Jiang Yan didn't linger on the rewards for long—this wasn't the right time.
The urgent matter now was to formally induct Zhongli into the sect… and handle the others' initiation as well.
With that in mind, he casually drew out a purple-gold token of unknown material.
A gentle push sent it drifting through the air until it hovered before Zhongli.
Two characters were inscribed upon it:
"Longshou Peak."
Zhongli instinctively reached out.
The moment his fingers brushed the token, a sharp sting pricked his fingertip, and a drop of golden blood welled forth—instantly absorbed by the token.
A faint violet glow flickered once before fading. The token slipped free of his grasp and hung neatly at his waist.
"What is this…?"
Zhongli frowned slightly, sensing an unfamiliar flood of information surging into his mind.
"This," Jiang Yan explained with a light smile, "is the Seat Master's Token. I forged it yesterday from a fragment of the Quantum Sea World. You could call it a low-tier spirit artifact."
"It's not meant for offense—it's more a symbol of identity.
With it, you can command the grand formations of Longshou Peak, open a gateway to return to Mount Shu from anywhere, and…"
Jiang Yan's smile deepened.
"…most importantly, with the token upon you, your erosion will no longer worsen. As your cultivation grows, the erosion will gradually recede until it disappears entirely.
There are other functions as well—you can explore them yourself."
At those words, Zhongli's hand clenched tightly. He thought of Azhdaha.
His lips pressed together before he murmured:
"This token… could it be given to—"
"No."
Jiang Yan shook his head.
"The Seat Master's Token is a mark of office. Unless the position is formally passed on, it cannot be separated from its bearer."
"…I see."
Zhongli exhaled with a trace of regret.
He had hoped to give it to Azhdaha, at least to slow the erosion, consuming his old friend's final shred of goodwill.
"Still, you needn't despair," Jiang Yan said knowingly. "Once you've embarked on the immortal path, you can use your own true essence to suppress erosion for others. You won't need the token for that."
It was rare for Zhongli to feel genuine relief. "That would be best."
If he could resolve his friend's suffering with his own strength, it would be a worthy thing indeed—
Though he couldn't help imagining Azhdaha waking up, blinking at him in confusion:
"Morax… why have you started cultivating someone else's kind of immortality?"
The thought made him almost look forward to it.
"Friend Morax, please take your seat."
Jiang Yan gestured toward the position beside him—the Seat Master's place for Longshou Peak.
"You are now the Acting Seat Master. With your talent, shedding the 'acting' title will not take long.
May you guard Longshou Peak well and uphold the duties of the Hall of Discipline.
In Mount Shu, the Hall of Discipline holds a position second only to the Sect Master and the Elders' Council.
It concerns the conduct of all disciples—treat it with the weight it deserves."
Zhongli's expression grew solemn. Some deep instinct told him exactly how to respond.
With formal gravity, he clasped his hands.
"I will obey the Sect Master's command."
He stepped forward and sat cross-legged upon the Seat Master's place.
Jiang Yan nodded in satisfaction.
Longshou Peak now has its master… How long until all Seven Peaks are filled?
When they were, he could begin preparations for the First Seven Peaks Tournament—
surely destined to be recorded in the annals of history.
"Great Sage Conquering Demons—step forward."
Jiang Yan's gaze swept over the crowd.
Though everything was still in its infancy, Xiao felt in him a weight and depth as if carved from the long flow of ages.
He rose, straight-backed. "Xiao, the Great Sage Conquering Demons—at your call!"
"Your spear skills and martial strength are second only to Morax among those here," Jiang Yan said.
"You uphold justice and protect the mortal realm—this accords perfectly with the Hall of Discipline's creed.
Will you join Longshou Peak as the Hall of Discipline's senior disciple, and guard Mount Shu's laws?"
Xiao's heart leapt. He had already intended to follow Zhongli. With Zhongli as Seat Master, joining his peak was the ideal outcome.
"Xiao will obey the Sect Master's command!"
