Dao Xuan Zhen Ren arrived in Liangchen County and only recruited twenty outer disciples and three inner disciples. As for the core disciples of Lingxiao Sect, they believed that a small county like Liangchen would not produce such geniuses and disdained to recruit here.
Historically, core disciples were promoted from inner disciples who had made significant contributions to Lingxiao Sect over many years, or were talented disciples recruited from major state-level families. These talented disciples invariably had the backing of Golden Core or even Nascent Soul ancestors.
Therefore, the preciousness of this quota goes without saying. If anyone in the sect learned that Dao Xuan was going to give a core disciple spot to a young man from a small rural family, they would undoubtedly be dumbfounded.
The reasons Dao Xuan gave Fang Ming the core disciple spot were: firstly, Fang Ming's life-saving grace, and secondly, Fang Ming's status as an alchemy master. The status of an alchemy master in Lingxiao Sect, though lacking in strength, commanded respect even from Golden Core True Lords. Introducing such an alchemy genius into Lingxiao Sect, with the support of this Golden Core True Lord behind him, would make it a sure thing for Fang Ming to obtain the core disciple spot.
"So, I don't have to participate in the arena competition?" Fang Ming asked.
"You certainly don't have to, but the arena competition is for honing your combat skills. It would be beneficial to practice!" Dao Xuan Zhen Ren thought that given Fang Ming's age and his exceptional alchemy skills, his combat experience was likely lacking. A person's energy is limited, and they cannot excel in all areas. More combat experience would always be beneficial.
Dao Xuan Zhen Ren smiled and said, "Of course, regardless of your ranking, the core disciple position will be reserved for you. With your level as an alchemy master, I will apply to the elders, and you will definitely be granted a core disciple position."
"Then, let's do that!" Fang Ming also had this consideration. With his identity as an alchemy genius, he could certainly obtain the status of a core disciple. However, if he could also gain fame through his strength in the arena, with both strength and alchemy skills valued, wouldn't that earn him even greater favor from the elders and sect leader of Lingxiao Sect, and grant him more resources?
Moreover, the matter of offending Lei Jian had not yet been resolved. Leaving now for Lingxiao Sect would not be ideal. It would be better to resolve this matter first before heading to Lingxiao Sect.
"This area is still deep within the Taihang Mountains, with many Foundation Establishment realm demonic beasts. Let me escort you." Dao Xuan said.
Dao Xuan Zhen Ren was worried that Fang Ming might encounter trouble if he returned alone, so she made the suggestion.
"Alright!" Fang Ming slowly exhaled and agreed to the request.
His current strength was comparable to the Foundation Establishment realm, but if he encountered a large group of Foundation Establishment beasts, he would still have to flee. Having someone escort him back was certainly good.
Normally, it would be fine, but at this time, due to the aftermath of the battle between Dao Xuan Zhen Ren and a Golden Core beast, many Foundation Establishment realm beasts had fled their territories. Normally, as long as Fang Ming did not intrude on their territories, he could avoid a large group of Foundation Establishment beasts gathered together. But now, it was hard to say.
It was possible that as soon as he stepped out, he would encounter a group of stray Foundation Establishment beasts.
The one who tied the bell must untie it. In this dangerous situation, it was clearly most appropriate to have Dao Xuan Zhen Ren escort him.
"Hold my hand." Seeing Fang Ming agree, Dao Xuan Zhen Ren nodded, said this, and then took Fang Ming's hand, soaring into the sky, rushing towards the heights of hundreds and thousands of feet.
"Are you feeling a bit afraid of heights? Don't worry." Dao Xuan Zhen Ren said to Fang Ming in a gentle tone.
She seemed to recall something and murmured to herself, "The first time my master lifted me up and flew high in the sky, I felt the same way."
"I was very scared at first, but after that, as long as you get used to it, you won't be afraid."
Being carried, Fang Ming looked down at the ground from high in the sky, watching the Taihang Mountains shrink, and felt no fear of heights at all.
This was because Fang Ming himself could already fly with his sword, possessing the ability to fly. Although he couldn't compare to a Golden Core True Lord, he wouldn't be so scared of heights.
Moreover, in his first life, he had already flown on an airplane and experienced even higher altitudes, so there was no question of being afraid of heights.
"Lin Xuan? Lin Xuan, are you listening to me?" Dao Xuan Zhen Ren, seeing that Fang Ming hadn't replied for a long time, spoke directly.
"Ah, I am listening." Fang Ming felt a bit depressed. How did he suddenly get distracted?
Why did he feel like he had been a bit strange lately?
It was as if there were two wills?
Realizing this, Fang Ming felt his emotions churning in his mind, and then, in an unknown place, they returned to calm.
His soul seemed to have realized something, but it was influenced by another will, preventing it from functioning.
After calming the emotions in his mind, Fang Ming acted as if nothing had happened. He thought to himself.
Interacting with a Golden Core True Lord was a rare opportunity. He still didn't understand this world, and it was a good chance to learn about the secrets and major trends of this world from her.
Right, he still didn't know much about the major sects in the Nine Provinces world, so it was a good time to ask.
"True Lord, there's something I'd really like to ask. What is the sect layout of the Nine Provinces world? Which sect is the most powerful?" Fang Ming asked Dao Xuan Zhen Ren with a look of curiosity.
"I've lived in a small place like Liangchen County since I was young and haven't seen the outside world. I'm very curious about things outside. Can you tell me about it?"
Fang Ming's cute face made Dao Xuan Zhen Ren unable to resist. She forcibly suppressed the urge to pinch Fang Ming's face.
She smiled and explained to Fang Ming, "The Nine Provinces world is mainly divided into nine provinces, and there are also four outer regions. However, those are desolate and remote places with low spiritual energy, and people from the Nine Provinces do not go there."
"The most powerful sect in the Nine Provinces world is the Tianshan Sect. The Tianshan Sect has eighteen late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators and is guarded by a Ascension realm ancestor. It dominates the two wealthiest provinces, Qin Province and Shen Province."
"Next are the Three Sects and Five Factions. Each faction has at least several Nascent Soul ancestors, with a continuous inheritance of Nascent Soul across generations. The sect ensures that there is at least one Nascent Soul ancestor in each generation... Our Lingxiao Sect is one of the Three Sects and Five Factions."
So, there are nine first-rate sects? Besides the Tianshan Sect dominating two provinces, are the remaining seven provinces occupied by the other eight sects?
There must be a distinction in strength among the Three Sects and Five Factions, otherwise, it wouldn't be enough to divide. Perhaps the stronger ones occupy a province, and the weaker ones occupy half a province?
Could the Mansion of Rebirth be one of the Three Sects and Five Factions?
And beyond the Nine Provinces, there is the extreme northern cultivation world, the outer sea...
As Fang Ming chatted with Dao Xuan Zhen Ren, he gradually gained an understanding of the major forces in the Nine Provinces world.
The Three Sects and Five Factions are the eight most powerful sects within the Nine Provinces.
They are far more than just a single Nascent Soul realm cultivator – for ordinary forces, the appearance of one Nascent Soul ancestor often leads to their decline after only one generation.