Seize the day while in the prime of youth, for one cannot remain forever young. Chapter 130: Imparting Knowledge and Resolving Doubts

"Qingzhou, I asked you to stay behind because there is something I wish to discuss with you in detail," Nie Fang said softly.

Bai Qingzhou respectfully cupped his hands in a salute and replied, "Please, Sect Master, just give your instructions."

"Hmm..." Nie Fang nodded with a look of gratification, then turned to Han Aoyu beside him. "Elder Han, why don't you explain it to Qingzhou?"

Han Aoyu nodded in acknowledgment, then looked at Bai Qingzhou and said slowly, "Qingzhou, do you know what position Chen Li held previously?"

Bai Qingzhou was taken aback. He had not expected such a question, and it slipped out before he could think: "Brother Chen was the Dharma-Transmitting Deacon..."

Before he could finish his sentence, he suddenly recalled something. He paused, then asked in surprise, "Elder, you don't mean to suggest that I..."

Han Aoyu nodded and said with a serious expression, "Yes. Since Chen Li’s passing, his position has become vacant. After consulting with the Sect Master, we wish to appoint you as the new Dharma-Transmitting Deacon, responsible for teaching and resolving the doubts of the sect's disciples."

"Me?!" Bai Qingzhou was startled. He hurriedly waved his hands in refusal. "With my limited abilities, how could I become a Dharma-Transmitting Deacon? My knowledge is far inferior to that of Brother Chen."

"No! You can do it." Han Aoyu stared at Bai Qingzhou, his tone grave. "Although your time in cultivation has been relatively short, your progress has been extremely rapid. Furthermore, you have spent these past few years bustling about in the markets, gaining extensive experience. You are fully capable of taking on this role."

"But I..." Bai Qingzhou looked around, looking hesitant. "I am completely unprepared to take on the role of a teacher..."

"It will be fine. I know you have often borrowed books to study, and you are well-versed in the common knowledge of the cultivation world. You need only share what you know during your lessons."

Nie Fang, who was standing by, suddenly interjected with a laugh, "Hehe, besides, you are now a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator. Your knowledge of cultivation must certainly be richer than that of the other disciples. Taking on the role of Dharma-Transmitting Deacon should be no trouble for you at all!"

Hearing that both elders had such confidence in him, Bai Qingzhou felt deeply conflicted. After a moment, he said with difficulty, "But I am currently managing the shop. I fear I will not have enough time to serve as the Dharma-Transmitting Deacon..."

"That is no issue," Nie Fang said with a light chuckle. "The shop is already on the right track, and you no longer need to exhaust yourself by remaining in the market constantly. You only need to find time to check on it occasionally."

"Sect Master Brother," Han Aoyu interjected, "If Qingzhou finds it too burdensome, perhaps the management of the shop could be handed over to Ji Heng. His personality might be better suited for the market."

Nie Fang nodded slowly. "What you say makes sense."

He turned back to Bai Qingzhou and continued, "Let Ji Heng take charge of the shop. From now on, you will be responsible for the sect's dharma transmission affairs. How does that sound?"

Seeing that the matter had been decided, Bai Qingzhou cupped his hands and said, "Very well... This disciple accepts the order!"

Seeing Bai Qingzhou agree, both Nie Fang and Han Aoyu wore gratified smiles.

Nie Fang continued, "Then you should prepare yourself. After the Ascension Assembly concludes, you may begin holding classes for the new disciples. You may decide the details yourself."

"Yes!"

...

The next day. The cemetery behind the Xuanyang Sect.

Numerous disciples clad in grey robes stood solemnly, observing a moment of silence. Before the cemetery stood a stone tablet, upon which were inscribed the names of all the departed cultivators of the Xuanyang Sect.

Fresh flowers and various offerings were placed before the tablet. Sect Master Nie Fang stood at the very front, while Elders Xiao Feichen and Han Aoyu stood slightly behind him.

