The numerous disciples present stood in line, their backs straight.

Without any command, they consciously arranged themselves according to their rankings. Receiving a reward from the sect was always a matter of pride. Among the more than a hundred people present, there were many familiar faces and figures.

Basically, the top hundred Inner Sect Disciples and the top ten Outer Sect Disciples had already arrived. Almost all the disciples of Swordmaster Peak were gathered, including Su Yi, Bai Yu, and Lin Jiangxian, though they stood relatively at the back.

The martial competition rankings had already been posted all over the mountain. The many disciples stood in neat rows. Several elders who had long been stationed at the Scripture Pavilion also stood beside the old man, motionless. Their reserved manner showed the vast difference in status between the two sides.

Many could still remember that it was this unknown old senior who hosted the martial competition between Jiang Feng and Gu Miyun. The phrase "giving it their all" was still fresh in memory.

Even the less intelligent knew that this old senior was extraordinary. Many sects had positions similar to a Supreme Elder; no, rather than calling it a position, it's more like they are the predecessors of the sect's elders and Sect Master.

These people weren't necessarily of high realm, but each had lived for many years, possessing rich experience and knowledge. They usually retreated from the Cultivation World for many years, asking for nothing, only quietly cultivating in some secluded corner, seeking the Great Dao.

Seemingly aware of the curious gazes from the crowd, the old man immediately broke into a smile, a stark contrast to his previous demeanor when facing the Peak Master and elders. Despite his harsh scolding in Yuqing Hall, he was actually very kind to the younger generation. As the saying goes?

A generation gap brings closeness.

"Everyone, my Dao name is Shanyuan. I currently hold no official position. I'm just an old man without any responsibility, feel free to address me as you like."

"Greetings, Elder Shanyuan."

The numerous disciples saluted in unison.

Though he claimed to have no position or responsibility, the attitude of the people beside him revealed his identity.

Standing behind him were individuals who were all significant figures within the sect. Two elders were responsible for managing the Scripture Pavilion and Library Pavilion, one was a retired Second Elder of the sect, and another was the Sixth Elder in charge of Dragon Head Peak. Conservative estimates would place the combined age of these five people at around three thousand years.

Yet in front of this old man, they were all respectful. Some keen observers even noticed that when the old man arrived, the other elders performed the disciple's salutation.

"Our Purple Cloud Palace has been established for over eight thousand years. Our ancestor was both civil and military adept. Besides the Nine Peaks, he also established the Three Pavilions: Scripture, Treasure, and Gathering Essence. Among them, the Scripture Pavilion is responsible for collecting all kinds of Divine Skills, including Law, Dao, Mind, and Mantra."

"The Treasure Pavilion is used to store a variety of treasures, including Divine Weapons, natural treasures, Divine Souls, and Rare Treasures."

"As for the first two, I don't need to elaborate much. Everyone present is exceptionally talented and often frequents these two pavilions. But the third pavilion, Gathering Essence Pavilion, is one you probably haven't visited, and perhaps rarely even heard mentioned."

"Yet, this third pavilion, Gathering Essence, is one of the foundations for the continued existence of our Purple Cloud Palace."

The old man's voice was deep and powerful, his eyes seemingly gentle, but it was not difficult to discern the pride and arrogance in his tone. For the whole sect, these three pavilions were the true foundation.

Establishing a sect and gathering disciples may sound simple at first; it requires only a powerful ancestor and a suitable location. However, looking at the entire cultivation history of the Central Plains, there are at least a hundred cultivators at the Mahayana Transcendance Tribulation Stage.

Yet only eight families remain dominant in their fields, largely because of the establishment of these three pavilions.

Written as pavilions, read as foundation.

"Generations of ancestors, seniors, and disciples on external assignments all placed the various natural treasures or Treasure Techniques they collected outside into them. This is how the Scripture and Treasure Pavilions functioned, enduring for over eight thousand years."

"Regardless of which disciple, or which Cultivation Technique they practice, the sect can always select the most suitable Divine Skills for them and find the most appropriate master for personal guidance. This is the sect's foundation."

"You are very fortunate."

The old man smiled slightly.

His eyes filled with memories, he recalled the scene when he joined the sect in his youth, warmly recounting past events to the disciples under his tutelage.

"When I entered the sect back then, it was far less affluent than it is now. Though it wasn't desperately poor, taking out even a few Earth Rank Magic Treasures was challenging."

"After all, during those times, warfare in the Cultivation World was frequent, and most Magic Treasures and natural treasures were consumed in battles against opposing forces. Even now, many items of inheritance are scattered and unrecoverable, it's quite lamentable."

"My master's Cultivation Realm was commendable at that time, yet he hadn't inherited the sect, and the Central Plains Twelve Sects were in chaos both internally and externally, with the Southern Border and the Demon Race coveting eagerly."

"After many disturbances, many Divine Skills were lost in transmission. I joined the sect during the intense phase of the Cultivation World chaos, and even when I won the entry trial, the prize was only a fourth-grade Elixir."

"But that was already the best thing the entire sect could offer to reward a new disciple."

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