In the grocery shop, it felt as if time had stopped.
Meng Zi and Zhao Yibai were both stunned.
The newly added assassin needed to be brought before the senior of the Annihilation Pavilion who was on duty that day to verify whether they were a demonic cultivator.
If they were a demonic cultivator attempting to take advantage of the mission assignment to cause carnage, then they were merely dreaming.
The Annihilation Pavilion would never allow itself to become the fool used by demonic cultivators.
But who was on duty today?
It was the parents of Zhao Keran, and the father of Zhao Ming.
Lin Shuang had met them face-to-face and even shared lunch with Zhao Keran’s parents.
—She was going to be exposed!
Zhao Yibai, wearing a mask, froze stiff.
Meng Zi wasn’t faring any better—he was originally an assassin of the Annihilation Pavilion.
When he first accepted a mission, he had left a spiritual consciousness imprint, facilitating communication with the Annihilation Pavilion.
If Lin Shuang were to join now, Meng Zi couldn’t accompany her again.
Otherwise, the shopkeeper at the base would receive his spiritual imprint and wonder, “How come you already have a record?”
—She was going to be exposed!
Meng Zi immediately broke into a cold sweat, feeling guilty as he lowered the sword he was carrying.
His mouth dry, he said hoarsely, “Lin Shuang, what are you thinking? We are proper disciples. How, cough, could we come to the Annihilation Pavilion to earn spirit stones? Although there are many…”
Huangpu Yuan smirked slightly, watching him expose himself with just a few words.
Lin Shuang’s brows furrowed slightly as she cast a suspicious glance at the masked assassin before her, who had reached the pinnacle of condensed yuan.
Zhao Yibai was nervous about being discovered. What was he nervous about?
“I was just curious,” Lin Shuang shrugged. “We’re here already, might as well gain some experience.”
Zhao Yibai and the masked Zhao Yibai both exhaled in relief.
Then they looked strangely at each other.
—Why are you relieved?
The two exchanged wary glances, barely suppressing their emotional fluctuations, and turned around in unison.
“I’ll prepare to head north now. The shopkeeper will notify you when the mission is completed,” Zhao Yibai lowered his voice.
Such a slight change in tone was no challenge for a Ningyuan cultivator.
Meng Zi also turned around, quickly carrying his sword and walking out of the shop. “Let’s go, Lin Shuang. Your next schedule has started.”
Lin Shuang: “…”
“Hey, you masked one, are you paying for your trip to the Northern Region yourself? Is the teleportation array included in the 50,000 spirit stones we paid?”
Zhao Yibai hesitated slightly but didn’t ask, maintaining his action of returning into the wall.
His back stiffened slightly.
“Hmm.”
With that, he walked into the wall and vanished.
This trip to the Northern Region, he was willing to pay for himself.
Leaving the spirit stone valley of the Zhao family, to see the wider world beyond.
Perhaps he could find the answer she mentioned—how to maximize his cultivation technique, just like her, to challenge those above his level.
The outside world was vast, and human cultivation was complex.
That was what she had told him.
A mere 50,000 for teleportation—he was willing to pay from his own pocket, not for her, but for himself.
Zhao Yibai disappeared.
Lin Shuang nodded and finally followed Meng Zi out of the grocery shop of the Annihilation Pavilion.
The three of them soon arrived at the inn across the street, unlocked the top-floor room, and opened the window. With their own eyes, they watched as the two masked assassins from the Ningyuan swiftly headed north.
“Strange, I thought the assassins of the Annihilation Pavilion were mobile.”
Lin Shuang lay on her homemade beach chair, sipping spirit stone milk tea through a straw.
She pushed the sunglasses charm on her nose with her index finger.
Meng Zi was studying the sunglasses charm in his hand, looking up at the bright sunlight.
He lay back comfortably, having been scared to death by her antics just now.
“Hmm, most assassins are wandering cultivators. Some are also from sects or families. They sign flexible contracts and can leave anytime.”
“There are also some who have signed permanent contracts, similar to those trained from childhood by the Annihilation Pavilion. If they are injured or die, the Annihilation Pavilion will avenge them.”
“These people will take turns guarding the relay points.”
Lin Shuang nodded.
Huangpu Yuan lay on another beach chair, the snowy fur cloak draped just an inch above the ground, fluttering in the wind.
He closed his eyes comfortably.
“Hmph, Brother Meng knows quite a lot.”
“!”
The sunglasses charm in Meng Zi’s hand almost shattered.
Lin Shuang: “…”
She was too lazy to expose him, it would waste her time.
He didn’t even bother to pretend.
His whole body screamed, ‘I can’t retake the assassin exam again, what should I do, sigh.’
The three of them sunbathed and drank tea.
Lin Shuang studied the first volume of “Ten Thousand Mountains and Rivers Painting,” then quickly returned to reading novels, walking around the room.
[……]
[…………]
[Did I pay projection money just to see this?]
“The real fastest way is like this.”
Zhao Keran suddenly understood.
“Let others do it.”
[……]
“It’s the same principle as elders issuing tasks for disciples to complete.”
Zhao Keran clapped her hands, tapping her right hand with her left.
She had understood.
“No wonder the top experts in the world are either sect leaders or family heads!”
“One person alone cannot reach the highest level.”
Zhao Keran understood, waving her arms and legs, her eyes full of emotion.
“Even in the midst of battle, my senior sister never forgets to inspire me!”
