The Qianji Sect was comprised of the Outer Four Peaks and the Inner Three Peaks.
Guanlan Peak was where the Inner Sect Disciples resided. It was the center for instruction, sect business, and social activity.
Of the other two peaks, one was Observing Fate Peak, where Elder Sui Liushu engaged in quiet cultivation, and the other was Observing Sun Peak, the Sect Leader’s place of seclusion.
Since the Qianji Sect’s founding and the establishnt of its Dharma Lineage, it had only passed through two or three generations.
Sect Leader Liu Huan had assud the mantle at a young age. However, his cultivation was lacking, so he remained in seclusion year-round, rarely interfering in the sect’s day-to-day affairs.
In the early years, most sect matters—from developing Resource Lands and managing the peaks’ workshops to finding markets for Magical Artifacts—were handled personally by Elder Sui.
This lasted until Sui Liushu failed in his attempt to break through to the Qi Cultivation Tenth Layer, severely damaging his Primordial Qi. Liu Huan, anwhile, advanced by leaps and bounds, successfully breaking through to the Tenth Realm.
As one’s cultivation waned and the other’s waxed, the balance of power shifted, and authority was gradually transferred.
’I wonder if Elder Sui still rembers ...’
Yang Xun rode a Flying Crane halfway up Observing Fate Peak. The upper half was protected by arrays and restrictions; without being announced or holding a token, one could only ascend the stone steps on foot.
He was quite apprehensive about this plan to use his connection with Elder Sui to find a patron for Jiang Yi.
On one hand, ever since Sui Liushu failed to break through to the Qi Cultivation Tenth Layer and went into retirent, his confidants had all been scattered. They were either sent to oversee the Marketplace or assigned to posts in the Outer Sect, and they had all lost touch.
On the other hand, with the Sect Leader’s faction now in power, it was uncertain if Elder Sui’s word still held any weight.
But Yang Xun had no other choice. There were very few avenues open to a Lower Cultivator.
Elder Sui, at the Qi Cultivation Ninth Layer, was the highest authority he could possibly reach.
About an hour later, Yang Xun finally reached the summit of Observing Fate Peak, where a boundless and magnificent view unfolded before him.
A mansion with green tiles and white walls rested peacefully among the clouds. Before its gates, two stone pixiu statues bathed in the heavenly light. Nearby, the gnarled branches of an old pine twisted and coiled, creating a scene of serene elegance.
A young attendant wrapped in a thick Daoist Robe stood by a side gate of the mansion. Yang Xun straightened his robes, approached slowly, and spoke politely.
"Please announce . Yang Xun, a Servant from the Quenching Room on Red Fla Peak, has co to pay my respects to Elder Sui."
The attendant was young, about the sa age as Jiang Yi, but his manners were impeccable.
"Please wait here, honored guest."
Perhaps because Observing Fate Peak rarely had visitors, the attendant didn’t even close the gate as he departed.
Yang Xun waited calmly. After about the ti it takes to burn an incense stick, the attendant ca jogging back.
"The master invites you inside for a talk."
The knot in Yang Xun’s stomach loosened slightly. Just by being allowed through Elder Sui’s gate, he felt his mission was already a third of the way to success.
Carrying the gift box he had prepared, Yang Xun followed the attendant through corridors and verandas, soon arriving in the rear courtyard.
Beside a fishpond dozens of feet across stood a slender, brocade-robed old man. He stood as straight as a pine, casually tossing feed into the water.
This was none other than Sui Liushu, the Elder of the Qianji Sect who had been retired for many years.
Seeing Yang Xun approach, he scattered another handful of fish food and laughed heartily.
"Let’s see, it must have been twenty years since we last t. How did you get to look so old?"
Yang Xun kept his back slightly bowed. Sui Liushu was of average height and not as tall as him, so he couldn’t stand up too straight.
"We mortals can’t compare to you, Elder. Your cultivation is profound, and you are still in your pri! To , you look the sa as ever, with all your forr grace!"
Sui Liushu truly didn’t look old. He had the white hair of an old man but the face of a youth, and his eyes were bright and sharp.
"Of all the old comrades who struggled alongside back in the day, you’re likely the only one still left in the sect."
"Yes... Xie the Third was killed during a Tribulation Cultivator uprising in the Marketplace, and Wu the Sixth passed away from an illness in his hotown a few years back..."
Yang Xun murmured in agreent. Noticing a nostalgic look in Sui Liushu’s eyes, he stood silently to the side and let the old man reminisce.
’The more these mories stir his emotions, the better my chances are today.’
"Ti makes fools of us all. In the blink of an eye, it all feels like it happened only yesterday."
Sui Liushu sighed, then suddenly smiled and asked:
"So what brings you to my lonely doorstep today?"
Yang Xun quickly presented the gift box.
"I went to the Sanhe District the other day and made a special trip to Chaoshong Temple Street to find a few old-fashioned things.
