Chapter 131: Rules on the Mountain

As Xu Qing's Foundation Establishment aura erupted and the bells of the entire Seventh Peak reverberated, three figures soared down from the mountain peak, whistling as they flew directly towards the base of the mountain.

Generally speaking, if an external Foundation Establishment cultivator stepped onto the mountain stairs here, they would only be blocked from entering and would not trigger the bells. At this moment, one needed to report their identity and purpose. A formation would then notify the person they wished to visit, and only after the other party agreed could they ascend the mountain under the constant monitoring of formations. This was how it was when the Patriarch of the Vajra Sect visited Daoist Xianyun of the Sixth Peak.

However, triggering the bells the moment one stepped onto the mountain stairs had only one possibility: the appearance of a new Foundation Establishment cultivator among the sect's disciples who had not yet been registered in the formations. Of course, an enemy attack was a different matter.

In the Seven Blood Eyes Sect, when disciples from the lower mountain attained Foundation Establishment, not all of them chose to rent the sect's cultivation grounds for it. On one hand, the price was steep. On the other hand, those who could distinguish themselves from countless Qi Condensation cultivators in this chaotic world must have had their own fortuitous encounters. Such occurrences were not uncommon, as a sect primarily bound by interests had almost no trust.

Therefore, roughly 30% of Foundation Establishment cultivators in the Seven Blood Eyes Sect returned after advancing outside. Most of these fortuitous encounters were related to certain ruins. Although some people paid attention, such incidents were not isolated cases and were quite taboo. If malicious plundering occurred, it would be fine if the news didn't spread, but once it did, it would shake the foundation of the Seven Blood Eyes Sect. Therefore, it was strictly forbidden by the Seven Blood Eyes Sect. Although internal strife still occasionally occurred in secret, it was generally acceptable. After all, for the cultivators on the upper mountain of the Seven Blood Eyes Sect, they would always weigh whether it was worth it before taking action. Few people would be so foolish as to take such a risk based on an unknown speculation.

Xu Qing had thought these matters through very clearly when he chose to undergo Foundation Establishment outside. Now, looking at the three rapidly approaching figures, he stood on the fifth step, awaiting their arrival.

Soon, the whistling sound grew clearer. Among the three figures rushing towards him from afar, the one in the lead wore a purple robe, was of medium build, and had a round face. It was the person who had guided Xu Qing when he first ascended the mountain that day. That day, the person had also kindly reminded him of his habitual weakness in his right hand and the concept of 'a needle hidden in cotton'. Looking at the figure, Xu Qing felt a surge of emotion. Back then, he had only heard the phrase 'a needle hidden in cotton', but now, through his experiences in the Seven Blood Eyes Sect and the individuals he had met, he had deeply understood what 'a needle hidden in cotton' truly meant. He himself had also learned a great deal within the broader environment of the Seven Blood Eyes Sect.

Xu Qing cupped his fists and bowed deeply the moment the other party drew near. Laughter came from the sky. The round-faced cultivator's figure flickered, and he appeared before Xu Qing, his expression gentle and his face filled with smiles.

"Xu Qing, the first time I saw you, I felt you were extraordinary, which is why I offered that reminder. Meeting you again today, you have indeed become one of us."

"Thank you for your reminder that day, Senior." Xu Qing was grateful to the round-faced cultivator in his heart. He cupped his fists and spoke.

"No need to address me as Senior anymore," the round-faced cultivator said with a smile. "You have already established your Foundation. We can address each other as fellow disciples. Junior Disciple Xu Qing, my name is Zhang Yunshi; you may call me Senior Disciple Zhang." As he spoke, he looked up and saw Zhao Zhongheng, who was nearby, looking utterly horrified. Being a shrewd person, he swept his gaze over Zhao Zhongheng's expression and then at Xu Qing. He roughly guessed what had happened but decided not to pry further. He then narrowed his small eyes. "Junior Disciple Xu Qing, shall we ascend the mountain?"

"Thank you, Senior Disciple Zhang." Xu Qing nodded politely. He then cupped his fists towards the two other Foundation Establishment cultivators beside Zhang Yunshi, and his gaze seemingly casually swept over them. He noticed that most Foundation Establishment cultivators on the mountain concealed their fluctuations. These two were like that, and so was Zhang Yunshi. Therefore, it was difficult for Xu Qing to immediately perceive their true depth. This heightened his vigilance and caution.