[……Wake up, she’s lying down.]
[Oh.]
The older sister explaining beside Zhao Keran, Li Hua, didn’t know what to say anymore.
But Zhao Keran was already full of fighting spirit.
She was originally an ordinary Zhao family descendant, unremarkable among dozens of cousins.
But now, she felt the urge to become the family head.
If she couldn’t become the Zhao family head, she would at least become a guest elder of the Qing Shui Sect.
One person alone, no matter how hard they work, cannot reach the fastest.
Let others do it, assign tasks according to talent—this was the fastest way!
Zhao Keran understood.
For the first time, she was clear about the path she wanted to take!
In an instant, she sat in meditation.
She reorganized all the flaws and omissions in her cultivation journey!
…So that’s how it is. In the past, she could also ask her senior brother to help with miscellaneous tasks—as long as she paid him with spirit stones~
…So that’s how it is. In the past, when she started slowly with the Haoran Technique, she dared to consult the masters in the Transmission Hall…instead of endlessly agonizing over it herself…
…So that’s how it is. She had been deceived by her father’s words in the past.
Father said that the later stages of the Haoran Technique progress quickly, and one just needs to endure the long and painful initial phase.
But that’s not right.
Let the right person do the right thing!
The same goes for the techniques.
She should choose the cultivation method that suits her best—following her father’s advice or her senior sister’s path is not her own way!
In an instant, along with the insights gained from watching the crowd at the Ten Thousand Scrolls Book House in Zhenchuan pass through the trials, Zhao Keran also achieved enlightenment.
Past events, errors and omissions sorted out, consciousness elevated.
Her cultivation at the first level of Condensing Yuan began to loosen, her spiritual intelligence awakened, her bone structure improved, and she advanced toward the divine consciousness of the second level of Condensing Yuan!
The spiritual energy around her began to fluctuate—she was about to break through!
A vortex of spiritual energy automatically appeared above Zhao Keran’s head.
In an instant, she was completely transformed, her talents enhanced, and her cultivation speed doubled!
【！】
【！!】
[…? What!? Lin Shuang went to the Zhao family and had a breakthrough after receiving guidance. Zhao Keran achieved a breakthrough by giving explanations?]
So what did she realize on her own?
Conclusion—she is going to be the leader.
【？？】
She had many people working for her, equivalent to the leader of the Qingshui Sect.
【……】
【Huh? Wanting to be the sect leader made you break through?】
[So the reason I’m stuck in refining my spirit without making progress is… because I lack ambition?]
[… Uh…]
“Ah, the explanation about the Hundred Flowers Sect, is it gone again?”
The senior sister Lihua next to Zhao Keran looked at her, then at the projected text, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
Is this year’s fortune prediction for the Hundred Flowers Sect extremely ominous?
When Lin Shuang participated in the outer sect competition, Junior Sister Xiaoke knew nothing about her and had nothing to say during the commentary, so she was booed away by the crowd.
Meanwhile, Zhao Ming, who had been invited, was caught and taken back home while he was still talking.
Today, the Hundred Flowers Sect has finally gotten smarter by inviting Zhao Keran from the Clear Water Sect to give the explanation!
As a result, she gazed at Lin Shuang while speaking, and gradually fell into deep meditation…
So there’s just no commentary at all!
“Lihua, it’s up to you.”
“Lihua, tell us, since you’re closest to Zhao Keran, how exactly did she make her breakthrough?”
Senior Sister Lihua was dumbfounded—she had no idea about this either.
This year’s fortune reading predicts great misfortune—it’s a real blow.
“Ahem, let’s turn our gaze to the scenes in the northern lands.”
“No no no, zoom in on Lin Shuang as much as possible!”
“Exactly, I’ll watch for a while. I’m trying hard to stare at her and comprehend.”
[This doesn’t make sense. If a Ning Yuan can achieve a breakthrough through self-realization, why can’t I, a Lian Shen, do the same?]
“Exactly! Who wants to watch that northern group? No switching! I’m keeping my eyes on Lin Shuang—I’m going to break through too!”
Pear Blossom: “!”
The Hundred Flowers Sect did not dare to cut to the central scene of other sects.
Thus, in the projection of the six major sects’ competition, it was all close-up shots of Lin Shuang’s face, like passport photos.
Her various activities—chuckling over storybooks, scratching her head while planning for the next week, or humming along to tunes—soon caught everyone’s attention.
Do you all get it now?
【……】
Don’t ask, and we’ll remain fellow cultivators.
【……】
As dusk approached, just as Lin Shuang was about to zone out, her communication stone finally vibrated.
The Annihilation Pavilion, which strictly adheres to business principles, is preparing to deliver the goods.
They sent a recording of their arrival at the Tao family in the northern region, proving that they had completed the mission.
And complete it according to Lin Shuang’s requirements to ensure she pays the final installment.
Soon, a low and icy voice of the Void Assassin sounded.
“Xiao Tao.”
Snap—
A sound of void shattering was heard.
Then, a surprised voice of an old man came from the other side, “Is it you?”
“No. Not me.”
The low, pretentious voice of the Void Assassin echoed out.
“However, during the execution of the Annihilation Pavilion’s assassination mission, I completed the request of that mighty figure, and he gifted me this token. He said that with this token, I could freely make three demands.”
“Yes! The token represents the presence of that mighty one. Please accept the deepest respect from the entire Tao family!” The elderly man from the Tao family spoke with reverence.
