Taiyi Dao Fruit

Let's not talk about how Jiang Li managed to be self-sufficient and wrote the "Hundred Herbs Scripture"; time quickly advanced to the day he would formally become an apprentice.

The 6th of July.

The grand doors of the Tianxuan Hall were wide open, while two rows of female disciples clad in red robes escorted Jiang Li from inside the hall and then positioned themselves on either side.

Today, Jiang Li was dressed lavishly, wearing a green jade crown and a red vestment robe, with intricate and solemn gold patterns embroidered on the lapels, cuffs, and hem, highlighting his distinction from the Inner Sect Disciples.

This green jade crown wasn't a Magical Artifact, but it was made from five-hundred-year-old green jade, known for its effect on concentrating and calming the mind. The vestment robe was made of Cloud Clothes from the Kunxu Immortal Palace in the west, which was as light as nothing yet incredibly flexible. It could block swords and dissipate Qi Force.

How strong this attire really was, was not yet known, but its richness was already apparent. Elder Yun, who came to attend the ceremony, was visibly impressed.

"Oh my, this is the Seamless Heavenly Cloth tailored from the clouds by the celestial maidens of the Kunxu Immortal Palace, a priceless item. And here we have it on you, a disciple who has just joined. Jiang Xiao, are you sure you have been taken in as a disciple, and not as a reverse son-in-law?" Upon arrival, Elder Yun expressed his astonishment.

The defensive power of clothes from the Kunxu Immortal Palace isn't extraordinarily high, just about equivalent to a Seventh-grade Magical Artifact. However, its material is unique, its style magnificent, and it also has features like dust resistance, purification, self-repair, and suitability for both hot and cold weather, claim comfort, and style that are unparalleled in the Divine Country.

Such a vestment robe is indeed a symbol of status, making one shine brighter than anyone else on the street.

"Elder Yun jokes. A mere piece of Cloud Clothes is nothing noteworthy to my master."

Jiang Li said with a light smile, "I have four more robes just like this one."

Elder Tianxuan had given Jiang Li five pieces of Cloud Clothes, to be used for different occasions, which shows that although these robes are rare, they weren't really considered valuable to Elder Tianxuan.

Besides, these robes automatically adapt to the wearer's body shape, they aren't tailored specifically. For a wealthy and powerful woman, this truly isn't much. If he could be an affiliated son-in-law to the Gongsun family, Jiang Li reckoned he could even wear the legendary Seamless Heavenly Cloth.

"Tsk tsk, it seems I lack experience."

With a clicking of his tongue, Elder Yun chuckled and continued, "But looking at you boy, sooner or later you'll be that reverse son-in-law. How about I gift you a secret technique, similar to 'Bending Flower Hand'..."

"Shut up."

Elder Wan quickly sealed Elder Yun's pressure points to stop him from saying more.

Then, he turned to Jiang Li with a smile and simply said, "Congratulations."

This elder truly treated Jiang Li like his own kin and naturally felt overjoyed seeing him accept Elder Tianxuan as his mentor.

"Elder Yun, Elder Wan, please."

Jiang Li bowed to the two elders, then moved ahead leading the way into the Tianxuan Hall. As for Qi Changsheng, he was still secluded, crafting Seventh-grade Magical Artifacts, hoping for promotion, so he wouldn't be seen this time.

Entering through the grand door led to a universe-like space, with a dome above adorned with bright stars, and a gigantic Celestial Sphere positioned on the floor, moving according to the Cycle Stars.

The entire Tianxuan Hall was essentially an Astrology Platform, not open to the public under normal circumstances and used primarily by Elder Tianxuan and a select few for daily astronomical Divination.

Continuing through the grand hall led to a straight corridor, built from an unknown type of blue wood, emanating a refreshing woody fragrance.

Leading the two elders to the end of the path, they saw a towering pavilion where the mentorship ceremony would be held today. Inside were the ancestral deities and tablets of past Tianxuan elders; it wasn't as spacious as the Tianxuan Hall.