The other two, clearly of lower status than Zhang Yunshi, seeing that Zhang Yunshi knew Xu Qing, simply smiled faintly, cupped their fists in return, and departed. Thus, accompanied by Zhang Yunshi, Xu Qing walked with him forward along the mountain stairs.

Trees lined both sides of the mountain path, providing shade. Now, the sea breeze rustled the leaves, and spirit birds chirped sweetly among them. The sounds were very pleasant, as if they could sink into memory, bringing forth the scene of his first ascent that day and overlapping with the present moment.

"Junior Disciple Xu," Zhang Yunshi's calm voice echoed along the path in the wind, "I introduced you to the world below the mountain in the Seven Blood Eyes Sect before. Today, I'll tell you about the upper mountain. The Seventh Peak has thirteen elders, all Golden Core cultivators. Below them are Foundation Establishment cultivators like us, numbering over 140. After you register today, the Seventh Peak will have 149 Foundation Establishment cultivators. It may seem like a lot, but in reality, it's not many. The entire Seven Blood Eyes Sect has close to a thousand. You must understand that our Seven Blood Eyes Sect is one of the four major powers in the Southern Phoenix Continent. Therefore, the status and identity of a Foundation Establishment cultivator are extremely high."

"This is true everywhere in the Southern Phoenix Continent, and it's especially true for our Seven Blood Eyes Sect. After you register, you will receive around 5,700 spirit stones every month. The exact amount depends on the Seven Blood Eyes Sect's monthly income, so it's not fixed, but the fluctuation isn't significant. Additionally, after becoming a Foundation Establishment cultivator, you will gain the right to reside on the mountain. However, cave dwellings cost money. And the sect's Foundation Establishment cultivation methods aren't given freely like during Qi Condensation; they also cost money. As for the Scripture Hall, you are qualified to purchase any Foundation Establishment cultivation method within it. At the same time, as a Foundation Establishment cultivator, you possess four types of rights."

"The first right is that from now on, you possess the right to open a new port. You can establish your own port in the harbor district! It can be for external or internal use. The sect takes half of all profits generated from its operations. However, you need to arrange for people to manage it, and the initial investment is substantial, which you must also bear yourself. If you don't want the right to open a port, you can gain ownership of a street in the main city. All shops on that street will pay you rent. This method is simple and straightforward. Foundation Establishment cultivators choose either of these options. You can consider it carefully yourself."

"The second right is that if a disciple from this peak's lower mountain provokes you, you may kill them. However, for killing one person, you must pay 100,000 spirit stones as a penalty. For the second, the price doubles, and so on, never resetting." The round-faced cultivator spoke with a smile, but his words caused Xu Qing's eyes to narrow. "This rule is essentially a bottom line for our Seven Blood Eyes Foundation Establishment cultivators. Whether within or outside the sect, when encountering weaker individuals, they will always weigh whether it's worth killing them. If it's a disciple from another peak's lower mountain, the price doubles on top of that."

"As for the third right, you can designate two disciples from the lower mountain, or any other individuals you approve of, to become your attendants. They will gain the qualification to reside in the main city for free, and can also ascend the mountain with you to cultivate under your name. Furthermore, your teleportation to all branch cities within the Seven Blood Eyes territory will be free. Additionally, you have 100 residential quotas for branch cities each year. You should know that residential rights in branch cities are very valuable in external scavenger camps and small towns, and cannot be obtained without a recommendation from a Seven Blood Eyes disciple."

"The last right is the protection of the Seven Blood Eyes Sect. This prevents Golden Core cultivators from outside from daring to come here to kill you. Of course, if you offer enough spirit stones, even Nascent Soul cultivators wouldn't dare to kill you. If you have even more spirit stones, you can put out a bounty, and there will definitely be someone in the sect willing to help you with the kill. You must remember, the lower mountain is a pack of wolf pups, while the upper mountain is a group of solitary wolves, each with their own schemes and independence! At the same time, you don't need to worry about the sect's Golden Core cultivators making a move against you. Outside, that's just bad luck on your part. But within the sect, for whatever reason, making a move to kill the first Foundation Establishment cultivator incurs a penalty of one million spirit stones. Killing between Foundation Establishment cultivators is also similar; the price still doubles thereafter and never resets. So," Zhang Yunshi concluded, "it comes back to the old question: is it worth it?"

