飘零影音

Chapter 122 - Arc 9: Disciple Recruitment | Chapter 122: Reality

Translator: Lynn

In the early hours of that day, a multitude of individuals gradually converged in front of Yingxian Hall.

With the exception of those hailing from Baigong Ridge in the outer sect, the remaining disciples weren’t mandated to wear identical attire. As such, they exhibited a variety of outfits, some vibrant and colorful, yet all impeccably groomed and far from impolite.

Yun Lie and Xu Ziqing stood together, the former in black attire while the latter sported green clothes. They opted not to ride the puppet black vultures this time, instead positioning themselves side by side. Curiously, the head of the Wuxin Hall, as well as many stewards and elders, were conspicuously absent, leaving their whereabouts and activities shrouded in mystery.

Xu Ziqing’s spiritual sense meandered amidst the assembly, eventually fixing his attention on a spirited young man in red, none other than Su Xin whom he hadn’t seen in a while. At that very moment, Su Xin turned his head, engaged in conversation with Zhuo Hanyan by his side. Suddenly, as if struck by realization, Su Xin swiveled his gaze.

Their eyes locked, and Su Xin’s initial startled expression swiftly transformed into elation.

A faint smile graced Xu Ziqing’s lips as he regarded Su Xin. His gaze swept across Su Xin’s companions, landing on Diao Zimo, Luo Hou, Ran Xingjian, and others who seemed poised to become quasi-inner disciples. However, the young protégés who had accompanied him earlier were conspicuously absent, perhaps due to some lapse in their mental state or comprehension, precluding their admission.

Upon spotting Xu Ziqing, Su Xin promptly alerted Zhuo Hanyan and the others, prompting a meeting of eyes, and exchanged smiles in greeting.

With the reassurance that everyone was well, Xu Ziqing’s worries dissipated. He ceased his perusal and confidently trailed after Yun Lie.

In time, a procession of spirit birds began to soar in from the heavens.

Seated or perched upon these avian steeds, numerous cultivators garbed in elegant attire descended gracefully, carried by the wind. Their bearing exuded an air of authority and dominance, and their formidable cultivation levels were evident at first glance.

Xu Ziqing raised his gaze to observe this spectacle. He detected an air of profound aura surrounding a few, yet having spent his days in close proximity to Yun Lie, he was well-versed in the overwhelming might of a Golden Core stage Daoist. Strangely, he didn’t sense the typical pressure associated with Golden Core masters. Puzzled, he ruminated on the conundrum. Were there no Golden Core stage masters present? This was perplexing, considering that, as per the school’s rules, only Golden Core stage masters were eligible to take on disciples. The question remained: Why had these individuals arrived?

Amid his contemplation, a voice resonated from the skies, calling out: “Who among you is Diao Zimo? Step forward!”

The distant voice reverberated like thunder, striking the ears of all present with a startling impact.

Xu Ziqing was taken aback. It hadn’t crossed his mind that the first individual from the inner sect to approach would actually be someone he knew!

Without hesitation, Diao Zimo stepped forward promptly, announcing, “Junior Diao Zimo greets Senior!”

Hearty laughter, resonating like a booming echo, followed: “I’ve heard of your dual spiritual roots of water and fire, coupled with your mastery of thunder. Junior, as a member of Jinglei Peak, I wish to extend an offer for you to become my registered disciple. Do you accept?”

After assessing Diao Zimo’s character, and having waited extensively for the outer sect’s disciple recruitment, the man had already appraised many potential candidates. Initially, Diao Zimo had presumed he would need to strive within the inner sect for a time. Yet, now, the offer of immediate mentorship was an unexpected delight. Gratefulness filled Diao Zimo’s heart, and he promptly responded, “Senior, Diao Zimo is deeply honored by your recognition!”

The realization dawned upon him that cultivators hailing from the small world like him were easily overlooked unless someone specifically mentioned them. Naturally, the one who had done so was Daoist Du Xiu1I know you guys don’t remember him.

He’s the cultivator who guides them when the party arrived in the Qingyun Great World through Dragon Ascension Gate, the one in yellow clothes., whom he had encountered before. A sense of gratitude swelled within him.

Observing Diao Zimo’s enthusiastic response, the man expressed contentment. He extended his hand, effortlessly lifting Diao Zimo into the air, where he seated himself upon a spirit bird.

Without lingering, the man and his spirit bird took off toward the inner gate.

It was common knowledge that Jinglei Peak, a middle peak, required its peak master to be an unparalleled Nascent Soul cultivator, while also boasting a considerable number of Golden Core stage and Golden Core Transformation stage masters. Despite being accepted merely as a registered disciple, Diao Zimo’s prospects were limitless.

