Chapter 52: Disciple and Wife
Tao Ning felt a prickle of unease at Jin Jiamu’s words, but, exhausted from the trials, she couldn’t quite pinpoint what felt off.
She backpedaled. “No, no, I deeply admire Elder Cen. I was simply wishing her a breakthrough to Soul Transformation.”
Jin Jiamu accepted this explanation. A hundred years of seclusion was a small price to pay for such an advancement.
Under the high-hanging moon, the two finished their clandestine meal, carefully disposing of the fire and bones before returning to their lodgings, their hearts filled with hopeful dreams.
At dawn, the row of houses buzzed with activity. Tao Ning awoke early, but remained in bed, resting.
The morning bell rang, signaling their summons.
Ji Bai and Ji Ling returned, arriving on their swords. The distance to Shuhan Peak was considerable, too far to walk.
The journey to Hanshan Hall also required flight. Walking would take days.
The two senior sisters counted heads, then summoned their swords. The narrow blades glowed, expanding to accommodate their passengers. Each sword could carry up to three people.
Though aware of the wonders of cultivation, witnessing it firsthand filled the four young aspirants with awe and excitement. Jin Jiamu, whose cultivation wasn’t yet sufficient for sword flight, eagerly anticipated the day she would have her own flying sword.
Ji Ling instructed, “The three of you, stand on my sword. Don’t look down, and hold on tight.”
Tao Ning and Jin Jiamu stood on Ji Bai’s sword. With a practiced gesture, Ji Bai lifted them into the air.
The sword ascended, soaring through the clouds, dancing with the cranes. One of the passengers, glancing down, nearly lost their footing.
In Hanshan Hall, the elders gathered, anticipating the arrival of the prospective disciples. It was a tradition, a chance to observe the new generation.
While they viewed the candidates much like a farmer assessing cabbages, there was a certain amusement in witnessing their youthful enthusiasm.
As they waited, they chatted amongst themselves, noticing an empty seat. “Elder Cen isn’t coming again?”
“She never does. Has she ever taken a disciple?”
“True. But she’s the most skilled Music Cultivator in the Hanshan Sect, having inherited the previous Sect Leader’s legacy. It’s a shame she doesn’t pass on her knowledge.”
“Only Elder Cen has mastered both sword and music cultivation to such a degree.”
“Sect Leader, won’t you persuade her?”
Lizhu, sipping her spiritual tea, smiled faintly. “There’s no rush. When she’s ready…”
An elder near the entrance suddenly spoke. “Elder Cen, you’re here?”
Silence fell as all eyes turned to the doorway. A woman in a pale blue robe stood there, her expression resolute, a red mark on her forehead.
It was Cen Dianshuang, who never attended the disciple acceptance ceremonies.
She said she wasn’t coming. What’s she doing here?
Lizhu, her teacup paused mid-air, gave her a questioning look. Cen Dianshuang returned a firm gaze.
Lizhu: ???
Unable to decipher the message, she realized – her junior sister must be concerned about the suspected spy, coming to observe personally.
She looked at Cen Dianshuang again, her eyes questioning.
Receiving another affirmative look, Lizhu felt reassured, settling back down.
She wouldn’t let the taciturn Cen Dianshuang handle the situation alone. If the girl was indeed a spy, she wouldn’t allow her to infiltrate another peak.
Just then, a disciple announced the arrival of the trial participants.
The lively atmosphere in the hall evaporated, replaced by an air of solemnity as the elders composed themselves, their expressions turning serious.
Lizhu’s voice, imbued with the authority of a Void Refining cultivator, echoed through the hall. “Enter.”
The prospective disciples, taking a deep breath, followed the two senior sisters into the grand hall.
The pressure outside had been considerable, but inside, with the combined presence of so many powerful elders, it was almost suffocating.
The elders weren’t intentionally exerting their power. It was simply the natural aura of their cultivation, a silent, invisible weight.
Hanshan Hall, the main hall of the sect, was vast, its floor paved with thousand-year-old spiritual jade, illuminated by luminous pearls, the air thick with spiritual energy.
The peak masters, seated on their daises, their robes flowing like clouds, seemed like celestial beings descending from the heavens, making the small group of aspirants look like pebbles in comparison.
“We greet the Sect Leader,” they chorused.
Tao Ning, standing in the center of the hall, bowed along with the others.
No kneeling was required, just a respectful bow.
A gentle yet commanding voice echoed from the main dais. “You five have passed the trials. You are now disciples of the Hanshan Sect. Relax.”
Despite this reassurance, their nervousness was palpable, their voices strained as they responded.
Standing before dozens of powerful elders, it was impossible not to be nervous. But having endured the arduous trials, these young aspirants, though trembling slightly, spoke clearly and confidently.
Jin Jiamu declared, “I wish to become Elder Qianlian’s disciple of Qianqi Peak. I hope you will accept me.”
Elder Qianlian, having missed the beginning and the middle, only heard the request to become her disciple. Assessing the girl’s promising spiritual roots and resilience, she nodded in agreement.
