Regressed Master: Raising The Son Of Heaven Isn’t Easy (Xianxia/Progression)

[Overload69]

I, Li Muchen, have lived two lives. That's one hell of a way to start a conversation, isn't it?

My first life was in an ordinary world, where I lived a simple life till my uneventful college days. Then on one rainy day, I died in a traffic accident and found myself reborn in the world of Cultivation. At first, this wasn't believable, but nothing could be done.

Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.

These words helped me come to terms with my second life. Although it took me some time, I decided to understand my circumstances and continue forward in this cutthroat world.

But, now the third chance came after my death.

"It can't be……" My hands shook as a chill washed over me.

The calendar slipped out of my grasp and crashed on the floor with a thud. My head throbbed as flashes of memories passed my eyes.

Sent back 200 years in the past, the ground beneath my feet slipped. Taking a seat on the wooden floor, I tried to understand the situation.

This is impossible…

Messing with the flow of time wasn't possible. I have neither seen nor heard anything about it till now. But, this happened right after my disciple fed me that pill in the last moments.

What was it? He never told me about having something like that.

One minute, I had a course set to meet King Yama after killing the Disaster God of the South, and the next instant I found myself in the past before the war.

As far as I knew, there wasn't anything on my person that could do that. Nor did a golden finger or system activate upon my death. It didn't show up even when I tried it. The only anomaly at that moment was the pill that kid fed me.

I have tried everything in my knowledge to check if this was an illusion, a dream, or some elaborate formation to trick me. Yet, nothing came of it.

Not like anyone would gain anything from doing all that. Many questions whirled in my head, I felt dizzy thinking further.

But, if I really did come to the past then…

I walked into my courtyard in a daze. The familiar scent of flowers danced in the air with colorful butterflies fluttering about the five lush trees. The warm sun rose in the distance and shined over the Azure Sky Sect. I closed my eyes for a second to feel the cold air kiss my skin.

The sect still stood as tall along with its seven peaks that pierced the clouds. Almost as if nothing had challenged its mightiness till now. This shouldn't be possible because an attack on the sect destroyed half of it, including this very residence of mine.

This was impossible, yes. Ridiculous even, but…

It isn't like I hadn't experienced the impossible before. A reincarnator like myself shouldn't talk about what's impossible or not.

"As expected, it looks best when all of the peaks are standing together." I chuckled.

It seemed like my mantra would come in handy once again. But, there wasn't time to contemplate my current situation.

The problem arose when I passed by the ice mirror in my room.

Retracing my steps I came in front of the wide mirror. The crystal clear reflection made my eyes widened. My clothes looked spotless albeit the loose belt, my long black hair was as lush as ever, and even my skin looked fair and healthy without a single blemish. Everything was as it should've been. The usual handsome man stared right back at me ……aside from a Black Lotus imprint in the middle of my forehead.

"What the fuck is this?!" For the first time in years, curses like never before came out.

Leaning close to the mirror I examined the imprint, rubbed it, scratched it, and tried to erase it. But, no matter what I tried, it stayed there. It made me wonder if this was some joke? But, this was too harmless for that.

Focusing on it, to my surprise it took me to the Mind Realm Gate. It shouldn't be possible for me right now.

It appeared on the body without the person's knowledge, can't be wiped off, and leads to the Mind realm gate. It took only a few breaths to understand what happened.

A Divine Grade Spiritual Root? Having seen such a case from close. This was true with 99% certainty. But, how it appeared on me remained unanswered.

Earth Grade Spiritual Root was all I had before this. Now, after waking up in the past, a Divine Grade Spiritual Root appeared? If my Golden finger arrived, it was 589 years late. Not that I ever expected one. As I wasn't the protagonist of this world.

Regardless, investigating this right now became necessary.

"This might be the biggest clue I have about the regression." Sitting on the floor I closed my eyes and focused on the imprint on my forehead.

Spiritual roots resided in the soul of the cultivator, an integral part that made one a cultivator. Something like that wouldn't be open to cultivators until they reached halfway through their journeys.

But, It became possible if one had a Spiritual Root of Divine Grade or higher. For anything lower one would need to enter the Nascent Soul Realm, something I hadn't achieved yet. Now that condition wasn't needed.

Deep in focus, I felt an irresistible itch on my forehead, but instead of moving, I zeroed in on that. An uncomfortable feeling settled in my stomach as my breathing became stable, drawing in the nearby Qi through my mouth. Then the path appeared again, a straight and clear one.

My eyes still closed, the light in the distance was still visible. To access the Spiritual Root one needed to enter their Mind realm. That was but the start. To access the Spiritual Roots one needs to reach the end of the tunnel where the Mind Realm Gate awaited, a test of sorts. The light shone on the other end, but even if it hung before one's eyes, reaching it would take a long time for a first-timer.

Not for me, having climbed higher than the Nascent Soul realm before regression. I knew the ins and outs of this place like the back of my hand. Without wasting any time I moved, rather than moving it was close to flying through space. It took me no time to reach the light, at that moment it covered my vision.

The blindness only lasted for a second as my destination came into sight. Unlike my expectation, the mind realm didn't change much. With mountains as tall as the sky acting as a boundary, a city floated in the middle of a lake as vast as a sea like a leaf on a calm pond.

But, something that shouldn't be here had appeared.

Grrrkkkkk…. The low snarl sent shivers down my entire body. Even in soul form, I felt the goosebumps rising on my physical body. Behind me, this thing tried to eat the mountains. Chomping away at the rocks.

A form as huge as twenty elephants combined, but it had no body. The black obese and deformed head alone floated in front of me. Its tongue with the color of fresh blood swayed around licking the crooked teeth. Mouths in place of eyes, more in place of nose, and ears with tongues hanging out of them. It was a lump of flesh with nothing but mouths that snapped at empty air trying to devour it too.

Soon it turned towards me.

Disaster God of the West. Taotie, the Insatiable.

…Why is a Disaster God in my mind realm? During this time they hadn't been unsealed by the Demonic Sects to start the war. The current Taotie should be sealed deep within the Grand Illusion Palace of the Western Continent. At least that's how it should've been.

Sensing my unease the tongues of its numerous mouths pointed towards me as the flaky lips formed crooked smiles that made my stomach turn.

The intimidation from its form wasn't a joke, it felt as if a mountain pressed down on my shoulders. But, before it could bite at me I moved away.

His pressure is weaker than the one I fought, so my speed wouldn't drop. It came as a surprise because Taotie that the report talked about was much stronger, strong enough to kill a Human Sovereign.

But, it couldn't suppress me in this form. It had weakened, because if it had been in top form I would've long ceased to exist as he would've eaten me from inside.

This was but a part of the Disaster God from the future. How and why he appeared here would have to wait. It was tiring it's darndest to eat me, and I only escaped by the skin of my teeth.

If it succeeded in doing that inside the Mind Realm then my fate would be sealed. My current state was akin to a major chunk of my soul. It was pure intent and the entire consciousness. If it ate me the strength of my soul would drop and the defenses around the Spiritual Root would lower making it vulnerable. Against someone else, getting off with damage to my soul and Spiritual roots was the worst case, although life-threatening could get treated in time.

But with its special constitution, Taotie refines everything it eats and makes it a part of itself. If it eats me or the spiritual root, only death awaits me. That's why it chased after me like a starved beast.

So, coming up with a way to get around him was the only way. Simply leaving wouldn't cut it, it would go after the spiritual root. There wasn't a chance to defend if it was given time to recover. Something had to be done now. Even if weaker now, this was still a Disaster God. These beings defied reason and testing that wasn't the brightest idea.

It is placing itself between me and the city below. It had an impressive speed that cut off my attempts to bolt for the city. As long as my eyes tried to find a way to the city below, only a giant maw lined with black teeth welcomed me.

With that Taotie's attention had zeroed in on me, the tastier meal. A smile appeared on my lips. Dealing with this thing in such a disadvantageous situation?

Of course, it was possible.

This is my Mind realm, so what lies within it and how to use it to my advantage, no one knows that better than me.

"Come at me, you Giant ballsack." Beckoning it with my finger a fall of trust ensued. With each passing moment the lake below came closer like an old friend.

If it didn't let me go to the City from the front, then I'd create another way.

His low growls rang in my ear. My eyes went to the serene surface of the Lake. It was like a clear mirror in which Taotie's reflection closed in. But, the water reached me first and pulled me in. Like a fish in water, I swam further below. Soon his large body crashed into the body of water.

The impact traveled below as the calm waters surged and rolled. Destroying the peace of this place. But, the one who created it moved forward towards its prey. That was me.

I won't let you end this. I still have a lot to do. I want to meet my disciple again. I need to stop the oncoming War to save the people I care about… I have to keep the promise to my Master. I… I have so much more left to do! My mind remembered everything that the bleak future held, and allowing that to happen again wasn't an option.

Diving deeper just extended a few seconds before the inevitable. A desperate attempt. The dark shadow loomed over me. Soon the welcoming mouth swallowed me whole. As Taotie's teeth sunk into me and my vision blurred, I was certain of it…… certain of my victory.

Gotcha! It was a silent cry of victory.

That I shared with none other than myself.

"I am getting chills." Hovering above the disturbed lake that roiled in anger much like my body, a sigh escaped my lips.

The feeling of my clone being crunched under those jagged teeth burned through me. Like someone passed through smoldering thin iron rods through each of my veins.

But, sacrificing a part of my intent was necessary for this plan to succeed. Knowing that Taotie wouldn't let me through from the front, another way to get here was needed. So, creating a clone to distract it, the real body arrived at the location.

The reason it worked was because of Taotie's disposition.

It ate anything that came before it. It didn't matter if it was a living being or the land itself. It chomped on anything with Qi like a starved wolf. To confuse its senses, I jumped into the lake made of condensed Qi to blend myself in the environment.

Diving head-first into the water I split myself into two parts. The 25 % clone lured Taotie deeper into the water while catching his attention. While I headed for the city at the moment of split taking advantage of the cover provided to me by Taotie's splash.

Without eyes or any other senses aside from taste. Taotie used two things to locate his prey. First, Qi is his target, and the second their emotional state which it could taste. For that, my Clone went through emotional and fear-inducing thoughts, while I stayed calm to reduce my presence further.

Hiding my intent and making a clone in the Mind Realm. Mastering these techniques took years of practice and real battles. But, I can say with certainty that the efforts paid off. They always do. It wasn't every day that someone could enter one's Mind realm and put them in such danger.

No cultivator was foolish enough to let it happen. Even if it did happen the Spiritual Root provided an extra layer of protection that was independent of the person. But, I wasn't given that this time around.

Landing in the grandest estate of the city, what awaited me was a wide garden at the back of this lavish palace. Lines of flowers adorned the ground in full bloom. They filled the place with their sweet scent as dozens of Spirit cherry trees scattered their vibrant crimson petals in a soft breeze.

Among that beautiful view, a single ordinary plum tree stood out like a sore thumb.

Its trunk, sturdy and textured with the scars of the seasons that passed. The branches reached out in graceful arcs adorned with delicate green leaves that fluttered in the breeze. This used to be my Spiritual Root before regression. But, now I feel nothing from it. It was just another tree here, an imitation.

Turning to my right, the connection latched onto something else. Like a thread extended from it and wrapped around my body. It was a delicate yet strong bond that drew my steps to the pond nearby.

In the middle of the crystal clear pond, a solitary lotus floated on the surface. The twelve velvety, deep black petals were wide open as a deep crimson hue rose from the center. It spilled over from the dark leaves onto the pond to create a fog that hung low on the water.

"A Black Lotus, huh." This was my new Spiritual Root.

 

[Overload69]

With a deep breath, I closed in on my new Spiritual Root. The Black Lotus.

As my feet touched the water a low hum traveled through the pond with the lotus at the center. Soon the fog vanished. The lotus in the middle seemed to wiggle in joy as a deep connection with it came into existence. Almost as if I was the lotus, sitting in the middle of the pond braving the seasons, tasting the sun and wind.

What followed was a ferocious roar of Taotie. It rose from the outer lake. The water (Liquefied Qi) rained down on the city. Taotie rushed towards me with renewed passion and a wide open mouth. It must've felt my resonance with Black Lotus and located me.

But, this bout has reached its end. The thread that connected me with the lotus widened into a path. The entire Mind realm thumped like a restarting heart. It was like time had stopped.

My eyes could see each drop of water that fell. The current location of every tree leaf and flower petal in this realm reached my mind. It was like a whole new sense had awakened where I could see all around me without turning my gaze.

Since my Spiritual Roots had changed into something else, I didn't have a connection with it to have these advantages. But, now the connection with the new Spiritual Root has been established.

The previously rapid Taotie moved at a snail's pace. Not that it had slowed, but the Spiritual Root boosted my senses several times over. And this was but the start. Just sharp senses wouldn't be enough to defeat this monstrosity.

"Water feeds wood, didn't you know?" Numerous thick and dark green roots shot out of the ground and latched onto Taotie.

It struggled in vain. The liquefied Qi had the properties of Water. It boosted the roots (Wood) into stronger and thicker strands that wrapped around Taotie before it could move. More Liquefied Qi poured down from the sky as a shower of rain. Along with the final sentence to this useless struggle.

A few meters before my eyes Taotie was sealed within a cocoon of roots. It tried to eat its way out, but the cocoon grew twice as fast to contain him. Soon jagged thorns punctured into its body and started to drain the Qi it had like long leeches.

Taotie thrashed around but it couldn't break the thick barrier that tightened its hold to crush him. More thorns emerged as the Crimson fog from the Black Lotus overflowed the pond. In a matter of a minute, the mind realm was shrouded in silence. The red fog covering my feet.

Through the roots I confirmed that it had stopped moving, a sigh of relief escaped my lips. With all Qi drained, its form faded away in the air like a ghost. I used my senses to scan the entire realm even checking the depths of the lake just to be sure. But, it wasn't here any longer. The roots untangled themselves and retreated to the ground, soon the garden returned to how it used to be. Calm and serene.

"A lot happened in such a short time." Fatigue caught up to me at once.

Tons of questions whirled in my head before. But, with this newfound connection with the lotus, many answers appeared before me.

The cause of regression, the reason behind Taotie's appearance in my Mind realm, and the new Spiritual Root. It all clicked together at once now.

It happened after the battle with Taotie that left the Western Continent in shambles. My disciple told me something about the Immortal Grade herb he found inside this Disaster God.

Still remember him talking about it with much excitement through the Transmission token. The herb's appearance, properties, benefits, and what he planned to do with it. He planned to refine the herb into a one-of-a-kind pill that would boost one's cultivation and body strength by leaps and bounds, even increasing their potential to unknown heights.

Master, I can finally give you a good present this year for all you have done for me.

The happiness in his voice was clear to me even now. That moment was the highest it had been for us, for me at least. Not long after that, I stood face to face with a newly unsealed Disaster God myself. A trap laid out for me. Although I did defeat it, it came at a cost.

My Spiritual Root and meridians were left mangled after taking just two attacks. The physical and spiritual body fell apart like a sand sculpture in a sea wave. There was no hope of making it out alive. Then that kid appeared again.

Master… Please hold on. I won't let you die. I promise! Please… Please don't leave me… Not you…

The searing pain from that day has been burned deep in my soul, but still, he sounded more in pain at that moment than me. But, that kid didn't lie.

"The pill he fed me that day was made of that very Black Lotus and it saved my life." At that moment, my trust in him didn't waver and it led to this. Although things went sideways, my soul went in the past where he didn't know me, yet I still live like he wanted.

That only answers half the question. Taotie and the Black Lotus checked out, but the regression was still shrouded in mystery.

The Black lotus was rich in wood qi, because anything it ate was converted into Qi for storage. It didn't have any qualities that could help in leaping through time. A pill can't have a property that the herbs used to make it didn't have. The pill fed to me had Wood Qi so pure that I felt it even with all my senses gone. To my knowledge, no other herbs were added to the mix. The plan was to refine it while keeping its essence to match my Element.

"So, I am dealing with outside influence again." For as much time as could be spared in my life in this world. I had tried to look for the cause of my reincarnation here at every chance.

But, after years of looking for an answer nothing came to light. One could move on by saying it was by chance, but believing in chances wasn't my thing.

No wind blows without reason. That line of thinking was something I lived by. My investigation into this Regression may end up without anything to show for it too. But, that wouldn't stop me. The inability to conjure an answer for these events ate at my mind as much as someone pulling the strings from behind. It may be a wild ghost chase, but I'll chase it to the end of the earth and get my answers.

I'd rather die in search of knowledge than to live in ignorance.

Leaving the Mind Realm behind the real world came into view. With my connection to the Spiritual Root, checking up on the mind realm became easier. In case Taotie reappeared, I'd know and subduing it would be easier too.

But, just to be sure I re-entered the Mind realm to check. This time appearing right beside the Black Lotus, the connection remained. There didn't seem to be any issues with this so far.

That was when someone knocked on the main door of the residence a few times. I really couldn't catch a break today.

Fixing my robe and hair on the way to the main door, I put on my shoes as the front gate opened with my thoughts.

"I greet the Second Peak Master." The boy in the white uniform with a lotus emblem on his shoulder bowed with his hands clasped in front of his chest.

"A message for me, Lin Fan?" The black haired youth nodded and stood straight, his eyes gleaming with respect.

"Grand Elder has sent a message regarding the Disciple Selection Ceremony. It would take place in two days at the moment all five energies reach their peak. The Grand Elder wishes to inform the Plum Peak Master about the promise and expects you to be present at the ceremony." Lin Fan's words turned the gears in my head.

The Disciple Selection Ceremony was an event that happened once every ten years in the Azure Sky Sect. To prepare for this, over a hundred scouts entered the mortal world to search for people who could become cultivators. Elders had the right to choose the most talented disciples of the bunch and train them personally. But, as a Peak Master for over 300 years, I never took in a single disciple.

After losing a bet I agreed that I'd try to take one disciple at the very least this time around. But, to think he would send someone to make me remember that. I groaned.

Although it wasn't the first time he did this. I used the reason I forgot or was too busy to notice the time passing too many times to force such a reaction.

Even during this time, I used the excuse of 'I went out to gather some herbs and was late for the ceremony, Apologies.' So, this was understandable. But, the reminder wasn't needed this time around.

"Tell Grand Elder that I have received his words and will keep my promise. Then I won't hold you any longer. Go where you need to be." With a gracious smile, I handed him a small pouch that had some Earth Grade pills and a hundred spirit stones in it. It was a 'Thanks' for delivering the message.

"I will never forget your generosity, Second Peak Master!" Lin Fan did a martial salute, almost overcome with emotions. He did have some problems around this time if I remember correctly.

So, this should help him somewhat.

With swift and confident steps he descended the stairs that led down the mountain peak. In the distance, I saw someone in black robes gliding through the air on a flying sword. To a normal person he might look like an eagle flying above the clouds, but sensing my gaze the man with short black hair met my eyes. He bowed to show his respect before going on his way to the furthest peak that was near the outer sect area.

Everyone seemed busy since a big event was around the corner. I too had things to do. Entering the main wing of the residence, I locked my room from the inside.

No one should find out about this. But, knowing the future became a positive for me. Knowledge about the War that had yet to start and how much it destroyed. I planned to put an end to it. Also, there was no real reason to let myself get labeled as a crazy guy for talking about being from the future.

More importantly, I can't reveal myself at this stage where I can't make a difference to the overall situation. Considering the tense state of the Sects on the Eastern Continent, there wasn't a need to bring attention to myself till necessary.

Sitting around and thinking about the past wouldn't do anything. I needed power and allies who would help me in these plans.

Disciple Retrieval it is. A smile appeared on my lips thinking of that kid.

That day has been imprinted in my memory. The first time I met that boy was after the Disciple Selection Ceremony. The sect rejected him because he came after the ceremony ended. During my return from gathering herbs (The excuse used to skip the ceremony), I happened to see him getting dragged away from the premises. At the time, I still had no disciple, so I took him in.

But, I never knew that this spontaneous decision would take me on a rollercoaster ride with no safety.

Regardless, this time waiting around wasn't an option. My wish to see that kid again became part of the reason. Right now the only real connection to the regression was the pill he fed me. But, the main reason was something else.

On the way to the sect, his caravan got attacked. He was the only one who survived and came to the sect all bloody. That incident smeared a lot of dirt on our reputation and resulted in a big conflict later on. Overall, a big mess.

Thanks to the regression their plans were within my mind. After changing into another set of white robes and pants. The few things that I'd need were placed in my storage ring. Ready for departure, I stepped towards the bedroom door.

With a black cloak wrapped around my form, and the flying sword appeared from my ring. Made of shimmering silver a sword half an inch thick and half a foot wide hovered before me. Although called a flying sword, it didn't have a handle or a guard. The general shape of it resembled a blade so the name came about. For me, this was a metal ski used to glide across the sky rather than snow.

Stepping on it my Qi passed through the thing like usual. Yellow lines glowed dimly across the body of the flying sword as the inscriptions activated. Gaining substantial altitude, the sword pointed westwards to face the winds. In that direction the Iron Wood forest of the Rising Sun Dynasty awaited me. The caravan my disciple was in would pass through that forest before it arrives at the Waterfall Outpost.

With the sun glaring at me from the front, I leaned forward to zoom through the air. No sound came as additional lines on the sword lit up to activate the Presence Suppression formation. This paired with the cloak that masked my presence always helped me sneak out of the sect unnoticed. Although one person would know of my departure, he wouldn't be happy about this like every other time.

However, the token on my waist stayed silent because of the message sent back with Lin Fan. However, even if I didn't, he couldn't exactly chase after me just because he wanted to. After all, he had an important position. If he came, a little sermon might be in order, so I hoped he stayed busy.

"I should speed up anyway." As the unsettling feeling in my stomach became stronger, the journey continued.

***

Iron Wood Forest, Rising Sun Dynasty.

Deep within nature's embrace a violent brew of emotions welled up destroying the peace and tranquility of the forest that would otherwise stay untouched.

Nine bodies lay across the stone floor of a cave, unmoving. Their forms covered in blood and dirt. Five others dressed in vibrant purple uniforms stood over the scene with their mouths covered with cloth. Yet, their twisted smiles remained clear.

"Wang Yang! Wang Yang, wake up!!" A girl with long black hair shook one of the unconscious boys with a face full of fear and desperation. Her blue silk robe smeared with dirt and blood yet she couldn't care less.

The boy in her arms had his eyes shut tight. With jet-black hair and sharp facial features, the boy's body burned like a black pot on fire. The most prominent detail about him was the yellow sun seal on his forehead. The girl shook the boy, but even if she shouted till her throat started to dry, the boy didn't move a muscle.

"Don't bother with him. He's already a corpse, no one can survive that poison." One of the purple-clad men sneered.

"A foolish mortal. Without any power, he thought he could do something. Attacking us from the front without knowing his place!" The second person came in to kick the boy's head before looking at the girl who tried to stop it with her arm, "But, we've got a nice haul this time. If you comply, maybe we can spare the poor guy's life. How about that?"

Feeling the slimy gazes that rubbed off her body, the girl glared at them with her sharp green eyes. But, that did nothing but amuse them further. Wang Yang's breathing had come to a halt. Purple spots started to appear on his hands and feet. Even if she glared at them till her eyes bled, nothing would change. They had no power, but their opponents were full-fledged cultivators.

People like that could crush mortals like them as if they were ants.

Someone… Please help us. All she could do was pray for someone to appear and save them.

 

[Overload69]

The journey to the Iron Wood Forest went by in a breeze. Although it was a long one from the Sect, especially from my peak. Thanks to a flying sword built for speed and stealth I arrived at the forest in an hour.


The tall trees reached up to 100 feet high with a thick canopy that blocked normal vision from peering through. But, as a few minutes passed I sensed a disturbance below the sea of dark red leaves.


In the heart of the forest towering trees rose majestically towards the sky. Their trunks reaching up like ancient sentinels guarding the secrets of the woods. Shafts of sunlight pierce through the leaves illuminating the patches of vibrant green moss and delicate ferns that carpet the forest floor.


However, this tranquil space was now filled with a scent of blood.


Standing on a nearby branch the view of the people limping hastily across the path became clear. Several carriages had flipped over. The horned horse supposed to pull the carriage lay headless on the floor. Another one had its leg cut clean off, while the third spasmed on the floor foaming at the mouth.


"Everyone stay alert! Gather yourself and don't drop your guard! Those bastards might attack again so stay sharp. Help will arrive soon!" The guy with short brown hair shouted wrapping his bloodied arm with a cloth to stem the bleeding with a blue belt.


The other seven disciples wore the same white uniform as him but with different emblems on their shoulders. They gripped their swords with a tense air hovering over their heads, their eyes darted around the place in search of something. Behind them, the new recruits shook in fear. Kids, young girls, or middle-aged men all looked around like chickens in a coup waiting for some hand to nab and butcher them.


So, it already happened. Not finding him below I landed in front of the guy who led this caravan.


"Eek!" The recruits behind began to pale at my sudden appearance.


One of the disciples gulped as she pointed the sword at me. To her, I should've looked the same as the guys who attacked them before. The red belt on her uniform was enough to know the reason. An outer sect disciple wouldn't know me and she looked much younger too. But, before I needed to say anything the guy leading them bowed in front of me.


"I, Liu Fu, leader of the Seventeenth Caravan greet the Second Peak Master!" His powerful voice shook the other disciples out of their frozen state. They quickly lowered their weapons and also bowed with their hands cupped before their chest.


"We greet the 2nd Peak Master!!" Although they were going through the motions before this, the relief in their voice seemed contagious spreading to the recruits behind.


Aside from the outer disciple who pointed a sword. Her fear was unfounded, that wasn't an issue worth considering in this situation.


"Let's save that for later. How did this happen?" Liu Fu stood straight and answered my question.


"We were on our way to the Waterfall outpost when they attacked. Although we tried to defend in a hurry, some of us were caught off guard. One of the disciples is in critical condition along with five of the recruits. They have also kidnapped some of the recruits and some others have run away in the chaos. We fear that may have been taken too." The more he spoke the harder he clenched the sword hilt.


"How many of the recruits are missing in total?" I asked Liu Fu looked at the crowd once to make sure.


"Ten of them aren't here." There were a total of ninety recruits in total then, similar to the number I knew of.


"Anything about the assailants?" At my second question, the disciples looked at each other before an answer came.


"They wore plain purple uniforms and were trying to hide their affiliation. But at the end, when Xi Ting got in a scuffle with one of them this token fell out and they tried to kill her." Liu Fu handed me a purple token, it had a red string attached to it and cold to touch.


One side etched with a name, and the other had a solitary cloud covering several mountains with the number '3'. This was a genuine article. A disciple token from Purple Cloud Sect.


Inner Disciple, Han Bo.


Looking at them again, the others too felt the weight of this failure. The reason the sect dispatched inner and outer sect disciples during the recruitment process of new disciples was for good reason. It not only gave them ample experience, but it also served to establish an image of the sect itself. They failed to respond to this ambush and it reflected poorly on everyone.


It already became clear in the eyes of the recruits behind them. Doubts could be easily instilled in the minds of those with limited knowledge. These doubts will soon become facts that will spread everywhere they go, whether inside the sect or outside.


The Azure Sky Sect's transport Caravan was attacked and their inner disciples couldn't even defend it. Since the Purple Cloud Sect, a prominent rival of ours was in the conversation it would become a bigger issue.


A Sect runs on two things, Resources and Reputation. Both of these were essential and a hit to either could cripple a sect in several ways.


"I apologize second Peak Master, it is because I made a faulty judgment. I'll be sure to find those Purple Cloud Bastards that messed with our sect!" Liu Fu who talked with me, was a Rank 10th inner disciple from the Tiger Peak. He wasn't weak in any way, but there wasn't anything he could do in the current situation.


"Now isn't the time for hasty moves." My words seemed to have poured cold water onto all their determination. But, allowing them to move would create a bigger mess.


Taking out three ceramic bottles from the ring, I handed them to him.


"There are Twenty Rank 9 Earth Grade recovery pills, Ten Rank 9 Heaven Grade Healing Pills for normal injuries, and Five Rank 8 Heaven Grade Healing pills for serious injuries. You there with the Osmanthus symbol, water it down and feed it to the recruit who lost his hand." Finding the one from Alchemy Peak made the task easier, all I had to do was give her some written instructions and she'd handle the rest.


"Y-Yes Second Peak Master!" The girl with short green hair quickly jumped into action to take care of the injured.


The hushed clamor of the recruits reached my ears, but even some outer sect disciples couldn't believe their eyes. Although low in rank, Heaven-grade pills weren't something that came by every day. Especially not for mortals and outer sect disciples even if they got an Elder's favor.


Walking around the surroundings of the carriages, I buried four stones in line to form a square around them. With simple handsign Qi passed through the jade token in my hand the inscription of the four stones gave a white glow gathering the natural energies. Then the stones dimmed to turn invisible and formed a barrier around them. With that, the protection and camouflage formation wrapped around them.


"Keep this with you." Confused Liu, Fu took two jade tokens, one white and the other yellow.


"Second Peak Master… this is…" Words were caught up in his throat.


"One of them controls the formation. The other is a transmission token. If someone else approaches contact me immediately. If it is someone from the sect tell them that I am on my way back." The look in his eyes was enough that he didn't understand but nodded nonetheless.


It was then that a little kid walked up to me. His clothes looked ragged and had dozens of patches on them. He looked about ten with unkept black hair, but had a small frame with wrists akin to twigs.


"S-Sister… Please… Ugh… Sister…" His light red eyes filled up with tears as his body trembled. The kid had trouble saying words but he tried. Understanding what he wanted didn't take much trouble.


The disciples tried to come and get him but I allowed it. I was waiting for something like this. Kneeling to match the kid's gaze to wipe his tears with my sleeves.


"When you are invited to the Azure Sky Sect, we make your safety our top priority. After all, you all are the future of the sect. So, don't worry. I'll bring your sister back." The kid nodded trying to hold his tears, but failed. He must've felt that no one would save the people who got kidnapped.


But, I planned to visit those guys. Not because my disciple happened to get kidnapped. Even if he wasn't it wouldn't have changed anything. The reason was to clear the dirt smeared on my sect's name.


As the disciples took the kid to calm him down, taking the chance I turned to leave. The gazes landed on my back. Curiosity, hope, and elation, but deep down there should be questions regarding whether I could really do it. There wasn't a need to look at their faces to understand what they felt at that moment.


To some of them, it looked like I had put up a show with those words after what happened. They thought right. Now I had their attention with this promise. Knowing what happened here was enough to ensure success. They won't kill the recruits after going through so much trouble to snag them. That is unless they have no other choice.


Expanding my senses wide I couldn't feel anyone within a range of several kilometres with me in the middle. During disciple recruitment, several disciples are sent into the real world to do the task as the face of the sect.


Because of the importance of such a task, the Disciples chosen for recruitment aren't slouches. The disciples had to measure up to a lot of requirements even if they had a meager task of setting up the devices and recruitment sites. If they participated in the task, it meant they were capable enough to face the dangers that came with it. But, another safety net was in place for them that only the Peak Masters knew of.


The Disciplinary Hall's Shadow Force. A secret group that did tasks without getting in the public eye, on paper they didn't even exist. Teams from this Force would accompany the caravan in secret. They had to step in when things went beyond the capabilities of the disciples. That happened here, but they didn't show up.


"They must've gone missing after the last routine report." I've checked for traces since arriving at the location and found nothing.


When my disciple told me about this incident in my past life, the lack of information and credible sources made it harder to investigate. Thus, we only found bits and pieces about the entire incident. The conclusion we came to was that the forces that wiped out the caravan also killed the shadow team or someone else did it in their stead.


Coming here myself, it had become clearer. My future disciple got kidnapped along with other recruits. But, unlike what I knew the entire caravan wasn't slaughtered alongside the shadow team. Only one disciple and a few recruits had received life-threatening injuries, the rest could walk it off. They even left a token from a rival sect, something we heard nothing about.


"If I didn't know everything I would've been fooled to believe that this was indeed Purple Cloud Sect's doing to tarnish our reputation." The Demonic sects had planned this well, but what irked me was the future that clashed with the present.


With such clear intentions, they wouldn't have killed all eyewitnesses. But, the truth will soon come to light.


Before me was a tall rock face with an impressive width. It had no openings, but this was the place where the attackers had hidden themselves. Sensing the flow of Qi around here, my eyes located the spot where it became twice as thick compared to the surroundings.


Even if they kept it to a simple camouflage formation to lessen the disturbance of natural Qi, they hadn't set it up for long. With the difference in energy locating their little hideout because easy.


Using the flying sword to reach the spot I drove into the rock face without hesitation. Although in front of me was a rock wall, my body passed through it like traveling through light mist. In front of my eyes was a well-lit cave where a bright yellow light flared. There wasn't any reason to hide my presence so the formation alerted them, I wanted them to know.


"Intruder!" One of them barked.


"Kill him now!!" The people clad in purple ran towards me with burning enthusiasm and drawn swords.


However, they had nothing of interest so breezing past them I arrived in front of the motionless boy held by a young girl. Her amber eyes widened in shock upon my speedy arrival. But, my eyes stuck on the boy with a sun seal on his forehead. Purple spots covered his body as a faint heartbeat reached my ears. It seemed to weaken with every beat. The poison had taken root deep in his body, yet there wasn't any discomfort on his face.


"So, it is already in motion." Leaving Wang Yang in the speechless girl's hands, my eyes locked on the eight who created this problem. Especially on the woman in the back who bit down grinding her teeth.


"Give up on escaping. I have already installed another formation over yours, and without my permission, you cannot leave…" The sound of cold metal clattering on the ground filled the cave as all their weapons formed a pile at my feet. "Unless you can defeat me without any weapons."


"Y-You…" Some reached into their robes for secret weapons, but even those lay at my feet.


"H-He even got my storage ring…" The panicked whisper caused them to grit their teeth too.


"You… who are you?" The one in the center spoke up first, her voice still calm as a serene lake while her strong gaze tried to probe me.


"I suppose it would be faster to show you." Pointing the index finger of my right hand at them. Dark green Qi filled the cave and engulfed them. Then with a slight hum, they came crashing down.


"W-What's this?!" Bewildered they could only try to resist against the weight on them.


"A Golden Core?!" Someone understood.


"Help! I am being crushed! My Arms! My Arms are going to break!!" Some were unfortunate enough to have a rough landing.


The cave began to shake along with their cries. With their bodies pressed on the ground, they had no way of overcoming this Qi Pressure. Their strength was about the same as my disciple told me while recounting this day. Turning my gaze to the strongest here, what I found didn't surprise me.


She matched my gaze with unwavering eyes. There was a sureness in those defiant eyes that nothing could harm her. Her strength at the peak of the Foundation Building stage didn't have what it took to escape me, she should be aware of that. But, before anyone else, the woman raised her hands in surrender.


"Senior please listen, my name is Lang Jiao, a disciple of Abode Master Qian Yun from the Purple Cloud Sect." The woman had a purple jade token in her hand and it indeed had the names on it. "I am sure you know how serious my Master is regarding her disciples."


A chuckle almost escaped my lips at this stupidity. This woman stayed under the impression that I wouldn't harm her if she showed that, and for good reason. There weren't many who would do that without confirming everything. They knew the madness of Qian Yun to touch any of her disciples. But, this group lived in a big misunderstanding.


Even if they were Qian Yun's disciples, I wouldn't let them off for this. Regardless the plan had to go on.


"It doesn't matter who you are, the price for disrespecting the Azure Sky Sect is heavy." With the Qi pressure to suppress the ones who tried to speak I continued, "But, since you are Qian Yun's disciple, I'll ask you some questions. If you dare to lie, I'll end your life then and there."


"How would Senior know if we are lying or not? Isn't senior planning to kill us all using that loose interrogation as an excuse?" Allowing the woman to ask the question was the right decision, she thought that I had bought her little ploy giving her some confidence. Wording the sentence that way in this situation, I had drawn the perfect response.


"Don't worry I'll be impartial." With those words a colorless crystal appeared in my right hand, making sure that they could see it I spoke, "When activated this item will flash red if someone in its vicinity lies."


"Bu—a!!" Hearing enough from her the Qi Pressure continued to suppress her while I approached the nearest guy.


"Which sect do you belong to?" Along with the question the suppression on him eased. This should allow him to speak, and he did the moment his lips were free.


"I am from the Purple Cloud Sect!" His eyes shined with innocence as his words sounded earnest. Yet, the stone flashed bright red.


"N-No, wait! I am really from the Purple Cloud Sect!" He tried to squirm away but that wouldn't help much.


"P-Please! Recheck it senior! Something has to be wro—!!" Before he could finish his words my flying sword reached his neck. Although mainly used for traveling, its sharpness could never be in doubt.


With a thud, his head struck the brown floor and his body slumped, his fingers still twitching. His deep red blood sprayed onto the people with him as a whimper came from behind. Ignoring that my eyes locked with the woman again in the cave filled with silent screams and the scent of iron.


"If you want to throw your life away. But, do not blame me, I simply seek the truth." For the first time since I came here, ripples of panic started to settle into her red eyes.

 

[Overload69]

The cave shrouded in silence had a heavy pressure dominating the space. No one dared to make another noise as the rolling head came to a stop. It stopped right in front of its collaborator. The woman shook covered in hot blood as I arrived in front of her.


Their protests caught up in their throat, their eyes fished for some way out of this. The crystal in my hand had made them vigilant. Because deep down they know that their group member had lied. And he died for it. Thoughts that my words were more than just simple threats and bluffs settled in their minds. This was the moment I waited for to push this farce further.


"What was the purpose behind this attack?" With my question hanging in the air, the mood shifted.


"S-Senior, please spare me… Please!" The woman with blue eyes begged, but she would only face indifference. I hadn't an ounce of sympathy knowing what this group wanted to do with these recruits.


"Tell the truth and I will, now if you don't answer me in five breaths you'll lose your chance." As the time limit was established the woman looked around frantically. Her eyes matched with the others who were in a similar position to her.


The condition lay in front of them. If they tell the truth they'll live. If not they die. In such a situation no matter what someone's affiliation was if they could save their neck they'd do it. This betrayal ran rampant in the Demonic sects, but these people in front of me couldn't do that.


They were the bottom feeders of the sect. They can't reveal the truth about their affiliation or the tasks they carry out.


'They all have the Three-mouthed centipede wrapped around their hearts. If they spill any information it would crush their heart asunder.' In such a situation lying was the only option.


"I don't know! Senior please spar—!!!" That led to death as the crimson flash cast on them a death sentence.


"Why did you kidnap the recruits?" My question stumped the buff guy to the left of the slumped body.


"U-Um, ah…" He stumbled over his tongue trying to come up with something. Five breaths passed yet he couldn't produce anything. The flying sword claimed his life and loomed over the head of the next.


As another head rolled across the ground, anxious eyes gathered on me. The conflict of what to do appeared on their faces, truth, lie, or abstaining, it all led to death. So, what must they do?


In truth, it didn't matter. The moment I left my courtyard their fates were determined. Taking them for interrogation wouldn't amount to anything. But, killing them outright would be too wasteful. That's why I had to do things in a way that could still get me something.


They still have their uses, at least one of them. And that person watched this with peeled eyes. That was good.


After all, this was all for her.


Be sure to see everything I do, and hear everything I say. Then do what I want you to do. In a way, this entire play was set up for one person.


"Why did you disguise yourselves as Purple Cloud Sect's disciples?"


"Are there any more of your people in the vicinity?"


"Was Azure Sky sect's caravan the only one you attacked?"


I asked and they answered, but no matter what they said only death became the ending point. Standing before the leader I looked at her small form on the ground. She looked about twenty. Hunched over she hugged her head. Drops of tears fell to the ground as the head of the last guy lay before her. The wide-open eyes struck with horror stared right at her, yet she couldn't look at it.


"Looks like you are the only one left." Ignoring the way she trembled I planned to continue.


"Senior please let me live… I had no choice but to obey the orders." The young eyes looked up at me. There wasn't any hint of strength in them like before. Tears spilled as the small form looked even smaller.


What she said wasn't news to me, I already knew that she had to obey the orders otherwise the centipede would chew her heart out. And to attest to it, a green glow appeared for the first time. The green glow was like the glow of hope for her.


"They chose me as a cultivation cauldron for an elder and kidnapped me from my family! I have no choice but to do this to gain my freedom! Please Senior! Please let me go… I beg you please!" Words came out trying to appeal, but they wouldn't make much of a difference.


"A cultivation cauldron chosen for an elder of the Demonic sect…" What I wanted to draw out was finally here.


"Yes Senior, please spare me. I'll tell you everything I can… please." She tried to strengthen it by responding to my mutters.


The glimmer of hope became clearer. To grasp at that hope she thrashed like a fish out of water trying to reach the river again. But, she didn't know that the water she reached was inside the bucket of the catcher.


"Then show me the mark." Her entire being flinched.


"What?"


"The cauldron mark, it should be right above your dantian." Seeing her eyes widen didn't come as a surprise to me.


When someone is chosen to be a cultivation cauldron in a Demonic sect they are given a mark on their abdomen with the name of the elder and the number of years they have left. This insider information wasn't something easy to acquire. Remembering about how I came to know of this, still made me feel bitter.


