‘Let’s see the difference between an external elder without a position and one with a position.’

Aotian pondered as he pulled up the panel of one of the external elders.

[Name: Yáng Shī (Meaning: Teacher of Light)

Position: External Elder (Unaffiliated)

Cultivation: 2nd Level of Qi Refinement (Host’s Realm)

Position Skill: None

Position Bonus: None]

The observed man, Yang Shi, was thin with a friendly and gentle appearance. His slightly darker and healthier skin suggested that he spent long hours exposed to the sun.

Aotian stroked his chin, considering which of the internal elders Yang Shi resembled the most.

‘Lie Zheng? No, he lacks ferocity. Bao Hui? No, he seems too gentle. Let’s check the other elders.’

There was Dan Hong, the alchemist, who had a lean build, sharp and weary eyes, and red hair. Aotian decided that his personality should be reclusive and irritable.

Despite his reddish hair, his spiritual roots were still of the five elements, just like Aotian’s. Perhaps it was just an aesthetic trait or an indication of his affinity with flames as an alchemist.

Then there was Xuan Zhen, the formations master, who had pale skin and a thin frame like most cultivators. His common black hair and serious expression made him resemble a scholar. For him, Aotian decided on a studious and cautious personality.

Lastly, there was Elder Ting Zao. He stood out the most. His extremely muscular build and calloused hands indicated that his path was not that of a typical cultivator. For him, Aotian chose a rough and straightforward personality—not to the point of foolishness, but someone who didn’t care about others’ opinions.

‘Well… Yang Shi’s appearance exudes kindness, and that doesn’t match any of them… But I feel like pairing him with Dan Hong will be more fun. The contrast between a reclusive and irritable alchemist and a gentle, calm subordinate could be interesting. Speaking of which, I intend for Yang Shi to have a kind and peaceful personality.’

Smiling to himself, Aotian made his decision.

‘System, assign Yang Shi to the Alchemy Pavilion!’

Ding!

[Affiliation successful!]

[Name: Yáng Shī (Meaning: Teacher of Light)

Position: External Elder (Alchemy Pavilion)

Cultivation: 2nd Level of Qi Refinement (Host’s Realm)

Position Skill: Heart of Nature

Affiliation Skill: Alchemy Affinity

Position Bonus: Accelerated Growth (2 uses per day)]

‘Eh?!’

Aotian froze. This wasn’t what he had expected.

‘So… does assigning an external elder to a position create minor roles that are still necessary for the sect? But what exactly is Heart of Nature and Accelerated Growth?’

Without wasting time overthinking the skills, he decided to test his theory and assigned four more external elders.

[Name: Zheng Tao (Meaning: The Just Path)

Position: External Elder (Punishment Pavilion)

Cultivation: 2nd Level of Qi Refinement (Host’s Realm)

Position Skill: Hunter’s Heart

Affiliation Skill: Combat Affinity

Position Bonus: Phantom Trail (2 uses per day)]

———————————–

[Name: Zhuan Lu (Meaning: Blazing Forge)

Position: External Elder (Refinement Pavilion)

Cultivation: 2nd Level of Qi Refinement (Host’s Realm)

Position Skill: Mineral Heart

Affiliation Skill: Forging Affinity

Position Bonus: Design Analysis (2 times per day)]

———————————–

[Name: Gu Jian (Meaning: Ancient Mirror)

Position: External Elder (Treasure Pavilion)

Cultivation: 2nd Level of Qi Refinement (Host’s Realm)

Position Skill: Heart of Treasure

Affiliation Skill: Commerce Affinity

Position Bonus: Treasure Radar (2 times per day)]

———————————–

[Name: Zhen Mo (Meaning: Formation Ink)

Position: External Elder (Formation Pavilion)

Cultivation: 2nd Level of Qi Refinement (Host’s Realm)

Position Skill: Heart of Feng Shui

Affiliation Skill: Formation Affinity

Position Bonus: Blueprint Generation (2 times per day)]

Aotian analyzed the skills and began to understand what was happening. However, to confirm his suspicions, he would need to test them one by one.

The five remaining external elders would not be assigned roles until he drew his conclusions.

But he could take his time with that.

For now, he controlled his new avatars to sit cross-legged, preparing for the next phase.

Then, he created illuminated minds for each of them.

Suddenly, he had a total of:

11 illuminated minds at the Qi Refinement level, including his own.

10 illuminated minds at the Foundation Establishment level.

3 illuminated minds at the Golden Core level.

Adding that to his normal minds, which were 17, including his own, Aotian now had 41 different thought processes operating simultaneously.

‘Wow! Illuminated Mind is truly extremely compatible with me!’

Aotian couldn’t help but let an excited smile form on his lips.

His handsome face, combined with his enthusiastic expression, gave him a bold charm.

‘Enough stalling. I’ll focus on cultivation while using my other minds to manage the sect and test the abilities.’

Determined, he closed his eyes and immediately entered a cultivation state.

…

Xiao Ling was the first to catch up to Elder Lie.

She cautiously approached and, gathering her courage, slightly parted her lips.

“My lord, may I ask your name?”

Her voice carried a hint of apprehension.

She knew absolutely nothing about the situation she had gotten herself into. She was simply betting that he wouldn’t kill her for asking such a simple question.

Lie Zheng cast her a sidelong glance before continuing his walk.

Xiao Ling froze for a moment as she felt that fierce gaze land on her. The vertical scar that ran down the elder’s face only made his presence even more intimidating.

Then, his voice resonated—indifferent and hoarse:

“If you want my name, you should at least have the respect to remove your hood.”

His direct and commanding words made Xiao Ling tremble slightly.

But as she understood what he meant, she couldn’t help but blush in embarrassment.

Indeed, it was disrespectful to ask the name of such a powerful man without even daring to reveal her own face.

“My apologies, my lord. I had forgotten. My name is Xiao Ling.”

Curving slightly, she removed her hood, revealing her long blue hair and beautiful face.

Lie Zheng remained impassive, continuing on his path without showing any reaction.

But inside, Aotian was surprised.

‘Isn’t this the girl who was arguing with that young master before Bao Hui robbed him? Could it be that she joined the sect to escape from him? And who would have thought her talent was so great…’

He couldn’t help but be amazed by the coincidences of this world.

The other disciples were also listening closely, catching every word exchanged between the two.

They couldn’t help but admire Xiao Ling’s courage in speaking directly to such a powerful and fearsome-looking man.

Then, they were all surprised when they heard Lie Zheng’s next words:

“My name is Lie Zheng. I am the elder of the sect’s Punishment Hall. And our sect…”

He paused briefly, casting a glance at the disciples following him, observing him with respect and curiosity.

Then, in a firm voice, he continued:

“…is called the Infinite Dao Sect (Wújí Dào Zōng).”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep