Zhao Yunxiao got ready early the next day, but he was not the only one who did so.

Just like every other year, the Black Tortoise Sect would be holding ceremonial rites early in the morning to mark the beginning of the year.

All disciples were required to attend, and outer disciples were no exception.

After ending his meditation, Zhao Yunxiao quickly washed up before heading for the door.

But he was not leaving his residence just yet.

Instead, he opened his door only to retrieve a small cloth pouch that had been dropped in his mailbox right outside his residence.

One would not find anything special about the cloth pouch at first glance, but it actually contained a small array within.

This array was connected to the thin thread that tied the pouch together, which in turn required the injection of a unique source of energy before it would come undone.

And this unique source of energy required was one that contained Zhao Yunxiao’s traces.

Should anyone other than Zhao Yunxiao try to undo this thin thread, the array would immediately activate, resulting in a small explosion.

Even though this explosion was not nearly strong enough to cause any heavy injuries to a cultivator, it was more than enough to destroy the pouch along with its contents.

In fact, not only would the resulting explosion destroy the pouch, but it would also send a light flare into the sky, alerting everyone in the vicinity that an unauthorised person had tried to access its contents.

The same thing would also occur if anyone ever tried to tear open the cloth pouch without undoing the thread.

This was meant to ensure that the cloth pouch would not be misappropriated by others – a necessary security measure considering the valuable contents.

Zhao Yunxiao excitedly opened it up and inspected the contents within.

Each outer disciple of the Black Tortoise Sect was entitled to receive an inferior cultivation pill every week, but they were usually given in batches every month.

Within the cloth pouch were four of such inferior Winterwarmth Pills, meant for Zhao Yunxiao in the first month of the year.

Only after seeing that the number of pills was correct did Zhao Yunxiao let out a satisfied smile.

Even though he had never received the wrong number of pills, it still gave him some sort of psychological comfort every time he confirmed that the number was correct.

With a flick of his wrist, the four pills vanished into his spatial pouch, along with the cloth pouch itself.

Zhao Yunxiao smiled.

It had not been long since he received this spatial pouch, and it felt good whenever he used it.

At the same time, Zhao Yunxiao made a mental note to visit the Outer Disciples Hall the next day when he was free.

It was not cheap to create something like the small array within each of these cloth pouches, so the sect naturally could not afford to give a new one to each disciple every month, especially not for outer disciples like them.

Because of that, they had to reuse the pouches by returning them to the Outer Disciples Hall every month.

If there were disciples who failed to return their pouches by the end of the month, they would have to head down to the Outer Disciples Hall to personally collect the pills for the next month.

While these disciples would still be receiving their pills either way, having to collect them personally at the Outer Disciples Hall was way more troublesome and time consuming as they would then have to slowly wait in line for their turn.

That was why most disciples would try to return their pill pouches on time.

After he was done putting away his pills, Zhao Yunxiao finally left his residence for the canteen.

It did not come as a surprise that the canteen was bustling with life at this early hour, just like how it was on a day of a monthly cultivation lecture.

When he arrived, Zhao Yunxiao could see that Gu Qiansi and Lu Zhiying were already seated at a table. Nie Hanchang was there with them as well.

“Senior Martial Brother Zhao! Here! We saved a seat for you!” Lu Zhiying waved excitedly upon seeing Zhao Yunxiao’s arrival.

At the same time, many of the other disciples shot envious looks at Zhao Yunxiao.

“Y-Yeah,” Zhao Yunxiao forced a smile as he waved back.

He had almost forgotten how famous Lu Zhiying and Nie Hanchang were right now.

One was a potential inner disciple, while the other was someone with a mythical tier treasure.

And to make things worse, Lu Zhiying was also an extremely attractive individual.

Zhao Yunxiao instinctively exchanged glances with Gu Qiansi.

Even without saying any words, both of them immediately understood just how uncomfortable each other was about the excessive attention that they were receiving.

Perhaps it was time to consider taking care of their meals elsewhere instead...

Zhao Yunxiao picked up his food and settled down beside them before taking out a small root.

“Here, this is a souvenir for you,” Zhao Yunxiao handed it over to Nie Hanchang.

