Chapter Twenty-Two: Opportunity or Peril

Realizing that the "Ji Youyun" seated above was not the person she knew, Hongjian found herself unable to say whether she felt disappointed or merely lost. Thinking of that man, Hongjian naturally recalled his words of caution upon their parting last night: "Fortuitous luck for no reason could cost you your life. Take care of yourself."

Unconsciously, Hongjian had already paused her writing for quite some time, and suddenly a cold sweat broke out across her body. Even she hadn't noticed how eagerly she had hurried to this second round, how desperately she tried to memorize the incomprehensible scriptures—not only out of longing for power, but also because she had mistaken someone for another. Subconsciously, she believed that, no matter the risks, there was still someone here she could trust, someone sitting in the seat of honor, who, though appearing as if they were strangers, would not simply watch her take the wrong path.

What kind of being is a cultivator at the Transformation stage? Elder Jin of her sect was not without disciples; after his ascension, both disciples he took in were already at the Golden Core stage, and now he was suddenly seeking a mere Qi-refining apprentice. Did Dai Mingchi's Talisman Sect lack talents? Judging by their attire, the hall was clearly filled mainly with Talisman Sect disciples. Why did he come to the Pill Cliff Sect, even attracting Xing Wuyai's presence? If it were simply about selecting apprentices, who would believe it?

Ultimately, would Hongjian dare to risk so much for herself? She wouldn't. If she were alone, without ties, she might gamble, but she still had Fang Zheng.

Her mind raced. The person who spoke up for her earlier was Sun Yougong, master of Wanchaofeng, a Qi-refining apprentice with water spiritual roots. Of the three Qi-refining apprentices at the sixth layer, none were present today. Was this a coincidence, or was there another reason?

Zheng Jin's age was over the limit, that was understandable. Yet Chen Zaizhi, who was favored by everyone, suffered a spiritual injury during the assessment. At the time, Hongjian was distracted by the assessment and rankings, but upon reflection, Elder Yan Changqing seemed to have been standing just behind Chen Zaizhi then. With Yan Changqing, a Golden Core master, watching, it would be hard for Chen Zaizhi to feign injury. Could it be that Chen Zaizhi's injury was caused by Elder Yan, and the Wanchaofeng elders didn't want him to join today's selection?

Why? Chen Zaizhi came from a good family, possessed excellent talent, and was always cherished by the elders. It was unlikely he'd offended Elder Yan, and Yan Changqing wouldn't need such methods to deal with a Qi-refining apprentice.

That left only one possibility: today's selection was not a grand opportunity for the chosen apprentices, but an unknown danger.

Hongjian gripped her brush, unable to write another word, sweat beading on her brow. She recalled how Senior Sister Yao Zhen had been unusually well-informed lately; perhaps she’d heard something about the inner workings of this selection and simply avoided it altogether.

Now was not too late to withdraw. Hongjian was relieved she hadn't yet transcribed everything she'd memorized onto the paper. Standing out was hard, but blending in was all too easy. The content she’d written so far was only a dozen words more than Zhu Jingxian’s. More and more people in the hall were putting down their brushes, but about a dozen still scribbled on. To be safe, Hongjian revised several passages she'd already written, then put down her brush, sat upright with lowered eyes, and quietly waited for the outcome.

About a quarter of an hour later, everyone had put down their brushes, even Jiang Yan was finished.

The elders seated above had no need to collect the papers; a sweep of their divine sense revealed all.

Jin Donglou nodded. "Mr. Ji, your reputation is truly well-deserved!"

Hongjian and the others dared not look up at the expressions of the Transformation and Nascent Soul cultivators. Hearing these words, they knew the best performer in this round was indeed Jiang Yan of Xianyun Sect. His outstanding performance in both rounds made it likely he'd be chosen first.

Sure enough, Dai Mingchi, usually dour, spoke with rare warmth, "Jiang Yan of Xianyun Sect, step forward!"

Taking the opportunity, Hongjian glanced back swiftly, but Fang Zheng was nowhere to be seen. What would have disappointed her before now brought her relief.