"You just have to show me by smearing your blood over the spot. I'll get the name of the elder who did this to you. The poisonous insect wouldn't tear your heart apart for leaking that. There isn't any loss for you here." With this, she couldn't escape.


"How do you…?" Anyone from the Demonic sect wouldn't understand how this technique leaked. Not to mention in such detail.


"What happened? I am giving you an easy way out am I not? If you do it, I'll even protect you." My urging seemed to have made her understand. There wasn't a way out of this.


If she wanted to live, the mark had to appear. And even without a lie detector, the truth was revealed from her eyes. There wasn't a mark on her body. However, this had just started. Forced this far into this choice, she should've come up to speed on the matter. And she did.


The shock settled in. The gears of reason turned as she captured my words. Her eyes went to the crystal, but there wasn't a response. I shouldn't have to ask her to confirm things. After all, a device that could discern truth and lies lay in my hands.


"Did you just…!" With eyes as wide as plates, she glared at me with blazing fury.


"It was indeed a sham. Look at this, my name is Qian Yun." At my words, the crystal flashed with green.


The entire eastern continent knew that Qian Yun was a mad woman. Yet, I, a man in the territory of her rival sect claimed to be her. Moreover, the device I claimed to detect truth or lies, showed it as truth.


From the start, such a device hasn't been in my grasp. Even if there was, many ways to take advantage of such a device. A person doesn't strictly speak the truth or lie. Many mix them. So a device that could detect such could never hold much credibility unless it can unwind a person's inner thoughts and intentions, even then ways to work around it exist.


To prevent that from happening, I had to set the tone. With information from the future and clear-cut questions that would only draw lies paved the way. In the end, she had no choice but to make a move before I asked something. She took the initiative to speak but under the rules set by the previous interrogation.


Getting kidnapped to be a cultivation cauldron. That happened to her. But, that only explained half the story as she didn't have the mark.


"If you didn't end up becoming a cultivation cauldron, then you were chosen as a disciple for your aptitude and loyalty. So, you aren't the victim you are trying to be." There was only one way that the three-mouthed centipede could take root around a person's heart.


It was for the person to not reject its presence in their body, not only does it have a hold on the person's heart but also at their dantian. And the only people who could do such things were people who shared the same ideology with the Demonic Sect bastards. They wanted to see the world burn and rallied others for their cause.


"You can't kill me." The acting had concluded on her part too. The confidence bubbled in her eyes to the point that it overflowed, with a defiant grin she glanced at the recruits behind me, "It has taken effect."


"Hrgh!" Several painful grunts arose in the back.


"T-This…" The girl holding Wang Yang trembled as blood dripped from her nose to drip down her chin. Purple spots started to appear on her white skin like the shadow of death.


Not her alone, every unconscious recruit on the ground convulsed. The scent of blood got thicker as an acrid scent reached my nostrils. It was faint, almost unnoticeable yet I caught it because of how familiar it was.


"It seems like you didn't know about Yin Dandelion Poison's special property that makes it much more deadly. It is the way it spreads to others." The woman spoke with the same infuriating smirk, "Everyone is fooled into thinking that coming in contact with infected transfers it. But, the purple spots that appear on the affected are patches of spores that spread using air and affect others in the vicinity. That's the poison made by Qian Yun that wiped out an entire Demonic sect. Yes, that very poison is now running through the people you want to save. And if you don't stop it, the poison will continue to spread."


The Yin Dandelion Poison was a vicious and feared poison. It had only been used once since its creation and the major sects became conscious of its existence. The Four Major sects even banned its use because of the risks it posed. Even the one who created it agreed with them. And this woman got her hands on it. If that was the case she should also have the counter for it, unless she wanted to do a suicide attack.


"What makes you think that I can't get the antidote from you?" My question made her laugh.


"Because it is already gone!" She cackled spitting out an empty capsule she had kept behind her teeth.


"How is that? I already ate it the moment you came in. No matter what you do those worthless kids can't be saved. They'll all die and the plan will still work!" As she vented out her words of excitement, I could only look at her with blankness.


"So, that was all to your grand plan?" Turning around my steps led me to the recruits, "That's disappointing."


Several capsules came out of my storage ring and floated in air, with a wave of my finger they entered the recruits' mouths and burst open.


"What? Do you think anything can counter the Yin Dandelion Poison? Only two people on the Eastern Continent know how to make its antidote. Aren't you just giving them false hope and trying to bury this incident? After all, if you don't run away from here and call for backup, even you will die here." Her taunts did nothing but make the girl holding Wang Yang flinch.


But, there wasn't a need to waste my words. In front of my eyes, the purple spots on the recruits faded within the next few breaths. At that moment, the cave descended in complete silence.


"Y-You… How?!" There wasn't a need to turn around, one could make out her expression from her voice alone.


From the start, she planned for things to end with her escape. I gave her all the chances, making up a lie about the crystal, giving her clues to buy time, and the moment to eat the antidote while stalling. It happened in the way she envisioned her escape. Even if the strength between us wasn't one she could overcome, with poison that bridge shortened. Yin Dandelion Poison loved Qi, the spores that left the body of the affected ate the natural Qi in the air and targeted creatures with the most Qi first. My Qi pressure that held her down made me the prime target of this poison.


"The moment I reeled in my Qi you wanted to use that moment and escape with the help of the antidote. A subpar plan. Regardless, it was foiled because the poison affected one person much faster than the others." With the signs showing on Wang Yang early, I understood her plans. Even if caught she had ways to escape.


Yin Dandelion Poison had only been used once. Because of how easy it was for it to get out of control and cause damage on a massive scale. But, the other sects worked to counter it as a verbal agreement isn't something to be trusted. When push comes to shove any promise and agreements could get broken.


That was why every Sect worked hard to produce countermeasures for this Poison keeping such a day in mind. And the antidote she took was the fruit of that. But still, most of the cultivators on the Eastern Continent had no idea that such a poison existed. Why? Because most of the relevant figures didn't want to showcase their failures to everyone.


"Who are you?" As the Qi pressure didn't let up, the understanding of how she failed dawned on her.


"Who made the antidote for Yin Dandelion Poison?" Answering her question with another question was enough to give her the answer. As expected this girl knew of it.


"B-Bian Que?" She looked at me as if a ghost stood in front of her.


Indeed that was the case. Bian Que wasn't a real person at all. It was nothing but a mirage created to diverge attention. Only four people of this secret excluding myself. But, there was a reason I had let it slip out right now.


"You… that can't be! Why would yo-Blergh!!" Before she could finish violent coughs brought out several mouthfuls of blood onto the floor.


The blood had a dark black color, bubbles oozed as if it were boiling in a pot. The purple haze rose from it as she clutched her chest. Nails scratched across the hard floor trying to endure.


"There is something about the antidote that you can't learn from the Book of Yin Dandelion you took from Qian Yun's disciple. It is something only passed through words." Even through gut-wrenching pain that made her chew her lips the woman still looked at me. Her determination was quite cool, just to the wrong side.


"Taken by itself, the antidote for Yin Dandelion is also a deadly poison that'll kill anyone below Nascent Soul Stage." Four stones shone around her. It was a simple formation set in place to isolate her from the rest.


With that in place from the start she had no hopes of coming in contact with the poison in the air. So, the antidote she took started to show its side effects without the poison present.


"S-Stop this… Please help me!" Blood dripped from her eyes and the time for her to lose her eyesight was close.


This is a pain that not many can handle. It was like one had swallowed burning coals that mixed in with their blood and tried to burn their way out of the body. I knew after going through it myself while making this antidote.


"I'll tell you everything! I-I do anything! Please!" She screeched, trying to move but the Qi Pressure kept her from exiting the formation boundary.


"Is that how you got Qian Yu's Disciple?" The question made her flinch and a sense of disappointment rose within me.


Regardless, putting this matter aside I checked up on the recruits. But, before that, I had some words for her. No matter how she ended up in the Demonic sect, she carried forward with what she had to do. In the same way, I've decided what I needed to protect my sect and my people from harm.


It doesn't matter what I have to do or become to achieve that, I'll do it even if I have to face the consequences later on.


"You made your bed, now sleep in it." I said as the poison spores from the cave were gathered in my body. Taking the antidote after that I didn't have to worry about the poison.


Turning around to match the horrified gazes of the recruits, my eyes locked on my future disciple. He held back his turning stomach at the grotesque sight in front of him while shielding the girl who previously held him. The fight and care in his golden eyes remained the same.


You won't have to carry the burden alone this time, Wang Yang. In this life, I want to stay true to this promise that I failed to keep before regression.

 

[Overload69]

"Is any of you feeling something off about your body?" My question was met with reluctant or fierce head movements, But, all in all, the recruits looked in proper shape.


Alongside the antidote giving them a recovery and healing pill was a good idea. It helped them overcome the minor injuries or damage their bodies suffered because of the poison. As mortals, they were much more fragile than cultivators, though low levels of Qi helped them get off with minor damage.


What they saw upon waking up didn't leave a pleasant impression either. Amid their cowering gazes, I gathered the corpses in a separate storage pouch along with their belongings. They still had their uses even after their death.


As the formations around the cave came undone I hopped on the flying sword and made my way out of the opening. They all stood near the opening and looked down careful not to go too close. Looking at each other they must be wondering how to descend from that place. Climbing down was an option, but a small slip could hurl them to their deaths.


"You don't have to climb down." I said before Wang Yang tried to do exactly that.


"Oh…" Crawling back into the cave he scratched his head ignoring the stern eyes of the girl beside him.


"Here, we'll go back on these." Three more flying swords came out of my storage ring and hovered before them.


"There is a barrier around the sword, so even if you do fall it'll prevent you from falling to the ground." The barriers became visible to give them another sense of security.


The recruits looked at it with awe as before their eyes the width of the swords tripled to give them more space to stand on. If it was like a ski before, now it looked like a surfboard. Still a little scared, but with palpable excitement they stepped on the swords. They didn't have to worry too much as my control was what mattered.


But, it seemed like a small problem arose. With the three girls in the group taking up one sword, the six guys took the other two, one couldn't find space to get on them. He missed his chance because he was getting told off by one of the girls.


"You can travel with me." I said to Wang Yang.


"…Thank you." He jumped on the sword even before it widened.


It made me smile inside as this side of him never changed.


Travelling through the trees at a slower pace we passed through and over some small valleys. Throughout the journey, Wang Yang kept glancing at me, but the same was true for the others too. The idea of traveling with Flying swords was a fascinating experience for the first timers, but it wouldn't make them forget some things.


"You can ask me if you want to know something." Matching his gaze I laid down the opportunity. Normally no one would speak up, to mortals the righteous cultivators looked like gods.


Flying through the air like dragons, making mountains disappear with a wave of their hands, making miracles real, guarding the ordinary from evil, and an ever-increasing lifespan. How could they view cultivators any different from a God? So, how could they ask questions to such beings? Yet, he never had such reservations.


"Was killing them necessary?" Wang Yang asked.


I knew he would ask this. The last time he asked this question, I gave him a rather crude and incomplete answer. But, this time I prepared in advance. After all, I set up the later parts to say this to him before he starts cultivating.


"Should I have let them go?" My question seemed to have perplexed him.


"No No… I mean there are prisons for cultivators, right?" He seemed unsure, but he wasn't wrong.


"They weren't normal cultivators, they belonged to the Demonic sects. Even if I took them to the prison nothing would come out of it." I knew what he'd ask next.


"Even if we try to change them?"


"Demonic Cultivators are like a Dog's tail, always crooked. If you let them go today, they'll kill your family in cold blood tomorrow. That's how they are." Many benevolent people found this out the hard way. That's why demonic cultivators get killed on sight as interrogating them is a waste of time too.


"I think my dad said something similar to that dog's tail thing…" Wang Yang muttered.


Restraining a chuckle, other's eyes had also gathered on us. I could've used the voice-blocking formation built into the sword, but didn't. This was something they'd learn sooner or later, so knowing this sooner wouldn't hurt them either.


"You all will soon enter the world of cultivation. Make no mistake, it is no different from the normal world, instead, it is worse. Dangers await you at every step, and a moment of carelessness can cost you your life." Treating Cultivators as Gods, I laugh every time I think of it. To me, they were still humans, humans who wielded godly powers. But, to be human is to be flawed.


If there is good in someone, there is malice in another. This held true even among the righteous cultivators.


"But fear not, the sect will have your backs. We'll provide you with the tools to grow and defend yourself against those you seek your fortune." Cultivation defied the heavens, that's why even with thousands of years left only a few could actually live till old age.


"The opportunities Heaven grants are limited. So, be sure to make the most of the ones you find and never become short-sighted." Even in a world full of danger, there were always people who would brave the dangers to become stronger.


And among them were beings who defied logic itself. They kept climbing higher and higher. Using everything around them rising from the corpses of thousands. These people stood at the pinnacle of the world because they survived while others failed. And one of them was standing right in front of me, looking at me with a shine in his eyes.


"Yes Lord Immortal!!" The enthusiastic answer from the ten of them made me nod in satisfaction.


"Knowing that, would you let them go away next time?" I asked my voice near a whisper.


"..." Wang Yang couldn't answer. It didn't come as a surprise to me, he was at an age where he believed people could still lead a good life if given a second chance. But, it seemed like he tried to come up with an answer at least. So, I stopped him.


"You don't have to rush, there is plenty of time ahead of you. So tell me when you have an answer." He nodded in agreement and started to look around the forest again.


The door of cultivation had just opened for him, but I knew he had what it took to reach the top. Seeing it firsthand I knew it better than anyone else.


With this, the incident had come to an end. None of them showed any signs of hanging onto this. When they get back this energy will also spread to the others. What I aimed for was beyond that.


Yet, most of my expectations got foiled by the underprepared enemy that faced me. One of the reasons that I took my time with this was to find out which Demonic sect she belonged to. At first, there was some hope when she talked about being a Cultivation Cauldron for an elder. That would've been the fastest way of knowing my target, but that wasn't the case.


Thus, I let her die with the antidote in hopes that someone strong would come to protect her. She seemed like a promising prospect, but even that didn't happen. Other ways of finding out their origins did exist, but they were too time-consuming and not that effective. If nothing came up I'd strike the closest Demonic Sect that I know the location of.


I gathered the information from my previous life and this to figure things out. The transmission token tied to my belt vibrated. The voice rang in my head as soon as my fingers touched the cold jade.


2nd Peak Master, a squad from the Disciplinary Hall had arrived at our location. Elder Ning is leading the squad.


A smile crept on my lips hearing that.


Tell them I'll be there soon.


Already did Second Peak Master.


The reply came in an instant as I sped up to reach the destination among the cheers and excitement of the recruits. I couldn't stop the smile from appearing on my lips.


Plan C was still viable after all. I could still find the ones who targeted my sect this blatantly.


Passing through the dense cluster of trees the orange sunlight illuminated the road where the caravan awaited. Without wasting time I landed in front of Liu Fu allowing the others to get off the swords. As he bowed, the other disciples and the recruits at the place scrambled to follow suit. But, signaling them to carry on with their tasks my eyes went to the second group.


The nine individuals swathed in black uniforms stood at attention, their mouths covered with masks, and the hoods casting a shadow on their faces made their presence even fainter. Standing in front of them was a man with closed eyes who performed a martial bow. He too wore a black robe with a golden token on his hip.


"Greetings Second Peak Master, we meet again. Have you come to harvest some herbs this time too?" Ning Fan showed an amiable smile as the men behind him followed suit without uttering a word.


"That was the plan, but I happened to catch their distress signal so I helped." Liu Fu stood beside me eyeing the people behind Ning Fan.


"I apologize, an error in our communications has caused you trouble." He said placing a hand on the trembling man standing near him.


"Do not mind it. Helping our sect's disciples can never be a hassle. But, an error in the work of the Disciplinary Hall? Is everything alright?" Ning Fan chuckled at my question his closed eyes focused on me.


"Even our Peak Master makes errors once every Sun Completion (Ten years). Compared to him we are normal people, errors happen."


"Are you sure you can say that out loud?"


"Being the Vice Head of the Disciplinary Hall comes with its benefits. Rest assured I won't be punished for a harmless joke. It is different for actual mistakes though." Ning Fan shook his head as the people behind him stayed silent.


There were two reasons they stayed there with their heads down, one because they made a mistake. Second, their mistake came to the attention of a Peak Master, me. Without them telling me anything further I could draw up the scenario that happened.


During their regular watch duty, the Shadow force's group that had to protect this caravan got a call for reinforcement and went there. With that, this area became vulnerable and the attack happened. But, loose ends remained from what I knew of this incident.


"I am sure Second Peak Master had already guessed what happened on our end." There wasn't a chance where I wouldn't. After all, he said it blatantly to provide me with something to build off of.


Getting answers out of him isn't easy. Ning Fan was many things but a chatterbox.


"I've already got a rough rundown of the events from disciple Liu over here. Were they really from the Purple Cloud Sect? I heard they had legitimate badges and everything." He pounced seeing the opportunity to change the subject.


"Obviously not. Those guys aren't stupid enough to leave traces unless they want to stir up something." His eyebrows rose at my answer.


"What if they are really trying to stir up something?" A valid line of thought, but not probable for this case.


"Not a chance. One of them tried to pass off as Qian Yun's disciple but failed before she even started." That woman would never let her disciple come on such a mission and allow the use of Yin Dandelion Poison.


"Senior Qian?!" His voice rose an octave as he took a step back.


Although he had come several generations after Qian Yun, her tales were enough to not make anyone cross her even if they didn't see her do such things. Her name itself held significant weight in the Eastern Continent, especially in the Azure Sky Sect. Noticing the curious ears he gathered his composure once again,


"How did Peak Master Li catch the impersonator?" His voice almost a whisper now, and the answer to that was simple.


"She asked me who I was."


"Ah, that's quite a way to give herself up."


"You tell me." It was indeed the dumbest way to reveal herself as a fake.


This should help Ning Fan understand that this wasn't as big of an issue as it sounded. It also helped me cover my tracks to an extent. All thanks to the blunder made by that woman.


"Well, it can't be helped. Not many people know of the relationship between Senior Li and Senior Qian." Ning Fan smiled and I knew why, "Peak Master Li is already clicking his tongue so I'll stop."


"It is because you made me remember something bitter." Shaking my head was the only thing to do.


Qian Yun and I had never gotten along. She took even more offense to the fact that I created the antidote to her poison before she could. And I didn't like her because she hated me for no reason. A perfectly justifiable reason if you ask me. So, being her disciple and not knowing my name and face was impossible.


"Forget it, I'll need to eat some Red bean buns to wipe this sourness away." That said I handed the storage pouch to Ning Fan receiving a questioning gaze.


"This has the corpses of the Demonic Cultivators and their belongings." My answer however only intensified that stare.


"This happened under the operation area of the Disciplinary Hall. You should know how your Peak Master will react if he knows that I am holding evidence." That answer should turn the gears in his head.


"Thank you for your understanding Peak Master Li." A wry smile hung on his lips while taking the pouch.


"You need not worry. I am an understanding man." I said adjusting my sleeves, "I won't hold you any further."


Ning Fan nodded and turned to talk with the squad behind him. Although he didn't raise his voice the words were expectedly sharp. He didn't have a strong presence like his Peak Master, but he didn't need that.


Leaving that aside, my attention lingered on the recruits who gathered behind the disciples. Only one injured disciple seemed to be resting in the back. The rest had their eyes locked on me. Facing the gazes full of admiration and reverence, there wasn't much that I needed to do.


"This is where we part ways. Enjoy your stay at the Azure Sky Sect." With the parting words left in the wind, my Flying Sword pointed back at the sect with the same speed as I came here.


Not only did I save my disciple this time, but the others who had met an end because of this unfortunate incident also survived. I had left a strong impression on them through this, especially on Wang Yang. Yet, more remained unsolved. It wasn't like I didn't know what to do to solve this.


With every second the chance of this being true grew more. A shadow squad gets a false distress call from another squad, the attack of the Demonic Sect happens in that window, and then the Vice Head of the Disciplinary Hall shows up with the missing team.


However, things didn't go like this in the future. The entire caravan, including the sect disciples, the recruits, and the shadow squad vanished in thin air. The only ones who survived from the people here were Wang Yang who woke up in a ditch and Ning Fan who said he didn't know about the incident. Not only that, the Yin Dandelion Poison wasn't mentioned anywhere.


It could really be that the future Ning Fan never came to this site. But, what about the other mysteries?


Although this wasn't a conjecture I wanted to draw. But, couldn't look the other way from it because of the events that happened before regression and this.


The Disciplinary Hall is involved in this incident.

***​

 

[Overload69]

If someone had told me ten days ago that I would embark on a journey to a Major Cultivation Sect on the continent, encounter Demonic Cultivators on the way that kidnaped me and my childhood friend, get hit by a poison that was sure to kill me, then wake up to face an actual immortal saving my life while Boss kidnapper twisted in pain meeting her end, all this happening in a mere week (most of this happening in the span of an hour).

If someone dared to say this to me a week ago I would've taken them to the physician to get their brain checked. But, it happened, all of it. Although I was unconscious since the poison hit me, in front of my eyes the Immortal saved my life and flew off on his cool flying sword.

I even rode on it. It felt incomparable to the feeling of swinging between trees using vines. I wondered if this was what birds felt like when they flew above. They twisted and turned their orange wings to maneuver through the trees to reach their nests high above within the branches.

What would it feel like to fly with it in an open field?

"Wang Yang." A stern voice broke my focus.

"What happened, Kexin?" I almost regretted that decision as the hand from her hip moved to clasp down on my ear.

"Don't give me that What happened, Kexin? again?" She pulled me down to her head level with ease as my body slumped on its own.

"Ow! Ow! You're killing me! You're killing me!" Desperate cries left my lips as a sharp pain shot up from my ear, but the demon heard none of them.

"If you continue to act clueless like this you will die sooner!" Today the strength in her grip became more powerful, worse she even twisted my ear.

"Sorry! I don't know what I did, but sorry!" This worked most of the time, but today it had only lessened her grip by a fraction. Guess I did make a big mistake.

"Seriously, what were you thinking asking the Lord Immortal questions?" Kexin's words made my brain churn because if it didn't she might hand me my ear in about a minute.

What question did I ask? The answer came to my head quick, as it had stayed at the top of my head since the incident. Still, I didn't see a problem with it. After all, the man himself told me to ask the question.

"I can already tell what is going on in that thick head of yours. Even if the Lord allowed it someone like us shouldn't say anything. This isn't Baihe city anymore, Xiao Yang, even our families back home are nothing more than a bunch of ants to Cultivators like that… if something happened to you, what would I say to Uncle Wang?" Kexin's green eyes dug into me.

But, rather than anger, there was only worry. Her fingers on my ear trembled, she had regained consciousness before me and must've felt scared for her life. And then I went and doubled her worries.

"I am sorry. I'll be more careful." Even the Immortal said it, the world of cultivation is filled with danger. And we had experienced that before even stepping onto the path.

"You say this every time." Kexin's exaggerated sigh made me smile as her fingers gave my ear much-needed respite.

"And I am sure you'll be there to correct me like always." I smiled as she folded her arms.

"I'd prefer if you stop making mistakes altogether." Her right foot drummed against the paved path.

"Thank you so much for putting up with me, Big Sis Kexin." I bowed in reverence to my awesome friend.

"Hmph! Not like I have any other choice." Though I did want to catch a glimpse of her face when she said that. My eyes locked with the little boy stuck to her leg.

With a scrunched little face of his, the kid gave me a nasty eye. I wonder if he ate a Ground worm again when we weren't around, his eyes looked red too.

"Don't make trouble for Big Sis, you dumbface!" For some reason, his anger seemed more than the person involved herself.

"Dumbface, huh? You didn't call me that when you asked for my baked sweet potato now did you, Xiao He? Guess you won't need another." Chuckling at the way he tried to make it like it didn't bother him, I felt a gaze at me that made my body straighten.

In front of me, Kexin tilted her head in confusion as I turned to meet someone's eyes. Yet, I found nothing there.

"Y-You noticed that too? Impressive." A shaky and faint voice came from behind me.

"AAAAhhh!!!" Kexin's scream made me look back. By that time she had already sent a kick at the person who crept on us. But, it didn't land on her face.

"C-Calm down, you scared me there." said the figure putting a hand on her heart. She stepped out of the range of the shoe with ease, unlike her words.

"That should be my line." Kexin grumbled patting her chest to calm down. She simmered down much faster than when I surprised her occasionally. After all, the one we faced was the vice leader of the team that would take us to Azure Sky Sect.

She wore a pure white uniform with an emblem of lotus on her right shoulder. Unlike the short woman's position her presence was faint, much fainter than the Elder Ning from before. I could never sense her approaching or hear her footsteps. Even her words could get lost in the wind most of the time when she spoke. But, she was much easier to talk to than others.

"What did you mean by that before, Miss Ting?" I asked receiving a side-eye from Kexin. Holding the curiosity in was much harder though.

"About sensing that gaze. I can't tell you much… but you have now caught his attention… so my condolences. For a second I thought he was onto me…" Miss Ting looked about ready to melt away, though most of her words went over my head.

Whose gaze did I catch? Considering the people who have dropped by the guesses came with ease. It didn't look like she would answer any of them even if I did ask. But, if someone with a gaze like that had taken interest in me, I didn't want to know about them either. Although it was for a second that feeling almost crushed me like a snake squeezing the life out of its victim. No, it was somehow worse.

"Ting Ting, have you slacked off enough?" Senior Liu Fu lifted her smaller form by the scruff like a stray cat.

"I-I wasn't! I was checking up on these guys and answering their questions. I swear I wasn't trying to get away from patrol duty!" It seemed that she had admitted to her own mistakes in tears.

"When will you stop acting like this? You even hid in the back when Second Peak Master came back."

"I was recovering, ok? Also, my clothes were bloody, I can't show up in front of a big shot like that. What if Second Peak Master got offended?!" Senior Liu Fu groaned having a tough time with Miss Ting's rampant imagination and intense shaking.

As much as I have heard Cultivators having short tempers, I doubt someone was petty enough to get offended by someone who got injured while doing their duty. But, one could never know what ticks a person off.

"It must've been hard for you two to go through that, we'll set camp around here for today so get some proper rest. If something troubles you come to us without hesitation." Senior Liu Fu spoke to us and took Miss Ting away from there as we gave him grateful nods.

The next morning we left as soon as the sunlight touched the soil. Even our breakfast was done on the speeding carriage. The wind blasted through the open windows and kept the now-filled carriage cool. We had lost some of the Greenfoot horses in the attack yesterday so some carriages couldn't be used. Even then the speed of these creatures surprised me. They ran five times faster than the average horse and didn't need as many breaks. Qi beasts were something else.

Unlike yesterday we didn't stop for in the afternoon and continued forward on the straight road that had its ups and downs like a dragon's back. I still preferred the flying sword, but this wasn't bad either. Thanks to the rush of the disciples and the hard work of the horses we reached our destination.

The Waterfall Outpost of Azure Sky Sect.

As the name suggested it was built at the foot of a waterfall that arced over a high cliff even higher than a mountain. But, what surprised me and many others was the smoothness of the cliff.

Can something like this exist in nature? My finger brushed against the surface that felt like the marble table back home. It felt tough yet as smooth as silk.

"Wang Yang, it is our turn to get on the Floating Platform." Kexin pulled me off the wall to get back in line.

Senior Liu Fu and other disciples had returned from the ten-floor black pagoda at the base of the lake formed by the waterfall. They had put the horses in the stables nearby and submitted some papers or something. So, we had some free time. Well not anymore, stepping on the thing they called Floating Platform we were on the way to the top of this cliff.

It was more like a wooden platform with railings in the middle of a hollow tower. From the small openings covered with glass, we could see the entire forest we traveled through in the past day and a half.

"Those trees look so small from here!" Xiao He exclaimed jumping for joy.

Many adults were smitten by this contraption and the view, he was but a child. There wasn't a rope above and when it descended I didn't see anything supporting it either. As I wondered how this thing climbed up. Soon the roof I had trouble seeing was just a few meters from me. It was quick. Glancing through glass windows, I could tell for a fact that if someone fell from here only a mushy paste would be found below.

Leaving that thought aside we followed the fifty people (Half of our group) off the platform and onto the stone path. What waited for us here was another black pagoda with ten floors, but this one had a strange yellow light on the top floor. It flashed continuously, at times once a breath then sometimes twice in one breath.

We still had to wait for the other half of the group to arrive. Opposite the Pagoda, several people stood on gigantic flying swords. The sword as thick as a healthy man and twenty of them could lay on it with enough room to move around. Walking by it I saw the hundreds of intricate lines glowing and pulsating converge towards the woman sitting in the center.

"Oi, Ting Ting! We are ten short over here. Send some of them over so I can get this over with quick!" Suddenly she looked over, her clear eyes locking on the person leading us to the pagoda.

"I can't do that Senior Sister Hao, there are still… some things to do…" Miss Ting's voice droned off as her nervous eyes averted the energetic person who stared at her with unblinking orange eyes.

"A small report like that can be done without them. I have to run an errand for Elder Ning, so I need to hurry. Please help me this one time Ting Ting, I'll treat you to Old Fu's wonton soup!" She clasped her hands in front and bowed. That became the straw that broke the camel's back.

"W-Well, it can't be helped. Senior Hao can take these ten." Miss Ting folded like a house of cards.

That was how Kexin, Xiao He, and I ended up on the flying sword along with seven other people who traveled with us. We already made ourselves comfortable on it as the sword floated higher than the pagoda and blasted over the green plains.

"Why does it feel like we got sold off?" Kexin muttered.

"Don't worry you all. I did spring this on you guys, but if a problem comes up for this, I'll take the fall for it." Senior Hao looked at us with a sunny smile. Her pink robes flowed like petals of a flower similar to her dark pink hair.

The men here wouldn't blame her even if she did put them under the wheel later. Though her words seemed genuine.

"I-It's fine." The robust-looking man closest to her blushed.

"Yeah, it isn't a problem. We will arrive at the sect one way or another." Said the boy with a thick book in his hand, but his eyes weren't looking at the words.

"In a way thanks to Senior we get to go there early." Flattery came even from women.

"Yeah, we understand." The others started to smoothen the situation over, Senior Hao seemed to have a higher status than Miss Ting. So, there wasn't any way some new recruits would try to overstep their places.

"It is so nice to have such cute and understanding juniors. If you face any problems or have any questions you can look for Big Sis any time. I know a lot of people in the sect." Senior Hao puffed her chest out with a high nose.

Her actions aside, she seemed like a responsible person and someone who'd look out for people. To ease the mood she was cracking jokes and offering some snacks to the tense recruits.

"I wonder what happened for her to rush like this." A mutter escaped my lips, not even Kexin or anyone around me heard it but the person in question did hear it. A subtle wind brushed my bangs forcing me to close my eyes.

"Are you curious about this Big Sister?" When I opened them again her innocent big eyes looked at me, like she wanted me to agree so she could speak.

"Kind of yes, but before that is it ok to leave that place?" I pointed at the place she was sitting before.

"That's fine. I can control it from here 'cause the inscription runs through the body of this item. If I didn't have enough Qi to operate it, I'd have to sit there with spirit stones. Aren't I amazing?" Senior Hao smiled waiting for her praises.

But, she only got some sighs of relief from some others on board.

"Yes, Senior Hao is really amazing. Isn't she Yang Yang?" Kexin's words sent a chill down my spine. There wasn't a need to see what type of smile she had on her face now. She must've heard what brought senior Hao here.

"Y-Yeah." Sweat dripped from my forehead. I hoped Big Sis Hao would save me before the thin fingers on my shoulder reached my ear.

"Hehe, I am not that great." But, seeing her lost in praise made me give up hope. However, luck hadn't left me yet.

"Oh yeah! About the task from Elder Ning! I have to complete it before the moon reaches the zenith. Hah, I don't like sudden tasks, they mess up my schedule." Senior Hao pouted hugging her knees.

"It really is irritating that someone drops in and messes up your flow. Then you have to throw everything out, and reschedule everything which takes even more time." For some reason, Kexin said that while looking at me. I have no idea why.

"That! I was reading the 7th volume of The Valley where two paths meet today when he dropped this task on me. It was just getting to interesting part too." Senior Hao punched the air in fury, that name rang a bell.

"The part where Sword God Ling Fan enters the Heavenly Abode to save the last soul wisp of his lifelong enemy the Demon Venerable?!" Kexin moved in like a flash of lightning.

"Yes. Only I can claim your life. Get this through that skull of yours! That was really cool!" Senior Hao even acted out the scene pointing her narrow sword to the sky.

"Totally! I was screaming the whole way. And her reaction afterward was so cute. The tension between them has always been there, but now it was taken to a new level." Pushed to the side by their enthusiastic discussion about the book, I can only watch them with a look of betrayal.

I knew that reading wasn't something enjoyable to me like Kexin. But, I didn't expect to be thrown to the side like a banana peel. It hurt, not really.

The focus shifted to the surroundings. Most people sat on the opposite side of us four. Wouldn't this thing tip over? So far no issue has come up. Maybe it was Qi at work? It really did make a lot of things easier.

Even with the use of Qi beasts and some rest spots, it took us about three days to reach the outpost from our city. But, with the use of Qi and this giant flying sword, we covered twice that distance in a matter of four hours. We were so fast that the sights of the green plain just blitzed past my eyes before I could capture anything.

Just like that, we reached our destination. The city at the foot of Azure Sky Sect.

"Welcome to Sky City everyone!" With Senior Hao's bright smile, we landed at the front gate.

But, there seemed to be a problem. The people guarding the gate approached us with a stern gaze. That's the gaze Kexin has when I make a mistake, so the anxiety built up

Is it going to be OK?

 

[Overload69]

"Welcome to Sky City everyone!" Senior Hao beamed as we landed in front of a white grand city gate bathed in an orange glow.

It made the sword look like a small cart with its sheer size. Cultivators watched over the stainless white walls on their flying swords too, another common thing among them was the pink uniform that flapped in the soft breeze.

"Senior Sister Hao?" One of the disciples manning the door came down and did a martial salute.

She had short mousy hair and strong black eyes. Her uniform had a similar shade of pink as Senior Hao, but there was an emblem on her shoulder that resembled a Peach blossom, similar to the pattern of the token Senior Hao had on her hip.

"There isn't any need for that Ming Ming. By the way, these are the new recruits. Can you take care of them for me? I need to rush over to the Disciplinary Hall." The woman raised her sharp eyebrow at the words.

"Again?" A sense of defeat in her question.

"I didn't do anything, I swear!" Senior Hao protested, but her opponent had an unfaltering gaze and wrinkled brows.

"…Leaving that aside, why did you land in front of the Western Gate?" The question made Senior Hao smile.

"Cause the Sky Peak is nearest from here. I'll go now, Bye Bye~!" Jumping on a flying sword that appeared below her feet, Senior Hao shot off like an arrow in the wake of her pleasant giggle.

Miss Ming sighed as she called one of the guards below. He had the same uniform as Miss Ming and showed her respect even if he looked much older with his short stubble.

"Take the Dragon Flying Sword back to the landing dock on the east gate." She said turning to us as the man went to take care of the task.

"My name is Ming Chyou and I'll take you to the accommodations, be sure to follow me closely so you don't get lost." Miss Ming's stern words and gaze kept us in line. She had the same aura as a drill master that I had seen in the Capital's Defence army.

Like those soldiers, none of us uttered a word and followed her through the humongous Gate. There seemed to be an abundance of people here, many of them in normal clothes like us, and many more in the sect uniforms ranging from pure white to black.

"How much for this grilled Stalk Toad?" A boy asked the man who roasted the frogs as big as chickens with bellowing flames that sprung from his hands.

"Come on old man you can't charge that much for a pair of pants! Are you taking advantage of me?" Shouted a man dressed in a green uniform. His body missing from the waist down.

Was his body floating? Or did he use something to hide his legs? Maybe he really needed the pants.

"This scimitar has a nice edge and the handle is comfortable to hold onto. Six spirit stones, deal?" A woman dressed in all black with a blindfold ran her finger down the edge of a blade, but the problem is that she asked that question to the pillar.

There were some colorful people here. But, this place did deserve the title of a city. Dozens of forked and stone-paved streets decorated with lanterns and waving banners. The mixed scent of spices and fresh meat took me right back to Baihe City.

We passed by several Pagodas of varying lengths. Some of them were much taller than the ones at the outpost.

As the sights kept me occupied, we arrived at the promised accommodations. It was the largest Inn I had seen yet, almost the size of a small village. It had several Pagodas that peeked over the tall walls like trees. A sweet melody of the zither tickled my ears.

We entered one of the wooden buildings in the middle of two Pagodas in a neat line like trained soldiers. The building had four floors, made with Eadr wood as a calming smell filled the hall.

"The guys can collect information about your rooms. Girls follow me you'll stay in the opposite building." Senior Ming took the seven women in our group and left.

"Don't take off somewhere without me." Kexin warned me before following the others out. Not that I planned on going anywhere, seeing so many things at once was enough. My brain deserved some rest too.

"I am the owner of the inn and my name is Xiao Hong. Form a group of four and line up in front of the counter so I can help you with the room arrangements." The man's voice was soft, yet it reached back to me at the building's entrance. He welcomed us with a harmless smile, but the sword on his hip spoke a different story.

One could only see a cultivator out in the city once or twice a year if they were lucky. But, here even an inn owner was a cultivator. But, this city was situated in the shadow of a Major cultivation sect so it made sense. Leaving that aside, I had to form a group of four to stay with.

With Xiao He by my side, we only needed two people.

"Why didn't that woman let me go with Big Sis? I even tried to act cute…" Suppressing a chuckle at Xiao He's grumble, I approached the people closest to us.

"Um, hello would you like to form a group with me?" They seemed startled by my words and the tallest among the four cleared his throat. "We all come from the same city, so we formed one."

"A Group? I already promised to make one with the people I know! Sorry!" Said a plump guy with a mole on his chin. He almost tripped running away.

"Um… I am waiting for my friends to arrive, they are coming on another." Slipped away a short boy with long lashes.

"I am… uh, forming one with people from my province. See you later." Sweated the lanky guy with a pretty face.

"Everyone is sticking to the people they know, too bad we were separated from our group." Maybe waiting for them would be better? Kexin and I talked with a few of them on the way and got along well. Some were even from the same city as us. So, it wouldn't be a problem to join them.

"Are you serious?" Xiao He's question confused me a little.

"How do ya not understand when a kid got it?" A rough voice came from behind me. It belonged to one of the guys from the different group that traveled with us on the Dragon Flying Sword.

He had a good build and was a head taller than me. His dull yellow eyes bore into me as sharp teeth peeked out when he grinned. His style leaned towards the flashy side, with a gold sleeveless robe and spiky yellow hair. Now that I see it he even has some piercings on his ear. A bandit perhaps?

"There's a reason for the refusal?" Nonetheless, I asked.

"Yer seriously thick, huh? All them have been takin' about ya in the back since midday." At his rough words, the others started to scatter even more averting my gaze and trying to look busy in the line.

I did notice that people kept their distance from us. But, I didn't think much of it because we were added to their group in a hurry. Now I saw that even the ones who traveled with us hushed away. But, why?

"They said ya questioned the Second Peak Master? They been avoiding ya so they don't get in trouble by association later." His words cleared up the fog a little.

"That person allowed it, and I think not asking would be a bigger offense, no?" And I didn't feel like he took offense to it. He appeared more open-minded, or maybe only I thought that way.

"Heh, ya really got a pair, boy." His cackle did rouse some attention, but no one said anything to him only hushed murmurs came from the balconies.

"Hey… isn't he…"

"Yeah… should we stop him?"

"You got a death wish?"

Some gossip reached my ears but it didn't matter. Right now I had to find a group to stay maybe waiting for someone else who didn't have one would work. It didn't hurt to try, but my stomach was stuck to my back in protest right about now. Hopefully, the wait wouldn't be long.

"Join me." And it wasn't. The flashy guy hadn't left yet and gave me quite the offer.

"You aren't scared like the others?" I asked. If everyone shunned me it gotta be a big deal. So, why would he extend a helping hand?

"Don't lump me in with those other wimps. A man's gotta be bold like ya. So, join me." He's a weird one, but I didn't have any other options at the moment so I nodded.

"My name is Wang Yang, and this is Xiao He." I did a bow as Kexin taught me. But, saw him shaking his head in dismissal.

"Put your hand out like this." Although he told me he had already positioned my right hand at the level of my head and struck it with his open right palm. That stung.

"The name's Xu Qiang and this is how real bold men meet. Remember it, partner." A grin of joy appeared on his face.

"Another weird one." Xiao He muttered but Xu Qiang's eyes landed on him.

"Yer a bold one too. As I expected bold men attract each other! Follow me brothers let's get ya'll some rooms." Xiao He's face deadpanned as the laughing manly man turned to walk out of the building.

"The counter's that way." I pointed at the people lining up in the back.

