Pei Xuanjing, upon founding the Taoist Academy at first, faced great resistance from various factions, for these powers treated their own Cultivation skills as state secrets, unwilling to share them freely, reluctant to divulge.
They were well aware that their ability to occupy so many benefits and resources today was not because they were inherently strong or exceptionally talented but because they monopolized Cultivation, holding the resources and skills of Cultivation in their hands and limiting the common people, which led to the current situation.
If everyone truly started from the same starting line, with the same education and resources, even those in high positions now had no confidence that they could maintain their status in such competition.
However, Pei Xuanjing, though fully aware of their thoughts, did not care. Despite their dissuasions, his establishment of the Taoist Academy laid bare the skills they treated as treasures, offering ordinary people from humble backgrounds a chance to compete, a possibility to rise.
No matter if Pei Xuanjing's intent was to accelerate internal competition, to bring forth more individuals of talent, to gain more insights, the outcome was undeniable: billions of ordinary people benefited from his deeds.
Facing Pei Xuanjing's move, these powers, despite their deep resentment, were helpless and could only let it be, because Pei Xuanjing was powerful enough to make them unqualified to stop him.
Over the years, the Cultivation World continued to experience internal competition. Even after the Revival of Heaven and Earth, when countless Heavenly and Earthly Treasures emerged, these powers gained more benefits and their strength continued to climb. However, their actual situation was not as good as they had initially expected.
Because more and more Cultivators emerged, the internal competition of Cultivation increased. Even if among thousands of Cultivators there was one with great talent, the sheer number of Cultivators meant that the strong ones who arose put significant pressure on these powers, adding many competitors to their ranks.
Moreover, especially after the connection between the two realms, the returning Cultivators and powers from the Sky Wasteland posed fierce competition, greatly impacting the development of the native forces of the Great Ming World.
"Since we cannot stop it, we might as well join in and control this possibility in our hands," stated a powerhouse from one of the native forces of the Great Ming World.
There are always smart individuals Between Heaven and Earth, especially among those leading these powers.
They naturally saw the impact of the spreading Taoist Academy and the increasing number of Cultivators, yet they could neither stop it nor possessed the capacity to do so. Under such circumstances, they needed to change their mindset as much as possible to protect their interests.
Since they couldn't stop it, they decided to join in. Unable to prevent the rising number of Cultivators or the proliferation of academies, they joined the fray, emulating the academies in nurturing more geniuses for their forces, strengthening themselves.
After voicing this motto, it immediately received recognition from many forces, and they began to take such actions.
Later, when Pei Xuanjing used the accumulated Force of Faith Incense from the Taoist Academy to open up a Small Thousand World and then unreservedly taught the methods for opening up Divine Kingdoms, the fervor of these powers reached new heights.
Nowadays, the method of establishing a Divine Kingdom is widely circulated Between Heaven and Earth and is regarded by many Cultivators as one of the best methods for improving their strength, especially for those Cultivators facing bottlenecks – it's an optimal choice.
Uncountable forces began to mimic Pei Xuanjing's actions, building academies and recruiting Disciples, both to reserve talent for their houses and to accumulate the Power of Incense Fire for themselves. They did not aspire to open up minor thousand worlds like Pei Xuanjing did but merely to open Divine Kingdoms to bolster their own strength.
It can be said that since Pei Xuanjing opened up minor thousand worlds and taught the method of establishing Divine Kingdoms at the Shenxiao Debate Conference, academies flourished everywhere, transforming from Pei Xuanjing's sole flourishing entity to a scene of hundreds of academies vying for supremacy.
If not for the Contribution Points system he had accumulated over the years, comprising an enormous collection of skills and foundational resources, along with the substantial resources required and mutual constraints among the forces, the Taoist Academy would have been significantly impacted.
Of course, even though these forces banded together over the years to secretly undermine the Taoist Academy, the yearly intake of its Disciples never fell short. Rather, there were never enough spots at the Academy.
After all, the reputation of the Academy over the decades, its minimal requirements, and the freedom it offered – unlike other academies where one must serve the interests behind them – and most importantly, the presence of Pei Xuanjing, the Supreme Strong, made the Academy the aspiration of countless Disciples.
"However, with so many Disciples in the Academy, it's inevitable to have too many monks and not enough porridge, leading to such intense competition," Qingyang Zi thought somewhat helplessly in his Heart.
There were too many Disciples in the Academy. While most resources could sustain these Disciples due to the presence of the Contribution Points system, some scarce resources were not renewable and thus could not be evenly distributed among all Disciples.
For instance, the task that Pei Xuanjing had now given him: to take a group of Disciples wanting to switch to the Golden Core Dao into the Longevity World and then, with Pei Xuanjing's personal assistance, to help them condense their Golden Cores and embark on the Golden Core Dao.