“A souvenir?” Nie Hanchang received the root in a confused manner. “Did you get it from the Origin Lake Sect?”

“Yeah,” Zhao Yunxiao nodded. “This is a root of the Blue Jade Lotus, and is able to provide plenty of vitality when ingested. It should be perfect for someone like you who trains all day and night without rest. Oh right, it is pretty valuable, so try not to waste it.”

“It’s valuable? How can I just keep receiving things from you like this...?” Nie Hanchang frowned. “I think it is best that you keep it for yourself instead.”

Others might not know the truth, but Nie Hanchang definitely knew that the Grand Annihilator in his possession was mainly the work of Zhao Yunxiao.

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Because of that, he already felt like he owed Zhao Yunxiao a huge debt.

If he continued to receive other gifts from Zhao Yunxiao, when would he ever be able to repay his debt to Zhao Yunxiao?

“Don’t worry, he has plenty of it,” Gu Qiansi interjected. “Junior Martial Sister Lu and I received one each as well. Isn’t that right?”

“Yeah, we got one from Senior Martial Brother Zhao yesterday,” Lu Zhiying nodded.

“Is that so? In that case, I will accept this as well...” Nie Hanchang accepted it hesitantly. “But don’t worry, I will definitely pay you back in the future!”

Something that could replenish one’s vitality was truly useful to him.

So if it was something that Zhao Yunxiao had in excess, then Nie Hanchang would not refuse it for sure.

“It’s nothing much, so don’t be too uptight about it,” Zhao Yunxiao waved him off nonchalantly.

Unlike what Gu Qiansi said, Zhao Yunxiao definitely did not have plenty of Blue Jade Lotus roots.

In fact, after giving one to Nie Hanchang, he only had one left himself.

However, Zhao Yunxiao also knew that things like this could not be taken in huge quantities. Otherwise, the efficacy would drastically decrease.

That was the reason why he chose to keep only one for himself while giving out the rest.

Rather than waste the efficacy of such a precious ingredient, it would be better if he could share this benefit with his friends instead.

In any case, it was not like he had to pay for them in the first place.

“If you need help with processing the root, just look for Gu Qiansi,” Zhao Yunxiao said between mouthfuls of food.

“Yeah, I can help,” Gu Qiansi agreed.

“I will have to thank you in advance then, Junior Martial Sister Gu,” Nie Hanchang nodded.

The group quickly finished their food and left the canteen.

Alongside every other disciple, they headed for the Inner Grounds where the New Year ceremonial rites were to be held.

Xuanwu Temple.

This was largely considered the most symbolic structure within the Inner Grounds.

Made entirely of black marble, the single-storey temple looked exceptionally eye-catching as it stood on one of the tallest peaks of Purple Plum Mountain.

There was a long flight of stairs that led up to the front entrance of the Xuanwu Temple, though the white marble stairs were of direct contrast to the temple itself.

And at the bottom of the stairs was a large open square – also known as the Xuanwu Temple Square – one that was much bigger than the one back in the Origin Lake Sect territory where they had held their banquet.

Surrounding the Xuanwu Temple Square were tall totems also made of black marble, on which sect banners fluttered freely in the wind.

As the members of the Black Tortoise Sect gathered within the Xuanwu Temple Square, they could not help but feel their hearts pound faster in pride as they watched the grand banners all around them.

The emblem of the Black Tortoise Sect might be commonly seen within the sect territory, but it was something that commanded great respect outside of Purple Plum Mountain.

After all, their Black Tortoise Sect was a major faction in the Duyuan Empire that was not to be underestimated by any.

This was a fact that all members of the sect took huge pride in!

Zhao Yunxiao, Gu Qiansi, Lu Zhiying, and Nie Hanchang went over as a group.

As outer disciples, they formed into neat rows at the further end of the Xuanwu Temple Square. In front of them were the inner disciples, followed by deacons, protectors, and core disciples of the sect.

It was truly a sea of people, making it difficult for one to even count the total number of heads present.

Even if only from a distance, this was the one time of the year when members of the sect could see almost every other member of the Black Tortoise Sect, and that was including the core disciples, elders, and even the sect leader!

Of course, there were also those who were exempted from attending the ceremonial rites.

This included those who were out on sect missions, as well as those who had other pressing issues such as being at a critical juncture of their cultivation.

