“These are troubling news that you bring me.” Sect Master Xia said as he held his hands behind him. His brows deep in thought. “A foreigner entered our realm without our knowledge.”
The other immortal elders also had solemn expressions on their faces as they heard Tianyi recall his side of the events from the Immortal Court. Especially when he recounted the events of how Immortal Riverrat died. Immortal Riverrat was an immortal of the current Loose Cultivator’s Alliance and his death could be considered recent, but there were no sightings of the foreigner at all.
Sect Master Xia released an amiable smile at Tianyi. “Alright Junior Xi, although you did not manage to receive anything good from the Immortal Court, you were fortunate enough to acquire the Spring Autumn Scripture, even if incomplete.”
Sect Master Xia gave Tianyi a look over. “It also seems Junior Xi’s condition has stabilized. This is great news. I’m sure Grand Elder Xi will be happy to know once she returns.”
Tianyi bowed in thanks. “Many thanks, Sect Master.”
“There is no need. I had originally intended the trip to the secret realm to be a boon for you, but it seems that it had become a disaster for Junior Xi. Do not worry, the sect will compensate you for your troubles and bringing back the Spring Autumn Scripture.” Sect Master Xia said. “As for the matter with Immortal Riverrat and his last request. The sect will take over. No need for a junior to concern yourself with the business of us old fogies. It would be best to not ponder on the murals you saw, you won’t reach the pointing of needing to know until you reach the immortal realm.”
“Many thanks Sect Master. Sect Master about Elder Meng…” Tianyi started to say, but trailed off, not knowing to say.
Sect Master Xia didn’t seem to be bothered in the least concerning Elder Meng’s situation. “Elder Meng is unique among us. There are many things I cannot tell you at this moment, but rest assured Elder Meng will return soon. Aside from that matter, are there any matters you wish to ask about?”
“Am I able to impart the Spring Autumn Scripture to my older cousin?” Tianyi asked. His junior sister didn’t need the Spring Autumn Scripture as she had access to equally powerful manuals being the direct disciple of his mother. Even if they were a little worse off than the Spring Autumn Scripture, they were at the very least complete.
His older cousin was different. Xi Ri had been only been given the chance to enter the Buzhou Immortal Sect, aside from that his mother provided nothing else. How could the manuals available to the Outer Disciples compare to the legendary Spring Autumn Scripture?
The Sect Master thought about it for a moment before replying. “You may do so, but your contributions will be deducted.”
Tianyi smiled. “I am willing to accept that.”
“If that is the case, go ahead and impart the Spring Autumn Scripture to Disciple Xi Ri.” Upon see the confused expression on Tianyi’s face, Sect Master Xia chuckled. “Disciple Xi Ri has already been promoted to an Inner Disciple, Elder Fanli of the Assignment Hall has taken him as his disciple.”
Tianyi was enlightened. The Assignment Hall could be said to be the most powerful Hall as they managed the appointments of missions and the Elder sent out of the sect to oversee the Buzhou Immortal Sect’s benefits.
“Then please excuse this disciple.” Tianyi retreated out of the hall.
“Junior brother Xi, I heard you were back. Are you okay?” Xia Yushan who had hurried over as soon as he received word that Tianyi returned, asked. He paused as he observed Tianyi.
No longer did Tianyi’s complexion carry that sickly paleness, and he seemed to have aged a year or two since the last time the two of them met. But the most striking thing was the aura around Tianyi. There was a distance that seemed to exist, like seeing the moon but never being able to touch it.
“I almost got killed, but other than that I am completely fine.” Tianyi said, a bright and cheery smile on his face.
“That’s go-,” Xia Yushan said, but he stopped as he processed the words Tianyi just said. “Junior brother, you...ah… nevermind.”
“I heard that you were transported to a completely different place than me? What was it like?” Tianyi asked, he had been immediately summoned by the Sect Master after he left the Soul Lamp Hall and so he hadn’t had the chance to talk to other people yet.
Along the way back to Jade Peak, Xia Yushan explained the trial and hardship he and the fellow disciples endured in the Trial Land, the duel against Duan Muli, how Yang Linyin had actually defeated San Mirong, or how in the end the third trial collapsed and no one was able to receive the Heavenly Lotus Seed.
