Chapter 502 - 246: Selection by the Four Main Peaks, the Cruel Competition for True Inheritance, Jiang Che Reaches the Entry Level of the Spirit Void Technique Overnight

Gu Shan and Moon Shadow also rose and left one after another.

Four streaks of light shot through the sea of clouds as they returned to their respective peaks.

...

「A few days later.」

Chuyang Peak, C Seventy-Two Courtyard.

The early morning breeze rustled through the old locust tree.

Suddenly, a Steward arrived at the courtyard gate and knocked.

"Jiang Che, Bao Da, are you in?"

Jiang Che and Bao Da came out to find it was a transfer order from the Sect.

The day to begin cultivating on the main peaks had finally arrived.

Jiang Che picked up the transfer order and probed it with his Divine Thought.

[Inner Sect Disciple Jiang Che is to move to Spirit Void Peak to cultivate, effective immediately.]

That single short sentence meant he had finally concluded his year-long Preparation Stage and would now formally begin his cultivation journey in the Myriad Phenomena Dao Sect.

"Sigh..."

A long sigh came from beside him.

Bao Da clutched his own transfer order, his face a picture of frustration and helplessness.

"Brother Jiang, it looks like we’ll be on different peaks from now on."

With a grimace, he showed his Token to Jiang Che.

[Inner Sect Disciple Bao Da is to move to Coiling Dragon Peak to cultivate, effective immediately.]

"I got reassigned."

Bao Da scratched his head in frustration. "My first choice was Spirit Void Peak, too. I was hoping I could keep tagging along with you, Brother Jiang. I guess Spirit Void Peak decided my aptitude wasn’t good enough and kicked me over to Coiling Dragon Peak!"

Among the four branches of the Myriad Phenomena Dao Sect, Spirit Void Peak specialized in Techniques, placing extremely high demands on one’s Comprehension and Divine Soul.

Although Bao Da had managed to break through to the Sixth Layer with Jiang Che’s help, Comprehension and the Divine Soul were truly not his strong suits.

Coiling Dragon Peak, on the other hand, specialized in Protective Gang Qi and Physical Defense. It emphasized being Unmoving as a Mountain, which was actually a rather good fit for Bao Da’s sturdy frame and personality.

Jiang Che patted his shoulder and said consolingly,

"This could be a blessing in disguise."

"When the Cultivation Techniques of Coiling Dragon Peak are mastered to the stage of Great Success, one’s physical body becomes comparable to a Magical Treasure, impervious to all arts. Given your disposition, you might have a brighter future there than on Spirit Void Peak."

"Besides,"

Jiang Che smiled, his tone gentle.

"We’re in the same Sect anyway, and it only takes the time to drink a cup of tea to get between the peaks. If you’re ever treated unfairly, or just want to grab a drink, come find me on Spirit Void Peak anytime!"

"You bet!"

Upon hearing this, the easygoing Bao Da’s gloom quickly dissipated. He chuckled and said,

"Hearing you say that sets my mind at ease, Brother Jiang! You know me—I don’t have any special skills, just a thick hide. Once I master the divine techniques on Coiling Dragon Peak, you can be in charge of the slaughter, and I’ll be in charge of taking the hits for you!"

After saying this, the two looked at each other and smiled.

After a quick pack-up, they walked out of the small courtyard that held a year’s worth of their memories.

At a fork in the road, Bao Da shouldered his bag and headed west toward Coiling Dragon Peak.

Jiang Che watched him go, then turned his gaze toward Spirit Void Peak, shrouded in clouds and mist, exuding an aura of mystery and ethereality.

...

At the entrance to Spirit Void Peak.

A massive stone stele stood there, inscribed with the two words "Spirit Void." The brushstrokes were elegant and flowing, as if they contained infinite transformations.

Just as Jiang Che set foot on the stone steps leading up the mountain, a familiar figure came into view.

The person wore a moon-white brocade robe, with a Cyan Jade Pendant hanging from his waist.

It was none other than Senior Brother Song Yuan, the one who had delivered medicine on behalf of Daoist Wu Wei.

"Junior Brother Jiang, you’re finally here."

Seeing Jiang Che, Song Yuan’s face immediately broke into a sincere smile as he hurried forward to greet him.

Unlike the polite courtesy from their last meeting, this time Song Yuan’s eyes held a genuine warmth and approval, even a hint of respect.

"Senior Brother Song," Jiang Che said, cupping his hands in a salute. "I hope I haven’t kept you waiting long."

"Haha, it’s my pleasure, my pleasure!"

Song Yuan laughed heartily and patted Jiang Che’s arm warmly.

"Junior Brother, you’ve given us at Spirit Void Peak a massive surprise this time!"

"Tenth Layer Great Perfection! Tsk, tsk. Ever since the news reached us, all of Spirit Void Peak has been buzzing with excitement!"

Song Yuan explained as he led Jiang Che up the mountain,

"You might not know this, but things haven’t been easy for Spirit Void Peak these last few years."

"Those lunatics from Heaven-Slaying Peak rely on their combat prowess to put us down in every Sect competition; they’re unbelievably arrogant. The iron lumps from Coiling Dragon Peak are also a tough nut to crack. And as for Shadow Killing Peak, those sinister guys are even harder to deal with."

"Although we on Spirit Void Peak have a wide array of abilities, we’ve fallen a bit behind when it comes to new blood in recent years."

At this, Song Yuan looked at Jiang Che, his eyes filled with hope.

"But with you joining us, Junior Brother, I believe we’ll have a much stronger foundation when competing with the other peaks for resources, and even for a True Inheritance position!"

Jiang Che nodded slightly, understanding inwardly.

’Looks like the internal competition within a Major Sect is even fiercer than I imagined!’

’This reminded him of the large corporations from his past life.’

’Competition between different departments in the same company was often even more intense than the competition between different companies!’

’That’s because different companies just compete for customers.’

’But different departments within the same company compete for the internal budget.’

’Some even had a "horse-racing" system, where multiple departments within the same company would perform the exact same function!’

’Only the high-performing ones were kept.’

’The underperformers were cut without a second thought!’

’It was a kill-or-be-killed environment!’

"You praise me too much, Senior Brother. I’m just a newcomer and will need your guidance in the days to come," Jiang Che said humbly.

"Of course, of course. We’re all family here, no need to be so formal."

As they spoke, the two passed through the mountain’s clouds and mist and arrived within the interior of Spirit Void Peak.

The scene before them opened up, causing even Jiang Che’s eyes to brighten in surprise.

The scenery was exceptionally serene and elegant, filled with the tranquil, effortless charm of the Daoist School.