plumnovel 55. The position of guest minister
55. The position of guest minister
Inside the Zangji Pavilion, the lingering sound of the bell gradually faded.
Elder Feng held the pale gold fragment of the "Tai Xu Sword Steps" in his hand, his fingertips trembling slightly, the excitement on his face still lingering. "The legacy of the Void Sword Immortal… I never imagined, truly never imagined, that it would remain hidden in the Seven Absolutes Sect's Hidden Secrets Pavilion for hundreds of years, only to see the light of day again today!" He repeatedly studied the profound energy flow path, muttering to himself, "This footwork is ethereal and unpredictable; when combined with the sword, its power is boundless. It's just a pity it's only a fragment…"
Elder Han remained relatively composed, but his gaze towards Lin Mo was filled with undisguised admiration. "Young friend Lin, your ability to decipher this 'Big Dipper Revolving Mechanism' and find this lost art proves that your wisdom far surpasses your peers. Now that you have found it, according to the rules of my Seven Absolutes Sect, it belongs to you. I hope you will study it carefully and not let your talent go to waste."
Upon hearing this, the martial artists who hadn't yet left immediately cast glances at him, a mixture of envy, jealousy, and even a hint of greed. Even a fragment of a lost martial arts technique was of immeasurable value.
Lin Mo remained calm, cupping his hands in thanks. "Thank you, Elder. I will certainly study diligently." He accepted the tattered page and carefully tucked it into his robes. This composure earned him nods of approval from the elders.
At this time, the disciples in charge had finished compiling the results of the remaining participants who had passed the third test and submitted them.
Elder Han glanced at the list and announced loudly, "Nineteen people passed the third round, 'Solving the Puzzle with Wisdom.' Considering their performance in the first two rounds, the final selection for this guest elder recruitment is nine people!"
Originally, there were nearly a hundred competitors, but after undergoing rigorous tests of temperament, martial arts, and wisdom, only nine remained. Those who stood here were all individuals of unwavering will and exceptional talent. However, everyone's gaze was involuntarily drawn to the figure in blue robes at the forefront.
Lin Mo passed all three tests with an amazing performance, especially the last one, where he cleverly solved a lost mystery and found a fragment of the "Tai Xu Sword Steps". His performance overshadowed everyone else, making him the undisputed champion of this test.
"Those who pass the test, follow me." Elder Han flicked his sleeves and took the lead in walking out of the Hidden Machine Pavilion.
Lin Mo and the other nine followed closely behind, passing through the quiet stone path, and returned to the open training ground. However, the training ground now appeared much emptier, with an incense table and seats set up in the center, creating a solemn atmosphere.
The sect leader of the Seven Absolutes Sect, a middle-aged man with a thin face and deep, unfathomable eyes, dressed in a long black robe, was seated in the main seat. On either side of him sat Elder Han, Elder Feng, and several other elders with imposing auras. Numerous disciples of the Seven Absolutes Sect stood solemnly around them, their gazes curiously observing these nine newly appointed guest elders.
"Greetings, Sect Master!" Elder Han and the others bowed respectfully.
Lin Mo and the other nine people also clasped their hands in greeting.
The Seven Absolutes Sect Master nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping calmly over the nine people, finally lingering briefly on Lin Mo, a fleeting hint of surprise flashing across his face before returning to his composure. "No need for formalities. Your ability to pass all three trials demonstrates your exceptional talent. From this day forward, you will all be guest elders of my Seven Absolutes Sect."
His voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable authority that clearly reached everyone's ears.
"The position of Guest Elder is above that of ordinary disciples, and they enjoy many privileges," the sect leader continued. "Firstly, they can freely browse the books on the first four floors of the Scripture Pavilion, including martial arts manuals, miscellaneous records of the martial world, medical and poison manuals, and mechanical formations, etc. They can enter with their Guest Elder token."
A disciple carrying a tray stepped forward, on which were placed nine bronze tokens. The front of the tokens was engraved with the words "Seven Absolutes," and the back was inscribed with "Guest Elder" and their respective names.
Lin Mo accepted the token that belonged to him. It was cold and solid to the touch, representing a kind of identity and recognition.
"Secondly, you can receive corresponding cultivation resources each month, including pills, gold, and silver. The specific amount will be informed by the steward later."
"Thirdly, they possess a certain degree of deliberation power. When matters concerning the martial arts world or major decisions are made within the sect, guest elders can attend the hearings and offer suggestions."
"Fourth, guest elders have relatively free movement. They are not required to stay in the sect unless they are recruited by the sect. However, they must maintain the reputation of the Seven Absolutes Sect and must not do anything that would harm the sect's interests."