“There were four of us left and I was about to defeat Duan Muli as well. Although I don’t know Li Mu’s true strength, I am confident I could beat him.” Xia Yushan sighed in regret. “I was so close, if I could have gotten the Heavenly Lotus Seed I would have become an immortal without a doubt!”
Xia Yushan shook his head. “It’s a pity that something caused the Trial Land and the secret realm to crumble. If I find out who caused the collapse, I will tear his flesh off, piece by piece and feed it to him! Junior brother Xi, that person most likely caused you to be separated from us too. Don’t worry, if I find out the truth, I will definitely take you to get revenge.”
The main culprit chuckled, but his tone was obviously strained. “Isn’t the most important thing, is that we all came back safely?”
“You’re right. Perhaps it was the secret realm simply being too old and not being able to support itself anymore, even though there was spirit directing it. What are the chances that some person caused the collapse? I simply wanted a person to vent on, that’s all.”
“Senior brother Xia, you shouldn’t dwell on such matters. If an inner demon formed because of this, then it won’t be a laughing matter.” Tianyi “sincerely” advised.
“You’re right, thanking junior brother for this advice.” Xia Yushan said.
“We are from the same sects, this amount of care is expected.” Tianyi replied.
When the two of them reached Jade Peak, more specifically Jade Peak Palace, the sound of music flowed out. Tianyi paused, the many notes all came from different instruments. He paused, unsure.
Xia Yushan placed a hand on Tianyi’s shoulder. “It must be the Eighteen Flower Fairies. For the past few months, they have been giving junior sister Daoyi advice on her cultivation.”
At Xia Yushan’s word, he felt a tiny tinge of guilt. But he quickly buried it, he would just have to treat his junior sister better in the future. Perhaps when Xi Mengfei had left, she had asked the 18 fairies to look after Daoyi.
The air inside the Jade Peak Palace was filled with joyfulness. Four fairy maidens were paying the pipa, flute, guzheng, and drum respectively while three beauties were dancing on stage. The person in the middle and front of the two wore a broad-sleeved blue robe. Her hair was untied and flowed with her movements. Without a doubt, she was the main attraction of this performance.
Her movements did not comply with the orthodox dancing styles. Orthodox dancing styles were flowing like a stream of water, each movement was wide and each step was noticeable. Those movements still existed, but there were more unique slight movements only those near her could see. Rather than calling it a dance for a large audience, it would be a performance for a few close up.
That kind of dancing would be perfect for a music video. Those were Tianyi’s thoughts. He looked to his side to see Xia Yushan completely in a daze. Did he get dazzled by the Eighteen Fairy Maidens?
Tianyi chuckled at how the usually steady and unfazed eldest senior brother became seemingly love-struck at the sight of the scene before him. The music and performance immediately stopped once the females realized that there was another person who had entered.
The fairy playing the guzheng frowned and directed her ire towards the two men who dared entered their paradise. Just as she was about to reproach them for entering without permission, she paused as she observed Tianyi. It couldn’t be called entering without permission as Tianyi was a resident of the Jade Peak Palace, but the fairy maiden still couldn’t help but increase the intensity of her glare.
Tianyi felt the cold gaze of the fairy maidens but after experiencing the abyss-like feeling from Monarch Soulfish’s attack, he felt that this little glare was nothing.
The Eighteen Flower Fairies had another name, the Eighteen Love Scorned Fairies.
Speaking of their story, it was both tragic and contemptuous. When each of the fairy maidens had been young, they were tender young ladies who thought the world of love and gave everything for love only to be betrayed by that very love. The experience instead of forming an inner demon tempered their minds and hearts, and with it, they ascended the immortal realm. The only downside was that they came to completely hate all men, they even avoided coming into contact with the male members of their family.
In fact, Tianyi had heard that they used to dwell at Jade Peak but moved away after he was born. How much hate did they have to not even be able to stand living on the same mountain as a male infant?
Xia Yushan felt as if his very bones had frozen at the ice cold gazes from the six immortal fairies. There was no fluctuation of qi yet his heart had gone cold and his mind frozen mid thought.
“Greetings seniors,” In contrast, Tianyi could calmly face the hostile gazes and properly greet these immortal seniors of his.
