Ning An's Wild Wish System

Sure, here’s the translation:

Compared to the excited staff, he remained much more composed, but his tone revealed urgency: "Celestial Master Zhang, can you feel the Spiritual Qi fluctuations within this stone?"

"Uh... not yet."

Looking at the surrounding facilities and screens, Zhang Yuanyi roughly guessed what was going on.

He placed the selected stone on the table and put a talisman next to it: "I can only vaguely sense the Spiritual Qi fluctuations, but this talisman allows me to accurately perceive them."

...

Apart from Zhang Yuanyi, everyone else returned to their rooms after testing the spirit stones.

Though this Daoist School was built with a touch of ancient style, both its infrastructure and expanse were impeccably executed.

Even though it was hastily constructed by the authorities, there were some minor flaws, yet it was filled with sincerity.

Every Daoist Master had a private courtyard, as did their meditation rooms.

If additional needs arose, they could inform the designated staff. As long as the requests weren’t excessive, the authorities would fulfill them, ensuring peaceful cultivation.

Upon returning, Tian Dian immediately began cultivating in his room, with no movement for quite some time.

Xu Qinglai and other Quanzhen Daoists also returned to their rooms, but barely half an hour later, Ren Shuyun’s door was knocked.

Ren Shuyun walked over and opened the door, only to see Xu Qinglai smilingly saying: "Senior Brother, are you free now?"

"Not much going on, come in and have a seat."

"Why don’t you come to my place? I’ve already brewed a pot of fine tea, just waiting for you to join."

Understanding instantly from Xu Qinglai’s words that he had an invitation, Ren Shuyun said with a smile: "I suppose Junior Brother Han has also been invited by you."

"Indeed, Senior Brother."

Ren Shuyun closed the door and followed Xu Qinglai to his courtyard.

Thus, Xu Qinglai had invited the most prominent and promising Daoist Masters from the Quanzhen Lineage.

The fragrant tea was poured for the two, and one sip brought extreme comfort.

After some polite exchanges, Ren Shuyun got straight to the point: "Junior Brother invited me over, is it concerning the test earlier in the hall?"

"You’re sharp, Senior Brother."

"What does Junior Brother have in mind?" Ren Shuyun cut to the chase.

"Don’t rush, Senior Brother, I’ll explain."

Refilling the two teacups, Xu Qinglai slowly continued: "I’m sure both of you understand that the recent test was clearly a sign that the authorities are somewhat impatient."

"Half of those jade stones are spirit stones, though I couldn’t sense them all, as it’s ultimately insecure without breaking that threshold."

"The main reason I invited both of you is because, two days ago, I was secretly arranged to meet a significant figure..."

Seeing the curious looks, Xu Qinglai continued calmly: "According to that significant figure, although this Daoist School is a temporary establishment, the authorities plan to implement this model long-term."

"Hmm?" Ren Shuyun’s interest was piqued.

"Simply put, while the authorities acknowledge the orthodoxy of various sects, the Daoist School is set to surpass them, whether Baiyun Temple or Dragon Tiger Mountain!"

"Most importantly, the first person to break through Destiny Soil will be directly appointed as the first dean of the Daoist School!"

Wow!

Despite years of cultivation and temperament refinement, the news was so overwhelming that the two Daoists could not help but utter an expletive.

According to Xu Qinglai, the position of the Daoist School is akin to, if not exceeding, the Jixia Academy of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States Period!

Despite the high status of Jixia Academy, it couldn’t change the world as it lacked military power.

But the Daoist School is different; it’s poised to cultivate Daoists of immense martial prowess, comparable to ancients in their own right!

The further one progresses on the cultivation path, the more formidable they become; reaching the zenith of cultivation likens them to deities!

Being the first dean of the Daoist School—this is crucial!

The dean would certainly favor their own sect, wielding primary control over resources allocation, personnel arrangements, and disciples selection decisions!

The implications are self-evident!

"Based on this, wouldn’t the members of Changchun Temple be more suited?" Daoist Han, who had been silent, pointed out the key issue.

