The main hall of the entrance palace.
Altar lamps were lit up on the two sides of the walls. A layer of black silk covered in front of the lamps however, making the illumination very dim. The main seat at the front was practically hidden in the darkness.
“I only have one thing to say. Are you going to hand him over or not?” YuChi Chu paced back and forth within the hall.
Both of his legs were made of black wood. He didn’t wear shoes. When he walked, it tapped incessantly. Within this large, dim hall, this seemed somewhat eerie.
People with disabilities… often weren’t willing to show others their imperfections.
But YuChi Chu wasn’t the same. On the contrary, he was even very happy to display them.
After all, you can’t find a 2nd person within the entire cultivation world who can create prostheses so elaborate that they functioned even better than real legs.
“I can tell that you have no interest in that Lu kid. What’s the problem with giving him to me?” YuChi Chu fumed, blowing his beard in anger and glaring: “And even sending him to sweep the floors. How absolutely ridiculous…… Do you know, he might be a genius at enchantments!”
“Just because he broke through your apparatus?” Seated in the main seat, Pei QianYue said indifferently.
Footsteps halting, YuChi Chu promptly denied: “Nope. Who said that? My apparatus is fine. It’s not broken!”
After saying this, he stopped pacing. Silently moving back to the side, he sat down.
“I just think it’s fate that we met.” YuChi Chu said: “It’s not like you want him anyways. Why keep him forcibly? I refuse to believe that enormous LangFeng City of yours is still missing someone to sweep the floors.”
Pei QianYue: “He’s staying voluntarily.”
“Can’t you just refuse to accept him?” YuChi Chu scoffed coldly: “How come I wasn’t aware that the dignified leader of Immortal Alliance, the City Master of LangFeng City, has also started to respect a disciple’s wishes. Did you become merciful and softhearted now?”
“That’s your ignorance.”
“Pei QianYue!” YuChi Chu jumped up abruptly: “I finally understand now. You’re going against me on purpose. If it weren’t for your connection with Grandmaster QianQiu, I definitely wouldn’t—”
In the darkness, something came whistling over.
YuChi Chu hastily backed up two steps. A tea cup smashed into pieces over the area where he originally stood. The tea spilled all over the floor.
“Pei QianYue, what the hell is your problem?” YuChi Chu cursed in fury.
The person sitting within the darkness smoothed out his sleeves. His voice still remained steady and composed: “I hear you’ve been advancing poorly in your cultivation of the Longevity spell. If you don’t want to continue, this venerable one doesn’t mind helping you free yourself.”
YuChi Chu: “…….”
“Fine, I’m leaving alright?” YuChi Chu said: “Isn’t it just a new disciple? Who said I even want him.”
Swearing incessantly, he headed out. Pei QianYue suddenly called out to stop him.
“A cultivation sect reported that you’ve excavated and emptied three mountains of spiritual deposits again.” Pei QianYue said.
YuChi Chu halted and looked back: “So what if it’s true? It’s not like you’re unaware of how much spiritual stones I need to consume everyday. Those little spiritual deposits that you gave me are definitely not enough!”
“How much more do you want?” Pei QianYue’s tone actually sounded very patient: “How about I give you all of the spiritual deposits that LangFeng City just unearthed?”
YuChi Chu’s eyes brightened up: “Really?”
Pei QianYue said darkly: “What do you think?”
YuChi Chu: “…… Oh.”
YuChi Chu said seriously: “Those consumptions were all necessary sacrifices for the sake of technological advancement. How can you be so lacking in spirit and dedication?”
Pei QianYue: “Why don’t you say these words to the cultivation sects whose spiritual deposits you robbed?”
The air within the hall stagnated for a moment.
“To tell you the truth, I’ve been conducting a new research lately. If it’s successful……” YuChi Chu gave a giddy laugh; the eyeball hidden behind his colored monocle glowed faintly: “Just wait and see. When that time comes, it’ll definitely astonish you.”