The leading fairy revealed a trace of ungrudging slight acknowledgment, but she didn’t continue to look at Tianyi and instead turned towards Daoyi. She revealed a smile that was even more beautiful than a blossoming flower. “Dao’er, till next time.”
All traces of the fairy had disappeared, the flowing flowers, the delicacies on the table, the wooden couches, etc. The only thing that remained were the instruments that each fairy had played.
“Senior brother!” Daoyi came forward and grabbed both of Tianyi’s hands, her eyes revealing the relief within. “You’re back. And...you seem even better than before? And you’re about as tall as me now? Master will be glad when she comes back.”
Tianyi held still as Daoyi fussed over him. Despite him having a greater number of mental years in addition to the physical years he spent here, he felt like a small child as Daoyi fussed over him. He looked for anything that could distract her.
“Junior sister, congratulations on advancing to the Foundation Establishment realm.” Tianyi blinked as he realized that Daoyi had actually advanced while he was away.
Daoyi smiled. “I have to thank senior brother Yushan on protecting me during the tribulation and giving me pointers all these years.”
Tianyi looked at Xia Yushan who had his hand out. “Many thanks for senior brother’s aid.”
Xia Yushan waved the thanks off. “It’s nothing, I am simply doing my duties as the eldest senior brother ought to do.”
The three of them harmoniously sat at a table together and discussed the experience they had for the past year.
“I’m afraid that with my return those fairy seniors won’t be able to visit you anymore.” Tianyi said.
Daoyi blinked before a teasing smile appeared. “Is senior brother disappointed that the pretty big sisters won’t appear anymore? That’s right after all, senior brother is at that age.” She knew about the Eighteen Flower Fairy’s reputation, but in a rare display of mischievousness, she wanted to see Tianyi’s face flush.
Tianyi stared at his junior sister uncomprehendingly for a moment. How did the conversation veer into this territory? “No, of course not.” He denied as soon as possible. “If words of this conversation even reach them, I’m afraid my days would be quite miserable before my mother returns.”
Daoyi paused for a moment. “Alright, the senior brother you have to tell what type of girl you like. Otherwise, next time I see the big sisters, I’ll definitely tell them.”
Tianyi gave a helpless smile. He held his chin as he thought, there was a picture of blond hair. But he could not say those words. “Definitely long hair.”
Xia Yushan. “Of course they’re going to have long hair. Unless you are considering a nun, if you are, I’m afraid you are going to have tough times ahead of you.”
Tianyi never felt Xia Yushan was as annoying as he was now. “What about you, senior brother? Surely you must have a high standard for the girl in your heart. You have so many admirers after all.”
Xia Yushan paused before smiling. “The woman I seek is beautiful, of course. But more than that, she has a demure presence. Just being next to her calms my heart. Although I haven’t heard her sing, I know her voice is beautiful.”
Tianyi blinked, he never expected Xia Yushan to have somebody he actually wanted to chase after. He too gained a mischievous smile that almost mirrored Daoyi’s. “So who is this lucky girl, eh senior brother?”
Daoyi also looked interested, who could’ve attracted the attention of this kind and gentle senior brother. He fulfilled almost all the requirements for a dao companion for all the girls in this world.
Xia Yushan was handsome, maybe not the most handsome but far above average. He had the talent and the ethics to work hard, before even reaching 50 he had already reached the Nascent Soul realm, his future could be said to be limitless. He had both status and position. As the Sect Master’s disciple, he was the eldest senior brother, and he also possibly the next Sect Master of the sect!
“It’s still too early to tell.” Tianyi and Daoyi wanted to pry more, but upon seeing the iron-clad defense of Xia Yushan they could only give up. Afterward, Xia Yushan left. As the eldest senior brother, it was destined that he would not have too much free time with his duties.
Tianyi also excused himself, feeling rather tired. From the time he had been assaulted by Monarch Soulfish, he hadn't even slept a wink. All this while, Tianyi had been running on the adrenaline of reaching home.
Now that he was finally back in his room, despite the months spent away, it still felt and smelt like home. A sense of homesickness that he had not experienced all those months instantly assaulted him.
“I’m home.”