【！？】
[What, the entire Tao family?]
“Hmph.”
The assassin from the Annihilation Pavilion, stepping into the void, said with displeasure, “Enough talk. Today, I’m taking someone with me.”
“Alright, alright, alright.”
The royal Tao family from the northern legends, the speaking elder immediately responded.
【……】
【…………】
In the projected image, Lin Shuang was so startled that she sat up from the beach chair, her sunglasses slipping from her forehead down to the bridge of her nose.
“Is the Annihilation Pavilion this fast?”
Meng Zai hissed in amazement, “These fifty thousand spent are way more worthwhile than the teleportation array.”
【……】
Soon, the communication stone was swiftly handed over.
From the opposite side came the voice of Tao You, a disciple of the Hundred Flowers Sect.
Then, the hoarse and low voice of the virtual assassin sounded, “Boss, confirm this—is it the right one? Delivery can be made by tomorrow morning.”
Just as “Boss” Lin Shuang was about to speak, another voice came through the communication stone.
“Wait,” came the voice of the peak Foundation Establishment assassin, “the client, there’s still a passage left to recite.”
【？】
Lin Shuang lay back down with ease.
Ning Yuan at the peak of perfection immediately said, “You must be Senior Sister Tao You from the Hundred Flowers Sect, right? Are you willing to return voluntarily? If not, please refuse the other five sects who have come to the Tao family to look for you right now.”
“Hmm… I want to go back,” Tao You’s shy voice sounded.
“Great, let’s set off immediately! The goods will arrive tomorrow morning, don’t forget to pay the balance.”
At the peak of Ning Yuan, he said cheerfully.
Then, he spoke again.
“Heh heh.”
He had a peculiar, doll-like voice, clearly a disguised voice modulation to conceal his identity.
“Are all twelve sects of the Donghua Realm watching the battle projection?”
“New customers at original price, returning customers get discounts. Need help? Just ask Yanmie, it’s that simple!”
Lin Shuang: “…”
The business acumen of the Annihilation Pavilion doesn’t seem like that of mere assassins.
Putting up small ads.
The assassin in the void quickly added, “If you don’t pay the remaining balance, I’ll chop up the client too!”
The baby voice at the peak of Ningyuan stage concluded, “The end.”
With a snap, the communication stone was disconnected.
【……】
【……】
Lin Shuang shook her head, took out the first volume of “A Thousand Mountains and Rivers” from her mustard seed bag, flipped to the bookmarked page, and continued reading.
Then meditation, followed by dinner.
Just before falling asleep, she gave a thoughtful glance at the frail Huangfu Yuan, who was also preparing to sleep.
“Is anyone still watching the fight?”
The participants in the duel are not allowed to watch the projection themselves.
So she wasn’t sure if there were still any audience members present.
“Should be nothing left, right?”
Meng Zi interjected.
“Charging exorbitant prices at night—200 spirit stones per incense stick—this Northern Territory scheme actually worked. Who’s foolish enough to keep spending money just to watch you sleep for four hours?”
【……】
[“…this Dao heart of mine…”]
[“I… want to hit him.”]
【……】
“Oh.” Lin Shuang lay down peacefully and lowered the bed curtain. “Then it’s fine.”
Turn off the lights.
But soon she rolled over and asked, “Have you done the math? With the winnings from these rounds, the viewing and speaking fees, and the ten percent spirit stone reward, we can withdraw it all after completing the mission tomorrow. Will it be enough to cover the final payment for the Annihilation Pavilion?”
“Ah!” Meng Kai slapped his thigh, grinning from ear to ear at the mention of it.
“That should be enough. Yesterday, I heard Junior Sister Zhao mention the number of viewers, so I did some calculations. I estimate we might still have one or two thousand left!”
Happy!
He couldn’t fall asleep~
[So it turns out we’re the ones paying to persuade Tao You of the Hundred Flowers Sect to come back!]
【！】
Why is the Qing Shui Sect’s projection so infuriating?
The next day, Lin Shuang and the other two took Tao You, who had been transported back, to return to the Shanhai Sect and complete the mission.
Accompanying them were also the competition disciples from the five sects.
as well as the three reserve players from Qingshui Sect, including Meixin, who were released.
Since finding Gang Er, they have been cultivating and resting at the Shanhai Sect.
At this moment, the cry of the crane once again resounded above the Shanhai Sect.
[Shimizu Zongxun retrieved Quanxue—a disciple of the Baihua Sect, totaling 100 points.]
Qingshui Zong successfully persuaded three disciples to return within five days, urging them to cherish their youthful years—a successful encouragement to study!
Huangfu Yuan, Meng Zai, and Lin Shuang have become the masters of the 4396th level. Please proceed to the resting dock to claim your rewards.
On the collars of Lin Shuang and the others, a beast’s head quickly condensed.
But this time, it was no longer simply green, blue, or golden.
Instead, it bore a red flower on its forehead, water flowing from its right eye, and stone-like left eye.
[!]
[What is this?]
[Is this… the layer master of the Hundred Flowers Sect, Clear Water Sect, and Mountain Sea Sect? Are they really the layer masters of the three sects this year?]
[What? Is that even possible?]
[They convinced disciples from three sects to return, and now each sect has made them layer masters… Are they also showing their benevolence toward the three sects?]
