Chapter 251: Broadly Recruiting Disciples

The continuous green hills resembled a coiling azure dragon over this land, mist swirling between the mountains, the dragon's head hidden within, adding a touch of mystery.

At the mountain base, a small village rose with thin cooking smoke, bringing a hint of mortal warmth, not jarring but instead complementing the surrounding green hills.

Zhang Dashu pulled Sun Zhenbang into the feast, and the villagers, seeing his arrival, all showed great enthusiasm.

"Officer Sun, long time no see; you came at just the right time—let's all happily drink a cup together."

"Today is the grand day of our Longyuan Immortal Sect's formal establishment—let's drink till we're drunk!"

"Who would have thought that we, once ordinary villagers, would now have such fortune?"

"Yes, we have now established a sect; believing under the Sect Leader's guidance, we will surely achieve great deeds, leaving fame for a hundred generations!"

The villagers' cheeks flushed with excitement, not knowing whether it was from joy or drink, as if they already saw their names carved on the merit stele.

If someone had told them before that such things would happen later, they would never have believed it; now all this feels like a dream.

Sun Zhenbang was also infected by the villagers' joy, showing a sincere smile, raising his wine cup: "Sect Leader Hu, I congratulate you here; I came in haste and brought no gift."

Looking at the graceful girl before him, she gradually overlapped with the once frail, malnourished little girl; Sun Zhenbang, having watched Hu Xiaocao grow up, felt deep emotion.

Hu Xiaocao did not put on airs because of her changed status; the villagers and Sun Zhenbang's past help to her she will forever keep in mind.

"Uncle Sun, you're being too polite; the sect still lacks a few Guest Elder positions—I wonder if you're interested."

Sun Zhenbang, overwhelmed with favor, said: "Me?"

Hu Xiaocao nodded: "Uncle Sun, I trust your ability; serving as a Guest Elder is more than enough for you."

Although Sun Zhenbang is not a villager, during the times he underwent spiritual energy marrow cleansing, he stayed in the village and received great benefits, so his strength is also quite good.

Moreover, over the years he has kept in touch with the village and looked after Longyuan Village, so everyone already regards him as one of their own.

Beside him, Zhang Dashu kept winking and gesturing, eager to answer for Sun Zhenbang.

Seeing everyone's trusting gaze, Sun Zhenbang felt a warm surge in his heart; refusing would seem pretentious, so he said: "Thank you, Sect Leader; then I shall not decline."

Sun Zhenbang still works at the police bureau, cannot often stay at the sect, so the Guest Elder position is most suitable.

Hu Xiaocao explained the sect's management and regulations, which were thorough; listening, Sun Zhenbang blinked repeatedly, his expression growing admiring, having originally thought the Longyuan Immortal Sect was hastily founded.

Only after hearing these did he realize Hu Xiaocao had planned for a long time; it was certainly not something devised in a day or two.

Just based on her age, coming up with these is no easy feat; some even made Sun Zhenbang feel inadequate, previously thinking it was because Hu Xiaocao's strength was supreme, allowing her to overpower other villagers and take the Sect Leader seat.

Now we see this is only one of the reasons.

Having both courage and strategy, it's no wonder the villagers revere Hu Xiaocao so; the Sect Leader position truly belongs to no one else.

"Sect Leader Hu, why did you think of establishing a sect?"

Hu Xiaocao's gaze fell upon the deep mountains, where endless peaks rose; "The establishment of the Longyuan Immortal Sect is not only to repay the Mountain God's aid, but also for the future of all humanity."

Sun Zhenbang had imagined many reasons, but never this; he instinctively asked: "The future of all humanity? How so?"

Hu Xiaocao gave Sun Zhenbang a deep look; Sun Zhenbang, not being in the village, should have more informed news than the villagers.

"Uncle Sun, you must have seen plenty of news about various anomalies elsewhere, right?"

"You must have guessed it: these anomalies are the work of the Mountain God's minions; this is a signal Longyuan Mountain releases to the world, for it to fully emerge, and the Mountain God and those monsters will eventually appear before mankind."