Few chose Qianqi Peak, mostly multi-spiritual root cultivators with limited options. A promising disciple was a welcome addition.
Looking at her new disciple with satisfaction, she said, “Qianqi Peak hasn’t had a new disciple in a long time. They all find it too demanding. Becoming my disciple won’t be a waste of your talent.”
She tossed a token towards Jin Jiamu.
Catching it, Jin Jiamu saw the direct disciple token and gasped, her eyes filling with tears of joy.
“Thank you, Master!”
With the first four aspirants assigned to their respective masters, only Tao Ning remained, her eyes downcast.
Lizhu, observing her closely, noticed her lack of cultivation, her aura calm and ordinary, like any other young woman.
But anyone who reached this stage wouldn’t employ easily detectable disguises.
Lizhu: “Which elder do you wish to follow?”
Here it comes, thought everyone.
Jin Jiamu, standing beside her, wondered if Tao Ning would start crying, or perhaps launch into a guilt trip…
But with so many elders watching, could she even manage a convincing performance?
Cen Dianshuang shared the same thought, her gaze fixed on the lone figure in the center of the hall.
Tao Ning knelt, lifting her eyes to meet Cen Dianshuang’s. Her usually clear mind went blank, the sounds around her fading as if she were sinking into the depths of the ocean.
But outwardly, she remained composed, her voice steady as she spoke. “Disciple Tao Ning, having long admired Elder Cen, wishes to become your disciple and receive your guidance.”
No one noticed the slight hesitation before she spoke, attributing it to nerves.
Only Tao Ning knew her heart was pounding, her words driven by pure muscle memory.
Any further questions would expose her.
The elders dismissed her slightly strained voice as youthful awe in the presence of a respected figure.
The other four had reacted similarly, one even bursting into tears.
Lizhu’s eyes flickered with understanding. She was about to intervene when a clear voice rang out. “Very well.”
Several elders looked towards… Cen Dianshuang, their expressions incredulous.
The woman who had just uttered those shocking words remained calm, even nodding at the surprised Tao Ning, repeating, “I accept you as my disciple.”
Lizhu: ???
Tao Ning: ?!!!
She agreed without even hearing my prepared speech! —Both of them had the same thought.
The boy with the Earth spiritual root whipped his head around so fast that his neck cracked, the pain barely masked by his stunned expression.
Cen Dianshuang stood, her pale eyes fixed on Tao Ning. “From now on, you will reside on Wangshu Peak.”
A murmur of surprise rippled through the hall, then turned to curiosity as the girl simply stared at Elder Cen, speechless.
Tao Ning quickly recovered, her eyes crinkling into a bright smile. “Thank you, Master!”
Cen Dianshuang, looking at the seemingly innocent smile, felt a sudden urge to close her eyes, her lips tightening into a thin line.
She couldn’t quite bear to look, yet she also wanted to laugh.
Lizhu: “…”
She looked at Cen Dianshuang, her eyes questioning. Qianlian also seemed to disapprove, but neither voiced their concerns openly.
Cen Dianshuang addressed her new disciple. “Life on Wangshu Peak is arduous. Are you certain?”
Tao Ning, assuming it was a standard warning, eagerly agreed, eager to prove her devotion.
“I am certain, Master. Becoming your disciple is my greatest aspiration. I will not be deterred by hardship.”
Lizhu, still bewildered by Cen Dianshuang’s sudden change of heart, pressed further. “Since you’ve accepted her, Dianshuang, that’s wonderful. What are this young disciple’s spiritual roots?”
The others had all stated their spiritual roots. Only Tao Ning hadn’t. Without examining her meridians, Lizhu couldn’t determine the spiritual roots of a mortal with no cultivation.
Cen Dianshuang faltered. “She hasn’t been tested.” She didn’t know either.
Lizhu: “Then let’s test her. Do you intend to take her as a direct disciple or a nominal disciple? It would be a waste if her spiritual roots aren’t suitable.”
The suitability of spiritual roots was often exaggerated, used to mislead young disciples. A Heavenly spiritual root could excel in any path, though choosing the right one offered advantages.
Lizhu: “Bring a spirit testing stone. Let’s see what this child’s aptitude is.”
Cen Dianshuang retrieved a large, dark stone from her storage ring. “No need. I have one.”
Lizhu: …She’s really determined to take this girl as her disciple.
Cen Dianshuang’s expression remained unreadable. She stepped down from the dais, holding the head-sized stone.
“Come here. Place your hand on it.”
Tao Ning, Cen Dianshuang’s newly acquired disciple, stepped forward, her gaze fixed on Cen Dianshuang for a moment before placing her hand on the stone.
Everyone watched, curious about the girl’s spiritual roots.
After a moment, the stone began to change, its dark surface lightening slightly before settling, the change barely perceptible.
Each of the five elements corresponded to a specific color. The deeper the color, the stronger the affinity.
This… darkish, not quite grey, color was unusual.
They stared for a moment, then Lizhu, looking at the bewildered Tao Ning, asked, “Are you a Lightning spiritual root?”
Her words sparked recognition. The stone wasn’t pure black, but a deep, almost black, purple, with streaks of grey like flickering lightning.
