Chapter 175 - Arc 12: Ruyi Xianzhuang | Chapter 175: Highly Respected Women
Translator: Lynn
Chonghua had grown to an impressive size, capable of accommodating several people sitting together. Yun Lie and Xu Ziqing sat cross-legged on its back, their robes and sleeves billowing in the wind, displaying an air of elegance.
Before long, Chonghua reached the heart of the sect, beneath the primary peak, Lingxian Peak.
The main peak stood tall, reaching a height of over 10,000 feet. Half of it soared into the clouds, while the other half remained in the mortal realm. It exuded a sense of solitude and majesty, shrouded in an ethereal mist.
By this time, more than ten individuals had gathered, with three or four of them bearing dragon patterns on their shoulders. Presumably, they were fellow core disciples from the same generation. Others with lower cultivation levels often accompanied the Golden Core Daoist, likely of similar status to Xu Ziqing.
Upon seeing Yun Lie, there was a hint of reverence in their expressions. They were well aware that Yun Lie was leading this expedition, and having witnessed his strength, they had no intention of underestimating him.
Soon, numerous spirit birds and beasts arrived. Upon landing, exactly twenty-four individuals were present.
Just as they were about to exchange glances, a powerful and resonant force enveloped them all. Simultaneously, a voice echoed in their minds. It seemed both real and surreal, distant yet near. While they couldn’t discern whether the voice was pleasant, the words were clear, reverberating in their ears and embedding themselves in their consciousness.
“You are all esteemed disciples of our Wuling Immortal Sect. This time, you shall represent me in visiting Ruyi Xianzhuang to celebrate the owner’s birthday and present a congratulatory gift. Ensure no mistakes are made.
“Ou Mubai from Tianwu Peak is the deputy, Chongxiao Peak Lin Jiaorou, Lingxi Peak Cheng Zifeng, Xiaoyin Peak Ling Susu are the guardians. All important matters will be discussed by these five individuals. Any transgressions against the sect’s rules can be captured by Yun Lie using the Black Dragon Order and sent back to the sect for punishment. The five of you shall not harass others but reflect upon yourselves, act prudently, and support one another. If anyone disgraces the sect, they shall face the deity’s retribution.
“The Immortal Fruit is a heavenly and earthly spiritual object. If desired, you may claim it for yourself.
“I have bestowed upon you a psychic mirror. Each of you can control it with a drop of your blood. In case of danger, use this item to send a message and return.”
These words were spoken deliberately, ensuring every one of them was heard clearly.
After delivering the instructions, a mirror descended from the sky and landed in Yun Lie’s hands. The other four individuals who were named stepped forward and dripped their blood on it, causing an instant dazzling burst of light. Once they realized, Yun Lie swiftly stowed them away in his sleeves.
Subsequently, a storage ring descended, containing the congratulatory gift. It was sealed with formidable magical power by the Sect Master, requiring a high level of cultivation to unlock. Yun Lie took charge of storing it away.
None of the cultivators voiced any objections to the Sect Master’s arrangements.
Even those who were inclined to be unruly ceased their dissent upon seeing the dragon pattern on the shoulders of the other four. It turned out that the five appointed to lead were all core disciples, boasting extraordinary aptitude and ranking within the top ten in the sect, rightfully deserving this role.
With the Sect Master’s explanations concluded, it was time to depart.
Yun Lie, still wearing his stern countenance, issued a simple command: “Let’s go.” Instantly, he took Xu Ziqing, landed on Chonghua’s back, and ascended.
Observing this, all the cultivators understood his intention. One by one, they summoned beast-riding spirit birds or hopped onto flying swords, manipulating their magic tools, commencing their journey in the sky.
—
Ruyi Xianzhuang was situated in Luosheng County within the Eastern Region, occupying an expansive area similar to the Wuling Immortal Sect. It was revered by all the minor sects and mortals in the county.
This reverence was also the reason why in Luosheng County, the status of women was considered equal to that of men. If a female held the position of the head, the status of women within that household would rise even higher, emphasizing female superiority.
Any external cultivators who visited Luosheng County were not permitted to mistreat mortal women as they might in other regions. If discovered by the fairy envoys in Xianzhuang, they would face punishment or be expelled from the county. Harming a female disciple of Xianzhuang, even if an outer disciple, would stir up a hornet’s nest. They would be required to forfeit 30% of their skin as punishment, and their life might even be at risk.
As Xu Ziqing was en route, holding the jade slips and absorbing the information about Ruyi Xianzhuang, he couldn’t help but sigh at the intriguing details.
In his previous life, gender equality was established, but within the realm of cultivation, although there were more female cultivators than males, strong male cultivators were often more prevalent. Consequently, in this larger environment, male status was still considered higher than that of women, leading to many female cultivators facing greater challenges than their male counterparts if they did not achieve success.
The Ruyi Xianzhuang he now knew had defied this norm. Backed by the might of a large sect, it had created a haven for women. Here, the dignity of women was esteemed above that of men, showcasing the audacity and strength of the individual who founded the village, breaking free from the conventions of this world!
Reflecting for a moment, Xu Ziqing realized that among the female cultivators, many were valiant and broad-minded, gazing over the vast expanse, their capabilities no less than those of their male counterparts. Successful female cultivators were exceedingly rare.
The Eastern Territory was immensely expansive. Traveling day and night, this group of cultivators journeyed from Qingyang County in the far east to Luosheng County, taking a full day and night before reaching their destination.
