12dz Chapter 2006 Things Have Changed!
Chapter 2006 Things Have Changed!
Just then...
Several figures dressed in plain-colored monk robes walked briskly through the bustling, crowded streets.
The dazzling array of spirit shops on the street, the constant stream of cultivators, and the endless hawking sounds failed to make them stop for even a moment.
The group walked steadily, their expressions reserved, and turned directly into a secluded alley hidden among the buildings.
As soon as you step onto the path, the noise of the outside world is instantly shut out.
Ancient trees line both sides of the path, their dense foliage almost completely blocking out the sunlight.
The surroundings were shrouded in mist, and the spiritual energy was slightly cool.
The deeper one goes, the fewer cultivators come and go.
In the end, the entire path fell silent.
Only the soft sound of a few footsteps on the bluestone ground remained, making the atmosphere even more tranquil and solemn.
The group walked on in silence.
The group of Golden Core cultivators who had traveled together finally broke the silence in this deserted place by speaking slowly.
The leading, composed middle-aged cultivator glanced at the people around him, his tone tinged with melancholy and regret, and spoke first:
"Junior brothers, the great war between the two races has now come to a complete end, and the flames of war have subsided."
What are your plans for the future?
What path do you plan to take next?
These words seemed to strike at the deepest, most poignant part of their hearts.
A Golden Core cultivator in the crowd immediately gave a bitter smile, his brows full of desolation and self-mockery.
His voice betrayed an undeniable weariness:
"We have long been labeled as traitors to our sect by the Cultivator Association, burdened by old sins, and have been barely surviving until now."
What decent options are there?
The voice just fell,
Another Golden Core cultivator beside him, with slightly graying hair and beard, immediately chimed in, his tone full of helplessness and resentment:
"Senior brother is right!"
In this great war between the two races, we fought to the death, piling up the heads of countless demon cultivators to barely erase the guilt brought about by our sect's involvement in the past, thus escaping the death penalty and surviving in this world.
After such a bloody battle, we had very few battle merits left.
It's hardly a generous sum.
He paused slightly, looked up towards the direction of the Cultivator Association in the distance, his eyes filled with gloom, and continued his analysis in a deep voice:
"not to mention!
Even if we still have some battle merits left, given our current status, we can only exchange them for some ordinary spiritual materials, pills, magic tools, and other physical spiritual items at most.
"To try and earn a position in the Cultivator Association through battle merits is virtually impossible."
"The Monks' Association has never explicitly prohibited us, monks who are under criminal charges, from holding office."
This may seem like it leaves room for maneuver, but the underlying review mechanism is extremely strict and restrictive at every turn.
With our past cases and sensitive backgrounds, even if we meet the required merit standards, it will be extremely difficult for us to pass through layers of review.
This hope is so faint as to be almost negligible.
Fellow disciples, please do not harbor any unrealistic fantasies about this.
To avoid only adding to the disappointment at the end.
“What Junior Brother said is absolutely true.” A cultivator beside him sighed deeply, his face full of regret.
"Back in the day, we were also orthodox disciples of the sect, enjoying boundless glory."
Now they've fallen to this state.
Their status is even lower than that of a wandering, unattached cultivator.
Truly, life is unpredictable, and fate plays tricks on us!
"However, given the current unclear situation, we don't need to rush to decide on the future."
Someone hesitated for a moment, then slowly spoke to calm everyone down.
"Why don't we first visit the Supreme Ancestor together, listen to his teachings, and then make a decision?"
Is it a matter of using the last of one's battle merits to try and secure a position in the Cultivator Association and obtain a legitimate status?
Or, to be on the safe side, should we exchange for rare treasures and solidify our cultivation foundation?
"Although our ancestors were subject to punishment just like us, their circumstances were limited."
But he was a true half-saint realm expert, with unfathomable cultivation foundation.
Looking across the entire cultivation world, no one dares to truly underestimate the weight of a half-saint level expert.
If our patriarch were willing to step in and mediate for us...
Perhaps these current dilemmas can all be resolved easily.
"That's absolutely right!" Everyone nodded in agreement, a glimmer of light appearing in their eyes.
"For ordinary, rootless, and unaffiliated cultivators,
The number of positions in the monks' association merely provides some additional conveniences, making it easier to gather resources and travel within the territory.
But for us, burdened with past sins and in an awkward position,
The association's legitimate status is the only crucial opportunity to wash away its stigma, establish itself on the path of immortality, and return to orthodoxy.
Moreover!
The victories achieved in this great battle were hard-won.
If we miss this opportunity, we'll never have another chance to turn our lives around.
Well said!
Elixirs and rare magical artifacts are ultimately external possessions, only providing temporary boosts to one's cultivation and offering short-term benefits.
Only the legitimate status of the monks' association can protect us from the storms of life and bring us a continuous stream of long-term benefits.
It is something we should strive for with all our might.