[They are planting a karmic debt, so in the future, disciples from the Hundred Flowers Sect and Mountain Sea Sect won’t dare to treat them disrespectfully.]
[…!]
Lin Shuang was shocked at the beast pattern on her chest.
Even stingy Meng Zi praised her with a glance this time, “Well done, Twin Carvings.”
Lin Shuang: “…”
Meng Zi was delighted, “This is really worth the 50,000 spirit stones we paid.”
[All of it was our money.]
[…At least it wasn’t Meng Zi who paid.]
The three of them stood on the boat dock at the 6,000th layer of the Abyss River.
The elders of the five great sects looked at them with complex expressions.
[The three from Clear Water Sect, don’t leave after school. The elders of the Hundred Flowers Sect want to thank you for bringing back their disciple and will give you a reward.]
Pfft.
Meng Zi lowered his head, barely holding back laughter but still letting out a chuckle.
This was a favor owed.
It wasn’t so simple to ask disciples from other sects for help.
To avoid owing a karmic debt, the elders of the Hundred Flowers Sect could only follow Elder Yue Zhi’s example and offer Lin Shuang and the others some opportunities.
As Lin Shuang looked forward expectantly, Huangpu Yuan chuckled softly, and Meng Zi rubbed his hands eagerly… the elders of the twelve sects reappeared on twelve stone chairs with complex expressions.
The puddle on the stone chair of the Clear Water Sect rippled continuously, layer upon layer.
Clearly, it was laughing.
Yu Lu, the elder of the Hundred Flowers Sect, wore plain clothes, but every move she made seemed to scatter flowers.
Her face was as rosy as a peach as she smiled and stepped forward.
With a fragrant jade-like finger, she pointed toward Lin Shuang and the others.
“This seat shall grant you each the thing you desire most.”
The thing they desired most?
The disciples present were all surprised.
[Oh no.]
[?]
[Our junior brother Meng Zi loves spirit stones the most.]
[Senior sister Lin Shuang loves combing her hair and reading novels the most.]
[Huangpu Yuan never leaves his hand warmer, and secondly, he loves defensive treasures. It won’t be that damned hand warmer, right?]
[…]
But soon, as Elder Yu Lu waved her hand, a mass of spiritual energy entered Meng Zi’s forehead.
It was actually granting spiritual energy!
Meng Zi’s greatest desire was actually a breakthrough, not spirit stones.
Lin Shuang and Huangpu Yuan couldn’t help but be surprised.
Soon, a branch of early spring peach blossoms formed before each of them.
Lin Shuang: “?”
Huangpu Yuan: “?”
“I heard that you two followed our Hundred Flowers Sect’s flower boat before,” Elder Yu Lu covered her red lips with her hand to hide a laugh, “and collected the falling peach blossoms to use for perfuming clothes and making peach blossom dew.”
Lin Shuang: “…”
They did collect them.
But wasn’t that just incidental?
A mischievous glint flashed in Elder Yu Lu’s eyes.
“I’ll give you these flower branches. If you place them in your spatial pouch, they will produce one hundred petals every day, no matter winter or summer. If you plant them in soil and water them daily, they will bear fruit in ten days.”
From now on, endless petals for perfuming and eating peaches.
What a considerate elder.
Lin Shuang didn’t know what to say.
“Haha, the Hundred Flowers Sect is calculating and stingy. Come, let an old man check how your dantian is doing after this trip,” the elder from the Apothecary Sect approached.
Other elders also came closer with interest.
Lin Shuang was given a free physical check-up again.
Safe.
Lin Shuang became happy again.
Just as they were about to leave, a voice transmission rang in her consciousness.
The puddle on the stone chair vibrated.
“These peach branches are not ordinary. They can help disciples of the Hundred Flowers Sect comprehend spring cultivation techniques, and only inner sect disciples can receive one.”
“You returned a disciple to the Hundred Flowers Sect, so Elder Yu Lu gave you this opportunity.”
“Lin Shuang, Huangpu Yuan, if you gain any insight, these peach branches will change. Then you can go to the 4,000th layer of the Hundred Flowers Sect’s flower valley to exchange for spring cultivation techniques.”
Lin Shuang and Huangpu Yuan’s eyes flickered slightly.
Meng Zi was greatly disappointed. Then he got spiritual energy, so did he lose out?
“Only those with keen spiritual awareness and who enjoy playing with flowers can comprehend the top cultivation techniques of the Hundred Flowers Sect.”
The vibration of the puddle stopped.
“Little Meng, stick to your path. The techniques suitable for you are grand and straightforward, simple and direct.”
“You lack talent. The peach branch is worthless to you.”
Meng Zi opened his mouth, then felt comforted and looked gratefully at Elder Yu Lu of the Hundred Flowers Sect.
The elder understood him.
Spiritual energy was more valuable to him.
He was fine again.
But Lin Shuang and Huangpu Yuan’s eyes shifted.
Playing with flowers?
Who?
Surely not them?
[Rankings of the six sects in the second round:
1 Clear Water Sect: 570 points (Persuasion 300)
2 Hundred Flowers Sect: 215 points
3 Ten Thousand Monks Sect: 167 points
…
5 Ming Chong Sect: 68 points
6 Apothecary Sect: 38 points]
The rankings of the three sects appeared in the sky.
The elders of the twelve sects looked at Lin Shuang and the others with complex expressions.
This generation of the Clear Water Sect was really annoying.