The light and shadows crisscrossed within the hall. Pei QianYue sat, leaning back on the main seat, practically merging into the darkness.
“Xiao Que.” He called softly.
The door of the hall was pushed open a crack. A young man quietly walked inside and knelt on the ground: “This disciple is here.”
As soon as he knelt down, he saw the broken pieces of porcelain on the ground: “Did Pavilion Master YuChi make you unhappy again, City Master? Did he mention……”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
Not done speaking, he abruptly felt the area around his neck tighten.
Qlatlc atf vjgxcfrr, atfgf rffwfv ab yf rbwfatlcu lcnlrlyif kgjqqfv alutais jgbecv tlr cfmx. Pa ofia mbiv jcv rwbbat, ulnlcu tlw atf mtliir.
Aera ilxf…… j rcjxf.
Mbg j rfmbcv, atf bcis atlcu atja mbeiv yf tfjgv klatlc atf rqjmlber ylu tjii kjr atf sbecu wjc’r reoobmjafv vgs tfjnfr.
A moment later, that force withdrew.
Fresh air entering his lungs again, the young man braced himself on the ground on 4 limbs and coughed quietly a few times. A sliver of post-traumatic fear flashed across the depths of his eyes. However, it was hidden very quickly: “City…… City Master, please forgive me.”
Pei QianYue didn’t answer. The young man got up, walked forward. He pulled out a new cup and started pouring tea for Pei QianYue.
“Speak.” Not touching the tea that he handed over, Pei QianYue asked coldly: “What do you think?”
Close up, this young man looked gentle and well-mannered. He was precisely that LangFeng City disciple who had guided Feng Ci up the main mountain peak this morning.
Xiao Que said: “That disciple named Meng ChangQing has average cultivation, it’s nothing special. That Lu JingMing however……”
He paused, as if he was carefully selecting his words: “Although he doesn’t look particularly special, when we were heading up the mountain, he predicted several arrays and pitfalls ahead of time. If it’s not a coincidence…… he must be a talented individual, who is extremely perceptive towards array magic.”
“Only perceptive?” Pei QianYue smiled ambiguously.
His entire figure was completely hidden within the darkness. Unable to accurately discern his stance, Xiao Que could only continue to say: “But first he dispelled the disorientation array on LingWu Mountain. Then he impressed the Pavilion Master of WanFa Pavilion. He mustn’t be simple. This disciple doesn’t understand. Since City Master values him dearly, why not directly accept him into the sect, instead of making him only a random laborer?”
“Value him dearly?” Pei QianYue said softly: “Who said I value him dearly.”
“This venerable one is only curious.”
“Curious…… as to who he is.”
The next day, the entrance selection ended completely. The various new disciples of the different sects were to return to their respective schools following the elders.
Yesterday, Meng ChangQing was accepted by the Elder of LingXiao Sect. Today he needed to leave with the people of LingXiao Sect.
Feng Ci saw Meng ChangQing off to the gates of the mountain.
“Shidi, you need to take good care of yourself.” Meng ChangQing grabbed onto Feng Ci’s sleeve, reluctant to part: “I hear that if the outer disciples of LangFeng City perform well and get noticed by an elder, they also have the same opportunity to enter the inner sect. Don’t give up.”
“And also, remember to be extremely cautious when you do things within the sect. If you don’t understand, then just ask lots of questions. Shixiong won’t be by your side in the future. You need to take care of yourself.”
“Shixiong will also cultivate diligently and strive to avenge our TianXuan Sect as soon as possible.” He held onto Feng Ci, nagging incessantly. By the end, even the rims of his eyes reddened.
Feng Ci felt exasperated internally, but he still said soothingly: “Relax Meng-Shixiong. No need to worry about me.”
