Chapter 176 - Arc 12: Ruyi Xianzhuang | Chapter 176: Summons For Yun Lie
Translator: Lynn
In this vibrant flower forest, numerous delightful flowers and exotic fruits clustered together, creating ribbon-like patterns and a sea of blossoms. The air was filled with delicate fragrances from these beautiful blooms and fruits, resembling an earthly fairyland adorned with endless beauty.
Within this floral wonderland, various courtyards and tall, splendid houses graced the landscape. Young women in colorful skirts moved gracefully, holding flower baskets or porcelain vases as they wandered through this floral paradise. It was like a scene out of a fairytale.
Many of the esteemed members of the Wuling Immortal Sect were deeply dedicated to their cultivation, focusing on rigorous practice year-round. Even when they traveled, their aim was often to acquire resources and enhance their cultivation. Such breathtaking scenery was a rare treat for them.
Seeing these scenes, envy welled up within them. The founder of Ruyi Xianzhuang had indeed planned well for their disciples, providing them with such happiness and peace.
Men who witnessed this sight couldn’t help but yearn for it.
The majority of female cultivators in Ruyi Xianzhuang were not only beautiful and alluring but also possessed exceptional talents and aptitudes. Forming Daoist companions with them could not only aid in personal cultivation but also foster good relations between their sects and Ruyi Xianzhuang.
As Xu Ziqing observed the numerous paths winding through the sea of flowers and the cultivators being guided by the beautiful Golden Core Daoist on the adjacent mountain road, he found it unsurprising. Tomorrow was the owner’s birthday, and many sects were sending their disciples these days. Only Golden Core Daoists were eligible to attend the Immortal Fruit Conference.
Rui Rou spoke softly while leading the group, providing insights: “This place is known as the ‘Wanlan Flower World’, where our sisters often spend their time. The rare and exotic fruits here are cultivated by the sisters themselves. There is an abundance of spiritual energy here, and you’re welcome to enjoy it once you’re familiar with it.”
Her graceful and dignified presence surpassed that of ordinary female cultivators. This distinct charm was shared by the other female disciples in Ruyi Xianzhuang, captivating hearts and transporting them to a realm beyond the ordinary.
Thanks to Rui Rou’s considerate hospitality, the group unknowingly traversed numerous flower fields and mountain paths, eventually arriving at a serene spot sheltered by trees.
In one corner, an eave protruded with a commanding aura, offering a cool atmosphere. This was a courtyard divided into several smaller yet distinct courtyards.
Rui Rou led the group to the front of the courtyard and lightly tapped with her bare hands, revealing a stone tablet that read “Guests come to reside”. She smiled gently and said, “Tomorrow marks the owner’s 10,000th birthday, and we wish to extend invitations to guests from all around. However, the Immortal fruit will take a few more days to ripen. We fear you’ll have to stay with fellow Taoists beyond the banquet. This is the best hospitality area in our Immortal Villa, and we hope you find it suitable.”
Yun Lie, as the team leader, assured, “It’s more than suitable. This place is excellent.”
Observing Yun Lie’s demeanor, Rui Rou smiled and remarked, “I’ve heard that the current senior brother of Wuling Immortal Sect holds the fifth position on the Tianlong list. It’s truly a pleasure to meet such a renowned figure. Our sisters have long admired Daoist brother’s reputation, and we all hope that Daoist brother will showcase his talents this time.”
Yun Lie nodded slightly, expressed his thanks, and led everyone into the courtyard.
Ruirou didn’t linger, offering a brief explanation: “If you need anything, a servant will come to relay the message to you.” With that, she departed gracefully.
As Rui Rou left and the cultivators entered the courtyard, they observed its design: a main courtyard with several smaller, separate courtyards, ingeniously arranged.
After a quick count, there were over ten small courtyards. The Golden Core Daoist happened to get one, and there were several houses not too far from the small courtyards, available for allocation to Golden Core Transformation and Foundation Establishment cultivators.