As everyone chatted amongst themselves, a sense of anticipation for the future gradually ignited in their eyes, and the atmosphere became slightly more lively.
at this time,
A composed Golden Core cultivator in the crowd, looking at his fellow disciples who were still filled with hope and chatting, couldn't help but recall the bloody scenes of the great battle.
I thought of those fellow disciples who had fallen.
My heart suddenly felt heavy.
I couldn't help but let out a long, soft sigh.
"Fellow disciples, even so, we should be content."
His voice was low and somber, carrying the weariness of someone who had experienced life and death.
"This great war between the two races was a veritable meat grinder, with corpses strewn across the fields and rivers of blood flowing."
Our survival was entirely due to the secret care and protection of our ancestors, who helped us seize the opportunity to kill the enemy and earn merit.
"But the ancestor was ultimately unable to protect everyone."
Our fellow disciples, including Senior Brother Zhao, who once cultivated and fought alongside us, ultimately perished in the fierce battle.
They were forever left behind in that chaotic catastrophe.
In contrast, we were able to survive the mountains of corpses and seas of blood, wash away our sins, and preserve our cultivation...
This is already a stroke of luck amidst misfortune.
"So, even if we ultimately don't get the opportunity to work for the association,
Even if I were reduced to an ordinary, unaffiliated cultivator, without roots or support, practicing alone, I would have no regrets.
As soon as this word comes out,
The group of Golden Core cultivators, who had been whispering and full of expectations, suddenly fell silent.
A gentle breeze rustled through the treetops along the path, creating a soft, whispering sound that only amplified the stillness of the surroundings.
Everyone present was a perceptive person, and they instantly understood the deeper meaning behind those words.
The patriarch was once a powerful figure, but now he has fallen into a state of seclusion, reflecting on his sins behind closed doors. He has long since exhausted his energy for the sect and his disciples, bearing endless grievances and shackles.
If they still insist on expecting their ancestor to lower himself and run around begging for favors to secure a future for them...
How can these younger generations still have the face to stand on the path of immortality and live a wretched life in this world?
Moreover, compared to their fellow disciples who were buried on the battlefield and whose souls returned to heaven and earth, they were already far too fortunate.
All guilt has been absolved, but moral character remains.
Although the road ahead may be fraught with difficulties, there is still a possibility of progressing in cultivation and breaking through to a higher realm.
They no longer have the right to complain.
Everyone understands the principle, and everyone is fully aware of it.
However, the path of cultivating immortality is inherently against the will of Heaven. Seeking survival, fame, and position are all human desires.
The Dao values life, but the human heart is greedy.
Selfish thoughts and desires are never truly eradicated, and only a very small minority truly understand the joy of contentment.
therefore,
No one present refuted or echoed the sentiment.
The hustle and bustle completely dissipated, and the alleyway fell into a deathly silence.
This silence was not peaceful and serene; rather, it carried an air of awkwardness and heaviness, a heavy atmosphere weighing on everyone's hearts.
It's suffocating.
An eerie silence lasted for a full fifteen minutes...
No one spoke again; each person was preoccupied with their own thoughts, and they walked forward with heavy steps.
Fifteen minutes later,
The group finally emerged from the secluded path and arrived at their destination.
Before me stood an ancient and weathered cave, its stone walls mottled and its patterns ancient.
It even had a somewhat shabby and dilapidated feel to it.
The stone gate of the cave is heavy and ancient, covered with traces of the erosion of time, showing a desolate and cold atmosphere.
Just as the group stopped in front of the cave, gathering their breath and waiting respectfully...
The heavy stone door seemed to sense the arrival of the younger generation; without any wind, it opened slowly to both sides with a low, muffled creaking sound.
The dark and secluded main hall inside the cave was revealed.
Next second,
An aged, hoarse, yet still steady and powerful voice slowly emanated from the deep hall, resounding in everyone's ears:
"It's you little ones who've arrived. Come in, all of you."
Hearing the patriarch's gentle voice, the Golden Core cultivators felt a warmth in their hearts.
They dared not delay for a moment, quickly composed themselves, bowed respectfully, and stepped into this usually deserted, cold, and lonely cave.
The main hall of the cave was dimly lit, devoid of the hustle and bustle of the outside world, exuding an ancient and tranquil atmosphere.
The stone walls of the hall are smooth and clean, and an elderly man with white hair sits on a simple stone seat in the center.
The old man's face was aged, covered with deep wrinkles, and his hair and beard were all white, hanging down to his shoulders. His aura was extremely restrained.
He seemed ordinary, but a glint of brilliance occasionally flashed deep in his eyes.
Compared to his previous days, his energy and spirit have indeed declined somewhat.
Obviously!
The past upheavals within his sect and the years of seclusion while bearing guilt had taken a heavy toll on his mental and physical well-being.
This person was none other than the once renowned Supreme Elder of the Rongshen Immortal Sect.