Although Qingyang Zi did not know Pei Xuanjing's purpose in doing so, he knew that once this news spread throughout the Academy, it would surely incite a frenzy among the Disciples.
Like the Shenxiao Sect, although Pei Xuanjing had founded the Academy, he mostly served as a hands-off manager, entrusting all affairs of the Academy to Qingyang Zi. Outside of occasional lectures delivered by his Avatar, there was rarely an opportunity to meet him.
For many Disciples of the Academy, even if they were nominally Pei Xuanjing's Disciples, in reality, many of them might only encounter Pei Xuanjing's divine idol preaching within the Academy from the time they joined until they left, never getting the chance to converse with Pei Xuanjing directly.
The authority of a Supreme Strong is not easily accessible, and even for Cultivators coming from top-tier forces, they rarely get the opportunity to connect with such powerful beings during their Sect-based Cultivation. Though they regularly hear of the powerful figures, they seldom get a chance to interact with them, let alone receive guidance.
And now, with Pei Xuanjing's announcement to select Disciples to enter the Longevity World and assist them in switching to the Golden Core Dao, such an opportunity was exceedingly rare and was bound to spark fierce competition among many.
When you learn that a senior powerhouse you admire is willing to guide the junior disciples, no cultivator would want to give up such an opportunity.
"Dragons battle tigers for dominance; who knows how many ascetic cultivators, usually detached from worldly affairs, will emerge from seclusion at this time to join in this competition," Qingyang Zi's lips curled with an indescribable expression.
Actually, aside from those disciples of the Taoist Academy who are often seen, there is also a small number of disciples who, like Pei Xuanjing, devote themselves wholeheartedly to closed-door cultivation.
In other forces, perhaps only a small portion of cultivators would be qualified, but the Taoist Academy is different. The Academy's control over its disciples is very loose. It barely puts forth any demands. As long as you feel that you have enough cultivation resources, you could do nothing, and the Academy would not compel you to do anything.
And these disciples, thanks to the existence of the Academy, exchange their cultivation insights within the contribution system for what they need for their cultivation, without getting involved in any other affairs.
However, Qingyang Zi knew that these people's former detachment was merely due to insufficient temptation. The opportunity at hand would inevitably lure many out of seclusion.
Let alone those Academy disciples who had long aspired to follow the Golden Core Dao, even those without such aspirations, upon hearing this news, would decisively switch their cultivation path.
After all, compared to their silent, arduous cultivation, having the guidance of a supreme strong like Pei Xuanjing, who could truly say they did not need it?
Therefore, it was an inevitable event!
Whoosh… There is no wall in the world that does not let the wind pass through. The Shenxiao Sect might still keep secrets, but the Taoist Academy is not a tightly knit organization to begin with, so the news quickly spread.
The message that Junior Leader of the Shenxiao Sect, Sect Master Pang Hong, had changed his cultivation to the Nine Revolutions Divine Sky Skill, gathered a Golden Core, and embarked on the Golden Core Dao, becoming the second person after Pei Xuanjing to set foot on the Golden Core Dao in Between Heaven and Earth.
Although this matter was observed with restraint, it was not considered a big deal, for as the only direct disciple of a supreme strong, it was almost expected of Pang Hong to take this path. After all, he was fortunate to have a great master, which was an object of envy others could not attain.
But the second matter, that truly shook the entire world, leaving countless cultivators envious to the point of speechlessness.
"Longevity True Person Pei Xuanjing has ordered the Shenxiao Sect and the Taoist Academy to each select disciples interested in switching to the Golden Core Dao. He will personally assist these disciples in the conversion and help them condense Golden Cores and step onto the Golden Core Dao."
"Within the Shenxiao Sect, many junior disciples and mid-high level cultivators vie for spots, each employing their own methods…"
"The Taoist Academy is in turmoil, as strong cultivators from various provinces and counties continuously send messages to the Tiandu Taoist Academy, all vying for more spots. It's heard that many provincial Taoist Academy branch heads have banded together to head to Tiandu, seeking an audience with Pei Xuanjing, the head of the Taoist Academy, only to be regrettably turned away…"
One could say that when the news of Pei Xuanjing gathering disciples to assist with their Golden Core cultivation spread, the cultivators Between Heaven and Earth were immediately abuzz, with countless rumors circulating, both true and false, compelling endless pursuit.
Watching the commotion is human nature; even though they know this matter does not concern them, many cultivators are still drawn to the fierce competition for the internal spots within the two powers, and even some factions from the Sky Wasteland closely monitor the situation.
