187: Chapter 187 Entering the Core Disciple List, Choosing a Cave for Secluded Cultivation and Sword Comprehension

Leaving Elder Jian Wuxin's courtyard, Ye Qing, guided by that Inner Sect Disciple, headed to the Affairs Hall of the Heavenly Sword Sect to complete the relevant procedures for becoming a Core Disciple.

The Affairs Hall was situated on a spacious platform on the mountainside of Wenjian Peak. The hall was magnificent, and Disciples were coming and going in an endless stream.

The Inner Sect Disciple leading Ye Qing clearly held some status within the Sect. As they walked, many Disciples took the initiative to greet him while simultaneously casting curious glances at Ye Qing, who followed behind.

Clearly, the astonishing phenomenon before the heavenly sword stele had already spread within a small circle.

Inside the Affairs Hall, after an Executive Elder verified Elder Jian Wuxin's token and cross-checked Ye Qing's identity information, a kind smile appeared on his face, and he efficiently completed all the procedures for him.

An identity token representing the status of a Heavenly Sword Sect Core Disciple—carved entirely from warm, moist white jade, with a small sword pattern engraved on the front and the characters "Ye Qing" on the back—along with a set of clothing and Magical Artifacts exclusive to Core Disciples, was solemnly placed into his hands.

"Junior Brother Ye, congratulations on becoming a Core Disciple of our Heavenly Sword Sect. This is your identity token; please keep it safe. With this token, you may freely enter and exit most areas of the Sect, collect your corresponding share of Spirit Stones and Medicinal Pills each month, and visit the Scripture Pavilion to borrow Cultivation Techniques and classics," the Executive Elder explained with a smile.

"Many thanks, Elder." Ye Qing took the token and put it away securely.

"Additionally, according to Sect regulations, every Core Disciple may choose an unoccupied Immortal Cave within Wenjian Peak and its surrounding mountain ranges as their place for quiet cultivation." The Executive Elder took out a Jade Slip and handed it to Ye Qing. "This Jade Slip records the location, Spiritual Qi density, and surrounding environment information of all currently vacant Immortal Caves. Junior Brother Ye, you may choose for yourself; once you have decided, inform me, and I will register it for you."

Ye Qing took the Jade Slip, expressed his thanks, and probed it with his Divine Sense.

The Jade Slip recorded dozens of available Immortal Caves distributed in different areas of Wenjian Peak and its surroundings. Some were close to the Scripture Pavilion, some near the Alchemy Hall, and others were located in more secluded and remote valleys, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

After carefully comparing them, he ultimately chose an Immortal Cave located in a secluded valley on the west side of Wenjian Peak, known as "Tingjian Cliff."

Although this Immortal Cave was slightly far from the core area of the Sect, its advantages were its quiet environment and dense Spiritual Qi. Furthermore, there was a waterfall nearby that flowed year-round, its murmuring water helpful for calming the mind and comprehending the Dao of the sword. More importantly, this Immortal Cave was relatively remote and rarely disturbed by others, which suited him perfectly.

He informed the Executive Elder of his choice. The Executive Elder nodded, registered it for him, and handed him the Restriction token for the Immortal Cave.

"Junior Brother Ye, the Immortal Cave has been properly registered for you. This is the Restriction token; by holding this token, you can control all the Restrictions around the Immortal Cave. If there is nothing else, you may proceed to your Immortal Cave."

Ye Qing thanked him again, left the Affairs Hall, and flew toward Tingjian Cliff, following the route recorded in the Jade Slip.

Tingjian Cliff was located about one hundred miles west of Wenjian Peak, atop a mountain that was not very high but quite precipitous. On one side of the mountain was a steep cliff, where a silvery-white waterfall, like a jade Dragon, cascaded down from the top, falling into a deep pool below, emitting a thunderous roar and splashing up countless mists.

Under the sunlight, brilliant rainbows often appeared in the mist, complementing the surrounding green mountains and trees, creating quite a beautiful scene.

Ye Qing's Immortal Cave was located on the cliff face beside the waterfall, covered by a faint cyan light screen, appearing very hidden.

He took out the Restriction token and cast a spell. The cyan light screen parted like water ripples to both sides, revealing a gateway woven from green vines.

He stepped inside; the interior of the Immortal Cave was a world of its own.

This was a stone chamber several dozen square feet in size. Although it was not very large, it was fully equipped. In the center of the stone chamber was a meditation cushion carved from a single piece of cyan jade, emitting a faint coolness that helped to calm the mind and focus. On one side of the stone chamber was a smaller side room that could be used for storing miscellaneous items or keeping Spirit Beasts.

The ceiling of the Immortal Cave was embedded with several fist-sized moonstones, emitting a soft light that illuminated the entire stone chamber brightly.

"This place is not bad."

Ye Qing nodded in satisfaction. He set up several layers of his customary concealment and defensive Formations within the Immortal Cave, then sat cross-legged on the cyan jade meditation cushion, carefully sorting through the gains from this Heavenly Pride Tournament and the information revealed by Elder Jian Wuxin.

"Heavenly Sword True Interpretation... Core Legacy... True Disciple Candidate..."

A look of contemplation flashed in his eyes.

He knew that although he had caused quite a stir before the heavenly sword stele and attracted the attention of Elder Jian Wuxin, this did not mean he could rest easy. As the hegemon of the Canglan Domain, the Heavenly Sword Sect was teeming with Geniuses and filled with experts. As a newly entered Core Disciple, if he wanted to truly gain recognition and obtain the legendary Heavenly Sword True Interpretation, he needed to produce even more convincing performances.

"No rush. Only with a solid Foundation can one build a high tower. First, I will familiarize myself with the Sect's environment, thoroughly consolidate my cultivation at the Lianxu Initial Stage, and then polish the chaos sword and my own Dao to be more perfect. Then, I will go to the Scripture Pavilion to find some Sword Dao Cultivation Techniques suitable for myself, draw from the strengths of others, and perfect my own Dao."

Having made up his mind, he stopped overthinking. He closed his eyes, began to operate the Hunxu Yandao Scripture, and started breathing in the dense Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi in the Immortal Cave, beginning his first formal Cultivation in the Heavenly Sword Sect.