaoqi's life rhythm became regular and fulfilling.
In the alchemy chamber of his cave dwelling, the combination of the Departing Fire Cauldron and the Mysterious Golden Guardian Pan shone brilliantly. With the support of abundant materials, he continuously practiced refining Spirit Gathering Pills and Mind Calming Pills. Thanks to the stable fire control of "pan-bottom flame conduction," the purification effect of the Departing Fire Cauldron, and his own increasingly refined fire control techniques and extreme pursuit of medicinal power purity, the pills he refined not only had a high formation rate but also quality far exceeding Danxia Pavilion's requirements. Most were second-turn or third-turn quality, and occasionally even fourth-turn premium ones appeared.
Batch after batch of high-quality pills were sent to Danxia Pavilion, exchanged for generous sect contribution points, while also earning praise from Danxia Pavilion's elders. Xiaoqi's alchemy techniques improved at an astonishing speed through this high-intensity practice.
Every few days, he would also go to the side hall of the Inheritance Hall to explain the "Basic Qi Introduction Art" to dozens of newly entered disciples. He did not put on a superior air; instead, using his own experiences as examples, his language was accessible and easy to understand. He patiently answered disciples' questions and even shared some detours and insights he had taken during his own early cultivation.
He discovered that during the explanation process, to make these disciples understand, he himself also had to clarify some originally vague cultivation concepts more clearly and thoroughly. His understanding of the Daoist foundation actually became deeper. Some disciples' admiring gazes and sincere thanks also let him experience another kind of responsibility and sense of achievement.
Occasionally, he would also spar sword techniques with Third Senior Sister, consult Senior Brother on cultivation questions, or go see what new gadgets Second Senior Brother had tinkered with, or have a spiritual telepathy exchange with the awakened rabbit spirit.
Outside, the situation was treacherous and undercurrents surged; but within Qingxu Temple, Xiaoqi seemed to be in a relatively peaceful harbor. The adjustment of sect missions, seemingly limiting his going out, actually created a precious safe growth period for him. He was single-minded, absorbing knowledge like a sponge, consolidating his foundation, and improving various abilities.
He knew well that this peace was maintained by the sect's dedicated efforts and was not eternal. The bounty sword still hung high; the Shadow Snake Pavilion's shadow had never dissipated. He cherished this hard-won time, yet he never relaxed his vigilance, cultivating even more diligently.
Within the cave dwelling, the furnace fire never ceased; in the Inheritance Hall, the Daoist teachings rang out clearly. Under the sect's protection, Xiaoqi quietly accumulated strength, waiting for the moment when he truly needed to face the winds and rains. He believed that when that day came, he would face all challenges with an even more powerful stance.