"That's for the people who don't got the cash. I got us covered, food and single rooms, baths included, so have fun and eat as much as ya want." They used spirit stones as currency here. I had a few but holding onto it was better. A very small amount of it flowed around the mortal world.

Not even a hundred Gold Taels would be enough to get one. And the banner outside this inn said that getting a room here for a day with food would be 3 spirit stones, 5 with a bath, and additional food should have extra cost of course. If Xu Qiang was this generous, maybe he didn't have to worry about the prices.

"You are great, Big Brother!" It was as Xiao He had said.

"There isn't any need for praises between brothers. If we don't have each other's back, then who will?" We strode out of the building and went into one of the bigger pagodas with bravado.

One thing was for certain, Xu Qiang got cash. Everything in the pagoda was double the price, but the soft bed below me suppressed any complaints or will to refuse I had.

Looking out the window to see the five peaks in the distance made my heart beat faster. The Spiritual Root Test will take place tomorrow, marking the start of our cultivation journey.

***

The next morning came much quicker than anticipated. All recruits gathered at the square in the inn, it was a swarm of heads as some more caravans came in last night.

Senior Ming led us through the heart of the city to where we were supposed to land yesterday. In quick succession, the groups boarded the flying swords and went in the direction of the peaks from the moment the first rays of sunlight touched our faces.

Like a flock of birds, we soared through the sky and passed by the few peaks. With much effort, I could only make out some structures on the peak where people, that looked like ants now also hurried away.

Now we could see seven peaks, five Peaks forming a circle to protect the two in the middle. And our destination was the one covered in mist. We touched down in a place that looked like an arena with a vast stage that could fit us all and the sitting areas that could accommodate more.

With awe-filled gazes and excited murmurs, we arrived at the site where the Spiritual Root Test would take place.

The Lotus Platform, Lotus Peak.

As our steps landed on the pathway that cut through a pond filled with lotuses a bell tolled, marking our entry in the square before a giagatic white building marked with a lotus motif. There, a stage had lay in wait, a thin man dressed in yellow robes with long white hair stood there, as if to welcome us.

"Yo Yo Yo! How are you doing everybody?!" His energetic voice boomed through the square shaking everyone to the core. "It is once again time for the Spiritual Root Test. Hosted by the one and only, the one burdened with glorious purpose, the hands of heaven, yes ladies and gentlemen it is I, the breaker of hearts and any artificer's confidence in themselves, Chen Zhipeng! Don't hold back on the applause now!"

"Wooooaah!!"

"It is Him! In flesh!!"

"It really is him, Damn!"

Although the man placed more emphasis on himself than the test, an electrifying aura roiled through everyone as they started to cheer and shout. And he received it all with open arms. In a way deserved, even I who sometimes didn't know about things knew his name. The man was everything he claimed to be, and his inventions were very popular throughout the Continent.

The Sixth Peak Master of Azure Sky Sect and Genius Artificer, Chen Zhipeng.

"Are you all ready for the Spiritual Roots Test my cute little caterpillars? It is time for you all to become a butterfly now."



[Author Note]


Greetings to everyone who read it this far.


I hope enjoyed it and liked what I had presented so far.


If there is any criticism you have or problems or inconsistencies or unclear sentences, please tell me about them as I am eager to improve.


Praises are also welcome, of course I am in urgent need of them. What can I say I like the attention.


But, please do tell me your thoughts about the story and characters seen so far. Give it a rating according to your valuable judgment.


Hope you have lovely day.

 

[Overload69]

[ANNOUNCEMENT!!]

Hello everyone! I am making this announcement to let you all know that the previous two chapters, 6 and 7 have been rewritten.

So to avoid confusion please read again, at least chapter 7.

That is all, if you see any mistakes please let me know.

Bye Bye.


Chapter Starts:

The Sixth Peak Master of Azure Sky Sect and Genius Artificer born only once a millennium, Chen Zhipeng. He would supervise the Spiritual Roots test.


"Are you all ready for the Spiritual Roots Test my cute little caterpillars? It is time for you all to become a butterfly." His smile had many females around us blushing.


I would be blushing too, if I had said that.


"That's the creator of cola?!" Kexin enjoyed that drink a lot, me too.


"Heh, tis'll be fun." Even Xu Qiang seemed excited as Chen Zhipeng continued to talk.


"Now, time to reveal the best Spiritual Root Detecting machine on the continent. It'll show you your potential without any fail, because I made it. It is my improved and enhanced, SRD ver.3.034!!" As he waved his hand five tall structures appeared on both sides of the high stage as if materializing.


At the base, there seemed to be a white marble wall that had multiple lines running across it, and above floated a black screen. I hadn't seen something like that before.


"With the new improvements, your discomfort will lessen and your awesome results will be shown to everyone through the screen on the top." Chen Zhipeng moved around the stage as the black flat surface that rose another two floors high, lit up. His face appeared on it giving us a wide grin while running his fingers through his hair. "The Entire Sect will know of your talent!"


"Now, I'll officially start the ceremony. There are ten stations to get your Spiritual Roots checked out. So come forward when your name is called and get fired up!!" The disciples in yellow uniforms near the devices started to call out names and people gave ways for others, the test was shaping up to be an orderly one. At that moment I thought the process may be fast, but…


"This is taking long." I said looking at the sea of heads in front.


Xu Qiang, Xiao He, and Wu Kexin stood with me waiting for our names to be called. After two bell tolls, it didn't even look halfway done. Though most of the fault lay with the host of the event.


"If only they'd let us jump in front. That'd be a bold entrance." Xu Qiang folded his arms.


"That's misconduct. Pretty sure you'll be thrown at the back of the line again, severe punishment in the worst case." Kexin pointed at the disciples in pink and black uniforms. Their hawk-like gaze kept an eye on everyone to pick out any troublemakers.


"To not understand Boldness, I pity the world they live in." Qiang shook his head in disappointment.


Kexin turned to me, her eyes asking Where did you find this weirdo? Was there anything wrong with it? After all, Qiang didn't do it.


"Big sis, why do we have to wait in line?" Xiao He turned to Kexin, tired.


"So the cultivators can check the Spiritual Roots we have." Kexin said.


"But, didn't they already do it back in the city?" Xiao He should remember it. We had to stay in a long line that day too, really wish they just finished it all that day.


"That day they tested whether we had one or not, today they'll tell us about it in more detail. Like what Grade it is, or what element we have. It is important to know so we can learn how to use it best." Kexin crouched down to the kid's eye level to explain.


"Couldn't they have done this on the same day?" Xiao He asked the question that had roamed in my head. The only saving grace here was that the air felt cool and we got some free cola, only one glass every half an hour though. Should give out more in my opinion.


Yet, I couldn't understand why they'd not do it on the same day. Some other sects did it at the same time from what we have seen. Almost all minor sects followed that style. But, Azure Sky Sect was one of the few that chose to do it this way. We didn't know the reason either, but Xu Qing stepped in with a smile.


"The reason they do it that way is to protect the recruits with high Spiritual Roots." Qiang said.


"Protect?" I tilted my head.


"From Demonic Cultivators of course. Disciple recruitment is a public event. Whatever happens in that place spreads across the city in no time. Many evil cultivators lie in wait to pick up the weak chicks that lay eggs of gold. Sometimes other sects would also step in to steal the promising prospects, either by force or by enticing them." If said like that it made sense.


The stories about Demonic Cultivators kidnapping children to eat them or use them in other rituals weren't few. Although these seemed like ghost stories before, now that we had seen them firsthand. It became more believable.


"With Spiritual Roots, the higher its Rank the more potential one has. Cultivation cauldrons, experimentation, torture, forceful double cultivation, enslavement, there are many dangers ya get into fer having a high ranking Spiritual Root without protection. Leave the poor bastards with the roots, even disciples and others traveling with 'em can lose their lives in worse cases. The artifact used to observe the spiritual root and the spirit stones needed to run it also make fer lucrative bait. Most sects'll use this chance to show off their muscles. But, the Second Peak Master of Azure Sky Sect made the bold choice of ending that tradition." The mention of a familiar title drew my attention.


"Even if it does take some extra time, I guess the safety is more important." This approach seemed much safer in my opinion, if it could help one avoid trouble it should be implemented.


If someone in our group happened to have a high-rank Spiritual Root, we might've had to face more dire situations. Luck was on our side this time that the Second Peak Master came in time to save us.


"Yes, that is why you should be patient Xiao He." Kexin patted the kid's head.


"Ok." He agreed with a smile, two-faced kid.


"They aren't hiding it now, what if someone spreads the information from here?" Kexin asked as they moved along with the crowd, inching towards the screen that showed a lot of varying results.


"They here in the sect's protection now and won't go out till they can defend their necks. After all, you can't stop the flow of information with how people're made. Spiritual Roots are a reflection of the person, that's why some knowledgeable Masters can tell a person's root by their personality, fighting style, and Cultivation method." Xu Qiang revealed some impressive information.


The information about Spiritual Root in my head is limited, but I at least know that there can be hundreds of thousands of them. Sometimes even completely unknown ones show up, how do you keep track of that let alone guess someone else's Spiritual Root through vague hints?


"So… is everyone here going to pass regardless of the result?" Kexin asked.


"Not everyone, there are about ten thousand people 'ere. About one-third of them'll pass. Even for the outer sect ya need to have a Mortal Grade High Rank Spiritual Root or it wouldn't get ya an entry. But, if they are really serious about cultivation, they can go to minor sects under Azure Sky Sect or other ones, they have lower requirements, well most of 'em." The reality was much harsher than imagined. But, this was a Major Sect so nothing we could complain about.


"Big Brother Qiang, what Grade should I be for the Inner Sect?" Xiao He asked.


"Heh, trying to enter the Inner sect from the get-go? That's bold of ya, but not that uncommon." Everyone that lined up with us should have the same thought, they all must want a High Ranking Spiritual Root and enter the Inner sect. "You gotta have at least Heaven Grade Low Rank for direct entry, even Earth Grade High Rank would work if ya get an elder interested. But, that's nothin' to what you need to become a Peak Master's disciple."


"You can directly become one?" My surprise shot up.


"With 'nough talent ya get everything. Them troubles don't come without perks. But, becoming a Disciple of a Peak Master from the get-go is rare, it has only happened five times since the Sect was founded." Qiang rubbed his chin trying to remember. "The most recent one was like… 40 some years ago."


"They must need real high-ranked Spiritual Roots for that." Kexin muttered holding the excited Xiao He by his hand.


"Ye. Divine Grade, anything below that ain't cutting it." Qiang said.


"That's the second highest Grade, isn't it?" We had learned of the grading system as kids, though I didn't pay much attention which led to this.


"Just below Immortal Grade. So far only two people on the Western Continent have the top one or the only known ones at least. If ya get that, it pretty much sets the road for the Sect Leader position even in a Major Sect. But, with Spiritual Root, hard work and boldness is also important or it'll be a waste." Qiang smirked.


"You know quite a lot." I said taking in the information, this was definitely news to me. But, as only two people had it on the entire continent, I doubt it'll appear that easily.


"My family works for the Azure Sky Sect, so the education we get is different from what they teach 'round mortal cities." My guesses came true, Xu Qiang did seem to have an extraordinary background, if one excused his choice of style.


"Don't cha worry. I don't care about petty stuff. Talk ta me like usual, brothers and sister." Though that didn't make much of a difference really, I feel like he would've been the same regardless.


"You don't have to say that out loud." Kexin shook her head at his flashy appearance and way of talking.


At that moment a brief moment of silence came over us, even Chen Zhipeng's voice was lost. The only thing that reached my ears was hushed whispers. It was like the air itself had become affected by the collective thoughts of the recruits, turning the sunny and clear day into a dull grey one.


No one was free from the fear of going back home without anything to show for it. My eyes landed on Kexin, her face stern like usual, but her fingers clenched at the green silk robe. There wasn't much I could say, as everyone equally understood the seriousness of the matter.


All we could do was move forward and accept the result thrown at us.


Results that we had no way of controlling.


***


Lotus Hall, Lotus Peak. This marked my first time attending the Disciple Selection ceremony in both my lives. That's why the moment I stepped foot in the hall filled with the scent of delicacies and spirit wine, the elders and my fellow Peak Masters looked at me as if they had spotted a ghost.


"Hey, Huang Bai I didn't get drunk from just one cup right? That's Senior Brother Muchen there right?" Liu Zhi, the Peak Master of Osmanthus Peak, and my Junior Sister pointed at me brazenly. Her unkept curly short black hair and tanned skin adding to her rough appearance.


"That is indeed Senior Brother Li. Now drunk or not please sit with your legs closed." Huang Bai on the other hand was as composed as always. In pink robes with her black hair, it was like she had just stepped out of a painting. Honestly, that's how every Peak Master should be. But, thinking about our roaster, it was unlikely.


"Don't worry Bai, I am wearing pants below." Liu Zhi waved the concern off shifting in her chair to get a more comfortable position, her thigh sitting on the armrest in the process.


Ignoring their small squabble to exchange some pleasantries with the elders who gathered at the smaller dining tables, I arrived at the main table at the elevated platform.


"You are finally here, 2nd Peak Master." Li Xianquan, the Grand Elder showed a small smile. Even though he is the Grand Elder, this guy was younger than 90% of the people in this room


"Well, I had a promise to keep, Grand Elder." At my words, he almost rolled his eyes.


"It is wonderful that you finally did. Please, have a seat with us." He pointed at the empty chair adjacent to him.


I took the seat to his right, and my eyes directly went to the empty one on the opposite end.


"Senior Brother Hua couldn't make it back from his task in time." Huang Bai, who was next to me explained. That sounded just like him.


Adjacent to the empty seat was the man who headed the Disciplinary Hall, the Sky Peak's Master, Zhao Jun. The blonde man's blue eyes dug into me with sharpness and surprise at my presence, but in return, he only got a perfunctory smile from me. Elder Ning Fan gave me a bow from the table below, it seemed like he had just come back.


Nevertheless, It felt weird seeing Zhao Jun sit between two empty seats. Hua Jiahong, the Fire Peak's Master was away on a mission, and the Chrysanthemum Peak's Master, Chen Zhipeng was busy doing Chen Zhipeng things.


Woah! Everyone look it is the first Heaven Grade of this Test has appeared!! Not only that, it is a High Rank! Yin Heart Mirror, a spiritual Root that has appeared on the continent only three times. Although not as impressive as my spiritual root it is still something to get happy about! Congratulations to Zhang Jun the 18th Prince of Yin Moon kingdom! Let's see if anyone else can beat that!


With the use of a Projection and Thousand Miles Formations working in tandem, we could see the Spiritual Root test live while enjoying the comfort of good food and wine here. But, no one aside from Liu Zhi touched the cup as this was a formal event. Everyone had their eyes peeled for potential disciples they could have.


On the smaller tables, many elders talked with transmission tokens before passing a note to the disciples present. Right now their eyes gathered on the guy with purple hair who walked away from the testing device with a small smile.


This was the way the Disciple selection ceremony worked.


Whenever someone they wanted appeared, the elders would negotiate with each other in silence and write down their name with the recruit that matched their needs on a piece of special paper. This would be given to the servant who'd go out and bring the disciple in question to a waiting room. Then in order, the elders interested will visit the disciple to make their offers.


Unless the prospect was too high-leveled and matched their style like a glove, Elders would back off with ease for the sake of respect and face.


On the flip, a merciless tug of war would happen whenever a top-class talent like Zhang Jun appeared. In future that kid did a lot of wonders under the teaching of Long Lingxin from Lotus Peak, the woman sitting in the corner showing a calm and collected smile. He even had a healthy rivalry with Wang Yang for some time.


It becomes very stale when you have no interest in training many disciples.


The selection continued and a few more Heaven Grade Disciples appeared. None of the Peak Masters had shown any interest yet. The elders below seemed to be in quite a tense situation after the last one.


Although they weren't speaking, their facial expressions and eyes were enough to tell that the competition this time was intense. As it should be. With Chen Zhipeng becoming a household name with his new invention Refrigerator a lot of attention came to the sect, of course, I was the one who gave him the concept.


But, he still made it with inscriptions and metals available from here. Still, a good amount of profit came my way too as the item became a bit too popular in the mortal countries, alongside Cola.


Unbelievable! Another Heaven Grade. Although it is only mid-rank, Thundering Dragon Pulse Spiritual Root is one of the rare Roots that gives command over an element that is beyond the main Five!


Chen Zhipeng had a real talent for talking away, even forgetting to tell the name of the disciple that got the Spiritual Root. The guy is still the same as before regression. Truth be told, he had been that way since the first day.


But, even his self-centeredness couldn't ignore the person who was about to step up to the Spiritual Root Detector ver. 3.034.


Here comes Miss Sun Lingling with her attempt. Would her result be as shining as her beauty or not? Let's find out!


Not caring for his joke the young girl with long blue hair placed her hand on the white slab. The inscription on the metallic surface lit up like it was about to burst. The screen above the device flashed pure white before revealing the result.


Immortal Grade Low Rank. Sonorous Sword Body


…It looks like Azure Sky Sect has been blessed with another great fortune like myself! Chen Zhipeng roared.


No one can ignore a Spiritual Root of that level. Even in the biggest sects of the Middle Continent. Even more so when the only other person in the world who had this Spiritual Root was the Sect leader of Scared Sword Valley.


The entire lotus hall fell silent enough for me to hear someone's increasing heartbeat.


The second reason for my appearance here today had appeared.

 

[Overload69]

Hello readers today I come with good news.

This novel has been successfully launched on Royal Road.

Here is the link:

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Please go there and support the novel.

As for the real good news. The new chapters will start from this Monday. There will be a day's gap between them but please forgive me as that is all I can do rn.

Please follow and rate the book on Royal Road so it can get more relaible readers like yourself you enjoy it.

That is all. Thank you so much for your patience.

 

[Overload69]

Immortal Grade Low Rank. Sonorous Sword Body.


After Sun Lingling's Spiritual root grade came into view, the entire Lotus Hall fell silent. The testing site was the same, the deafening silence dominated everyone. They knew that the next big shot in the cultivation society had appeared.


"Sonorous Sword Body… it looks like something out of our calculations happened." Li Xianquan still sported a calm smile.


No elder or Peak master had moved yet. For a kid with this level of talent, someone like Grand Elder would be the most suitable teacher. However, not all of them were that eager to get Sun Lingling.


"Exceeding the expected profit is always wonderful. Let's drink to that!" Liu Zhi stuck her lips straight to the bottle this time much to our dismay.


With her path of cultivation, someone like Sun Lingling would be farthest away from being the ideal disciple. But, for most here, she was the top prize. And they had good luck because she wasn't an ideal disciple for Li Xianquan either.


"It is regrettable, but I will withdraw from this. My respected Peak Masters and Elders, I hope that you can be the teacher that child needs." He said as the ambition in everyone's eyes grew.


Since the Grand Elder had stepped back, it'd be a toss-up between the Peak Masters. The Peak that gets her would get the most attention moving forward. And with Sun Lingling's spiritual root, there were two who could become the perfect teacher for her. Unfortunately, one of them was away on a mission. So, all the eyes gathered on Zhao Jun.


"Do not stand on ceremony, if any of you wish to make an offer, do go ahead." His voice cold, as he scanned the Elders below.


The disciple who collected the piece of fragrant paper didn't even have to look towards the Elders. Most of them were trying hard to not look interested. After all, their Peak Masters didn't move either.


"They must feel overwhelmed. After all, your talent with a sword is known far and wide. I'd say that Peak Master Zhao is the most suitable one to teach her." Xianquan dispersed the tension as the other elders nodded and agreed. It was good that he gave them some way to escape the cold staredown.


"I am flattered Grand Elder. But, the Disciple Selection is a fair event. It isn't about who is the most suitable Master, rather it is to find under whom the disciple's talents can bloom the most." Zhao Jun's eyes still waiting for someone to speak up. It wasn't like he was the only sword user in the sect; some had better accomplishments in the path of the sword, but chose to stay hidden.


"Peak Master Zhao is so upstanding. I'll drink to that!" Liu Zhi continued drinking without worries, unlike others. Huang Bai and Li Xianquan shook their heads in silence.


A few more minutes passed yet no one made an offer.


"It would appear that Peak Master Zhao is the only one who had made the offer." Li Xianquan smiled, sending the disciple away to submit the paper.


"It would appear so." Zhao Jun stood up. The blue eyes glanced at me for a moment before he left.


He was already on his way to meet with the disciple, wasting no time. Though I already knew he wouldn't succeed. Before my Regression, his offer was shot down too. It wasn't because he became complacent after having no competition. That wasn't like him.


The man gave the best offer a Peak Master could give in terms of resources and teaching, even going beyond it. But, Sun Lingling wasn't looking for a normal Master.


That was the highest-ranking Spiritual Root that has appeared in the history of Spiritual Root Tests held in this sect. This record was previously held by the Sixth Peak Master Zhao Jun with his Divine Grade High-Rank Root. The record that stood strong for 220 years... Someone has finally broken it today!! This is getting exciting, isn't it? Let's see if someone else can also rewrite history today!!


Chen Zhipeng looked happier than the one who broke the record. The girl in blue silk robes didn't even crack a smile.


"He has been blabbering for 3 hours straight. Doesn't his mouth hurt at all? I wouldn't survive 15 minutes with that energy." Liu Zhi grimaced taking a sip of wine, her long lashes struggling to stay open even when all she had done was drink and sit around. "Don't tell me this damned fox robbed my energy or something?!"


"You've always been a slacker, Senior Sister Liu." Huang Bai said with a smile.


"You aren't normal either. How can you take a dig at me with such a sweet smile? I can't even get mad. Senior Brother Li, back me up here." Liu Zhi turned to me which I promptly ignored. It is not like Huang Bai said something wrong.


Honestly, if it wasn't for the sake of recruiting Wang Yang and two other tasks at hand, I would've left by now.


"Hey! Don't silently agree with her. I don't slack… not that much anymore you know?" There wasn't any use in helping someone who doubted themselves.


Xianquan smiled to himself on his chair. He looked quite pleased as Liu Zhi's bottles were confiscated by Huang Bai. These two didn't change much even in the later years, though a lot of other things changed between us.


Before my attention went back to the screen, Zhao Jun walked back into the Lotus Hall. He looked regal as ever in black robes, getting the attention of the female elders as always. But, unlike his cold and neutral expression, a frown sat on his forehead.


"Did something happen?" Sensing the atmosphere Li Xianquan asked.


"She rejected the offer." Zhao Jun cut straight to the point, drawing many gasps around the hall. Considering Sun Lingling's talent, Zhao Jun should've been the best teacher as said before, but to reject that. What went on in her head?


"That's quite unfortunate, maybe the other Elders and Peak Masters can try." Li Xianquan looked over as hope rekindled in the eyes of many elders.


"There won't be a need for that." But, Zhoa Jun poured cold water all over them. The comment drew attention from everyone as he got to the crux of the matter. "Sun Lingling already has a Master in mind she'd like to learn from. Any other offers would get rejected, no matter who they come from."


"And who is the person she selected?" Li Xianquan asked, no one would take such comments to heart. The person in question had the potential and the right to demand that.


However, most of the elders here who wished it was them, would only end up with shattered dreams.


"The Second Peak Master, Li Muchen. That's her choice." Zhao Jun's blue and unfeeling eyes landed on me as if to find the reason. But, he wouldn't get it.


After all, I don't know myself.


But, the first step to changing the horrid future has come.


"I'll be right back." With that, I left the Lotus Hall under maximum attention.


***


As soon as the recruit finishes their Spiritual Root Test with flying colors, they get two choices. One, either accept the Master from the people who showed interest in them, or second, join the Peak their desired Master is part of. There can be many reasons for the second choice, but rarely was it not based on personal profit and pre-set agendas. A lot of people had tried to join the Plum Peak for personal gains over the years. I rejected of course.


Now the question stood even larger than before. What did this girl Sun Lingling want from me?


"Greetings, Peak Master Li Muchen." The seventeen-year-old girl looked at me with her sharp crimson eyes.


Much more mature than her age suggested, the beauty she had outshined the lavish room we were seated in. Even with the golden decoration and centuries-old ink paintings, the mole beneath her right eye outshined it all.


That beauty was something familiar to me almost as if a shadow stood behind her. Yet, I couldn't put a finger on it. The same reaction that I had meeting her in the future. This time, getting to the bottom of that was my goal.


"Greetings. So, shall we get to the point? Why did you choose me to be your Master?" Taking a seat across from her, I examined her cold expression with a small smile of my own.


"It is because I want to learn Cultivation from you. That is the very reason I traveled to this Sect." She said. Her back straight like a sword and a strong will in her eyes.


There wasn't a single lie in her words. Even before regression she had come to the sect and asked for me just like today. But, me being away from the sect to dodge the ceremony, the Grand Elder told her that I wouldn't be taking any disciples after getting my reply through the Transmission Token. What happened next was that Sun Lingling left the sect and later joined the Jade Sword Hall in the following years, a minor sect in the glades near the Azure Dragon Ravine.


"You have a level of potential that comes once a millennium. That is why someone like the First Peak Master and the Sixth Peak Master would be the best picks. They have sharpened their swords throughout their lives and have great accomplishments with the path. If you do not wish to squander your potential, please consider them." Even now I cannot understand why she'd ask for me, why not go straight to Jade Sword Hall?


Leaving my Spiritual root aside for the moment, I am not well versed in swordsmanship to teach someone like her. With her spiritual root, she was set to be the ruler of all swords. But, the only reason she would want to learn from me, would be for something specific.


"I do not need help in sword arts… Please pardon my rudeness." The pure white sword let out a hum as soon as she drew it from the ashen metal scabbard.


The pure and vibrant Qi enveloped the blade and transformed right before my eyes. The Qi gave the cold steel sword a sharper edge that fluctuated like ripples on the surface of a pond.


"I have materialized Sword Qi on my own. The only reason it is this weak right now is because of my low realm." She said sheathing her sword back as if it was nothing special.


Sword Qi could only be formed in the Golden Core realm. Those were the words of the Divine Sword Valley's Sect Master, one of the greatest swordsmen to ever hold the weapon. Every swordsman in the world lived by those words. Yet, right in front of me, those words had been proven wrong. A girl in the Fifth stage of Qi Gathering had acquired it.


Without a doubt Sun Lingling was a genius that'd change the world like Wang Yang, at least she should've. She died at the age of 40, in pursuit of revenge on the Demonic Sect. Only her bones were found in an underground altar after the alliance raided the Sect years later.


"Your talent with the sword is indeed impressive. And, I dare say that your cultivation speed also wouldn't lose out with a Spiritual Root like that. If you didn't know, I have been stuck in the Golden Core for over 200 years now. That should say a lot about what l can provide you regarding cultivation." My title didn't match my cultivation level in the slightest. It was barely above mid-level Elders in other peaks. Excuses didn't matter. That was the cold and harsh truth.


But, there were two reasons I could gain this position even with my mediocre talents and realm.


Sun Lingling's brow moved a little. She looked at the table for a moment before raising her gaze. That was the most emotion she had shown till now.


"I suppose the Second Peak Master enjoys talking in circles." She said.


"I haven't the slightest clue of what you are talking about." I said leaning back into the cushioned chair as she took a deep breath.


"The reason for Peak Master's low realm isn't the lack of talent. If that were the case, you wouldn't be the first disciple of the Sky Mending Saint. If you had lacked talent in cultivation, you wouldn't have taught your four Junior Disciples about cultivation. Three of them are now Peak Masters and the fourth being the Grand Elder of the Sect. I doubt someone who did this, lacks talent in cultivation. They only lacked the luck to have a low-leveled Spiritual Root that couldn't keep up with their comprehension of the realms." She had done her dues in research. It wasn't that easy to find this much about me.


Even the fact that my Spiritual Roots held me back wasn't something just anyone could know. Many people knew the name Li Muchen, but only a few knew of the face behind it. Among the people who knew that, and could be connected to Sun Lingling could be counted on my hand.


She's related to that one, the Missing Sword Princess. It was a simple deduction, yet a cruel reality. It had been four hundred years since I last heard from her (before regression), the encounter we had was very brief.


"Are you serious about this?" I asked. If Sun Lingling had connections to that woman, I can't let her die in vain again.


"The only person that can help me in cultivation aside from the Sect Master of Azure Sky Sect, is the Second Peak Master. I need the best teacher on this continent. That is why I have come here first. Please, teach me. I will do my best to bring honor to your name if that is what you need." Standing up, she bowed her hand clenching the sword tight enough to turn her knuckles pale.


I don't know why the Sword princess spoke to her about me, but the choice was already made. I planned to teach her from the get-go. That was the reason I even came here, but now there was more to it. Iron sharpens Iron. With someone like her around, Wang Yang's growth will increase along with hers.


Her drive to seek revenge against the Demonic sect would provide me with more assistance and many more answers to both of us regarding our situations. But, moving in without proper plans and strength wouldn't happen this time. We'd just be rushing to our deaths.


To prevent that, we all needed to get stronger. Stronger than the future I knew of. Stronger than our enemies could keep up with. Most importantly, I had to prepare well for tornadoes that may arise because of me.


Before that, there was one task that needed to be sorted.


"I don't want honor. A disciple dedicated to protecting the sect and not wasting its resources is enough for me. Outside of that, you are free to do what you want." I said placing a token on the table.


"Take this if you can become that." The pure white token slid across the table and came to a stop right under her eyes.


"I, Sun Lingling, greet the Master. I will do my best to follow your guidance." With a token in her hands, she did a martial bow as her name appeared on the front. A sign of accepting the disciple token.


Though no joy flickered in her eyes, there was but a fire for revenge. That was fine too. In a way, we had more in common than I expected.


"Let's go and get your fellow disciple." Without a word, she followed me out of the room.


But, the moment I stepped out, someone stood there, waiting for me. Like a snake stalking their prey.


"Congratulations on your first disciple, Second Peak Master." It was Elder Ning standing there with a thin smile on his pale face. Yet, my eyes went to the boy standing next to him.


"Uh… Greetings Second Peak Master. My name is Wang Yang." He bowed with a Black Token in his hand.

 

[Overload69]

"Let's go and get your fellow disciple." Without a word, Sun Lingling followed me out of the room.


But, the moment I stepped out, someone stood there, waiting for me in the vicinity. Like a snake, stalking its prey.


"Congratulations on your first disciple, Second Peak Master." It was Elder Ning standing there with a thin smile. Yet, my eyes went to the boy standing next to him.


"Oh! Greetings, Second Peak Master. My name is Wang Yang." He bowed with a Black Token in his hand.


The situation has taken the expected route. At least half of it was. But, the other half took me by surprise.


The moment I stepped out to recruit Sun Lingling. Wang Yang's results should've come out. This shouldn't have happened because before entering the Lotus Hall, I had checked the arrangement order for the test. From Sun Lingling to Wang Yang's test, there should've been another hour to fifty-five minutes gap. But, it seems like his test concluded right after hers.


The only variable that wasn't taken into account was Chen Zhipeng.


"Peak Master Chen saw that the ones waiting were affected by the long wait. So he asked a question and whoever got it correct could skip the line." Elder Ning said. This guy looked happy for taking advantage of that moment. Not that it matters.


"That does sound like him." I said.


From the start, my visible interest in Wang Yang in front of him was to catch this moment. Knowing that Elder Ning would try to talk with him alone, I still planned to make an offer first to secure him as a disciple. The talk should've happened afterward, and simply asking Wang Yang what they talked about would be the end of it.


To think that all that went down the drain because of the whim of someone who wanted to spice up the atmosphere.


"Please be at ease, Peak Master Li. I am not trying to steal a disciple that has caught your eye. I just wanted to ask some questions. And this is nothing but a Transmission Token for when he feels like answering." Elder Ning tapped Wang Yang on the shoulder, sending him my way. "I placed a slip with Peak Master Li's name right after me, so please forgive my insolence this once."


"There is no need to apologize, after all the Disciple Selection Ceremony should be used for its intended purposes." I already knew how much he lied there. From the start, his plans were rather obvious.


"Haha, looks like Peak Master Li knows that I got rejected. That's quite embarrassing. Don't tell anyone, please. My reputation might drop." With a wry smile, he slipped away. "May the sun be with you in your future endeavors, Second Peak Master."


What's with that bad acting? Like everyone doesn't know how shameless you are. Leaving that aside, I turned to Wang Yang. He still looked lost at the words of Elder Ning. Looks like my interest in him was something he didn't expect.


"Wang Yang, would you become my Disciple?" I asked, my heart beating fast.


Honestly, I felt nervous, much more nervous than confessing to my first love back on earth.


Even in this state, Wang Yang had good talent with Heaven Grade High Rank Spiritual Root. The only reason he ended up with someone like me in the future was because I appeared at the right moment. Right now, he should have a lot of offers as his Spiritual Root Harmony of Five Elements made it easy for him to take any of the paths.


Maybe I should mention some big perks. The thought occurred to me, but I chose not to say anything.


It would've worked on any other disciple, but not him. Wang Yang was one with nature with his Spiritual Root being in perfect balance of major elements. Thus, his perception was unusually high. That was the reason he rejected Elder Ning's offer.


Unlike last time when I was his only option, this time he should feel my sincerity just as he felt danger from Ning Fan. Although I used my future knowledge to get in his good graces by saving him and his close friend from danger, it didn't change that I did want to be a good master to him this around. That much should be enough.


"…That would be an honor." When Wang Yang accepted, I almost let my poker face crack.


But, I reeled in the emotions. It wasn't time to be happy. Things have only started. With the task of recruiting Sun Lingling and Wang Yang completed. The time to move on to the third task had come. But, before that, some things had to be dealt with on the double.


"This is a Token proving that you are my disciple now." Wang Yang received the white token with a bow.


Someone had definitely taught him how to do that. He almost took that normally before getting into the formal position.


He wasn't this formal when he started last time too, so this was good. It'd help him get in less trouble.


Moving along the complex and wide corridors of this pavilion we arrived on the Sixth floor. This was where I had to part ways with the disciples. Aside from Elders, Peak Masters, and hand-selected disciples, no one else was allowed inside the Main Lotus Hall at the moment. But, leaving these two waiting outside wasn't good either. So taking a little detour I dropped the two in a separate room before returning to the main hall.


"Congratulations on taking such a talented disciple Second Peak Master." Elder Gu Fei came forward with her honeyed words and swaying black locks. "That disciple is truly lucky to learn from you. Even your second disciple seems to be one of a kind."


"Indeed. I dare say that I am the lucky one." Facing her calculative gaze, I didn't flinch one bit.


"Huhu, Second Peak Master is modest as always." Although both of us had smiles it wasn't a pleasant atmosphere.


An ambitious woman like her wouldn't approach me on her own. After all, my presence in sect politics was never prominent. But, with this, I could skip the normal pleasantries with other Elders and go straight to the upper level again.


"If isn't the man of the hour again. Senior brother Li, you really rock! You really got two disciples! I gotta drink two whole pots today, woohoo!!" When I stepped onto the elevated platform of Lotus Hall again, a weird scene greeted me.


Liu Zhu was prancing around the chair on the left side as Huang Bai buried her face in her hands. Face flushed, clasping a bottle of wine in her hand like a sword, the merry little drunk was having the time of her life.


"She did it again?" I turned to Huang Bai who nodded with a wry smile.


"Seriously, what a wasteful use of talent." Guiding the wastrel back to her seat with a stern look, I returned to my own. I really wished Liu Zhi took a page or two out of Huang Bai's book.


But, that wish had yet to come true even five hundred years later.


"I wish I could have that level of control over my Spiritual Root." Li Xianquan said to lighten the mood. "Anyway, it looks like the Spiritual Roots Test is coming to an end."


The only reason this happened was because Chen Zhipeng was forced off the stage by his Vice Peak Master. The real reason the test went on for hours was because of him. So, without his constant commentary, everything led to a quick finish. But, before everyone left, I had a question to ask.


"Peak Master Zhao, are you planning to go on your yearly inspection of the Sect's territory again next month?" The cold blue eyes tried to hide the bewilderment below calmness.


"That is the plan, is there a reason why Peak Master Li asks this of me?"


"Well, you go around the territory every year by yourself. A task that should be for an elder. Don't you think this is a bit below your station?" The eyes of others gathered on me at the unnaturally framed question, but I waited for his answer.


"No job in the sect is below my station." He said.


"As always, I hope that some people can follow your example." My words caused a little stir on my right.


"Don't do that to me, Senior Brother Li. The reprimand hurts when it comes from you." Liu Zhi's drunkenness went up in smoke.


"Then why don't you listen for once?" Huang Bai hoped it would happen.


"Alright, I'll give up drinking…" Liu Zhi's face lit up with determination. "…for the next hour."


"I thought the reprimand hurt?" Li Xianquan's question was met with silence.


However, It wasn't a normal one, even the noisy Liu Zhi's lips were sealed shut. Normally she'd have thrown a tantrum about now because everyone was against her.


The source of the silence was the Spiritual Roots Test. With Chen Zhipeng dragged off stage, the event continued in silence and results were seen through the formation, like it was supposed to be.


A part of me still regretted telling that guy about hosting. Although it was done with good intentions at first. We needed some entertainment during a big event with something unique and attention-grabbing. But, little did I know that Zhipeng would arrive at every sect event with screens to broadcast his face and talk for hours.


"That disciple…" Li Xianquan's whisper broke the silence. His eyes still on the screen that showed the result of one of the recruits.


Earth Grade, Low Rank. Solitary Plum Tree.


That was an expected reaction from them, yet the test takers were quick to move along giving her an outer sect token. Even the Elders below showed no interest. From then a few more high Earth Grade Spiritual Roots appeared, but no one moved aside from a few Outer Sect Elders. Since then the atmosphere on the elevated platform has changed. But, the Disciple Selection Ceremony came to an end regardless.


Peak Masters and Elders, everyone prepared to leave and arrange things for their new disciples or get on with their remaining tasks. Similar thoughts went through my head, until the Grand Elder's gaze landed on me.


"Peak Master Li, there is something I wish to discuss with you so please stay back."


"As you wish, Grand Elder." I said before turning to my fellow Peak Master. "Could you send my disciples back to my peak for me, Huang Bai? They are in the Moon gazing room on the Sixth floor."


"I will see that they are escorted there safely, Senior Brother Li. Then everyone, until next time." After an elegant bow, she left dragging the sleeping Liu Zhu.


Zhao Jun had his eyes on me, but he left with Elder Ning after getting Li Xianquan's permission too. The time to talk with him hadn't come yet.


Soon it was just Li Xianquan and me in the Main Lotus Hall.


"So, do you really want to Talk or Talk, Grand Elder?"


"Come on Big Brother Li, you can stop that now." Li Xianquan said, sinking further into his seat. That calm and majestic air he had was nowhere to be seen now. All I could see was a young boy, one that I had seen growing up for years.


"So Talk it is." I said.


He grinned and took out a sealed wine pot from his storage ring. With a little tap, the dried mud seal turned into dust. He peeled off the Jade paper that covered the mouth of the pot. Filling the room with the pleasant scent of lilies with a tinge of age and flair.


"Fire Lily wine, aged to perfection for a hundred years inside a pot made of clay from the Kunlun Mountains and the ground scales of a Scorch Dragon." The fiery scent tickled my nose.


Wine is something I enjoyed in my free time, most of my junior brothers and sisters also took a liking to it because of me. However, unlike my First Junior sister, the rest of us like wine in moderation.


"Don't tell Big Sis Liu about it." If she heard of it his stock would be gone before the sun sets.


"I am more concerned about the occasion that brings about the opening of such expensive wine." He laughed and poured me a cup before himself.


"It is because Big Brother has taken in disciples today, not just one but two. Now, I can rest easy that someone is there to watch over you."


"I can take of myself just fine. Regardless, now that I have them, you should get off my case, right?" I said, picking up the cup with my right hand.


"Indeed, unless Big Brother Li is up to something." He filled his own cup.


"I don't have time for that stuff anymore, need to teach two disciples now." Shaking my head I took a sip of the wine, the warm and fiery taste spread across my mouth.


It felt hot in the back of my throat as the wine went down to my stomach. Soon the same warmth spread across my body reaching even my fingertips.


"Does the wine suit your taste, Big Brother?" He asked.


"It does." My hands felt a lot warmer now.


With the celebratory toast out of the way, it was time for the real subject. The Talk meant having a real talk, but over drinks.


Though in reality, it was my way of an apology for always skipping Big Sect events every time. Aside from me being labeled as a recluse in the sect, it didn't cause much stir.


"About the attack on the caravan. They happened with other sects on the same day." He brought out the topic on queue.


"How many sects in total?"


"Five, with us and Frozen Flower Holyland being the major ones."


"The Purple Cloud Sect will be under a lot of fire for this." I said.


"As expected, it didn't surprise you." The reason was that this happened in the future. But, this wouldn't develop the same way as that time.


"Have we sent someone yet?" He shook his head.


"Most Elders want to let the other sects go in first, Frozen Flower Holyland has already sent a warning it seems. The use of Four Stick poison on their recruits pushed them to the point of no return." Frozen Flower Holyland cared for their disciples on a different level, because every recruit of their is sure to become a disciple.


It happened just like last time, the moment Purple Cloud Sect failed to come up with any plausible explanation things would get out of hand.