“How can I not worry!” Meng ChangQing said: “Just look at how you blab your mouth daily. And also yesterday. First you almost got mistaken for cheating. Then you directly offended the Pavilion Master of WanFa Pavilion. I really don’t understand why you’re so determined to remain in LangFeng City. Going to WanFa Pavilion would have been great……”
Whenever he starts talking, there’s no end in sight. Feng Ci hastily interrupted him: “Meng-Shixiong, you guys should be going.”
Not far away, LingXiao Sect was already prepared and waiting. Seeing the two people still saying goodbyes, the Elder sent from the LingXiao Sect to participate in the examination, Ji Yun, did not rush them. In fact, he specifically instructed the disciples to wait in place.
“Don’t let Elder Ji Yun wait for too long.” Feng Ci said.
“It’s no harm.” A warm voice suddenly inserted into the conversation: “TianXuan Sect has encountered such a misfortune. The two of you had to depend on each other for survival. Feeling unwilling to part is only human nature.”
The man before them had white hair like a crane and the healthy appearance of a child. Wearing an azure blue Daoist robe, he held a horsetail whisk in one hand and looked refined and elegant like a scholar. LingXiao Sect specialized in talisman magic. Hundreds of years ago, he was once an impressive and peerless sight to behold as well. Even the royalty and nobility of the mortal realm greeted him with a respectful ‘Daoist Master’ upon seeing this attire.
The two people bowed and greeted him.
Receiving the courteous greetings, Elder Ji Yun said warmly: “However if you guys really don’t want to separate, why don’t I ask City Master Pei for a favor, to let JingMing come to LingXiao Sect. What do you think?”
When he spoke these words, he carried a half smile. His tone was also very relaxed. However, Feng Ci could see that there wasn’t the slightest jest within this person’s eyes.
Meng ChangQing’s eyes lit up completely: “Can you?”
However, he didn’t remain happy for too long before he started thinking clearly again.
For some unknown reason, his Shidi had become deeply attached to LangFeng’s City Master, refusing even WanFa Pavilion’s invitation. There was even less reason for him to come to the LingXiao Sect, which has been slowly declining recently.
Sure enough, he saw Feng Ci lower his head and say in a modest and polite manner: “Many thanks for your kindness, Elder. This disciple is not worthy.”
This meant he was declining.
Terrified that his Shidi was about to offend LingXiao Sect next, Meng ChangQing didn’t dare to speak too much with Feng Ci anymore. After 2-3 more sentences, he bid farewell and left.
However, before he left, he gave one more reminder.
“…… Yesterday, you stood in the limelight during the innate constitution assessment. Careful someone finds you unpleasing to the eye and attempts to retaliate deliberately.”
Feng Ci naturally understood.
Although the Immortal Alliance’s entrance selection had no standard criteria or quotas and ultimately depended on a person’s personal abilities and the Elders’ attitudes, there were always some people who felt that if they could drag down those in the lead, they would have more of an opportunity.
If dragging others down wasn’t possible, they’d become envious / create some random accusations / form cliques to deliberately alienate the person. In any case, they needed to do a little something.
Feng Ci understood, but he didn’t care.
This kind of childish game, he had stopped caring about 3 thousand years ago already.
Not to mention, although he entered the sect, he was merely an outer sect disciple responsible for sweeping the floors. Feng Ci didn’t feel like he had any areas that’s worth retaliation.
Sending off Meng ChangQing, Feng Ci strolled directly towards the residence of the outer sect disciples.
The Immortal Alliance’s entrance selection has already ended. He can no longer live in the same courtyard as before. Good thing he didn’t carry anything with him. There was nothing to pack. He could move over immediately.
The outer sect disciples also lived in the back mountains, just like the inner sect disciples. However, the inner disciples had their own courtyards. The outer disciples could only squeeze into one courtyard for disciples.
Feng Ci walked inside the Disciple’s Courtyard.
Glancing around, he saw about ten+ houses. Between the houses were large areas of empty grounds. Stone tables, grass lawn, fake mountains, everything required were present. This was actually a lot better than what Feng Ci had imagined.