The round-faced cultivator's words were always accompanied by a smile, but his words consistently revealed the high status of Foundation Establishment cultivators and the ferocity of the upper mountain.

"What about obligations?" Xu Qing asked.

"Obligations?" The round-faced cultivator chuckled. "Everyone here struggled and fought their way up from the lower mountain through their own efforts. Therefore, there are no obligations to the sect. If you want to stay, you get money; if you want to leave, we won't stop you. However, the missions issued by the sect are never stingy, so everyone rushes to complete them. And to ensure we can consistently receive spirit stones long-term, gaining this fairly good income, when external enemies invade to destroy our long-term benefits, we naturally take action. After all, if a Foundation Establishment cultivator is careful, they can live for a very long time. How good is it to receive money every month? Of course, if the invading enemy offers greater allure, it's not entirely unacceptable. But think, are the invading enemies foolish? Bribing one or two disciples is useless. If they bribe many, offering immense benefits to conquer the Seven Blood Eyes, which is far less valuable than their costs, is it worth it? As for going to war with the outside world, it's essentially a magnified version of the grand competition you previously experienced. If there's profit to be made, everyone naturally rushes in. The elders on the mountain also know that we are all wolf pups. Thus, they have almost no direct management over us. They all entice us with benefits. What truly puts the higher-ups at ease are those core disciples who enjoy preferential treatment as soon as they enter the sect. The cultivation of these individuals focuses on cohesion and a sense of belonging."

As Zhang Yunshi continued his explanations, Xu Qing gained a deeper understanding of the upper mountain of the Seven Blood Eyes Sect. Lost in thought, they arrived at the mid-mountain.

"You've come at an unfortunate time. Normally, newly advanced Foundation Establishment cultivators have one opportunity to meet the Peak Lord. However, all seven Peak Lords have gone out to sea. Presumably, something significant has occurred. The Grand Elder and Second Elder are also absent. Only the Third Elder is guarding the mountain. After you pay your respects, I'll take you to the cave dwellings and the Scripture Hall."

As he spoke, Xu Qing saw the grand hall where the Third Elder resided, a place he had visited once before, in the distance. Outside the hall, he saw another familiar figure: Deacon Li, who was usually by the Third Elder's side. He was seated cross-legged before the grand hall. At this moment, he opened his eyes, looked at the approaching Xu Qing and Zhang Yunshi, and smiled faintly.

"When the bells rang just now, I wondered if the newly advanced Foundation Establishment cultivator would be you."

Xu Qing slightly cupped his fists and glanced at Deacon Li. Although the other party also concealed his fluctuations, Xu Qing, combining his current senses with his memories from before, now vaguely felt that Deacon Li should be a very strong Foundation Establishment cultivator.

"He should be a Foundation Establishment cultivator who has formed a life-fire," Xu Qing murmured inwardly, remaining expressionless.

"Go in, the Elder is waiting for you." Deacon Li's gaze shifted from Xu Qing and fell upon Zhang Yunshi. Zhang Yunshi shrugged and took a few steps back to wait outside.

Xu Qing took a deep breath and walked forward, until he entered the grand hall he had visited that day. The moment he stepped inside, the feeling from before descended upon him once more. The pressure emanating from the person meditating cross-legged at the head of the hall spread overwhelmingly in all directions.

But this time, Xu Qing clearly saw the other party's appearance. It was an old man with age spots on his face. He wore a purple Daoist robe embroidered with gold thread and gazed at Xu Qing expressionlessly. The instant their gazes met, Xu Qing's mind buzzed. The other party's gaze was like lightning, seeming to instantly penetrate his body and see everything within him clearly. However, the life lamp obscured by Xu Qing's shadow could not be detected by the other party.

"Greetings, Third Elder." Xu Qing lowered his head and bowed respectfully.

"At such a young age, you've opened two Dharma Apertures. Not bad," the Third Elder at the head of the hall said faintly. He then uttered words that startled Xu Qing's mind. "Did you take the Spirit Breath Lamp of the Merfolk Race?"

How many ammonites slept alone last night?It's okay, little newbies are with you.