"I choose..."
Inside the solemn and austere Daoist temple, absolute silence reigned. Only the young man's voice could be heard, clear and distinct.
Under the attentive gaze of everyone present, he offered his answer without seemingly giving it much thought.
"Houtu Hall!"
At this moment, everyone's eyes shifted onto Fairy Qinglan.
Zhan Bingtao's brow furrowed slightly, but quickly smoothed out, turning into quite a pleased look.
On the contrary, Hui Yuanhong, who was also a Great Cultivator, looked displeased. "Junior, you must think this through. While Hall Master Houtu is beautiful, her years of cultivation are the shortest among us."
"Hmph!" Fairy Qinglan let out a soft huff, clearly dissatisfied that this old fellow brought up her looks.
Opposite them, Zhang Bairen chimed in, "Hall Master Hui is actually quite right. Fairy Qinglan's cultivation years are simply too brief. For the greater part of her path, she was the one receiving instruction from others. How could she meticulously instruct you?"
Fairy Qinglan knew she had to speak up for herself now, or Zhou Fuyou might truly be swayed.
"It is precisely because my years of cultivation are fewer than yours that I have an advantage in this regard. Who knows how many centuries have passed since you all formed your cores and condensed your Nascent Souls? Even if you possess rich theoretical knowledge, your memories of cultivating at those corresponding realms have likely grown hazy. How could they be as fresh as mine?"
"That is mistaken logic. When our generation instructs disciples, we take a panoramic view and guide them with meticulous precision. How could we be affected by memory?" Long Ting of Changsheng Hall first refuted Fairy Qinglan, then said impatiently, "Zhou Fuyou, do you know that Fairy Qinglan primarily cultivates the Wood Element? Yet from the magical fluctuations you revealed earlier, which were brimming with gentle water vapor, your element is clearly Water. You are tailor-made for this hall master!"
Fairy Qinglan's expression darkened slightly. "If we follow Hall Master Long's logic, why should the Four Halls of our Dao Palace bother selecting the best disciples at all? We might as well simply divide them among our gates based on the Five Elements!"
Long Ting was struck dumb, rendered speechless.
Just then, Zhan Bingtao, seated at the head of the hall, finally spoke.
"Zhou Fuyou, are you certain you have thought this through?"
Zhou Fuyou nodded firmly. "This junior wishes to join Houtu Hall and take Fairy Qinglan as my master!"
Hui Yuanhong remained unsatisfied and stared fixedly at him. "Your reason?"
"Enough!" Zhan Bingtao cut off his interrogation and tapped the table. "Since the decision has been made, Zhou Fuyou shall belong to Houtu Hall from now on. There is no need for him to go to the Seven Stars Courtyard to study basic cultivation knowledge."
Helpless, Hui Yuanhong had no choice but to let it drop.
He could not fathom why Zhou Fuyou would choose Fairy Qinglan—the youngest, lowest in cultivation, weakest in factional influence, and pursuing a path vastly different from his own among the four hall masters.
Could it merely be for the ethereal prospect that Fairy Qinglan had comprehended the law true intent and had hopes of reaching Soul Formation?
Zhou Fuyou had done so, and before him, several other outstanding juniors had done the same.
If regular disciples were not denied the right to choose when it came to apprenticeship, Houtu Hall would probably already be packed to the brim.
Yet none of them stopped to consider: with such tremendous potential, Fairy Qinglan would inevitably focus on her own cultivation. Where would she find the time to regularly instruct low-tier disciples?
Relying on a powerful backer was never as good as becoming a powerful backer oneself.
These juniors were truly shortsighted!
Moreover, Zhan Bingtao was simply letting them fool around.
What Hui Yuanhong did not know was that Zhan Bingtao had initially furrowed his brow with the exact same thought.
Yet in merely a flash, Zhan Bingtao had thought it through.
Zhou Fuyou was different from other juniors; his talent was far too terrifying, and his future achievements would at least match someone of Shi Ju's caliber.
Such a figure would inevitably rise meteorically no matter which hall he joined.
Among the four halls, Zhongxing Hall was primarily composed of the remnants of Star Gate guest elders. Although there was talk of assimilating them into the Tianyuan Dao Sect, no one wanted an outside faction to grow dominant.