“These are troubling news that you bring me.” Sect Master Xia said as he held his hands behind him. His brows deep in thought. “A foreigner entered our realm without our knowledge.”
The other immortal elders also had solemn expressions on their faces as they heard Tianyi recall his side of the events from the Immortal Court. Especially when he recounted the events of how Immortal Riverrat died. Immortal Riverrat was an immortal of the current Loose Cultivator’s Alliance and his death could be considered recent, but there were no sightings of the foreigner at all.
Sect Master Xia released an amiable smile at Tianyi. “Alright Junior Xi, although you did not manage to receive anything good from the Immortal Court, you were fortunate enough to acquire the Spring Autumn Scripture, even if incomplete.”
Sect Master Xia gave Tianyi a look over. “It also seems Junior Xi’s condition has stabilized. This is great news. I’m sure Grand Elder Xi will be happy to know once she returns.”
Tianyi bowed in thanks. “Many thanks, Sect Master.”
“There is no need. I had originally intended the trip to the secret realm to be a boon for you, but it seems that it had become a disaster for Junior Xi. Do not worry, the sect will compensate you for your troubles and bringing back the Spring Autumn Scripture.” Sect Master Xia said. “As for the matter with Immortal Riverrat and his last request. The sect will take over. No need for a junior to concern yourself with the business of us old fogies. It would be best to not ponder on the murals you saw, you won’t reach the pointing of needing to know until you reach the immortal realm.”
“Many thanks Sect Master. Sect Master about Elder Meng…” Tianyi started to say, but trailed off, not knowing to say.
Sect Master Xia didn’t seem to be bothered in the least concerning Elder Meng’s situation. “Elder Meng is unique among us. There are many things I cannot tell you at this moment, but rest assured Elder Meng will return soon. Aside from that matter, are there any matters you wish to ask about?”
“Am I able to impart the Spring Autumn Scripture to my older cousin?” Tianyi asked. His junior sister didn’t need the Spring Autumn Scripture as she had access to equally powerful manuals being the direct disciple of his mother. Even if they were a little worse off than the Spring Autumn Scripture, they were at the very least complete.
His older cousin was different. Xi Ri had been only been given the chance to enter the Buzhou Immortal Sect, aside from that his mother provided nothing else. How could the manuals available to the Outer Disciples compare to the legendary Spring Autumn Scripture?
The Sect Master thought about it for a moment before replying. “You may do so, but your contributions will be deducted.”
Tianyi smiled. “I am willing to accept that.”
“If that is the case, go ahead and impart the Spring Autumn Scripture to Disciple Xi Ri.” Upon see the confused expression on Tianyi’s face, Sect Master Xia chuckled. “Disciple Xi Ri has already been promoted to an Inner Disciple, Elder Fanli of the Assignment Hall has taken him as his disciple.”
Tianyi was enlightened. The Assignment Hall could be said to be the most powerful Hall as they managed the appointments of missions and the Elder sent out of the sect to oversee the Buzhou Immortal Sect’s benefits.
“Then please excuse this disciple.” Tianyi retreated out of the hall.
“Junior brother Xi, I heard you were back. Are you okay?” Xia Yushan who had hurried over as soon as he received word that Tianyi returned, asked. He paused as he observed Tianyi.
No longer did Tianyi’s complexion carry that sickly paleness, and he seemed to have aged a year or two since the last time the two of them met. But the most striking thing was the aura around Tianyi. There was a distance that seemed to exist, like seeing the moon but never being able to touch it.
“I almost got killed, but other than that I am completely fine.” Tianyi said, a bright and cheery smile on his face.
“That’s go-,” Xia Yushan said, but he stopped as he processed the words Tianyi just said. “Junior brother, you...ah… nevermind.”
“I heard that you were transported to a completely different place than me? What was it like?” Tianyi asked, he had been immediately summoned by the Sect Master after he left the Soul Lamp Hall and so he hadn’t had the chance to talk to other people yet.
Along the way back to Jade Peak, Xia Yushan explained the trial and hardship he and the fellow disciples endured in the Trial Land, the duel against Duan Muli, how Yang Linyin had actually defeated San Mirong, or how in the end the third trial collapsed and no one was able to receive the Heavenly Lotus Seed.
