Chapter 33

To understand the depth of a sect, the simplest and most practical method is to look at its history. The most significant difference between major and minor sects lies in their immortal techniques. To know which sect has the best immortal techniques, you can't just listen to what they say; you have to look at their past. A sect may decline, but its immortal techniques will always exist. If a sect has produced a Purple Mansion True Lord in its history, it means that at least its cultivation techniques are not problematic. The Purple Mansion True Lord is a basic benchmark for the path to enlightenment. As long as one can reach this level, there are no major issues with the foundational cultivation. Even if a sect has lost its advanced cultivation techniques due to various reasons, at least their basic techniques are reliable, and one can still switch to other techniques in the future. However, for those sects that have never produced a True Lord, one must be cautious.

As Tang Jie spoke, he took out a piece of paper: "For example, the Angry Sword Sect, which was once prominent, produced several geniuses, all of whom were Heavenly Heart Realm experts, sweeping through their era. However, the Angry Sword Sect has never produced a Purple Mansion True Lord. These geniuses, despite their extraordinary talents, all stopped at the peak of the Heavenly Heart Realm, unable to take that crucial step, and some even died because of it. This indicates that the sect's cultivation techniques are problematic. If one practices them, even switching to other techniques in the future may not provide an opportunity. Of course, it could be bad luck, but in such matters, it's better to err on the side of caution."

In fact, the Xu family is a typical example. Their immortal techniques are limited, and there are issues with their foundational cultivation. No matter how talented one is, they will ultimately stop at the Heavenly Heart Realm.

Fortunately, the Heavenly Heart Realm is sufficient in the Qixia World, so the Xu family's life is still manageable. However, for those who aspire to the path of enlightenment, having no hope and failing to achieve hope are two entirely different things.

Sects like the Xu family can be studied for their foundational techniques, but they are not suitable for building a solid foundation. Of course, the Xu family is also working on this issue.

Unlike Qin Yuan and Wei Die, Tang Jie had spent half a year with Xu Muyang and was already well-versed in many important aspects of the cultivation world. His insights in this area surpassed even some students, let alone ordinary people.

For instance, much of the information about the various small and medium-sized sects in the Wenxin Kingdom was told to him by Xu Muyang, while some he had gathered over the past two years. His method of judging a sect by its history was his own invention. Although it may not always be accurate, it is not without reason. At least, the cultivation techniques of these twenty-two sects are generally reliable.

Wei Die was stunned for a moment before asking, "What is your second question about?"

Tang Jie replied, "Different sects have different methods. Even the same spell can vary when used by different people. What do you think is the fundamental reason for these differences?"

"Their talents?" Qin Guan, the steward, blurted out.

Tang Jie shook his head. Wei Die, being more perceptive, quickly guessed, "Is it their temperament?"

"Exactly, temperament is the key!" Tang Jie answered. "Everyone has their own temperament, and a person's fate is often directly related to their temperament. For example, those who are aggressive and combative, if you ask them to practice a complex immortal technique, they won't be able to exert its power. On the other hand, those who are timid and retreating, if you ask them to learn a fierce and advanced technique, they won't be able to muster the courage. Temperament is a form of talent. While physical attributes are important, temperament is even more crucial. If one cannot find their place, even if they join a prestigious sect, their future achievements will be limited."

This insight came to him after being whipped by Wei Tianchong.

The Jili Warlord excels in combat, so his cultivation techniques are best suited for battle, and even cultivation requires combat to improve.

"Then why do you want to go to the Moon Washing Academy?"

"The Moon Washing Academy is a prestigious institution with a wide variety of immortal techniques, suitable for all kinds of people. Given the number of talents in such a large sect, you will always find someone like yourself. Even if there is no suitable technique, they can create one tailored to you, though whether they are willing to do so is another matter."

"Is that so..." Wei Die began to understand.

"Moreover, temperament not only determines cultivation achievements but also whether you are suitable for a particular sect. Different sects have different immortal techniques, and often different cultures... I mean, different philosophies. If your worldview... if your ideas differ from the mainstream of your sect, your future will be difficult. Conversely, if they align, it will be much easier to join the sect."