He just walked inside the courtyard when someone immediately greeted him head on.
“Lu JingMing, right?” The arrival looked over 20 years old, with a tall and skinny figure. Behind him also followed a few teenage disciples.
He examined Feng Ci completely from head to toe and said: “Here I thought you were some impressive talent, but it looks like that’s not the case. Not surprising however. If you were truly talented, why would the City Master send you here to our place. Am I right, guys?”
After speaking, he even started laughing to himself. The little disciples also followed him and guffawed.
Feng Ci: “……”
So here it comes?
Perhaps because Feng Ci had a completely indifferent look on his face, that person also lost his interest. Clearing his throat, he said: “I’m called Cheng Bo. Amongst the outer disciples, I have the oldest seniority. In the future, you have to listen to me, understand?”
Feng Ci: “Pfft.”
Cheng Bo frowned: “What are you laughing at?”
Feng Ci: “Nothing.”
So many years already, this person has never felt that his name sounded a bit strange?
Feng Ci asked: “So where do I live?”
“Speaking of this, Xiao-Shidi, you might not know.” Cheng Bo said: “There are 17 houses inside the Disciple’s Courtyard. Two people share a house. There are a total of 34 people. Right now, it’s already full.”
Feng Ci frowned.
Full?
Then why did Pei QianYue say that the outer disciples were still missing one person yesterday?
Xiao Hei, oh Xiao Hei. Separated for many years, you have already learned to tell lies.
Daddy is very disappointed in you.
Cheng Bo continued to say: “However, you don’t need to worry, Shidi. After we learned that Shidi is moving in, we arranged a room for you ahead of time, a solo residence in a beautiful and quiet environment. You will definitely like it. Song Zhou.”
A 13-14 years old young boy walked forward: “Shixiong.”
Cheng Bo instructed: “Take our Xiao-Shidi to his residence. Hurry and tidy up. There are things to do later on.”
Song Zhou: “Yes.”
Feng Ci can already guess, the house that this group of people prepared for him mustn’t be too good. Feng Ci followed the young disciple named Song Zhou and headed inside. After traveling past the ten+ houses, they stopped in front of a small courtyard in the innermost area, at the door of a firewood shed.
“It’s, it’s here……” Song Zhou was born delicate and pretty, like a little rabbit. Even when he spoke, he didn’t dare to talk loudly.
This small courtyard was actually not bad. However, because it hasn’t been used for a long time, there was dust and clutter everywhere. In front of the shed, there was a withered plum tree. In the corner of the yard, there was even a dead mouse.
Such a nice ‘beautiful and quiet environment’.
Song Zhou stepped forth and helped Feng Ci push open the door. He was immediately greeted by a face full of dust and choked, coughing continuously.
Anticipating this in advance, Feng Ci didn’t even take a step forward and dodged this misfortune.
The room was very small. There was only one bed placed against the innermost wall. The other areas were completely piled with all sorts of junk and debris. The only window within the room was half broken; the panel hung slanted on the window frame, creaking loudly in the wind.
Feng Ci raised his head and looked. Even the roof was worn.
Song Zhou said: “Cough cough…… Lu-Shidi, you can temporarily live here…… Cheng-Shixiong said that if one of the houses outside becomes vacant, you’ll be able to move there.”
“No need.” Feng Ci walked inside and looked around: “This place is pretty good.”
This kind of attitude from Feng Ci, on the contrary, made Song Zhou feel worse. He said soothingly: “There’s an exam for outer disciples every two years. If someone catches the eyes of an Elder, they can be promoted to the inner sect. The next time is in 3 months. It’s very soon so you just persevere a bit.”
Feng Ci: “Got it.”
After saying these, Song Zhou was in no hurry to leave however. Feng Ci turned his head to take a look at him. The latter said in a small voice: “You need to be careful of Cheng-Shixiong.”