Although Sun Zhenbang had earlier guessed, he lacked evidence; hearing Hu Xiaocao point out the deeper meaning, he felt enlightened, though there was still one aspect he hadn't considered.

He couldn't help muttering: "Longyuan Mountain emerging? Now I see—how did I not think of that?"

"Although humans outnumber them, compared to the monsters' abilities there is no comparison; you know the Mountain God's prowess—the best outcome is peaceful coexistence, which allows us to seek a prosperous age; if humans wage war against the monsters, it will be all harm and no benefit."

Having dealt with Longyuan Mountain for many years, Sun Zhenbang, though never having seen the Mountain God's true form, regards it in his heart as an unfathomable epithet.

Regarding Hu Xiaocao's words, he nodded in agreement.

Whether villagers or those who have contacted the Mountain God, all know the Mountain God is friendly to humans and will lend aid, but that doesn't mean ordinary people think that way.

"Those not of our kind must have different hearts; ordinary people would panic and fear, and if someone with ulterior motives covets the monsters' abilities and stirs up war, the consequences would be more than humanity could bear."

At this point, an intermediary must mediate, making humanity convinced while also being able to communicate with the monsters.

"Who in the whole Great Xia possesses such qualification?"

Sun Zhenbang's eyes flickered with shifting clouds; after pondering, he quickly understood Hu Xiaocao's intention in founding the sect.

The Longyuan Immortal Sect could become the communication bridge in this!

Because it is composed of humans, it should naturally stand with humanity, yet the villagers have all received the Mountain God's blessing, maintain good relations with the Mountain God and monsters, even venerating the Mountain God as their Patriarch.

After understanding the reasons, Sun Zhenbang could say he was convinced both heart and mind; he bowed deeply to Hu Xiaocao: "Sect Leader, you are truly wise."

It's hard to imagine Hu Xiaocao, at such a young age, just graduated from college, already having such far‑sighted vision, beginning to plan for the joint development of humanity and monsters—truly admirable.

Recalling his little disciple, namely Xie Yixuan, who is clearly older than Hu Xiaocao yet still lacks proper form, spending all day just holding novels and laughing foolishly.

Sun Zhenbang instantly felt his anger rise.

He seemed to think of something, a little embarrassed, saying: "Sect Leader, I have a rash request—do you still recall that little police officer named Xie Yixuan?"

Because Longyuan Mountain holds too many secrets, to avoid leakage, Sun Zhenbang comes alone each time, rarely bringing Xie Yixuan, and has never spoken of what happens here.

"I have an impression."

Sun Zhenbang rubbed his hands: "He is fairly honest, his character is not bad; although he occasionally slacks off, he harbors no ill will—I wonder if we could take him as a disciple?"

Speaking of which, the duties of the Longyuan Immortal Sect are mostly assigned, everyone attending to their own posts, but regarding recruiting disciples, Hu Xiaocao hasn't yet figured it out.

Ability is secondary; the most important is character—if one achieves learning, using one's ability to bully others outside is unacceptable.

As for the person Sun Zhenbang recommends, Xie Yixuan, she has also met him and has no objections.

"Sure."

After receiving Hu Xiaocao's approval, Sun Zhenbang immediately contacted Xie Yixuan, telling him to rush to Longyuan Village at once.

Sun Zhenbang's words also reminded Hu Xiaocao that it was time to recruit disciples; otherwise, having only elders and no disciples would not work.

However, large‑scale recruitment activities are not planned for the time being.

Hu Xiaocao's goal is quality over quantity, since the Longyuan Immortal Sect has just been founded; everything is still off the proper track, and if they recruited a large batch of disciples at once, they couldn't manage it.

Therefore, initially recruiting disciples, it's best to choose those familiar—like the Xie Yixuan recommended by Sun Zhenbang—people whose backgrounds are known, everyone is acquainted with, and who won't cause trouble.

Hu Xiaocao summoned the villagers again to discuss the selection of disciples, how to recruit them, and so on.

We can't just casually recruit disciples; their character must be examined. Having few disciples doesn't matter; the main thing is progressive, open-minded thinking, being kind and upright, and devoting oneself to the cause of peaceful coexistence between humans and demons.