A powerful being at the pinnacle of the Immortal Path, reaching the level of a half-saint.
"We juniors pay our respects to the Supreme Elder!"
All the Golden Core cultivators bowed deeply.
His expression was extremely respectful, his posture humble and devout, and every word he uttered was filled with heartfelt reverence.
The old man on the stone seat slowly raised his eyes, looking at the group of surviving juniors of the sect before him. A gentle smile appeared on his aged face, and he said softly:
"You still remember this old man who is a criminal, and have come to visit him. That's quite thoughtful of you."
Upon hearing this,
A Golden Core cultivator with slightly higher cultivation level quickly stepped forward, his eyes reddening, his expression filled with sincere gratitude, and cupped his hands in a deep voice, saying:
"Your words, Ancestor, are too kind to this disciple!"
This great war between the two races is a perilous battlefield, fraught with danger.
If it weren't for your secret protection and all-out help, Master, I would have been dead long ago!
They simply couldn't have survived until the end of the war and are still alive today.
This life-saving grace is etched in my heart and I will never forget it for the rest of my life!
"Yes, Ancestor!" The others also stepped forward, expressing their gratitude one after another.
"We are of mediocre talent and shallow cultivation."
"It is all thanks to your secret paving the way and protecting us that we were able to capture enough demon heads to offset the guilt caused by our sect's involvement and escape the severe punishment from the Cultivator Association!"
"My only regret is..."
We are utterly incompetent, only able to rely on the protection of our ancestor, yet utterly unable to share your burdens.
I am truly ashamed that I cannot help you escape your guilty conscience and get out of this predicament!
For a time,
The cave was filled with the sincere words of gratitude from everyone, each sentence earnest and heartfelt.
Looking at these younger members of the sect who had endured so much hardship yet remained grateful, the old man sitting on the stone seat felt a great sense of relief, and much of his long-suppressed resentment dissipated.
With a sudden sense of clarity, he couldn't help but laugh out loud:
"I am already satisfied with your sincere hearts, and I ask for nothing more."
"Your most important task now is to calm down, focus on honing your cultivation, and solidify your foundation."
The old man paused slightly, his gaze sweeping solemnly over the crowd, before earnestly giving them his advice.
"In the cultivation world, strength has always been revered and cultivation level is used to determine superiority."
Power, status, and opportunity are all secondary considerations.
Only one's own self-cultivation and inner strength can provide a secure livelihood.
"In the past, my Rong Immortal Sect had a profound foundation and a long lineage. In the future, the revival and inheritance of the sect will ultimately fall on you, the younger generation."
It's a pity that I bear the burden of guilt and have limited years left; I fear I won't live to see the day when the sect regains its glory.
At the end of the sentence,
The old man's tone carried a hint of melancholy and regret.
"We will certainly obey the decree of the Supreme Elder!"
He will dedicate himself to cultivation and vow to carry on the sect's lineage to the death!
"Please rest assured, Ancestor!"
We, your disciples, will certainly live up to your expectations. One day, we will surely revitalize the Rongshen Immortal Sect, rebuild our mountain gate, and restore its glory!
"..."
Everyone solemnly swore an oath, their expressions resolute and their eyes burning with determination.
Looking at the sincere and determined expressions of the crowd, the old man gently shook his head and sighed, his tone carrying a hint of helplessness and relief:
"All the sect's former foundation and treasured resources have long been handed over to the Cultivator Association to atone for their crimes."
Now that the sect has nothing left, I have no treasures or resources to give you to help you cultivate.
"As for the sect's core techniques and unique supernatural abilities, you have already mastered them all, and I have no more skills to pass on."
Now, all I can do is use my lifelong experience in cultivation to answer your questions and guide you through the path of cultivation.
This will help you avoid detours and the dangers of spiritual practice.
"In the future, if you encounter bottlenecks or difficulties on your cultivation path, you may come to my cave at any time to seek my help. There is no need to be reserved."
These words were undoubtedly a timely help to those who were feeling lost and uncertain about the future.
A surge of intense joy flashed in the eyes of all the Golden Core cultivators. Overjoyed, they bowed deeply in gratitude, their voices sincere and resounding:
"Thank you very much, Elder!"
"Thank you very much, Elder!"
Everyone knew perfectly well that if their sect hadn't suffered a calamity and their patriarch hadn't been imprisoned, they, with their mere Golden Core cultivation, would have been utterly unqualified to receive personal guidance from a semi-saint.
It should be noted that in the once-prosperous Rongshen Immortal Sect, only core figures at the Nascent Soul Elder level...
Only they are qualified to listen to the teachings, instruction, and guidance of the Supreme Elder.
Now, these former ordinary sect disciples are actually receiving personal guidance from their ancestor.
This opportunity is so precious.
Everyone felt a deep sense of relief and appreciation.
...(End of this chapter)