But fortunately, the next round would determine the top three sects.
Another team battle would decide the first place.
The middle and low-level competition would end.
Endure it, and they could finally get rid of Lin Shuang.
But with one glance, they soon realized that Meng Zi had returned from the Zhao family, already at the seventh level of Condensed Yuan, and now had spiritual energy infused into him by Elder Yu, appearing as if he was about to break through to the eighth level soon.
The elders’ eyes twitched.
Fortunately, absorbing spiritual energy would take some time.
After the mid and low-level battles, they would immediately proceed to the high-level battles, where all participants would be at the peak of Condensed Yuan, reaching the 6,000th layer of their respective sects!
They wouldn’t have to see Lin Shuang and the other three disciples of the Clear Water Sect anymore!
“This match is over. All sects rest for a day. Tomorrow will be the final round to determine the top three sects!”
Elder Wang Heng, the supervisor of the 6,000th layer of the Mountain Sea Sect, spoke.
“Lin Shuang, don’t leave yet. Let’s burn fat together for an incense stick!”
Xiao Qi of the Mountain Sea Sect excitedly shouted as the projection was about to fade.
[??]
[What?]
[An incense stick? Do I think it’s that thing?]
[No way? Are Ningyuan cultivators really not that enduring?]
[Genius Xiao Qi… is this the price of being a genius?]
[Hundred Flowers Sect ‘Flowing Cloud’ made inappropriate remarks and was kicked out of the projection by the moderator.]
[Apothecary Sect ‘I Love My Dao Companion’ made inappropriate remarks… kicked out of the projection.]
[Viewing disciples, please maintain rational and unblemished Dao hearts when commenting.]
[…]
[…………]
Lin Shuang alone caused several disciples to be locked in the punishment room.
The projection finally went out.
Meng Zi, who was supposed to go exchange for viewing spirit stones, and Huangpu Yuan, who was holding the peach branch, silently watched Xiao Qi happily pull Lin Shuang away.
Lin Shuang didn’t refuse at all and casually greeted them before leaving with her.
The two fell silent at the same time.
After all, who was her second-level partner in life and death?
Burning fat for an incense stick—why didn’t she ever ask them two?
…
In the evening, when Lin Shuang returned to her cave residence, sweating lightly and with a flushed face, she saw two silent faces that hadn’t eaten.
Zhao Keran whispered in her ear, “Senior sister, they seem unhappy.”
“How could that be?”
Lin Shuang was surprised, “I wasn’t even at the cave residence today. What happened?”
After speaking, she felt the atmosphere in the cave residence getting colder.
No way?
“Hmph.”
Meng Zi sat in meditation.
Huangpu Yuan lay leisurely on a rocking chair, “Senior sister still remembers to come back. Yes, burning fat twice every two days is good for the body.”
Lin Shuang: “…”
How did he learn to act like such a green tea while infiltrating the Clear Water Sect?
“I’ve already burned fat with you two many times in Li Village. It’s rare for me to accompany Xiao Qi once. Why are you two like this?”
“…”
Meng Zi and Huangpu Yuan fell silent at the same time.
When? Where?
In Li Village, the burning fat she mentioned was those times chopping firewood, catching chickens, and hunting rabbits?
“Then, let’s go out now. I’ll do it with you. Anyway, I’m very enduring now.”
“…”
Meng Zi and Huangpu Yuan stiffened and turned around at the same time.
So that’s what it was.
A slight upward curve appeared on their mouths, which they themselves didn’t notice.
The previous unhappiness of being left behind, ignored, and having secrets hidden instantly vanished.
They had thought burning fat was something good.
That’s it?
Whatever.
They were indeed at the level of first-class partners in life and death.
The two of them didn’t even realize that their moods had improved.
Zhao Keran observed silently beside them and soon gained insight, taking out paper and pen, nodding as she recorded.
Lin Shuang stole a glance and pressed her head.
—Zhao’s Diary: Senior brothers Meng and Huangpu are gradually becoming best friends. Is this what senior sister meant by the little prince story? Saying they would wait all afternoon at the appointed time. If one day senior sister suddenly disappears or is late, they would feel sad without realizing it, thinking they’ve been defeated by others.
—There is no first in literature, no second in martial arts, and no first in making friends. I also want to be the first in senior sister’s heart.
—Senior brothers Huangpu, Meng Zi, and Xiao Qi, I am also your enemy!
Lin Shuang: “…”
She couldn’t stay here anymore, in this cave residence.
Lin Shuang sighed deeply and slumped onto the soft couch.
Just as she was about to speak, Li Min and Duan Wufang arrived at the same time.
“Lin Shuang, are you really that close with the disciples of the Mountain Sea Sect?”
The expressions of the two elders were strange.
“It’s well-known that our two sects are always in conflict and rarely interact.”
Lin Shuang’s behavior of leaving with Xiao Qi had been seen by many in the projection.
She had triggered an additional event.
But Lin Shuang, Huangpu Yuan, and Meng Zi exchanged glances.
Finally, the right time had come.
It would be too abrupt to ask directly after coming out from Wang Jian’s layer, easily making those with ulterior motives suspect they had discovered something.
Now, after another round of competition, Lin Shuang and the others had stayed in the Mountain Sea Sect for a long time.
Her behavior of exchanging with Xiao Qi as cultivation companions had finally caught the elders’ attention.
So now was the most natural time to ask.
