Chapter 38: The Realities of the Cultivation World
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The dawn of the New Year should have ushered in peace and prosperity. However, calamity marred the occasion. Beyond the tragedy that befell the Pill Sect, large-scale Malignant Beings appeared simultaneously in Central Prefecture, Liang Prefecture, and You Prefecture.
A shipment of Spirit Pills meant for cultivation within the Inner Court of the Heavenly Script Academy was intercepted. Furthermore, their controlled Spirit Mines suffered severe casualties. The evidence pointed to a disturbing fact: these Malignant Beings were being manipulated by someone and, against all reason, managed to leave the Ruins of Ancient Times for extended periods.
The true danger lay not in the Malignant Beings but in the possibility of a rival Immortal Sect orchestrating these attacks to target others. If so, this was likely just the beginning.
Such treachery was no surprise. Over the years, disciples who neared the threshold of the Fifth Realm frequently fell victim to untraceable assassinations. The appearance of natural Spirit Herbs in the Northern Plains had also led to countless deaths and even triggered wars between the Mystic Wilding Tribes and the Great Xia Dynasty. A century ago, the Array Masters developed a formation that could suppress the Imminent Immortal Stage, only to face annihilation before they could rise to prominence.
The Pill Sect itself endured a period of infamy when nearly all its disciples were abducted and enslaved, forced to refine pills day and night. The Spirit Sword Mountain Sect once had an appraiser lured into a Ruins of Ancient Times, whose fate remains unknown. Since then, they severed all ties with other sects.
Endless peace breeds turmoil. Now, someone could no longer resist stirring the waters.
The available clues were fragmented, but one fact was certain: these Malignant Beings were tied to the Ancient Ruins. In response, the Heavenly Script Academy dispatched numerous disciples, starting from Capital City, to investigate nearby ruins for anomalies. While the disciples dared not venture too deep into the unknown, they could still discern the origins of disaster by observing disturbed vegetation and tracks.
“Based on the investigations by the Office of Affairs’ disciples, the affected ruins are in Qiling Town of Central Prefecture, Yuhe Town of Liang Prefecture, and Beisha Town of You Prefecture,” declared the three Stewards who had returned from Thousand Marks Mountain, standing resolutely as they outlined the stakes.
“The Malignant Beings are not terrifying in themselves. It’s the manipulators—Dao Fusion and Heaven Resonance Stage experts of the Fifth Realm behind them—who pose the real threat.”
“Some Inner Court disciples have already been dispatched to seal off these ruins. Outer Court disciples will also be mobilized.”
One of the Stewards handed out a list. “This is the roster we three have agreed upon.”
“Azure Clouds Dominion has remained dormant for too long. Most disciples seclude themselves in cultivation. It is time they are called upon.”
Several instructors from the Inner Court examined the list. The selections were logical, favoring disciples from weaker familial backgrounds yet possessing remarkable cultivation abilities. Such disciples could survive the mission and, should they perish, would not provoke outrage from powerful clans.
The seven great Immortal Sects, secure for millennia, had always operated this way.
Instructor Cao Jin Song scrutinized the list until his expression froze. His eyes fixed on an unexpected name. “Why is Ji You on this list?”
Steward Qin Rong turned to him. “Ji You is extraordinarily gifted, a dual cultivator of martial and Daoist arts. His mastery of swordsmanship is renowned. His presence guarantees success.”
Cao Jin Song frowned. “Steward Qin, this is unwise. Ji You is currently striving to break through to the Fifth Realm. He should remain in the academy to cultivate diligently!”
Qin Rong retorted, “Must one remain in the academy to cultivate? Inner Court disciples can be tasked with perilous missions. Why should Outer Court disciples be exempt?”
Cao Jin Song fell silent, though his face darkened. While Qin Rong’s reasoning was sound, he suspected ulterior motives. The critical half-year following the New Year was vital for breaking through. Without access to pills, Spirit Stones, or his resonance with the Heavenly Tome, Ji You’s cultivation progress would undoubtedly be hindered—a fact everyone understood.
Instructor Ding Ang, seated to Cao Jin Song’s left with a small goatee, interjected. “Even if Ji You remains, do you believe he’ll secure an Inner Court spot? Don’t forget, Chu He is already a step away from the Fifth Realm, far ahead. Why concern yourself with a lost cause?”
Cao Jin Song’s cold laugh pierced the tension. “Perhaps collusion is afoot?”
“Enough!” Qin Rong slammed the table, his anger palpable. “This roster was submitted to the Inner Court and approved by Hall Master Fei She. Do you suspect him of collusion as well?”
Cao Jin Song’s brows furrowed. “I thought Hall Master Fei was in seclusion, striving for the Imminent Immortal Stage?”
“The upheaval caused by the Malignant Beings shook the world, tarnishing our academy’s prestige. His fury drove him to break his seclusion early. Would you accuse me of deception?”
Hall Master Fei She, the academy’s closest cultivator to the Imminent Immortal Stage, held supreme authority among the five Hall Masters. With the Headmaster in reclusion, Fei She shouldered many decisions. When Ji You was ambushed in the streets, Qin Rong had summoned him for questioning, only to be dismissed by Hall Master Ning Cheng. Without Fei She’s approval, Qin Rong would never have dared place Ji You on this roster.
“Inner Court spots are crucial for Outer Court disciples, but uncovering the truth behind this calamity takes precedence!” Qin Rong continued. “Instructor Cao, face reality. Ji You may immerse himself in enlightenment daily, but he has only condensed six strands of Mystic Radiance. Do you truly think he can surpass others?”
“On the contrary, Ji You’s valor is the greatest demonstration of our academy’s might. Even if this costs him an Inner Court spot, would the academy truly neglect him?”
“The decision is final. Inform your disciples and have them prepare.”
Cao Jin Song stood silent for a long moment before tossing the roster onto the table and leaving the hall.
The issue was neither valor nor a roster spot. Ji You’s mistake was his humble birth and lack of familial backing. Cao Jin Song had once naively believed that Ji You, having resonated with the Heavenly Tome, would be cherished despite his origins. He was wrong.
For many, the allocation of Inner Court spots wasn’t about merit but benefit. The Chu Clan, a prominent family elevated by Chu Xian becoming a disciple of the Mystic Origin Immortal Palace, wielded immense influence. In You Prefecture, some even referred to the Chu Clan as the eighth great Immortal Sect.
Though the seven great sects might dismiss the Chu Clan, those like Cao Jin Song dared not ignore their power. Thus, the path forward was clear. In the history of the Azure Clouds Dominion, cultivation was always dominated by noble clans. Exceptions like Ji You either died in assassinations or under systematic suppression.
Their brilliance was snuffed out before it could bloom.