However, outside Luosheng County lay a colossal magic circle. Regardless of their sect or background, cultivators who came to celebrate the birthday had to land in front of the outer city and pass through the city gate. Unless they were strong individuals surpassing the Nascent Soul Patriarch level and emanated a powerful aura, it was unnecessary to provoke the attention of the powerful figures within the village just by reaching this area.
Yun Lie and his entourage were no exception. Despite being hailed as the foremost figure below the Yuanying in Wuling Immortal Sect, Yun Lie was not a Nascent Soul Daoist himself, and many of the disciples under him were no more than Jindan cultivators. They abided by the established rules.
Thus, upon arriving in Luosheng County, a multitude of magic weapons, spirit birds, and beasts descended in succession.
Guarding the city gates were numerous soldiers, appearing to be mortal warriors at first glance. However, a hint of refinement was visible from atop the city tower. Judging from their auras, they were likely high-level Qi refining cultivators.
As soon as the group landed, several cultivators came forward to welcome them. Surprisingly, these cultivators, with long hair and radiant expressions, were all dressed in men’s clothing. At this moment, they greeted them warmly and respectfully, their demeanor far from submissive.
One of them had a round face, and his smiles adorned his cheeks with endearing dimples. He greeted them respectfully, clasping his fists, “May I ask, esteemed seniors, which sect do you hail from?”
Yun Lie was not one to indulge in lengthy conversations, but Ou Mubai from Tianwu Peak was a modest young man. Despite his pride and arrogance, he displayed humility and responded, “We are disciples of the Wuling Immortal Sect, here to pay respects to the lord of the Village on her auspicious birthday.”
Upon hearing this, the girl from Liwo became even more enthusiastic, “So, you are seniors from Wuling Immortal Sect. Please, come into the city quickly. The sisters in the village have long held you in high regard and eagerly await your arrival!”
While these were courteous words, they held an undercurrent of respect. In terms of reputation and status, Wuling Immortal Sect held a higher position than Ruyi Xianzhuang. The outer disciples guarding the city gate naturally did not dare to show neglect.
Ou Mubai was eager to avoid delay at the city gate, so he nodded promptly, turning to Yun Lie, “Brother, should I enter the city first?” Yun Lie nodded subtly and handed a storage bag to the girl from the gate before stepping into the city.
Xu Ziqing knew that the storage bag contained rewards for those who welcomed them. These were essential items when paying a visit to another’s territory. Reflecting on the circumstances when his brother had purchased those storage bags, he couldn’t help but find it a bit amusing.
After a brief moment of contemplation, a faint smile graced his lips, radiating a sense of warmth akin to a gentle spring breeze.
As the group entered the city, they beheld the sights within Luosheng County.
The streets were broad, lined with shops. However, due to the elevated status of women, there was an abundance of items tailored to their needs. Compared to ordinary shops, these specialized stores exuded a sense of elegance and refinement.
Mortals and cultivators coexisted within the county, much like in Suixian City1City near the Wuling Immortal Sect.. Even when mortals encountered cultivators, there was no overwhelming fear; instead, they displayed understanding and respect, showcasing good manners and cultural awareness.
Xu Ziqing also observed that while women held high esteem, men did not seem burdened by this. On the contrary, many men and women displayed open-mindedness, engaging in flirtatious banter without constraint.
This atmosphere brought a sense of vibrancy to the city.
As they strolled, appreciating the various scenes, the group utilized their skills to navigate, gradually nearing the heart of the county—the Ruyi Xianzhuang.
Ruyi Xianzhuang was embraced by mountains and rivers, offering serene scenery. From a distance, it appeared as an elegant pavilion.
Outside the mountain gate stood a stone tablet adorned with the characters “Ruyi Xianzhuang.” Gracefully poised in colorful attire were numerous beautiful women.
Upon their arrival, a tall female cultivator in a yellow skirt approached. Her aura was imposing, exuding an ethereal quality akin to a rushing mountain spring or a flowing stream, ever-changing and unpredictable.
A single glance revealed her status as a Golden Core Daoist.
With fair complexion and a lovely countenance, her soft and melodious voice rang out as she introduced herself, “Ruyi Xianzhuang’s Messenger Rui Rou, acting on the owner’s orders, extends a warm welcome to all fellow disciples of Wuling Immortal Sect. Please, follow me into the village.” Her gaze brushed over everyone and settled on Yun Lie, accurately identifying the leader of their group.
Yun Lie acknowledged with a slight nod, saying, “Please.”
Rui Rou responded with a sweet smile, “This senior brother is quite reserved, please.” With that, she turned to lead the way, her movements akin to a flying fairy.
The onlookers secretly praised the extraordinary nature of Ruyi Xianzhuang. The mysterious aura of Guishui exuded by this woman hinted at her profound mastery of the pure water path, showcasing her deep accumulation. Furthermore, her impressive cultivation level hinted at a certain level of confidence and possibly an air of arrogance.
Within the villa’s outer gate, expansive spiritual fields and orchards sprawled, tended to by numerous men. A meandering river, resembling a silver belt, stretched into the distance, flanked by layers of trees and numerous upright houses that were challenging to scrutinize closely.
However, as guests from a second-tier immortal gate, they were treated with due distinction and were not expected to be entertained at the outer gate.
Passing through a bed of Baihua Ridge, they arrived at a series of caves.
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1City near the Wuling Immortal Sect.