A Nanhai Yunpu Tea Piece, a Yu State Yellow Mud Inkstone, and a few stacks of light, translucent snowflake paper. They’re all things you used to enjoy, Elder."
These were all gifts selected specifically to cater to Sui Liushu’s tastes.
Though they weren’t rare Spiritual Objects, a great deal of thought had gone into selecting them.
"I’m touched you still rember my little hobbies."
As his gaze swept over the gifts, Sui Liushu’s expression softened.
He then began to reminisce with Yang Xun at a leisurely pace, talking mostly of amusing anecdotes from years past.
Though Yang Xun had a long face and sparse brows that gave him a fierce appearance, he was actually quite worldly. He knew when to offer praise and when to laugh, possessing a keen sense of propriety.
For a while, the courtyard was filled with laughter and cheerful conversation, the atmosphere warm and friendly.
Only when the sky began to dim and Sui Liushu’s energy flagged did he finally say slowly:
"As the saying goes, no one visits a temple for nothing. This temple of mine sees fewer and fewer pilgrims these days. It’s a rare treat to receive an offering from you, so out with it. What is it you want?"
Yang Xun didn’t play coy. The timing was just right; dragging it on any longer would be counterproductive.
"There’s a junior I’m very fond of. Though not from my family’s Direct Lineage, he is of upstanding character and has won my heart.
He just broke through to the Qi Cultivation Fifth Layer, and I was hoping to ask you, Elder, for a supplentary spot for him on one of the Inner Peaks. If you could also look out for him from ti to ti, I would be eternally grateful."
Sui Liushu raised an eyebrow and asked,
"How old is he?"
"Not yet twenty."
"Then he is a true talent."
Sui Liushu nodded, then said,
"Raising a talent like that must have emptied your coffers, I imagine?"
Yang Xun only smiled and said nothing. This was part of his plan to conceal the truth about Jiang Yi, to avoid exposing his profound Dao Wisdom and bringing disaster upon the boy.
"It’s a struggle for us all. At our age, we have no aspirations for ourselves; all our thoughts are for the younger generation."
Sui Liushu pondered for a mont before saying,
"I have a Disciple nad Xu Yan. He has a fair bit of influence on the Inner Peaks. I’ll send word to him tomorrow and have him look after your junior."
Yang Xun bowed deeply. "Thank you for your help, Elder!"
The wrinkles on Sui Liushu’s face smoothed out as he chuckled.
"You should visit more often. I could use an old friend to talk to."
"Yes."
Yang Xun put on an obedient expression, but inwardly, he was less than thrilled.
’Who enjoys fawning and groveling? Besides, Sui Liushu has an inscrutable personality. Humoring him in conversation is exhausting.’
’If he had any other choice, Yang Xun wouldn’t have co knocking, cashing in a favor that was decades old.’
’Xu Yan of the Inner Peaks... He really is a renowned and outstanding figure.’
Yang Xun thought to himself as he hurried down the mountain.
’This trip wasn’t a waste after all. With Elder Sui’s promise, Ah Yi’s entry into the Inner Peaks next spring should be guaranteed.’
...
...
’I’ve made Grandpa run around so much for my sake.’
The next day, Jiang Yi learned from Yang Xun the wonderful news that his spot on an Inner Peak had been secured.
Seeing his Grandpa so overjoyed, he felt a storm of conflicting emotions.
’When I reach the peak of the Qi Cultivation Twelfth Layer, I will be sure to rember this and repay him.’
The act of humbling oneself sounds simple, but in practice, it is incredibly difficult.
No one in this world is born a sycophant, destined to enjoy fawning and flattery.
It must have been especially galling for soone like his Grandpa, Yang Xun, who was a respected figure in the Outer Sect, to have to go to an Inner Peak and bow and scrape. The experience must have been terrible.
’Cultivation... I have to raise my cultivation, and fast! In the Demon Dao Dharma Lineage, cultivation is everything!
I’ve had more than enough of these days spent bowing and scraping before others!’
After seeing his Grandpa off, Jiang Yi stood silently in the snow. A boiling rage surged through his chest, and a searing heat spread through his entire body.
He understood the principle that you have to bow your head when you’re under another’s roof.
But sotis he couldn’t help but feel indignant. Why was it always him who had to be the one to bow?
’Once I get into the Inner Peaks and secure my position, it’ll be ti for this ant from an Inner Sect Dharma Lineage to finally raise its head and see the sky.’
Jiang Yi’s gaze hardened, becoming like tempered steel.
He had already reached the Perfection of the Qi Cultivation Fifth Layer. Now, he needed a plausible reason to break through to the Sixth Layer as a matter of course.
Otherwise, advancing by such leaps and bounds in less than half a year would inevitably attract unwanted attention.
’Looks like I’ll have to use Junior Sister Li as a shield.’
Jiang Yi lowered his gaze, his plan fully ford. Cradling his Cat Master, he left his private courtyard.
He asked Zhao Fang from the Quenching Room to pass on a ssage, then imdiately set off for Guanlan Peak.
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