Much of the information Elder Huang revealed, Shen Mo already knew. However, some of it was new to him!

Shen Mo's thoughts raced as he quickly integrated and sorted through the key points.

Firstly, he had already met the prerequisites for contending for a core position. Consequently, his treatment and status within the sect had improved considerably. However, if he truly wanted to secure a core seat, he had to defeat the disciple in the ninth seat and take his place!

This was somewhat similar to the elimination system he had known in his previous life.

No wonder the Tian Clan was so agitated; their clan's prodigy, Tian Zhiyu, currently occupied the last seat among the core disciples. Anyone who seemed likely to win a core position was a threat to Tian Zhiyu! The difference was that Shen Mo possessed tremendous potential but lacked backing from a powerful clan or a strong Master. This explained why he was being targeted. The Tian Family probably hadn't expected him to gain the opportunity to cultivate in the Jade Pool Dungeon and emerge as a Spirit Sea Realm expert.

Considering the time in the Outer Realm, in the better part of a year leading up to his promotion, the Tian Family must have made numerous clandestine moves!

Once Shen Mo defeated Tian Zhiyu, Tian Zhiyu could only become an ordinary Elder.

This was understandable. Having advanced to the Spirit Sea Realm early on, possessing both more cultivation time and resources than newcomers, yet being defeated by one... how could such a person retain their dignity and remain in a core position?

The Riverside Sect was relatively "generous" to newcomers. Not only were they given a six-year candidacy period, but they also had two opportunities to challenge the ninth seat. The goal was clear: to select true cultivation geniuses. If one couldn't defeat the core disciple in the last seat even after cultivating for six years and having two chances, then they should obediently serve as a sect Elder.

Secondly, even if he successfully secured a core position, his ranking would still need to be determined later! The method for determining ranking was largely based on two factors: Sect Merit Points and individual strength.

If Shen Mo remembered correctly, Guo Zhao's younger brother, Guo Xun, who was about his age, was already one of the Nine Core Disciples of the Riverside Sect. What was even more remarkable was that Guo Xun wasn't in the ninth seat. He had likely risen by defeating the disciple previously in the ninth seat, and then advanced further when the rankings were reassessed!

One thing was certain: Guo Xun's strength surpassed that of Tian Zhiyu, who was at Layer IV of the Spirit Sea Realm.

Seeing Shen Mo's thoughtful expression, Peak Master Zhou Shili chuckled and said, "You've just opened your Spirit Sea; there's no hurry to contend for that core position!"

"With your cultivation progress, six years is ample time for you to catch up to that Tian Family disciple."

"When the time comes, it won't be too late to seize a seat for our Stars Peak."

Zhou Shili's reasoning was sound. If Shen Mo eagerly challenged for the ninth seat immediately upon reaching the Spirit Sea Realm, he might lose to Tian Zhiyu and waste a precious challenge opportunity. Even if he successfully secured the seat, the core candidates accumulated over the years would see him as a newcomer to the Spirit Sea Realm and might challenge him. If he were careless and lost, there would be no second chance.

Conversely, if he patiently cultivated for a few more years, the candidacy period for core aspirants from previous years would be nearing its end. They couldn't afford to delay and would be forced to challenge the ninth core seat. At that point, whether those candidates won or lost, it would be advantageous for Shen Mo!

"This disciple understands," Shen Mo said with a respectful bow.

Zhou Shili nodded and continued, "Go to the Magic Tower, collect your cultivation method, and prepare thoroughly."

"In three days, the peak will hold a promotion celebration in your honor!"

"Since I won't be leaving the peak for a while, I will personally preside over the ceremony for you."

Any sect disciple who opened their Spirit Sea from the Qi Gathering Realm would have similar arrangements made, even Outer Deacons! Shen Mo was a disciple of Stars Peak, so the responsibility for organizing the celebration naturally fell to the peak. However, for the Peak Master to personally preside over the ceremony was an honor not typically extended to anyone other than his Direct Disciples. This further demonstrated the importance Zhou Shili placed on him.

「...」

Leaving the Star Hall, Shen Mo first went to the Magic Tower. He collected one spiritual-level main cultivation method and three profound-level magics.

Afterward, he descended the mountain and made his way to Jiyun Town. He handed over all the finished Elixirs, talismans, and standard-issue magic artifacts from his Universe Bag to Shopkeeper Qian.

Because Shen Mo had taken a large quantity of raw materials, and a significant sum of Spirit Stones had been used to purchase spiritual materials from elsewhere, Shopkeeper Qian had endured a difficult month struggling to keep the shops operational. However, upon learning of Shen Mo's promotion to the Spirit Sea Realm and seeing the mountain of Elixirs and other goods, his previously worried expression instantly transformed.

After taking stock and completing the handover, the items Shen Mo had refined in the Jade Pool Dungeon earned him a profit of five hundred middle-grade Spirit Stones. However, at present, the four shops could not produce such a large sum of Spirit Stones. They would need some time to sell these Elixirs, talismans, and magic artifacts before they could deliver the payment to Shen Mo. Shen Mo naturally had no objection, as Shopkeeper Qian had, after all, depleted the liquid capital of the four shops to help him gather raw materials. Besides this income, his subsequent profit share had not yet been calculated!

In a few days, Shen Mo's empty Universe Bag would steadily begin to fill.

Immediately afterward, he went to Spirit Gathering Peak. Although only a month had passed in the Outer Realm, for Shen Mo, it felt like ten months since he had last seen Zhao Lingyin. Therefore, he stayed directly at the Lake Heart Cottage for three days, cultivating his four newly acquired cultivation methods while enjoying romantic interludes with Zhao Lingyin.

It wasn't until just before the promotion celebration that he, along with Zhao Lingyin, headed to Stars Peak.

During this period, Zhao Lingyin's Master, Wu Gong, also paid a visit to Lake Heart Cottage! Initially, this Alien Minister Wu had intended to drive Shen Mo away. However, upon learning that Shen Mo's cultivation had reached the Spirit Sea Realm, he refrained from saying anything further.

Before officially becoming Dao Companions with Zhao Lingyin, Shen Mo's behavior was still relatively restrained... In those few days, he hadn't done anything too inappropriate to her! Even so, his various affectionate gestures made Zhao Lingyin blush deeply, almost to the point where she wanted to use her Colorful Phoenix Fan to scorch him. Her cheeks were still flushed red as they walked hand in hand into the Star Hall.

"It seems it won't be long before I'll be officiating another grand ceremony for you two," Peak Master Zhou Shili remarked with a smile, teasing them as he observed their close behavior.

Elder Huang and the others also chimed in with laughter.

Due to demonic disturbances occurring throughout the Red Flame Country, the number of cultivators attending the celebration was not exceptionally large. However, most of the Elders and Elite Disciples of Stars Peak who were currently in the sect did attend! Lu Ming, Guo Zhao, and others had specially rushed back from outside the sect. Representatives from the other two peaks, Rising Sun Peak and Bright Moon Peak, as well as Elders from the Riverside Sect's Deacon Hall, Enforcement Hall, Affairs Hall, and other departments, all came bearing gifts.

As for others, friends like Chen Mengze and her father, Li Zhong, and Yao Ting, as well as Stars Peak's other two Core Disciples including Guo Xun, all had pressing matters and could not attend the celebration. However, their congratulatory gifts were not absent; all had been delivered by proxy.

Notably, although Sect Master Yuan Qingshi did not appear in person, he also had a congratulatory gift delivered.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.