"We have the evidence to support Purple Cloud Sect, send it over with a messenger to smooth it over." My words seemed to have surprised him. "There are already cracks, if we let this fester the entire balance on Eastern Continent will fall apart."


"I understand that… I just didn't expect you to support it openly." He said refilling the cups. "The Yin Dandelion and now Four Sticks Poison, if that wasn't enough the Disciple tokens found by Primordial Spear Sect and ours are more than enough to push them against a cliff. If it weren't for the Three-mouthed Centipede found in the bodies, even I wouldn't believe the Purple Cloud sect right now."


"It is in our interest that we do. Although the sects keep each other in check, if one of them gets pushed too far they'll bite back. Everyone will be roped in eventually. Let that happen and we'd fall right into the hole the Demonic Sect had dug." That is why helping them was the better option, it'll help us avoid future conflict and also come out with a profit.


"Send in Long Lingxin Fei as a messenger. If they have half the shame they used to, we could look forward to generous compensation." He thought for a bit before nodding.


"Someone like her would do well keeping things under control. So, about Big Brother's name, should I deal with it as usual?"


"You can add it this time. The news should be all over the sect by now." He confirmed my guess with a nod. Good thing the newer recruits are talkative. "Just make sure to send the message that the discovery was a coincidental one."


I had other plans and if my name becomes too prominent in the case, it'll hinder the rest of the stage set up for Bian Que. This attack on sects was nothing more than a smoke screen, but it could very well spiral out of control with the amount of planning and evidence that they planted. If it wasn't for my future knowledge things would've gone the same way, Purple Cloud Sect would've been incriminated.


The entire thing would've later resulted in a war between them and the Frozen Flower Holyland. In the end, even Azure Sky Sect was involved because realistically we were the ones who lost the most. With evidence against them, Purple Cloud Sect once again had no way out.


It went exactly as the Demonic Sect's Brain planned it. However, this time he had a player on the other side of the board. So, it won't go the same way.


"You seem to be mulling over something again, Big Brother Li." He said, breaking the long silence.


"I am just planning on how to teach the two disciples. After all, both of them are quite different." Xianquan agreed while pouring me another cup of wine.


"That's what I'd expect. However, there is one thing that weighs on my mind… Why didn't you take that girl as your disciple too?" So, he asked about it after all.


"Aren't you interested in Wu Kexin?" He finally asked it.

 

[Overload69]

Wu Kexin was a name I heard of often from Wang Yang. He couldn't stop talking about her even two hundred years later. Their births happened on the same day, and they have been together since then. In his own words, Kexin was like his real Big sister even without a blood relation.

The reason he crawled to the sect from the ditch and cultivated under me was to find her. But, we never got anything about her whereabouts till the end. So, if asked about Wu Kexin, she was very dear to my disciple. As an extension, she was important to me too.

"Are you interested in her?" I asked.

Xianquan showed me a wry smile at the question. "None of us can ignore it. After all, it is just like yours. Her spiritual root."

A sigh escaped my lips. Solitary Plum Tree. It used to be my Spiritual Root. The good thing was that there have been several cases where different people have the same Spiritual Roots. The lower the Grade, the more common it became.

However, I have never heard of someone else with this Spiritual Root till now. Anywhere else this root wouldn't draw this much attention.

"Spiritual Roots are a reflection of a cultivator's soul. And we have grown up seeing a person with the same roots as that. That's why I just wanted to as-"

"If you want to take her in as a disciple, don't do it now." I said.

Xianquan looked stunned that I cut him off, but soon smiled.

"Looks like Big Brother is up to something."

"The board was set by someone else. I am merely waiting for the Soldier to move." I said drinking the wine.

"Is there anything I can help with?"

"Just do the things we talked about. There are many things for you all to do, so you can leave this to me." If any more variables were added, things would become more complicated than they should be.

Xianquan stayed silent for a bit before shaking his head.

"Well, we might have to give up on the disciple after all."

"Why? I said you all can try after things are dealt with." I said.

"We can try of course, but against Big Brother, none of us will succeed. This is a Female Disciple after all. I think even Peak Master Zhao wouldn't be enough." He shook his head in dismay.

"……What's that supposed to mean?" The question only got laughter out of him.

Even after finishing the whole pot of strong spirit wine, the answer didn't come out. He must've been doing his usual mischief with me for hiding things from him. So, letting it go made more sense.

"Keep an eye on Purple Cloud Sect's situation, especially that mad woman." I said.

"No worries, I will contact Big Brother when new information arrives." He smiled.

"Good. Take a rest for today. If I find some new wine I'll bring it over." I said.

"That's a promise then." His mood brightened up a lot. Maybe it wouldn't be bad to share a drink every few months like before.

The flying sword appeared and took me on the path home. All the things I came here to do were done. Under the night sky with thousands of glittering stars, I had to think of ways to train my disciples. Though I didn't have to worry as rather than a lack of, there was an abundance of ways I could go about it. But, I have to choose the best path. For them, and myself.

With the ideas circling my head, I arrived at Plum Peak. Landing in the courtyard of the residence, I found Sun Lingling sitting in the garden meditating under the moonlight with the sword in hand.

"Greetings Master." She got up to do the martial salute.

"About cultivation…" Sun Lingling tried to bring the matter up.

"I'll talk about it after dinner." It would have to wait a little. Unexpectedly she listened well and followed me without a word. Stepping through the veranda we entered the hallways, the reason?

"Hel- Greetings Master." Wang Yang seemed to have lost his way in the hallways. This place was rather complex for its own good. But, he'll get used to it again. The real problem was dinner.

Drinking with Xianquan made the time pass by quickly. Although a bit late for dinner, they had skipped the afternoon meal too. The two weren't at a level where they could live off Qi and Dew. Even I had to consume food occasionally to maintain a balance of nutrients. Good thing was, I always had food ready to eat.

"If you need nutrient pills or food, you can come here. Eat as much as you want to." I said, showing them the golden array on the kitchen table.

Waving a hand over from right to left brought a plate of sizzling pork ribs on a hot plate, another wave from left to right made it disappear back into the storage array where the dish would remain fresh for days to come. Wang Yang tried it once, and twice with a sense of awe. But, this was but a small part of Cultivation.

The dinner was quick for Wang Yang who ate at a rapid pace like always. It was even quicker for Sun Lingling who ate one nutrient pill. Although I did want her to eat, the pill would do the same thing, and she seemed to prefer that over solid food like most cultivators.

"Follow me." Guiding them through the hallways with many turns we reached a fairly simple room.

Here they sat down on the cushions placed on the wooden floor. Under the bright light from the ceiling, they faced me with eagerness to learn, at least one of them. So, I planned to start with the basics.

"Cultivation is a process through which a mortal gains godlike powers and an ever-increasing lifespan. Breaking free of the limits cast on the humans by the heavens. I am sure you have heard this already. I can go on for hours about the history of cultivation and the anecdotes of the Ancestors. But, both of you won't focus on it halfway through. Rather than learning the whys and whens, I'll tell you what the ancestors had unveiled about Cultivation throughout the thousands of years and how that benefits you." The two in front didn't show it, but they weren't interested in learning history.

Sun Lingling wanted to get stronger, while Wang Yang had previously dozed off multiple times when he had to learn history. So, the only good way to teach was to get in the thick of it.

"Now, let me start with the central idea of Cultivation. There are ten known realms, Qi gathering, Foundation Building, Golden Core Formation, Nascent Soul, Deity Transformation, Void Tempering, Form Synthesis, Grand Ascension, Tribulation Transcendence, and finally Saint realm. Each has their own sub-realms." Sun Lingling raised her hand.

"Known Realms? Aren't they the only ones?" Her question was valid, most sects would teach it like that.

"Cultivation is all about reaching new heights. There was a time when Void Tempering was considered the peak of cultivation. Not only could one use all five elements, but they could also cut open space and travel a thousand miles in a single leap. Yet, in the golden age, it became a midpoint in the journey of cultivation, nothing more than that. So, the possibility of surpassing the Saint Realm and reaching a higher realm is always possible. Several scriptures from the Golden Age talk about a possible higher realm, especially the ones written by the Benevolent Lin Fan." It wasn't a mere assumption on ancient writing. Several people did reach that realm in the future. One of them sat right in front of me, showing his awe at the information.

"I understand." The mention of this also enticed Sun Lingling.

"So, now that you know the realms, let's talk about the way to progress through them. It isn't about sitting in one place and absorbing Qi till you break through. That is just a part of it. The other part is understanding your Spiritual Root, the Cultivation Method, and the path you have taken. The Qi you take in is used to temper your body, and the understanding will help sharpen your mind while also teaching you how to use your powers to their highest potential." Several factors came into play to decide whether one could progress or not. But, the problems that most common cultivators face, wouldn't be a problem for these two.

"What is a Path?" Wang Yang raised the question. This should be the first time he has heard of it.

"In easiest terms, a path is to a cultivator what a job is to a person. Many people have different jobs, lumberjacks, farmers, carpenters, doctors, scholars, poets, writers, cooks, merchants, and much more. Just like they have to select a job and learn from the bottom, cultivators too have to pick a path and start their journey." This was the explanation I used to teach him in my previous life, and it worked this time as well.

"But, how do you know which path to pick?" Wang Yang asked.

This looked like a daunting task for a fledgling, and indeed it was. Just like for the mortals, the fear of picking the wrong path was a fear that plagued even cultivators. However, one had to move forward, as that was better than staying still. To make the process easier, a few methods existed.

"The Myriad Paths in the world fall under Four Main categories, also known as the Four Cardinal Directions of Cultivation. Alchemy, Formations, Creation, and Martial Arts. New cultivators try out the classes set for each of them based on the elements of their spiritual roots. Fire or Wood for Alchemy, Fire or Metal for Creation, and any element works for Martial Arts and Formations. As they learn about each direction from the start, their path becomes clear to them as their talents shine, lighting the way for them. They then choose that path and continue." When I finished, Sun Lingling had picked up the problematic part.

"What if the rapid growth they had was only at the start?" Thankfully with the mistakes of many ancestors, remedies had come into existence.

"To avoid those mistakes every disciple in Azure Sky Sect is expected to follow the classes for the Four Cardinal Directions of Cultivation for four years, the sect helps with the material cost so it is free for the disciples. This gives them time to understand their strengths and choose with absolute certainty. The Elders and Instructors in place also use their experience and keen eye to make sure everything is going well." Even the late-blooming disciples usually find their correct paths in less than two years and focus on that moving forward.

"Is Master going to teach us like that?" Sun Lingling's eyes focused on me.

"I do not plan to." I shook my head. "Unlike the four-year plan. I want you two to learn about each Cardinal Direction of Cultivation till your talents in the respective fields have been realized."

Unlike the normal disciples, they will continue to learn the other directions while cultivating their true Path.

"Wouldn't that take too much of our attention?" Her dry voice gained a bit of resistance. Understandably so. If someone heard that this was how I planned to teach a genius like Sun Lingling, they'd call me crazy. Why would someone born to wield a sword focus on alchemy and formations?

"It will take a little bit of your focus away, but with your talents, it wouldn't affect your speed. The important thing is the benefit it brings you. When you go out, your opponents won't be strictly from the paths you practice. Formation Masters and Poison Masters are the ones that slaughter a big number of Weapon Path cultivators every year." Her face blanked for a moment.

This form of cultivation wasn't mainstream even in the future. As Sun Lingling said, it was time-consuming and only people with high-ranked Spiritual Roots could use that much of their time on other paths. But, even they won't do that to the degree I want these two to do.

Even with a lot of objections from Elders about the cost and time, we established the four-year system. Most Sects only did it for a year or two, some even stopping the moment the disciple arrived at his path. But, this was the way I learned and taught. That is why, I'll follow the way that brought about great results.

"Facing Masters with basic knowledge is like comparing a breeze to a whirlwind, you'd be swallowed up. That is why I want you two to learn as much as you can about each Direction. Absorb everything you can. This knowledge will one day save your life. That I guarantee you, because it saved mine many times." I said, as seriously as I could.

"We will!" Thankfully the two didn't show much resistance.

"Good. There is a small library in the residence, all the books you'd need would be there. But, before that, we have to do other things." With that, I gave them two storage rings. "These have your uniforms, emergency pills, some basic weapons for training, and your allowance of spirit stones."

Sun Lingling took the white jade ring and wore it on her left pinky. A wisp of pale blue Qi seeped into the ring, the faint golden pattern on it shined to show the connection. Wang Yang on the other hand looked confused. Unlike her, he still had no control over Qi.

"Place it against your forehead and focus your mind on it." Following my instructions, he was able to connect with the Ring in no time.

"There are a lot of spirit stones inside… Is that for a year?" He must've felt confused.

"You'll get a thousand every month." They'll need at least that much.

"…That's a lot." For the moment yes, but they had to be rewarded for following my way of Cultivation.

"You can use them or save them for future purchases. The rings can hold up to 200 kg." I said. "If you run out of anything or space, you can let me know through the disciple tokens. They double as transmission tokens."

Before regression, Wang Yang only asked for additional rings from the token. Nothing more. Sun Lingling did not react to this aside from a thankful bow. What I have given her is double what Zhao Jun must've offered.

After showing Sun Lingling to her room in the eastern wing. We went to the room prepared for Wang Yang. It was a simple room with good lighting. Comfortable bed to sleep on, a closet to keep the uniforms and clothes, a chest to store anything he wanted, and a desk to study with a bookshelf on the side. The open window brought in the fresh air as the array regulated the temperature. Sun Lingling had a similar room. As Wang Yang entered his room, I followed him much to his confusion.

"I need to ask you a few questions." It was time to talk about Ning Fan.

 

[Overload69]

As Wang Yang entered his room, I followed him in. His face showed how puzzled he was.

"I need to ask you a few questions." Wang Yang's face didn't change at all.

"Is it about Elder Ning?" He guessed it right.

"Yes. Did he add something like a verbal agreement or a contract of sorts to stop you from speaking?" If he had done that, I'd have to work my way around it.

"Nothing like that. He came in and asked me to be his disciple." He paused for a bit before continuing. "He was also asking about this seal on my forehead. Seemed very interested in it. When I said that I didn't know much about it, he handed me the token and said it was a gift."

"Was that it?" Wang Yang affirmed with a nod.

"I see. Be sure to get enough rest." As the door closed the smile on my face vanished.

A question about the Sun Seal and the token to track his position. Did Ning Fan mistake it for the symbol of the Sun Cult? Or does he know about Wang Yang's condition and wants to keep an eye on him? The second was unlikely, not even Wang Yang knew of it himself, and someone on Ning Fan's level can't probe into that secret at this moment.

If people knew of Wang Yang's real spiritual root, it would've been impossible to have him as my disciple. Let alone with Sun Lingling who was another high-level talent. They only let it pass because Sun Lingling requested to be my disciple. While Wang Yang's talent was good on paper. But, very few Elders could make the most of it with their methods.

I knew Gu Fei wanted to start something the moment she approached me. But, with Xianquan and Three Peak Masters behind me, it shouldn't develop further. Sending Long Lingxin to Purple Cloud Sect in place of her, I have also cut off her path of influencing things for her profit this time.

But, one thing was for certain, Ning Fan wanted something from Wang Yang and he wanted me to know it. Otherwise, he wouldn't have waited for me at the door. Does he have the information or not? That is the crux of the problem.

If he doesn't, approaching him would be like walking into the net he set up. For now, I had to draw Ning Fan's attention somewhere else. For that reason, Kexin had to stay in the Outer Sect as I set things up.

Hopefully, that snake has enough patience this time around.

Entering my bedroom, I crashed on the bed. After a long sigh into the pillow, I turned around to look at the white ceiling. Living here again. It felt great. If I couldn't keep my emotions in check, shedding tears would be normal as embarrassing as that was.

After all, most of my life's fondest memories were made in this residence. The sect that I care for so much started here with only five disciples, and the only disciple I had also lived here with me till it was destroyed.

I still think that it is massive for one person to live in, they should've let me move into some other peak as an Elder. But, my younger brother and sisters, even my Master, they all wanted me to live here.

A lot of rooms here had their uses, but a dozen of them remained unused. Now, this residence didn't feel as empty.

"Right now, there is one more person here unlike the future, but that isn't bad either." Sitting up on the bed I crossed my legs and took a deep breath through my nose.

The beauty sleep and sentiments would have to wait for another day. There was much left to do. In a way, things haven't even started. With the initial goals met, it was finally time to check up on my body's condition.

"Hm… I can still see my hand. Even when I shake it in front of my eyes, it doesn't cause any dizziness." After having Fire Lily Wine with Xianquan, no signs of the Spirit wine affecting me appeared.

In the future, I had ten cups of this wine with Wang Yang, and the two of us woke up the next day on the veranda. Confused and terrified with a splitting headache.

I wasn't able to resist the alcohol even at the Peak of Nascent Soul Realm. Yet, today I was able to drink more than five cups without feeling faint. The moment I could withstand its scent, the thought of testing the theory came. So, I drank.

Xianquan wouldn't suspect me for this. Solitary Plum Tree did give me an enhanced resistance to Alcohol and Poison. But, I didn't have that anymore, nor did I have any item to take away the wine's effects. Thus, the only thing that could bring this about was the new Spiritual Root.

The Black Lotus had an impressive ability to reel in all Qi from anything it touched. Fire Lily wine had a lot of Qi. So, it made sense that it absorbed it the moment the wine entered my body. If I hadn't protected myself from Yin Dandelion Poison with a Formation, then I would've known this sooner. Regardless, there were still many questions remaining.

What were the limits? What else could it work on? What conditions needed to align? What is the Range? But, before any of that, I needed to know The Spiritual Roots Grade and Rank. That became the biggest obstacle right now.

The check on the device always leaves behind a record. Spiritual Roots don't change overnight either. Knowing those four, they might turn the place upside down thinking I have been possessed or something.

Paying for a personal one wouldn't be an issue, but questions will come if I take it from Chen Zhipeng. The effort and time that took to create a high-quality Spiritual Root tester was substantial. The price tag wasn't an issue for me though. Everything else was.

The only way was to work around it, but that'll need to wait a week.

Still, in the afterglow of the fiery wine that coursed through my body, I took some deep breaths to circulate the leftover Qi in my meridians without any issues. The usual shivering and cold burns were nowhere to be felt.

I don't feel as cold as before either. With closed eyes the flow of energy in my body became clear.

The Black Lotus absorbed the excess Yin Qi that plagued my meridians through the Mind Realm Gate above the Dantian. Normally, the mirror on the wall absorbed it upon contact.

The imbalance between the Yin and Yang Qi of the body always leads to serious problems unless special conditions are met. In my case, they didn't. The strong Yin Qi in my body made me weaker than average, the cold hands and feet came as a bonus. Along with a sense of lethargy that followed me like a shadow my entire life. It hindered my speed of cultivation to a degree too. But, since I received this ice artifact as a gift, it became better.

However, now that disadvantage has vanished completely. Another gift from my disciple in a way. And I had a way to repay him for that now.

With the wealth of knowledge in my head, there were tens if not hundreds of Cultivation Methods for the two disciples. But, with the future in mind, I had to narrow it down to the best ones.

Opening the chest next to my bed, the scrap and useless books were pushed out of the way to take out the real notes hidden below. The list was prepared yesterday, but I did not choose one as things have changed because of me. Now, Cultivation Methods need to be chosen based on their Spiritual Roots, they should also complement their nature, paths, degree of knowledge, and current abilities. I mercilessly crossed out names until only two methods remained on the list. After noting them in different empty books, I dug into my memory and wrote down the Cultivation Methods.

The Symphony of Five Elements (Heaven Grade High Rank) I found this one a hundred years in the future in a Grotto heaven of the Heavenly Tao Mountain range. Right now, it was the perfect fit for Wang Yang.

Echoes of the Sword Valley (Divine Grade Low Rank) Jade Sword's Sect Master gave this to me before regression. An incomplete Cultivation Method with only four chapters, made by the genius Sun Lingling herself.

There wasn't a better Method for her aside from this as much as I could understand. There wasn't a need for any other techniques for them at the current level. Most of what they need is in the Cultivation methods.

Sitting there to meditate I consolidated my future knowledge further. Imprinting it in my brain with a memory-enhancing technique for good measure.

Not even a single shred of this information would go to waste.

***

The sun came up on the horizon, the brilliant sun rays passing through the light fog with ease to reach the garden.

With the chirps of birds that left their nests, before me stood my two Disciples. Their pure white robes fluttered in the morning breeze, the disciple tokens on their waists stuck out with their name and the Peak's symbol on the back. They were about the same height with their long hair tied on their back. However, one looked eager while the other had her usual dry expression.

"We are ready to learn, Master." They said.

"You have to memorize the first chapter of these. We will start after that." With the Cultivation Methods in their hands, the two started to read through them without questions.

Sun Lingling's brow wiggled when her eyes glanced over the rank of the book. Yet, she didn't linger on it for long. Her cultivation method was two hundred and fifty pages; the first chapter that corresponded with Qi gathering Realm was thirty pages long. Her eyes scanned over the pages at breakneck speed till her fingers turned the last page.

"I am done, Master." In a single read, she memorized the entire chapter. Wang Yang had only turned a handful of pages till now. This was a difference in comprehension talent.

"Very well, follow me. You can continue the memorization, Xiao Yang." I said, leading her into the residence.

With a high Spiritual root came befitting benefits, increased understanding and memorization was one of them. So, I prepared things for Sun Lingling using the time last night. This time we didn't have to walk for long. The room was close to the garden and my cultivation room.

The heavy wooden door opened as we stood in front of it. A simple room with bright lights and silk cushion in the middle. But, a hundred iron swords hung off the walls. Creating a daunting sight with a rich scent of old, rustic iron.

"This is where you will cultivate for now." I said. This was only an imitation with low-level formations and weapons, within a week I plan to have the real resonance room built for her.

"Who used these swords?" She looked at the marks on the reddened handles and the chipped blades. Her eyes narrowed down to see the essence of it.

"I practiced with them when I was in the Qi Gathering realm. With your Spiritual Root, if you hold them and cultivate like you did with that sword on your hip. It'll provide you a lot of insight into the minor realms of Qi Gathering Realm." Her eyes widened for the first time.

"It wasn't hard to deduce that with your Spiritual Root. A sword user pours their soul into their blade when they fight. Wisps of insights from practice also live in the sword. Others can only feel a fraction of it even when they master the sword. But, you were able to learn Sword Qi through that resonance, it is impossible for anyone else." Sun Lingling was a genius of such caliber, the sword she carried belonged to a strong cultivator and she interpreted those insights at the first stage of Cultivation. Then without a Cultivation Method or Master, she took her first step into the realm of Sword Masters.

"Your path is the Sword. The way to train is also straightforward. I'll bring you some more swords of the people of similar level as you from the Tiger Peak later. Given some time I can also dig around and get some training swords from the other Peak Masters. But, for now, you will have to work with these." I said.

"I'll be sure to not waste your efforts, Master." With a sword from the wall in her hands, she sat down on the cushion and started her meditation.

This residence was built upon a giant Qi gathering array that spanned throughout the Peak, even reaching deep into the Qi veins to bring about an optimal density of Qi for seamless cultivation. The output of this gathered Qi was usually set to my cultivation room, but a few tweaks later it also had an opening in this room.

With the density of Qi increasing in the air, she followed the cultivation method and took a deep breath counting to ten. Then holding her breath for five seconds, she allowed her lung Meridian to absorb the Qi before exhaling the normal air.

The higher the spiritual root the stronger the person's absorption, the air she exhaled only had a wisp of Qi left now. The gathered Qi flowed through her meridians like a small stream, following the pattern described by the Cultivation Method before entering her Dantain.

Soon, the Qi from her meridian used the pathways to her hands to reach the sword in her hand. A mellow hum came from the sword, showcasing their connection. Beads of sweat formed on her porcelain-like skin, but her focus remained steadfast, and soon her breathing smoothened again.

The natural talent for cultivation bloomed forth. The surrounding Qi moved into her body through the nose in waves, assimilating into her Dantian at a terrifying pace. Without a sound, I shut the doors and walked to the garden.

The Cultivation Method fitted her like a glove. The swords with my insights should help her in cultivation. And with the array, she should have enough Qi to continue even if she doesn't rest for a week. It was time to shift my focus on the first-time cultivator.

Seated on the veranda, Wang Yang read through the first chapter. His eyes squinted as he muttered the words on the page, trying to memorize them.

It is time for you to soar high again.

______________________________________________________

Hello. If you are enjoying the novel consider checking Patreon for extra chapters. If there are some mistakes or errors that you spot, do let me know.

The updates will be M/W/F each week at 9 P.M. IST

That is all.

 

[Overload69]

Jul 6, 2024 at 4:30 AM
Seated on the veranda, Wang Yang read through the first chapter. His eyes squinted as he muttered the words on the page, trying to memorize them.


"It is confusing, isn't it?" My sudden question startled Wang Yang. But, he regained his cool soon. Maybe I should make some intentional noise while walking around him.


"Very confusing." He said.


For a first-timer, these terms and lines would become confusing, and the methods also had a more flowery language than normal. But, even that roundabout way of describing the process of cultivation had its perks. It invokes the person's imagination and has them interpret things, in turn increasing their comprehension abilities. But, there were more things for Wang Yang to worry about.


"Are you stuck in the meridians part?" He nodded so I continued. "Taiyin (Lung), Shaoyin (Heart), Jueyin (Pericardium), Shaoyang (Three Burners), Taiyang (Small intestine), Yangming (Large Intestine), Taiyin (Spleen), Shaoyin (Kidney), Jueyin (Liver), Shaoyang (Gallbladder), Taiyang (Bladder), Yangming (Stomach), the first half connect to your hands, while the later connect to your feet. These twelve Meridians are gateways for the Qi to move inside your body and reach the Dantian, where you accumulate it. Since you have a spiritual root, your innate Qi is already gathered at the Meridians, all you have to do is connect them with the help of natural Qi. The moment the first wisp of Qi enters the Dantian, you would officially take your first step into cultivation, entering the first stage of Qi Gathering Realm."


"I understand…" It took him a few minutes to process the words and memorize the sequence that started in Taiyin (Lung) and ended in Shaoyang (Three Burners).


Every cultivation method had a different sequence to match the cultivators of its types. It was a tedious process at the start. But, once mastered, one could cultivate even without meditation. According to the legends at least. And even if I did simplify things, Wang Yang would achieve that once again.


"It says that I have to breathe Qi from the air, but don't we breathe from the start? Is there something special about this method?" It seems he had reached the last part of the chapter.


"The difference between this and normal breathing would be two things. First, the breathing pattern stated in the method helps the cultivator focus and enter a deep state of meditation where they can sense the energy of the world, and move it at will. Second, you have to be in a place with an abundance of Qi. Normally it is spread out. But, in nature, this energy flows and gathers, making an intricate network like rivers and lakes. The spots where QI gathers are the best areas for a cultivator to practice because with an abundance the chances of success go up, thus they are hard to find. And without a Cultivation Method, your chances of succeeding would be one in a million." Sects were founded at such places. However, things weren't always that straightforward. Special Spiritual Roots and Cultivation Method required special conditions.


"Although the Qi density here is proper, this place isn't suitable for you to cultivate." Wang Yang needed such preparation the most because of his Spiritual Root.


His questioning gaze landed on me. This wasn't taught this early on, but I had to go all in from the start in his case.


"Usually cultivators only have one or two dominant elements, while the others are much weaker. At the start, they focus on one to strengthen it to the peak of their realm and then work on other elements. So, after knowing their Spiritual Root and choosing the suitable Cultivation Method, the next step is to find an area with the corresponding element of yours to make cultivation easier. Unlike normal Spiritual Roots, yours gives you the perfect balance of elements from the start. On this peak, Wood and Earth elements are available in generous quantities, unlike the others. So, the imbalance will be a hindrance, especially when your cultivation method needs all five elements to be present in your surroundings. But, worry not, I have a suitable place in mind." Such places were rare even in nature and under the control of powerful sects, but there was a way to create said environments through preparations.


"Are we going there now?" His eyes brightened.


"After you finish memorizing." I smiled as his enthusiasm deflated. "I'll be right here, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask me again."


With a nod, he read the first chapter with much more determination and enthusiasm. Wang Yang had more interest in moving than studying. But, in cultivation, one needed both martial and comprehension talents to succeed. If you couldn't understand the method and ended up cultivating the wrong way, moving up realms would become a hundred times harder. Even if you somehow pushed through, an unstable foundation would fail to support the Cultivator at higher realms, bringing their progress to a halt.


I have to get him into reading again. With that thought, the wait passed by. It took Wang Yang an hour to memorize the first chapter of the Cultivation Method, which was fifty pages long. But, we were done much faster than last time.


As promised, we left the Peak on the Flying Sword. He couldn't help but look at the distant peaks where disciples climbed up the long stairs to reach their destinations. Thankfully, he still remembered the main point.


"Where are we going?"


"The Osmanthus Peak." I said.


Flying over the forest and lakes that filled the distance between peaks. It took only a few minutes to reach Osmanthus Peak. Unlike my own peak, a dense fog hid this Peak from the eyes. A fog so dense that seeing your hand would be impossible, even if you pressed it against your face. The token on my waist flashed green when we entered the fog, and soon it all dispersed.


"What was that?" Wang Yang looked back to notice the absence of any fog. Only the sky dotted with clouds came into view.


"Misty Abode, A Heaven Grade Formation laid down by the Grand Elder. This place makes the most in terms of money for the sect, not anyone can fly in from above." Osmanthus Peak was the place where all things alchemy gathered in the Sect. In the world of cultivation Alchemy was synonymous with profit.


This Peak was famous across the lands, attracting disciples and buyers from every corner. It had serene waterfalls, forests and farms, and dozens of rising pagodas for alchemy, or to accommodate guests who came from afar. It could've been the face of the Sect.


It wasn't, because this peak was home to the Laziest cultivator in Azure Sky Sect.


Ignoring the hubbub on the ground, I reached the Green pavilion atop the Peak and entered the seventh room of the fourth floor through the window. A thick scent of wood and char roamed the air. The marble floor littered with books and expensive herbs. In the middle, a thick colour-changing liquid continued to boil away with a dark blue fire lit beneath it.


"Nyam Nyam, don't lun away my wine pot, I promish to nyot drink you at onesh…" A few steps from it was Liu Zhi. Wasted in her alchemy room. If that wasn't bad enough, she rubbed her face on the thighs of her female disciple. It was the usual mess.


"S-Second Peak Master… please help…" The poor Meng Yun had to deal with this on a day-to-day basis. How she hasn't left is beyond me. And there wasn't a need to move, the mention should be enough.


"…Senior Brother Li, what brings you here?" Liu Zhi turned to me, her face flat, still on the thighs of her disciple.


"Don't think you are in the clear just because you act like nothing's wrong." I said.


"C'mon, there was so much work, so I thought of taking a break before."


"A break before you even start?" My brow raised


"I was just… gathering energy, yeah I swear." Liu Zhi avoided my eyes.


Meng Yun shared a long sigh with me. We both knew she wouldn't work even after. But, reprimanding her wasn't the reason I came here.


"I'll use the Five Elements Chamber for my disciple's training."


"No can do. I have to use that place to make these special orders that came from the Tao Sect bastards again." She said before I left.


"I only need the chamber for a week." It shouldn't get in her way.


"The deadline is tomorrow." Liu Zhi scratched her cheek.


"…We already extended it twice." Meng Yun looked ready to cry.


"Liu Zhi, make the pills after the sun sets." My voice turned stern. With her speed, it wouldn't take long, but the problem was the person herself.


"I cannot do that. The night is for drinking with the moon. Everything has a time and place, isn't that your favorite phrase, Senior Brother Li?"


"Have you ever done anything on time in your life?"


"Drinking." Liu Zhi grinned.


Saw this coming a mile away. Right now, she needed something in return to make a compromise. And the thing she wanted the most was in my grasp.


"If you let me use the Five Element Chamber and complete your orders for two months along with the ones currently pending, I'll give you the recipe for Fire Lily Wine." Those words were enough to make her stand up.


"Big Brother Li, you aren't joking with me, right?" Even her tone gained weight at the mention of wine.


Fire Lily Wine wasn't made to sell. It was only produced by the Flaming Lion Sect of the Western Continent for ceremonies and important gifts. The reason I have this recipe is because Liu Zhi once got her hands on this wine in the future through Li Xianquan. After a single pot, she was able to remake the wine by herself. So, in reality, there wasn't a loss for me.


"Have I ever joked with you?" A piece of paper appeared in my hand. It was like a red cloth in front of the bull, and this bull charged without hesitation. Like a violent gust of wind, she passed by me. Ruffling my robes, even my hair tie came loose as I protect Wang Yang from the impact. The paper in my hands was gone.


"Too careless Big Brother. Tis mine now!" She laughed while unfolding the paper, and soon her laughter died down. "……Curses."


"You really know how to spoil the mood, Big Brother." Liu Zhi showed me the paper, her face twisting as if she had eaten a purple ginseng.


Complete the terms first, or I'll tell Xianquan to lock your wine collection with the Formation. Then you'll have to do everything without a reward, plus a limit of one bottle a day for three years.


Those words were like a death sentence to her. Times like these make me regret letting her have a drink with me.


"Deal?" No use crying over spilled milk now.


"What choice do I have?" She said burning the paper slip. "I'll get it all done by the end of this week. Brother can use the Chamber as much as needed, I only need it for an hour after night falls."


Her face fell, but these were just attempts to get some pity. Won't fall into the same pitfall twice.


"That's great, isn't it Meng Yun?" Tying my hair with the purple silk ribbon I saw the green-haired woman nod, tears rolling down her reddened face.


"S-Second Peak Master please come by often." I really pity this kid for going through this all the time. If she didn't have such a one-sided talent for alchemy, I may have taken her as a disciple long ago.


"Oho! What is this Xiao Yun? You trying to hit on my brother? You are better off giving up. You know that he is af-"


"If you keep wasting time I won't give you the recipe." I cut her off before she wasted more time.


"Tch, I get it, tch. Go away." Liu Zhi clicked her tongue twice as if driving away bad luck.


"Let's go, Xiao Yang." This kid had stayed silent throughout. There was no blaming him as the conversation did steer all over the place, not that it could be helped. Liu Zhi had always marched to the beat of her own drum after all. Only Master had some semblance of grasp on her.


As the door to the chamber closed behind us, we found the stairs on the right and descended two floors. The main pavilion was mostly empty. Only Elders and Personal Disciples came by here a few times a day.


Without any interruption, before us was the Five Element Chamber. The metal door marked with the five-element symbols looked sturdy and tall as if built for a giant. When I touched the door with the token, the double door parted and the room inside lit up.


A golden cauldron inscribed with five dragons wrapping around it sat in the middle. It was wide enough to fit a healthy horse, carefully laid upon a connection of five intricate formations. These formations covered the dark green walls and high ceilings. The door closed behind us. Without any windows, the only source of light was the Luminous stones embedded in the ceiling. On the northern wall, there were ten slots to fit spirit stones.


The moment the spirit stones were in place, a loud thump passed through the room like a beating heart. Lines all around lit up. Drowning the room in flashes of red, blue, green, brown, and silver. Then it merged and formed a luminous white. Wang Yang followed the lines and looked on in marvel. White light pulsed through the entire room. The energies of five elements gathered, forming a faint mist along the floor.


With a simple wave, the golden cauldron sunk into the floor, and a purple velvet cushion replaced it. "It is time to take your first step." I said.


He took the seat on the floor, his face filled with expectation. The thought of becoming a cultivator as soon as they sit down is something everyone has. But, only a few people in history have achieved that feat. Even Wang Yang failed to do that the first time, so this time it shouldn't be that different.


"Master… I think... I got it?"


At least, that is what should've been.

 

[Overload69]

Jul 8, 2024 at 4:30 PM

Master, it has been a week since I started. Why can I not enter the 1st stage of Qi Refining?


It is because your mind wants to search for power. Thus, you are subconsciously absorbing more of Fire Qi, creating an imbalance of Elements in your body. That is the crux of the problem.


But, I need power… that way I'll be able to…


I am not saying that seeking power is bad. But, when cultivating there is one thing more important than seeking strength, and that is a stable mind.


The conversation I had with Wang Yang when he started cultivation came to mind. He had troubles for two weeks before he finally entered the first stage Qi Gathering Realm. The reason was the missing Wu Kexin. However, this time that girl was safe and sound in the sect.


He didn't have to worry, so his mind remained stable. Following the Cultivation Method, it became easier for him to guide the perfect amount of Qi from each element to his Dantian. Of course, this wasn't an easy feat. People who had two or three dominant elements struggled to start their journey because getting the right amount of Qi for each element had its difficulties, especially if they were opposing elements. Those who could start early were considered lucky ones. And the one thing Wang Yang had in abundance, was luck.


"Master, is something wrong?" The silence must've made him nervous.


"Nothing, I was checking your meridians. The Qi pathways are now fully connected. If you focus on your belly, you'll be able to feel the wisp of Qi in your Dantian. That Qi can now be moved through the pathways to your hands and feet." I said, pushing my thoughts aside.


He closed his eyes and zoned in. From the way he raised his eyebrow, he must've felt it.


"Master, was something like this always in me? That Dantian thing was bigger than a room." He opened his eyes, half in amazement and half bewildered.


"Dantian isn't a physical organ. Just like a spiritual root, this is also a part of your soul. So, it can be as small as a grain of sand, but also be vast like the sea." The size would change depending on how one imagined it, but filling it would require the same amount of Qi for everyone.


Wang Yang soon came out of his amazement and turned serious.


"So, what should I do now?"


"For today follow the Cultivation Method to take in Qi like now, your current goal is to reach the Peak of 1st Stage of Qi gathering within three weeks. That will happen when you fill 10% of your Dantian with absorbed Qi." With the unexpected turn of events, I'd have to prepare the materials for teaching him much sooner. "From tomorrow onwards you will learn about the paths from noon and cultivate from early morning."


"Alright, Master." He said, getting back to meditation.


Till he starts studying the paths his speed will be half what it should be. Even Wang Yang wasn't an exception to this rule. The good news was that it wouldn't take time to discover his paths. Unlike Sun Lingling, Wang Yang's paths were spread out in each direction. I had most of the basic books in the library, but some would need external effort to get. The list of things to do kept on increasing at a steady pace.


For now, I focused on Wang Yang to check on his breathing and absorption of Qi. Right now, about 80% of the Qi he took in couldn't enter his Dantian. Sometimes in between his mind seemed to wander as the pattern broke, causing him to restart. After four hours of meditation, Wang Yang couldn't re-enter his focused state. Still, a great result for the first day.


"Let's go back to the Peak." He followed after me. Spotting the closest window after leaving the chamber, we left for the Plum peak on the Flying Sword.


"Master, when will I get my flying sword?"


"When you enter the Fifth stage of the Foundation Establishment Stage," I said.


"Oh…" Dejected, he looked ahead as the Plum Peak came into view.


I could give him confidence by saying he'll make it to the Foundation Establishment realm in no time. But, that wouldn't benefit him. With Wu Kexin alive, Wang Yang needed a different sort of stimulant to grow. And a Flying Sword wasn't enough.


"Greetings, Master." The moment we landed in the garden, Sun Lingling stood up from the veranda and stepped forward.


"Have you finished with your cultivation for the day?" I asked.


"I planned to rest for an hour before returning to it." She said.


"Understandable. After all, sitting in one place all day long can be tedious at the start. So, how about some physical practice?" I said.


"That sounds fun." Wang Yang looked eager.


"I'll follow Master's teaching." While the other was following along.


"Follow me to the courtyard then."


In the middle of the three wings of the residence was a courtyard wide enough for forty people to train side by side. Training weapons were on the right side of the stone area with a few rooms containing extra supplies connected directly to the area.


"Pick up whichever you want." I said to Wang Yang as Sun Lingling picked up the longsword in a heartbeat.


Before him were many choices, Spears, Four section staffs, Halberds, Broadswords, Fans, Sickles, Chain Swords, and Daggers. However, he too picked up a longsword.


"Now, you two will have a practice match. The one who lands a strike on the opponent first or makes them drop their weapon, wins." Standing a little way from them, I turned to Sun Lingling. "Go easy on him, Start."


Wang Yang looked confused when Sun Lingling nodded. Her face remained without any expressions. With the wooden sword in her hand, she looked much more threatening than normal. Yet, she stood in her place, waiting for Wang Yang to move. Seeing that, he lunged forward. Bringing his sword along to slash at Sun Lingling. Although Wang Yang appeared to be carefree, he had practiced the art of swordplay to a good degree at his age. If only his opponent was a normal one.


When he swung, Wang Yang's hand passed by a few inches in front of Sun Lingling's high nose. With a dull thud, his sword fell on the stone ground ten meters behind him.


"Match ends, Victor Sun Lingling." I said. "As a prize, I'll award you with nine Heaven Grade Mid Rank Healing Pills."


"Thank you, Master." She took the jade bottle without a change in expression.


"Huh…?" Wang Yang looked at his hand and the sword on the floor.


Even when she held back on power, Sun Lingling's technique was nothing to scoff at. Without entering his eyesight her sword moved and struck the bottom of the handle, launching it out of Wang Yang's hand.


"You want to try again, Xiao Yang?" He already picked up the sword and looked ready.


From his eyes, it must've looked intriguing. This time he ran from the left side, her non-dominant side, but the sword still flew out of his hand. From the right next time, yet it ended the same.


In ten minutes, the two had twenty matches, all of which Wang Yang lost. It didn't matter which direction he came in from, the match ended with his sword falling to the ground. Sweat gathered on his brow from running around the arena, yet his opponent had yet to lift her foot from the starting position. Not to mention she received good rewards in the form of pills.


"Let's stop here for today. You two are free to do what you want." I said.


Sun Lingling bowed and left, heading to the cultivation room as she mentioned before. Wang Yang on the hand sat on the ground looking at his trembling hand. To anyone else, this would've been a tough blow. After all, everyone is a genius in their mind, till they meet the real one. The vast rift in talents creates fear and self-doubt.


"Master, will we do this daily?" However, Wang Yang never backed down from challenges.


"Yes, this will be a daily occurrence along with more physical practice. If you want, you can start it from today to get a Head Start." I didn't have to worry about his confidence after terribly losing to Sun Lingling.


That was how these two met in the future. The defeat simulated him to learn more, and Sun Lingling became the goal he wanted to reach. Because he understood that he had to be that strong to get what he wanted.


"Really? Then let's do it." He stood up with a big smile similar to mine.


"Then the first thing is to strike that dummy's head till it splits open." The dummy in question was on the right side. It only had a wooden body resembling a bald man.


"Just that?" This type of training was also done by normal people to learn how to strike vital points. However, this dummy wasn't normal.


"Yes, just that. Your time ends when the sun sets. If you fail, ten thousand sword swings before going to bed." I said, leaving a confused yet scared Wang Yang in the courtyard.


Now that both disciples were busy till evening, I could move on with the things on the list.


The first stop was Chrysanthemum Peak.


***


Chrysanthemum Peak was the peak with the least amount of people in the sect. If my peak wasn't counted. The twenty disciples and six elders who lived on this peak were handpicked by Chen Zhipeng. And most of them were just like him.


"Greetings, Second Peak Master. Running into you must be a sign from the Heavens." I met one of Chen Zhipeng's direct disciples on my way to the main pavilion at the top. Ye Hanjun.


"It must be. Someone has to tell you to cover up before Peach Peak disciples arrest you." He flew beside me on his flying sword. His face and bare torso covered in thick soot. The yellow robe that should've covered his body, was in tatters flipping wildly in the wind.


"I am sure they'll let me off I tell them what happened." He said. "You're curious, right? I'll tell you, what is there to hide between us? I was experimenting with this Black Power from the Mortal market when something went wrong and the explosion caused this. Good thing I wore the special uniform Master Chen and Peak Master Li were working on, or I would've lost an arm or two the first time."


"First time?" My brow raised high. Why did this guy never learn his lesson?


"Yes, I tried to redo the experiment a few times to delay the explosion, but it was always instant and uncontrollable. I had ten uniforms, but they are all gone now." Hanjun deflated for different reasons than he should've.


But, throwing water out of a sinking ship with wine cups would be much more effective than trying to talk sense into Chen Zhipeng's disciples.


"Get your Master to make the Heaven Grade Ocean Shield, it will help." That is how Hanjun's project became a success later on.


Even if single-minded and few in numbers, these people competed for first place with Osmanthus Peak for total money made in a year for the Sect. Not even one of them could be lost in some small experiment.


"I already asked. But, Master has been working on this thing for a month and refuses to do anything else. None of us even knew when he sneaked out for the event again." He said, the tiredness peeking out of his darkened face.


How could I say that what I am about to do may make things worse for them? It was better left unsaid.


"Master must be making something revolutionary again. I can't wait to see it!" He spoke in high spirits as the Main Pavilion came into view. "Then Peak Master Li, I'll go my way from here."


Hanjun's workshop was at the end of the beaten trail west of the Main pavilion. As he left, I got ready to face the boss of these people. The main pavilion was bright yellow with a large red banner atop the tiled roof saying Chen Zhipeng's Den. A pair of stuffed Fire Mountain lions were placed at the wide-open main Gate.


Although called Main Pavilion, this was Zhipeng's workshop. The actual pavilion of Chrysanthemum Peak was on the opposite side of the Peak, operated by the Vice Peak Master. Entering through the door I arrived at the well-lit area, there were no rooms or hallways. The entire place was like a big warehouse, a big messy warehouse that hadn't been cleaned for a hundred years. Sitting on the single bed in the middle of this junk, Chen Zhipeng met my eyes and chuckled as the lights dimmed for dramatic purposes.


"I have waited for you to arrive with your requests for long my partner in crime. Have you brought the goods (ideas)?" The spotlight shined on me.


"…I have brought the goods (Ideas)."


His grin widened when I played along with his act for the first time.


The things I have to do to raise my disciples.

---

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[Overload69]

Jul 10, 2024 at 4:30 PM

"I have waited for you to arrive with your requests for long my partner in crime. Have you brought the goods (ideas)?" The spotlight shined on me as Chen Zhipeng leaned forward.


"…I have brought the goods (Ideas)." I said.


"Great! I completed the thing you talked about last time." He jumped off his bed and landed in front of two metal tanks. The two tanks were connected with numerous black tubes with their silver body overrun with inscription lines. "With this making cola is easier than ever. All you have to do is think."


At his motion the tanks hummed, the water in the air stuck to the cold surface of the metal. From his storage ring, he took out a glass bottle with a dark syrup sitting at the bottom. On the side of the narrower tank, a hole wide enough for the mouth of the bottle to go was present. When the bottle entered sideways, a stream of fizzy water shot into it mixing with the syrup.


"Now, cola will officially take over the world!" He declared with a metal-capped bottle in his hand.


"Gu Fei won't be happy with this," I said.


"Not my problem. I did make a contract with her but never said that I wouldn't improve the process. After all, I know the value of your idea too well to let it be tied down." He shrugged even though it wasn't that deep. Nevertheless, I can't stop him as it would serve to keep Gu Fei busy while the sect helps the Purple Cloud Sect.


"The wind element cultivators she brings will still be of use. Just not as many as before after I make a bunch of these T.O.T.W.C ver 1.2!" His naming sense was as atrocious as ever. It was partially my fault. "I forgot. Would you like some tea or fizzy water?"


"Fizzy Water?"


"Yes, Fizzy water. The one used to make cola. I was interested in how it tasted without the syrup, and it was very refreshing. I am certain we can sell that as is." He said. Holding a glass bottle of fizzy water. "I used the water from a spring near Shuiwen Gorge, that had worked the best taste-wise."


"Do you think this will sell well?"


"Any good businessman can identify which product will do well on the market. And I am the best Businessman on the continent, you can trust me, Partner." He showed a grimy smile.


"No need to act in front of me." I said.


"I don't know how it'll do, but I just want to make it." Typical Chen Zhipeng behavior, but he continued. "I know for certain that new flavors of cola will do well. The caramel honey and lemon zest syrup is good, but we something more. I am thinking more like lime, or the mandarin that grows in the north would be good."


He kept on speaking while messing with the machine. I had talked about this carbonation process in passing before. However, he built the entire machine after he witnessed the process of Wind Cultivators dissolving carbon dioxide into water. Now they weren't even needed.


"So, what can I do for you, Partner?" He turned to me.


"I thought you'd never ask." I said.


"I told you, right? I know a customer when I see one." He grinned as he knew interesting things would come out later.


Leaving that aside, the blueprints made for the two training rooms were shown to Chen Zhipeng. These would be made by modifying a few rooms in my residence. One for Sun Lingling and the other for Wang Yang.


"This is very detailed, even the changes made to connect them to the main array are clear and concise. And the Five Element Array seems to have improved its cost-effectiveness by 50%...... Did the Grand Elder work on this?" Chen Zhipeng was the one who made the original Chamber of Five Elements on Osmanthus Peak. So, his shock was obvious when the design improved.


"No, I found this one in an old book from Feng Shu while translating it. It has great returns for an Earth Grade High-Rank Formation." I said.


"Wait… You mean to say you have a formation manual from one of the only Formation Saints of the Golden Age?" His excitement was palpable.


"Hao Chang of the Peach Peak discovered it in the Moon Hegemon's Secret Realm five years back, she didn't have any talent for formations so Huang Bai gave the original to Grand Elder. What I have is a copy." It was a stroke of luck that this book fell into my hands.


"Still impressive that you translated it. Immortal Feng is known for her long-winded explanations. Even her writing is in an unknown branch of the common language. But, that is to be expected from my Partner. You understood something that makes most Formation Masters tear their hair out." He said.


"Well, I have only been able to decipher the first fifty pages in five years." It only worked because I put a few years into the process after getting Immortal Feng Shu's personal dairy thanks to Wang Yang.


Now, I had the entire book translated and had a better Five Elements Formation than the one in this blueprint. However, both of the facts cannot be revealed as the time wasn't right. Even Xianquan had translated one-fourth of the book around this time. Not to mention that a high-level formation would be more harmful to Wang Yang at this point.


"The second room seems simple enough too. I can get these two done by the end of the week." Storing the blueprints into his storage ring, he looked at me with a smile. "So, for the price, you'd have to give me the goods (Ideas) like usual."


It was always like this. But, unlike before, this time I'll shoot two birds with one stone.


"Chen Zhipeng, don't you think that controlling a flying sword is kind of old-fashioned now? Everyone has one." I said.


"Hmm… do go on."


"Now, what if you could control another version of yourself and make it do things for you? Like looking through paperwork and cleaning up your rooms." Nothing else had to be said.


"I am in." He said.


The only reason I knew this was possible is thanks to Wang Yang. He brought back a sample he found in a Treasure Realm left behind by an ancient cultivator. Zhipeng worked on it for a few years to find out the inner workings of the device before making it for himself. This time I had the complete data from the device. So, the completion would come about faster. But, before that something had to be said.


"I'll give you the blueprints, only if you promise me one thing."


"My lips are sealed about the source of this, even if the Grand Elder or Zhao Jun ask me, I won't mention you, Partner." It was the usual agreement to keep myself out of the limelight.


That is why my partnership with Chen Zhipeng worked so well. He enjoyed the limelight more than anyone I knew of. But, he was also the man of his word despite his extreme curiosity and unreliability.


It worked in my favor. As a man from the Twenty-First Century, I have seen a lot of things, not from science alone, but also through the medium of entertainment. And Chen Zhipeng was a genius that only needed the initial spark. Once he gets that, the rest would be a walk in the park for him.


"Complete the task at my peak first and don't get absorbed in this." I said.


"Yes sir. I'll start tonight." His shining eyes glued to the blueprint already. When this idea comes to fruition, a lot of things will become easier. Not only for Chen Zhipeng and me, but for others too.


Still hope he doesn't delay my work because of it. Well, I guess time will tell.


Leaving the Pavilion through the open door, the flying sword took me to the next destination. It was to gather used practice swords for Sun Lingling. Chen Zhipeng or any of his disciples didn't use swords enough for them to provide anything valuable. The only place in the sect where talented weapons users gathered was the Tiger Peak.


Even while flying up the peak one could see a line of disciples running up and down the steep stairs with weights strapped on their backs. Numerous paths branched off from the main path leading up to tens of training halls and fighting arenas where disciples duked it out. Many others watched from the sidelines, analyzing or cheering for the fiery battles.


Among the many residences and pavilions on this peak, the place I needed to be was the Weapon Pavilion located near the Main Martial Arena of Tiger Peak. But, unlike the normal disciples who entered through the front, I went in from the back to access the weapon storage. Because this is where the head of the Weapon Pavilion stays most of the time.


"Greetings Peak Master Li. Is there something I can do for you?" Elder Shen Xia, the one-eyed stoic woman in red robes always cut to the heart of the matter.


"I need some training weapons used by the most diligent of the disciples." It shouldn't take long since she was here.


"For Disciple Sun Lingling?"


"Yes." Receiving my nod, she walked to the nearest shelf and picked up the small chest. Inside it were a handful of rings that she checked before handing them to me.


"You already had these prepared?" There were loads of used longswords inside the rings when I checked. From the quality of the swords and the degree of damage there was to the overall structure. These should belong to the top disciples of the Peak.


"We always gather used swords from the disciples when they are worn down. Peak Master Li should know how Weapon Master Zhou from Chrysanthemum Peak is." She said, her voice dryer than Sun Lingling's.


"Won't you be in trouble if you don't give this to him?" That man did buy these for a good price and also supplied Tiger Peak with top-class cold weapons. The blonde in front of me may fall into trouble for this.


"There are other weapons for him to choose from, and if I say that no disciples submitted a sword this time around too, he'd believe it." Unlike the unapproachable aura around her, Shen Xia was a very helpful person.


"Thanks for this Elder Shen. I'll treat you to something good in the future for this." I said, making her brown eye shine.


"I am just returning a favor, Peak Master Li. If there is something I can help with, do contact me through the transmission token." She bowed.


"I'll keep it in mind. Then, until next time." Leaving the Tiger Peak, I went straight to Plum Peak.


In the residence, Sun Lingling continued her cultivation practice in the makeshift resonance room. And Wang Yang kept on slashing at the dummy in the courtyard.


"Why isn't it breaking down?" Hearing his confused questions, I made myself comfortable on the slanted tilted roof to watch him. "I have been hitting with all I've got for two hours and there's not even a dent in it."


Going down to help would be the normal process when considering other people. But, working with the current Wang Yang, a different approach was needed. The dummy test was one he had to figure out. If I give him the answer it wouldn't do as much for him. He needs to learn how to find the answers. By himself or through others.


Cultivation is a lonely journey. You have to sit alone in isolation for hundreds of years trying to take another step towards progress. Others can help, but at some point, a person can only rely on himself and his insight to walk through the unthreaded Path. I want Wang Yang to have that sort of view from the start this time around. So, under the whacks of the wooden sword and loud grunts, the sun started to set, casting the hunched-over boy in an orange glow.


"Looks like you failed." He flinched at my words. "You can only have dinner after you finish the sword swings."


"Master, you never said anything about that!"


"You never asked." With his protests stuck in his mouth, Wang Yang could only accept the punishment.


Be strong. It is for your own good.


This time his foundation would be much stronger than last time.

---

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[Overload69]

Jul 12, 2024 at 4:30 PM


Today marked the end of the first week of Wang Yang cultivating at Osmanthus Peak. But, unlike the first week, Li Muchen wasn't here to watch over him. Even the three-hour journey between the two peaks was left up to the young disciple.

I only have another hour left. All Spirit stones placed in the slots had turned grey aside from one.

In the middle of this room with eyes closed, he started to breathe slow and steady till the air filled his lungs. The chest felt bloated, the lungs pressing down on the stomach.

Pushing the unpleasant feeling down he took in the Qi from the air into the half-filled Lung Meridian till it was full. Then using the already refined Qi as a path lighter. The rest traveled down the pathways to reach other meridians. Mixing and interacting with the Qi in his body, it reached the Dantian as the remaining air exited through the nose. The seven wisps of Qi settled down into the foot-deep pool in his Dantian. The remaining Qi from the pathways went back to the other Meridians to set up the next cycle.

Even after a week, Wang Yang had to be conscious of the process and not let the physical sensations get in the way. While meditating, his senses became much more sensitive. Goosebumps rose on his body every time, just like the very first time his dantian formed. It was a moment where he was floating in the dark, seeing clouds and specks of numerous colors in the distance. Conforming, collapsing, and exploding, it was a feeling that he couldn't forget.

Weirdly, I can't feel Master around even in that state. It always felt like his mind overlooked Li Muchen somehow.

But, that didn't surprise him. He was the Second Peak Master of a Major Sect, while Wang Yang had barely started. Still, hearing no footsteps or not feeling any gaze only to find out someone reached behind him was a scary experience.

"Ah… My mind wandered off again." With the focus broken, he had to restart.

Living on a farm surrounded by cattle and people, this silence prickled his skin. No matter where he looked, there were only walls with bright lines. Back to meditating, it took a few minutes but it came back without any issue.

One thing he liked about this was that time passed quickly once it started to flow. The concentration on the breathing was so heavy that the surroundings disappeared. Being in a room without windows also helped. There wasn't a way to know how much time passed without stepping out or by the number of Spirit Stones used.

The Qi in the air started to disperse and get thinner. Looking back the last stone had also turned grey, unlike its usual shimmering light. Carefully taken out of the slots, they were gathered in a chest placed in the corner of this room.

The doors opened when the disciple token touched it, once again bringing him down an empty hallway. In the two weeks here, he had met people twice. One old and one young. Both seemed to have not registered his presence and walked on reading their books.

But, unlike when he was inside the Osmanthus Pavilion. Wang Yang received a lot of gazes on his way down the peak. This place was like the Outer Sect City, however, despite the crowd no one approached.

"So that is Second Peak Master's Second Disciple?"

"He looks so-so."

"I mean if you compare him to Second Peak Master then yeah. By himself, he looks handsome."

"Must be lucky, huh."

"Seriously though. Why would Second Peak Master do this? Wasn't there a rumor that he would never take in any disciples and focus on cultivating?"

"I even joined the sect just to be his disciple, but couldn't even meet him. I understand about Senior Sun, but surely he doesn't have anything on me! How did he meet Second Peak Master before even entering the Sect!"

They seemed more interested in his Master than him. However, these were the people who spoke. The ones who watched in silence said things much harsher with their eyes. Not much he could do about that. If they had problems they could take it up with his Master.

With that in mind, he ran down the main path that connected the five peaks around the middle two, passing by Peach Peak and Chrysanthemum Peak's entrances. To get used to the circulating Qi, Li Muchen made him run a lot. While doing so Wang Yang pushed the Qi from his Dantian through his body to increase his physical capabilities by three times.

Right now, I can only hold the flow for only 5 minutes. And it takes ten minutes for the Qi to gather back normally. To maintain the flow of Qi through his pathways, Wang Yang had to stay focused.

"Oi! Wang Yang!" But, things changed when he heard the familiar voice.

He looked ahead to see Xu Qiang on the stoned path, the blonde rushed towards him like a bull. His hand slapped on Wang Yang's back, but it didn't hurt as much back then.

"How ya doin'? It feels like forever since the Disciple Selection Ceremony." He grinned.

"It feels like a dream." Wang Yang said.

"Is that so? I always knew you'd make it big 'cause of yer boldness." Xu Qiang hasn't changed much of his approach.

"Hey brother Xu, why did take off su-Oh…" Three more men arrived running, their uniform the same striking red as Xu Qiang's.

"Tis 'ere is the brother I talked to you 'bout." He said before turning to Wang Yang. "The short one's Hu Haomu, if you don't call him short he is cool. The tall and smiley one's Zhang Yesu, as long as you don't take his food he'd stay smiling. And the one with gentle looking one's Feng Huajun... I don't know what ticks him off yet, so yeah. We joined the Tiger Peak together, so we hit it off."

"Don't call me short you loud mutt! I am still growing!" Haomu's face turned red.

"Aren't you twenty, Haomu?" Yesu said.

"I am going beat you up."

"Won't you feel bad? I am only twelve you know?" Yesu was tall enough that at Wang Yang's eye level, he could only see his chest. And that was while being the taller one in his age group.

"S-Shut up…" Haomu fell to his knees. Those words and height did more damage to him than expected.

"So, you are the Wang Yang he kept talking about. It is a real pleasure meeting you." Huajun approached Wang Yang with a smile, one that reminded him of his father.

"How can I? Tis dude became the Disciple of The Second Peak Master from the start. How awesome is that?" Xu Qiang's noticeable laugh and the mention of Li Muchen's title brought a lot of gazes to the group that had huddled in the middle. And the gazes Wang Yang had gotten used to, fell on him again.

"Who are ya chumps giving the stink eye?" Xu Qiang however, scowled back. His rude words did get some strong reactions, but most chose to keep walking. "Ye, keep pushing it."

"Why let 'em look at ya like some chump?" He wasn't happy with Wang Yang either.

"It's fine Xu Qiang." Wang Yang said.

"Ya don't get it, brother. If you an inch to 'em, they'll push a foot. You gotta be bold at times like these and put your foot down on their heads. If ya do that they won't dare to look a second time." He said with much passion.

"Although I don't agree with his methods, the buffoon is indeed correct." Haomu seemed to have recovered.

"I just didn't want to cause trouble." Wang Yang said.

"Well, that is more of a reason to not let it go. Your Master is the Second Peak Master. Not only that, he was the first disciple of the sect and the Senior Brother of more than half of the Peak Masters. As his disciple, the only ones you have to be respectful towards are the Sect Master, Grand Elder, and the other Peak Masters. But, with how close the First Five Disciples are, even they wouldn't be that strict with you." Huajun's words were quite a surprise for him.

"Even we shouldn't be talking with you this way. Most of the disciples in the inner sect only learn from general classes held by the Elders of their peaks. Only a handful of them learn directly from Elders, and even fewer learn from Peak Masters personally. Counting you and Senior Sun, the sect has only seen Nine Direct Disciples of the Peak Masters in three hundred years." Haomu said, sweat on his forehead. "If it wasn't for Xu Qiang's pestering to treat you normally since forever, and you being as genial as he said. We would've also watched from afar without getting too close."

"No height and courage, ya really got the short end of the stick on both." Xu Qiang said.

"I am so gonna kill you." Thankfully, Yesu grabbed Haomu before it turned into a fistfight.

"Leaving their shenanigans aside, you don't have to worry. Ignoring them as you were is also a good move, but if someone takes it too far you can have them expelled in a day with a complaint." Huajun's words scared Wang Yang. Did he have that much power now? "Don't look so surprised, you are the Second Peak Master's Disciple. Just that alone has enough weight to get an Inner Sect Elder demoted to the Outer Sect, or expelled at worse. Of course, don't do it without any reason or the Disciplinary Head won't let it go unpunished."

Wang Yang considered not leaving the Peak after this. This finally helped him understand why so many people were after this position, and why they'd be upset that he got it. After all, if his spiritual root was taken into consideration, he really shouldn't have received this.

"You really don't know anything about the Second Peak Master?" Yesu's confusion about the matter matched Wang Yang's. How was he supposed to know?

No news about his Master has ever reached Baihe city. Names like Chen Zhipeng, Gu Yue, Qian Yun, and Dharma were spoken of almost every other day with their achievements. These names are synonymous with Cultivation anywhere on the continent. But, he has never heard of Li Muchen once. He didn't even know that he was the Second Peak Leader till they arrived back at the caravan.

"It makes sense that Wang Yang doesn't. Unless you come from a cultivation family or join the inner sect it is impossible to come across legends from two hundred and fifty years ago." Huajun said. "For normal people that is like nine to ten generations. And I doubt the Second Peak Master, with his tendency to lay low would speak of the tales on his own."

"Can you tell me some of them?" This made Wang Yang curious.

He knew Li Muchen was amazing. People respected him even if he didn't show up for long. The Osmanthus Peak's Peak Master seemed respectful to him. Not to mention how many people wanted to learn from him. After all, a person with Immortal Grade Spiritual root also came to learn from him specifically.

"The most recent one in history was his match against the Xiao Miaorui, the current successor of the Divine Sword Valley. But, this happened when both of them were newly appointed Elders who entered the Golden Core Realm. It was the moment that made our sect's name known to the world." Haomu said with palpable excitement. He had only heard the tale recently and it made him want to do something similar.

"Who won the match?" The stakes of this match seemed really high. Even Wang Yang couldn't help but get excited, although the match happened in the past and already had a winner.

"Second Peak Master lost after a thirty-minute-long match. But, it blew up because no one of the same major realm had ever lasted against the sword of Xiao Miaorui for more than three minutes." Xu Qiang smirked. "Though I like the Jingyuan Pass battle much better. Tis clash of sword was special too."

Wang Yang wanted to ask more about that, but someone approached them through the canopy of leaves above.

"How long do you four plan on being a bother?" It was Ming Chyou, riding on the flying sword with the usual stern expression.

The four started sweating not even daring to look back, even Xu Qiang showed fear for the first time.

"It is almost time for the Afternoon break. Many people will be using the path. If you want to discuss about Second Peak Master's achievements in detail, do it while sitting near the trees over there, you won't bother anyone else while using his name. I'll let you off this time, next time will be a punishment." Just like she had arrived, Ming Chyou left after taking a glance at Wang Yang.

"I really thought we'd be dead." Haomu finally took a breath.

Wang Yang understood that she was scary, but she wasn't that scary, was she?

"I envy you, Wang Yang. You won't have to worry about Senior Ming ever." Yesu's words didn't make sense to him, but now wasn't the time for that.

"Well, Senior Ming does have a point. How 'bout talking over lunch? What do ya say, Wang Yang?" Xu Qiang spoke only after they had moved to the right side of the main path away from the people.

"I don't have anything to do this afternoon." He said

"Looks like we'll part ways here then." Huajun said.

"You aren't coming to lunch?" Wang Yang was the only one who didn't know the reason.

"I'll have lunch in the Outer Sect, we'll eat together at the Peach Peak some other time." Huajun smiled.

"You can go to the Outer Sect?" Wang Yang's sudden question took them by surprise.

"As long as you have an issued Token, but with your disciple token, it shouldn't be a problem." Haomu's answer changed a lot of things. But, after promising to have a meal together, Wang Yang hesitated a bit.

"Don't dilly dally. Go an' meet her." Xu Qiang said pushing him forward. "Tell her I said hello. We can eat next time. Not like any of us are going anywhere."

"…Yeah, let's have lunch some other time." Wang Yang said to the other two.

"It is fine. Do what you have to." Haomu shooed him off as Yesu waved him goodbye.

"Then… Huajun can you help me this time?" Wang Yang turned to the man with a gentle smile.

"No problem." Thankfully Huajun agreed to help.

Wang Yang could finally meet Kexin for the first time since the ceremony.

 

[Overload69]

The main Travel path of the Azure Sky Sect was a complex yet simple one. Starting at Tiger Peak it went to Chrysanthemum Peak, Peach Peak, Osmanthus Peak, and Sky Peak before connecting back to Tiger Peak to form a circle.


To reach Plum Peak one had to take the forked path in front of Chrysanthemum Peak, while a path from every Peak led up to Lotus Peak. It connected the seven peaks passing through dense forests, over rivers, lakes, and even valleys, making it easier for disciples to reach other peaks.


Passing by the Sky Peak Wang Yang and Huajun finally reached the Gate of the Inner Sect. Last time they flew over it on flying swords, but this time he could see how massive the structure was. Even twenty elephants stacked wouldn't reach the signboard up there.


At the gate, Disciples from Sky Peak checked the tokens. Wang Yang showed his disciple token while Huajun showed the issued token from the Disciplinary Hall. Without any problems, they descended the Rising Platform to arrive at the innermost part of the Outer Sect.


Here, several pavilions with slanted tiled roofs stood high. The smooth stone path led towards the dotted pavilions in the forest down the slope. Disciples in all-black uniforms fastened by red belts and slip-on shoes walked past them.


Many eyes gathered quickly, but unlike the Inner sect, only admiration came forth here noticing their blue belts. Murmuring too distant to make out, Wang Yang came to a stop in front of a man with gray sideburns wearing black robes with a red belt.


"To think that not one, but two inner sect disciples would come to the Outer Sect. What can I help you with?" He was jovial until his eyes went to Wang Yang's token. "By heavens!"


"This is Wang Yang, he is looking for his friend from the same hometown. If Elder Si can help us with that, it would be enough." Huajun said.


"As you wish Inner Disciple Feng, and Inner Disciple Wang." Elder Si did a salute with a bow.


"Huajun is just fine, Elder Si." The Elder nodded with a smile. He turned to the disciples behind him and issued the order, while Huajun turned to me. "You won't ask how I know about her?"


"If Brother Xu talked about me, he should've also talked about Kexin too. They hit it off well in the line during that test." Huajun nodded, confirming that Xu Qiang indeed talked a lot.


"Well then, if I don't come back till you are done, feel free to go ahead of me. The process is the same, in case you feel stuck ask anyone with the cloud emblem on their shoulder and they'll help you." With that, Huajun went his own way.


Guided into a separate room in the pavilion nearby, Wang Yang sat on the cushioned seat, served with tea and some food on the side. His chest felt much tighter now. It felt weird not seeing a face he had seen every day since he could remember. There wasn't anything he felt like he could say to her at the moment.


Just then the doors slammed open. Kexin stood there, out of breath. She wiped the sweat off her forehead with the sleeve of her uniform along with the bangs. Then with a smile, she stepped towards him. This sight was very familiar to him, even this feeling.


"Aiya! Big Sister Kexin you are killing me!!" The ear-pulling had started.


"Big Sister? How come you didn't remember to visit your big sister in the first week, Huh?" She twisted his ear without mercy.


"I'm sorry!"


Some things in my life would never change no matter what position I have. Wang Yang didn't know if he should laugh or cry.


"I am sorry, ok? I didn't know I could come into the Outer Sect." These small protests were met with a cold shoulder.


"Even Xiao He came to meet me in two days. And here you are." Those words hurt more than they should've. But, Kexin didn't mean it in a bad way. "This is why I have told you to not go with the flow every time and keep quiet. At times you have to do things on your own."


Wang Yang knew it better than anyone. But, the scale of it had just settled in. If not for Kexin he would've lived his entire life in Baihe City. Tending to the fields and cows, watching the clouds from the rooftop, and roasting mushrooms in the forest once in a while. That would've been it. If she hadn't dragged him to the city that day, he would've never come to this Sect. he would've never got the chance to be the Disciple of a Peak Master.


"W-Why are you silent? Wait, did I pull your ear too hard?" The silence gave her the wrong message. "I am not angry with you. I just want you to be more careful now that you are in the inner sect."


Although quick to jump into action, Kexin always had good intentions in mind when it came to him. When she pulled his ear, the pain was substantial, but he had never stopped her. Even he knew that he did need some lessons from time to time to come back to his senses. And Kexin had always done that for him before he fell into trouble.


"I regret not coming sooner." He said.


"It's ok. Don't leave room for regret next time." She said, her hand patting his head. "Come by when you have time, don't slack on cultivating and studying."


"If I do that, the Master will punish me severely." Sword swings on an empty stomach were terrible.


"That's normal. I say the punishment should be harsher so you don't make mistakes." She said.


"Devil."


"What was that?" The fingers reached his ear in a heartbeat.


"…I said the awesome Big Sister Kexin is always right." He rested his case as she chuckled. Just then the bell tolled twice in the distance. Although far, it reached the room announcing the end of Afternoon Break.


"I have to attend a lecture on meditation, so I'll go now. You should return too." She said walking towards the door. Kexin opened the door but didn't leave, for a few seconds she stood there, her hand gripping on the handle.


"There is a way for the Outer Sect Disciples to enter the Inner Sect." Wang Yang looked up, only to see her back. This was a familiar scene.


"I'll enter the Inner Sect through that soon, Then… we can cultivate together like promised."


"Don't take too much time." At those words, she looked over her shoulder to show a smile.


"I won't. Improve as much as you can, or it will be sword training all over again." She said walking away.


"Now I am a bit scared." He smiled.


Wang Yang started training in the sword with his father first, but later Kexin joined. Later, she surpassed him in swordplay in a year and he has been chasing after her since then. Now, their positions had reversed yet again. And this time, he didn't want to lose. Holding onto that feeling he walked out of the room. There, Huajun stood by the door, waiting for him.


"Sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop." He was waiting outside when Wu Kexin opened the door. It seemed like she didn't notice him.


"That's ok." Wang Yang didn't mind it much. After all, it was Kexin's fault. But, he had a different question in mind. "You already did your task, Huajun?"


"Yeah. I met my wife. Though she had to attend a lecture and had to rush." Huajun laughed before stopping. "What happened, Wang Yang?"


"How old are you Huajun?" Wang Yang just felt a need to ask.


"Me? I am Thirty-Nine this year." The man who looked twenty years old said so with a smile.


"…" This man here was older than his father.


"I entered the Inner sect through the Outer Sect Competition after twenty-six years of cultivation. I have spent years here, and here I also met my wife." Huajun explained on the way back to the cliff. "My wife plans to enter the Inner sect soon. Hopefully, she succeeds after nineteen Years."


"Is that really how long it takes?" Wang Yang's focus shifted from age already.


"It depends on the Spiritual Root Rank. I could've entered much faster if not for my stubbornness in choosing the wrong path." Huajun said. "But, it still takes an Outer Disciple years to finally stand at the line normal Inner Disciples start at. There is still a chance that may not succeed."


"In that time the inner disciples would progress more." Wang Yang muttered.


"Yes. So, how does that make you feel?" Huajun's question made his brain churn.


Wu Kexin wanted to be a cultivator. More than him, more than anyone Wang Yang knew. However, fate decided to play a cruel joke on them.


"I believe in her. She's always kept her word." Kexin wouldn't give up no matter the situation she was in, so he wouldn't give up on her either.


"How good it is to be young. I am kind of envious." Huajun smiled as they boarded the platform to reach the Inner Sect Gate.


"Then, until next time." Huajun entered the Tiger Peak's path as Wang Yang ran back to Plum Peak.


When he reached the Peak, only an hour remained before nightfall. Today was the break day so he was free. But, for some reason, he couldn't sit in one place and ended up in the Courtyard again. There, he stared down the fearsome opponent. The Monk dummy. In the week he made zero progress. But, today he felt strangely confident.


Today is the day I beat this damn thing. With solid resolve, his grip on the wooden sword tightened. The long strides led him towards the fearful foe as the sword came down with unparalleled vigor. Three hours had passed since then. The beautiful moon sat high in the dark sky, yet he continued.


"Yeah… I can't do this." Wang Yang lay on the stone floor covered in sweat, gasping for air with his reddened hands.


No matter how many times he struck this dummy, it wouldn't even dent it. It was like solid iron. In the end, he got hurt while practicing again. He had lost count as to how many times he swung the sword on this monk's forehead with Qi or without Qi. Yet, it was of no avail.


Am I not strong enough right now? The thought seemed plausible, but it was interrupted by someone else.


"You are training during break?" Sun Lingling, who was passing by the courtyard, stopped in her tracks.


Wang Yang sat up and turned to her. The sword still in her hand. However, she wasn't here to practice.


"I had time, so thought of giving this a try again. Haven't made any progress on this for long." He said, heaving a big sigh.


This wasn't the first time she had stopped by on her way to the kitchen, but she never spoke and went on her way after a glance. But, as Wang Yang got ready to swing his sword again, she walked into the courtyard.


"Raw power isn't the answer." She said.


Wang Yang looked confused, if he had to break something in half, power was the only thing that could help. Without another word, Sun Lingling picked up a training sword. Standing in front of the dummy she brought the sword down. The arc was graceful. The slash was slow enough for a child to dodge, yet reached the target in a blink. The moment the sword tip landed on the Dummy's forehead. It split in two, the two cleanly cut halves falling. She looked back to see the wide-eyed Wang Yang.


"It is about precision and control. The dummy is held together by a trigger, if you put in proper force using Qi, it will open." Sun Lingling threw two training swords up. When they came down, in a flash she slashed at the two in quick succession.


"Only Raw power will never be as useful on its own. A sword user needs to have control over his strength and not squander it." One sword shattered into splinters, while the other was split straight vertically. "During our bouts, if I do not control my power, the swing that knocks the sword out of your hand could break it into pieces. However, the objective is to disarm you, so I only use that much power."


Wang Yang didn't doubt that one bit now. The swords she had blasted so easily were wooden swords only in name. These swords were unbreakable, just like the monk.


"Here, try it again." Sun Lingling pushed the split monk together, and with an audible click, it looked as daunting as ever. "Only use fifty percent of your normal strength and restrict the Qi from strengthening your arm by thirty percent."


"Those are very precise numbers." He doubted it would be as easy as it sounds.


"If you don't learn to be precise with Qi and strength usage you will run out much quicker at the early stages. In bouts that could lead to defeat, and in battles death is certain." Sun Lingling stepped back to let Wang Yang have a clear view of the dummy.


He started to focus and stepped up. Watching him, she thought of how long it would take him to nail it down. It took her five minutes to figure it out.


It should take him about another day or two to get the correct combination once. A few more weeks before he can do it with every swing. Her focus zeroed in on the raised sword.


It came down in a straight line, showing a little experience and understanding of the weapon as the edge remained straight. His body leaning forward to shift his body weight behind the swing. With a resounding thud, the dull blade struck the wooden forehead, yet it sounded like the clash of iron. What followed was a situation neither of them expected.


The two halves of the dummy fell as his sword hit the stone floor at the same time.


"Oh… I did it."

 

[Overload69]

It should take him about another day or two to get the correct combination once. A few more weeks before he can do it with every swing. Sun Lingling's focus zeroed in on the raised sword.


It came down in a straight line, showing a little experience and understanding of the weapon as the edge remained straight. Wang Yang leaned forward to shift his body weight behind the swing.


With a resounding thud, the dull blade struck the wooden forehead, yet it sounded like a clash of iron. What followed was a situation neither of them expected. The two halves of the dummy fell as his sword hit the stone floor at the same time.


"Oh… I did it." Wang Yang looked at the scene in wonder. He didn't expect to do it on the first try. "Thanks for that."


"… It's nothing." Sun Lingling's words were dry, however, her mind tried to understand what happened.


Was it Luck? The answer seemed plausible. Wang Yang put the dummy together. He went a second time. His form remained the same, yet the dummy didn't break.


"…That was a little off." Sun Lingling noticed him getting close to the precise number. Those words prompted him to try again, and this time he succeeded. After that, he tried ten times, and he succeeded five times.


That's much better than my first ten swings. Sun Lingling saw Wang Yang sitting on the ground. He ran out of Qi.


"If you had asked for hints from Master. You would've completed this on the very first day." She said, unable to understand why he bore through it for seven days.


"I wanted to. But, I felt like this was a test for me… so I tried to do it myself." He said, wiping his sweat away.


I suppose there was a test, but it wasn't this. She kept quiet about it as speaking out of line could hinder his progress. Li Muchen had his way of teaching.


"You've done well so far. Much better than I expected." Sun Lingling was never wrong when it came to swords. Yet, he did prove her calculations wrong.


Even if the first strike was a fluke, being able to zero in on that feeling and recreating it wasn't easy. He should be commended for that achievement. However, his gaze held a sense of surprise towards her.


"Is something wrong?"


"Ah… well, how should I say it…" Wang Yang rubbed his cheek. "You seem much kinder than expected?"


Sun Lingling kept to herself. Since becoming disciples and living under the same roof, the number of times he had seen her could be counted on one hand. And this was the longest he had heard her speak. Before this, she had yet to talk with him directly.


But, not only did she help him, she also praised him when he succeeded. It made Wang Yang realize that he had the wrong impression.


"I apologize if I came off as rude. My focus has been on cultivation." She said.


"That's normal. Even though I want to cultivate day and night, it isn't easy to sit down for long." His wandering mind had become his biggest enemy.


"If you have a goal, it will help you focus." She said.


"A Goal?"


"Yes. What do you want to achieve by cultivating? It can be simply becoming immortal, becoming powerful, accumulating wealth, understanding the world, helping others, or for something vain. As long as it motivates you, any goal is good." Sun Lingling had a goal, and that helped her get up every morning to cultivate and do what she could.


Wang Yang on the other hand had no goals, even before coming to the sect he lived day to day. He never yearned for anything.


"You can take your time. A goal you can dedicate your life to can be as hard to find as it can be easy." She said.


"Thanks a lot, Senior Sister Sun." Wang Yang smiled.


"Senior Sister?" A flash of surprise appeared on her face.


"You were Master's first disciple, so you are the Senior Disciple." He smiled.


"Very well then. I hope you find your answer soon, Junior Brother Wang." Her voice still sounded dry, but Wang Yang got used to it.


However, seeing the opportunity he decided to ask a question that had been on his mind. The technique Sun Lingling always used to end their matches was very intriguing to him.


"The disarming technique that Senior Sister Sun uses, is it your own?"


They've had the matches every other day since then. And so far, he couldn't understand how she did that. Because even if he knew it was coming, he could never spot when it happened.


"It is Master's." She said.


"Hmm? When did Master teach that?" Wang Yang wondered if he had missed any lectures. Because she was able to use it from the first day.


"He didn't." The answer confused him. How could she learn something he hadn't taught yet?


"Speaking of Master, how much does Junior Brother Wang know about him?" She asked.


"I don't know a lot. But, Master has a lot of admiration from everyone in the sect. I also heard a few of the things he did, and his standing in the sect. He is an awesome and respectable person. Much more than that, he seems kind and understanding. Though he does punish without reservation." Wang Yang still wanted to know more, especially after the things he had heard. "I wonder how strong he is right now."


"Master is strong. But, he could've been much stronger if not for the slow speed of cultivation. Even then, he trained with sword, alchemy, and has great achievements in Formations." Sun Lingling said, bringing his attention to her.


"I guess, the heavens are fair." Wang Yang was reminded of his father's words. A man can't have everything.


