PCJ – Chapter 555 Seminar

Originally, Zhang Jiaohua thought that the few young masters who arrived were from three different sacred lands. After observing for a long time, he finally understood that all three were actually from Kunlun Mountain. They all had the surname Liang: one was Liang Mingjie, another Liang Hongkai, and the last was Liang Yucheng.

Liang Mingjie was referred to as “Young Master Jie” by the other two, indicating that he was the leader of the trio.

“Young Master Jie, this godforsaken place doesn’t offer any opportunities to profit,” Liang Hongkai said as he looked around. The spiritual energy here was far inferior to that of Kunlun Mountain. He had hoped to use this trip as a chance to gain something extra, but the current state of the cultivation world was even worse than expected. Earlier, after walking through the marketplace, he saw that these so-called cultivators were no better than beggars. They were trading mundane items and using ordinary currency. What use was that to cultivators? What was the point of cultivators using worldly money? It’s not like cultivators had any trouble earning money if they really wanted to.

“No wonder the other young masters refused to come no matter what—they must have already known this was a thankless task,” Liang Yucheng said with a bitter smile.

“Indeed, it’s a tough mission. But since we’re already here, we should do what needs to be done. Otherwise, it’ll be troublesome if we can’t report back properly,” Liang Mingjie said.

“Young Master Jie, do you think there’s any point in our sect master insisting on hosting a cultivation symposium with the three great sacred lands? Resources are becoming scarce even in those places. At this point, talking about revitalizing the cultivation world just seems laughable,” Liang Yucheng said.

“You think it’s laughable?” Liang Mingjie gave him a sharp glare. “Do you think the resources of the three great sacred lands are limitless? Some matters are simply beyond your level to understand. In fact, our Kunlun Sect…”

Liang Mingjie abruptly stopped and didn’t continue. “There are some things you’re better off not knowing. If any information leaks out, neither of you will be able to bear the consequences.”

“Yes, of course.” Liang Yucheng responded, looking somewhat intimidated.

Although the three shared the same surname, there was a vast difference in status within the sect between the direct and collateral lines of the family. That single character difference meant a gap as wide as heaven and earth.

Liang Mingjie glanced at Liang Hongkai and Liang Yucheng. “You two go out and explore a bit later, but don’t stir up trouble. This isn’t Kunlun territory.”

“Got it. Don’t worry, Young Master Jie,” they said, though neither of them took his words seriously. They felt that, as members of the three sacred lands, their status outside should naturally be superior. Back in the sect, they had to be cautious, but now that they were out, they wanted to let loose a little.

Liang Mingjie then invited Hua Zhaoyang and the other sect leaders into the hall.

“Honored Sect Leaders, I am Liang Mingjie from the Kunlun Sect. Our purpose in coming here is to invite you to attend a cultivation symposium at Kunlun Mountain. The Dao is in decline, and many sects, even those with long histories, are facing serious difficulties—depleted spiritual veins and extremely thin spiritual energy. As one of the three great sacred lands, the Kunlun Sect sees it as our duty to revive the cultivation world. We are committed to finding a new and sustainable path forward, together with our fellow cultivators.” As he spoke, Liang Mingjie handed out invitation letters to the various sect leaders.

“Young Master Liang, if I may speak frankly—what good would attending this symposium do? Even if we attend, can we come up with a way to change the current state of the cultivation world? The few sects in the capital area are barely hanging on. In truth, most people have already decided to return to the secular world and live comfortably as wealthy commoners,” Luo Tianfeng asked.

Liang Mingjie smiled and replied, “Thinking about it may not guarantee success, but not thinking about it ensures failure. According to the records left by our Kunlun ancestors, the world in ancient times was chaotic—there wasn’t even spiritual energy, or a fully formed world. Yet, that era produced many powerful figures. Clearly, cultivation doesn’t strictly depend on spiritual energy. What’s more important is that many essential parts of our legacy were lost in the transmission.”

He continued, “Our sect master has been in closed-door cultivation for many years and has gained many insights. Though we haven’t yet found a definitive solution, with time, we are confident one can be found. So, I hope all of you will attend the symposium at Kunlun Mountain one month from now.”

Liang Mingjie’s words resonated to some extent with the other sect leaders in the room.

“That’s true. People from that era were indeed remarkable. They could transform chaotic energy into spiritual energy. If someone today could purify turbid energy into spiritual energy, that would be something incredible.”

“But right now, there’s no clue how to even begin. You might be able to wait, but we can’t. Our younger generation can’t cultivate, and they haven’t learned any mundane skills either. Soon, they won’t even be able to live as ordinary people.”

…

Zhang Jiaohua didn’t know what the Kunlun envoy was discussing with Hua Zhaoyang and the others. If Hua Zhaoyang hadn’t prematurely assumed he saw through Zhang Jiaohua, perhaps Zhang would have been among the attendees. Hua Zhaoyang no longer treated Zhang with the previous courtesy.

Liang Hongkai and Liang Yucheng left the newly established residence of the Xiyun Sect. Their failure to profit from this trip left them both irritated. Even now, they still felt bitter. They both thought of the marketplace—perhaps they could at least dig up something valuable there to make the trip worthwhile.

“Look over there—someone’s selling magic weapons!” Liang Yucheng said excitedly, pointing at a nearby stall.

The stall had a wide array of supposed magical tools, with a sign in bold letters: “Crying Clearance Sale!”

“Are you sure those are actual magic tools?” Liang Hongkai asked. As the two approached, they noticed something wasn’t quite right.

“They look like it,” Liang Yucheng said, slightly embarrassed.

When they got closer, they saw the stall was full of unopened swords and blades.

Liang Yucheng crouched down and casually picked up a broadsword. He flicked the blade with his finger, producing a clear, ringing sound.

“This sword is well-made, but it’s ordinary—hasn’t been consecrated. Just a regular blade,” Liang Yucheng commented.

“My family belongs to a weapon-crafting sect. Without spiritual power, we can’t consecrate anything right now,” the stall owner chimed in.

“I see. I’ll take this sword,” Liang Yucheng said.

“Thank you! That’ll be 50,000 yuan. The material is excellent. If it were consecrated, the price would be far higher,” the vendor replied.