A bronze token flew into his hand. As before, a drop of blood bound it to him and it fastened itself at his waist.
Xiao took his place below Zhongli's seat.
Jiang Yan wasted no time, moving briskly through the rest.
"Cloud Retainer—you excel in mechanisms, with some skill in artifact forging. You will join Windback Peak."
"Cloud Retainer obeys."
"Moon Carver—you are versed in the Dao of plants. You belong on Great Bamboo Peak."
"Moon Carver obeys."
"Cutting Moon—you are gifted in array arts. You shall enter Morning Sun Peak."
"Cutting Moon obeys."
"Songdust—you command the inner landscapes of cave-dwelling worlds, a skill often classed under forging.
Some masters have refined rings holding entire cave-worlds—the legendary mustard-seed treasures.
You will join Cloud Retainer on Windback Peak."
One by one, everyone was given their place.
Some, like Xiao, stayed glued to Zhongli; others found their own suited paths.
Even a little-known immortal named Baisheng revealed a rare gift: the ability to commune with all living creatures—
a perfect fit for Falling Sunset Peak's beast-taming path. Jiang Yan sent him there at once.
Before long, only four remained: Ganyu, Ningguang, Shenhe, and Keqing.
Two supreme spirit roots, two rare constitutions—easily the most outstanding talents of the entire group.
Jiang Yan considered carefully before turning to Ningguang.
"You possess a supreme earth spirit root, skilled in both artifacts and formations. You could join either Morning Sun Peak or Little Bamboo Peak. What do you think?"
Ningguang met his gaze calmly. "Where does the Sect Master believe I should go?"
"You are equally gifted in both arrays and incantations," he replied after a moment's thought.
"My suggestion: join Little Bamboo Peak.
Morning Sun Peak's formations are unmatched, but its incantation practice is weaker.
On Little Bamboo Peak, you can master its incantations and still study Morning Sun Peak's arrays as a secondary path. That would suit you best."
Ningguang's lips curved faintly. "I will obey the Sect Master's command."
A token was passed to her.
Jiang Yan then turned to Ganyu.
"You are a supreme ice spirit root, adept with the bow, and formidable in battle.
Would you join Longshou Peak as the Hall of Discipline's second disciple?"
He had thought this an easy placement—but Ganyu hesitated.
After a long pause, she asked softly:
"Could I… choose another?"
The others looked surprised. Cloud Retainer frowned slightly. "Ganyu, you—"
Jiang Yan waved her concern aside with a smile.
"Of course. Where would you like to go? With your gifts, even if you joined a peak like Great Bamboo, you could rise swiftly in alchemy and produce remarkable results."
Inwardly, though, he noted something else—Ganyu's fortune.
He wasn't sure if good luck counted as a 'special constitution,' but in cultivation…
Luck was no small thing.
An elixir with a forty percent success rate? In Ganyu's hands, it might reach ninety.
In this path, luck could be terrifying.
But Ganyu still shook her head, speaking almost shyly:
"…May I join Tongtian Peak?"
Jiang Yan blinked. Zhongli, however, seemed to understand—and could only sigh helplessly.
She's completely a love-struck girl now.
"Tongtian Peak?" Jiang Yan asked, puzzled.
"That peak is entirely sword cultivators. It won't suit your bow very well."
"…Bows are like swords too," she murmured, eyes bright with expectation.
Jiang Yan could only rub his forehead.
"If you insist, I won't forbid it. But you must know—Tongtian Peak trains only in sword scripture.
You can still learn it, but your bow arts are excellent. Later, you'll likely need to seek suitable techniques in the Scripture Pavilion on your own."
Ganyu nodded vigorously. "Mm! I don't mind, as long as…"
—as long as I can be near you. She didn't say the rest aloud.
"Very well—Ganyu will join Tongtian Peak."
He handed her the token, which she clutched with visible delight.
Only Shenhe and Keqing remained—two rare physiques, and perhaps the most crucial of them all.
To read 30+ future chapters, head over to Patreon:
patreon.com/WhiteDevil7554