Feng Ci was curious: “I don’t think I’ve offended him before?”
Song Zhou gave a glance outside. Seeing there was no one outside, he finally suppressed his voice and said: “This year, Cheng-Shixiong’s cousin also came to participate in the Immortal Alliance’s entrance selection, but he didn’t even pass the first checkpoint of the 6 Sects’ exams. Therefore……”
Feng Ci understood: “Therefore he feels that because I bypassed the 6 Sects’ exams, I had entered with connections, and this was unfair to the other disciples participating in the exams?”
Song Zhou nodded his head.
Feng Ci was exasperated.
Pei QianYue did not announce the reason why he and Meng ChangQing had bypassed the 6 Sects’ exams. If it were him, he’d also feel dissatisfied.
These little kids couldn’t be blamed.
While these two people chatted, another disciple arrived. The new arrival didn’t even enter the small courtyard. Standing at the gates, he yelled at Feng Ci: “Lu JingMing, Cheng-Shixiong said that once you finish tidying up, you need to go sweep LinXian Terrace. This is the passage token.”
Saying this, he threw the token that was in his hand into the courtyard. When it landed, it stirred up a layer of dust.
Song Zhou froze: “LinXian Terrace? But that’s—”
That was the residence of the City Master, a place where outer sect disciples like them didn’t dare to approach carelessly. Because no one dared to go, every time LinXian Terrace needed to be swept, the person would be decided via a ballot conducted by the inner sect.
This ballot was also called the ballot of life and death.
Song Zhou still wanted to say something, but he heard the new arrival say: “Song Zhou, why are you still here goofing off? Did you finish all of your work today?”
Song Zhou: “I’m coming!”
Then he looked at Feng Ci with hesitation again. In the end, he didn’t say anything, and only turned and left.
The courtyard quieted down.
Feng Ci stood in that worn down firewood shed. With a wave of his hand, the token in the yard floated upwards, supported by a gust of wind, and flew towards Feng Ci.
The token spun around slowly in midair. An invisible stream of spiritual energy unfurled within the yard.
Over the areas where the spiritual energy passed through, dust disappeared neatly; the damaged walls, table, and chairs mended themselves, acquiring a fresh look, refreshed and renewed.
The firewood shed instantly transformed into a tranquil and elegant little cottage. New branches with budding flowers hang down in front of the window. Next to the table, a pale smoke rose in spirals from the incense burner.
Feng Ci held the token and turned it around to take a look.
The token had three large words written on it.
—LinXian Terrace.
The author has something to say:
Feng Ci: Time to go see my son!
Pei QianYue: ……ha ha.
Ahh I love this MC so much!! Punish that snake good!! Thank you for the update! ❤️❤️❤️
I wish that cleaning was that easy
Sigh, unfortunately😞😞
Cleaning skill is awesome—me likey! Hahahahaha!
Hm, I want to see what that jealous boy will do
Thank you for new chapter 🤍
Thank you for the chapter. The translation is simply delicious!
I love this OP MC so much.
Thank You for the new chapter ♡〜٩(^▿^)۶〜♡
Thanks for the chapter~
Oooooh!
That’s cool, and now its time to face that little snake again!
thanks for the chapter <3
I want to clean and fix things so easily
Thanks for the chapter ~
Sighh, if only cleaning can be done with a sweep of the arm. I am really liking this Feng Ci character. I hope Feng Ci might bump into his “Xiao Hei” (i just can’t hahaha 😂) next chapter
Haha this xiao hei
…I once named my chicken little blackie 😭
what great naming sense we share 😭😭😭
thanks for the chapter!
Xioa hei 😭😭
Daddy 😭😭😭
The ML actually got some zoned my gawd😭😭🤣🤣🤣
*Son zoned
Just like in Sha Po Lang 😭😂
Omg hahahaha
Good luck Little Blackie. 😛
wow spiritual energy can be used for cleaning 😍