A few core disciples remarked, “Brother, please choose first.”
Yun Lie, unfazed by these details, raised his head and took a few steps, choosing a spot nearby.
Meanwhile, Xu Ziqing hesitated when he saw others not moving.
However, Yun Lie, noticing Xu Ziqing’s delay, stopped and said, “Ziqing, come with me.”
Relieved, Xu Ziqing hurried over and affirmed, “Yes, Yun Shixiong.”
The rest of the group found this a bit peculiar.
Typically, the Golden Core disciples allocated a place together with their favorite juniors, fellow disciples, or those they had to bring due to social obligations. Regardless of the reason, being in someone else’s territory required them to show a bit more care. Inviting people with whom they had stronger relationships to share a courtyard was a standard practice.
Yun Lie, known for his reserved nature and an unconventional approach to swordsmanship not acknowledged by his kin, surprised everyone by proactively waiting for someone to share accommodations. The rumors about a inseparable junior brother who had assisted him in forming alchemy made sense now; this must be the one.
Initially overlooked by the senior members, Xu Ziqing followed Yun Lie to a small courtyard.
Within the courtyard, several houses were present. The main one was notably spacious and bright. Yun Lie headed straight for it.
Looking around, Xu Ziqing noticed Yun Lie didn’t specifically assign a house for him. After a moment of hesitation, he followed Yun Lie into the main house.
Inside, the decor was rather ordinary, but the spiritual aura was potent. Stepping in, one could breathe in this invigorating aura, which seemed to rejuvenate the heart and lungs.
Upon entering, a long table greeted them, with a low table at the center and a go board atop.
Yun Lie took a seat on the left and made a move by placing a black piece.
Observing this, Xu Ziqing smiled softly. Initially anxious, seeing his senior brother make such a move reassured him. He took a seat on the right and placed a white piece. Playing go with his senior brother like this seemed to instantly calm his mind, a timeless soothing ritual.
After a few moves, Xu Ziqing relaxed and mentioned casually, “I heard the senior disciples addressing you as ‘big brother’. I wasn’t sure if I’d get a similar response.”
Yun Lie responded, “If the head of the core disciples in the past is male, all disciples of the same generation should be addressed as ‘Senior Brother’; if they are female, it’s ‘Senior Sister’.” Xu Ziqing was momentarily puzzled, but soon it dawned on him.
The term “big brothers and big sisters” likely indicated the leaders and notable figures among the disciples, marking their authority and prominence within the sect. Despite the vast world, there were always interconnections among major sects, and many times, it was the most exceptional individuals of the same generation who took up these roles.
The core disciples held a naturally elevated position, especially the head of the core disciples, so further elaboration seemed unnecessary.
Having thought it through, Xu Ziqing wasn’t overly concerned at this moment.
Tomorrow, he was to pay his respects to the Ruyi Xianzhuang’s owner, making this quiet night a rare opportunity to play go with his senior brother.
After contemplating for a while, he expressed some concerns, “Yun Shixiong, during the Match, I severely wounded Li Cai’s mind and soul, making it difficult for his consciousness to gather. I wonder if this might provoke an attack from Jile Patriarch?” Li Cai was known for his domineering personality, with Jile Patriarch often indulging him.
Initially, Xu Ziqing had no intention of engaging with him, perhaps out of respect for his teacher. However, cultivating immortality also involved nurturing one’s spirit. He could overlook minor matters but couldn’t allow others to bully him. Rather than gaining praise, letting others shame his teacher was unacceptable.
As a result, a conflict arose between him and Li Cai, leading to an imminent major competition. Later, while accompanying his senior brother to oversee disciple recruitment, Li Cai’s arrogance knew no bounds. Not only did he try to forcefully recruit Xu Ziqing’s friend Su Xin, he also incited trouble with his second senior brother, resulting in his eventual arrest by his senior brother. It was a major loss of face.
