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Chapter 68: Request to Enter the Sect
🕑 Added 2025-04-14 02:25:50 +0000 UTCXi Yunqing was quite thoughtful. Upon seeing that Chen Xiao was genuinely determined to pursue this path, he gave him a detailed introduction about how large sects in the cultivation world recruited disciples, what the process entailed, and the various aspects they would encounter. From Xi Yunqing’s personal perspective, he believed Chen Xiao’s prospects in this field were quite promising. At the very least, the Chongxuan Sect wouldn’t turn down talented disciples like him. In fact, it was very likely that in ten years, the Sect would seek to cooperate with Chen Xiao again. At that time, Xi Yunqing would suggest to the sect’s management that they not let Chen Xiao’s contributions be forgotten or overlooked. Though he didn’t think that possibility was high.
Chen Xiao listened attentively to Xi Yunqing’s explanation, and even took the opportunity to ask about some of the questions that had been bothering him during the day. “Earlier, on stage, I noticed that among those with top-tier qualifications, there were some with dual spiritual roots and others with three. Some were labeled ‘Top-tier Dual Spiritual Roots,’ while others were labeled ‘Dual Spiritual Roots, Top-tier.’ This slight difference, what does it indicate?”
Xi Yunqing nodded, approving of Chen Xiao’s attention to detail. “You’re very observant. That’s right, whether it’s dual roots, triple roots, or other types, there can be different levels of talent within them. Take Ah Shuo from earlier, for example. His water and wood attributes are exceptionally strong, which was reflected in his response with the magic weapon. You must have seen it, the two colors were equally brilliant, with the same radiant glow. That’s why his roots are considered Top-tier Dual Spiritual Roots. As for Ah Qin, she has four attributes; water, wood, earth, and wind, but only her wood attribute is strong, while the other three are weak. That’s why she is rated as ‘Four Spiritual Roots, Top-tier.’”
Chen Xiao summarized, “So, regardless of how many spiritual roots a person has, as long as their strength is equal across them, they will be rated as Top-tier with the higher-rated roots listed first. However, if only one or a few of their spiritual roots are strong, the weaker ones are placed after the root name, to highlight the differences among the top-tier roots.”
Xi Yunqing nodded in approval. “Exactly.”
Xi Yunqing thoroughly answered Chen Xiao’s questions, for which Chen Xiao was very grateful. Xi Yunqing smiled and said, “No need to thank me. If you hadn’t suggested conducting this test, we wouldn’t have gained such valuable results. I believe the management at the sect will be very pleased with this batch of disciples. Your contributions will exceed expectations.” He especially noted AH Shou, who had a rare mutated ice attribute spiritual root. Despite his older age, his solid foundation and decent character made him a likely candidate to be taken in as a disciple by the sect’s elders.
Chen Xiao, having helped Xi Yunqing and also raised his profile within the Chongxuan Sect, was also happy with the results. He stood up, feeling a bit apologetic. “I’ve kept you talking for so long, Immortal Master Xi. It’s getting late, and I’m afraid I’ve disturbed your rest.”
Xi Yunqing waved him off as he escorted Chen Xiao to the door. “Not at all. To have such a pleasant conversation is rare for me,” he said sincerely. In the Chongxuan Sect, only his elders would engage in such lengthy talks. Few peers or juniors would spend so much time with him alone. Xi Yunqing wasn’t the most talkative person, and he often ended conversations quickly.
Chen Xiao smiled. “Tomorrow, you’ll announce the good news to the villagers, right? Though the departure date isn’t set, at least those selected can begin to prepare. After all, this separation will be like moving between two worlds.”
This time, Xi Yunqing didn’t immediately agree with Chen Xiao. His expression darkened slightly, and his voice dropped to a soft murmur. “No, it’s not yet time to announce the news.”
“Huh?” Chen Xiao looked up at him in confusion. They were standing outside the door, the dim light from the lamp making it hard for Chen Xiao to see Xi Yunqing’s expression clearly. “Why not?”
Xi Yunqing lowered his gaze to Chen Xiao’s face. “I still need to observe someone’s actions. Though it’s not exactly a test, it will reveal their true character.” After speaking, he turned and entered his room without waiting for a response.
Chen Xiao pondered Xi Yunqing’s words. Without needing to be told outright, he knew that Xi Yunqing was referring to Ah Shou, as only he had the qualifications. After their conversation that night, Chen Xiao understood that even with innate spiritual roots, there was still a significant difference between cultivators.
Single spiritual roots were already rare, and because of their purity, they allowed for faster cultivation with fewer obstacles. This was a gift from the heavens. Ah Shou’s mutation with the ice attribute was especially remarkable, and Chen Xiao could still vividly recall the brilliant blue glow that appeared on the edge of his magic weapon. Even the village, which had been blessed by feng shui, might only produce such talent once in a century. This made Ah Shou highly valued.
With so many thoughts running through his mind, Chen Xiao assumed he wouldn’t be able to sleep. However, after living such a routine life for over a year, his biological clock was well set. The moment his head hit the pillow, he fell into a deep, dreamless sleep, not waking until morning.
The next day, while the village was still basking in the joy of yesterday’s events, life slowly returned to normal. It was a bit tragic, knowing about their spiritual roots was one thing, but with the limited resources in the village, there was no way to provide targeted cultivation methods or the necessary supplies for training. Their future cultivation would still rely on the same methods as before.