Furthermore, compared to the well-preserved Zhang and Long families, the Fu family to which Fu Qinglan belonged possessed a shallow foundation. Even if she acquired a prized prodigy like Zhou Fuyou, their influence on the Tiannan Continent would never surpass the two great clans, the Zhan and Mo families.
Checks and balances—that was what Zhan Bingtao was considering.
As for whether Fu Qinglan had the ability to nurture Zhou Fuyou?
Zhan Bingtao was not worried in the slightest!
Once Zhou Fuyou laid a solid foundation, Zhan Bingtao could personally step forward to guide him if necessary, or even use his authority as the person in charge of the Tiannan Continent to order the other three hall masters to instruct him together.
As long as Zhou Fuyou performed brilliantly at the Dao Sect's Ancestral Court in the future, everyone would reap the benefits!
"Fellow Daoists, this old man has traveled thousands of li to get here and feels somewhat weary. Furthermore, there are several descendants of my Zhou family within the Dao Palace whom I would like to visit. How about we conclude today's matters here?" Zhou Yunshen said with a smile.
Zhan Bingtao nodded. "Very well! Junior Sister Qinglan, see to it that Fellow Daoist Zhou and his companions are properly settled. Do not neglect them."
Fairy Qinglan rose gracefully. "Understood."
...
Fairy Qinglan led the two out of Tianyuan Temple and headed west, soon entering a rolling mountain range.
Within it stood countless pavilions and towers, with palaces lining the landscape in orderly tiers.
Though most of the structures were newly constructed, they did not lack the grandeur and solemnity befitting an immortal sanctuary.
In particular, the great hall atop the mountain peak was shrouded in drifting mists and swirling vapors. Upon closer look, it was revealed to be an extreme convergence of spiritual qi.
Looking at this sight, Zhou Yunshen, who possessed nearly a thousand years of cultivation, could not help showing a trace of envy.
"We have arrived. Down below is Houtu Hall," Fairy Qinglan said gently.
Below, several figures had already flown up to greet them.
"Master!"
"Master, you've returned!"
Fairy Qinglan smiled faintly. "Not only have I returned, but I have also brought back a younger martial brother for you all."
In an instant, eight pairs of unfamiliar eyes fell squarely upon Zhou Fuyou.
Zhou Fuyou stepped forward at the appropriate moment. "My name is Zhou Fuyou. Greetings, senior martial brothers and sisters!"
The group was quite astonished.
In truth, even before Zhou Fuyou arrived in person, his name had already gained widespread renown across the Tiannan Dao Palace over the past few years.
Everyone knew a peerless genius was slated to join the Tiannan Dao Palace.
Not only did he possess a Heavenly Spiritual Root, but he also had the most harmonious Innate Dao Body!
Talents like him were the rarest of all.
The previous example had been Shi Ju.
Back when Shi Ju's fame had been at its zenith, he had been immensely favored even by Soul Formation ancestors.
Now, only one Soul Formation ancestor remained in the Tianyuan Dao Sect and lacked the time to instruct juniors, but they had never expected this renowned genius to be taken under their master's wing into Houtu Hall.
For a moment, the eight of them introduced themselves with curiosity and excitement.
Zhou Fuyou memorized every one of their names, especially Eldest Senior Sister Shi Miaoyin, as her temperament was rather unique. She was gentle and virtuous, and her gaze even held a touch of warmth and kindness, reminiscent of how his mother used to look at him.
Standing to the side, Zhou Yunshen sighed with emotion. "As expected of the Tianyuan Dao Sect. The Tiannan Dao Palace on this continent was established merely several decades ago, yet Houtu Hall alone has nurtured eight Golden Core cultivators."
Fairy Qinglan smiled and shook her head. "They were not all nurtured solely by me. Five of them, including Miaoyin, joined my tutelage having already cultivated a foundation. The other three were mostly groomed from childhood by Nascent Soul clans before being sent to the Tiannan Dao Palace."
After a brief explanation, Fairy Qinglan made the arrangements.
"Miaoyin, take Fuyou to Cave Abode Xuan-Jia-One!"