With this mounting grudge, Jile Peak harbored no goodwill towards individuals from Xiaozhu Peak and Xiaolu Peak.
During the Grand Competition, Xu Ziqing noticed Li Cai was still in a malicious state, signifying that their relationship was unlikely to improve. Ultimately, Xu Ziqing was caught off guard and attacked. The move was formidable, leaving him no choice but to employ the protective sword intent bestowed by his senior brother, which inadvertently shattered Li Cai’s consciousness.
However, Li Cai was a direct descendant of the sect’s Nascent Soul patriarch. In the absence of the Patriarch’s intervention, although he was unwilling to lower his status to deal with junior matters, the loss of face suffered by Li Cai could not be considered significant damage. But circumstances had changed. Even if the founder refrained from taking overt action, it was highly likely he would act covertly.
Xu Ziqing had pondered this matter extensively and decided to discuss it with his senior brother, hoping to arrive at a solution together.
After expressing his concerns, Xu Ziqing looked to Yun Lie, a slight frown on his face.
Yun Lie placed a go piece and closed his eyes, his brows emanating a sword-like brilliance, seemingly engaged in intricate calculations. After a prolonged silence, he finally spoke, “At the moment, I don’t sense any impending danger. There should be no immediate cause for worry.”
However, in the realm of immortal cultivation, individuals facing life-threatening dangers often experience premonitions. As a Golden Core stage cultivator, Yun Lie possessed a heightened sensitivity, especially in matters concerning life and prosperity, owing to his considerable sword intent. Having meticulously evaluated the situation, if a significant threat were looming, he would have sensed it.
It’s not that Xu Ziqing doesn’t trust his senior brother. However, considering that his senior brother’s cultivation is only at the early stage of Golden Core, while Jile Patriarch has been a Nascent Soul for many years with an unknown depth of cultivation, Xu Ziqing harbors some concerns. Even if his senior brother calculates, what if Jile Patriarch intentionally conceals celestial secrets? These thoughts flitted through his mind as he glanced at Yun Lie, still feeling a bit uneasy.
Yun Lie understood his concern and reassured, “I use sword intent to calculate the killing intent. I won’t overlook anything.”
Practitioners of ruthless killing swordsmanship are inherently steeped in thoughts of killing, often untouched by the interference of emotions. While traditional calculations might not be accurate for matters mentioned earlier, calculating murderous intent is clear-cut. Even if calculations are not his regular practice, sensitivity to murderous intent is exceptional, especially when calculated with such focus.
Hearing Yun Lie’s explanation, Xu Ziqing felt a sense of relief. “This matter is quite significant. I hope senior brother pays extra attention… It’s my fault in the end, so I wouldn’t want harm to befall our master.”
Yun Lie glanced at him and remarked, “Don’t fret over this matter. There are ways to deal with hidden and devious actions, and you can eliminate them with a single sword.”
Xu Ziqing smiled gently, already forming some plans in his mind.
The two continued their game of go, and before they knew it, several more hours had passed.
Suddenly, a message was transmitted, “Ruyi Xianzhuang envoy Rui Rou requests to meet Brother Yun regarding an important matter!”
Yun Lie stood up and walked out, accompanied by Xu Ziqing.
In the yard, a slender figure stood with a smile. “Apologies for the intrusion, I am Rui Rou, the envoy. I have a matter to arrange and need to discuss it with Brother Dao Yun Lie. May Brother Yun oblige?” Rui Rou glanced at Xu Ziqing, making her intentions quite clear.
Yun Lie nodded, “Lead the way, please.” Then he turned to Xu Ziqing, “Stay here.”
Xu Ziqing smiled, “Of course, Ziqing understands.”
After Yun Lie’s brief explanation, he exited with Rui Rou.
Watching their departing figures, Xu Ziqing was momentarily surprised, then turned back into the house.
On the go board, the game was still in progress.
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