Lin Shuang blinked, hiding the comfortable expression that everything was going according to her plan this week.
She frowned appropriately and looked at Li Min, “Xiao Hong… cough, Elder.”
Li Min’s mouth twitched slightly, and Duan Wufang couldn’t help but chuckle, covering his mouth with his hand.
“What was our relationship with the Mountain Sea Sect in the past? What’s the connection between Zhen Chuan, Yuan He 9,000 layers, and the Hundred Flowers Sect’s 9,000 layers? Why could we simultaneously interact and gain the support of the three sects’ layer masters?”
What an appropriate question.
Huangpu Yuan nodded.
Meng Zi, holding spirit stones, learned again.
Xiao Qi was only part of her plan to kill two birds with one stone.
“Also, Elder, you’re surnamed Li too. It’s said that the Mountain Sea Sect’s sect leader is surnamed Wang?” Meng Zi immediately asked innocently and directly.
Elder Li Min’s eyes flashed with realization.
Not the slightest bit surprised.
“You three have discovered it.”
She nodded.
“That’s right. Zhen Chuan 9,000 layers and Yuan He 9,000 layers were established by the same generation of ancestors.”
“Li Village took its name from the first sect leader who ascended in those days. Similarly, the Wang family was named after another ancestor at that time.”
“Xiao Hong and I,” Li Min nodded, dragging Duan Wufang into it, “are respectively descendants of the first and thirteenth sect leaders of the Clear Water Sect.”
At this point, Duan Wufang raised his eyebrows, “Didn’t you reach the 4,000th layer? Didn’t anyone remind you that reaching the 4,000th layer allows you to exchange for ‘A Comprehensive View of the Current Elders of the Clear Water Sect’?”
Lin Shuang: “…”
Meng Zi and Huangpu Yuan: “…”
Li Min nodded and instantly waved her sleeve.
In the void appeared the treasure shelf of the 4,000th layer of Zhen Chuan.
“Unsolved Mysteries of Clear Water and Mountain Sea Sects” 15,000 spirit stones—want to know the entanglements between the two sects?
“A Comprehensive View of the Current Elders of the Clear Water Sect” 20,000 spirit stones—don’t you want to understand the elders before you try to get by in the sect?
…
Lin Shuang hissed.
Li Min spoke, “If you want to know, exchange for it.”
They wouldn’t speak. At least not for free.
One reason was that operating the 9,000th layer of Zhen Chuan cost a massive amount of spirit stones.
Then what other reasons made them go to such lengths?
Lin Shuang felt that now, at least, she was a semi-elite disciple of the inner sect.
Previously, Xiao Lü had given her the Zhen Chuan ferrying leaf as a gesture of goodwill.
So why wouldn’t they just give her a book now?
From the beginning, they had cultivated the habit of ‘earning what one gets’ in disciples.
This seemed normal at first—encouraging disciples to be self-reliant. But today, Lin Shuang gradually felt something odd, as if Xiao Hong and Xiao Lü were following some kind of rule.
At least Xiao Lü was originally a bold and generous person, not the stingy type.
“Elder, may I ask…”
Lin Shuang pondered, “Was the sect always this… tight-fisted?”
“…”
Li Min, as a cultivator specializing in sound, was perceptive and seemed to sense the oddity in her question.
But Duan Wufang, a sword cultivator, was rougher and simply waved his hand at her words.
“Hey!”
“Am I not generous to you? I gave you the 6,000th layer ferrying leaf. If you want to talk about stinginess, this generation of yours is much better. Go back three generations, and that was truly miserable!”
Three generations back?
Elders would often retreat into seclusion for fifty years at a time.
The eldest disciples in the inner sect were about a hundred years old.
Three generations would be between 150 to 300 years.
What happened during that time caused the elders of the Clear Water Sect to become so stingy?
Three hundred years ago, the spiritual energy in the world should have been more abundant than now.
What caused the Clear Water Sect, and even all sects, to adopt such harsh, stingy rules back then—cultivation techniques and other things had to be obtained by disciples through sect contributions or spirit stones, often at a cost far exceeding what ordinary disciples could afford?
Lin Shuang’s expression was complex.
She couldn’t help but solemnly reflect once again on her cultivation journey so far.
In Zhenchuan, in Wang Jian Layer, and in Zhao Family, she had repeatedly encountered the core cultivation principle of human cultivators: Dao Heart.
But how exactly could one’s Dao Heart be considered flawless?
To this day, no one had provided a complete answer.
Was simply not doing evil enough to consider one’s Dao Heart pure?
Then, what if a senior who had no intention of doing evil cultivated a disciple full of malicious intent?
If the disciple committed countless atrocities, would the senior encounter heart demons during ascension, failing the self-examination?
After all, the senior personally selected the disciple and taught them supreme techniques.
If the disciple’s evil deeds caused deaths among mortals, could the master ascend?
And if the master personally killed their own disciple to end the tragedy, would that count as mending their Dao Heart?
After all, the dead could never return.
“The one who betrayed my mother…”
“The day after the incident, he was killed by elders from Qingshui Sect and Shanhai Sect.”
Huangpu Yuan’s words echoed faintly in her ears.
Looking at Li Min and Duan Wufang, whose expressions were routine and standard, Lin Shuang for the first time had an absurd suspicion flash through her mind.
Had the sect once nurtured a group of disciples or elders who strayed onto the wrong path?
