"Acting on behalf of the Seven Peaks to accept disciples?"
Everyone exchanged puzzled glances.
"What does that mean, exactly?" Ningguang asked curiously.
Jiang Yan replied warmly:
"You've all learned a little about the Seven Peaks of Mount Shu. But I imagine you're still not familiar with what each one truly excels at.
"All of you here have your own talents, and though the Seven Peaks all follow the immortal path, each has its own specialty.
"If I were to simply take you all into Tongtian Peak, it would be irresponsible.
"It's better to match a disciple's abilities to the peak that best suits them.
"At present, I'm the only one left in Mount Shu. It may sound arrogant, but in my prime I had studied the strengths of all seven peaks.
"So I can barely qualify to choose disciples on behalf of them all."
The group nodded thoughtfully.
Jiang Yan continued:
"Before we begin, I should explain the specialties of the Seven Peaks.
"Tongtian Peak is the most famous of them — its disciples are unparalleled in the sword, wielding the art of sword control to the point of perfection. That's why Mount Shu is also called the Mount Shu Sword Sect.
"Longshou Peak oversees discipline and punishment. The Enforcement Hall is run by its First Seat, and all disciples under that peak serve as law enforcers.
"Longshou Peak embraces all weapons — not only the sword, but also sabers, spears, staves, everything. To join it, one must have both the power to enforce the law and the strength to fight."
At that, Zhongli's eyes lit up, as though an idea had taken root.
"Great Bamboo Peak is not known for combat, but it controls one of Mount Shu's most important branches — the Alchemy Pavilion. Its disciples are skilled in pill-making.
"Little Bamboo Peak, led by the Qinghui lineage, is famed for its talismanic arts and incantations.
"Windback Peak is renowned for forging artifacts, Morning Sun Peak excels at formation arts, and Falling Sunset Peak is expert in controlling spirit beasts and demon beasts.
"Each peak has its strengths, yet they work in harmony — that's the secret to Mount Shu's prosperity.
"Of course, joining one peak doesn't mean you can't learn the arts of another.
"Mount Shu never forbids its disciples from studying other secondary disciplines — alchemy, formations, talismans, beasts, forging — all of them are essential branches of cultivation.
"As long as it doesn't slow your progress on your main path, Mount Shu actually encourages broad learning.
"If you master them all, you'll be hailed as a genius and receive higher treatment.
"But remember — those qualified to enter the Seven Peaks are all exceptional talents. The sect doesn't want such talent wasted by spreading themselves too thin.
"So even if you wish to learn other arts, you must be mindful of your own energy. Greedy bites cannot be chewed."
Everyone nodded in agreement. The vast scope of cultivation sounded tempting, but trying to master it all at once was clearly unrealistic.
Each fell into silent thought, weighing their talents and interests.
After a long pause, Cloud Retainer sighed:
"Is there no school for studying mechanisms?"
Jiang Yan blinked, then realized:
"You mean puppet immortal soldiers?"
"Puppet immortal soldiers?" Cloud Retainer perked up immediately.
Jiang Yan nodded.
"Windback Peak has a core technique — the puppet immortal soldier, crafted with forging arts and then controlled in battle.
"In the old days, Windback Peak had one so strong it could rival a peak Fusion-stage cultivator, striking fear far and wide."
Cloud Retainer's eyes shone and she clapped her hands.
"Then Windback Peak it is! I'll join Windback Peak!"
Jiang Yan chuckled and nodded.
"I'll take your opinion into account."
He then glanced around, noting that most had reached some clarity.
"If you're all ready, I'll begin the disciple selection on behalf of the Seven Peaks.
"But first, I must make this clear — once you enter Mount Shu, unless there is a truly compelling reason, no one may leave.
"Otherwise, you'll be marked as a traitor to the sect — hunted to the ends of the earth, slain without mercy. Do you accept this?"
The group thought for a moment, then nodded. After all, Mount Shu was the only immortal sect in this world, and its resources were unparalleled. There was no reason to leave — especially since the sect didn't forbid them from managing their nations.
Once they confirmed again, Jiang Yan prepared to start — but then felt something stir in his sleeve.
He had nearly forgotten the animals he had yet to place.
Though it looked like a "Universe in Sleeve" technique, it wasn't truly a pocket world. Jiang Yan's method simply shrank the animals with true essence and stored them, a basic transformation spell.
Remembering this, he said:
"Forgive me, I have one more matter to deal with."
He waved his hand, summoning a massive water-mirror.
Its surface split into countless images, showing scenes across the sect's inner realm.
The others looked on curiously, but Zhongli's gaze fixed on the sea.
He sensed a mortal danger there — and sure enough, a moment later a massive, hideous demon god burst from the water, took a breath, then sank back down.
Zhongli's pupils contracted.
A demon god stronger than himself!
But thinking of his impending immortal cultivation, he set it aside.
Jiang Yan scanned the images, then tapped a few points.
Each tap sent a number of animals through the mirror into their designated environments.
That long caravan of supply wagons, several kilometers in length, was gone in moments — released into the realm.
To Mount Shu's vast inner world, they were nothing — but the variety of species would enrich its ecosystem.
In a few years, a thriving cycle would form, perhaps even producing new spirit beasts.
Satisfied with the results — especially with demon gods acting as "keepers" — Jiang Yan dispersed the water-mirror.
This remote transference trick impressed the others, though they knew it was a privilege of being realm master.
"Well then — a minor delay, but now we may proceed."
He looked around.
"Who will go first?"
The group exchanged glances, then all turned to Zhongli.
Knowing he'd be chosen first, Zhongli stood and faced Jiang Yan.
Jiang Yan nodded slightly, and purple-gold cloud patterns lit his brow. Wisps of mist drifted into Zhongli's body.
After a moment, Jiang Yan's eyes brightened.
"Morax — you have an Earth-element Heavenly Spirit Root, and you walk the path of Teyvat's Law of Contracts, upright and unwavering.
"I propose, on behalf of Longshou Peak's First Seat, Elder Wine-Sword Immortal Mo Yixi of the Enforcement Hall, to take you as a disciple.
"During Mount Shu's reconstruction, you will act as Enforcement Hall leader, serving as Acting First Seat of Longshou Peak. Do you accept?"
Zhongli froze — this was unexpected.
Acting First Seat? Leading the Enforcement Hall?
He had only just joined Mount Shu!
In cultivation terms, his current level — late Essence Refinement into Qi — would have made him just an ordinary inner disciple in the sect's prime.
How could he be in the First Seat?
He hesitated.
Jiang Yan saw his doubt and said gently:
"You think your strength is insufficient for the role?"
Zhongli nodded.
"At my current level, how could I be First Seat?"
Jiang Yan sighed lightly.
"But this is not Mount Shu at its peak.
"If I, with only a Essence Refinement into Qi cultivation, can serve as Sect Master, why should you not, at Essence Refinement into Qi, serve as Acting First Seat?"
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