Keep in mind that the Shenxiao Sect and the Taoist Academy have rapidly developed over the years. Aside from Pei Xuanjing, who stands at the pinnacle Between Heaven and Earth, there has been a continuous emergence of outstanding talents among the younger generation, rivaling top powers and first-rate forces.
However, this time the spots are limited. Beyond those occupied by mid-high level cultivators, there are only so many spots left for the junior disciples. With so many talents contending, the competition is bound to be fiercely intense.
"You claim to be a genius, a prodigy, but if you don't secure a spot in this competition while your longstanding rival does, does that not mean you are inferior? Is it all just bragging?"
The situation has escalated. At this moment, it is not just about seizing the opportunity for Pei Xuanjing's guidance; it's also a chance for the prodigies to prove their status. If they fail to secure a spot in this competition, they will lose not only the chance for guidance but also their past glory, appearing unworthy of their name, which is unacceptable to them.
Moreover, some mischief-makers have ranked the prodigies from the Shenxiao Sect and the Taoist Academy, opening betting pools on who will make it and who won't, pushing the situation to its peak.
…
Great Ming Divine Dynasty, Tiandu.
Divine Dynasty Lord Zhu Houji sits high upon the Emperor's throne, observing the Courtiers below the jade steps with a calm face, betraying no hint of joy or anger.
At that moment, the discussion among the Council Elders and distinguished nobility at the Court is not about other matters but about the most widely spread and eye-catching event Between Heaven and Earth—the dispatch of Shenxiao Sect and Taoist Academy disciples by Pei Xuanjing to the Longevity World for cultivation on the Golden Core Dao.
"Your Majesty, might I implore the national teacher to reserve some spots for the Divine Dynasty?" one official petitions.
As the Great Ming Divine Dynasty approaches its peak, each and every noble official possesses a Divine Position. With the strengthening of the Divine Dynasty, they have acquired considerable power without the need for cultivation, which, despite not being adept at combat, undeniably extends their lifespans.
Having their own Divine Positions, they are not immediately concerned with their longevity. But with vast familial ties, they aim to ensure a legacy for their wives and descendants. After all, aside from their Divine Positions, having a powerful family would allow them to solidify their standing within the Divine Dynasty, so it is only natural to want to expand their family's power.
Yet, Divine Positions in the Great Ming Divine Dynasty are limited—or to say, even if there were enough Divine Positions, given the principle that scarcity breeds value, Zhu Houji, the Lord of the Divine Dynasty, would not recklessly distribute them.
So, even though they hold high office, many of their family members are not eligible for Divine Positions; to gain longer lifespans, they must rely on their own cultivation.
Cultivation is not easy. Even though the threshold to break through from the Mortal Realm to the Spirit Realm has lowered with the Revival of Heaven and Earth, not everyone can confidently step into the Spirit Realm. Moreover, even after breaking through, the odds of a family producing a genius of extraordinary talent remain slim.
But now they see an opportunity. If they can secure a spot in the Longevity World, even if they fail to form a Golden Core, it would be an extraordinary experience. After all, to receive guidance from a supreme strong would vastly aid the growth of their descendants. Thus, these high-ranking officials of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty naturally feel some temptation.
The personal guidance of a Supreme Strong, coupled with the opportunity to condense a Golden Core and embark on the Golden Core Dao, this new system that countless powerhouses revered, would tempt the vast majority of cultivators Between Heaven and Earth.
How could these courtiers of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty not be moved? After all, if they succeeded in securing a placement this time, it might bring them a powerful aid.
But being moved is one thing; they also knew that they were not nearly enough to get in touch with Pei Xuanjing, let alone ask for a placement.
However, the current Emperor of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty was completely qualified. Besides being the Lord of the Divine Dynasty, he was also a Registered Disciple of that real person.
"Hmm?" Zhu Houji sat high upon the Emperor's throne, expressionless, remaining noncommittal even after hearing such a proposition.
Zhu Houji was actually somewhat dissatisfied with this matter. Naturally, he knew that if he spoke up, Pei Xuanjing would agree to his request out of face for him, but Zhu Houji was unwilling to make this request.
It wasn't due to any issue with Pei Xuanjing, but rather dissatisfaction with his courtiers.
One must know that to this day, the Great Ming Divine Dynasty's entanglement with Pei Xuanjing remained unresolved, and the influence Pei Xuanjing left within the Divine Dynasty could not yet be completely eradicated and weakened.
These courtiers kept petitioning Zhu Houji, lamenting like cuckoos crying blood, displaying a loyalty to the sovereign and devotion to the state, tearfully telling Zhu Houji to be wary of the influence of Pei Xuanjing from the localities, to remember the influence he once had on the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, to stay vigilant against him, and to prevent the Divine Dynasty from being affected by him.