This caused many fellow sect disciples and elders to develop heart demons, preventing ascension and leading to tragic fates. Therefore, the sect established the Exchange System and the Cave Residence System?
If this was the case, then everything made sense.
What Senior Xu Rui had said—that once entering the inner sect, everything must be earned through one’s own cultivation—now made more sense.
While in the outer sect, such a system wasn’t necessary.
Today, Lin Shuang felt like she was only beginning to understand those words for the second time.
—Elders wouldn’t be implicated for teaching disciples who turned to evil: because everything was obtained by the disciples themselves.
—Disciples also wouldn’t be forced into actions against their Dao Hearts by the sect or elders due to past favors.
—Even if disciples later eliminated sect elders or even the sect leader in the name of justice, their Dao Hearts wouldn’t be tainted.
Therefore, Zhenchuan’s Exchange System was both ruthless and compassionate.
Although this method seemed cold and rigid, isolating the elders from their disciples, it in fact safeguarded both sides by minimizing the influence of demonic cultivators within the sect.
No wonder high-level disciples, even after passing Zhenchuan, couldn’t share their insights with lower-level disciples.
Saying that personal realization led to deeper understanding was only one reason.
Another layer was to reduce karmic entanglements.
Lin Shuang’s eyes flickered.
If her speculation was correct, then Qingshui Sect and Shanhai Sect’s 9,000-layer Exchange Mechanism, continuing until today, meant…
They likely already knew that some of their elders would definitely encounter problems if they continued cultivating!
Lin Shuang was deeply shaken, and only by quickly lowering her head and buying a book from the treasure shelf with spirit stones could she suppress her emotions.
Seeing her make the exchange, Li Min didn’t ask further questions and even felt slightly relieved.
“If you have any more questions after reading the book, you can come to the cave residence nearby to find us two.”
After seeing them off, Lin Shuang finally lay down on the soft couch.
Meng Zi happily opened the exchange book, “Unsolved Mysteries of Qingshui and Shanhai Sects.”
Zhao Keran, unable to see anything since he hadn’t reached 4,000 layers, simply went to the meditation room to cultivate.
Seeing Zhao Keran leave, Huangpu Yuan finally spoke, “They knew all along.”
Meng Zi: “?”
“Forget it, let’s read the book first.”
Meng Zi: “?”
Could they at least show him a little respect!
[Congratulations! After passing the 4,000th layer of Zhenchuan, you have finally become a core disciple of Qingshui Sect.
You have completely entered the path of cultivation.
From now on, you should also learn the truth behind the long-standing discord between our sect and Shanhai Sect.]
Meng Zi was startled and immediately flipped to the next page.
Lin Shuang leaned closer, signaling Xiao Ai to take notes.
[Several hundred years ago, Qingshui Sect and Shanhai Sect were originally one sect.
However, disputes between mountains and waters have always existed.
Can mountains defend against endless waves of water? Can water act as a shield against piercing mountain stones?
Human effort is limited. Over time, the great elders specializing in mountains and waters split into two factions, each leading elite disciples, constantly clashing and quarreling.
After the death of the 98th sect leader, the conflict reached its peak, almost to the point where disciples of the mountain faction couldn’t join the water elders.
Starting from the 100th generation, the sect was officially divided into Qingshui Sect and Shanhai Sect.
Though still considered the same sect, they governed separately, not interfering with each other.
Only when facing external threats did they reunite.
However, after long separation, disciples from both sects met like strangers from different sects, showing no camaraderie or coordination.
Even when cooperating externally, they still argued over whether mountains or waters were stronger, appearing united but actually estranged.
By the time the 120th sect leader took over, several elders representing mountains and waters decided to fully separate the sects.]
This was like the eldest and second sons fighting to split the family.
Emotional discord, plus their own interests.
Once they grew strong, even parents couldn’t force them to stay together.
Lin Shuang nodded silently.
From the situation back then, splitting indeed benefited both parties, avoiding endless internal conflicts and depletion.
[However, the current relationship between the two sects might not be as bad as our disciples imagine.]
[After the split, the intense conflict between the mountain and water factions temporarily subsided. Among the twelve sects, I speculate that Qingshui Sect and Shanhai Sect have the closest relationship.
Remember the relationship between Li Village and Wang Village?
In the competition for the spiritual spring at a certain layer of Zhenchuan, Old Li once said that for the future of the two villages, endless fighting was pointless. They instead opted for a peaceful three-round contest to allocate the spiritual spring.
Isn’t this highly similar to the current nine-point spiritual spring agreement between Qingshui and Shanhai Sects?
Though seemingly at odds, they have actually already reconciled. Maintaining a bit of rivalry is merely to keep the disciples motivated.
In reality, the two sects mutually benefit, unite against evil cultivators, and strive to surpass other sects in the Eastern Hua Realm!
[Fellow disciples, don’t be deceived by the elders anymore.
I speculate that to pass the 9,999th layer of both sects, mastering only one sect’s techniques is insufficient.
Layers above 9,000 were created by the original mountain and water elders before the split. It’s reasonable to suspect that one must simultaneously master both sects’ mountain and water techniques to the point of expertise to pass the 9,999th layer!]
[Disciple at the 4,000th layer, you are likely at the late Condensation stage now, correct?]