The Sect Leader is right; after all, disciples who leave our sect must not tarnish the Mountain God's reputation, nor harbor hostility toward the demons.

Such people are hard to find; ordinary folks would be scared to death hearing about monsters, and Longyuan Mountain hasn't fully emerged yet, so we should handle this discreetly.

Yes, once Longyuan Mountain appears, it will be better for us to announce our Longyuan Immortal Sect to the world.

I actually have a few candidates in mind—do you remember the Daoist and monk who came to our village before? I think they might be interested, and they've also received the Mountain God's blessing, making them quite suitable.

The crowd exchanged glances and immediately felt this plan was feasible.

Shangqing Temple.

The ancient-style Daoist temple stood at the road's end, with a constant stream of worshippers coming and going, so bustling it could be described as thriving; the delicate white smoke rising in the sunlight resembled a purple waterfall, enveloping the temple.

Although the number of worshippers coming to the temple has been increasing, the temple still only has Daoist Qingwei and his young disciple.

The young disciple had already come of age, able to assist Daoist Qingwei with more tasks; Daoist Qingwei also didn't want too many people disturbing his tranquility, so over the years he had no intention of taking on more disciples.

I don't know if it's because Daoist Qingwei has devoted himself to the Dao, but after all these years his appearance remains unchanged, except that an indescribable Daoist aura now surrounds him.

As the mind shapes the appearance, so it is; consequently Daoist Qingwei's reputation, along with that of Shangqing Temple, has grown ever brighter, drawing more worshippers.

But now Daoist Qingwei has announced a major matter: starting today, Shangqing Temple will close, and he will set out with his disciple for distant travel and training, with no fixed return date.

Seeing the sign hung at the Daoist temple gate, those who had come in admiration suddenly changed expression.

"What? Daoist Qingwei is going far away—how are we supposed to come worship in the future?"

"Daoist, what are you up to? Why are you being so mysterious?"

"Daoist, you've been staying here just fine—why suddenly leave?"

Everyone was baffled by Daoist Qingwei's decision, and they all spoke up to urge him to stay; as loyal followers of Shangqing Temple, they naturally didn't want the temple to close.

Daoist Qingwei waved his whisk, pinched a Daoist seal, and said, "The Boundless Heavenly Venerable, I, your humble Daoist, have long felt ashamed these many years; my Dao is not profound, my Cultivation Level insufficient. Now that a great opportunity has arisen, how could I let it slip by?"

This statement truly baffled everyone; they had seen Daoist Qingwei's strength with their own eyes, and if even he lacked mastery of the Dao, there would hardly be any competent Daoists left in the world.

"Daoist, you're being too modest; your Dao is profound, you've resolved many doubts for us—how can you say you're not adept?"

"Yes, I've visited many Daoist temples, but only Shangqing Temple has witnessed divine manifestations; you should truly glorify your temple."

"No."

Facing the crowd's pleas, Daoist Qingwei shook his head, his expression full of reverence and excitement: "One must know there are heavens beyond heaven and people beyond people; I have long yearned for this, and to have this opportunity is indeed a great fortune for me."

Everyone exchanged glances, some curious and probing, wondering what could cause a Daoist master of profound Dao arts to show such an expression, even to the point of not hesitating to close the Daoist temple.

Even though they repeatedly urged Master Qingwei to stay, it had no effect.

"I, the poor Daoist, have made up my mind; please stop urging me. If we are fated to meet again in the future, we will surely do so. Besides, this journey is also for my own improvement."

Seeing this, the crowd found it hard to say anything more, merely asking, "Master Daoist, could you reveal where you are actually going?"

"The place I am going to is called the Longyuan Immortal Sect!"

Master Qingwei received a call from the village head, learning that Hu Xiaocao had established a sect and planned to recruit disciples, and he almost without hesitation agreed.

Over the years he occasionally visited Longyuan Village; each time he approached that great mountain, he felt deep emotions, and he had seen Hu Xiaocao a few times—a child of outstanding spirit and talent.

