10,000x Cultivation: I Gain Power by Adopting Training Acolytes

**Whoosh!**​

A crane's cry pierced the sky as the Spirit Immortal Sect Master descended upon his snow-white mount. The assembly bowed deeply—all except Zhang Yun, who noted the sect master's lingering gaze on Xu Ming before the procession departed.

The journey to Southern Wind Forest passed swiftly. By midday, their delegation arrived at the bustling plaza connecting Nanfeng City to the legendary woodland. A sea of spectators parted for their arrival, whispers rising like cicada song:

"The Spirit Immortal Sect! Look at their sect master's aura!"

"That must be the prodigy who caused the dragon's roar last week!"

A delegation in vermilion robes intercepted them. "Welcome, Honored Sect Master." The speaker—a silver-haired patriarch serving as the sect's external elder—cast a meaningful glance toward the opposing crowd. "The Wu Family's machinations drew this mob. Southern Treasure Pavilion is involved too."

Before clarification could come, a booming voice cut through the chatter. "Allow introductions!" The Southern Mountain Sect Master strode forward with a haughty youth in brocade robes. "This young master is Mu Wenxuan, heir to Southern Treasure Pavilion!"

Gasps rippled through both sects. The pavilion's influence spanned six provinces—a colossus dwarfing their local powers.

The pavilion heir snapped his fingers. Bearers hauled forth lacquered chests containing crystalline bracelets and a towering quartz stele. "Our latest innovation—Trial Bands!"

Demonstration commenced. A caged spirit rat exploded under Mu's palm. His bracelet lit up: [3 points - Qi Refining Stage 3 beast slain]. The quartz stele shimmered, projecting a mission: [5 points - Hunt Qi Refining Stage 3 beast].

"Real-time tracking," Mu preened as completion notices flashed. "Perfect for competitive events."

The Spirit Immortal contingent exchanged grim looks. This "cultural exchange" reeked of commercial theater—the Southern Mountain Sect had clearly brokered deals with the pavilion. Yet refusal now would mean public loss of face.

"An... innovative tool," the Spirit Immortal Sect Master conceded through gritted teeth. "We accept their use."

Mu's smile turned vulpine. "Generosity deserves reward. Post-event, we'll gift your sect a set!"

As disciples queued for bracelets, Zhang Yun's fingers brushed the quartz stele. Energy hummed beneath its surface—this was no mere tracking device. Somewhere beneath its crystalline facade, formation patterns glowed with concealed purpose.