As he spoke, Tang Jie waved the paper again: "Fourth Miss is a woman. Many of the sects listed here are too masculine and not suitable for women, so they can be crossed off."

With a few strokes, he eliminated a large number of options, leaving only a few.

Then Tang Jie said, "I don't know Fourth Miss well, but I see that she is not afraid of difficulties and seizes every opportunity for cultivation. This shows that she has a gentle exterior but a strong will, with her own opinions. Once she makes a decision, she doesn't easily waver. Such a temperament is best suited for simple yet rigorous cultivation techniques that test one's resilience. These techniques may not be impressive at first, but they have lasting power. If so, the Heaven Annihilation Sect, the Five Gods Sect, and the Heartless Pavilion are suitable for you. However, the Heaven Annihilation Sect is too violent, and Fourth Miss is not interested in wandering the world with a sword. Their philosophy that everything can be killed is not suitable for you, and they have become increasingly arrogant in recent years. I believe they will be destroyed by the Moon Washing Sect sooner or later, so it's a death trap. Let's skip that."

"The Five Gods Sect is mysterious. Although they have produced a Purple Mansion True Lord, it was too long ago, and they are now in decline, relying on deception to survive. Unless there is no other choice, I don't recommend joining them. While we value history, we cannot ignore the present."

"As for the Heartless Pavilion, its leader came from the Thousand Emotions Sect. She was hurt by a man and developed a hatred for men, so she left the Thousand Emotions Sect and founded the Heartless Pavilion. The leader of the Heartless Pavilion is a prodigy. After leaving, she made a grand vow not to spread the secrets of the Thousand Emotions Sect and created a new Heartless Technique based on their foundational techniques. Although the Heartless Pavilion has not produced a Purple Mansion True Lord, it is because the sect is too young. The techniques she created based on the Thousand Emotions Sect are reliable in terms of foundational cultivation. Moreover, her ability to create immortal techniques shows that her insights are top-notch. Creating immortal techniques is more related to life experience and understanding of cultivation than to talent. As a teacher, an experienced master is always better than a talented one. Therefore, I have included the Heartless Pavilion among the twenty-two sects."

After this long explanation, Tang Jie took a sip of water and continued, "Fourth Miss seeks fairness and resents being oppressed by men, which is somewhat similar to the leader of the Heartless Pavilion. People need to have common ground to be friends. If the temperament of a master and disciple does not match, their relationship will be difficult. Conversely, if they are compatible, things will be much simpler. However, the people in the Heartless Pavilion are somewhat extreme, so be careful not to be brainwashed into hating men."

"I understand," Wei Die blushed and replied, "If that's the case, I'll go to the Heartless Pavilion."

"Although the Heartless Pavilion is not highly regarded in the Wenxin Kingdom and their requirements for disciples are not excessive, it's not easy to join. They require 500 spirit coins annually."

"500 spirit coins!" Wei Die was immediately troubled.

Qin Yuan also worried, "That's not cheap. The Moon Washing Academy only requires 300 spirit coins."

Tang Jie smiled, "The Moon Washing Academy only charges 300 because they don't rely on tuition fees. Their main goal is to select talents, expand their influence, and establish a foundation for a thousand years. The Heartless Pavilion is small and does not receive local offerings, so they have to charge tuition fees. In reality, 500 spirit coins is quite cheap. More importantly, their spots are not as competitive, and the subsequent costs are lower. If you consider the spots and subsequent costs, the Moon Washing Academy is much more expensive. Second Master may not be able to secure a spot at the Moon Washing Academy for Fourth Miss, but with his status, securing a spot and the 500 spirit coins for the Heartless Pavilion should not be a problem."

"But I heard that even if you enter the Heartless Pavilion's academy, it doesn't mean you can join the Heartless Pavilion."

"Of course, the same applies to the Moon Washing Academy. You have to prove yourself once you enter the academy. I recommend the Heartless Pavilion because Fourth Miss's temperament is more compatible with it, and the chances of success are higher. Don't underestimate the Heartless Pavilion. If you choose the right path and achieve results, Fourth Miss's future achievements could be significant."

"I'm afraid Father won't agree," Wei Die sighed.

500 spirit coins are not cheap, equivalent to 500,000 standard coins, and even more on the black market. Wei Qingsong is not Wei Danbo and may not be as generous.

