My construction materials are weird

The Celestial Pride Pavilion belongs to the Merit Hall of Qingyun Mountain.

This is the largest venue in the entire Qingyun Mountain, a place with high consumption levels, a pleasant environment, and satisfactory services.

Service includes various news, exclusive elixirs, and delicacies cooked with various ferocious beasts and spiritual plants.

Recently, the delicacies in Celestial Pride Pavilion have reached a new level. Five of the top ten strongest participants in the Hundred Arts Competition were recruited by the Celestial Pride Pavilion.

Spiritual chefs, spiritual cooks, and even Old Wine's fruit wine are available here.

It can also be said that the recruitment of those Hundred Arts cultivators has greatly supplemented the expansion of some industries belonging to the Merit Hall.

"Knock, knock!"

In a private room near the window, one could overlook the beautiful scenery of Qingyun Mountain.

Near the window, Wu Gang and Jin Ning were conversing.

Hearing the knock, Wu Gang said, "Come in."

"Creak," the door opened, and three people entered, namely Daoist Ma, Du Ming, and Zhao Long.

The five of them have two identities. Daoist Ma and Du Ming are currently high-level figures in the Daoist sect, while Jin Ning, Wu Gang, and Zhao Long are currently high-level figures in the Martial Dao Alliance.

But they also have another identity: they are the top ten introductory disciples of Master Xuan.

It had been a long time since they had gathered. With the end of the year approaching, coupled with the previous Hundred Arts Competition, it was a coincidence that they were all in Qingyun Mountain.

As for the other five people.

Yan Lai, Jiu Tong, Ming Hui, and Sun Hui's identities were too sensitive.

The four of them gathering together would cause unnecessary associations.

These four were not invited. Their superiors or senior elders would find it too oppressive to bring them along.

Moreover, the four of them were very busy, unlike themselves, who could spare some time to gather.

Finally, Song Hongliang was still in the Blood Moon World, so he did not participate in this gathering.

This time, it was just the five of them in Qingyun Mountain.

"Everyone's here. Sit, sit. It's been a long time since we've gathered."

Wu Gang was the initiator of this gathering, and he invited everyone to sit down.

"Yes, it's been several months," Daoist Ma said after sitting down.

After a brief exchange, Daoist Ma said, "I heard that your Martial Dao Alliance just finished a meeting. Is it a year-end summary?"

Although they belong to two different organizations, with fierce competition.

Their other identity allows the five of them to break through the constraints of the two major forces and exchange some information that is not considered a secret to their respective forces.

"It can be considered a year-end summary, and some rules were formulated along the way." Speaking of this, Wu Gang asked, "By the way, are there many people in your Nanshi Daoist temple?"

"Really?" Jin Ning asked in confusion, "Didn't your Daoist sect tacitly acknowledge the Daoist temples? Aren't they a branch of your Daoist sect? How can you not care about them?"

"You also said it was tacitly acknowledged. It's a tacit agreement, not a formal recognition. This tacit agreement can be used flexibly. For example, we will recruit those with good talent.

We naturally don't care about those with poor talent and weak willpower. If we cared about everyone, wouldn't we be fools?"

"Ah?"

Jin Ning was stunned, "So that's how it is."

Seeing Jin Ning's expression and Wu Gang's frown, the experienced Daoist Ma continued:

"Is it because there are too many Martial Dao cultivators coming to Nanshi, and you chose to recognize the Martial Dao schools in various places as your branches in order to inherit the resources of the Martial Dao school, so now too many people are coming, and even conflicts have arisen, and you are starting to feel uncomfortable?"

The two did not reply, but seeing their dejected appearance, Daoist Ma and Du Ming knew they had guessed correctly.

"That's why I say your foundation is not good, and you are still far behind compared to our Daoist sect. Even if we don't accept Daoist temples from all over the world, we are still a major force. You can't do it. If you don't accept Martial Dao schools from all over the world, you are just a small Martial Dao school in Nanshi."

Du Ming also chimed in, "You can't not accept them. If you accept them, you will get benefits, but at the same time, you have to bear the disadvantages. This is inevitable."

"It's still okay," Wu Gang shook his head and said:

"It's just that we didn't formulate rules at the beginning, and some moths appeared. But this is an inevitable path. Every force has to experience it at the beginning. I don't think it's a big deal.

The benefits are greater. The benefit is that we don't lack manpower. After screening out those who are promising, a series of forging and tempering will result in an elite cultivator."

Daoist Ma nodded and said, "Well, that's right. You were too rough in your management before, and you underestimated human nature too much. I suppose many of the so-called moths involve elites from your headquarters, right?"

"Let's not talk about this. Let's talk about your Daoist sect. Why haven't I seen a summary meeting?"

Wu Gang stopped the topic.

Continuing to talk would be exposing their own shortcomings.