At these words, everyone showed looks of surprise.
Yet no one objected. Shi Miaoyin stepped forward. "Little Junior Brother, please come with me!"
Zhou Fuyou glanced at Zhou Yunshen. The old man nodded to him, and Zhou Fuyou followed Shi Miaoyin as she flew downward.
...
"The Tiannan Dao Palace was constructed after the Dao Sect's Ancestral Court invited array grandmasters to employ great prowess and means to gather the spiritual qi of the earth veins."
"Thousands upon thousands of cave abodes were excavated within the Dao Palace. These cave abodes are categorized into four tiers: Tian, Di, Xuan, and Huang. Jia, Yi, Bing, and Ding denote the four ranks: peak, superior, intermediate, and inferior."
"Little Junior Brother is truly valued by Master. Right upon arrival, you have been assigned the best Tier 2 cave abode."
Xuan-Jia-One was a peak Tier 2 abode, only a single step away from Tier 3.
It was a sacred cultivation ground that countless Foundation Establishment cultivators could never hope to touch in their entire lifetimes.
Shi Miaoyin guided Zhou Fuyou through a quiet, secluded palace, explaining everything in detail.
"Though called a cave abode, it is actually a palace. Aside from the main hall, there are two side halls, a bedchamber, and two mu of spirit fields."
"The main hall can be used to receive guests or host banquets. Of the two side halls, one connects directly to subterranean fire, allowing you to forge artifacts, refine pills, and study the hundred arts of cultivation. The other can be arranged however you wish, whether as a study or a treasury. The spirit fields must not go to waste; they were cultivated from excellent spiritual soil, so planting a few medicinal herbs will provide extra income."
"The bedchamber connects to your true cultivation cave, where the spiritual qi is exceedingly rich. If your realm is not high enough, I would not advise cultivating inside it just yet. Even the faint wisps of qi leaking out into the chamber are enough for an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator's practice."
Her meticulous introduction covered every aspect.
Zhou Fuyou followed closely behind, listening attentively.
When Shi Miaoyin turned around and asked if there was anything he did not understand, Zhou Fuyou bowed respectfully.
"Thank you, Senior Sister Miaoyin!"
Faced with such politeness, Shi Miaoyin was caught somewhat off guard.
"Little Junior Brother, there is no need for such formality."
Zhou Fuyou wore a calm expression as he walked out of the bedchamber, looking out over this quiet and beautiful sanctuary.
In the future, this would be his place of cultivation.
Standing a step behind him, Shi Miaoyin looked at the delicate-featured young man clad in white robes patterned with lifelike red coral, and asked gently, "Junior Brother, this cave abode does not have a name yet. You can give it one."
"A name?"
Zhou Fuyou pondered briefly before saying casually, "Let it be called Zhaoxi Palace."
"'If one hears the Dao in the morning, one may die content by evening'?" Shi Miaoyin's beautiful eyes lit up. "I never imagined Junior Brother's heart for the Dao would be so resolute."
Zhou Fuyou did not refute her. "It can be understood that way, but it can also mean that I cultivate here in the morning, and by evening I shall move on to a better cave abode. With my talent, this is merely a temporary residence."
A peak Tier 2 cave abode was far from enough to satisfy him.
Once he formed his core and condensed his Nascent Soul, Tier 3 and Tier 4 abodes would be his true destination.
Shi Miaoyin was rendered momentarily speechless. She felt that this little junior brother she was meeting for the first time, though a man of few words, radiated a self-confidence that far exceeded ordinary mortals.
Perhaps only such confidence was worthy of his earth-shattering talent!
...
Late at night.
Zhou Fuyou was organizing the daily necessities that Shi Miaoyin had brought over.
In truth, there was nothing particularly rare about them; they were ordinary items, though crafted with superior quality compared to what was found outside.
As for items related to cultivation, those would have to wait until Zhou Fuyou met with Master Fairy Qinglan in person for her to decide.
A night breeze blew, and moonlight bathed the window sill. Zhou Fuyou paused his hands.
"Old Ancestor, you've come."
Zhou Yunshen laughed heartily. "Your divine sense is quite sharp to detect this old man's trace right away."
