"Which one is Zhong Lin?"
Sect Master Yu Jinglei looked at the two people behind Yin Daoyan with a smile.
Though he spoke, his gaze remained fixed on Zhong Lin.
With a wave of his long sleeve, Yin Daoyan proudly pointed at Zhong Lin, saying, "Sect Master, this is my newly accepted disciple, Zhong Lin. Zhong Lin, quickly greet the Sect Master."
Zhong Lin stepped forward without delay and bowed deeply.
"Disciple Zhong Lin greets Sect Master."
Sect Master Yu Jinglei’s eyes flickered with a brilliant light, and after a moment, he said in a deep voice, "Third Grade Inner Breath Realm? Elder Yin, I recall you telling me that you took Zhong Lin as a disciple only a few months ago. Could it be that he already possessed martial skills before apprenticeship?"
Yin Daoyan explained, "Zhong Lin was originally a hunter from Black Mountain County, Tianyang County. Later, he became an artist at the county government, where he obtained the Body Refining method of martial arts. When I took him as a disciple, he had just begun qi-blood condensation. A month ago, he completed organ refinement and serendipitously acquired a Heavenly Yuan Energy Pearl, which I refined into a Bone Marrow and Blood Changing Pill. With the aid of this elixir, he comprehended Qi Sensing in one leap and achieved the Third Grade Inner Breath Realm."
Yu Jinglei was slightly taken aback, exclaiming with delight, "To comprehend Qi Sensing and achieve Third Grade Inner Breath with just a Bone Marrow and Blood Changing Pill?"
"I remember you mentioned in a letter that Zhong Lin is also a Third Grade Pill Master?"
"That’s correct," Yin Daoyan replied proudly. "Zhong Lin is exceptionally talented. His aptitude in martial arts is extraordinary, and his talent in the Alchemy Dao is equally unparalleled. Moreover, he is only seventeen years old."
At the mention of Zhong Lin attaining Inner Breath and becoming an Upper Third Grade Martial Artist, Yu Jinglei managed to restrain his shock. But at this moment, he could no longer conceal his astonishment and admiration.
"Seventeen... a Third Grade Martial Artist, and a Third Grade Pill Master."
Yu Jinglei’s eyes gleamed with brilliance, and his face was adorned with a warm smile.
"Elder Yin, you’ve truly accepted a remarkable disciple!"
Zhong Lin stood aside with his head lowered in silence. The more Yin Daoyan praised him, the humbler he became, not daring to show any sign of arrogance.
"The Sect Master praises too highly. All credit is due to my master. Without his discerning eye, I might still be an obscure artist at the Black Mountain County government," Zhong Lin replied respectfully.
"Having a discerning eye requires the recognition of a gem, and at such a young age, you have achieved so much. Even I wasn’t as accomplished at your age," Yu Jinglei remarked with deep emotion. "Now that you’ve cultivated inner breath, you are my Sword Cauldron Sect’s true disciple and have the qualifications to compete for the position of Sect Master. I hope you continue to forge ahead and climb to the peak of martial arts."
"Yes, disciple will not slack off," Zhong Lin replied earnestly.
A slight smile appeared at the corner of Yin Daoyan’s mouth. He knew that since the Sect Master had spoken favorably, Zhong Lin’s position as a true disciple was a certainty.
Indeed, any sect encountering such a martial arts prodigy, unless utterly foolish, would not refuse.
Mei Weixuan, who had remained silent on the sidelines, nervously and expectantly watched Yin Daoyan, continuously blinking at him.
At this point, Yin Daoyan also realized: "Sect Master, this is Mei Weixuan. He has a pure nature and decent martial arts cultivation. May I ask if he is qualified to join our Sword Cauldron Sect?"
"Since Elder Yin has spoken, it’s naturally possible. You handle the arrangements," Yu Jinglei said casually.
"Thank you, Sect Master."