The sect leader explained the rights and obligations of the guest elders in a clear and organized manner. These four rights, especially the first three, were extremely attractive to any martial artist. The Seven Absolutes Sect's centuries-long accumulation of knowledge meant that the scriptures in its library were incredibly comprehensive; being able to freely browse the first four floors was already an immense opportunity. The cultivation resources and the right to speak were tangible benefits as well.
"I hope you all cherish this identity, diligently cultivate your skills, and work together with our Seven Absolutes Sect to uphold the righteous path of martial arts," the sect leader encouraged in closing.
"We will obey the sect leader's orders!" the nine newly promoted guest elders replied in unison, many of them showing excitement on their faces.
The ceremony was now complete. The sect leader and several elders departed first, leaving Elder Han and Elder Feng to handle the follow-up matters.
Elder Han looked at the nine people, especially Lin Mo, with a gentle smile on his face: "Everyone, you are now guest elders of our Seven Absolutes Sect, and there are some details that need to be explained to you. The guest elders' residences are located in the 'Guest Garden' on the east side, and you can choose a vacant courtyard to live in. This is the sect rules booklet and the resource collection list, please keep them safe." Then, a disciple in charge distributed two thin booklets.
Elder Feng walked over to Lin Mo, patted him on the shoulder, and said in a warm tone, "Young Lin, you're quite good! How about you come and register your name in my Sword Hall? Although you'll be a guest elder, if you can gain the Sword Hall's recognition, it will be much more convenient for you to consult more profound sword manuals or use the 'Sword Pool' for cultivation in the future."
This was clearly an olive branch extended, drawing the attention of the other guest elders. The Sword Hall held a special position within the Seven Absolutes Sect, and Elder Feng's personal invitation demonstrated his high regard for Lin Mo.
Lin Mo's heart stirred slightly. The resources and environment of the Sword Hall were indeed attractive to him, but as a newcomer, he didn't want to be branded as an elder too early. He humbly replied, "Thank you for your kindness, Elder Feng. I have long admired the Sword Hall. However, I am a beginner and am not yet familiar with many matters. Once I have settled down, I will definitely go to the Sword Hall to seek your guidance."
Upon hearing this, Elder Feng was not displeased at all. Instead, he laughed heartily and said, "You cunning brat! Very well, whatever. You are always welcome to come to the Sword Hall." He could tell that Lin Mo was not refusing, but rather being prudent, and his opinion of him improved even more.
Elder Han also smiled and said, "Guest Elder Lin, the fragment of the 'Tai Xu Sword Steps' that you retrieved has also contributed to the sect. The sect leader has ordered that you be granted three months' worth of cultivation resources in advance, and you may enter the fourth floor of the Scripture Pavilion to choose any complete martial arts technique to observe for three days as a reward."
This is yet another honor. The fourth floor of the Sutra Repository contains one of the core inheritances of the Seven Absolutes Sect. Ordinary guests need to accumulate enough merits to enter, but Lin Mo obtained this qualification as soon as he entered the sect.
"Thank you, Sect Master, thank you, Elder Han." Lin Mo bowed again; the reward was indeed generous.
Afterwards, a disciple in charge led the nine people to the guest quarters for accommodation.
The guesthouse is in a tranquil environment, with independent courtyards scattered among the mountains and forests, their white walls and blue tiles exuding elegance. Lin Mo chose a relatively secluded courtyard near the back of the mountain, which he named "Listening to Bamboo Cottage".
The courtyard wasn't large, but it was fully equipped, with a training room, a meditation room, and a study. After dismissing the disciples, Lin Mo closed the courtyard gate and stood in the courtyard, gently stroking the cold guest token.
Guest of the Seven Wonders School.
This step has finally been taken. With this identity, he is no longer a lone figure relying solely on himself and the power of his small manor, but rather "one of his own" with the backing of the Seven Absolutes Sect. Although the status of a guest elder is relatively loose, the resources and connections it brings will greatly facilitate his subsequent search for a way to lift Qing Li's seal.
The scriptures on the first four floors of the Sutra Repository... could they contain secrets about soul imprisonment and the sealing of magical artifacts? As a prestigious sect with a long history, the Seven Absolutes Sect has accumulated far more knowledge than ordinary martial arts forces.
There's also the fragment of the "Tai Xu Sword Steps" manual, and the opportunity to choose any ultimate skill from the fourth floor of the Scripture Pavilion...
Lin Mo took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in his heart. One must take things one step at a time. The most urgent task was to fully utilize his status as a guest advisor and the resources available to him to quickly improve his strength and find clues.
He went into his study, ground ink and laid out paper, and wrote down the details in his mind about the sealed artifact, as well as some secret techniques, sects, and regional names that he knew from his previous life that might be related to soul imprisonment.