"We..." Seeing that Wu Gang didn't speak, Daoist Ma didn't press him, but instead replied, "All the plans are being executed and implemented. There is no need to hold a summary meeting. Our internal system is very smooth."

This is the foundation of a major sect with a long history.

"What do you think of Yuan Tianchun being accepted as a nominal disciple by Master Xuan?"

As the exchange deepened, Zhao Long asked.

This was a recent sensational event in Qingyun Mountain, and they, as the top ten disciples, were very concerned.

Strictly speaking, Yuan Tianchun performed the Three Bows and Nine Prostrations to Master Xuan, and Master Xuan did not stop him.

Although they are the top ten disciples, they are still introductory disciples.

But Master Xuan has not accepted their apprenticeship ceremony.

Even if Master Xuan has verbally acknowledged it, there is no ceremony after all. Without a ceremony, it always feels incomplete.

Although it was said not long ago that he favored the ten of them.

When the ten of them reach the tenth level of Fusion of Laws and Refining Intent, Master Xuan will help them reach the eleventh level of Fusion of Laws and Refining Intent.

But still, it's the ceremony.

Without the apprenticeship ceremony, it just feels imperfect.

Perhaps the ceremony was still a formality before, but after the revival of the strange and the gathering of Qingyun Mountain's luck, the ceremony is very important.

If they performed the Three Bows and Nine Prostrations to Xuan Huang, their luck would be even stronger.

"What can we think? Master Xuan's emphasis on the Hundred Arts is worth pondering. As introductory disciples, perhaps we should also make some progress in this area."

Daoist Ma continued, "I don't want to be pointed out, saying that the dignified introductory disciples of Master Xuan have not learned any of Master Xuan's Dao teachings, and only know how to cultivate but do not carry forward Master Xuan's Dao teachings."

The so-called Dao teachings are all the essence of an ancestor.

Xuan Huang's Dao teachings are his three fundamental methods and some of the creations of the Hundred Arts.

If a disciple only learns cultivation methods from their teacher without promoting the teacher's Dao lineage, they will inevitably be criticized.

This can be compared to the Three Pure Ones of the Primordial World.

The Tongtian Sect Leader's sword array was invincible, and his disciples were also masters of formations and grandmasters of the sword.

The Yuanshi Tianzun was the strongest in refining artifacts and talismans, and his disciples were all founders of schools in artifact refining and talisman creation.

"Master Xuan..." Zhao Long shook his head, feeling dejected.

Master Xuan was exaggerated; she knew everything, and each skill could make her the founder of a Dao.

What should he do?

He was really only good at cultivation.

Seeing the Martial Dao Alliance trio with furrowed brows, Daoist Ma stood in the position of a fellow disciple, rather than thinking from the perspective of two major forces.

He said, "The Golden Fire Divine Power in the Heaven and Earth Furnace that you comprehend is very good at refining artifacts and pills, and martial arts is the way of conquest and defeating enemies. I don't know if you have heard of the discussion between your Grand Manager and Wang Zihou?"

"Is Senior Brother talking about the Qi Sea Refinement Method?" Zhao Long asked, even calling him Senior Brother.

"No, no, no, I'm not your Senior Brother. Don't call me that randomly. Our Senior Brother is Jin Ning. Haha..." Daoist Ma said, looking at Jin Ning with a smile.

Jin Ning was embarrassed by the smile, remembering the days when he was fooled by these old foxes.

"Daoist Ma, don't talk about irrelevant things, continue," Jin Ning said, his face flushed.

"Alright, alright." Daoist Ma continued, "After the Black Gold appeared, why did your Grand Manager Sun Hui go to Xu Chaoju at the first moment? Wasn't it because he saw the emergence of the Black Gold and, combined with Wang Zihou's conjecture, saw a feasible path? I think this is also your opportunity."

Zhao Long, Jin Ning, and Wu Gang fell silent.

Without exception, they all looked at it with rapt attention!

In terms of attack, cultivators can currently borrow three aspects of the Heaven and Earth Furnace.

First, the ability to devour and absorb; second, the Golden Fire attack; and third, the ability to suppress and seal.

These are the means of attack; defense is another matter.

As Daoist Ma said, they had used the Golden Fire attack many times, and it was indeed an extraordinary fire power.

Before, they had only thought of killing enemies.

But Daoist Ma was right; if it could kill enemies, why couldn't it refine artifacts?

Golden Fire is a weakened version of the Samadhi True Fire branch.

The reason it's a branch is that the combination of Essence Fire, Qi Fire, and Spirit Fire is the Samadhi True Fire.

Currently, it's just a weakened version of Essence Fire.

It is said that the mature version is Tier 3 Essence Fire.

Then, Tier 3 Essence Fire, Tier 3 Qi Fire, and Tier 3 Spirit Fire combine to form Tier 4 Samadhi True Fire.

But even Tier 1 is extraordinary!

