Chapter Nine: Watching the Show

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Su Yi’s heart jolted with alarm, inwardly relieved. The Internal Affairs Hall, overseen by Lord Yang, managed all the affairs of the sect, large and small. Though it was a high and powerful position, the duties within were by no means simple. If one performed well, it was commendable, or at least not subject to criticism. But if one failed, many who already held grudges would pounce on every little mistake, making the effort thankless and unrewarding. If it could be avoided, it was best not to take on such a role.

Besides, Su Yi still had his mission. If he went to the Internal Affairs Hall, he would have no time to carry it out.

With this in mind, to prevent similar entanglements in the future, Su Yi respectfully requested leave.

“Disciple wishes to venture into the world, to perceive the cosmos, temper himself, and prepare for nascent soul formation. I humbly ask Master’s permission.”

Upon hearing this, the Daoist Tai Xuan frowned briefly but soon relaxed his expression.

“Very well. Toiling behind closed doors seldom leads to great achievements. Indeed, one must travel to seize opportunities. It does no harm to go out and explore.”

“However, while journeying, one must be cautious. Avoid quarrels and arrogance. Should you encounter matters beyond your ability to resolve, preserve yourself and withdraw, leaving the issue to the senior sect members.”

“Disciple will remember Master’s teachings.”

Su Yi rejoiced inwardly. With Daoist Tai Xuan’s words, if trouble arose, he could confidently summon help from the Heavenly Origin Sacred Land. The world of cultivation was treacherous, where power and connections often mattered most. Fortunately, Su Yi’s own resources in these areas were substantial.

…

Ten days later, within the borders of the Eastern Province.

Yuzhou City thrived in wealth and splendor, home to countless mortal cultivators. About a hundred miles beyond the city lay a realm shrouded in immortal mist, filled with rare treasures, exotic beasts, and abundant miraculous herbs, attracting many hunters and apothecaries.

The Immortal Glow Sect was nestled atop a celestial mountain in this region. At the mountain’s foot, at the sect’s main gate, hundreds of young men and women had gathered.

They looked toward the gate of the Immortal Glow Sect, their eyes filled with hope and fervor.

Among them were some dressed in coarse hemp cloth, their bearing humble and poor, while others wore brocade robes, nurtured in luxury. Their backgrounds varied greatly, from humble origins to noble lineages.

“When will it start? I’m already getting impatient.”

“I’ve eaten all the rations I brought. At this rate, I’m afraid I won’t last until the assessment.”

A youth in coarse hemp cloth frowned deeply, staring at the empty pouch at his waist, sighing helplessly.

Beside him, another young man wore a similarly worried expression.

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“I’ve heard the Immortal Glow Sect’s assessment is extremely strict. Over ninety percent of applicants are eliminated each time. Even those who pass start as mere errand disciples, not even outer disciples. I wonder how many chances I have…”

Nearby, a youth clad in fine brocade overheard this and sneered disdainfully.

“If you can’t endure, just leave. Who said the sect must accept you? A bunch of poor, wretched souls dreaming of ascending the path of immortality—how laughable! Better to leave voluntarily than be cut down by the elders.”

His words stirred indignation among many, but seeing the brocade youth’s fine clothes and the cold-eyed attendants surrounding him, none dared respond.

The black-clad youth stepped forward defiantly.

“Zhao Zijing! You’re here to try the assessment just like us. Why look down on us? Besides, cultivation depends on one’s spiritual root. It’s not yet clear who is stronger between us!”

“Not yet clear?” Zhao Zijing laughed scornfully, his attendants sharing his mocking expression.

The scene unnerved the black-clad youth, but having spoken, he stood firm.

“What? Don’t tell me I’m wrong?”

Zhao Zijing’s face was full of amusement.

“Right, you’re absolutely right,” said a girl behind the black-clad youth.

“Xiao Jia, tell him what kind of spiritual root I have. Does he think I qualify to enter the sect?”

The black-clad youth’s heart tightened as he looked back at the girl named Xiao Jia. She lowered her head, cheeks flushed with shame, glancing between Zhao Zijing and the black-clad youth, biting her lip.

“Before Master Zhao came, his family consulted an immortal master. He has a rare double spiritual root with the extraordinary attributes of wind and thunder.”

A hush fell over the crowd.

A double spiritual root, and wind-thunder attributes at that! If true, Zhao Zijing’s future was assured. Not only would he enter the sect, but he would likely be groomed as a key disciple, perhaps even becoming the sect leader’s personal apprentice.

This meant the starting line was already set—Zhao Zijing was the undisputed frontrunner.

Basking in their admiring gazes, Zhao Zijing arrogantly strode to Xiao Jia, pulling her into his embrace, then turning to the black-clad youth.

“Listen well, boy. Xiao Jia is already mine. I don’t care about your engagement or childhood promises. Stay away from her in the future! Don’t say I didn’t warn you!”

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Xiao Jia struggled briefly but failed to break free, resigned to her fate.

The black-clad youth felt as if the sky had fallen, despair washing over his face.

“Xiao Jia, is what he said true?”

Her expression was heavy, and she dared not meet his eyes.

Her silence shattered his last thread of hope, and his fists clenched tightly.

Xiao Jia and he had grown up together as childhood sweethearts. Their families had a tacit agreement, setting their marriage in advance, planning to wed at the right time.

Now, it was all a cruel joke.

After a moment’s thought, Xiao Jia seemed to make a firm decision, her expression resolute.

“Xu Ze, our engagement is canceled. I have already privately pledged myself to Brother Zijing. Please don’t trouble me anymore.”

Hearing the words “Brother Zijing” was like a blow to Xu Ze’s heart, piercing him with pain.

He forced a bitter smile and shook his head.

“Fine, fine…”

With that, he turned away, looking utterly despondent, seemingly ready to quit the assessment entirely.

Zhao Zijing watched Xu Ze leave, a sneer of disdain playing on his lips.

“You were weak from the start. No need to pretend otherwise. Who else wants to leave with him? But let me warn you—this path is perilous. If you encounter any monsters, your life might be forfeit. When that happens, you’ll only have yourself to blame.”

The attendants caught the implied threat and smirked in agreement.

“Indeed. Xu Ze is unlucky and frail. He probably won’t get far before being dragged off by some beast.”

Xu Ze was already gone and could not hear these words. They were meant for those remaining.

Hearing this, the crowd fell silent, realizing they might take action against Xu Ze.

Though some felt sympathy, none were close to him enough to risk themselves, so they remained quiet.

Among the crowd, Su Yi observed the unfolding drama with great interest.

He had not expected such entertainment upon arrival. This journey was turning out far from dull.