Bai Qingzhou stood in the row behind the two elders, alongside several other inner-sect disciples. The rest of the disciples stood further back.

Almost the entire Xuanyang Sect had come to pay their respects, and with the inclusion of the registered disciples, there were nearly a hundred people gathered.

Nie Fang stood at the front, reciting the customary words of remembrance, and the disciples listened in silence.

"...Finally, everyone must remember the core tenets of the Xuanyang Sect!"

"Stand tall and upright, carry on the past and open up the future!"

Nie Fang’s voice, imbued with a touch of spiritual energy, rang out like thunder, clear and distinct even to the disciples standing furthest away.

Once Nie Fang finished, the disciples took turns coming forward to sweep the graves, add soil, offer sacrifices, burn spirit money, and bow in prayer.

It took half an hour for the entire ritual to conclude.

The crowd dispersed and slowly returned to the main assembly hall. Several round tables had already been prepared, laden with delicious delicacies and plenty of spirit wine, a sight that immediately whetted everyone's appetite.

The sect's strength had been steadily increasing, a fact everyone observed with their own eyes. Thus, once the somber funeral ended, everyone began to show smiles, exchanging cups and chatting freely.

Because he had been away for so long, Bai Qingzhou sat with his closer peers—Qin Yihan, Ji Heng, He Zuo, He Li, Chen Lin, and Zhang Zhiyan—and they all chatted and laughed together at the banquet.

The gathering quickly dispersed the gloomy atmosphere of the funeral.

Watching the two young children, He Zuo and He Li, bickering over a piece of beast meat while Qin Yihan tried to mediate between them, Bai Qingzhou smiled with gratification. The children's squabble drew laughter from those around them.

Hearing the laughter, Bai Qingzhou could not help but glance at Zhang Zhiyan beside him.

He saw her holding a cup of clear wine, her soft gaze fixed on the scene before them, a radiant smile gracing her beautiful features.

At that single glance, Bai Qingzhou was captivated.

He was momentarily stunned...

But Zhang Zhiyan noticed someone looking at her and immediately turned her gaze toward him.

"Junior Brother Bai, what is it?" Zhang Zhiyan’s lips curled into a slight smile.

"Nothing..." Bai Qingzhou coughed lightly and shifted his gaze away, then said, "Oh, by the way, Senior Sister Zhang, are you the one hosting the Ascension Assembly this time?"

Because the once-every-five-years Ascension Assembly was only two days away, and until now, Bai Qingzhou did not know who would be presiding over it.

Hearing this, Zhang Zhiyan shook her head and said, "Li Xian will be going to host it this time. I am about to go into seclusion."

"Seclusion?!" Bai Qingzhou felt a start in his heart and immediately asked, "Are you going to attempt the Foundation Establishment stage?"

"That's right," Zhang Zhiyan replied with a gentle smile. "I have been at the ninth level of Qi Refining for some time now. A few days ago, I felt that I had touched upon a breakthrough, so I intend to enter formal seclusion once the Ascension Assembly concludes."

Hearing this, Bai Qingzhou felt a complex mix of emotions. On one hand, he was happy for her progress; on the other, he was anxious about her Foundation Establishment process—especially since Chen Li had just failed his own attempt.

Seeing the expression on Bai Qingzhou's face, Zhang Zhiyan smiled warmly, feeling touched. She added, "Don't worry, I will be fine. If the Foundation Establishment does not go smoothly, I will give up."

"Yes, yes, you must remember—do not force it," Bai Qingzhou said, nodding hurriedly.

Zhang Zhiyan’s eyes crinkled. "Don't you worry!"

As they were speaking, Ruan Xiuqi suddenly ran over, threw an arm around Bai Qingzhou’s neck, and slurred, smelling strongly of wine, "Big Brother Bai, let's drink!"

He was clearly quite intoxicated.

Bai Qingzhou chuckled, and without refusal, picked up his own cup to toast him. Zhang Zhiyan was also all smiles.

The entire hall was filled with an air of joy.