Xu Qinglai nodded, then smiled: "According to that significant figure, the original dean of this school was meant to be the Little Daoist from Changchun Temple, but they seemed unwilling to be governed by the authorities."

Everyone was wise, understanding without needing the full explanation.

The authorities built this Daoist School to gather talents from all over, undoubtedly to be tightly controlled.

The school leadership had to be someone from the authorities, or at the very least, someone compliant.

They had heard of the Little Daoist from Changchun Temple, known for loving freedom, indeed unsuitable to the authorities’ needs.

Most importantly, the school was rich in talent despite their slight lack of martial prowess, which they would naturally attain over time.

"What a pity."

Ren Shuyun merely expressed regret, then asked another key question: "When the school expands and recruits non-Daoist-born individuals, which Cultivation Techniques from which sects will they practice?"

"That person didn’t mention this, seemingly never considered it."

Xu Qinglai shook his head helplessly, these things they valued greatly, yet to the authorities, these were trivial matters.

"I suppose they’ll evaluate based on cultivation speed, steadiness of cultivation, but fast cultivation speed will be more enticing."

After absorbing this information, the two Daoists’ expressions turned solemn: "You called us over, what do you have in mind?"

"This dean position can’t fall to the Zhengyi Sect!"

Xu Qinglai stood up, with an equally solemn expression: "I invited both of you here, hoping you could assist me in becoming the school’s dean."

"Junior Brother, what a cunning plan!"

Hearing this, Ren Shuyun snorted coldly: "Junior Brother, among us, your cultivation progress is indeed fastest, but we are not far behind. You’re a bit excessive, aren’t you?"

"Ah."

Xu Qinglai placed down the teacup, sighing: "Senior Brother, if that’s the case, how about proving ourselves through a contest?"

"Sure!"

"Good!"

Both Daoists were invigorated.

Though they all belonged to the Quanzhen Lineage, ultimately they were not from the same sect, and elevating Xu Qinglai would tilt benefits towards his disciples over their own.

For themselves and their disciples, they had to contend.

"Watch yourself, Senior Brother."

Xu Qinglai flicked his sleeve, and a refreshing breeze surged like in the dining hall.

"Hmph!"

Seeing this, Ren Shuyun raised his right hand and fiercely struck.

The forceful strike cleaved through the breeze, unyieldingly advancing towards Xu Qinglai.

Seeing the gust nearing Xu Qinglai, he remained calm, suddenly flicking his sleeve again.

Whoosh!

The breeze instantly turned into a whirlwind, creating powerful suction, directly altering Ren Shuyun’s strike trajectory, pulling it downward.

Fortunately, the senior Daoist had solid foundational skills, employing a rooted stance to halt the movement.

"Snap!"

But the stool beneath him suffered, shattering into pieces.

"So, Senior Brother, what do you think?" Xu Qinglai withdrew his hand, calmly gazing at Ren Shuyun.

"You..."

Ren Shuyun inhaled deeply, realizing the fellow before him was even more reserved than he imagined, likely having surpassed that threshold.

"Junior Brother has strong cultivation skills, this Senior Brother admires you."

Then, he turned to Daoist Han: "Junior Brother, what say you?"

Daoist Han set the teacup down, revealing a bitter smile: "With you having surpassed the threshold, there’s no point in me seeking embarrassment, I support you."

"Although we are all from the Quanzhen Lineage, compared to the Zhengyi Sect, we undeniably back you. But Senior Brother, still be cautious; the Changchun Temple members, though absent, are..."

"Those members?"

Xu Qinglai confidently smiled at Junior Brother Han’s words: "They’ve only traversed further down the path, what is there to fear?"

"After cultivating a bit more, who will win or lose is still unknown!"

Observing the spirited Xu Qinglai, Daoist Han experienced a sudden moment of disorientation.

Though young, he often indulged in reading web novels.

At that moment, Xu Qinglai’s likeness quickly meshed with an overwhelming silhouette, ultimately becoming that figure’s image.

"Does my son Wang Teng bear the Great Emperor’s potential?"