Jiang Li led the two inside, and before they could speak further, a loud call was heard from a distance, "Elder Tianquan and Elder Yuheng have arrived!"

Jiang Li was momentarily obliged to leave the elders to their own devices as he ran back to the Tianxuan Hall to receive the newcomers.

This was the routine for Jiang Li today.

Receiving guests, leading them into the hall, then back to receive more guests, repeating the process.

It was for this apprenticeship ceremony that not many were invited, only the higher-ups and those familiar with Jiang Li, else he feared he might have been worn out.

Elder Yuheng came with his disciple, who was none other than the second senior brother, Feng Ziyang. Both master and disciple were sword cultivators; Elder Yuheng was somewhat talkative, whereas Feng Ziyang was sparing with his words.

Elder Tianquan came alone, his disciple Yun Qiuchi was out traveling, reportedly busy with a promotion ceremony.

Both elders were quite warm towards Jiang Li, though they were even more enthusiastic about Elder Tianxuan; they hardly spoke a few words before they headed eagerly into the hall, seemingly impatient to meet Jiang Li's master.

'Original bootlickers,' Jiang Li chuckled inwardly.

Although the behavior of the two elders was not inappropriate or too obvious, what kind of person was Jiang Li? With his sharpness, how could he not see these two for what they really were?

Bootlickers are useful, very useful.

Jiang Li was also relieved he had not become a disciple under these two; otherwise, he would always feel inferior every time he met Gongsun Qingyue.

With a sly smile leading them inside, Jiang Li walked back and forth.

Shortly after, two more elders arrived side by side—it was Elder Kaiyang and Yaoguang Elder.

Yaoguang Elder, Luu Tianpeng, was tall, over ten feet, virtually a small giant, while Elder Kaiyang, Guan Wuyang, excelled in martial arts, his vitality as fierce as the midday sun. With the arrival of the two elders, the temperature around seemed to rise slightly.

Following behind them was the disciple of Elder Kaiyang, Ling Wujue.

Jiang Li had never met Ling Wujue, but he had long wanted to meet him.

"Greetings to both elders," Jiang Li approached to pay his respects, then turned towards Ling Wujue with a friendly smile, "Fifth senior brother, welcome."

Ling Wujue, with a cold face, nodded in acknowledgment, returning the gesture.

From their very first interaction, the difference in their manners was apparent.

"Alas," Elder Kaiyang shook his head and sighed, a face filled with the despair of teaching the incorrigible.

It was good that he had not accepted Jiang Li as a disciple; otherwise, his foolish pupil would surely have been played to death. It was better to let this guy follow that lady of the Tianxuan faction; such a disciple was truly beyond his control.

Elder Tianpeng nodded slightly and inquired, "Who else has not arrived?"

"Elder Tianji and the eldest senior brother have not arrived yet," replied Jiang Li.

The Sect Leader was currently in the Divine Capital, and from the look of it, he would not be able to attend. Eldest senior brother Yun Jiuye had also gone to the Divine Capital several months ago to consult the Sect Leader on cultivation difficulties and to avoid getting entangled in the Jiang family's troubles.

Now that the storm had passed, Yun Jiuye should have returned. At the very least, he should represent the Sect Leader in Jiang Li's apprenticeship ceremony.

Thinking this, a single thought emerged unanimously in everyone's mind—Yun Jiuye wouldn't seriously miss this, would he...

If that was the case, it would be a direct slap in Jiang Li's face, and Elder Tianxuan's reputation would also suffer.

As the master of the Seven Halls accepting a disciple, both in morality and rationale, representatives from the various halls should attend; otherwise, it was equivalent to not recognizing this discipleship.

For a moment, different thoughts crossed the minds of the four, each considering potential scenarios that could unfold.

However, before they could begin to address these potential issues—a streak of white light cut through the sky.

"The eldest senior brother has arrived," Ling Wujue revealed a look of joy.

'White light streaking through the sky, like the majestic Taibai piercing the heavens, carrying an aura of sternness.'

Jiang Li's eyes revealed the patterns of the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches, 'The comer bodes ill.'