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墨書 Inktalez
Gongye Hong smiled lightly and leaped onto the high platform.
His expression turned serious; the initiation ceremony was a solemn and sacred affair that allowed no room for carelessness.
Whether sincere or feigned, it was best to appear focused at such a moment.
So many eyes were upon him.
Old Master pulled Wei Chen to the front of the stage and addressed everyone present at the Temple of Martial Arts, saying, "Although you all may already know, according to tradition, I should still introduce him. This is Wei Chen, son of Wei Jian from Duke Sui's Residence. His skills in formations are quite remarkable, making him a rare asset for our Temple of Martial Arts. After careful discussion with the Grand Elder and considering Wei Chen's own wishes, from this moment on, he will be a member of our Temple of Martial Arts, sharing in our fortunes and misfortunes."
"The Temple of Martial Arts governs the Cloud Spirit Sect within the Southern Ming Divine Domain. It is my honor to join the Temple of Martial Arts," Wei Chen said as he slightly bowed to the crowd, offering a few compliments.
Old Master smiled with satisfaction and continued, "In these special times, we will keep things simple. Our Temple of Martial Arts does not impose too many restrictions. From this moment on, you are officially a member of the Temple of Martial Arts. After discussions with the Grand Elder, we have decided to grant you the title of Core Disciple, placing you on par with the Elders."
Core Disciple? On par with the Elders?
Upon hearing Old Master's words, not only was Wei Chen stunned, but everyone in attendance was equally astonished. Even Gongye Long wore an expression of shock.
Old Master claimed to have negotiated this matter, but in reality, what negotiation? He knew nothing!
"Master of the Hall, isn't granting him Core Disciple status a bit excessive?" Gongye Long quietly inquired through voice transmission.
Old Master replied through transmission, "Just wait and see. The current Core Disciple is one of Yue Songyang's people!"
Upon hearing this from Old Master, Gongye Long immediately understood.
Disciples of the Temple of Martial Arts are divided into four main tiers: Outer Sect, Inner Sect, True Inheritance, and Core Disciples. Outer Sect disciples are merely those with slightly stronger abilities within the Cloud Spirit Sect who await their chance to become Inner Sect Disciples. Inner Sect Disciples are those who possess talent within the Cloud Spirit Sect and serve as envoys after training at the Temple of Martial Arts.
True Inheritance Disciples form the backbone of the Temple of Martial Arts; there are quite a few of them with considerable strength who remain part of the Temple for life. If dispatched to the Cloud Spirit Sect, they take on roles as overseers.
As for Core Disciples, they are typically descendants of high-ranking members within the Temple of Martial Arts; only a very few outsiders qualify due to their exceptional talents. Once one becomes a Core Disciple, it signifies that they have the potential to become a Fifth-Level Deity!
Thus, being a Core Disciple carries immense weight.
In the Temple of Martial Arts, everyone dreams of becoming a Core Disciple, even some elders who, in terms of status, fall short of the Core Disciples.
Many predicted that with the identity of Duke Sui's Residence's Fifth Young Master joining the Temple of Martial Arts, he would undoubtedly receive benefits as a Core Disciple. After all, he had such a prominent background and an impressive father, and it was only natural that he would "defeat" Qian Youshi through formations to become a Core Disciple. However, there was widespread discontent regarding Wei Chen's ascension to Core Disciple, as his displayed cultivation talent was not particularly strong.
Yet, the Old Master's words were like heavy bombs, exploding in everyone's hearts!
Not just any ordinary Core Disciple, but a true Core Disciple!
What did that mean?
It meant that once the Old Master stepped down, Wei Chen would become the Hall Master of the Temple of Martial Arts!
Adding that one word changed everything.
Being a Core Disciple nurtured as the next Hall Master meant endless cultivation resources—whatever he wanted would be at his disposal.
The position of Hall Master had been seized from Yue Songyang through cunning means. Therefore, to maintain face for this generation's Core Disciples, the Old Master had deliberately given the position to someone from Yue Songyang's faction.
However, what awaited that Core Disciple was not the Hall Master's throne but rather a replacement midway with someone who had made no contributions to the Temple of Martial Arts?