His Master had the drive and intellect, but his cultivation speed held him back. Kexin had ambition and dreams, yet she didn't get the talent. Yet, without any drive or ambition, he had acquired a position many dream of.


"Do you believe that?" It wasn't Sun Lingling's question, rather the strong voice that made him flinch.


"There is no need to answer that. I will take my leave now." She walked into the eastern wing. Leaving the confused Wang Yang alone in the courtyard.


Her steps were measured and made no sound, the sleeves of her robe fluttered with each move. In silence, she entered her cultivation room. Placing her sword into the storage ring, she picked up the sword she had left on a stand. Taking a seat on the cushion, she closed her eyes.


Not a second later her breathing stabilized. Taking in the Qi through her lungs Sun Lingling connected the abundant gaseous Qi in her dantian to the sword using the pathways leading to her palms. A serene calmness dragged her mind deeper into the water. Drowning, yet the water wasn't disturbed by her breath. She wasn't breathing, or moving. The light got further away each second until there was only darkness.


At that moment, Sun Lingling had lost control of her body. Then, the light returned. Rather than the cultivation room, she was in the courtyard painted in an orange glow. The one in her Master's residence.


In front of her was a Monk Dummy. But, it wasn't the clean one she had seen before. This one had numerous dents and slash marks on its body. And it wasn't the one made for precision training.


"Brother stop, you are hurt!" A sniffle came from the left as terrible frost bit into her body.


She wanted to look, but her head didn't move. Instead, the hands gripped the familiar handle of the sword tight to gather energy. Her hands burned as if she was holding a rod of melted iron. Yet, the body moved and heaved the sword above.


"I can't do that Jiahao. I have to train." The words that left her lips weren't hers. The voice too, belonged to her Master. But, unlike the usual calm and serene tone, there was a tinge of anger. Not at anyone else, but at himself. "I can't stop right now."


The sword came down. The blade shook because of the trembling hands, yet it didn't sway from the arc. With a resounding clang, the sword left an inch-deep gash in the body of the monk dummy.


"Your hands are bleeding! Brother, stop!" Her gaze turned, catching the red-haired boy cry. He looked about a teen, the crimson eyes full of worry and tears.


"It's all fine. I have to do this. It is the only way." She could barely make out the boy's face.


"You don't have to… Stop hurting yourself."


"That's not correct Jiahao… If I don't push myself to my limit, that would…… be on me…" The vision blurred and soon darkened.


The consciousness came and she looked at the golden ceiling. The moonlight entered through the window illuminating her bandaged palms. They stung still, the legs had no strength yet the body moved. Pushing the blanket aside, she walked using the sword as a cane. The slow steps took her through the corridors of the eastern wing into the courtyard.


There, the beaten monk dummy waited. Each step was filled with pain, yet her mind was calm. Like a lake with no ripples. She stood in front of the dummy. The sword drawn on shaking legs. An iron sword felt like lifting a mountain. The body cried to stop, yet the person didn't. The creaking legs widened into a stance. The sword stayed upright like his back.


Unlike my junior brothers and sisters, I don't have talent. My cultivation root is useless and my body is weak. The voice rang in her head. It was calm and accepting. What takes me months to learn, they can do that in an hour. That is the difference. I understand that.


But, the talent I lack can be bridged with hard work. I don't want them to hide their achievements from me out of pity or fear that I will get angry. Her entire body burned as if she were in the middle of a furnace. Even more than that, I want to prove that my Master was correct in choosing me. I want to pay back for the belief showed in me.


The sword was raised above the head. One step forward. A downwards swing. This was a basic move. However, the monk dummy in front was split in two down the middle. The cut burned as if a flaming sword had passed through it. Mimicking the monk, the body landed on the floor with a thud. The pain came in at once, but it was ignored.


"I did it… after years…… finally… I've proven... Master was right." The silent cry of happiness was overwhelming. That sense of accomplishment that only came after years of dedication, was unknown to her.


To learn a single sword technique that his Master gave him. The words that assured him that he could. He did everything he could to make those words come true.


Opening her eyes, Sun Lingling rested the sword carefully on the stand. Wiping the sweat off her face she stood up. It didn't matter which sword of Li Muchen she touched, it was all the same. The hellish and dedicated way of training. The dulled sense of pain and crushing agony of being untalented. It was there every step of the way.


But, that didn't stop him. Every time he talked about doing something, he did it by the end. No matter how much it hurt or the effort required. That reminded Sun Lingling of the person very dear to her. She exited the room and walked down the corridor. The sword in hand brought an old conversation back to her mind.


Sis, can't we play now? She was twelve years of age.


After big sis finishes her training.


Don't you train every day? You even get hurt. She was a little brat who didn't understand anything but playing.


I lack the talent, Lingling. I know that it isn't something I can dictate. But, the hard work I put in is for me to decide. If I don't do enough, that would be on me. She showed a big smile every time. If I go easy on training I'll get hurt during battles. Do you want Big Sis to get hurt?


No… Please don't get hurt. That was the last thing Sun Lingling wanted.


I don't want that either. Getting hurt isn't good, if my face gets a scar, who will marry me? That is why I train hard. After all, there is a guy I have to pay back for a defeat. She smiled, patting her head.


A guy?


Yeah. A really stubborn guy who defeated me. This time I'll go to his sect and challenge him. I'll take you along too. I am sure you'll like him. Sun Lingling looked forward to that. How about training with me, Lingling? It is better to start early.


I like playing with dolls.


Then we'll buy a lot of them when we travel. Her sister would laugh before getting back to training.


Two years later they were about to leave for Azure Sky Sect. Her sister received a letter of challenge in a piece of white bamboo.


I can't turn my back on a proper challenge. After this, we'll go to the Azure Sky Sect. The sister left after hugging her.


That was the last time she saw her sister, leaving behind only her sword. Three years after she met the man they talked about almost every other day. And now, she was learning from him in a twist of fate to avenge her sister.


Sun Lingling opened the door on the north side of the courtyard. Inside was a Monk dummy. Just like the one she saw through the sword. Placing it on the stone floor. It was heavy, a lump of metal really. Drawing her sword, Sun Lingling took the same wide stance.


One step forward. And a downward slash. Just like she had seen in that resonance state. The Dummy split clean in two. The melted iron dripped on the ground from the halves. The technique that took her Master years to learn, she did it in a few hours while being in a lower minor realm. It was the same for the things her sister learned through months of practice.


Sheathing the sword, she pressed it against her forehead. Trying to feel the warmth of the person that once held it.


"The heavens are anything but fair." Her whimper was lost in the late night's cold breeze.

 

[Overload69]

The next day arrived with a clear sky, the bright sun giving its blessing to the land below as the roosters let out their cries pointing their beaks at the early birds. The residents of the Plum Peak Main building were stirred awake.


Wang Yang left his room and headed for the well in the garden to wash his face, it took him a few minutes to reach the main kitchen after that where he found Sun Lingling picking up a few jade bottles of nutrient pills for the day. However, his master, Li Muchen was nowhere to be seen.


"Master left the Peak and said he would not be back before the day after tomorrow. He wants you to follow the given schedule." Sun Lingling delivered the message.


"I see…" Wang Yang became dejected. He wanted to show his master that he succeeded in the Dummy Test, however, nothing could be done about that right now.


Waving his hand over the golden array, he wanted to have some braised pork to start the day. Yet, nothing appeared. Confused, he opened the cabinet below the array to take out a scroll. It had the list of all dishes in the array with the number of plates left, it was updated each night and there had yet to be a mistake. Today, it showed that there should be three plates of Braised Pork in the array, but there were none.


Master only eats one plate at a time, and he doesn't eat meat in the morning. So, who ate the three plates? Wang Yang glanced at Sun Lingling who walked out of the kitchen. It wasn't her, she had yet to eat a single dish and wasn't the type to sneak around.


The worst part was that, aside from the braised pork other dishes were missing too. Chicken, duck, soy sauce fried noodles, and the tanghulu. Half of everything was missing.


"A food thief is targeting our Peak. But, who could it be?" Wang Yang bit his nail at the big mystery. If this continues, they'd run out of food in no time, wouldn't their Master be angry at them for not doing anything?


We have to catch that thief before he takes all the food away before Master comes back. Above all, Wang Yang didn't like the medicine-like taste of the Pills.


"Before that I have to finish the schedule." With solid resolve, he broke off the chicken leg.


While Wang Yang plotted to capture the thief, Li Muchen arrived at the Outer Sect City. Led by a nervous disciple from the Sky Peak, he entered the Xu Inn's main pavilion. In the middle of the enormous hall, the entire management of the Inn stood with their hands cupped in front of their chest.


The tall man at the forefront looked up, his back parallel to the ground. Dressed in blue silk robes, the man had a sharp face and was the caretaker of the biggest and most luxurious Inn of the Outer City. The first son of the Xu family and next in line to succeed it, Xu Ye. The servants behind him sweated, he would only come down when an important guest came which was rarer than the red moon. However, today's guest was much more than important.


"We are honored to have you in our humble establishment, Immortal Bian Que." Xu Ye said at the sight of the white hair man, he was the only one who dared to meet the blood-red eyes.


"It is a pleasure. Though I apologize for coming on short notice." Disguised as Bian Que, Li Muchen sounded much more polite, yet equally threatening.


Using the Thousand Faces Technique of the Myriad Assassin Troupe, he altered the shape of his face and body using acupuncture needles and heat, for the hair and eyes the Thousand Face Mask was used, the artifact he previously used to change his entire appearance. Now, he had the technique that the artifact was based on.


"Our duty is to serve, Immortal Bian. Please come by as you wish." Xu Ye didn't budge at the tone, he had long gotten used to it. "We have prepared the Divine Grade Room for you, if anything else is needed, please ring the bell to summon the servants."


"I will. Then, I'll be on my way to the room." Li Muchen knew his way around the inn, it wasn't the first time he came in as Bain Que here. And Xu Ye knew what to do when dealing with him.


Climbing the stairs to the fourth floor, he passed by murals on the walls depicting the clash of Mythical Beasts and vases that showed their aged charm, this floor only had four rooms even with the impressive size. The eery silence was filled by the soft melody of the zither that came in with the formation, pushing open the Ironwood door he arrived in the silent hall.


The floor, polished to a mirror-like sheen, laid with ornate carpets woven from the silk of celestial silkworms, each thread shimmering with ethereal light. A low, lacquered table was in the middle, half-filled with exotic fruits and glowing elixirs arranged in delicate porcelain vessels. Several doors led to other rooms, and in front was an open balcony with a variety of spiritual herbs to fill the room with a refreshing scent.


The decorated room was the least of his worries, Li Muchen had to complete three tasks within the day, and one of them was already in the process. Short on time, he left from the balcony on a red flying sword, a few guards around the Inn noticed him leaving, but none raised an issue this time.


When he reached the Inner Gate, the disciples bowed and let him pass. Word had already reached them of Bian Que's visit, so none stopped him from reaching the Chrysanthemum Peak. Landing on the foot of the Peak, he climbed up the stairs under the curious eyes of the passerby, on his way to the actual pavilion this time but he knew he wouldn't have to. The path that passed through the tall bamboo forest was where the expected meeting happened.


"Welcome to the Chrysanthemum Peak, Brother Bian." The Vice Peak Master of Chrysanthemum Peak, the woman who turned the most wasteful peak in the sect into the second most profitable one, Elder Gu Fei had rushed to meet him partway to the Pavilion. "Your habit of coming unannounced is as charming as ever."


"Not as charming as you, Sister Gu." At his words, Gu Fei closed the fan in her hand to show a smile.


"Compliments won't get you a discount, Brother Bian." Gu Fei walked closer, her proud nose just a few inches from his shoulder. "This perfume however may get you a profitable deal."


"Again with this matter." Li Muchen sighed.


"Well, Peak Master Li's personal blend is a coveted product." Gu Fei took a step back and opened her fan. "Many women in the sect are willing to empty their purses just to have a scent similar to his on them."


"Are you one of those ladies, Sister Gu?"


"Well, Brother Li's face is indeed my type, but his ambition is lacking for my tastes. With position and connections like that, there is so much Brother Li can do, yet he refuses to leave his peak for years on end." Gu Fei shook her head in dismay. "So, should I take it as a rejection again?"


"Indeed, he told me the blend on the terms that I can never sell it." Li Muchen gave her a hint.


"That's too bad, so what is Brother Bian here for? Another set of Alchemy cauldrons or special barrier devices like last time?" Gu Fei moved onto the matter at hand on the spot.


"What I am looking for is Peak Master Chen's Spiritual Root Tester. The latest one." Li Muchen saw her sharp eyebrow raise before the expression returned to neutral.


"That would usually take a month, but for Brother Bian, I can push a few people back. The usual price is 30,000 spirit stones, however, since it is a joyous occasion, I'll lower it to 28,000." Her eyes scanned him from head to toe.


"I do not know what to do with such a big favor." Li Muchen expected this.


"Just do not forget about it, Brother Bian." Gu Fei was willing to make compromises, but only for people she knew would make her a profit. And Bian Que stayed at the top of her list. "I'll have it delivered to your Inn room before the sun sets, it is the usual one, right?"


The ever-elusive alchemy genius has stepped out of his cave and decided to take on disciples. A new wind is about to blow over the Continent. The fan hid her smile, but her amethyst eyes looked forward to the future.


"Yes, then I'll take my leave. If I ever make up my mind regarding your proposal, I'll contact you." Li Muchen tried to get away before he was roped into something else.


"Brother Bian has my transmission token, so there isn't a need for any formalities between us. If you had contacted me, I would've brought the device to you personally."


"I can't trouble Sister Gu like that." Li Muchen stepped back.


"You can, Brother Bian. You can." She stepped forward.


"If it weren't for the glint in your eyes, I would've thought that you were flirting with me, Sister Gu." Li Muchen had long been a target of those fox-like eyes.


"Who knows, maybe I am?" Closing her fan, Gu Fei showed a captivating smile before shaking her head. "Let us have some drinks next time, I have a good pot saved up."


"I look forward to that." Li Muchen turned to leave. He had no intentions of ever having a drink with Gu Fei.


Such an interesting man he is, just like him. She smiled already knowing his intentions. If only Peak Master Li was half as ambitious as him. Alas, Heaven doesn't create all men equal.


Li Muchen and Bian Que had a solid friendship, but only a few people knew that. Even fewer knew that Li Muchen helped Bian Que in creating an antidote for Yin Dandelion Poison, however, the man made it look like he wasn't involved at all. In the end, Bian Que received the glory. That didn't mean the man didn't have talent. He shot up from a small-time alchemist without a sect, to an Alchemist every Sect wanted to recruit. However, he had always rejected and stayed hidden, only showing up before something big happened.


"It looks like he finally going to make a move of his own accord this time." Gu Fei chuckled. Turning around, she went back to the main pavilion, her hips swaying with allure.


***


Li Muchen flew over the Inner Sect gate and heaved a sigh. He had completed three plans with that meeting with Gu Fei. First, the Spiritual Root Tester, with this he could finally plan his cultivation schedule. Second, the word of his visit would spread around, not only in the sect but also beyond. Gu Fei won't leave that chance to advertise Chrysanthemum Peak using his name like always. The secret identity, Bian Que, was coveted by many people. So, within a few days, every sect on the continent will know that he has come out again, and that will gather their attention.


The third plan was to create a smoke screen for his actual plan. The flying sword pointed downwards, leading him towards the Outer Sect. Leaving the main pavilions aside, Li Muchen went to the Disciplinary Hall's Outer Sect Branch. There, under the canopy made of leaves, Wu Kexin was sweeping the fallen leaves to the side of the stairs.


In another ten minutes, this will be done. With a week of work done, I'll get a spirit stone. And with the help in doing laundry and cleaning the dining hall, that'll be two more spirit stones this week, if I keep it up like this I'll have an extra 12 spirit stones on top of the ten from the sect. Kexin's mind stayed focused on the plan she had made.


"In three weeks, I'll be able to get my hand on a calming pill bottle. That way, I'll have better chances at succeeding at connecting the meridians." Her fingers did feel a little numb as the nails looked a little rougher than usual, but envisioning the bright future ahead, Kexin hardened her resolve to move ahead.


"Using calming pills early can build a dependence on them." Li Muchen said making the young girl flinch in place, the broom in her hand broke in half because of this.


"U-Um…" She looked back, unsure as to who he was. Despite her displeasure, Kexin tried to maintain a neutral expression.


His robes look expensive… he surely isn't a random person. Any rash actions could end up as a disaster for her, after all, she was only a normal Outer Sect Disciple.


"Bian Que, does that ring any bells?" Beyond the playful tone, Kexin recognized that name.


The genius Bian Que was an orphan from the Rising Sun Dynasty who rose to fame after treating the previous emperor before becoming a Cultivator on his own. His name spread across the continent in recent history and he was held up as a model physician in the Dynasty by many.


She had heard that name again recently, but the person associated with that name didn't match the appearance of the one in front of her. He was ethereal and beautiful, with his silky black hair and calming hazel eyes. Nothing like the devilish looks of the white-haired man in front of her, however, even with an entirely different eye color, she could spot the similar gaze from that day.


"Second… Peak Master?" Confused, Kexin could only see him smile.


"It is good that picked up on that." Li Muchen had deliberately let Kexin hear that name. "You must be wondering why I came here, right?"


She nodded, although her vigilance had dropped, this didn't make sense. Why would he go through the trouble to disguise and meet an Outer Sect Disciple like this? The visit seemed too suspicious. However, the question was beyond anything she could've imagined.


"Wu Kexin, would you be willing to be my Disciple?" She never thought of anything like this even in her wildest dreams.

 

[Overload69]

Aug 6, 2024 at 4:30 AM
"Wu Kexin, would you be willing to be my Disciple?" Li Muchen's question froze Kexin's brain.


That proposal came out of nowhere. Why would a Peak Master be willing to take in an Outer Sect Disciple? Especially when the disciple in question had Earth Grade Low-Rank Spiritual Root. There had to be a reason for this, otherwise it wouldn't make sense. This was the famed Second Peak Master of the Azure Sky Sect.


Wait… could it be that? Staying in the sect for a week, Kexin had learned a few things that turned her stomach. Does he want me to be his lover?


According to a few senior sisters, good-looking female/male cultivators who lacked talent used their beauty to entice rich and talented male/female cultivators. That way, they'd get extra resources and use them as a crutch to support their low talent, while the strong cultivators get to have their fun. In some rare cases, high-ranking cultivators would often approach the target themselves. Cultivation was a long and arduous journey, some cultivators sought to enjoy some pleasures of life over the centuries, and it helped the less talented ones too, at least the willing ones.


Was the Second Peak Master such a person? Kexin couldn't have ever imagined that the man who looked so ethereal and otherworldly would take part in such a practice. This was the Master of her little brother, waiting in front of her with a smile after such a proposal.


Yeah… who am I kidding? However, Kexin knew the real answer. She knew her looks and was proud of them, but they weren't enough to attract someone like the Second Peak Master. The real reason was something she wanted to run away from, yet there was no helping it.


"Did… Wang Yang ask for this?" She couldn't even look up.


What else could there be? But, if he did ask this, does that mean he doesn't believe in her? Although she had known how long it could take for her to reach the Inner Sect on her own, Kexin chose to keep it from Wang Yang so he doesn't do anything like this, but he found out and did exactly that, at least in her mind.


"He didn't." Li Muchen said.


"W-Wait… so is it really that…?" Kexin's face burned crimson.


"Yes, I do want you to be my disciple." Li Muchen double-checked the sound restriction and camouflage array around them before continuing. "It is because your spiritual root is a special one."


"Special?" From what she understood it was average at best in Outer Sect.


"I never expected to see another one in my lifetime, but here we are." Solitary Plum Tree, although low in rank, it was a rare wood-type spiritual root. "According to ancient texts, this spiritual root is one of the first few to appear, and the first of its element. That is what makes it special."


Kexin had a lot to process, but even if it was the first of its element, what did it bring to her? It was still a low-ranked root in the end, it was not enough to get Li Muchen's attention.


"How is it… special?" Yet, she wanted to know more.


"Plum Blossoms can bloom even in the harsh winter, they are associated with resilience and strong will. If the cultivator's personality matches with the Solitary Plum Tree, their chances of going over their limits increase. It'll be hard still, but you can climb much higher than you think. And you are the perfect disciple for me." Li Muchen said.


"Perfect disciple?" Stunned, Kexin couldn't take her eyes off him.


"Because I've faced the same situation as you. So, I have experience with that Spiritual Root." He didn't say it outright, but she understood.


She couldn't find any hint of lies in his words. This was one of the strongest cultivators of the sect, did he really have such a low-ranking Spiritual Root? Although Cultivation was a path full of uncertainties, the slow speed of low-ranking spiritual root was almost certain. The moment a cultivator got his Spiritual root others could guess their limits more or less. For someone like Kexin, that limit was rather low. So, how could someone like that reach such a high position?


"I was very devasted when I first found out about my root, however, someone extended a helping hand to me. So, today I want to do the same for you." Even if Li Muchen's spiritual root was trash compared to his fellow disciples, his Master had always been his biggest support. Now, he wanted to do the same for Wu Kexin, but he wasn't like his Master.


"That…" Kexin felt overwhelmed, everything she could want was before her. With a low-spiritual root, her only chance at reaching the inner sect in the fastest time was to get a master from there, and now it was within arms reach. If she took this hand, it would all work out.


"So, what will it be?" Those words were like the devil's whisper.


"I…" She clenched her hand. "I am sorry."


As expected. Li Muchen looked at her trembling figure. It took a lot of willpower to do that.


"… it is not that I don't want to. But, if I do, Xiao Yang will be in trouble because of the rumors." Kexin tried to explain, fearing that the rejection would anger him.


"You know about the useless chatter going on in the inner sect?" Li Muchen leaned closer, it had come out finally.


"A friend told me about it that many are questioning his position. If I become Second Peak Master's Disciple, he'll get into more trouble." She had only heard of it last evening, because of Wang Yang's Spiritual root many inner disciples aren't happy with his position.


His connection with Kexin was also clear from his visit to the outer sect and information wouldn't be hard to find, if she becomes Li Muchen's disciple at a time like this, many fingers will be pointed at Wang Yang again.


People love to gossip even if they know it has no truth to it. I don't want to make things harder for him. Kexin gulped facing the silence as his lips parted.


"So, you are willing to give the easy way forward for him?" He said.


"For the first time in his life… Xiao Yang is serious about something. I don't want to take that away from him." Kexin was surprised when they talked about it yesterday, that is why she hid the truth from Wang Yang.


"Other cultivators will laugh if they know what you have rejected." Li Muchen's tone turned cold.


"They can. If I fail, I will only blame myself and no one else." But, she didn't budge.


Kexin already understood the drastic results this could have, if she was lucky, she might be expelled from the sect without anything else. Many cultivators were known to be ruthless, and what Li Muchen did in front of her, although to save them from Demonic cultivators, was very cold-blooded.


Right now, her fate was in his hands. But, of course, if he was anything like the Second Peak Master in her mind, there wouldn't be any danger for her or Wang Yang.


"That's good." He smiled, and it soon turned into a chuckle seeing Kexin's legs tremble like a newborn chick.


"Cultivators can stab their blood siblings in the back for a stalk of herb, and here you are letting go of a golden opportunity that many would kill for even after what I told you before." The entire conversation on the way to the caravan, letting her see the hardship of the Outer sect and every word that was spoken in the past few minutes was for this.


Although Li Muchen had heard a lot about Wu Kexin from Wang Yang, a person could change when facing adversity, for better or worse, but Kexin didn't budge. Even at the risk of her own life, she thought of Wang Yang's situation first.


"Does it matter now? I have blown the best opportunity I could've gotten in my life." Her words turned more casual since she felt it couldn't get any worse.


"Will that stop you from moving forward?"


She matched his eyes for the first time, gathering all her courage. "No. Even if no one believes in me, I'll keep going. I will stand true to my promise."


"Don't worry, I believe in you." Li Muchen stepped forward, his hand reaching out.


"Second Peak Master…… you'll believe in me?" Kexin bit her lip feeling the hand on her head.


"I will." Li Muchen had been in that position himself.


A disciple with low talent surrounded by geniuses, the doubt and question about self-worth that ate away at one's mind, the sleepless nights and sweat-filled days without progress, in times like these he never asked for a miracle that could grant him talent, all he needed was someone to believe in him, that pillar of support was all he ever needed.


I believe in you Muchen, even if Heaven abandons you, I will not. For Li Muchen, that pillar was his Master.


"Even if you don't believe in yourself, I'll believe in you. That, I promise to you today." Now, it was his turn to become that pillar for someone in need.


Kexin trembled. Her gaze fixed on the floor, she did her best to hold in the tears, but it didn't help. Coming from the Second Peak Master, this meant a lot to her, if someone like him believed in her then it didn't matter how impossible it seemed, she'd never be able to give up.


"From now on, I'll come to the outer sect and teach you once a week." He said.


"W-Wait, what?" Kexin's head snapped upwards.


"Think of it as an investment in a good prospect before they enter the Inner Sect, many Inner sect elders do it, so it isn't against the rules." Li Muchen smiled.


"What if someo-"


He pressed her lips shut with his finger. "No one has to know, it'll be a secret lesson. Since you have rejected being my disciple and entering the inner sect directly, this is the only way I have to support you now, of course, that is if you want to." Li Muchen gave her some space to think.


"No! I want to! Definitely want to!" Kexin jumped at the chance this time.


If no one knew that Li Muchen was teaching her, then there wasn't a need to worry about the rumors spreading about Wang Yang, and she can have the benefit of having a proper teacher. No one would raise questions after she proved herself and joined the inner sect the proper way.


"Excellent. You may have this now, but be sure to keep this hidden too." Li Muchen handed her a storage ring. "It has the new cultivation method you'll study from now on and Spirit stones for expenditure, so don't bother with chores any longer."


"Master… you already knew…" Kexin didn't know how to feel about this, she felt like a rat in a wheel all of a sudden.


"Being prepared for all possible outcomes is the only way to go." He smiled.


Kexin gulped, she dared not ask what other outcomes he had planned for regarding her. To distract herself, she formed a connection with the ring as instructed, inside was a single cultivation method Azure Sky Cultivation Method, Variant 1 it had a weird name, but her mind focused on the assortment of swords inside, with a pile of jade bottles, some more books as thick as her head, and most importantly, the piles of spirit stones.


"M-Master… isn't this a lot." Kexin felt scared for her life. If someone knew she had this many spirit stones, she wouldn't make it to sunrise.


"I know a thousand spirit stones are a lot for the Outer sect, but you need not worry. I'll see that no flies get near you." He said.


Before she could ask, footsteps approached them, given the time Kexin knew exactly who it was. Her friend has arrived just like every day to chat with her, however, unlike his usual smile, the brown-haired youth stopped dead in his tracks upon meeting the red eyes. Li Muchen allowed him into the Array on purpose.


"A disciple from the Sky Peak, huh?" He stepped closer, and with each step bullets of sweat slid down the dark-skinned youth in black uniform.


"L-Lu Liang, Disciple No 13 from the Fifth Hall of Sky Peak greets Immortal Bian." His head almost touched the ground when he bowed.


"Greetings to you too." The name Bian Que was well known, and being associated with it came with many benefits. "I won't disturb your talk, be sure to give Ning Fan my regards when you go back."


With a wave of his long sleeves, Li Muchen vanished into thin air. Only after an entire minute did Lu Liang look up, still covered in sweat, his eyes landed on the equally dumbfounded Wu Kexin, but her surprise was different from his.


"S-Sister Wu, I have to complete the task given by Immortal Bian. I'll see you some other time, goodbye!" Just like that, the only friend Kexin had made from the Inner sect ran away with his tail between his legs. This was when Wu Kexin understood what Li Muchen meant about keeping the flies away.


"If Master does it like this no one will come near me, let alone flies." Her face twitched, but soon a resolute look appeared in her eyes. Squeezing the ring in her palm, she vowed to keep her promise.


"I won't make you wait for long Xiao Yang." She smiled, going back to her dorms wondering if she'd have to pay for the broken broom.

 

[Overload69]

Aug 18, 2024 at 4:30 PM
Fifth Dormitory, Sky Peak.


On a Peak covered with a lush green forest full of tall trees, a singular path scaled up before branching into off into directions. Lu Liang ran up this path to rush into his dormitory, it was a simple two-floor black pavilion with a slanted stone roof where disciples and instructors lived.


Some greeted him on the way, but he couldn't even register them. Almost stumbling over the stairs to the second floor, he caught himself with a huff and turned right, with a bang he entered the fourth room on the left side. The door slammed on the door, scaring the black-haired youth sitting at the table.


"I am so done for… I might die… I might die this time…" Ignoring the sharp glare from the young boy, Lu Liang fell flat on his messy bed, crying tears of bitterness.


"Were you caught two-timing again?" The boy turned back to the table, fixing his grip on the horse hair ink brush.


"No… no… this time it is worse." Lu Liang buried his face into the silk pillow.


"Did the girl you mess with have a Master? Well, you reap what you sow." The youth's tone was dry as a bone, with a hint of amusement.


"Don't be like this, Yuzhe! I thought she was just a normal frontier town girl with good looks, who would've thought that she would attract Immortal Bian's eye." Lu Liang flinched as the stool Yuzhe sat on clattered against the wooden floor, but without a word, the youth walked towards the door. "H-hey, where are you going?"


"To the Dormitory head so I can submit a room change application." Yuzhe said.


"Stop right there, you brat! How can you be so heartless without even hearing anything?" Lu Liang jumped off the bed and clung to the boy's leg.


"Let go of me you old man, I already have enough troubles to deal with!" Yuzhe tried to walk out of the door, but his strength wasn't enough and he was dragged back in.


"About the Iron Wood Forest incident, right? Your entire Hall had to take the fall for the head's mistake, huh? Both you and I have to suffer so wrongfully, is there really any justice in this world?" Lu Liang shed crocodile tears.


"Don't try to paint yourself as the victim you pervy bastard. I already warned you not to mess with Wu Kexin because of her links with Second Peak Master's disciple." Yuzhe tried to pry him off his legs but failed.


"I am not stupid enough to touch her, I was just planning to make her fall for me before doing anything." Lu Liang met Yuzhe's narrowing gaze. "I swear on my dantian, if I am lying I won't make any progress for the next ten years."


Lu Liang's body gave out a red glow as he felt shackles wrapping around his body, it felt like the weight of a mountain was on him, but only for a second as the oath he took came into effect. However, Yuzhe's gaze only narrowed.


"Why were you acting like you were caught forcing yourself on her?" Veins popped up on the young boy's face.


"I was scared, so kind of overreacted, sowwy~!" Lu Liang avoided the sharp gaze.


"If you don't let me go right now, I'll make you." Yuzhe's fist took on a silvery luster as his Qi flared up.


"Aiyo, so cold." Lu Liang moved back as quick as he had caught him.


Yuzhe closed the door and walked back to his study table, picking up the brush he continued from the last line on white paper, with small and precise strokes he wrote refined yet easy-to-read words. A short silence fell over the room as Lu Liang rustled into his bed, compared to Yuzhe's bed and area his side looked like a pigsty.


"Are you writing a letter to your sister again?" Lu Liang asked.


"I wasn't able to in the past week because of constant remedial tasks."


"All you talk about is weather and the mundane tasks. Write something interesting for once."


"I don't have experience in exaggeration, above all, she enjoys knowing these, a normal day-to-day life is like a fairy tale to her." Yuzhe said finishing the letter, leaving it on the desk for the ink to dry, he stood up and stashed away the supplies with care.


"What a weird pair of siblings." Lu Liang rolled over on the bed watching him fold the letter into an envelope. As Yuzhe was getting ready to leave the room, he spoke up. "Have you thought about Elder Ning's offer?"


Yuzhe halted his steps. "Not yet."


"You are wasting the best opportunity of your life. If you had chosen already, you wouldn't have been caught in the strife of two Hall heads with this incident." Lu Liang sat up on the bed. "You are a model disciple in Fourth Hall, but because you were in the wrong place you had to suffer on account of someone else."


"…Do cultivators time to do these things with Demonic cultivators roaming free?" Yuzhe couldn't understand the infighting.


"High-ranking cultivators have all the time in the world, but we do not have that." Lu Liang said. "So, choose before the situation gets worse. Peak Master Zhou is breathing down everyone's neck in this case because the Second Peak Master found it."


"…I think it would've been the same regardless of who found it." Yuzhe said.


"You are a new kid so you don't know, they are known as the Dragon and Tiger of Azure Sky Sect. I wouldn't be surprised if even harsher punishment is meted out after the investigation is completed, just so Second Peak Master can't intervene or complain about it." Lu Liang lay on the bed. "After the last Disciple Selection when Senior sister Sun rejected Peak Master Zhou's offer and joined Second Peak Master, the situation is tenser than ever."


"…I'll think about it." Saying that Yuzhe walked out of the room, closing the room behind him. Descending the stairs, he stood by the main entrance for a moment letting others pass by.


"The Righteous cultivators aren't as righteous as you used to talk about Father." He muttered holding the letter close to his chest, with a sigh he marched towards the Disciplinary Hall at the top of the Peak.


***


"The requested item is in here, Immortal Bian." Xu Ye personally brought the delivery to my inn room.


"You have my gratitude." I said.


With a bow, he left me alone. Closing the door, I walked into the bedroom. Sure to close the door and windows shut, a few formations to avoid any interference or eavesdropping were laid down. Under the bright light from the stones stuck to the ceiling, the spiritual root tester was placed on the wide sandalwood bed. The white slab had a dim light running through the numerous inscription lines, it had recently been used to check for any problems.


Before using it, I checked the artifact to see for anything that could bring me trouble. Recording or Data transmission arrays, Tracking arrays, and many more methods that Gu Fei had used to grasp Bian Que's whereabouts in the past. Although she stopped using them after the first, there wasn't a loss in checking every time as she would add them when people least expected them.


"Good, I can finally get back to cultivating after this." Not cultivating for seven days straight left me feeling weird, as it may have been the second biggest break I had taken since becoming a cultivator. Especially since I had such a strong spiritual root now.


Diving head first was the last thing that should be done because of the unknowns, but now I can. Without wasting another second, five spirit stones were inserted into the slots and my hand rested on top of the Spirirual root tester. The inscriptions of the slab shone bright, drawing in a Stream of Qi from the spirit stones, the device guided it towards my Lung Meridian using the pathway from my right palm, and then passing through other meridians it arrived at Mind Realm Gate.


I lowered my defences to let it enter my mind realm where it reached the spiritual root. Being familiar with the Mind realm made it easier for me to see the process myself, the tester used the Qi from spirit stones to see the absorption rate of the Spiritual root, if one spirit stone was used it would be Mortal Grade with 35 % consumption for Low Rank, 70% for Mid, and 100% for High. Two spirit stones for Earth Grade, three for Heaven, four for Divine, and finally all five for Immortal.


I hope there are some clues about this Black lotus in the database. Chen Zhipeng used the most complete database of Spiritual roots shared among the Four major sects on the Western Continent, and each time any sect discovered a new root it would be included without fail. If nothing is found about it with this tester, I would have to look for clues elsewhere.


As expected, things didn't go smoothly. "This is troublesome…" Sweat gathered on my brow, I knew it was possible but to think that the worst-case scenario happened.


The Black Lotus absorbed the entire stream of Qi from the stones, if the tester hadn't cut off the trail it would've absorbed even the Device's vital Qi used to transfer the information. Thankfully, the defense system of the device worked as intended, any other device would've become useless by now.


However, a new problem stood before me. Going by the rate of absorption alone it should be Immortal Grade High Rank, but that shouldn't be it. Just like my previous Root, this one had extraordinary abilities, the special ability to absorb Qi.


It would be hard for the device to make an accurate evaluation because of that. To confirm my thoughts words formed on the white slab using the light from the inscription like thousands of ants moving across the land.


Spiritual Root Name: — (Not in database)


Rank: Cannot quantify due to interference from the root.


Dominant Element: Wood


Secondary Elements: Water, Earth.


Root Alignment: Extreme Yin


Cultivation Method Recommendation: No matches…


Although I couldn't find the thing that mattered, this was more than enough. I already knew that this root was above Divine grade, that itself was more than I could ask for. With this, a suitable cultivation method could finally be chosen.


I've been so eager to cultivate that the list of all Wood element Cultivation methods was already prepared, even after excluding the ones below Heaven Grade High Rank the list had over a thousand methods. Testament to Wang Yang's dedication to always searching for a better cultivation method to give me, with the extra information and my knowledge of what suited me, it didn't take long to cut down the list to five choices.


Supreme Wood Venerable's Sutra (Divine Grade Low Rank)


Divine Garden's Path (Divine Grade High Rank)


Vicissitudes of the Lone Flower (Immortal Grade Low Rank)


World Covering Banyan tree. (Divine Grade Mid Rank)


Azure Sky Cultivation Method, Variation One. (Heaven Grade High Rank)


Among these methods, I have used two before regression and one that I was still using. Azure Sky Cultivation Method, Variation One is a cultivation method made solely for me by my Master based on the original. It took a lot to part with it before, but even among the high-ranking methods that could cause war if known, this one suited me the best.


Somehow, I feel relieved. The method made by Master wasn't lacking even with its low rank, in truth it was made to be low rank for me specially.


It allowed the user to control the amount of Qi they absorbed, but because of my low rank, I could only increase the value by half. This time, I have a high-ranking spiritual root, not to mention its ability to suck in qi like a wide-mouthed Winged Whale. Even if it has the lowest rank on the list, it is the safest option as I know the most about it, with its help my meridians and pathways won't be overwhelmed by the drastic increase of Qi either. The ability to reduce Qi Absorption will come in handy for the first time.


Exiting the bedroom, I opened the door right beside it. It was a similarly well-lit vast room, but aside from a cushion in the middle and an inscription-filled room, nothing else could be found. The Divine Grade room of the Xu Inn had a cultivation room per room, all equipped with a lesser version of the five-element array to help provide an optimal atmosphere for the guests.


"It is finally time for me to start cultivation." With bubbling excitement in my chest, I got ready for what was to come.
....


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[Overload69]

Exiting the bedroom, I opened the door next to it. Inside was a well-lit room, but aside from a cushion in the middle and inscriptions that ran through the white floors and walls, nothing else was there, not even windows. The Divine Grade rooms of the Xu Inn had a cultivation room, each equipped with a lesser version of the five-element array to help provide an optimal atmosphere for the guest.


With the white jade token placed on the cushion, it took a few minutes to set the array to gather wood, water, and earth Qi using the spirit stones. As the Qi formed a low-hanging fog on the floor, I took my seat and closed my eyes. Knowing how hungry my spiritual root was for Qi, I cut the absorption rate down to 25%, it was the lowest my method allowed, before this I had always used it to increase the absorption rate.


Nevertheless, my breath calmed soon after I followed the familiar pattern, two long breaths in, holding them for five seconds before releasing it all in three quick bursts before repeating. I was like a fish in water, the Qi came in through my nose entering my Lung meridian, having practiced this method for centuries made it easier to guide the Qi through the meridians, everything was working fine until the stream of Qi entered the Dantian where I had to condense it.


A dantian was a metaphysical storage for Qi, not visible to the naked eye but it did exist. The spiritual root and mind realm, these two were a part of the person's soul, similar to them Dantian only became active when a cultivator started their journey becoming the shield for the mind realm and the spiritual root. The moment Qi entered my Dantian it reached the Black Lotus, in reaction the ominous-looking flower stretched its roots looking for more. The absorption rate shot up about ten times in an instant.


"Quckh!" The taste of iron reached my tongue.


My ears rang, sending a piercing pain through my head as if someone had hammered in long rusted nails inside while hitting me straight up once in a few seconds, the lungs were half filled with blood making it harder to breathe, but the flow of Qi wasn't interrupted, if anything it was increasing as my pores opened up. Violent coughs erupted soon after. Something hot dripped down my chin, cracking open my burning eyes, the red in my vision confirmed it.


"Kaack—!!" Blood, my blood stained my clothes and the white floor.


My entire body was burning up like a furnace. It hadn't even been ten seconds, but my meridians and Qi Pathways felt like they were twisting in place, it was like someone had poured molten iron inside them. The spiritual root dictated the absorption of Qi, but no Spiritual root participated in the process. However, my root wasn't simply participating, it was trying to kill me.


I have to break the cycle, if I don't this won't end with simple damage. My body could inflate and end up exploding if I didn't stop this soon, the best case scenario was ending up with destroyed meridians, in other words, a cripple.


Staying conscious took its toll, the only way to end the cycle was for someone to stop me or my body moving subconsciously. The latter was my only hope, being with Wang Yang for years had trained my sense of danger to an unusual degree. The moment my mind registered the danger, my body moved on instinct to counter it.


My hands clamped down on my nose and mouth, cutting off the major flow of Qi as I stopped the array using my mind. However, the problem was far from over, the meridians and Pathways were still overflowing with Qi.


Many people say that the worst pain is one that affects the soul, and I agree. It wasn't half as painful as this when I was trying to find the cure for Yin Dandelion, the first time I felt pain like this was facing the Disaster God before dying, but compared to that, this was bearable.