Witnessing Diao Zimo’s swift ascent to good fortune triggered envy among many disciples and evoked myriad shades of jealousy. They adjusted their garments with heightened anticipation, poised for their own moment.

Xu Ziqing glanced at Su Xin and his companions, noting the blend of envy and joy etched across their faces. His gaze softened slightly, recognizing the strength of their camaraderie. Diao Zimo’s stroke of luck bodes well for them as well. Recollecting the bonds forged amidst their shared trials in the small world, he realized their camaraderie went beyond friendship, embodying a profound sense of mutual support and understanding that transcended mere acquaintanceship. There was no need for excessive concern.

Contemplating the Loose Cultivator Alliance’s benevolence and his friendship with Su Xin, Xu Ziqing weighed his thoughts before ultimately deciding to send a telepathic message: “Avoid selecting Bliss Peak.”

Yet, when Su Xin and his companions unexpectedly received this conscious transmission, it left them momentarily dumbfounded.

Identifying the sender as Xu Ziqing upon recognizing his mental signature, they exchanged glances that conveyed a dawning comprehension.

In response, Su Xin acknowledged Xu Ziqing’s directive with a nod, communicating their mutual understanding without words.

With a reassuring nod from Su Xin, Xu Ziqing felt a wave of relief wash over him.

At the same moment, a message permeated Xu Ziqing’s consciousness: “Restrain your mental reach.”

Taken aback, Xu Ziqing turned to Yun Lie in astonishment, sensing that this telepathic communication was indeed from his senior brother.

Yun Lie’s countenance remained inscrutable as his words echoed within Xu Ziqing’s mind: “Your current cultivation level renders your spiritual senses vulnerable.”

An instant of realization dawned upon Xu Ziqing, prompting a relaxed response, “Of course, Yun Shixiong.”

He hadn’t initially considered the critical factor that cultivators at the Golden Core Transformation stage and above could easily intercept his mental communication. Reflecting on this, Xu Ziqing’s demeanor shifted from concern to a more composed state. The implications of intercepted conversations with Su Xin, should they occur, would indeed cast an undesirable spotlight on Bliss Peak, potentially inviting unwarranted trouble.

While Su Xin and his companions held aspirations of joining the inner sect, it was evident that Bliss Peak was ill-suited for their ambitions. Xu Ziqing’s decision to intervene was rooted in genuine concern for his friends. He realized that he couldn’t simply brush aside his duty to protect their interests. Fortuitously, the recipients of his telepathic exchanges thus far had been disciples of lesser cultivation levels, ensuring that no particularly adept cultivator could discern their communications.

Following Diao Zimo’s departure, numerous spirit birds continued to glide overhead, circling as if deliberating their choices. Regrettably, none of the hopefuls received a coveted peak endorsement. Instead, some were designated as servants and granted entry to the inner sect under less auspicious terms.

Xu Ziqing observed that only a limited number of quasi-outer disciples were selected, while more outer disciples were chosen. Notably, even fewer of the young quasi-inner disciples seemed interested in the proceedings.

Following a brief pause, a spirit bird in the sky descended to a less crowded area. Several cultivators radiating a vibrant spiritual aura alighted from the bird. Simultaneously, a number of outer disciples hurriedly distanced themselves, as if fearing any inadvertent offense.

At this moment, an even frostier atmosphere enveloped Yun Lie.

Xu Ziqing’s brow furrowed in reaction.

His gaze settled a few feet ahead, where an elegantly attired woman was nestled affectionately in the arms of a strapping, towering male cultivator. Astonishingly, the man’s hand, while encircling her waist, ventured beneath her skirt with a disturbingly suggestive intent. His smile carried an unsettling undertone, while the woman’s coy look held a trace of sensuality.

The scene before Xu Ziqing was nothing short of repulsive.

How could such lewd behavior take place openly within the Immortal Sect?

Drawing a steadying breath, Xu Ziqing shifted his gaze to Yun Lie, his voice hushed as he began, “Yun Shixiong…” Yet, his words faltered, unable to find the right continuation.

Did he expect Yun Lie to intervene? However, the evident affection between the couple rendered it inappropriate for Xu Ziqing to intercede.

Yun Lie seemed attuned to Xu Ziqing’s internal struggle, offering a cold explanation, “The sect recognizes dual cultivation.”

Xu Ziqing felt a lump form in his throat. The male cultivator’s obsequiousness and the woman’s apparent disregard for respect struck an incongruous note with the concept of dual cultivation. It was far from the harmonious cooperation that should define such a practice.