Tang Jie smiled, "Second Master, though not the head of the family, is still a key member. He should be able to afford 500 spirit coins annually. The key is not whether he can afford it, but whether he is willing."

Tang Jie's words struck a chord with Wei Die, who sighed, "I am just a woman..."

"Wrong!" Tang Jie's eyes flashed, "Being a woman is not a reason for Second Master to be unwilling."

"Huh?" Wei Die and Tang Jie were both surprised.

Tang Jie said, "Parents love their children equally, regardless of gender. Different treatment is influenced by various factors. While favoring boys over girls is a significant reason, it's not the only one. Has Fourth Miss ever done anything to earn her parents' trust?"

"Earn their trust?"

"Exactly!" Tang Jie said seriously, "The most influential people in the Wei family are the old master and the old lady, but the one who manages the entire household is the first lady. Even the old master listens to her. Why? Is it because she is the eldest daughter-in-law? No, it's because she is smart and capable, and no one in the household questions her authority, not even the immortal master Lu Shi."

Qin Yuan nodded in agreement. Zheng Shufeng was a shrewd woman who was fair in her dealings. Even if she scolded the servants, they did not resent her, and she was much more respected than Wei Lanxin.

Tang Jie sighed, "To prove that you are as capable as men, you need to show it, not just talk about it. If Fourth Miss can succeed in cultivation, Second Master will be happy. Even if you marry, you are still a daughter of the Wei family and will likely help your family when needed. So, even if the value of a daughter is halved, spending 20,000 silver coins on you is not unreasonable, especially when it's only 500 spirit coins."

"The key is confidence!" Tang Jie said, "To get Second Master to pay, you need to earn his trust."

"How do I earn his trust?"

"By showing it!" Tang Jie smiled, "In a few days, it will be the old lady's seventieth birthday, a major event for the Wei family. The household will be decorated, and guests will be invited. This is usually managed by the first lady. Why not ask her for a task and take charge of a part of it? If you successfully organize the old lady's birthday, you will earn credit and gain people's trust. Be filial and show that even if you marry, your heart will still be with your family. In this situation, even if you don't ask, I believe Second Master will consider sending you to the academy. Parents' expectations of their children are sometimes simple. Major mistakes can be forgiven as minor ones, and minor achievements can be praised as major ones. If you do your best and earn people's respect, Second Master will naturally trust you."

"But... I'm afraid I won't do well," Wei Die hesitated.

"You must do well!" Tang Jie said firmly, "If you can't handle this, what makes you think you can succeed in cultivation? Do you think that once you enter a sect, you will only practice immortal techniques? Or that the cultivation world is free from human affairs and conflicts? The path to immortality is like a mountain path, with thousands competing. You must compete before and after entering a sect, and the competition will be even more intense and brutal. If you don't compete and act, you might as well not cultivate at all."

"Compete and act or not cultivate at all?" Wei Die was stunned, staring at Tang Jie.

Perhaps realizing he had been too harsh, Tang Jie softened his tone, "As Fourth Miss, you have many advantages. If you can't stand out in your own household, you may not stand out in the Heartless Academy. Start here. This is your opportunity to enter the cultivation world and a necessary test before you do so. I believe you can do it."

Hearing Tang Jie's encouragement, Wei Die's eyes lit up, and she bowed, "Thank you for your guidance. I understand."

Tang Jie smiled, "You're welcome. Remember, don't overthink things. Just focus on doing your best. Success can be simple. In eight words: be humble in person, bold in action. I won't say more. It all depends on you."

After his speech, he noticed the two looking at him strangely and asked, "What's wrong? Did I say something wrong?"

Qin Yuan composed himself and said, "I never thought a child could consider so much... Are you really only fourteen?"

"..." Tang Jie was speechless.

Wei Die laughed, "Regardless, I thank you for your guidance. If I succeed in cultivation, I will remember your teachings today. If I can help in the future, I will not let you down!"

As Fourth Miss, calling Tang Jie, a servant, "young master" showed how much she valued him.

"Fourth Miss is too kind," Tang Jie smiled, "However, I do have a favor to ask..."

Tang Jie, who never left debts overnight, asked for a favor right after helping Fourth Miss.

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