Many of the older villagers were already numb to the passage of time, unconcerned about what the future might hold. But those who still had ambition couldn’t help but feel powerless and helpless. Deep down, they started to think of ways to change their current situation. Though it might have seemed impossible before, now that there was an Immortal Master in the village, this might be their only chance.
After Chen Xiao finished his morning routine, he met with Xi Yunqing, who had just completed his morning exercises, and they headed toward Ah Shou’s house. If not for their conversation the night before, Chen Xiao would have suggested to Xi Yunqing that he relay any important messages, especially since Xi Yunqing didn’t need to eat and took a special pill. It always felt awkward to have to run around every morning.
To Chen Xiao’s surprise, this morning, Xi Yunqing actually picked up his chopsticks at the breakfast table. Everyone stared in astonishment, and it was Tong Nuonuo who couldn’t hold back first. “Immortal Master Xi, aren’t you taking your pill today?”
Xi Yunqing paid no mind to the surprised expressions and glances around him. He remained calm and composed, taking a portion of the mixed vegetables from the platter on the table, saying, "The fasting pill is only necessary when I’m in the valley for the sake of cultivation. Now that we're out on a journey, there’s no need to take it." His decision not to take the fasting pill the other day was simply because the effects of the one he had taken previously hadn't worn off yet.
Tong Nuonuo immediately understood and quickly recommended some of the dishes on the table, pointing out which ones were particularly delicious, freshly picked that morning. Chen Xiao closed his jaw. Xi Yunqing’s reasoning made perfect sense; it was the others' exaggerated surprise that was out of place.
Chen Xiao took a sip of the golden porridge on the table, then grabbed a small, plump steamed bun. The breakfast that morning tasted exceptionally sweet. The mixed vegetables, porridge, and buns were all far more flavorful than previous mornings.
Du Rong was still sharing a bed with Ah Shou. After all, Ah Shou's bed was large enough, and Du Rong couldn't be bothered to find another villager's house to stay in. The two rough men didn’t mind; if they could squeeze in for the night, they would. Having stayed in the house for a while, Du Rong knew many things that Chen Xiao wasn’t aware of.
Du Rong, noticing how good Chen Xiao’s food smelled, said, "These villagers really know how to show their gratitude. Not only did they prepare a lavish meal last night, but they’ve also sent over these dishes this morning. The taste is far better than what the neighbors usually cook."
Ah Shou laughed and said, "I’m glad you like it, Brother Du. To thank you all, the village chief and the elders have already arranged for several skilled women to take turns sending meals."
Du Rong laughed heartily, "We’ve certainly benefited from Xi Yunqing’s presence."
After finishing the simple but delicious breakfast, there was no need for the group to clean up as the women in the village would naturally handle that. The group sat in the courtyard and discussed how much longer they would stay in the village.
With the pills Xi Yunqing provided, Wu Qing's injuries improved day by day. He was beginning to feel his limbs, and with a few more doses, he would be able to sit up. The amount of medicine given was just enough for Wu Qing to be able to stand and move around. As for the more nourishing Restorative Pills, Xi Yunqing hadn’t provided them, and Wu Qing hadn’t brought it up. Though Xi Yunqing was willing to help, he wasn’t one to give too freely. Wu Qing understood the situation and didn’t bear any ill will.
Thanks to the small bottle of Restorative Pills that Tong Nuonuo had given him, Wu Qing’s major injuries to his meridians and internal organs had mostly healed. Wu Qing was optimistic, thinking that once they exposed Li Xianshi and his group, the Zhishi Hall would send out a Nascent Soul elder to punish them. At that time, he and the other victims would likely receive compensation. With that money, Wu Qing could buy more Restorative Pills and fully recover.
After calculating, they figured they would need to stay in the village for over twenty more days. Time felt long, and everyone began looking for things to do. Xi Yunqing didn’t like to idle around, so he decided to find a place to meditate or cultivate each day. Chen Xiao had other plans and told Du Rong he was going up the mountain. Being a bit of a directionally challenged person, Tong Nuonuo naturally followed whoever he went with. Wherever Chen Xiao went, he would follow.
The group had made their plans and was about to head out when suddenly, Ah Shou, who had been sitting uneasily, stood up. He rushed toward Xi Yunqing, performed the most formal and respectful bow, kneeling down and placing his hands on the ground, his forehead touching the earth.
Despite his long period of neglecting cultivation, Ah Shou still had the foundation of a Foundation Establishment cultivator due to his natural talent. His cultivation had regressed because of his years of laziness, and Du Rong could tell that Ah Shou’s strength was only slightly superior to his own, which showed just how poor his current condition was. However, despite his setbacks, Ah Shou had already bowed before Xi Yunqing.
Du Rong blinked in surprise and, once he saw clearly, exclaimed, "Ah Shou, what are you doing?"
Ah Shou didn’t respond to Du Rong but kept his respectful bow. His voice, though muffled, reached the ears of the others as he said, "Immortal Master Xi Yunqing, please accept the bow of Ah Shou, a wandering cultivator. I humbly request you to accept me as a disciple of the Chongxuan Sect."
Chen Xiao, standing close, clearly saw the corner of Xi Yunqing’s mouth curl upward. His heart lifted in satisfaction, sensing that Xi Yunqing was pleased with Ah Shou’s actions. After more than twenty years of neglect, Ah Shou had finally picked himself up and sought a chance to enter the Immortal Sect.