Yun Lie’s gaze narrowed, his tone icy, “Those who seek shortcuts through flattery seldom attain true success. Pay them no heed.”

Xu Ziqing let out a quiet sigh, his head shaking imperceptibly.

Regrettably, this woman wasn’t an isolated case. Over time, a group of attractive female cultivators had gathered near the hall, encircled by inner disciples. These disciples, far from shunning the advances, seemed to revel in the attention, engaging in caresses, embraces, and other such displays of feigned sanctity. It was a nauseating display, and while they may not be openly declaring their promiscuity, their pretense was infuriating.

Observing the ludicrous spectacle unfold, Xu Ziqing’s brows knitted deeper, his patience waning.

He was about to avert his gaze, hoping to escape this distasteful view, when his eyes inadvertently caught sight of something that left him dumbfounded, almost disbelieving.

What he witnessed was a young boy, delicate and petite, being drawn into an embrace by another male cultivator. The boy’s rosy lips curved into a charming smile, although it marred seven parts of his otherwise appealing countenance. Dressed in a lavender shirt, he exuded an air of ethereal charm. The other cultivator held him close, a hand leisurely tracing his lips, an unmistakable hint of innuendo on his face.

Even though Xu Ziqing wasn’t one to jump to conclusions, he couldn’t deny the reality before him. Shocked, his thoughts turned to the incident involving Dong Lixi and Jiao Tu in the Chenghuang Kingdom, where he could see genuine camaraderie between them. Now, the purity of friendship had been replaced with blatant lust.

What perplexed Xu Ziqing was why these individuals, now members of a second-tier immortal sect, would choose to debase themselves in this manner. Even if their aptitude was less than stellar, they could have discreetly put effort into their cultivation, potentially securing a future within Baigong Ridge. Why, then, resort to such degradation?

The path to Dao was elusive, the journey towards immortality arduous. cultivators embarked on this path to grasp the true essence of existence or to attain longevity and inner freedom. It was about pursuing personal happiness through spiritual enlightenment. However, these clingy practitioners, with their carnal indulgence, were a stark contrast to the resilience, detachment, and liberty that true cultivation should embody. They were no different from the patrons of a worldly brothel.

Contempt tainted Xu Ziqing’s gaze as he watched these inner disciples who seemed to seek only pleasure. They had joined the inner sect, and aligned themselves with masters, yet failed to cultivate sincerely, allowing themselves to be consumed by desires, squandering both their innate potential and the sect’s invaluable resources.

Initially, Xu Ziqing held a profound admiration for the ethos and teachings of the Wuling Immortal Sect during his time there. Yet, his perception shifted with his encounter with Li Cai, whose sour temperament hinted at the disharmony lurking beneath the surface. Today’s sight was a final blow, leaving him deeply disheartened.

In the realm of the great sects within this vast world, there were disciples who operated under such rigorous regulations… Could this situation be even more intolerable elsewhere?

Contemplating what he had experienced in the small world, a faint shadow passed over Xu Ziqing’s eyes.

Despite the challenges he faced in the small world, the big world had offered some respite—a relief that now shattered the idyllic image he had held of the fairyland-like existence.

His thoughts fell into silence for a moment before Xu Ziqing abruptly spoke up, addressing Yun Lie, “Yun Shixiong, are all sects in the Qingyun Great World similar in this regard?”

Yun Lie’s response was marked by silence, and he finally uttered, “The sect rules do not address this matter.”

Xu Ziqing let out a resigned sigh and remained quiet, pondering the matter for quite some time. He had once held the belief that even though cultivators pursued longevity, they would still maintain a certain state of innocence. However, his journey on the path of immortality had exposed him to an inherent human nature across the realms. Power, lust, and insatiable greed seemed to prevail among the immortals everywhere… In light of this, what kind of cultivation was he striving for?

Amidst this inner turmoil, he felt a slight pressure on his shoulder.

Turning his gaze, he found a hand, Yun Lie’s hand, its touch cool and firm—not what one might expect from his typically stern demeanor.

Was Senior Brother Yun… offering him comfort?

Xu Ziqing stared at the resolute figure of his black-clad companion.

Yun Lie’s countenance remained impassive, his eyes perpetually icy. Yet, this gesture was certainly more lenient than his usual disposition.

Managing a faint smile, Xu Ziqing was struck by a sudden thought. His words spilled out before he could hold them back, “Yun Shixiong, did you deliberately bring me here to witness all of this?”

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