Taiyi Dao Fruit

The light boat gradually drifted away from Qiao Mountain Island, cleaving through the waves, and headed toward the distant isles.

Some of the Inner Sect Disciples or elders of the Dinghu Sect resided within the Sect, while others chose to dwell on an island within Dinghu Lake. After making a contribution of good deeds to the Sect, they would be granted a ten-year residency on such an island.

It was one of these islands that Luo Yi now made his way toward.

He helmed the boat alone, navigating through Dinghu Lake for quite some time, ensuring no one was following before steering the vessel toward a secluded islet and coming to a stop behind it.

Thereupon, Luo Yi disembarked, entered the courtyard onshore, traversed a short corridor, and halted outside a Water Pavilion facing the lake.

A spring breeze caressed the area as the pavilion curtains, hung lightly, swayed gently, revealing within a faint silhouette of someone in meditation.

"Master," Luo Yi greeted, bowing to the figure within.

"I've said before that here in Dinghu Sect, there are no 'masters' from the Jiang family, only disciples of Dinghu Sect," the person behind the curtain said evenly, "It wouldn't do for others to overhear that. Besides, we are cousins; 'master' is rather formal, just 'Senior Brother' will suffice."

"Yes, Senior Brother."

Luo Yi acknowledged and then recounted to him the events of the day, "Senior Brother, that estranged ingrate Jiang Li has now caught the elders' attention. Should we give him a reprieve for the time being?"

With Jiang Li stepping into prominence, there was no stopping him; to continue targeting him would only expose more of their own strength, which would be unwise.

Thus, even though Luo Yi itched to give that troublemaker a taste of his blade, he still had to suppress the urge.

However, the master within the pavilion said, "Do you think those old fellows just want to protect Jiang Li? They're truly aiming at me."

"As we entered the Dinghu Sect, our real names had already been stripped away. Unless we reveal ourselves, even Dinghu Sect's 'Dragon Armor Divine Chapter' can only divine our fate, not truly link us to our real names. The old fellows know my identity and yours but not all of the Jiang family disciples."

"Their real goal was never to lift up a Jiang Li but to find all our kinsmen and prevent us from getting the Ochre Whip."

Upon saying this, Jiang Zhuyun's voice filled with a note of bitter disdain.

A chill coursed through Luo Yi, as if lightning struck his mind, "Senior Brother means, those elders might provide an opportunity to interact with the Ochre Whip, tempting us to block Jiang Li's victory with all our might."

"Hmph, if my guess is correct, should Jiang Li win in the Fengyun Platform, the Sect will surely reward him, and that reward will be related to the Ochre Whip."

Jiang Zhuyun's voice grew cold and sinister, "Jiang Li is qualified to be recognized by the Ochre Whip, and even if the likelihood is slim, it's not impossible. They are forcing the Jiang family to take action; this is an open plot."

As his words came to an end, suddenly a golden light blazed forth, and the water pavilion seemed to hold a rising sun within.

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[The next day, March 29th.

The year of 1995, Dingsi Month, Bingzi Day, suitable for weddings, seeking offspring, opening light, and... meeting relatives.]

Jiang Li stuffed the talismans, which he had drawn tirelessly through the night, into his storage bag, left the Daoist Law Pavilion, crossed Kaiyang Hall, and proceeded toward the Fengyun Platform under the watchful eyes of many disciples.

After a day's brewing, the news of Fengyun Platform's opening had spread throughout the Sect, and this competition limited to Ninth Grade had attracted the attention of everyone from both the Inner and Outer Disciples. At this moment, Jiang Li was indeed Dinghu Sect's most dazzling figure.

But this brilliance was only temporary; he had to win in the Fengyun Platform to prolong his moment.

Ascending the long stone steps, Jiang Li circumnavigated to the other side of Qiao Mountain, nearly reaching the mid-mountain height, the undulating clouds gradually appearing before him.

A platform, ten zhang in circumference, floated outside the mountain cliff, embraced by the winds and clouds, with three swaying iron chains reaching out into the air, tinkling crisply in the wind.

This place is the Fengyun Platform, where Jiang Li will fight today.

A sword light cut through the air and landed on the Fengyun Platform, revealing Feng Ziyang's figure, followed by the singsong chanting of a three-word scripture that echoed in all directions.

"Tianji Hall, Elder Order, Fengyun Platform, the victor will be awarded, Bone Marrow Cleansing, Fagong Body."

Feng Ziyang scanned the crowd and spoke to the disciples whose eyes brimmed with anticipation, "Any Ninth Grade may come forth, defeat Jiang Li, and be rewarded."

"My, Bone Marrow Cleansing, you're likely to become public enemy number one of the Ninth Grade, junior brother." A whispered exclamation suddenly arose from behind.

[Without even looking back, Jiang Li could tell the voice belonged to Qi Changsheng.

He saw his senior brother, who should have been confined in Si Fan Valley, wearing the Outer Disciple's green robe, having made a simple disguise, and stealthily following behind Jiang Li.

Clearly, Qi Changsheng did not want to miss out on today's excitement.]

"Junior brother, are you confident? This is about challenging the entire Ninth Grade." Qi Changsheng couldn't help but say.

Jiang Li did not respond to him, instead turning his gaze towards the Karma Collection.

[Luo Yi had also appeared, having arrived early and waiting for some time. When he heard of Bone Marrow Cleansing, his face clearly displayed a sense of urgency, with a cold light flickering in his eyes.]

'Bone Marrow Cleansing, what mysteries does it hold?' Jiang Li couldn't help but ponder.

As far as he knew, Bone Marrow Cleansing was merely a ritual to purify the body, at best allowing the root bone physique to ascend a level. Such treatment was indeed an opportunity for average Ninth Grade disciples, but for someone with a background like Luo Yi, it was not out of reach.

It couldn't be that Luo Yi was so anxious just because Jiang Li might get an opportunity.

Jiang Li felt that there was definitely something fishy about this.

"The higher the waves, the pricier the fish; the greater the risk, the richer the reward."

Jiang Li took out the long banner from yesterday from his storage bag, tossed it forward, and planted it on the cliff, then announced loudly, "You may challenge me, but first pay the fee in full. Two hundred good deeds, pay up to step up."

"Why should we?" someone immediately protested.

"Because if I don't accept the challenge, none of you can even think about getting the chance for Bone Marrow Cleansing."

Jiang Li hung his Disciple Jade Token on the banner, turned back to Qi Changsheng, and said, "Senior brother, help me keep an eye on things; don't let anyone slip through without paying up."

"Huh?"

Qi Changsheng's mouth fell open, for he felt sharp, sword-like gazes shooting from the Fengyun Platform.

"We split the take, twenty-eighty," Jiang Li added.

Though making good deeds in this way might seem a bit unseemly, nothing is embarrassing about making money.

Jiang Li's skin had grown thick during his book-writing days; by now, he was not exactly invincible, but he could face the highs and lows with a smile, attaining the Superior State of Mind of "not pleased by external gains, not saddened by personal losses."

Having said that, Jiang Li leaped onto the iron chains, and after several movements, he set foot on the Fengyun Platform, showcasing his exquisite Qinggong skills.

[This was precisely:

"Since when is a golden scale a creature of the pond? Once it encounters wind and rain, it transforms into a dragon."

Well, it fit the situation, but it was somewhat ominous.]