"The world’s order has remained unchanged for many years, precisely because a Supreme Venerable existed. But now..."

"Perhaps it is time for a change."

Someone sighed deeply.

Everyone fell into contemplation.

"The Nine Rivers Marsh is formed by the convergence of nine Great Rivers, each containing Exotic Species from Ancient Times, with extraordinary power. Among them, the Jade Water Fire-Eyed Jade Ape tribe from the Red Moon River is the weakest in strength."

"The Daoist School’s actions seem to be killing the chicken to scare the monkey, and also a test."

"But how does it concern us? We are merely disciples of the Hidden Flood Dragon Institute, only at Qi cultivation level, how could we contend against these Jade Water Fire-Eyed Apes?"

"Fool! Do you think why the Daoist School is acting? It’s because a Supreme Venerable has fallen, the Demon Race lacks protection. Without that suppression, how would the Jade Water Fire-Eyed Jade Apes dare to compete with our Daoist School?"

"At this moment, they might have already withdrawn from the Cloud Cliff Shell Field. The Daoist School sends us to test and also take over the Shell Field."

"You must know, each Jade Shell in the Cloud Cliff Shell Field can equate to our one month of painstaking cultivation, if it’s a Shell King, it can even directly break through one layer of cultivation."

"Didn’t the Dean say, the Daoist School only wants the Shell Field, meaning everything in the field is not to be taken, but to be seized by us!"

The Cyan Peak Daoist School truly deserves to be a Major Sect, its disciples well-read and knowledgeable, even Qi Refining disciples can instantly understand the Daoist School’s plan.

Dispatching Qi Refining disciples to control the scale of conflict, while subtly changing the future course of the Daoist School.

After all, the more resources in this world, the more prosperous a sect becomes.

"World affairs are going to change greatly. The Daoist School aims to change its approach to plan for the future. This contest for the Shell Field is also a trial for us!"

"If any disciple stands out in this, there might be unexpected benefits."

Someone among the crowd confidently concluded.

As these words were spoken, the eyes of the surrounding people brightened.

But in just an instant, someone sneered coldly: "Even if the Jade Water Fire-Eyed Apes dare not assert themselves against the Daoist School, they surely won’t easily give up the Shell Field. This venture might entail dangers, with no guarantee of enjoying the rewards."

"Hesitating like this, why cultivate the Dao, might as well be a wealthy gentleman in the Human World!"

Someone immediately retorted.

"Humph, the Dao path is long and treacherous, only with caution and carefulness, like walking on thin ice, can one reach the opposite shore."

"Indeed, caution is wise."

"Merely a Jade Shell, not worth risking life for!"

This statement immediately drew murmured agreements from many disciples.

The disciples with bold and ostentatious personalities, however, showed contempt.

In an instant, the gathering almost split into two factions.

One seeking bold progress, attempting to gain the Dao through contests, the other cautious, hoping for stable cultivation.

Seeing the argument escalating, Zhou Qisheng finally spoke again before the Hidden Flood Dragon Hall:

"Silence!"

"It’s merely a Shell Field. Does the Daoist School demand so much? And does it require all disciples to go all-out?"

"If any wish to go to the Shell Field, they must leave their names on the Jade Register within three days, then they can take the Dragon Tooth Treasure Boat to the Red Moon River."

"If unwilling, no compulsion, in three days, the Seven Peaks Elders will come to the Hidden Flood Dragon Institute to lecture, all disciples not going may come to listen."

Zhou Qisheng finished speaking, waved his large sleeves, left behind a Red Gold Jade Register, then rode his Escape Light and vanished.

Afterwards, a steward from the Hidden Flood Dragon Institute handled miscellaneous tasks.

...

...

"The Daoist School is dividing disciples into ’contention’ and ’guarding’ lineages."

Gu Yuan looked at the disciples around him, speaking ardently, and the hovering Red Gold Jade Register, his mind swirling with thoughts.

This is the chain reaction of the True Dragon’s fall.

Without the Supreme’s suppression, conflicts arise.

The Daoist School must prepare for unforeseen disasters.

Sending Qi Refining disciples to seize the Shell Field is clear evidence.

But a Major Sect, naturally wouldn’t put everything at stake. Those willing to cultivate through conflict, the Daoist School is certainly pleased. However, if one wished to avoid conflict and focus on diligent cultivation, the Daoist School would also accommodate.

To the Daoist School, either choice is acceptable.

But for Gu Yuan and other disciples, a decisive choice must be made.

Is it to cultivate in the mountains and slowly seek opportunity, or follow the Daoist School and cultivate through battle?

The Daoist School’s actions are always deep and far-reaching, this choice could determine the style of one’s Dao path, rather than merely a simple ’Shell Field Contention’ decision.

"For others, this matter might require deliberation, but for me, this matter is clear."

Gu Yuan chuckled lightly, then set up the Cloud-Stepping Shuttle, turned to the west, and departed.

...

...

Silverfish Island, Lakefront Bamboo Courtyard.

"Junior Brother Gu, it’s troublesome, this is the last time feeding the Silverfish. In three days the Pill Furnace Institute will have new disciples arriving."

A man with a face full of fat handed three Spirit Stones, along with a Jade Basin, to Gu Yuan.

In the Jade Basin, three lively Silverfish happily swam, unaware of their impending fate.

"Thank you, Senior Brother!"

Gu Yuan smiled and accepted.

This past month, although continually studying Dharma Seals, he didn’t neglect feeding the Silverfish, as the reward was substantial, providing a significant income.

If not for this income, Gu Yuan would have long been unable to sustain.

And today is the last time.

Although not yet fed, the man had already given the reward to Gu Yuan.

After Gu Yuan thanked him, the man didn’t stay long, hurriedly leaving.

His cultivation had reached a critical time, not allowing excessive distraction.

After accepting the reward, Gu Yuan also didn’t linger, proceeding directly to the lakefront, commencing the final feeding.

But feeding the Silverfish was only one purpose of Gu Yuan’s trip.

He had a more important purpose.

Previously when Gu Yuan’s cultivation broke through to Qi Refining Fifth Layer, he discovered that the distance his Stone Liquid could see greatly increased, with faint lights appearing around the Nine Rivers Marsh.

And the Cloud Cliff Shell Field lies at the boundary between the Nine Rivers Marsh and the Red Moon River, not too far from the Cyan Peak Daoist School. That’s precisely why the Daoist School chose this location as a trial ground.

And Gu Yuan headed west to Silverfish Island to get closer to the Marsh.

This area is considered central, visible both to the Marsh and the mountain gate.

Others need to consider whether to go to the Shell Field, and which choice is suitable for them. But for Gu Yuan, all he needs is a glance to decide.

If the mountain gate offers greater opportunity, he would remain there, but if the Shell Field holds deeper opportunity, he would head there.

If neither place offers significant opportunity, he would stay at the mountain gate, focus on cultivation, and await the next chance.

Go where it’s brighter.

Gu Yuan took out a stone bottle, dripped Stone Liquid into his eyes.

"Boom!" 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

In an instant, the world transformed, stars flowed, countless strange lines appeared before Gu Yuan’s eyes.

Gu Yuan looked to the left, seeing only a few sparse white light spots in the mountain gate.

He turned his head to the left.

"Boom!"

Dazzling golden light shot straight up, almost blinding Gu Yuan’s eyes.

Golden!

Golden!