Despite her young age, she had studied Buddhism and Daoism considerably; discussing the Dao with her often gave Master Qingwei many insights, and he sensed she was no ordinary person, so learning that she had founded a sect and become its Sect Leader did not seem strange to him.

Master Qingwei had long harbored a yearning for such a path, and the establishment of the Longyuan Immortal Sect now gave him an opportunity; he decided to seize it.

Hearing his words, those nearby couldn't help but show surprised expressions, "Longyuan Immortal Sect? The name sounds like that of a sect."

"This isn't a Daoist temple or a monastery; it sounds more like the name of a sect power in a novel."

"Um, I recall there being a Longyuan Mountain in Wu Du; what connection does it have with this name?"

Everyone was puzzled and wanted to ask further, but Master Qingwei refused to say anything; soon he closed the Daoist temple and, taking the young Daoist, headed for the Longyuan Immortal Sect.

Xiguangsi.

"Ong—"

The deep toll of the ancient bell came, accompanied by the sound of the wooden fish used for chanting sutras, drifting far away and continuously echoing within the temple.

All the monks halted their actions, even the wooden fish pausing momentarily; such a bell is not lightly rung, and whenever it sounds, it signifies a major event in the temple.

All the monks gathered in the main hall, led by the abbot, together with several venerable and respected senior monks.

"What has happened? Uncle Zhang isn't supposed to be in seclusion, so why has he come out now?"

"Not only Uncle Zhang, but even Uncle Li, who usually avoids worldly affairs, has been startled, even his old self."

The monks whispered among themselves, unaware of what had actually happened, after all these venerable and respected monks rarely appear before people.

Inside the hall, solemn and dignified treasures stood; the Bodhisattva statues gazed down with compassion upon the scene below, while beside them a bronze censer burned sandalwood, sending up curling white smoke.

"Amitabha."

The abbot turned the prayer beads, and the hall, which had been somewhat noisy, instantly fell silent.

"Today I have gathered you all to announce an important matter."

The abbot of Xiguangsi also received news from Longyuan Village, learning that the Longyuan Immortal Sect had been established, with Hu Xiaocao as Sect Leader, now recruiting disciples, and asked whether they were interested.

The abbot immediately summoned all the monks in the temple.

Xiguangsi has a long history, occupies a large area, has many monks and countless incense‑visitors, unlike the situation at Shangqing Guan.

Shangqing Guan has only two people; all decisions are made by Master Qingwei, and besides there is no special lineage to speak of, so closing it would be no great loss.

But Xiguangsi has so many people that one cannot simply say "let's go" and leave; after all, pulling one thread moves the whole body—we cannot let such a large temple fall into ruin, which would certainly invite outside criticism.

The abbot explained the matter of the Longyuan Immortal Sect's establishment and expressed the intention to send a batch of disciples there to study.

Upon hearing this, the monks immediately caused an uproar.

Xiguangsi had previously experienced miraculous events concerning the Buddha's manifestation; the people's hearts had already grown strong enough to endure such things, yet upon suddenly hearing this, they still felt it somewhat unbelievable.

In this world, someone actually established a sect?!

Some monks from Xiguangsi had visited Longyuan Village for exchange; although, due to distance, they did not travel as frequently as Master Qingwei and others, they still understood the situation there, knowing the villagers were all extraordinarily capable; although they found it surprising, they soon came to terms with it.

I know Longyuan Village; I heard that the Mountain God there and our reclusive high monk are good friends, I want to go try it out.

Amitabha, we can't say Longyuan Village now; we have to say Longyuan Immortal Sect.

Sounds somewhat special, this poor monk wants to give it a try.

For our temple, this might be an opportunity.

This matter caused a great reaction among the monks; after discussion by the abbot and other senior monks, they finally decided on a batch of disciples to be sent to Longyuan Immortal Sect.

The selected disciples were elated, while those not selected felt somewhat disappointed; not only these disciples, but even several senior monks in the temple expressed their wish to go to Longyuan Immortal Sect.

Although the abbot also wanted to go, considering the bigger picture, he ultimately gave up the idea; under the leadership of several senior monks, part of the monks of Xiguangsi prepared to head to Longyuan Immortal Sect. (End of chapter)