"The world may try… but the only one who can stop you, is yourself." Forcing the numb tongue to move, I chanted this over and over. "Do not lose focus in the face of pain, do not fret while… facing adversity, to gain enlightenment in life should be your sole purpose."


Tranquil Pond Technique. A secret Buddhist technique to strengthen the soul and clear the mind even in the face of great pain, imprinting it in my mind beforehand was the right choice as this technique had helped me always.


The soothing warmth washed over me, drowning the pain a little, it wasn't much but now it felt more bearable as my focus shifted. Clear energy left my dantian. The stream connected to the closest Meridian and started to draw in the Qi towards the Dantian, emptying the pathway along the way. Leaving the meridians like this would continue to make the situation worse, so, the Qi under my control reached the next meridian and started to drain it too.


Such complex and small-scale manipulation inside the body was the reason Azure Sky Cultivation Method Variation One was important to me, the other cultivation methods would've guided me to expel the volatile Qi from the meridians, but doing that would make me suffer a backlash for the broken concentration on top of the accumulated damage. The result would be some twisted meridians which would require a few months of rest and expensive Heaven-Grade Soul strengthening pills, the damage to the body was easy to deal with. However, with this cultivation method, I could take the boon equal to the suffering, which was only fair.


Normally, the suffering would far outweigh the boon, but not this time. Regressed to a lower realm now, the countless insights gathered throughout years of rigorous cultivation lay within my memory, so unlike a normal cultivator who had to gather these insights while absorbing Qi, I only need sufficient Qi and the insights will fall in place, however, this type of cultivation was equally dangerous as this was part of the reason for the jump in the absorption speed.


The stream of Qi that entered my Dantian started to stick together, and soon a thick fog formed resembling clouds, the color of these clouds darkened as they condensed further till they could no longer hold their shape, and the collapse resulted in the rain of a million droplets of Qi, that rained down like a storm, but this was only the first step.


Cultivation resulted in two things, the nourishment of the soul and the strengthening of the body. The presence of Qi alone nourished the soul, but strengthening the body depended on the effort and skill of the cultivator, especially in the Golden Core realm where the most important parts of the human body, organs, were strengthened.


I have never done this without meditating, but still, the process remains simple.


The liquid Qi left my dantian in a stream, circulating between the twelve meridians in a constant cycle. The organs connected to these points were the core of the body, their strength was the most vital part as it was the last stage of body strengthening for the Qi Cultivators. Strong organs make a strong person, it was true even for cultivators.


The Heart's pumping strength, the Liver's filtration of poisonous substances, the digestion ability of the stomach, and the kidney's effect on blood, all these properties helped a cultivator live better and absorb the strong pills while increasing their natural immunity. The liquid Qi used the meridians to enter the organs and start repairing any damage sustained till now before strengthening them.


Beads of sweat rolled down my face as the pain started to come back again, there wasn't any room for accidents so I strengthened the Tranquil Pond Technique and continued the process. After two hours the Qi was reeled back into the Dantian where it started to compress, in the Golden Core realm one had to turn the liquid Qi into a solid form and fill the dantian 90% with a hollow center to reach the Peak of the realm.


Clumps started to form within the liquid and sunk low to land on already solidified Qi, soon the liquid Qi turned into a golden sludge. Using the Qi pressure to vibrate the entire layer, the clumps started to close in, and the water in between started to escape upwards. Now a thin layer of liquid Qi sat above the solidified Golden Qi waiting for the next round of absorption.


Being hasty wouldn't help, even if I want to continue right now. I hadn't even cultivated properly and my dantian had 75% solidified Qi in it, making me jump from the 6th refinement of the Golden Core to the halfway point of the 7th refinement layer.


I had never seen such speed in my life, but the danger was equally great. The absorption rate of the spiritual root had far exceeded my expectations even after suppressing it, part of it was the root's ability and the other was my insights into the realm. However, my body was far too weak to support this speed, it had cultivated using an earth-grade spiritual root thus my meridians and pathways only matched that grade, and they aren't strong enough to support the changed root right now.


Although the chances of things going this were high, not trying would've been much more damaging as the only way to find more about this spiritual root was to enter a secret realm, and to enter that I would need to be at least at the 5th lamp of Soul Formation Realm.


If I simply continue this, it wouldn't be long before the growth halts or I become a cripple, both weren't good endings. The only way to circumvent this was to either get new meridians or strengthen the current ones, with my identity the first option couldn't be followed, so, my chips rested on the second one.


I apologize in advance Iron Body Deity, it looks like I'll have to dig your grave much sooner than I expected. Desecrating a respected figure's resting place wasn't something enjoyable to me, but it was necessary if I wanted to execute even half of the plans in my head.


"I'll be sure to put it to good use…" I paused for a moment hearing the low but strong tone. "My voice changed back."


The pressure on the acupoint must've been undone because of the violent muscle spasms and constriction due to pain. If it affected the vocal cords then other areas should be the same, in the full body the situation became clearer. The slanted shoulders, one protruding outwards more than the other, the left arm looked longer than the right by a few inches, but the worst part was the face.


In the mirror's reflection, Bain Que's strong, masculine features confront my original face's softer on the left, more soothing appearance. Bain Que's sharp eyebrows and narrow eyes exude authority and determination, contrasting with my original face's defined jawline, cat-like eyes with double eyelids, fair skin, and a small, inviting mouth. While Bain Que's traits had more strength and character, my original face's natural beauty proved universally attractive. Although my choice leaned more towards the Bian Que look, my original face has helped me a lot in tough situations.


But it does bring me trouble because people don't forget me even if they have only met me once, I guess the excess Yin Qi did have an effect after all. Leaving the disadvantage out, the silver needles helped me bring Bian Que's look back together in a minute.


It was a blessing to have this technique as it changed my real body instead of veiling it with an illusion, something that can be seen through. The technique even helped in manipulating the musculature to change the body shape by a good margin to provide another layer of illusion, with this I won't get discovered because of the Artifact's limits again.


"No use crying over spilled milk now." Eating a Heaven Grade healing pill, I began to circulate the medicinal Qi through the pathways to repair them while also giving some care to the meridians.


The current objective was to bring them back to their original state before leaving for the Iron Body Deity's Grotto Heaven. I did plan to bring the disciples there as it only helped cultivators in the first three Major realms, but because of my situation, the plans need to change. The lightning rod called Wu Kexin wouldn't be enough on her own.


I have to add more fire so the smoke catches Zhao Jun's attention. After cleaning the mess on the floor, I changed into a fresh red robe before leaving the room.


All of the tasks on the list for today had come to fruition, only the new one remained now but that wouldn't take too long. Knocks came from the main door, when it opened Xu Ye bowed slightly, his hands in the front. Behind him were a few servants with their eyes glued to their feet.


"We are here to invite Immortal Bian for dinner."


The sun had already sunk a while ago, in a way he came later than usual because the Lesser Four Element Formation was in use. More time than intended had passed because of the issues that came up, staying here any more would be delaying things for no reason.


"I have somewhere to be, so maybe next time." I said in a clear and concise manner


"We'll prepare a grand feast for Immortal Bian the next time."


From the looks of it, he had already done that this time, but he'd put that food to good use so I could leave without worries


"Before I leave, there is a piece of information that might interest you." I said.


Waving his hands, Xu Ye sent the servants behind him away. With the two of us being the only ones on the floor, his expression turned serious, although he had always been a cautious type, he never missed information from any source, especially when it came from someone important like Bian Que.


"The smell of rotten wine is strong in Qingyun Province these days."


His eyes widened slightly, even his poker face wouldn't help as looking for this information was at the top of his priority list. The rotten wine was a code word for Demonic cultivators, and this bunch made a new stronghold in Qingyun province around this time. Previously, the plan was to use them as combat experience for the disciples, now, I'll use them as bait. Of course, someone like him wouldn't simply take it and go.


"…Why would Senior Bian tell me this?"


"It is compensation for keeping your nose out of our business." This was the best response and the one that made the most sense given how Xu Ye was.


Letting him snoop around my disciples and plans wasn't ideal, he already knew of the close friendship between Li Muchen and Bian Que, which made the entire thing easier as this threat would make more sense if it came from Bian Que, someone known for his selfish and rude behavior.


"Immortal Bian and Peak Master Li have nothing to worry about, The Xu Family is forever loyal to the sect. I hope Immortal Bian can pass the message on to Peak Master Li." He bowed, and although it looked like he was trying to let the storm pass, I knew the message had reached him.


The Xu Family was loyal to the sect, but Xu Ye's loyalty lay elsewhere and the same became true for the Xu Family as of late. After all, Zhao Jun was the one who supported him in reaching his position and the two were from the same generation, this information would reach that guy and get him out of the sect before the fixed time.


"I'll be sure to pass the words on through the token. Though I wanted to meet him, that guy was too enthusiastic about gathering herbs for his disciples. Then, until next time." I said, walking past him.


"Until next time, Immortal Bian."


He didn't suspect a thing about Li Muchen being missing, no one would because it took years of repetition to build these alibis and recognizable habits that had now become a part of me. Looking at the silk pouch in my hand, I smiled.


It is time to force the soldier into making a move of his own.

 

[Overload69]

Sep 30, 2024 at 4:30 PM
The morning on Plum Peak started normally even if I arrived later than the given time. Sun Lingling had already entered her new cultivation room, or from the looks of the Formation's runtime, she hadn't left since last night, on the other hand, Wang Yang was in the library reading novels to train his comprehension. Entering the kitchen, an intruder was eating a bowl of chilly oil noodles like it was his own house.


"Yo partner, I finished the rooms yesterday." Chen Zhipeng smiled, his face red because of the spice.


"Took more time than expected." I sighed seeing him ignore the words, the reason for the delay was also clear. "So, did you make any progress with that?"


"Glad you asked! It had its complications, but in front of my genius it was child's play." He smirked to himself before his mood took a dive. "But to use it one would have to master splitting their consciousness into two parts and control the other, it isn't as simple as controlling a flying sword as the main body will have their movements limited from the strain. We would need someone at the Peak of Nascent Soul Realm just to test this out."


"This is why I told you to never neglect your Mind realm and cultivation, you can master these techniques as soon as you step into the Nascent Soul realm, so it is on you," I said passing him some milk so he stopped hanging his tongue out.


"It ish… too time-consuming, anyway, I'll train in it now or I wouldn't get to use that." Chen Zhipeng gulped down the whole bottle of Milk before digging right into the noodles again. "But what about you, partner? …Do you have some shortcuts planned like before?"


Although he tried to weave this into the conversation, Chen Zhipeng wanted that method too because training the mind realm techniques was time-consuming, so many cultivators only did them at the end. As long as one becomes conscious of their spiritual body, they can start learning techniques and practice. Normal cultivators only came in contact with the spiritual body at Nascent Soul Realm, other cases involved having a Heaven or Divine Grade root that affected one's spirit, which was as rare as dragons and phoenixes in the Cultivation world.


I didn't need to use any secret artifacts or techniques to split my intent, stepping into Nascent Soul Realm previously I had trained all mind realm techniques to the highest levels possible. With those insights I developed a way to split the consciousness from the Golden Core Realm onwards for Wang Yang, this way was much faster than the usual books on the subject circulating these times as it had taken inspiration from the talents of the past and future. However, it would be a waste to simply give it away.


"I may have a way to make the training about 50% easier." It was an artifact I made with Chen Zhipeng in the future to help Wang Yang.


His eyes shined brighter than ever, Chen Zhipeng loved to make things that made his life easier. He wouldn't even cultivate if the artifact he was making didn't need him to be at a higher realm of cultivation, in a way he was the most dedicated to his craft than anyone I knew, above all he was sensible.


"So, what do you need in return, partner?"


I smiled. "Three of your best shield artifacts and three Blue Dragon Cauldrons that Bian Que had you make last time. I need them in this week. If you delay, do not blame me for not helping you, and I want three Soul Arena Jades, considering you do get the blueprint." Since the name of an unknown artifact was already dangling in front of him, he had no way out.


"Geh!" His face twisted like he had bitten into a lemon, although I didn't like to do it, using the stick sometimes was necessary with Chen Zhipeng, that is what I've learned from Gu Fei.


"If you think it is too mu—"


"No No, everyone knows that my partner is the most upright and handsome man on this continent, how can he make unreasonable requests?" Chen Zhipeng said before I could pull back the offer.


"Why is your face twitching then?" Compliments won't work with me, he should know that well.


"It is the spice, the spice I tell you, I really can't handle it. But it is tasty so I have to finish." This guy needed to learn how to lie, but his straightforwardness was one of the reasons this partnership lasted this long.


"But for you to hurry this much, are you going somewhere too, Partner?"


"Going somewhere too?" I asked handing him some sweetened banana milk.


"You didn't know? Well, you weren't around so it makes sense, Zhao Jun left the Sect a few hours ago. Saying that he needs to conduct the inspection earlier this year or something." He scoffed. "He's probably out there plotting something."


"Is that so? Something big must've happened." I feigned ignorance to the end, after all, the way to Qingyun Province and my herb gathering locations were in opposite directions.


"Even then, why does him leaving turn into such a big deal? No one asks questions when I leave. He isn't even that cool compared to me." Chen Zhipeng rolled his eyes. "Anyway, I'll go and work on the things you asked."


Tapping on the gem bracelet he activated the concealment array and left the place unnoticed, since I had already hidden my storage ring, he clicked his tongue he went away. It was a more compact version of the Shadow cloak that I used, although there are more artifacts I want him to make for the disciples, Wang Yang will end up finding better ones down the line much faster with me around.


Unlike the normal treasure-hoarding cultivators, Wang Yang had always shared what he found after taking what he needed. It may be the secret to his unending luck or something, regardless things wouldn't be different this time either.


After cleaning up the kitchen and adding more dishes to the array, I entered the library to see Wang Yang yawning. He was reading the novel Records of the Legendary Alchemist, a mortal scholar in the golden age claimed that he had seen the journey of Pill Grandmaster Zhou Fan in his dream and wrote it down in one sitting abstaining from food and sleep for a week.


The story was still a big hit after three thousand years among cultivators because of the high entertainment value, and most importantly its clever use using scenarios to teach idioms and integral parts of cultivation. Such books helped in comprehension for people who weren't used to reading as the language was much simpler than the ones in the Cultivation Methods and Technique books.


"If you don't focus on the words, it would be a waste of time." I said as soon as he noticed my feet falling on the wooden floor.


"Well…" Wang Yang scratched his cheek; it wasn't easy for a non-reader to get into reading that fast. In a way, he was doing better than last time.


"When you read, try to paint a vivid picture in your mind, one where you can see even the tiny details." I flipped to the later pages and picked a random sentence that he had yet to reach. "Amidst the rustling leaves and the murmuring stream, Li Mei and Zhou Fan stood as equals, bound together by the shared experience of a battle fought with honor and grace. What comes to your mind about this?"


He thought for a bit before closing his eyes, trying to imagine as I said. "All I can think of is that they fought on equal footing in a forest."


"That is a barebones picture." I said.


"What does Master think about this?" Wang Yang asked the same question as last time.


Some people had trouble visualizing scenes in their mind, while some did it like second nature, just like how some people do not hear a voice in their head and some do not. Wang Yang lacked practice with visualization, which is why his first task was to build that habit by reading novels with no pictures because cultivators needed a rich imagination to decode the descriptions in cultivation books, it also helped in controlling Qi much more efficiently. For me, visualization had always been my strongest suit because of my first life.


"For starters let me tell you about the place where this is happening, rustling leaves and murmuring stream. The background is a forest, since the leaves are rustling it should be a breezy day, without the mention of flowers it should be around the 11th month when it is dry and a little cold, fitting for a face-off. Since a stream is nearby and the novel is said to be set in Hunan Province at the start, the type of trees should be Green gourd trees, their green leaves are awfully large and do not fall off the branches until the end of winter, which makes the rustling part more understandable. Li Mei and Zhou Fan stood as equals, bound together by the shared experience of a battle fought with honor and grace. These two fought in such a place on an equal footing, but their battle was one where they respected their opponents and didn't use underhanded methods. What does that mean? Do they respect each other that much? Are they rivals or something more? Were they happy with a draw or something else? Not to mention it creates a great contrast with the weather and their surroundings, to me the main point of this line isn't about the battle, but rather the bond between these two." The more I spoke, the more immersed Wang Yang seemed to get.


"I don't know why… but I can see them smiling at the end regardless of who won, before I thought that they would have serious looks while trying to kill each other." Wang Yang muttered, and that view was the picture that I had in my mind.


"There are a lot of things you can derive from simple lines, that is why you should never skim through any passage even if the words look simple or you feel like you know them, you will never be able to see the full picture if you only put half of your mind to it. Always keep that in mind."


When reading or cultivating, making a mountain out of a molehill was necessary. Having more questions than answers was always a good thing for me, picking things apart at the base level was the reason I could reach this stage even with my lacking talent. So, if someone like Wang Yang learned that, he would soar much higher than anyone in history. He had already done it once without mastering that part, so I could only guess what heights he'd reach after he learned this.


"I won't let you down, Master." He seemed more motivated now, once he saw the path, Wang Yang always had an easier time following through.


"That's a good attitude to have."


"Also Master, I completed the dummy challenge the day before yesterday, I can now split it 8 times out of 10." He said with a much bigger smile. "Now I won't have to do the sword swings, right?"


"You can do those at your discretion, but first you must show it to me." Although I had already seen him do that with Sun Lingling's little guidance, it would be better to see it with my eyes to build a habit in Wang Yang to show the end result.


Though he seemed happier to get away from the books for now, we entered the courtyard where Sun Lingling was swinging her sword with her long sleeves fluttering with every turn of her wrist. The slashes were woven together to form a tight net of graceful attacks that had the right amount of power while giving her room to fall back.


The famed Complete (Offense and defense) sword style of the Sword Princess, huh? Did she teach her or did Sun Lingling learn it through the Ashen sword this time? During our duel, this sword style was something that only existed in concept.


The Sword Princess must've had completed that sword style before she went missing, but as far as I remember I hadn't seen Sun Lingling using it. Before regression, her attacks always had an unparalleled level of sharpness to them, like a ferocious tiger ready to tear anything apart in her way. Something must've changed or she deliberately never used this style in the future I knew of. A more aggressive style was sure to increase her strength, something she pursued almost as if possessed.


"Greetings Master and Junior Brother Wang." She stopped to greet us, sheathing the sword in one movement, she walked over. "I apologize, I was too engrossed in practicing and didn't notice Master's arrival."


"Although I would say that it is a good thing that are lost in training, but always be mindful of your surroundings even when you are in your backyard. You too Wang Yang, don't let your guard down at any moment, be alert at all times so no one can sneak up on you." Part of the reason I still suppressed my presence and footsteps was to test them, and the over the past week Sun Lingling has shown a great sense of awareness of her surroundings unless she was training, but Wang Yang had barely spotted me before hearing my voice unless I gave myself away.


"We will keep your lessons in mind." They said, I do hope Wang Yang learns it on his own.


"Alright then, let's start with Wang Yang's progress." At my words, he merrily brought the monk dummy to the center.


However, unlike what he said, Wang Yang made the dummy split nine times out of ten. He seemed quite pleased with that as Sun Lingling stood by my side, watching over him with a serious expression. She should be able to see it too, Wang Yang was getting closer to the first hurdle of martial path cultivators on his own, but it was too soon for him now because he lacked the usable Qi.


"You did great, Wang Yang. I didn't expect you to do it at such speed. What should I do, your reward still hasn't arrived yet." I said, giving him a boost of confidence.


"Senior Sister Sun helped me a lot, I look forward to the reward though." Wang Yang placed the dummy away with satisfaction.


I didn't expect Sun Lingling to help him this quick, however, the faster they become conscious of one another the better it would be for their growth. Although Wang Yang couldn't face Sun Lingling in terms of talent for the sword yet, he was more than enough to be a rising talent on Tiger Peak, a Peak specializing in Martial Path.


"Then Lingling, it is your turn." Now it was time to set an ever-increasingly difficult goal in front of Wang Yang.


"Yes, Master." She brought the Invincible Iron Monk out of the warehouse with one hand, a statue that weighed 100 kilograms.


She had made flying progress herself in a week, not only did she enter the 6th stage of the Qi gathering realm, but also learned three sword techniques as far as I was aware of. Taking the stance of the most lethal of the three, she stood in front of the Invincible Iron Monk, with a clean step forward her straight sword came down a drop of rain landing right on the glabella.


"Woah…" Wang Yang stared wide-eyed at the iron monk, it was cleanly cut into two, the slash glowing in a hue similar to the setting sun. No one had to tell him that this one was different from the one he trained with.


With my used sword she had learned the Iron splitting sword, the second stage of Master's personal Sword Style. Even if she didn't show it, Sun Lingling already should've learned Earth splitting sword, which is the first stage.


I did give her those swords on purpose to see her learning speed, but this has exceeded my expectations. Real talents are terrifying.


In the Jade Sword Hall, she couldn't learn a sword technique from the used swords till she reached the 5th Pillar of Foundation Establishment Realm because of restrictions of her spiritual roots. Maybe it was Wang Yang's presence, or she wasn't able to learn properly in that place, thinking of how the Head of Jade Sword Hall is, the second option seemed more likely.


"Master, this disciple has a request for the reward next time." Sun Lingling looked me in the eye. Seemed like she needed something specific, after all, she had more pills she could use in a few months already because of how many times she had beaten Wang Yang in the daily duels.


"If it is something within my power then I will get you the reward, so don't be polite." There was only so much she could ask for that I didn't have.


Sword techniques? I had too many of them from all over the world, from past or future, all stayed at my fingertips. Artifacts? Chen Zhipeng could help, or the close by Grotto Heavens would have them, one way or another I'll get them for her. Pills? I could make them myself or give Liu Zhi another wine recipe to get it.


Yet, what she asked for was something I least expected.


"For the next reward… may I have a chance to face Master in a duel?"

 

[Overload69]

Oct 1, 2024 at 4:30 PM
"For the next reward, may I have a chance to face Master in a duel?"


Of all the things Sun Lingling could've asked for, it was this. However, I did give my word so there wasn't any need to step back from this, and it was a good opportunity to push Wang Yang.


"Only if you can reach Foundation Establishment by the end of this year." Seeing her current speed and the things I have planned; this would only be a little hard for her to complete this.


"I will do my best." Sun Lingling also got her first small goal this way.


"Master me too." Wang Yang also got into high spirits, whether he can reach that level by the end of the year depended on his luck, and that was one thing he didn't have a shortage of, as part of the reason I was taking them out was for him to get a proper taste of the Cultivation world.


"It is great to see you two being so eager to advance your cultivation, as your Master it is my duty to support you." The two looked over, Lingling's eyes sharp while Wang Yang most likely prayed that it didn't involve reading it was the thing I had planned before. Now, I could move on with it as if it was naturally put forth because of their resolve to improve.


"We'll go on a trip outside of the sect at the end of this week." Iron Body Deity's Grotto Heaven would be much more helpful to them compared to me.


"You two can continue with your day, from now on we will do the progress check every first of the month with lectures on the first day of every week." They nodded and walked into the western wing, that was where their new training rooms were.


I would've started the lectures from today onwards, but some things were still undone. The first was the rat in Sky Peak, and the second was putting Wu Kexin on the starting line. The task at Sky Peak wouldn't take long, and it would be easier now that Zhao Jun and Ning Fan rushed towards the smoke.


The Main Disciplinary Hall of the Sky Peak was an imposing building made of dark black wood and tiles, although justice was usually associated with the color white, Zhao Jun didn't think so, and the same was true for me. The Disciplinary Hall was one of the two forces in the inner sect that could punish the sect members, whether that be Disciples, Elders, Peak Masters, Grand Elder, or the Sect Master. As long as they can prove the crimes with enough evidence, they could take action.


Because of such power, many people flocked to this peak, some with pure intentions but most with their agendas. The Fourth Hall, which was in charge of investigation and evidence collection became the breeding ground for corruption after the Vice leader took complete control of this sector. However, many righteous people rose from this hall, who later put an end to the corruption and maintained the dignity of the place.


"Greeting Second Peak Master, this disciple's name is Fu Yuzhe." The black-eyed youth guarding the Sky Hall's main gate bowed, he was the most trusted disciple of the Fourth Hall's Head.


"Greeting, is Peak Master Zhou in?" I asked.


"Sixth Peak Master had left for the territory inspection earlier with Vice Peak Master." The kid answered without missing a beat.


Given how detached I made myself from the sect, it was obvious that anyone would think that news wouldn't reach me this quick, and this visit too wouldn't come under suspicion by anyone. As for the reason for talking to him.


"Then what about Hall Head Yu?"


"Master Yu… she's under house arrest right now." Yuzhe's face turned dark for a moment, and this was the correct moment to make the move.


"Then, who has the key to the Evidence chamber right now? I have something to submit regarding the Iron Wood Forest case." They kept important items related to ongoing cases in that place.


Only two people had the key to the chamber, one of them was Zhao Jun and the second was Elder Yu, the Head of the Fourth Hall. Now that she was under house arrest getting investigated for the attack on the caravan, the key had to be with someone of trust.


"It is the Three-Mouthed Centipede of the woman that led the attack squad." I had taken it out before handing the evidence to Ning Fan, since Zhao Jun hadn't given me a visit yet, he must've thought that it got destroyed given how mangled the remains of the original body were thanks to the Antidote. "Before I didn't think it had anything important, but with the information it has, this evidence can clear Elder Yu's name."


Yuzhe's eyes widened, he looked around as a layer of sweat gathered on his forehead. Although Zhao Jun and Ning Fan weren't here, a lot of people visited the Sky Hall for their work and submission of documents. This boy's main concern was whether someone would overhear us.


"You needn't worry, there is a sound-blocking array around us. I wouldn't want to expose the little secret Elder Yu told me about." Those words drove Yuzhe into the corner, but it also helped him relax because it looked like Elder Yu had told me about him.


"I… I have the key." He said.


"Then, I'll trust in Elder Yu's eyes and give this to you." With a smile, I handed him the red silk pouch, the impatient and lively insect inside pushed its sharp mandibles against the inside trying to rip its way out. As it circled in place, one could feel its numerous legs poking the palm of one's hand.


"I-I'll put this in the dedicated storage ring through proper methods." Yuzhe flinched at that weird sensation crawling on his palm, it wasn't a nice feeling at all.


Keeping the centipede alive, even for a few hours after the host had died wasn't possible by normal means. For that special containment pouches were made in the Eternal Wheel Sect of the Middle Continent, using formations and alchemy it created a pseudo environment where the insect could live as if it was still inside the host body.


"Good. Then, I'll take my leave." I smiled to bring the tension down as a pair of footsteps stopped behind me.


"S-Second Peak Master…" It was Lu Liang from before, with another man with beady eyes and a pointy nose.


"Yes, is it such a surprise to see me here?" I kept an amiable smile, however, Lu Liang still stayed in a state of shock.


"I apologize, my name is Lu Liang, from the Fifth Hall!" His enthusiastic greeting coupled with a 90-degree bow drew even more attention, even the guy with him bowed following the flow.


"I have heard of you from Bian Que." I was sure he sniffled right there, but patting his shoulder I walked past him. "Hopefully you focus on cultivation more going forward."


The first stage of the plan was done.


The Three-Mouthed Centipede was an integral part of the Demonic Sect's plans for the future, not only did it give them control over the hosts, but it also allowed them to see the stored memories of the host when collected. However, it wasn't until much later that the sects found out about the centipede's actual usage after the raid on the Demonic Sect's stronghold. It was only recently that the memory-storing technique was imbued in these centipedes so that the sects wouldn't suspect a thing, and among that group only the leader had it.


Since the insects died quick and had no use, the cultivators didn't put much mind to them from the start and even the pouch was a creation of an eccentric inventor. Many threw them out like garbage, this was where the spies came in and collected it all. Using that information and other that they had gathered over the years, the Demonic sects prepared contingency plans for all of the strong cultivators of the major sects around the place, this became a major driving force to push the alliance back, making them lose strong and talented individuals to traps and ambushes.


Now that the centipede of the squad leader, the one dealt by me, had come out. The rat will have no choice but to make a move. After all, information about the secretive Second Peak Master of the Azure Sky Sect had its value weighed in gold for them, because among all of the major sect's well-known cultivators, I was the only one they lacked information on.


During the time I was active these methods weren't around and I had never let a Demonic cultivator that had seen my techniques escape, the only thing they had were a bunch of rumors saturated with fake facts I had prepared beforehand. Even if they have to give up their cover, the demonic sect spy will have no chance but to take the bait.


Behind me the tension around Lu Liang lessened, he stood up and looked around, but didn't find me. The Shadow cloak was a useful item in such situations.


"Hey Yuzhe, what did Second Peak Master ask? It wasn't about me, right?!" His voice cracked, maybe I scared him a bit too much.


"It wasn't! Now stop shaking me!" Yuzhe pushed Lu Liang off him.


"C'mon man, it is a matter of life and death for me…" As the tanned man cried to himself in the corner, the person guarding the door with Yuzhe walked over making sure that I wasn't around.


"Fu Yuzhe, what did Second Peak Master talk about? I saw you were handed something." The question caught Yuzhe off-guard.


Of course, I never said anything about a View Obstructing Formation now did I?


"…It is a small task the Second Peak Master wanted me to do because there were other matters to attend to. Senior brother Xu, please guard the gate and I will be back in a moment." Before the Xu Family's kid could say anything, Yuzhe had run into the Sky Hall using that excuse.


Xu Zhang looked at the back of the running kid with narrowed eyes, Yuzhe's hasty rush disrupted the orderly flow of the Sky Hall, he cut through lines and almost stumbled over a cage containing a dog-like beast before he entered one of the faraway corners.


And with that, the second stage was done. With the bait attached, the line was thrown into the water where everyone could see it. All I had to do now, was wait.


Leaving the Sky Peak, I decided to make preparations to catch the spy in Iron Wood Forest.


***


Black Ridge Outpost, Iron Wood Forest.


The full moon hung high in the midnight sky, its ancient and lustrous light falling on the black pagoda illuminating its green and rocky surroundings. Around this time most people would've fallen asleep, yet in front of a tall pagoda a group of three men and two women stood at attention with their different colored uniforms, leading them was a tall and imposing woman in a pink uniform.


"You are leaving for a mission at this time, Junior Fu Yuzhe?" Ming Chiyou looked at the black-haired youth, her face still as a pond.


"Yes, Senior Sister Ming, I have been summoned by the Sixth Peak Master to Qingyun City. Here is the permission slip." Fu Yuzhe showed a golden slip.


Ming Chiyou saw the 1st Hall's seal on the bottom right corner, the document was permitting him to leave, but he came by and decided to leave a record behind in case something happened on the way.


"I have added your name to the list, you did a good job leaving a trace behind, Junior Fu." Chiyou said handing the record to the disciples following her.


"It is the least I can do to make things easier for the patrol squads. Then, Senior Ming, I'll be on my way." Yuzhe took the paved road to Qingyun province through the Iron Wood Forest.


The moon's light barely made it past the thick net of leaves overhead, however, Yuzhe could see well even in this minimal light, several light posts placed at regular intervals helped people find their way and not lose sight of the path ahead. However, the normal advice was to not travel through the forest at night, especially not alone.


There are howls of the beasts from the left. But they don't seem close to the road so it shouldn't be a problem. Yuzhe moved forward without worries, the patrol teams worked day and night to keep the place safe. The only beasts that lived in the Iron Wood Forest were allowed to be there to not destroy the ecosystem.


However, there was only so much distance he could cover in one go, after running for six hours straight Yuzhe came to a halt at one of the camping sites.


It was right beside the road, here several tents lined up with a blazing campfire in the middle, inside the tents were several rolled-up mattresses and a chest that had fresh vegetables and meat. There were a number of these sites in the Iron Wood Forest, built for the traveler's comfort and safety so they could be in a group. The Patrol groups maintained and used them often when moving about the forest.


He grilled some vegetables and meat on the campfire while taking a seat on the logs. Yet, his eyes remained closed, bursts of Qi left his body from his pores spreading around him like an echo, in his empty mind the picture of his surroundings came together in the color of black, like an ink painting. The tents, logs, the flower petal carried to him by the wind, tall trees around him, the paved path, and the moths circling a lamppost one yin away (32 meters), it all came together as the vibrating Qi agitated the natural Qi in the air to increase the size of the canvas.


Beads of sweat formed on his body. The amount of information that entered was far too much for his mind to process at once, forcing him to stop the Nightmare Bat's Mind Eye Technique. However, he had achieved his goal so it didn't matter.


"There isn't anyone in Two li (One li is 576 meters) around me." Yuzhe patted his thumping chest, his anxiety was through the roof right now as the task he was about to do was an important one, if someone had followed him it would've been hard to continue.


"Would it be not good if someone was here?" However, a clear voice came from his left.


Even without looking Yuzhe could recognize that voice, it belonged to the person he least wanted to meet at this moment.


"What is this Disciple Fu? You are sweating an awful lot, are you alright?" Although Li Muchen expressed concern the flatness in his tone didn't help make the mood lighter, uncaring he dove into the main subject. "I was certain that the Demonic Sect's Spy would try to grab that pouch, so I placed a tracking array in the insect beforehand, and look what I found."


With each word, Yuzhe's heart dropped down until the main question came.


"Why are taking that pouch out of the Sect, Disciple Fu Yuzhe?" Even with an amiable tone that suggested he was willing to listen to an explanation, the underlying intent pricked Yuzhe's skin like heated needles, it made him shift in place as the air was trapped in his lungs.


"T-The Sixth Peak… Master called…… for me." He somehow brought the words out of his throat.


"Peak Master Zhao called?" Li Muchen tilted his head.


However, Yuzhe was too busy seeping in the air, his lungs finally had some leeway as the crushing force on his body vanished. The pair of eyes still bore into him. He thought it was time to show the proof, after all, he had the permission slip issued by Zhao Jun, but before he could do that Li Muchen pulled out a black token from his storage ring and spoke words that sent chills down his spine.


"Zhao Jun, did you summon a Disciple named Fu Yuzhe to Qingyun City for some work?" The serene voice was like a sharp sword.


[Why would I summon a disciple from a hall under suspicion of colluding with the Demonic Sects?] The cold voice came from the token, it was Zhao Jun himself.


W-Wait… why does Peak Master Li have a direct communication token of Peak Master Zhao? Yuzhe couldn't believe it, no one in the sect would. Li Muchen and Zhao Jun do not like each other. They were like the Dragon and Tiger, the fact was well known to people unless they lived under a rock.


"Yeah, that makes sense." Li Muchen smiled.


[Now, would you mind tellin-] Before Zhao Jun could finish the words the connection was cut, and with that the amiable front also vanished.


"Well well, what do you think you are doing right now, Fu Yuzhe?" Li Muchen's eyes turned to him again as he pocketed the buzzing token.


What do I say? I can't run away. That is impossible. Nothing can save me now. But if I can… Yuzhe closed his eyes, he didn't want to do this. The face of his bedridden sister came to his mind. If it wasn't for that, he would've never done this.


However, the Second Peak Master of all people caught him. The power difference was one thing, but he had no heart to even try and run away at this point. After all, this was the best chance he could get. If he knew one thing about the Second Peak Master, it was his graciousness, although he only showed up once every few years people always praised his kindness and compassion.


"T-They have my sister…" Yuzhe's nails dug into his palms, he had no choice.


"I-I can't say n-"


"Are your ears there for decoration?" The sharp words cut him off.


When Yuzhe looked up, unlike the gentle and trusting eyes from this morning, all he met were two orbs of darkness, the blank eyes of Li Muchen frightened him. The deathly still face was nothing like the amiable one he had when handing him the silk pouch. It was like he was seeing a ghost wearing that man's face.


"W-What?" Yuzhe couldn't understand what happened.


"When did I ask for your sob story?"


Those words hit him like a wave, taking away the sand below his feet. The Second Peak Master was known for his graciousness and kindness.


However, the Second Peak Master that everyone loved and respected wasn't real.

 

[Overload69]

Oct 2, 2024 at 4:30 PM
Qingyun City, Qingyun Province.


Amid heavy rain, the once lively streets of the vibrant city had turned even darker at night. Among the numerous houses and pagodas, most stayed shrouded in darkness. Even soldiers dared not venture out with their lamps to check the back alleys as the roaring thunder kept everyone up in their beds.


In the quiet corner of the city, a run-down building barely held itself together in the violent winds, the oil lamp's light came out of the wide-open doors. The board above the door read Fire Pot Deity's Abode, however, unlike the grandiose name the broken board was held together by wooden sticks and rusted nails with a few crooked characters as ink filled in for a few missing ones.


Inside this restaurant Zhao Jun sat at a lopsided three-legged stool near the old wooden counter but maintained a perfect posture, he blew on the pipping hot noodles and slurped them using the uneven and thin wooden chopsticks. On the other side of the counter, the young man with brown hair felt his heartbeat rising every moment.


"I-Is it to your taste, Immortal Zhao?" The blue-haired woman standing nearby asked, her soot-stained forehead covered in sweat when Zhao Jun turned to face her.


"The noodles are chewy and the soup is full of the bull's vigor along with the freshness of the vegetables, an excellent bowl altogether, however…" The two gulped at the calm yet dry tone that soon gained a sharpness akin to a knife. "…something that shouldn't be in this was added."


The blue eyes looked deep like an ocean, however unlike the tumultuous waves of the surface, his eyes were calm like deep waters. Lifting his gaze, he looked at the wall behind the man, no he saw the three men behind it. Their figures covered in a veil of darkness, they were watching for a 100 li away, and only now did they come close.


Entering through the back door they pushed the guy away, launching him into the wall. Blood dripped from the forehead of the fallen man as they stepped over him cleaning the soles of their shoes on his back, the woman tried to rush but was stopped short by a serrated dagger. The two guys were in the sixth refinement of Golden Core, and the man in front was in the eighth refinement of Golden Core.


"Greetings Sixth Peak Master of the Azure Sky Sect, Zhao Jun. I, Wang Mo, have a question for you." The guy with sharp canines resembling a dog sat next to Zhao Jun.


"I'll permit it." He said eating his noodles without a single sound.


"Hah, to think that you would be so cocky even in the face of death." The man barked.


"That's not a question."


"Haha, the question, right, I wanted to ask if you want your body buried or burned to ashes after you die?" Wang Mo grinned as his subordinates chuckled.


"The moment I die, the choice is no longer in my hands." Zhao Jun said.


"Oh, you do get it after all! You know there was this certain old man that so hell-bent on having an honorable death, saying shit like we have supported the Orthodox sects for generations and follow their teachings, the honor of my family will not be tarnished by the likes of you and yada yada." Wang Mo spat on the floor as his black eyes turned darker. "So, I paraded his dead body around the city for everyone to see and hanged him by the city gate so the birds can have a feast, everything he was proud of, I trampled it all to the ground in five seconds. Now his son and daughter-in-law work for me, poisoning the passing by cultivators that he worshiped. How the bloodline has fallen, don't ya think?"


A whimper came from the otherside of the counter, the woman wept in silence afraid that the knife would end her if she made a single sound.


"I still don't understand how that relates to the question." Zhao Jun's gaze turned the rumbustious laughter into death silence. "Do you think poison is enough to kill me?"


"It is not a simple poison, it is the Seve-"


"The Seven Cauldron Poison of the Iron Blood Sect, because of how many processes it goes through detecting is almost impossible by taste or smell, but I already knew it was in the soup." Zhao Jun cut him off.


"And you still ate it?" Wang Mo leaned against the counter; his face full of interest.


"Unless I ate it, you wouldn't out from your little holes."


"I had always heard about how fearless the Prince of Scales was, today I have seen it myself." The smirk reappeared on Wang Mo's lips. "Today that fearlessness will be your end, in addition to the poison there are two Masters at the peak of Nascent Soul Realm, and the Heavenly Lightning Net over the city will prevent your escape. The only thing that can leave this place is your corpse, so the question."


At the words, Zhao Jun wordlessly continued to eat, not even a single muscle of his face moved. It stayed steadfast and without worry even in the face of mocking laughter.


"I guess I can sell your corpse for a good price, whether that be to a corpse refiner or powerful women looking for some fu—!." The door's rattle made Wang Mo flinch, he turned to look on instinct as a cold chill went down his spine.


"Ah… Sorry to interrupt you, but the door is too narrow to walk in with trash." A black hair man with pale skin walked in.


Although the man's eyes stayed closed, Wang Mo could feel his eyes matching his. Goosebumps rose on his body as his eyes lowered on their own, and then he saw, the trash this man mentioned.


"T-That's…" The dagger in his subordinate dropped to the ground, the clang was similar to the ring of the bell that woke them up from the shock.


"Master Wu… Madame Pi…" Wang Mo gulped looking at the red-haired old man and the black-haired young woman.


Before them lay the bodies of the two high-ranking cultivators they talked about. Their arms were ripped off, blood leaked out of the seared wounds, the battered faces with broken noses barely drew any breaths as they stayed on the floor with their ripped dignity.