Cen Dianshuang glanced at her own blue robes. She had seen Lightning spiritual roots tested before. The color had been a much lighter purple.
But looking at the deep purple stone, she felt no surprise.
Everything about Tao Ning seemed… inevitable.
The vibrant color drew the attention of several peak masters, who left their seats for a closer look. The younger disciples craned their necks, eager to witness a living, breathing Lightning spiritual root.
“A Lightning spiritual root! I haven’t seen one of those in ages. And she’s joined our Hanshan Sect!”
“The last Lightning spiritual root I remember was…” Elder Yaodan, his arms crossed, shook his head, a knowing look on his face.
Elder Qianlian glared at him. “Who? Spit it out. Stop with the cryptic nonsense.”
Elder Yaodan dodged her hammer, pointing at her. “Who else? Your ancestor, of course.”
Elder Qianlian was from Qianqi Peak, the home of artifact refiners. Their ancestor was none other than the legendary Demon Lord Qingji.
Lizhu’s voice restored order. “Indeed, she shares the same spiritual root as our Grand Ancestor. I recall the Grand Elder saying that he hadn’t seen such a pure Lightning spiritual root in many years.”
She had seen faint purples, and purples mixed with other colors, but never such a vibrant, deep purple, a testament to the girl’s exceptional talent.
Lizhu suddenly questioned her initial assessment of the girl as a Demonic Realm spy. While they were known for their unconventional methods, they wouldn’t willingly hand over such a treasure.
Pushing aside her doubts, she addressed Tao Ning, her gaze complex. “Lightning spiritual roots have a natural affinity for tribulation lightning. With diligent cultivation, your future is limitless.”
Tao Ning feigned surprise, her inner thoughts confirming her suspicions. Just as I suspected. She’s a Lightning spiritual root too.
“I will heed your words, Sect Leader.”
Lizhu sighed inwardly. If Dianshuang hadn’t claimed her, I would have snatched her up as my own disciple.
She could imagine the envious looks from the other sects during the centennial disciple competitions.
Qingji had been such a brilliant talent. Such a pity…
Cen Dianshuang, as if on cue, handed Tao Ning a jade token.
Tao Ning took it with both hands. Pure white, with a red tassel, it bore the characters “Wangshu” on one side, with a crescent moon as a backdrop, and a single character, “Frost,” on the other. It didn’t resemble a typical disciple token.
Cen Dianshuang explained, “I haven’t had time to prepare a proper disciple token. This is a pass for the Wangshu Peak formation. You’ll need it anyway. Consider it a temporary substitute.”
Her voice softened slightly, and Tao Ning detected a hint of embarrassment. “I’ll… I’ll give you a proper disciple token later.”
“Yes, Master.” Tao Ning strongly suspected Cen Dianshuang hadn’t simply forgotten. She probably hadn’t even considered it.
Gaining entry to Wangshu Peak was the main objective. The token was a bonus.
Lizhu, looking at the jade token, wanted to say something, but hesitated.
Wangshu Peak did have protective formations, but entry wasn’t granted by tokens, but by the peak master’s permission, allowing those with her approval to pass through unhindered.
If everyone needed a token to enter Wangshu Peak, Cen Dianshuang would be bankrupt, even if she sold all her possessions.
Furthermore, the token wasn’t made of ordinary jade. It calmed the mind and protected against illusions, a rare and valuable treasure.
Cen Dianshuang had only crafted one for herself, and now she had given it away.
With a token imbued with Cen Dianshuang’s aura, entry to Wangshu Peak was guaranteed.
Lizhu felt like a mother hen, lamenting the loss of a Lightning spiritual root disciple and the gifting of a precious artifact.
Looking at the two, she waved her sleeve dismissively. “Enough. Take your new disciple and leave before I change my mind.”
Tao Ning quickly put away the token.
This small act of prudence brought Lizhu a sliver of comfort. Perhaps the disciple had more sense than the master.
Tao Ning was far more perceptive than Lizhu imagined, recognizing the token’s value at a glance. Her respectful bow had been excessively grateful.
Cen Dianshuang, remembering her senior sister’s words about taking the girl under her wing, quickly led her away.
The other peak masters, with their new disciples, also departed, leaving Ji Bai and Ji Ling behind. They returned to Shuhan Peak with Lizhu.
After landing, Ji Bai spoke. “Master, I have something to report regarding Elder Cen’s new disciple.”
Ji Ling, sensing a sensitive topic, excused herself.
Lizhu: “What is it?”
Ji Bai recounted the incident with the robe, leaving nothing out.
As a mere Foundation Establishment disciple, even having trained under the Sect Leader, she didn’t dare conceal anything. The more she thought about it, the more uneasy she felt. And with the Sect Leader’s interest in the girl, it was even more important to report her observations.
If something went wrong, the disciples involved would be held accountable.
And Elder Cen should also be informed. Knowing her disciple’s background was crucial.
Lizhu, hearing about the robe again, felt a knot of unease in her stomach. “I understand. You may leave.”
Ji Bai bowed and departed.
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