Mei Weixuan immediately knelt and bowed deeply, "Disciple Mei Weixuan greets the Sect Master."
"Elder Yin, please take them to receive their disciple tokens! The Transmission Pavilion is open to them for selecting cultivation techniques and martial arts. Zhong Lin may access the fifth floor."
As he spoke, Yu Jinglei waved his right hand, and a golden token landed in Yin Daoyan’s hand:
Yin Daoyan glanced down at it, his face beaming with joy, exclaiming, "Thank you, Sect Master."
The three did not linger further and slowly exited the courtyard.
It wasn’t until they had moved some distance away that Zhong Lin curiously inquired.
"Master, what’s different about the fifth floor of the Transmission Pavilion?"
Yin Daoyan nodded, "The Transmission Pavilion is the foundation of our Sword Cauldron Sect. It houses all sorts of cultivation techniques and martial arts gathered by the sect elders over the millennia, whether created or assimilated from the outside world, including various secret techniques and elixir recipes, invaluable treasures. Even if the Sword Cauldron Sect were to perish, as long as the Transmission Pavilion remains, it would eventually be revived."
Zhong Lin nodded in understanding. Inheritance, indeed!
"The first to fourth floors contain secrets including Body Refining, Blood Coagulation, Qi Cultivation, and their corresponding martial arts, secret techniques, and elixir recipes. But you see, even these skills are categorized by grade."
"I know that," he replied.
Mei Weixuan finally had the chance to speak, raising his hand to signal his presence.
"Just like the commonly known Lower Third Grades Body Refining skill, Black Tiger Fist, and the secret Body Refining skills of the major families and sects. Even though they’re all Body Refining, there are vast differences in training speed, depth, scope, key points, and medicinal formulas."
"At the Lower Third Grades, the difference isn’t so pronounced, but it becomes quite distinct, especially at the Upper Third Grades Qi Cultivation level. A superior Qi Cultivation method can save a person decades of hard work, boasting rapid Qi Cultivation speed and a significant difference in the quality of inner breath."
Zhong Lin instantly thought of the "Golden Muscle and Jade Bone Skill" he was cultivating. Despite it only touching upon bone marrow in the Lower Third Grades, it was already extraordinary.
Yin Daoyan nodded in agreement, "Weixuan is correct. Zhong Lin, the ’Xuanwu Technique’ you practice would cause chaos if known to the outside world. The fifth floor of the Transmission Pavilion houses even higher-grade Qi Cultivation methods. Elder Lian Shan’s ’Fiery Sun Heart Scripture’ originated from this level. The inner breath cultivated from this method is supremely yang and powerful, with pervasive fire intent, significantly enhancing alchemy. Therefore, without special permission from the Sect Master, no one is allowed to enter the fifth floor. Now you understand its value!"
Zhong Lin’s eyes lit up. His previous battle with Elder Lian Shan had already made him feel the strength of the inner breath. Just the exposed aura required him to allocate a portion of his power to defend. If not for Elder Lian Shan’s lack of combat prowess, just his inner breath could have easily overpowered him.
"Master, can you specify the grades of these skills?" Zhong Lin asked.
"There is. People generally rank these skills as Heavenly Grade, and below that are classified as Upper, Middle, and Lower Grades. The ’Xuanwu Technique’ is a Middle Grade skill."
"Our Mei family’s ’Falling Plum Blossom Map’ is also a Middle Grade skill," Mei Weixuan chimed in.
Heavenly Grade skills...
"Zhong Lin, you are a prodigy, with exceptional talent in the Alchemy Dao as well. The Sect Master favors your potential, hence granting you access to the fifth floor of the Transmission Pavilion. Once you enter, be sure to choose wisely and not be careless," Yin Daoyan advised.
"Disciple understands."
With that, the three made their way to the location of the Transmission Pavilion.
The Transmission Pavilion was situated at the rear of the main peak, surrounded by cliffs, with only a single iron chain bridge suspended in the air.