Daoist Ma continued, "The Refinement Method is very suitable for you. After obtaining the Black Gold, you can use the Golden Fire in the furnace to melt it and refine it with your own will, thereby embarking on the path of artifact refining."

"But, this kind of refinement can only refine one's own natal magic weapon, right? It can't be like a true artifact refiner, can it?" Wu Gang asked.

"Don't be so ambitious. Refine your own natal magic weapon first. Maybe you will comprehend other artifact refining methods in the process of refining your natal magic weapon? If you can refine your natal magic weapon, I don't believe you can't refine ordinary weapons."

The three nodded vigorously after hearing this.

Like Daoist Ma said, having a start is enough; don't be too ambitious.

Having a start is better than having no clue.

"In addition, the existence of Essence Fire is the greatest help to you martial arts cultivators. Artifact refining requires Spirit Fire, but pill refining doesn't need it? Develop your strengths according to your own specialties, right?" Daoist Ma prompted again.

The three revealed a gleam in their eyes, and their joy was undisguised.

They frequently toasted Daoist Ma, thanking him for his guidance.

They had a clue for both pills and artifacts; they would take it slowly.

"What about you, Daoist?" Wu Gang asked.

Daoist Ma said leisurely, "This Daoist has researched both pill refinement and talismans. In addition, due to the wonders of the Tongtian Jianmu, this old Daoist also has research on the cultivation of spiritual plants and herbs. Currently, this old Daoist is making progress in all three aspects and has also exchanged ideas with Daoist Yeren, jointly researching beast bone talisman treasures."

Daoist Ma was truly knowledgeable and versatile, and he was not worried at all.

"What about Daoist Du Ming?" Wu Gang asked again.

"This Daoist has research on puppets, also combining the characteristics of Jianmu as the king of all spirits, controlling all plants. In addition, I have some friendship with Daoist Wang Zihou and am currently communicating with him about spiritual plant cultivation, also using Jianmu's cycle of life and death."

Both of them had their own specialties and hobbies.

Wu Gang and the others were a little embarrassed, no wonder they were called crude martial artists.

Although the Profound Yellow methods had made up for it, they were still a bit rough compared to Qi refining and Spirit refining cultivators.

"I'll give you a reminder: cultivation and cultivation level are still the primary goals. Don't lose the big picture for small gains. Pills, artifacts, talismans, formations, etc., are just means; cultivation level is the key. Don't spend your time on various skills for the sake of face and forget that your own cultivation level is the key."

As the oldest, Daoist Ma still gave a reminder.

He was afraid that they would lose the big picture for small gains.

"Daoist Ma, don't worry, we understand. We will use various skills as a form of meditation to temper our minds and bodies, and we won't lose sight of the big picture or lose the big picture for small gains."

"Well, that's good."

......

Currently, among the ten of them.

Even Jin Ning and Song Hongliang, who have the lowest cultivation levels, are already at the seventh level of body refinement.

That is to say, under the condensation of luck, and with no lack of resources or experience, all ten disciples have entered the late stage of entering the realm.

The difference lies in the strength of spirit refinement.

The strongest three, Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism, have all reached the eighth level of Qi refinement and Spirit refinement, approaching the ninth level, and the seventh level of Dharma integration and Spirit refinement, also entering the late stage of entering the realm.

Next is Sun Hui, who is at the seventh level of body refinement, but only the sixth level of Dharma integration and Spirit refinement, not reaching the late stage of Spirit refinement.

Then there is Daoist Ma, who is at the seventh level of Qi refinement and has just entered the sixth level of Dharma integration and Spirit refinement, slightly worse than Sun Hui.

Du Ming and Zhao Long are also at the seventh level of Qi refinement and body refinement, with the sixth level of Dharma integration and Spirit refinement, similar to Daoist Ma.

The weakest remaining are Wu Gang, Jin Ning, and Song Hongliang.

The three of them have the weakest talent and foundation.

Fortunately, they have followed Xuan Huang for a long time, so they are considered not bad.

Among the three of them, Wu Gang is the strongest, at the peak of the seventh level of body refinement, and the fifth level of Dharma integration and Spirit refinement.

Jin Ning is at the seventh level of body refinement, and the fourth level of Dharma integration and Spirit refinement, not yet reaching the fifth level.

Song Hongliang is also at the seventh level of body refinement, but his Dharma integration and Spirit refinement has just reached the fifth level.

Overall, Jin Ning is the weakest.

But everyone else is over forty years old, and the youngest Wu Gang is exactly forty years old.

Jin Ning's age is two years older than Xuan Huang, only twenty-six years old.

He is the youngest, has the least foundation, and the least accumulation, and was the first to comprehend and visualize the perfect picture.

But now he is the weakest among the ten.

The others are realizing their previous accumulation and foundation, but Jin Ning cannot realize it because he simply doesn't have it.

This is the current situation of the ten major disciples.