Zhou Fuyou shook his head helplessly; this was merely a flaw his old ancestor had intentionally revealed.
On their way here, the old ancestor had often played such little games with him to hone the sharpness of his divine sense.
Zhou Yunshen casually sat down beside the bedchamber, looking thoroughly pleased.
"As expected of the Tiannan Dao Palace, and of Fairy Qinglan, who has hopes of reaching Soul Formation. The spirit vein beneath this territory is the finest among the four halls, and the spiritual qi within Houtu Hall is practically approaching Tier 5. Such a foundation is truly rare in this world!"
Standing to the side, Zhou Fuyou asked curiously, "Since childhood, I have read many ancient records and know that the Central Plains was once extraordinarily rich in spiritual qi. Yet by legend, there were only two Tier 5 spirit veins: one in the Lanke Mountain Range, and the other at Heaven and Earth Peak. Why does the Tiannan Dao Palace also possess a Tier 5 spirit vein? Could the collapse of the Central Plains have been a blessing in disguise for these continents?"
Zhou Yunshen shook his head. "It can hardly be called a blessing in disguise. It is merely that Heaven and Earth Peak collapsed, and the major spirit veins bound within it were scattered across the four continents."
Zhou Fuyou was astonished. "A single Heaven and Earth Peak could divide into so many Tier 5 spirit veins across the Tiannan Dao Palace, the Libei Dao Palace, and even the Western Continent that sank beneath the ocean?"
Zhou Yunshen said as if it were obvious, "Otherwise, why do you think Heaven and Earth Peak was the headquarters of the Star Gate, capable of accommodating so many Nascent Soul True Persons from the five continents of the Mountain Sea Realm? Why else could Heaven and Earth Peak bear the descent of so many avatars of almighty powerhouses during the Central Plains Great Calamity? To accomplish all that, Heaven and Earth Peak had to possess spirit vein reserves beyond the worldly imagination!"
After sighing in lament, Zhou Yunshen shifted the topic.
"I have already met with the Zhou clan juniors earlier. Tomorrow morning, I shall be leaving."
Curious, Zhou Fuyou asked, "Where will Old Ancestor go next?"
Zhou Yunshen did not answer, saying instead, "Before I leave, I have some things to hand over to you."
He slid a ring off his wrinkled finger.
It was a storage ring whose internal space was hundreds of times larger than ordinary storage bags, but what truly made it precious was the blood-red coral embroidered upon it.
To wear it was to be the clan patriarch of the Zhou family!
Everyone, including the family head Zhou Junxiao, would have to obey his orders.
"From now on, the Zhou clan answers to you."
Zhou Fuyou was completely caught off guard, unable to process what was happening.
Without waiting for his response, Zhou Yunshen continued, "Inside are the lifetime insights and cultivation experiences of this old man. In addition, there are ten peak-grade spirit stones of various elements, along with ten million other spirit stones in total."
"Finally, considering that your Core Formation is near, I have also prepared a hoard of supreme materials for you. In the future, these can be used to forge a natal magic treasure that perfectly suits your heart and hand!"
Dazed, Zhou Fuyou stammered, "Old Ancestor, Fuyou does not dare accept this honor!"
Yet Zhou Yunshen had already slipped the ring onto his finger with an unquestionable firmness.
The motion was light, yet felt infinitely heavy.
Only Zhou Yunshen himself knew that the contents of this ring were not merely his own "wager," but also the gift Luo Chen had left in the Bailu Marsh all those years ago.
Once the coral ring was in place, Zhou Yunshen patted Zhou Fuyou on the shoulder.
"Cherish every step of your future path."
"Go to sleep!"
Caressing the ring that still carried the warmth of the old man's fingers, Zhou Fuyou felt an inexplicable, crushing weight.
That night, he did not cultivate.
When the morning dawn gradually broke, Zhou Fuyou slowly opened his eyes.
The kind and genial old man was already gone.
Lonesomely, he pushed open the bedchamber door. Beneath the early morning dew, a graceful silhouette met his eyes, looking as though she had been standing there for a long time.
"Disciple pays respects to Master!"
Zhou Fuyou bowed deeply.
Chapter 1042