Jiang Yan rose smartly, walking seven or eight lengths forward to halt before Dai Mingchi and the others. He knew his performance today was exceptional; his eyes shone, his whole demeanor vibrant.

Dai Mingchi waved his hand, not letting Jiang Yan salute, and instructed, "Go to Mr. Ji and let him see you."

Jiang Yan, puzzled, scratched his hair, walked to the seat of the mysterious master whose visage was hidden beneath a hat, and curiously gazed at the face obscured under its brim. He offered a respectful greeting, "Senior Ji!"

Ji Youyun seemed to survey Jiang Yan from head to toe, then extended his right hand from within the cloak and gently pressed it atop Jiang Yan’s head. Jiang Yan dared not move. Suddenly, Ji Youyun asked, "Have you cultivated martial techniques?"

Jiang Yan replied, "Yes. When I was a child, I heard stories of the great seniors and admired most the Gold Spiritual Root senior Shang Qingzui, so I simply chose to cultivate 'White Rainbow Piercing the Sun.'"

"'White Rainbow Piercing the Sun,'" Ji Youyun murmured, repeating the name.

Lingxuzi, nearby, asked in surprise, "So rash—Chief Yin actually permitted this?"

Not only he, but everyone present shared the question. Cultivating martial techniques during the Qi-refining stage was taboo in all sects; without special methods to determine post-foundation cultivation directions, it risked leading disciples astray. Sect Chief Yin Quan, though known for his good temper, was a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator—how could he allow his disciples such recklessness?

Jiang Yan flushed with embarrassment.

Ji Youyun said calmly, "This isn't Chief Yin’s fault. This young man stole the martial technique himself, and by the time Chief Yin realized, it was too late. With your aptitude, cultivating Shang Qingzui’s 'Heart Sword' isn’t your best path, but fortunately it’s not too far off."

As he finished speaking, Jiang Yan’s eyes widened, rudely staring at the man before him, mouth agape as if he'd seen a ghost.

Every word this stranger spoke was as if he’d witnessed it firsthand. At thirteen, fearless and brash, Jiang Yan had enlisted his friend Shi Qingxiang’s help, tricked several guards at the Xianyun Sect Academy, cultivated the basic "White Rainbow Piercing the Sun" from the "Heart Sword," and even urged Shi Qingxiang to learn "Demon-Taming Vine." When their actions were discovered, Chief Yin nearly coughed blood from anger.

Dai Mingchi spoke coldly, "If the Talisman Sect produced such a disciple, his cultivation would be abolished and he’d be expelled at once."

Jin Donglou laughed, "I suspect Yin Quan couldn't bear to do it. Ha!"

Jiang Yan kept his head lowered, standing quietly and saying nothing.

After a moment, Ji Youyun made no further move, simply withdrew his hand. "Step aside."

Though Jiang Yan was gifted, his audacity was shocking. The apprentices dared not look at the expressions of Dai Mingchi and the others, but guessed that Jiang Yan would surely be rejected by the Transformation stage elders.

Sure enough, Xing Wuyai’s voice was chilling: "Anyone else who has cultivated martial techniques, don’t try to hide—step forward together."

Someone came forward. Jiang Yan, hearing the sound, paled as he raised his head, and saw Shi Qingxiang walking toward him. When alone, Jiang Yan hadn’t felt much, but seeing his friend implicated, fear finally flickered in his eyes.

Shi Qingxiang forced himself to remain calm. Their eyes met, and he gave Jiang Yan an encouraging smile.

Another strong competitor gone! Many secretly breathed a sigh of relief, especially Zhang Yu and others from Pill Cliff Sect, who were the most pleased.

Hongjian’s heart pounded so hard she could barely think about the wager anymore; an immense crisis loomed.

She too had cultivated martial techniques. In that moment, she realized Shi Qingxiang dared to step forward, but she dared not. She belonged to Pill Cliff Sect, with the chief and the sect’s top masters all present—she would not be spared, and she couldn't explain the origins of "All Rivers Return to the Sect."

Ji Youyun cultivated an unheard-of insight technique, but having withdrawn from the second round, he probably wouldn't notice her.

Clinging to a shred of hope, Hongjian sat frozen, not daring to move.