"You were talking an awful lot before, what happened now?" Ning Fan stepped on the bodies staring down his next target, his grin matching the one wiped off Wang Mo's.


"Ning Fan." Zhao Jun said.


"I am not doing anything though." Ning Fan rubbed his heel on the heads of the two cultivators, bringing about pained groans from them.


When Zhao Jun looked back, Ning Fan moved three steps back and showed an amiable smile like nothing happened. Ignoring him, the blue eyes turned to the shivering dog next to him.


"You aren't even worth the torture, so I'll give you a choice. Repent and slit your throat at the grave of your victims." His voice was still the same.


Seeing the moment, the subordinates rushed towards the two mortals in the room as Wang Mo whipped out his sword in a desperate attempt.


"H-Hey, don't fuck with us or we'll ki—!!"


"To still try to commit a crime on borrowed time, such foolishness can only be expected from Demonic Cultivators." Zhao Jun's chopsticks struck the counter, and with a soft clack, three heads flew across the room, before their bodies could hit the floor they twisted inwards making a thumb-sized ball of meat and blood.


Without any other words, he went back to eating the noodles before finishing the soup as Ning Fan watched from behind. Before them, the cook and his wife stood with their heads hanging low.


"W-We know that we aren't worthy of asking for forgiveness but plea-" The man flinched at the hand on his back.


"Lu Yan, some things in life are beyond your control no matter how much power you have. You did what you could within your power, now you have to live with that. Neither you nor I can do anything about it." Zhao Jun wiped the mud off the man's back and straightened his spine. "Your child is safe in the City Lord's mansion, pick her up."


"Y-Yes… Thank you… truly…"


Lu Yan cried bitterly, he did what he could to extend his life. Mortals didn't have a way to oppose a cultivator. Unlike his father he wasn't brave enough to oppose them, fearing what would happen to his wife and daughter afterward, not only did he cave in, but he also helped them trample on the legacy his father tried to protect.


"Young Lu's legacy hadn't died yet." He looked up at Zhao Jun, the deep blue eyes looked back without the usual coldness but still seemed distant. "Your soup is like his, the noodles however need some work, I hope to have a proper bowl the next time."


Without waiting for a reply, Zhao Jun placed a bag of gold taels on the counter and walked out. Ning Fan followed him, dragging the two bodies under the rain by their hair.


"Is the Second Peak Master still not picking up?" Ning Fan asked seeing the white token in Zhao Jun's long fingers.


The silence was enough of an answer, the sudden transmission told Zhao Jun he got caught in the trap. However, why and what was Li Muchen up to? The question revolved in his head since then. His recent actions were too sudden and close to each other unlike before.


"I knew he was up to something when he asked me a question that day." Zhao Jun didn't expect Bian Que to be in on the plan too, it made him want to go back to the sect but it would be a waste now.


"The Second Peak Master would clean up everything by the time we go back, he must've contacted you knowing that." Ning Fan said in amusement.


"Ning Fan, when you tried to take that kid away… what was his reaction?" Zhao Jun asked.


"Cold as ice I tell you. I wanted to see him panic a little after he saw that token, but nothing changed, almost like he knew… no he baited us into that by showing his interest from the start." Ning Fan shook his head at that, after all, they went for it even when knowing of the possibilities. "We were caught in his webs since then, the attempt to get close to Wu Kexin was also anticipated and blocked by Bian Que who paid a visit without a word. Through him, we were fed this information and drawn out."


"If you had tried hard enough, you could've recruited that kid from the start and things wouldn't have reached this far." Zhao Jun couldn't approach Wang Yang with an offer because there were too many eyes on him, so he sent Ning Fan which also failed in the end.


"C'mon Master, you know I am not good at those things." Ning Fan shook his head.


After a brief silence, Zhao Jun spoke up. "Are you planning something behind my back, Ning Fan?"


"Why would you think that, Master?"


"Let me put it this way, between Li Muchen and me, who would you follow?" Zhao Jun faced his subordinate, they had been together for years which is why he knew Ning Fan better than others.


"Of course, I'll continue to follow you, Master. I do find your stubborn and straightforward nature coupled with your sense of justice quite charming." Ning Fan knelt, hand on his chest he spoke with sincerity. "Above all, my life is in your hands."


"Enough with the lies."


"I am not lying. I cannot stand people who lie with a smile on their faces, it makes my skin crawl." Ning Fan smiled.


"Is that why you hate mirrors?"


"Something like that." With a chuckle, Ning Fan got to his feet.


"Li Muchen had always been shrewd in his ways, Master should remember his duel with Xiao Miaorui. To me, Li Muchen is someone who will even join the Demonic Sects if it fits his purpose, I can't follow someone who never shows his true intentions, I prefer pure-hearted people." The serious tone turned the already gloomy night worse.


"Li Muchen would never join the Demonic Sect." Zhao Jun shook his head.


"For someone who hates him, Master sure trusts him a lot."


"I have never hated him, though I still believe that he is unfit for the position he holds. Aside from that, I do respect his dedication to the Sect, if only he had more talent." Zhao Jun turned around, continuing down the path as the rain stopped. "The matter at hand is a confusing one. What does he gain from doing this?"


"This is why I told Master to stay in the sect for a few days so we can scout the situation. Qingyun Province is a neutral territory, we have no obligation to protect it."


"You have to keep the land around your house clean at all times, or more pests will gather. I do not want the Sect Master to come back from seclusion with such filth around, everything should be as when the Sect Master entered seclusion fifty years ago." Zhao Jun said.


"That is why Second Peak Master's plan succeeded." Ning Fan sighed.


Zhao Jun received news of Li Muchen's visit to the Peak yesterday, Xu Ye said that he handed an Entrapment Pouch to a disciple from the Fourth Hall, Fu Yuzhe. That was still half of the situation, the other half only matched when they looked back at the previous actions.


"When Second Peak Master handed the evidence, he didn't hand over one Three-Mouthed Centipede, it belonged to the leader of the attack group." Ning Fan added.


"Do you think that he used that to draw out, Fu Yuzhe? If that is true, then that one must be a spy." The conclusion came naturally.


"But the fact that the spy was drawn out by a Three-mouthed centipede is more concerning, they aren't that easy to catch after all." Ning Fan said.


"We'll find out soon what the deal with the Centipede is." Zhao Jun's cold eyes turned toward the two half-dead Demonic Cultivators. "Contact Shen Ning right now."


"Be careful Master, this might be another bait he has prepared." Ning Fan said.


"Since I have already bitten onto it, I better take the worm and pull him down too."


"I suppose that is only fair." The pleased Ning Fan nodded in agreement.


"I'll take care of these two, you should focus on the Sun Cult in the west." Zhao Jun said.


"Oh, are we finally moving?" The corners of Ning Fan's lips pointed upwards.


"Since he has started to make his move, I can't fall behind. We'll hunt the Sun Cult before the year ends, and you will be leading the charge."


"Huhu, finally I can do something I am good at." Ning Fan's steps became lighter.


Li Muchen… I will uncover what you are planning soon. Zhao Jun looked at the unresponsive white token.


***


That guy finally stopped contacting me, huh? As the communication token turned silent, I understood that Zhao Jun had caught onto the clues and started to speed up his plans in response.


Ning Fan and him will get busy with the Sun Cult this year, it will give me time to put my plans into motion without any interference. The first part of that plan involved Fu Yuzhe.


"Are you going to keep your mouth shut after all this?" The young boy shivered at my words, however that was none of my concern. "You said those Demonic Cultivators have your sister, right?"


"Y-Yes." There was a bit of hope in his voice still, he must want me to help him with this as he had no choice, and I'll help him alright.


"I'll help you save your sister if you do something for me."


He looked up at my words, his eyes filled with distrust but also brimming with hope. The previous outburst of mine must've looked like a momentary fit of anger to him, after all, even saints can lose their tempers sometimes.


"…What do I have to do?" Getting himself together, Yuzhe spoke with caution.


"It isn't much different from what you were about to do." I smiled seeing his confusion. "You have to take the Three-mouthed centipede back to them."


The best way to deal with this situation was to give them what they wanted, with my twist of course.

 

[Overload69]

Oct 3, 2024 at 4:30 PM
"…What do I have to do?" Getting himself together, Yuzhe spoke with caution.


"It isn't much different from what you were about to do." I smiled seeing his confusion. "You have to take the Three-mouthed centipede back to them."


"T-That…" Yuzhe's eyes widened.


He never would've thought that I'd let him go there after all this, however, it wasn't as simple as it looked on the surface. I don't want the Demonic Cultivators to think that anything went wrong with their plans, that was the only way to stop them from derailing. Why take ten steps when I can get the same result in one?


"What? Would you have stopped if I didn't find you?" He wouldn't stop.


While digging in the case of Iron Wood Forest before regression, I found out his name. He had run away from Sky Peak after stealing something, what he stole wasn't specified but this time the situation became clear.


"You still stole this even after I told you it could save Elder Yu. The same woman who picked you up from the Outer Sect and made your talent blossom, she trusted you with her authority, and you betrayed her at her lowest point." The insect did not have anything that could save Elder Yu, it was a lie made to dig away at Yuzhe's mind so he gave in due to guilt, if he felt any.


But he deserved every bit of that mental turmoil. Before Regression Elder Yu had to take the punishment for his actions. At the end of the trial, she was banished from the Sect with severed meridians as her disciple had conspired with the Demonic Sects.


"I did not have any choice… M-My sister… I had to protect her…" His nails dug into his palms drawing blood.


"Am I not giving you a chance to do that?" I stood up, circling him with an uninterested expression. "Or would you like me to capture you as a Demonic Sect's Spy, you do know what happens to a Spy's Family right?"


"N-No… not that, anything but that!" He must've already thought about it, the thought of his sister getting executed alongside him or sold off for physical labor was enough to bring him to tears. Now that the bleakness of the situation was clear, it was time to sprinkle in some real hope to catch him.


"If it were up to me, I would've dragged you to the sect myself, but as the situation stands, I need your presence in this case. If you do what I ask you to, I will get rid of the traitor status and help you not only save your sister but also ensure her safety from then on." I stood in front of him, although I wanted to be harsher with him that would be counterproductive given his volatile emotions at the moment. "To be a pawn of the Demonic Cultivators till your usefulness runs out, or mine for some time, which will you choose?"


"About Elder Yu…" He seemed reluctant to speak further.


"Are you developing a conscience now? I must say it is too late." I said, to clear Elder Yu's name I'll have to go through Zhao Jun who was as stubborn as a mule. "But if you listen to me well, I'll try to do what I can."


"Yes… I'll do everything. So please…"


Yuzhe knew not to test someone's patience, putting up a tough front was always better when dealing with people in his situation. He knew the consequences and the reward he'd get for following up on the promise, now it was time to set up the punishment if he didn't.


"Lower the defense around your Dantian." I said, placing my hand on his chest.


"What?"


"I said lower the defenses around your Dantian, I need to leave a control imprint on you." He tried to move back, but my grip kept him in place. "Did you think that I'd let you go without any sort of backup?"


"B-But that…"


"It is to track your location and keep you from betraying me. You've already changed sides two times so I cannot trust you with my secrets." My voice mirrored Zhao Jun's coldness to drive the point in.


"…I understand." He closed his eyes and focused on his Dantian. It took a few seconds, but he had lowered all of the defenses even his Mind realm was open.


However, I only needed to place the Absolute Loyalty Imprint on his Dantian, it sunk into his body and gave me complete control over his life. With this, I can kill him with a thought if he planned to ever betray me. While studying this technique in that secret world before regression, I never thought that I would ever use it on someone.


It is not the time to ponder what is morally right or wrong, I am not strong enough to be picky about my ways. That's why I can't let any chance go to waste, no matter how cruel the method seems, I had to use everything I can.


The imprint carried by my Qi entered his pathway and reached his dantian, there it enveloped the unmoving fist-sized sphere in its entirety. As the clear Qi formed the barrier, the wood element Qi spread across the surface like snakes forming a pattern with thick lines along with spines that bent inwards to hold onto the Dantian. Yuzhe winched at the pain but I continued.


It took a minute for it to complete. Although called Absolute Loyalty Imprint, its real name was Absolute Control Seal, as it sounded this gave me complete control over Yuzhe, even the little anger he had for me in the corner of his heart was now clear to me. It was a hard technique to implement because of the conditions, but once it was on a person they would never be able to betray the seal owner.


"Give me the Entrapment pouch." At my words he handed it to me without a word, taking the insect out of the pouch I stabbed it with a dagger to kill it. Yuzhe wanted to say something but with my thoughts, his lips stayed shut, the seal was working as intended.


"If you had taken this insect back alive, they would've tortured you and your sister on the spot thinking you were playing the double agent." The thought of that seemed to scare him down to his shoes.


The standard practice in the Orthodox Sects was to pulverize these insects or at least stab them to death before studying them, in the past Demonic Sects have used Explosion Formations on these things to cause damage.


The only reason I kept it alive with the pouch was to trap Yuzhe, the Demonic Cultivators preferred that the insect stayed alive and intact, but getting something like that out of a Major sect was like finding a divine-grade pill in the middle of the road.


"When they ask how you acquired it, say that you scooped it up on the way to disposal, and show them Zhao Jun's permission slip Elder Yun helped you get. Since you are out on an official mission and in a secured position in the Inner Sect, they won't try anything on you or your sister for the time being."


"H-How did Second Peak Master know about the slip?"


"You don't need to know." My stare shut him up this time, he must've been thinking if Elder Yu told me about that too, but this was a deduction on my part knowing their situations.


Placing the insect in a pouch used in the Fourth hall to store evidence, with the details added on the small wooden slip attached to the string it now resembled the actual product. With that everything was in place, as soon as those Demonic Cultivators got this insect the plan would be in motion.


"Now go, I'll contact you when you come back." I pushed the pouch on him.


Without looking back, Yuzhe continued down the road, his heart in turmoil that I had no interest in. Taking a seat on the log I closed my eyes, with a little focus I could see the little red dot moving forward on a mental image of a map of the Western Continent. Since he didn't have to hide, he changed routes to go straight to Hunan Province rather than using Qingyun as a gateway.


The Imprint was working as expected, everything was already inputted in there, now I only had to wait till things came together. With the Black token in my hand, the line connected after a single ring.


[Argh! You have completed Guh! everything I take it?] Zhao Jun still sounded the same, but I know deep down he wasn't pleased with the situation.


"Don't send Ning Fan after that kid, he is working on a secret mission for the sect. You'll get an official notice from Lotus Peak before noon." I said, ignoring the weird sounds in the background. Things on his side should've ended a while ago, he must be in the process of extracting information through torture.


[I didn't plan to. Regardless, don't you think you owe me an explanation?]


"Not at all." I smiled.


[…]


"Now now, you don't expect to get it for free now do you?" Roasting the fragrant meat, I laid down the groundwork to keep my word.


[What do you want, Li Muchen?] Judging from the active reply, the fish wasn't escaping anything soon.


"Let us have a chat over tea after you come back from that Through Inspection." Savoring the taste of the meat I awaited the expected reply.


[……Very well then.] With that conversation came to an end.


There wasn't any need to worry, by the time he came back everything would be in place. Zhao Jun will have no place to intervene in the matter this time. Pocketing the Black Token, I took out a white one this time. It took a minute but the line connected.


[Hello Master. I am sorry, I was sleeping… what happened?] Wu Kexin's panicked voice rang out in the silent forest.


"Come to the Outer Sect Gate." I said.


[R-Right now?] Her surprise was understandable since it was the middle of the night.


"In exactly one hour, don't be late. It is time for your first lesson in cultivation." I added.


[…I understand Master.] Her voice turned serious too, hearing the sound of clothes rustling I cut the connection and called out the flying sword.


The preparations for the journey to Iron Deity's Grotto Heaven has only started.

 

[Overload69]

Oct 4, 2024 at 4:30 PM
Back at the Sect, I picked Kexin from the exclusive residence area on the northern side of the Outer Sect. It was a special area prepared for disciples of the Elders or for people who could pay 80 spirit stones per month to live there. It had a set of servants to take care of meals and cleaning along with access to a small room built into a Formation array building for meditation. However, that place wasn't suitable for her to start things off.


We stood in front of a solid rockface in the mountain range on the southern side of the Outer Sect. The black leaves of the willowed ash trees here were so dark that they absorbed all moonlight, the only source of light for her was the luminous stone lamp in my hand. When my token touched the rockface, the ground trembled, and the gathered dirt slid off revealing an iron double door that opened inwards. A dark, cold tunnel, wide enough for only two people stretched deep inside the mountain with no end in sight.


"Master, where are we going?" Kexin's voice was the only sound aside from the crunching leaves beneath her feet.


"The Moon Garden." I said taking a step inside the tunnel as she followed.


"The Moon Garden? It exists?" Kexin's words made me sigh.


"Those rumors still haven't died down, huh."


"The Moon Garden is a place of legend, right? It is one of the seven wonderous sights of the Azure Sky Sect, one that the least amount of people have seen!" Kexin's interest was understandable in that place.


Not her alone, every woman in the Sect wants to visit that Garden, even inner sect disciples.


"Master, are we really going there?" Her eyes were shining brighter than the lamp.


"It is the best place to start cultivation for Wood-type spiritual roots, I started cultivating there too." That place had been around before the establishment of Azure Sky Sect.


"I know about that, that is why it is so famous." Kexin smiled, her enthusiasm increasing with every step.


However, reaching the sight wasn't that easy. After the initial two hundred, the tunnel would split into two every twenty steps moving upwards or downwards simultaneously, almost like an ant's hill on a different level. One wrong turn could lead a person to get lost for months, as these tunnels stretched under the entire perimeter of the Sect leading to multiple locations including trap areas and dead ends.


Because of that, we had tried to shut down the rumors about Moon Garden which sat in the middle of this system, however, the more we tried the worse it became, and then someone went and ran their mouth. To this day even Inner Sect disciples try to find that place, let alone Outer Sect Disciples who are closer to it.


"But I read in a book that the Moon Garden was in the Northen foggy plains, hidden in a formation." Kexin muttered, her words echoing off the earthen walls.


"That's to misdirect the crowd." We had to do some damage control that led to making a fake Moon Garden in a safe place. Of course, that place wasn't as good as the place my Master created, even for an imitation it was of low quality.


After an hour of walking on flattened dirt and navigating through these endless forks, the end was in sight. The soft light entered through the opening, a mellow scent of flowers replaced the musky and ferric scent of the soil. In the cavern soft light came down, a path led through the bed of translucent flowers reflecting the moonlight coming from the wide opening above, in the middle of the cavern was a knee-deep pond, the water was clear shimmering in a mysterious purple hue.


"Oh…" Kexin exclaimed at the sight in front.


This was a place rich in natural Qi, the area trapped the pure Yin Qi from the Moon resulted in the special mirror flowers that only bloomed after the sunset. The natural Yin Qi here melded with the air and even the water in the pond, the more breaths I drew the more the pit in my stomach grew.


A resonance, huh? These conditions were perfect for me even now. But it wasn't the time to be hasty, it was Kexin's day to shine.


"You seemed zoned out." I turned to look at the wide-eyed Kexin.


"No… it's just… it feels weird here…"


The unsureness in her voice was understandable. After all, the fish was about to enter the water for the first time, its instinct was already screaming to jump right in.


"Have you memorized the first chapter of the Cultivation Method and the introductory chapter I wrote?" I asked walking down the path leading to the pond.


"Y-Yes." Her tone turned poignant. "Master, would it really take me a year to enter the first stage of Qi Gathering?"


"Hmm, that is the normal speed for everyone." I said setting my foot on the pond's surface, sending a subtle ripple across it as I stepped forward. "Of course, it will be different for you."


"…Master, do you enjoy teasing people?" She asked.


"Why do you think so?"


"...Master didn't deny it at all." Kexin sighed.


"You seem more at ease now, that's good." Before she had this cautiousness around her, her sharpness and understanding were strong points to me as well as her quick judgment based on what was good for her and the ones around her. Even now she was trying to check things, as my treatment of her, reflected Wang Yang's treatment.


"A Master is on the same pedestal as parents for a disciple, so I hoped that it wouldn't be a problem." She said.


"It is good that you understand that early on." I smiled stretching my hand towards her. "That's why, don't act surprised when you get punished for your mistakes."


"I won't." She took my hand and walked into the pond.


The purple moss glimmered through the water, it was slippery but Kexin maintained her balance well with my support. We came to a stop in the middle of the pond, I had her sit down there the water coming up to her chest.


"How long should it take me to reach the first stage, Master?" She asked again, obviously wanting to accomplish it faster than I'd say.


"One day."


Her neck snapped towards my direction, her green eyes filled with surprise. "H-How?"


"By cheating of course." I smiled.


A zither appeared in my hands as I sat down on the pond's surface, crafted from rare jade wood it was one of the last works of a mortal master craftsman, its surface shimmered with a soft luminescence, reflecting the moonlight like the rippling water. Plucking the strings with my long fingers, soft music resonated in the cavern with a clarity that echoed through the valleys, within a few seconds it harmonized with the whispers of the floral wind and quiet waters.


"Don't get enchanted that easily now." I tapped on Kexin's shoulder to bring the light back to her eyes.


"A-Ah, what… what happened?" She sweated even when submerged in cold water. "I felt like… my soul left the body."


"That's because you were seduced by the melody of the Soul Stirring Zither. If you can keep your wits about you while listening, it will boost your focus by 300%." I smiled facing her intense eyes, this kid understood things quick.


"How can I do that?" Her eyes looked resolute; however, the next part was important.


"At your level you can't, the lowest realm where someone had pulled that off was the 4th Pillar of Foundation Establishment, and that only happened because the spiritual root came to his aid."


"…" Kexin looked at me with a pout.


"Don't worry, I didn't show this to you just to look cool. If some conditions meet, you can achieve the same feat right this instant."


"What conditions?"


To help her I would need her to not resist my Qi inside her, it would protect her mind from the Soul Stirring Zither and create a pseudo-success that will increase her focus. But that alone wouldn't be enough for her, that's why I'll need to help her connect the meridians and guide her with my insights about the spiritual root subtly. In that moment she will be the most vulnerable than ever before.


"How much do you trust me, Kexin?"


That trust will be the bridge that helps her cross the vast rift between her and the talents running ahead at full speed.


"That's a weird question." She smiled for some reason. "I already told Master, you are on the same level as my parents. Does that answer the question?"


"Alright then, I'll be sure to not let you down." My left hand touched her cold and wet back.


Kexin winced a little, but her innate Qi didn't react when my Qi entered through her pathways. Her mental strength was impressive as not even a ripple appeared inside her meridians. With my fingers, I tapped on the zither's body three times, and the previous melody flowed again. This time Kexin's eyes were clear, my refined Qi kept her mind in place as the benefits of the music stayed with her.


"Start." I said.


She immediately closed her eyes, her mouth opened wide as she exhaled all the air from her lungs. Then, with a single deep breath her lungs filled with the thick Wood and Yin Qi of the area, not only that the Water and Earth Qi also came in at the perfect rate to create an optimal blend. Many Wood-type cultivators sought this place because it had everything a Wood-type spiritual root would need, not only was there water and earth both elements that are helpful to wood, but the main attraction was the flowers.


Eternal Boundary Flowers. These flowers only bloomed during nighttime and would die when the rays of the sun reached them, however, every night they would bloom again as if resurrected. There wasn't a need to replant them or care for them, these flowers would keep dying and reviving each day till someone uprooted them.


What made them special was the Vital Yin and Wood Qi they emitted every time they bloomed. The Qi emitted from blooming flowers had its worth in gold for wood-type spiritual roots as it would help them strengthen their base, and these flowers did this every day thus boosting the speed of cultivation too.


With my Qi as the pathlighter, Kexin connected the meridians starting at the Lung Meridian, with twists and turns the Qi finally arrived at the Mind Realm Gate. As a sign of her trust, my Qi had no problem entering and guiding her, and as a reward, I had a special gift for her.

 

[Overload69]

In the middle of a wheat field full that swayed like a golden ocean, a small single-story house with a slanted roof stood robustly under the mellow sun of the evening, with a stone city wall in the distance the ground near the sole path that the connected the two places moved. A new life had reared its head from the embrace of Mother Earth, the slender shoot emerged, basking in the warmth of the sun. Pale and tender at first, it stretched skyward with an innate determination. Tiny green leaves unfold soon, embracing the light and Qi to transform as the tiny roots spread within the dirt.


"T-This place…" Kexin appeared before me, her lips trembled at the sight of the house and field.


"This is your mind realm, the place where your spiritual root resides." It was a spitting image of the place Wang Yang and she grew up in, so it surprised her that much to be back in Baihe City.


"This is my spiritual root…" Her eyes drawn to the budding sprout, widened.


"It may look feeble right now, but if you attend to it and supplement its growth, one day it will become a sturdy tree that will give you shade through the toughest of weathers." My spiritual root was with me for 600 years, that vast tree supported me in my cultivation and helped me reach the heights that shouldn't be possible for me, now it would do the same for Wu Kexin.


"I will not let you down, Master." The mind realm thumped in response to her words as the spiritual root swayed in the cool wind.


"Don't worry about letting me down. As long as you don't let yourself down, that will be enough." Carried by the wind we exited the mind realm.


Opening my eyes, I tapped on the zither once to stop the music as Kexin opened her eyes, the green eyes now glowing in mysticism as looked at the world with a new Lens. The sunlight poured in from the opening making the pond sparkle like a stream of stars.


"Congratulations, Wu Kexin. You are now an official cultivator." I said.


She turned to me, her trembling hands balled up. It was an emotional moment because of how much time she had saved, however, the happiness was short-lived as this was but the first step.


"How far has Xiao Wang progressed?" She asked, a fighting spirit lighting up in her eyes.


"He is about to reach the 2nd stage of Qi Gathering any day now." His speed will only increase from now on, I could say that to her but that wouldn't have any effect right now, she should already know. "You should cultivate here from now on, do not worry about the Outer Elders or anyone else, I have already notified them and all of your needs are in place."


"I will, but at what speed should I start? At the maximum, right?"


The Azure Sky Cultivation Method, Variation One had breathing methods to control the absorption of Qi, the first one was at normal speed, the second was to increase it by 75%, and the third was to decrease the speed by 75%, then depending on understanding one could control the absorption with much more freedom. Anyone would jump straight to the faster speed as it would bring more benefits, however, that was akin to biting off more than one could chew.


"Your meridians haven't hardened enough to take on the extra load yet. Normally, you can only take on that speed once you reach Foundation Establishment Realm, if you force it you'll end up damaging your meridians and that will affect your growth later." She didn't have to walk the same thorny path I did, because she had options I did not. "By the end of this week, I will take you to a place that will help strengthen your meridians, by the end of the year you will be ready to use the higher speed rate without any worries."


"Will Xiao Wang be coming?" She asked.


"Yes, Sun Lingling too. It is important for everyone's future." I said.


"Alright, but won't that spread more rumors?" Kexin picked up a good point.


After all, I went through a good amount of trouble to meet her as Bian Que, if she was seen around Li Muchen too much and even went on a trip with his disciples, more attention would land on us. However, that wasn't as bad as it sounded.


"I have already prepared for everything." I smiled. "After going back to the Outer Sect, visit the Mission Hall and talk with Peach Peak Disciple at the Wall of Trails. She will hand you a mission I had issued for a helping hand, it is a special mission that can only be taken by one person, and that is you."


"A disguise for the whole trip?" She caught on immediately.


"A loose one, it is for those who can only look at the surface level." Some people will try to dig in, but their attempts will not bear any fruit because of Peach Peak, and even if they find out more it will only be because I allow it.


This trip will bring me much more than strengthening meridians and helping the disciples get a headstart, so the real purpose cannot be leaked that easily.


On the map, he was moving towards Hunan Province at top speed and would reach there in about three days if he didn't rest. The moment he handed over the Three-Mouthed Centipede half of the plan would come to fruition, the other depended on that boy and his willingness.


Do not disappoint me Fu Yuzhe.


"Now then Kexin, stand up and dry yourself before you catch a cold." Getting to my feet I walked ahead, however, an unexpectedly expected reply came from behind.


"…Master, can I stay in the water a little longer?"


"Why?" I asked without turning back.


"Well, my skin is getting healthier… it is just like the legend. Master, is it true that this happened because you bathed in it?" She suddenly asked.


"…No. that is not how it works." Liu Zhi really needs severe punishment for this, again.


***


Shang City, Hunan Province, Rising Sun Dynasty.


The first rays of the sun had touched the green grass around the city wall when Fu Yuzhe arrived at the city gate, although called a city, Shang City barely qualified to be one. Even the walls around the homes of two thousand residents were made of wooden spikes tied together by hand-woven ropes, the two guards at the gate however had good-quality leather armor and shiny metal spears. As they saw Fu Yuzhe, the two bowed.


"Welcome back Immortal Fu!" Their voice filled with happiness at meeting the young man who was the reason their village became a city, an inner disciple of a major sect hailed from their birthplace, it was something to brag about.


"Good to see you, Brother Yu and Brother Li. I would love to talk with you, but I have to go home." Fu Yuzhe showed a genial smile despite his clouded mind.


"It is no problem at all! How dare we waste the time of an immortal such as you. Please say hello to Miss Fu and Brother Gu." The two young men who once looked down on him were now bowing their heads while making way, their eyes filled with admiration and jealousy at his position.


At first, Fu Yuzhe enjoyed that look, the way the tables turned as the fortune shined on him was something he only dreamt about. Using that newfound status and the resources he got in the sect, Yuzhe built a mansion in his hometown for his sister, he bought her the silk robes he would always see from the peddlers, hired servants to take care of her, and brought scented soaps and perfumes used only by the noble families.


He felt happy to give her life like that, to get her out of that rundown hut at the edge of a garbage dump, to see her sleep in a bed wide enough for ten people, he was happy to see silk clothes didn't leave rashes on her frail body like the previous ones. All that was possible because he had a spiritual root, because he became a cultivator at a major sect. He was proud of that.


"So, you are finally here Yuzhe…" At the gate of the mansion, a rat-faced man welcomed him with a crooked smile. "If you had taken any longer the brother Gu was planning to take Miss Fu on a morning walk."


"…I apologize, please tell Brother Gu that I have brought something important." Now, he only had resentment in his heart for this talent.


"Huhu, Brother Gu is waiting inside, let's go."


If it wasn't for this… my sister wouldn't be roped into this. If only I didn't join that damned sect… Clenching his fists he could only follow the rat-faced bastard through the garden full of wilted flowers.


The servants continued their work in the mansion, yet none dared to meet his eye. They knew what was happening here, but they couldn't do anything about it. Hunan Province was neutral ground, no sect had dominion here as it had nothing of value. The city hall was already under the Demonic Cultivator's control, all information that left the city was under their hands. Even if someone did alert the special warrior force under the Emperor, it wouldn't result in anything but deaths.


This bastard is too strong. Fu Yuzhe came face to face with the man that made his life hell.


Sitting at the head seat of the reception room, the purple-haired youth smirked as soon as their eyes met. His name was Gu Changge, and he was the leader of a group of Demonic Cultivators who invaded his house one night.


"You know that cursing me in your mind won't work, right?" Although good-looking, Gu Changge's smile appeared rotten. "If you want to keep your sister safe, you better have brought something of value."


An invisible pressure bore down on Fu Yuzhe making him sweat, the oppressive force targeted his head, forcing him down into a bow as the laughter of Changge's five subordinates rang in the polished room, four guys and one woman. They were standing close by, the men snickering at his current situation, four of them were stronger than him even on their bad days.


"Making a disciple of the Major Sect bow with your presence alone, Big Brother Gu has improved again." The rat-faced man tried to make a good impression for himself.


"Of course, I have reached the Nascent Soul Realm cultivator. You understand what that means right, Brother Fu?" Gu Changge turned to Fu Yuzhe who still had his head down.


"It means that Brother Gu's talent is unparalleled," Yuzhe said.


"In front of someone like Brother Gu, Fu Yuzhe is trash. Can't believe the province once put someone like him on a pedestal, the governor's eyes must be for show." The rat-faced man said showing a toothy grin.


"Yes… I am simply trash…"


At that admittance the laughter in the room died down in an instant, they all looked at Fu Yuzhe, not because of his words but because of the change in the atmosphere. Gu Changge's face fell as he pointed at the rat-faced guy.


"Ling Su and Pi Yun put Lao Shu in a pit of poisonous insects." His low but sharp words sliced through the silence.

 

[Overload69]

"Ling Su and Pi Yun put Lao Shu in a pit of poisonous insects." His command didn't come as a surprise to anyone but the rat face.


Two of his subordinates jumped into action, and before Lao Shu could even understand what happened he was carried out of the room by the burly Ling Su as his limbs and mouth were tied by the pig-faced Pi Yun.


"I apologize, Brother Fu, to think that a mere handyman like that will insult you not once but twice." Gu Changge smiled like a Buddha. "But don't worry, I'll keep them in line so nothing happens to the Young miss, of course considering you keep up your part of the deal."


"I have brought something big this time." Yuzhe said enduring his turning stomach.


"Ho? What is it?" Gu Changge picked the tea cup from the small table to his side, a rich scent of jasmine spread across the room.


Without a word, Fu Yuzhe took out the pouch from his storage ring and presented it to them. There was a brief silence in the room as all eyes gathered on the pouch, Changge tossed his steaming teacup to the side wall and got to his feet.


"Put the entire mansion in a lockdown. If even a flea enters, I will turn you all into the insect's breeding ground." He stepped on the air, using it as a foothold.


At that order, two subordinates left the room in a hurry as the woman closed the door of the room and the windows in a hurry. Now, the oil lamps were the only source of light as Gu Changge stopped in front of Yuzhe. His face stayed stern as the black eyes scanned every inch of the man in front of him, scanning his body and clothes inside out. When he found the lack of any secret talisman and tracking seals, his lips curled up into a smile.


"You did a wonderful job, Brother Fu!" He hugged Yuzhe with a voice full of joy, it was like he met his long-lost brother.


"I had no other choice." Yuzhe did not share the hug, nor the enthusiasm.


"Now now Brother Fu, if someone heard you, they'd think I am forcing you to do this." Changge stepped back with a smile only to face no reaction from Fu Yuzhe as the long arm hung over his shoulder. "I am more curious about how you were able to get your hands on this."


Although the tone was causal, the thin arm snaked around his neck, one wrong move, and Fu Yuzhe's neck would get snapped like a chicken's. However, he wasn't worried, Li Muchen had already told him the answer to this exact situation.


"I swapped it on the way to the incineration site, since I was told to be on the lookout for this I prepared in advance. Then using the mission as an excuse, I came here." There wasn't even a little fluctuation in his voice, aside from the hatred for the person who forced him to do all this.


"Wonderful, looks like you've covered your tracks well and are still of use." Gu Changge saw that intense hatred and smirked, it didn't matter right now. "Li Ling, bring the disk out, let's check the spoils."


In the room aside from Yuzhe and Changge, only one short woman dressed in purple was left standing. Being one of the subordinates under Changge she should've done as told, however the current situation wasn't favorable.


"B-But that…" The black-haired woman stammered as Changge's empty gaze landed on her. Her body trembled like she had met eyes with a snake that could swallow her whole, yet soon that blank face showed a smile full of glee.


"There is no need to worry, Brother Fu is one of us now." Gu Changge turned towards Fu Yuzhe, the young man was gritting his teeth, the sight brought him much joy seeing that he couldn't even refute.


If this news got out, Fu Yuzhe and the Demonic Cultivators were the same in the eyes of the Orthodox Sects, especially the Azure Sky Sect which he belonged to.


"I-I understand…" Li Ling bowed her head and took out a disk from her purple storage ring.


The disk floated in the middle of the three defying gravity, the scent of rotten blood made Yuzhe's stomach turn as purple Qi spread from the charcoal-colored disk that was as big as a ceramic plate. Gu Changge stood in front of it and clasped his hands together above the plate, his clean but firm palms kept the Three-mouthed centipede in place.


"O' Lord deep within the Depths of the Yellow Springs… Bless us, your loyal subjects, so we reach you and become the stepping stones of your glorious rise once again…" Twisted words from an unknown language came out of Changge's mouth, but Yuzhe trembled hearing it.


It was like hundreds of lava ants were crawling underneath his skin as a scorching pain rose from his abdomen, the murky purple Qi spread from Gu Changge as he crushed the insect into a thin paste before landing on the flying disc. However. The remains of the dead insect started to writhe as if dancing to the twisted incantation the gooey mixture of flesh, blood, and pieces of carapace formed a complicated formation on the disk with multiple layers and lines.


A glum purple light shot out of the disc projecting a circle on the ceiling. At first, it was like a curtain of white smoke but soon color bled into it and a picture took form. It started from the face of a tired-looking woman with red eyes and a gentle expression, a blurry image that was soon washed away as Gu Chagge turned the disc with his finger, several images flashed by, fields, mountains, food, houses, blood, it was too quick to see everything before it stopped at the desired point, it was the moment when the attack squad faced their end.


The image of a white-haired man with a strong expression appeared, dressed in red robes his eyes stayed full of disapproval and arrogance, as if he looked down on them like they were some crawling insects yet it commanded awe and respect in the viewer. Almost like the work of a master painter that captured the otherworldly looks and charms of the man in question until it started to move, this was reality, an incident that took place over 10 days ago. One after the other, the heads of the demonic cultivators flew across the cave as the man came closer.


[Who made the antidote for Yin Dandelion Poison?] The low but imposing voice rang out.


[B-Bian Que?] The following voice was akin to an ant's murmur, they were seeing things through the eyes of another person.


The man named Bian Que smiled and didn't answer, what followed was a gruesome death for the person who was looking up. The screams faded alongside the distorting vision, but it sent shivers down Yuzhe and Li Ling's spine, the raw agony alone made their stomachs turn as he simply watched.


"Just as I thought, that bastard Bian Que was using Li Muchen as a cover again." Gu Changge's face remained without change, no, a smirk crept up his lips as he saw his guess being correct.


Hearing that Yuzhe came out of his shock, he gulped. Is Bian Que using Li Muchen as a cover? If that was true would the cover set up a trap just to catch and send him here? That didn't make sense. The Li Muchen he saw that day could never be a cover for someone else.


But why is Immortal Bian's face showing up on this? Wasn't it the Second Peak who caught the Demonic Cultivators? What is going on? His shock doesn't go unnoticed.


"Hmm? It looks like you know something about this, Brother Fu." Changge steps closer to him, with the same smile. "Come now, there is no need for secrets between us."


Yuzhe couldn't say the thoughts on his mind, Li Muchen was up to something. As far as he remembered the news of him stopping the Demonic Sect cultivators spread throughout the sect like wildfire because of his prestige and the eyewitnesses, but now it shows that Bian Que did that. Someone who wasn't around the sect till much later. Although messy, Yuzhe knew what to do, he had to go with the narrative Li Muchen had created by feeding this information while supplementing facts that he knew. However, he didn't need to think at all, the words came out of his mouth like a steady stream.


"A few days ago, Immortal Bian visited the sect, he met with a Female Disciple of the outer sect, the same one shown in the memory. The next day onwards that girl, Wu Kexin, moved into exclusive residences in the Outer Sect, the reason wasn't disclosed even when her talent is average." Yuzhe said.


"I see that you know quite a bit about this girl." Changge leaned forward, his eyes flickering in an unknown light.


"It is because I happened to talk with her regarding the abduction case, I was told to keep tabs on her and everyone related to the incident by the Sixth Peak Master…" His words trailed off, but his mind remained a mess.


It was only a short interrogation to collect statements, I didn't keep tabs on her nor should I know anything more. But… how… why… why can't I stop speaking? His lips moved like they had a mind of their own.


"That means you are keeping tabs on Li Muchen's movements too?" Changge's question was filled with interest.


"…Yes. A few days ago, I heard from a disciple of the Peach Peak that the Second Peak Master issued a mission in secret, he is looking for a helper for a trip… I don't know anything more." Once again Yuzhe's lips betrayed his trust and spat out words he knew nothing about.


"I see… to think it would go like that, Master's insight is incredible."


Changge's solemn response made his pupils dilate. Worry and anxiety brewed in his chest, each second felt like an eternity as he waited for a response. Even if he wanted to say that he didn't know what he talked about, he was in too deep.


Is it his doing? What happened before he left came to his mind, it was then that a chilling realization passed through his body as a heavy hand landed on his shoulder.


"I won't forget your contribution, Brother Fu. Let's keep working hard and rise through the ranks together, you understand?" Right now, Gu Changge's smile looked much kinder than Li Muchen's.


"…I'll do what I can. Just please…" As if the words were programmed in him, they came out without a hitch. He wasn't sure about it before, but now Fu Yuzhe had truly become a pawn on the board, and he wasn't alone.


Changge walked closer and hugged him, it was a warm hug only shared between close brothers as he whispered in his ears.


"Keep it up Brother Fu, it is all for your beloved sister after all."


Yuzhe couldn't see his face, but he could feel the twisted smile of the man who patted his back as if to encourage him. Even his touch felt revolting, but Yuzhe couldn't move by his own will any longer.