Chapter 100

Chapter 100: The Sect Leadership’s Conversation

After Zhong Jue and Shi Ji Cai’s match ended, the disciples discussed it for a while, then drifted off to watch the next bout. It was only a brief interlude.

Rong Shu was no exception. When she saw a disciple unleash Blazing Body during the challenge matches, she was genuinely surprised. Although the display was short, she faintly felt she had grasped something. Even just spectating these elite disciples’ fights yielded her substantial insights.

[There is still one month left. I’ve decided: by day I’ll watch the matches, and by night I’ll practice techniques.]

…

One month later, on Sect Master’s Peak, Cheng Xiao Feng arrived holding a jade slip to report to the sect master Ming Xuan: “At present, the roster of disciples for the sect grand competition has been finalized: one hundred at the Golden Core Stage, one hundred at the Foundation Establishment Stage, and one hundred at the Qi Refining Stage.”

In addition to Ming Xuan, Jun Xiu Ran and Zhu Qin were present. Cheng Xiao Feng presented the slip and said: “Here is the roster, sect master, please have a look.”

Ming Xuan accepted the jade slip, sent his spiritual sense into it, and took in the information at a glance. He looked to the others and said: “There is one month left before we head to Cloud Link City for the sect grand competition. Besides the disciples on the list, sect elders may also nominate a few disciples to come along as spectators; it will greatly benefit their cultivation.”

“This is fine,” Cheng Xiao Feng nodded, before asking: “But who will lead the team this time?”

Ming Xuan considered briefly, then said: “The journey is long, so the team leader must be chosen with care. These disciples are the elite of our sect’s young generation; we cannot permit the slightest mishap. Lately the demonic paths have been rampant. Some time ago our sect destroyed several of their strongholds, inflicting heavy losses. They will likely bear a grudge and look for a chance to retaliate. If the disciples attending the grand competition are targeted and we lose even a few, it would be a great loss for the sect. Junior brother, this time you shall lead the team.” He looked toward Jun Xiu Ran as he spoke.

Cheng Xiao Feng promptly agreed and added: “With Immortal Venerable Ze Yu going in person, those petty villains will surely be cowed.”

Ming Xuan continued: “In addition, Peak Master Cheng, you will accompany them as well, to be doubly safe, while I and sect elder Zhu Qin will remain to guard the sect. With so many elite disciples away, the sect will be understaffed. If the demonic paths take advantage of the gap, it would be a serious problem.”

Cheng Xiao Feng thought for a moment and nodded: “That works; I have no objection.” He then remembered the incorrigible little rascal at home and thought that if the boy could come along this time, he could keep an eye on him.

He reported, “Sect master, when I previously left the sect to investigate covertly, the demonic paths’ recent movements were unusually large; they are very likely brewing some great conspiracy.”

The Heaven’s Evolution Sect’s recent raids on demonic bases had also been meant to uncover their intentions, but aside from killing some demonic cultivators and seizing some of their cultivation resources, they had found nothing of substance.

Zhu Qin sighed and said: “Even within the sect, spies of the demonic paths have hidden themselves. They’re buried too deep; at present we can’t root out more than a few. It’s a pity I failed to obtain that list—if we had it, we could know exactly who the spies are.”

Ming Xuan offered reassurance: “Do not rush. They are a pack of skulking cowards. Sooner or later, we will cast the net and take them all.” He rose and concluded: “Let us end today’s discussion here.”

…

In the inner peaks, inside Lin Dao’s courtyard, Rong Shu’s identity token flashed. She picked it up and saw a message from her nominal master. It read: “In one month, the sect grand competition will be held in Cloud Link City. Your cultivation is still shallow, so you cannot participate, but you may come along to watch and cheer for your senior brothers and sisters.”

Rong Shu replied: “Alright, master.”

She had known long ago that the grand competition would be held in Cloud Link City. It was far from the sect, and to be honest she was a little reluctant to go because it did not feel safe. However, at the grand competition she would surely see elite disciples from other sects. If she could watch enough of those matches, she would certainly gain something.

She then mentioned the matter to Lin Dao: “Senior brother, Immortal Venerable Ze Yu informed me I’ll be going to Cloud Link City in a month to watch the grand competition.”

Lin Dao’s gaze flickered and he said: “Mm, that’s good.”

“Senior brother, will you go too?” she asked, and immediately felt she was asking a pointless question. Lin Dao was only an ordinary inner sect disciple, had not bowed under any sect elder, and had not taken part in the selection. He had no qualification to go to Cloud Link City with them.

She corrected herself: “Senior brother, when I come back, then we can—”

Lin Dao cut her off: “I can take any mission outside the sect and leave the mountain.”

Rong Shu blinked: “To Cloud Link City?”

“Possibly,” Lin Dao did not answer directly, only reminding her: “Be careful when you go to Cloud Link City.”

Rong Shu was startled. The last time senior brother had told her to be careful was back in Tranquil Harmony Town. [Could it be the same this time…]

“It isn’t anything too serious,” Lin Dao added after a moment’s thought, “just remember to carry the items I gave you. If something truly unmanageable happens, contact me; I will arrive within a day.”

Rong Shu nodded: “Alright.”

As she turned to resume blade practice, Lin Dao called out again: “Rong Shu, this world is vast; it isn’t just the Southern Wilds and Heaven’s Evolution Sect. At times, you should go out and see more.”

Rong Shu hesitated and asked: “Um… my cultivation is low. Wouldn’t it be dangerous to go out?”

Lin Dao smiled helplessly: “Even if you stay in Heaven’s Evolution Sect, there will still be danger.” He wanted to add that leaving the sect might be better, that there were far better options outside, but he had little experience “poaching” talent, so he could only hint at it like this.