“There were four of us left and I was about to defeat Duan Muli as well. Although I don’t know Li Mu’s true strength, I am confident I could beat him.” Xia Yushan sighed in regret. “I was so close, if I could have gotten the Heavenly Lotus Seed I would have become an immortal without a doubt!”
Xia Yushan shook his head. “It’s a pity that something caused the Trial Land and the secret realm to crumble. If I find out who caused the collapse, I will tear his flesh off, piece by piece and feed it to him! Junior brother Xi, that person most likely caused you to be separated from us too. Don’t worry, if I find out the truth, I will definitely take you to get revenge.”
The main culprit chuckled, but his tone was obviously strained. “Isn’t the most important thing, is that we all came back safely?”
“You’re right. Perhaps it was the secret realm simply being too old and not being able to support itself anymore, even though there was spirit directing it. What are the chances that some person caused the collapse? I simply wanted a person to vent on, that’s all.”
“Senior brother Xia, you shouldn’t dwell on such matters. If an inner demon formed because of this, then it won’t be a laughing matter.” Tianyi “sincerely” advised.
“You’re right, thanking junior brother for this advice.” Xia Yushan said.
“We are from the same sects, this amount of care is expected.” Tianyi replied.
When the two of them reached Jade Peak, more specifically Jade Peak Palace, the sound of music flowed out. Tianyi paused, the many notes all came from different instruments. He paused, unsure.
Xia Yushan placed a hand on Tianyi’s shoulder. “It must be the Eighteen Flower Fairies. For the past few months, they have been giving junior sister Daoyi advice on her cultivation.”
At Xia Yushan’s word, he felt a tiny tinge of guilt. But he quickly buried it, he would just have to treat his junior sister better in the future. Perhaps when Xi Mengfei had left, she had asked the 18 fairies to look after Daoyi.
The air inside the Jade Peak Palace was filled with joyfulness. Four fairy maidens were paying the pipa, flute, guzheng, and drum respectively while three beauties were dancing on stage. The person in the middle and front of the two wore a broad-sleeved blue robe. Her hair was untied and flowed with her movements. Without a doubt, she was the main attraction of this performance.
Her movements did not comply with the orthodox dancing styles. Orthodox dancing styles were flowing like a stream of water, each movement was wide and each step was noticeable. Those movements still existed, but there were more unique slight movements only those near her could see. Rather than calling it a dance for a large audience, it would be a performance for a few close up.
That kind of dancing would be perfect for a music video. Those were Tianyi’s thoughts. He looked to his side to see Xia Yushan completely in a daze. Did he get dazzled by the Eighteen Fairy Maidens?
Tianyi chuckled at how the usually steady and unfazed eldest senior brother became seemingly love-struck at the sight of the scene before him. The music and performance immediately stopped once the females realized that there was another person who had entered.
The fairy playing the guzheng frowned and directed her ire towards the two men who dared entered their paradise. Just as she was about to reproach them for entering without permission, she paused as she observed Tianyi. It couldn’t be called entering without permission as Tianyi was a resident of the Jade Peak Palace, but the fairy maiden still couldn’t help but increase the intensity of her glare.
Tianyi felt the cold gaze of the fairy maidens but after experiencing the abyss-like feeling from Monarch Soulfish’s attack, he felt that this little glare was nothing.
The Eighteen Flower Fairies had another name, the Eighteen Love Scorned Fairies.
Speaking of their story, it was both tragic and contemptuous. When each of the fairy maidens had been young, they were tender young ladies who thought the world of love and gave everything for love only to be betrayed by that very love. The experience instead of forming an inner demon tempered their minds and hearts, and with it, they ascended the immortal realm. The only downside was that they came to completely hate all men, they even avoided coming into contact with the male members of their family.
In fact, Tianyi had heard that they used to dwell at Jade Peak but moved away after he was born. How much hate did they have to not even be able to stand living on the same mountain as a male infant?
Xia Yushan felt as if his very bones had frozen at the ice cold gazes from the six immortal fairies. There was no fluctuation of qi yet his heart had gone cold and his mind frozen mid thought.
“Greetings seniors,” In contrast, Tianyi could calmly face the hostile gazes and properly greet these immortal seniors of his.