This was intolerable!
Upon hearing the Old Master's announcement, the venue fell silent. How could this happen?
"Has the Master of the Hall gone mad? How can Wei Chen become a Core Disciple?"
"Yeah, damn it! How can such a position be given to an outsider?"
"Besides, Brother Zuo Leng has held the position of Core Disciple for a long time. He is recognized as the next Hall Master! Does the Master of the Hall not fear alienating Brother Zuo Leng?"
"Who isn't? I originally thought it would be appropriate to give Wei Chen a decent position as a Core Disciple, considering his status as the son of the Duke of Sui. His current standing is too low; it wouldn't look good if he went out. Others might think our Temple of Martial Arts is lacking in prestige."
"Indeed, being a Core Disciple is sufficient. How could he be made a Core Disciple?"
"I wonder what Brother Zuo Leng will think. In my opinion, there will definitely be a confrontation."
...
On one side, discussions were rife, while on the other, the current Core Disciple of the Temple of Martial Arts, Zuo Leng, turned pale upon hearing the Old Master's words.
Zuo Leng appeared to be in his thirties, but in the Endless Divine Realm, he had actually been cultivating for tens of thousands of years. However, those tens of thousands of years in the Endless Divine Realm hardly counted as age; he was still quite young. Born in the Temple of Martial Arts as the son of Yue Songyang's subordinate, Zuo Leng was gifted with high potential. His Divine Power possessed an Ice Attribute, and fighting against him could easily result in being frozen into an ice sculpture and shattered into pieces.
From birth, Zuo Leng had grown up with a golden key in his mouth. Yet, he was peaceful by nature and did not seek trouble; within the Temple of Martial Arts, he was respected by all. Due to his formidable strength, everyone trusted him completely, and many Core Disciples willingly became his disciples.
Such a person was truly not to be trifled with.
Moreover, Zuo Leng's character was exceptionally resilient, imbued with strategy and restraint. If he continued on this path smoothly, he would undoubtedly rise to high ranks within the Temple of Martial Arts. According to tradition, his progression from Core Disciple to Hall Master would be seamless.
He never expected that the Master of the Hall would pull such a stunt by appointing a newcomer as a Core Disciple.
Standing beside Zuo Leng were two individuals—his left and right arms—who were also future Vice Hall Master and Grand Elder of the Temple of Martial Arts. If anything unexpected happened, they would serve as his right-hand men, much like Qian Youshi and Left Envoy.
The three of them were known as the Three Heroes of the Temple of Martial Arts and held positions comparable to high-ranking officials just below the envoys. Everyone knew they were destined for high positions within the Temple of Martial Arts and deserved respect.
The man beside Zuo Leng held a long sword; he was a swordsman named Xiao Jian. The man on Zuo Leng's right was named Pan Dalong; he was robust and powerful, already at the Fifth Level Divine Realm, comparable to Gongye Hong. Notably, Gongye Hong was not a Core Disciple; to avoid suspicion, Gongye Long did not grant him that title. Consequently, Gongye Hong lacked the privileges and resources associated with being a Core Disciple. However, as the sole granddaughter of the Grand Elder, Gongye Hong received ample cultivation resources.
Among the younger generation in the entire Temple of Martial Arts, Gongye Hong's talent ranked just below Zuo Leng.
Zuo Leng's expression darkened further; Xiao Jian and Pan Dalong—his trusted aides—looked even more grim.
"Big Brother, what should we do? The Master of the Hall is deliberately trying to suppress us; it's obvious to anyone with eyes that such tactics are beneath contempt!" Xiao Jian exclaimed angrily.
"Big Brother, I'm going to find Deputy Hall Master Yue. We are Vice Hall Master’s people, and the Master of the Hall has no right to do this," Pan Dalong said, preparing to leave.
"There's no need," Zuo Leng said, stopping Pan Dalong with a hand. "Let's see what the Master of the Hall has to say. I don't believe he would act so rashly; there must be a reason behind his actions."
"What reason could there be? It's just that he wants to use Wei Chen to suppress you," Pan Dalong replied anxiously.