Yet now, upon seeing their interests involved, these people's demeanors instantly changed, as if they had forgotten their previous admonitions to be cautious of Pei Xuanjing, to be mindful not to let his influence affect the Great Ming Divine Dynasty.
Would they be able to maintain their stance after their descendants enter the Longevity World and receive guidance from Master Pei?
Definitely not. They previously urged Zhu Houji to keep his distance from Pei Xuanjing, but now they themselves would not miss the chance to be in contact with this Supreme Strong if given the opportunity.
He turned to the Minister of the Ministry of Rites sitting below, Yan Weizhong, and asked, "What does Minister Yan think of this matter?"
"Your Majesty, in my opinion, we should just wait and see how the National Preceptor decides, rather than taking the initiative to inquire," Yan Weizhong unreservedly expressed his attitude.
As a rising power of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty in recent years, Yan Weizhong's influence had grown increasingly great; although he still held the office of Minister of the Ministry of Rites, he had also entered the Cabinet.
The reason Yan Weizhong had increasingly gained the Emperor's favor and reliance over the years, apart from his own abilities, was because he understood the Emperor's intentions, knew what the Emperor wanted to do, and was willing to act for the Emperor without caring about others' opinions.
Hearing the Emperor's direct inquiry, Yan Weizhong immediately understood the Emperor's view on the matter that had just occurred. The Emperor was unwilling to adopt this suggestion; otherwise, he wouldn't have asked him, and there would have been no need for him to speak out.
Therefore, the moment he spoke, he made a decision and gave the Emperor a reason, a pretext to reject, allowing the Emperor to dismiss the matter.
Of course, Yan Weizhong knew what this move represented and that it would provoke much dissatisfaction and envy from his colleagues, but he did not care at all and was completely fearless.
For years, to gain the Emperor's favor and grace, the things he had done had already incited the envy of countless others, yet he still lived well, better than many.
He was clear on what his foundation was – the trust and favor of the Emperor. As long as he had the Emperor's favor and did not lose his grace, he would be able to stay powerful within the Great Ming Divine Dynasty. But if he lost the Emperor's trust and grace, then he would no longer be able to stand in the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, nor would he be able to stand Between Heaven and Earth.
Thus, rather than being frightened and cautious of the envy and dissatisfaction of those colleagues, he readily accepted it; after all, sometimes the more power one holds, the less amicable one's relations with colleagues should be, as it can easily provoke the envy of those above.
"Since the National Preceptor has currently only summoned the disciples of the Shenxiao Sect and those from the Taoist Academy and has only selected a portion of disciples, it is enough proof that the National Preceptor has his considerations. If we rashly inquire now, we might affect the National Preceptor's plan…" Yan Weizhong continued to supply his reasoning, valid enough that even if others heard it and knew he was deliberately blocking the matter, they were unable to argue further.
Moreover, Yan Weizhong's words were not unfounded. The people Pei Xuanjing had summoned were under his command, and selection had been made, suggesting that he might not have full confidence yet or had some reservations, which resulted in such a tactic.
One must realize that, given the character of this National Preceptor, since he had been openly sharing his entire practice skill without reservation for so many years, this proved he was not a person to hoard secrets. Once he had perfected this skill and had gained something from it, he would inevitably publicize the outcome.
It was precisely for this reason that even though many cultivators envied the opportunity granted to the disciples of the Shenxiao Sect and the Taoist Academy, they were not eager nor did anyone rashly beg to be included.
Everyone was waiting, waiting for the outcome of this matter. If Pei Xuanjing really could help so many people switch their Cultivation successfully and condense Golden Cores to embark on the Golden Core Dao, it would mean he had mastered the method and it was maturing.
In such a case, waiting meant that Pei Xuanjing would inevitably make this result public later on, allowing everyone to choose whether to practice or not; it was merely a matter of sooner or later, so there was no need to be too eager, only to wait patiently.
"Minister Yan's words are not without merit. Since the National Preceptor has made a decision, the rest of you may simply wait," Zhu Houji thought and smiled internally, but his expression remained calm as he spoke.
Still, to placate these people, he added, "Of course, if any of you are certain of your own methods, you may find your own way to secure a placement. I will certainly not blame you."
Even though he had blocked this matter, Zhu Houji did not entirely close the discussion but instead gave them a chance to choose.
It was impossible for me to advocate for you all, but if you are capable enough to find a way and secure a placement on your own, then I would not mind.
Under such circumstances, the courtiers of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty could not say much more, and none were foolish enough to persist. The Emperor's attitude had been quite clear, and to continue pressing the issue would only be troublesome for themselves.