As the various members of the sect gathered on the Xuanwu Temple Square, a familiar figure slowly made his way up the altar that had been set up right before the white marble stairs.

Elder Mo – Mo Tianfeng.

Out of all the elders, he was the one whom disciples of the sect would be most familiar with, mainly because he was usually the one conducting the monthly cultivation lectures.

But apart from the monthly cultivation lectures, he was also used to performing a different role that exposed him to the disciples.

As the most senior of the elders, Mo Tianfeng was usually the one responsible for conducting the New Year ceremonial rites each year.

Mo Tianfeng stepped forward, standing behind a table that had been prepared on the altar.

The clear blue sky stretched out indefinitely above while the long white marble steps behind him led all the way up to the black Xuanwu Temple.

With such a grand backdrop, Mo Tianfeng appeared as though he was a guardian deity protecting the stairs that connected the secular world to heaven’s gate.

It was truly an awe-inspiring sight.

“Today marks the start of another new year,” Mo Tianfeng started. “I stand before you today, empowered by Sect Leader Zhi to represent the highest authorities of the Black Tortoise Sect, and give thanks to the divine Xuanwu for bestowing upon us your blessings for the past year...”

With that, Mo Tianfeng began his sermon on the history of the Black Tortoise Sect.

It was said that the progenitor of the Black Tortoise Sect had once come under the tutelage of the divine Xuanwu, a mythical spirit beast that bore the true form of a giant black tortoise.

During this period of learning under the divine Xuanwu, the progenitor of the sect managed to gain great insights into the path of cultivation, eventually using that knowledge as a foundation to establish the Black Tortoise Sect.

Because of that, the Black Tortoise Sect had always adopted the divine Xuanwu as its symbol, worshipping the mythical spirit beast as its guardian spirit.

And on the first day of each New Year, every member of the sect, regardless of seniority, was expected to pay their respects to the divine Xuanwu here at the Xuanwu Temple unless they had a valid reason not to do so.

“...With that, I beseech the divine Xuanwu to bless us with your blessings for the coming year as well. May the coming year go smoothly, not just for the sect, but also for every disciple standing here,” Mo Tianfeng concluded his speech.

As he said that, Mo Tianfeng lit three incense sticks and turned around to make a deep bow towards the Xuanwu Temple.

Every member of the Black Tortoise Sect bowed along with him.

Chime-!

The temple’s bells chimed loudly, reverberating across the entire Purple Plum Mountain.

Once.

Twice.

Three times.

The low bell chimes sounded out for a total of nine times, each carrying an inexplicable sense of tranquility that calmed the hearts of all those listening.

And along with the nine bell chimes, it felt like a mystical wave of energy had descended down the white marble stairs to shroud over the entire Xuanwu Temple Square, encompassing every member of the Black Tortoise Sect in what felt like a warm embrace.

As this wave of energy passed through each person, they felt an injection of vitality that seemed to cleanse their meridians and clear their thoughts.

The combined effect of that was a surreal feeling that brought about an undeniable sense of comfort for everyone.

Since it was her first time experiencing this, Lu Zhiying could not help but be startled by this fascinating experience.

“Stop looking around,” Zhao Yunxiao’s voice came from beside her. “Calm your mind and relish in this sensation. As much as possible, try to circulate this energy within you before it disappears.”

Lu Zhiying quickly closed her eyes and did as she was told.

Now that she had formed her spiritual meridian root, the current Lu Zhiying was already able to manipulate energy to a certain extent.

Seeing that Lu Zhiying was listening well this time, Zhao Yunxiao let out a faint smile before focusing on himself.

After all, this wave of energy summoned from the Xuanwu Temple was a precious benefit that they would only get to enjoy once a year.

Even though it was only by a small extent, it was actually able to boost one’s cultivation.

And on the path of cultivation, every little bit mattered, especially to someone like Zhao Yunxiao who did not possess heaven defying talents.

Of course, he was not the only one who placed great emphasis on this.

In fact, this benefit was actually the main reason why most disciples would try to avoid taking on any sect missions that clashed with the timing of the New Year ceremonial rites.

If not for it, most of them would have found this ceremony cumbersome and chose to skip it altogether!