Zuo Leng replied calmly, "That Wei Chen is only a Third-Level Deity at most. If he doesn't get the chance to set up his formation, he's nothing."
"That's right, Senior Brother. You can issue a challenge. Since the Master of the Hall has given Wei Chen the title of Core Disciple, he must accept it. Once he loses, the position of Core Disciple will still belong to you," Xiao Jian analyzed.
In the Temple of Martial Arts, challenges were common as long as they didn't endanger lives. Generally, challenges could be refused, but a challenge against a Core Disciple could not be turned down.
Since Zuo Leng became a Core Disciple, he had fought in numerous battles and won every single one. In recent years, no one in the Temple of Martial Arts dared to challenge him; they all lost decisively. The title of Core Disciple was not just an honor bestowed by the higher-ups; it was a symbol of strength! Zuo Leng's title as Core Disciple was earned through countless hard-fought victories.
"Zuo Leng, Xiao Jian is right. You can issue a challenge and reclaim your title as Core Disciple. What belongs to you cannot be taken away by anyone. Wei Chen's strength is likely only that of a Third-Level Deity; he is definitely not your match. However, be careful with your strength; don't kill him. It won't be easy to explain to Duke Sui's Residence."
A voice reached Zuo Leng's ears.
It was Vice Hall Master Yue Songyang.
"Master, when should I issue the challenge?" Zuo Leng asked.
Yue Songyang paused for a moment before replying through thought transmission: "Now."
...
On the high platform, the Old Master announced Wei Chen's appointment as Core Disciple. Wei Chen, unaware of what being a Core Disciple entailed, showed no reaction at first. However, as discussions erupted from below, he began to understand.
The identity of Core Disciple was undoubtedly a hot potato!
"Old Fellow, are you trying to kill me?" Wei Chen whispered to the Old Master, a bitter smile on his face.
The Old Master replied, "Only by doing this can you obtain the cultivation resources from the Temple of Martial Arts, specifically the high-grade Mental Attack Technique, which we can provide you with under legitimate circumstances."
"Fine, you old Fellow, always scheming. How many times have I fallen into your traps?" Wei Chen said helplessly.
The Old Master chuckled, "It's not a scheme; it's admiration. If it were someone else, I wouldn't go through so much trouble. Zuo Leng is a Fifth-Level Deity, but he's only at the early stage of that level, far from the mid to late stages. His combat power cannot compare to Qian Youshi's. If he challenges you, you should have a chance of winning."
"A challenge? Inexplicably, why would he challenge me?" Wei Chen asked in confusion.
"Because there are rules in the Temple of Martial Arts. A Core Disciple must accept any disciple's challenge. If they win openly and fairly, the victor becomes the Core Disciple. Zuo Leng has been challenged hundreds of times before and has won every time. It won't be long before he challenges you," the Old Master explained.
Wei Chen smiled wryly, "Alright, I see how it is. I've witnessed your cunning; all of you old hands are quite skilled at this."
As soon as Wei Chen finished speaking, Zuo Leng stepped out from the crowd and walked directly to the platform. The atmosphere in the Temple of Martial Arts was harmonious and not overly strict; even in such situations, disciples could approach the Old Master directly if needed. Moreover, given Zuo Leng's status, slightly impolite behavior was not considered a big deal.
"Master of the Hall, I don't understand. As a Core Disciple, I have worked diligently and contributed greatly to the Temple of Martial Arts. Allowing a newcomer to take on the role of Core Disciple might be difficult for others to accept," Zuo Leng said calmly as he looked at the Old Master.
The Old Master smiled at Zuo Leng and said, "Zuo Leng, I understand that you're uncomfortable with my appointment. However, there is a reason I chose Wei Chen as Core Disciple. His Formation Assignment skills are strong; that's been our Temple of Martial Arts' longstanding weakness."
With the mention of Formation Assignment, Zuo Leng suddenly found himself at a loss for words. Everyone knew that within the Temple of Martial Arts, formations were weak due to the lack of a Formation Master. A gifted Formation Master could indeed create significant achievements.
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