Chapter 20: Entering the Xuanxin Sect
Chapter 20: Entering the Xuanxin Sect
The Xuanxin Sect was surrounded by rolling mountains, wrapped in mist and clouds. Divine Cranes were as numerous as the clouds themselves, and Spiritual Energy surged powerfully everywhere. At the very first glance, Lu Hangzhi was deeply shaken by the sight of this fairy-tale realm on earth. No wonder it had become a great cultivation sect; no wonder it could make talents like Zhu Fuqin seem pale and unimpressive, pushing them to strive desperately to climb higher.
The Divine Crane landed at a pavilion belonging to the Inner Sect disciples. Zhu Fuqin led Lu Hangzhi down from it. But to their surprise, they hadn’t walked far when a beam of sword light, radiating a chilling aura, landed three meters away. Its fierce presence locked their auras tightly with its powerful sword intent.
Lu Hangzhi felt a frightful sense that any slight movement could tear him apart under the sword’s intent. He quickly stood still.
Zhu Fuqin’s expression remained calm, as if she had long expected this turn of events. She glanced at Lu Hangzhi and nodded.
They both turned and saw a young cultivator in his early twenties, robes fluttering as he rode the wind, looking extraordinary.
“Greetings, Senior Brother Xiao.”
“Hmph! Sister Fuqin, though you’ve entered the Inner Sect, sneaking an outsider in breaks the rules. Come with me to the Discipline Hall for punishment, immediately.”
Lu Hangzhi kept his gaze lowered, avoiding Senior Brother Xiao’s eyes. On the journey here, Zhu Fuqin had warned him: in the presence of Inner Sect disciples, never act disrespectfully, or an outsider could be killed on the spot.
Senior Brother Xiao scanned Lu Hangzhi’s face, seeing him standing there with downcast eyes. He snorted and turned his attention back to Zhu Fuqin, his look growing sharper.
But then Zhu Fuqin spoke: “This person is a newcomer recommended to the sect by Senior Brother Leng.” Senior Brother Xiao’s expression changed dramatically.
Senior Brother Leng! The ninth-ranked among the Inner Sect? How had Zhu Fuqin, only at Third Rank Peak and bottom-tier in the Inner Sect, managed to connect with Senior Brother Leng? And… this was someone Senior Brother Leng had recommended! It made Senior Brother Xiao take a second look at Lu Hangzhi.
“Since it’s Senior Brother Leng’s order, I will let it go this time. But don’t let it happen again.” Uncertain of Lu Hangzhi’s ties to Senior Brother Leng, he dared not offend him. After that cold remark, he turned and left.
The Flying Sword rose from the ground and chased after Senior Brother Xiao. Zhu Fuqin and Lu Hangzhi relaxed at once, their movements free again.
“Let’s go.” Zhu Fuqin gritted her teeth and continued guiding, sending a message: “That Senior Brother Xiao is an Inner Sect disciple, at Fourth Grade early stage, ranked ninety-seventh on the Battle Ranking. He currently works in the Discipline Hall.”
“Sister, do you have a grudge with this Senior Brother Xiao?”
“Yes.”
Zhu Fuqin nodded. “When I was an Outer Sect disciple, I defeated him. But after entering the Inner Sect, his cultivation soared, directly breaking through to Fourth Grade. I was his first challenge target.” Hearing this, Lu Hangzhi understood silently, thinking to himself: Sister’s trip to Violet Cloud Town to train was probably because of this person?
It made sense: being surpassed by an old rival, then facing repeated targeting, must have left Sister feeling bitter. Better to leave the sect and train elsewhere, out of sight.
“I’ll take you to Senior Brother Leng first,” Zhu Fuqin said, continuing the path.
No more questions came from others. They passed through several courtyards and finally found Senior Brother Leng in a large Bamboo Forest. He was elegant to the core.
“Senior Brother Leng.”
“A month apart, and little brother Hangzhi has reached Second Rank Peak. Impressive and commendable.” Senior Brother Leng, a Fifth Grade Cultivation powerhouse, saw through to Lu Hangzhi’s true level at a glance.
Lu Hangzhi’s heart trembled. He quickly bowed: “Hangzhi thanks Senior Brother Leng for his guidance and favor.” He then took a vibrant green, full-of-life Spirit Tree from his Qiankun Pouch.
Senior Brother Leng’s eyes brightened. He took it personally, placed it on a stone table nearby, and smiled. “Well done. Sister Fuqin and I couldn’t achieve this, yet you did. I uphold my promise: when you leave, you can report to the Outer Sect. I’ve already informed them.”
Lu Hangzhi bowed again in gratitude.
“No need for formalities. You’ve earned this,” Senior Brother Leng said warmly, his smile as gentle as ever. “Such stunning progress in cultivation in just one month shows real talent, little brother Hangzhi. Given time, the Inner Sect will welcome another member. My congratulations in advance.”
“Hangzhi attributes all credit to Senior Brother Leng and Sister Fuqin’s guidance,” Lu Hangzhi responded modestly.
As they chatted, Zhu Fuqin mentioned their encounter with two Evil Cultivators ambushing them outside an abode. Senior Brother Leng’s brow furrowed. Seeing the corpses in the Qiankun Pouch, his chilling aura engulfed the entire Bamboo Forest.