The leading fairy revealed a trace of ungrudging slight acknowledgment, but she didn’t continue to look at Tianyi and instead turned towards Daoyi. She revealed a smile that was even more beautiful than a blossoming flower. “Dao’er, till next time.”
All traces of the fairy had disappeared, the flowing flowers, the delicacies on the table, the wooden couches, etc. The only thing that remained were the instruments that each fairy had played.
“Senior brother!” Daoyi came forward and grabbed both of Tianyi’s hands, her eyes revealing the relief within. “You’re back. And...you seem even better than before? And you’re about as tall as me now? Master will be glad when she comes back.”
Tianyi held still as Daoyi fussed over him. Despite him having a greater number of mental years in addition to the physical years he spent here, he felt like a small child as Daoyi fussed over him. He looked for anything that could distract her.
“Junior sister, congratulations on advancing to the Foundation Establishment realm.” Tianyi blinked as he realized that Daoyi had actually advanced while he was away.
Daoyi smiled. “I have to thank senior brother Yushan on protecting me during the tribulation and giving me pointers all these years.”
Tianyi looked at Xia Yushan who had his hand out. “Many thanks for senior brother’s aid.”
Xia Yushan waved the thanks off. “It’s nothing, I am simply doing my duties as the eldest senior brother ought to do.”
The three of them harmoniously sat at a table together and discussed the experience they had for the past year.
“I’m afraid that with my return those fairy seniors won’t be able to visit you anymore.” Tianyi said.
Daoyi blinked before a teasing smile appeared. “Is senior brother disappointed that the pretty big sisters won’t appear anymore? That’s right after all, senior brother is at that age.” She knew about the Eighteen Flower Fairy’s reputation, but in a rare display of mischievousness, she wanted to see Tianyi’s face flush.
Tianyi stared at his junior sister uncomprehendingly for a moment. How did the conversation veer into this territory? “No, of course not.” He denied as soon as possible. “If words of this conversation even reach them, I’m afraid my days would be quite miserable before my mother returns.”
Daoyi paused for a moment. “Alright, the senior brother you have to tell what type of girl you like. Otherwise, next time I see the big sisters, I’ll definitely tell them.”
Tianyi gave a helpless smile. He held his chin as he thought, there was a picture of blond hair. But he could not say those words. “Definitely long hair.”
Xia Yushan. “Of course they’re going to have long hair. Unless you are considering a nun, if you are, I’m afraid you are going to have tough times ahead of you.”
Tianyi never felt Xia Yushan was as annoying as he was now. “What about you, senior brother? Surely you must have a high standard for the girl in your heart. You have so many admirers after all.”
Xia Yushan paused before smiling. “The woman I seek is beautiful, of course. But more than that, she has a demure presence. Just being next to her calms my heart. Although I haven’t heard her sing, I know her voice is beautiful.”
Tianyi blinked, he never expected Xia Yushan to have somebody he actually wanted to chase after. He too gained a mischievous smile that almost mirrored Daoyi’s. “So who is this lucky girl, eh senior brother?”
Daoyi also looked interested, who could’ve attracted the attention of this kind and gentle senior brother. He fulfilled almost all the requirements for a dao companion for all the girls in this world.
Xia Yushan was handsome, maybe not the most handsome but far above average. He had the talent and the ethics to work hard, before even reaching 50 he had already reached the Nascent Soul realm, his future could be said to be limitless. He had both status and position. As the Sect Master’s disciple, he was the eldest senior brother, and he also possibly the next Sect Master of the sect!
“It’s still too early to tell.” Tianyi and Daoyi wanted to pry more, but upon seeing the iron-clad defense of Xia Yushan they could only give up. Afterward, Xia Yushan left. As the eldest senior brother, it was destined that he would not have too much free time with his duties.
Tianyi also excused himself, feeling rather tired. From the time he had been assaulted by Monarch Soulfish, he hadn't even slept a wink. All this while, Tianyi had been running on the adrenaline of reaching home.
Now that he was finally back in his room, despite the months spent away, it still felt and smelt like home. A sense of homesickness that he had not experienced all those months instantly assaulted him.
“I’m home.”