[It’s still not too late to learn the techniques of the Shanhai Sect. Methods to acquire them include: visiting the Myriad Books House in Zhenchuan, participating in the twelve sects’ competition, befriending Shanhai Sect disciples during external missions, or exchanging with magical artifacts…]
—Author of this book: Dao Fa of Shanhai Sect.
“Phew!”
Meng Zi almost spat out his tea, but remembering each sip cost three spirit stones, he swallowed it back with effort.
Dao Fa?
One of the ten disciples of Dao Mountain.
Previously, when he met Dao Xi and Dao Dong, they hadn’t mentioned this.
And the scroll ended right here.
A mere few hundred words costing fifteen thousand spirit stones!
Thinking of Sect Leader Lü’s book, at least it could spray water.
Meng Zi’s face turned green, “Dao Mountain disciples aren’t decent people at all.”
After finishing the book, Lin Shuang glanced at the silent Huangpu Yuan.
If the previous Nine-Tails, the mother of the great demonic beauty, was at the 9,999th layer, then he might need to master the techniques of both the Qingshui and Shanhai Sects.
She needed to graduate from Qingshui Sect early, or if her original body’s death was related to the 9,000th layer, she would also need to master both sects’ techniques.
“Hmm, time to adjust the plan.”
Lin Shuang took out her original plan again and revised it:
1. Master Shanhai Sect’s techniques proficiently.
2. Long-term: Reach 9,000 layers in Zhenchuan.
3. Long-term: Shanhai Sect’s Black Elder—Ascension (possibly having hidden friendly relations with Qingshui Sect).
4. Short-term: The tribute day on March 16th (Purple Robe, Auction Pavilion, Tianji Order).
Lin Shuang looked at the Qianshan Wan Shui Hua Jue, then at her plan.
“From what Xiaohong and Xiaolv did earlier, I roughly understand the sect’s implication.”
“If a teaching elder goes astray, disciples may remove them. If the sect leader becomes corrupt, disciples may overthrow the sect leader.”
“Zhenchuan conveyed one message—rebellion against superiors causes no damage to one’s Dao Heart! As long as one has evidence of the other’s crimes!”
Meng Zi: “??”
Had she really been present just now?
How did she reach this conclusion!
Lin Shuang looked at Huangpu Yuan, whose silhouette was gradually sinking into the shadows as the sun set.
“Does this make you feel better?”
“Not all human cultivators are bad.”
At least it was confirmed that the original intention of Zhenchuan’s Exchange Mechanism over the past three hundred years was pure.
It had paved a safe cultivation path for disciples, with emergency solutions prepared.
Huangpu Yuan’s black eyes gazed at her, a long silence following.
Then he stood up and handed her a bright red blanket.
“Twelve breaths.”
Lin Shuang: “!”
Meng Zi: “?”
Why didn’t he get one?!
The next day, Lin Shuang woke up with a rosy complexion.
Knowing that the core of Qingshui Sect and Shanhai Sect was good, her mental pressure vanished, allowing her to focus on her schedule again.
Meng Zi counted spirit stones all night, “After deducting fifty thousand spirit stones in expenses, we still made a profit of three thousand six hundred!”
Huangpu Yuan also seemed comfortable, as Xiao Ai No.2 had combed his hair all night.
The three of them rode a robust and sturdy crane, swiftly arriving at the 9,000th layer of the Yuan River.
Three rounds of accumulated points determined the top three and eliminated the bottom three.
After passing Wang Jian Layer and Xuexi Layer, Qingshui Sect had already far surpassed other sects. Even without participating in today’s competition, they were steadily entering the final.
Lin Shuang glanced at her schedule—Weekend shopping.
“Yep, I need a break. What about you two?”
The joy of exemption from exams surrounded her.
She grinned.
Disciples from the Five Great Sects: “……”
[……]
Even Xiaohong and Xiaolv, the elders of Qingshui Sect, couldn’t argue and smiled happily.
The lottery stones for the third round quickly fell into the hands of the six sects.
—Layer 4862.
Divided by nine, remainder two—Spiritual Endurance Test.
Lin Shuang, already holding a novel, couldn’t help but raise her eyes toward the thousand rivers ahead.
She had only encountered this kind of endurance test before in Zhenchuan during the Nine-Ring Guidance.
Other stone layers had never seen it.
But well, what did it have to do with her exemption?
There was no need to waste time today competing with the Five Great Sects and attracting the attention of the ‘Black Elder.’
She could easily spend the weekend and climb the 9,000th layer later.
[Layer 4862, due to Qingshui Sect’s outstanding performance in the previous round, this layer belongs to Lin Shuang.]
Lin Shuang: “?”
She hadn’t intended to enter, “Elder, can I give up?”
Yue Zhi of Shanhai Sect and several other elders looked at her.
“Of course. Qingshui Sect can choose not to enter today.” Yue Zhi deeply looked at her.
Lin Shuang nodded.
But the moment the title popped up, she froze.
[Layer 4862, Lin Shuang, the Queen. Tonight, which green-tasseled name will you choose?]
Lin Shuang: “……!”
Pattering—
Meng Zi dropped all his spirit stones.
[Qingshui Sect withdraws. The Queen’s position passes to Baihua Sect’s Zhu Jiao…]
Lin Shuang suddenly stuffed her novel into her spatial pouch.
“Ah, wait!”
“Elder, I suddenly feel like I can do it again~”
Meng Zi and Huangpu Yuan: “……”
Five Great Sects: “……”
[……]
[…………]
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