“Hmph!”
“Evil outsiders, ever scheming! They dare trespass into Xuanxin Sect lands to stir trouble? They asked for death! Great job, sister. I’ll personally report this to the Sect Master and secure a merit point for you.”
“Fuqin thanks the brother,” Zhu Fuqini said, delighted. This act could have been minor or major, but with Senior Brother Leng bringing it to the Sect Master, rewards were certain. He truly saw her as one of his own, making her overjoyed.
“Don’t mention it, sister,” Senior Brother Leng replied, his aura calming back to a peaceful, friendly state. A light breeze stirred, rustling the bamboo, filling the senses with pleasant sights and sounds.
Then, Senior Brother Leng’s laughter drifted to Lu Hangzhi’s ear: “Little brother Hangzhi, your aptitude is exceptional. With the Outer Sect Competition in a month, how about winning first place?”
“You jest, brother.”
“Brother?”
“To hold back two Third Grade Cultivators solo? No common Second-grade Cultivator could do that. Your combat sense is strong; break free from ordinary mindsets,” Senior Brother Leng said earnestly, fixing his gaze. “Give your all in this competition and aim for the top three.”
Then, as Zhu Fuqin and Lu Hangzhi stared in shock, he continued: “I remember the competition awards custom gear to the top three each year. Coincidentally, the sect has a Bone Shield forged from Fifth-Grade Monster Beast bones. If you enter the top three, I can arrange that treasure for you.”
Hearing this, Hangzhi instantly understood Senior Brother Leng’s intent. He declared firmly: “Since it’s your wish, Hangzhi will compete with all his might for the top three and claim the Bone Shield for you.”
“Clever.”
“Heh, rest assured, I won’t let you down. Focus on your cultivation. Succeed, and when you enter the Inner Sect, I’ll secure a position for you in one of the halls.”
Zhu Fuqin’s body shook slightly, her small mouth covered as if she’d heard something unimaginable.
Lu Hangzhi had studied the Xuanxin Sect before arriving. He knew it had three halls, three peaks, three pavilions—handled by Elders and True Disciples for vital secrets and manuals; the halls managed Spirit Beasts, Spiritual Artifacts, Elixirs, and sect rules: Spirit Beast Hall, Golden Jade Hall, Discipline Hall; the peaks were for Outer Sect chores like tending Spirit Trees, Spirit Springs, and Spirit Fruit Trees.
Inner Sect disciples got about two Mid-grade Spirit Stones per month, equal to two hundred Low-grade Spirit Stones’ worth. Higher ranks earned Elixirs; the top got Foundational Reinforcement Pills. But landing a job in any hall meant extra pay monthly—even in Discipline Hall, two Mid-grade Spirit Stones; Golden Jade Hall, richest with Elixirs and Spiritual Artifacts; Spirit Beast Hall disciples hunted Demonic Beasts and Monsters much safer and easier than others. By meeting Senior Brother Leng’s goal, he’d paved a bright path. No wonder Zhu Fuqin was stunned; likely jealous to the bone, Lu Hangzhi mused.
“Yes, brother!” After more talk, Senior Brother Leng sipped tea—a sign to leave.
They understood and exited the Bamboo Forest.
On the way to the Outer Sect, Zhu Fuqin sighed softly. “To think Senior Brother Leng favors you so highly, promising a hall post… Pity the top three in the Outer Sect is tough! That year, at Third Grade, I only ranked ninth. You… just do your best.”
Her doubt about his odds was clear. True, he was only Second Grade. Back then, her Third Grade was boosted by the Zhu Residence’s ample Tribute Guards; resources and methods far outstripped his. Still, he held a slim chance—with Fire Stream Art and Art Techniques like Wood Spirit Sword Qi or Tongue Sword Art, his instant bursts could crush a Second Grade Cultivator’s defenses. Plus, the new Sharp Gold Sword Qi Art Technique was top-tier for Second Grade. Master it for more power and better odds…
“Whatever happens, I’ll give my all,” Lu Hangzhi thought, clenching his fist.
Soon they reached Daoshan Peak.
Outer Sect disciples differed from Inner Sect ones—all wore matching robes, bluish-green uniforms. They bowed respectfully to Zhu Fuqin while eyeing Lu Hangzhi oddly.
“Who’s that?”
“Not sure. Doesn’t look like an Inner Sect brother.”
“Could it be…” Whispers flew among them.
Entering Daoshan Peak, Lu Hangzhi sensed more dense Spiritual Energy than in the Zhu Residence. Curiously, he looked around, seeing countless Spirit Trees, Spirit Grasses, and Elixir herbs—mostly tea plants and medicinal herbs.
Thousands of Outer Sect disciples worked near Spirit Fruit Trees. Each tended a small plot, not using Water Control Art, but Rainfall Art. Tiny clouds dotted the land, showering patches with rain; some joined together grandly.
“This is Daoshan Peak,” Zhu Fuqin explained through messages as they walked. “It hosts Spirit Trees for Elixirs and elders’ tea. Other plants feed Spirit Beasts on nearby peaks. No fighting allowed here—violators face death for it. Training or sparring must be downhill. I’ll take you to the elder managing Daoshan Peak.”
Lu Hangzhi took mental notes all the way.