Chapter 17

Chapter 17: The Little Immortals

The three young cultivators from the Shenxiao Sect, although fellow disciples of Ning Xianzhi, were not of the same generation. They could only address her as their juniors, being disciples from other peaks within the sect.

Ning Xianzhi couldn’t recall their names, only vaguely remembering who their cultivation masters were.

Even within the same sect, once they embarked on the path of cultivation, they might not see each other for over a decade.

The only ones who were truly close were the fellow disciples from the same peak.

Only when they left the sect and encountered each other in the outside world would they feel a sense of closeness.

Ning Xianzhi was currently in the body of a great demon. It wasn’t impossible to reveal her identity to these three juniors, but it wasn’t necessary.

Therefore, she brought up some anecdotes about their masters. Although they were just trivial everyday matters, they were things that outsiders wouldn’t know. The three Shenxiao Sect disciples quickly came to trust “Bai Sujin,” confirming that she was indeed a close friend of Elder Ning Xianzhi.

The leader of these three young cultivators was named Ai Qiyi, a name that sounded quite entertaining. She was indeed skilled in music and bowed to Ning Xianzhi with a junior’s salute, asking with a puzzled expression, “…Senior Bai? We haven’t heard Elder Ning mention you before. Do you know where she has gone?”

“She’s investigating the situation around Yunhe Town to see if that evil being has any accomplices or a higher-level protector. Otherwise, how could that demon dare to cause trouble in a densely populated town?”

Ai Qiyi found this reasonable. These evil beings rarely caused trouble in places with a strong human presence. Their current actions were indeed cause for concern.

“Did Elder Ning mention her specific whereabouts? We want to meet up with her.”

“Don’t rush to meet up. You three are outstanding among the new generation of disciples, but even if you join forces, there’s still a significant risk in facing that evil being. Go back and ask your senior brothers to assist you.”

Ning Xianzhi wasn’t exaggerating. Although she was currently only a strand of divine consciousness from her main body, the enemy who could injure her must have unique offensive methods and could easily defeat these young disciples.

Young cultivators needed experience, but it wouldn’t be appropriate for them to lose their lives in the process.

“Understood, thank you, Senior Bai!”

The three disciples expressed their gratitude solemnly. Sensing the gravity of the situation, they immediately took out their Lightning Travel Talismans and transformed into three streaks of lightning, disappearing.

In the blink of an eye, they were gone.

The Yun family members in the reception hall were greatly shocked by this scene. Even though they couldn’t even see the three disciples’ shadows anymore, they still bowed deeply to bid farewell.

Even at gatherings of prominent figures, it was rare to see members of this thousand-year-old family show such respect.

Patriarch Yun recovered from his stupor and, with some effort, calmed his surprise. He asked, “Immortal Bai, did those young immortals just mention that Yunhe Town… is plagued by an evil being?”

“Yes, it will be dealt with soon. Don’t worry too much, but avoid going to Yunhe Town for the time being.”

Ning Xianzhi gave this advice, then turned to look at the young girl, Yun Qingying. She gently stroked her head, her hair soft and smooth. The girl remained expressionless, showing no reaction, like a beautiful porcelain doll.

“This girl… I can assure you that Elder Ning will be satisfied. She will personally come to take her to the mountains in a while. Since Madam Jiang is reluctant to part with her daughter, cherish these remaining days together.”

With this matter settled, Ning Xianzhi had accomplished the goal of her trip down the mountain.

She was satisfied with the planned objective, and the unexpected events also aligned with her wishes.

“Alright, I’ll be leaving now. There’s no need to see me out.”

***

Some were happy, while others were sad.

After Ning Xianzhi left, the elders of the Yun family celebrated amongst themselves. This was a significant event for the entire clan’s future. In the worst-case scenario, the Yun family’s connection to the immortal path would end with Yun Qingying. However, cultivators had long lifespans and could protect the Yun family for centuries.

Moreover, from now on, the Yun family would have a connection with Immortal Ning Xianzhi.

In the hall, only Madam Jiang was overcome with sorrow, embracing her daughter. Yun Qingying showed little emotion, as if the outside world couldn’t penetrate her heart. However, she reached out and wiped away her mother’s tears.

“Patriarch, could I go up the mountain to accompany Qingying? I wouldn’t mind even doing servant work for the immortal…”

“Nonsense! How can you bargain with immortals?”

Patriarch Yun snorted coldly, leaving no room for negotiation. If she could ask to accompany her daughter today, would she want to build a palace for her daughter on the immortal’s territory tomorrow?

He said to his granddaughter, “Qingying, there’s a sword discourse competition in a while. Go and prepare yourself. Before the immortal takes you to the mountain, win a prize. The martial world of the Lihuo Dynasty might be in decline, but that doesn’t stop you from showing the world how outstanding and talented a daughter of the Yun family can be!”

Yun Qingying replied emotionlessly, “Yes.”

As the leader of a thousand-year-old clan, Patriarch Yun Gaosong was well aware of the behind-the-scenes workings of the competitions.

In the Three Swords Competition, whether it was the duel, the discourse, or the trial, the participants were divided into two groups.

One group was the pre-determined group, with the designated champion guaranteed to win.

The other group was the commoner cannon fodder group, consisting of ordinary martial artists from the martial arts division and those sects that had surrendered to the government.

It could be said that the reason why the Three Swords Competition, despite its manipulation for so many years, still attracted attention and support from the people, without criticism of its corruption, was because the commoner group fought for real. They genuinely wanted to win and become famous throughout the country.

Yun Gaosong wanted Yun Qingying to participate in the Sword Discourse competition as an ordinary person, to stand out from the commoner group, break through the manipulation of the martial arts division, and snatch the championship from the pre-determined winner.

The value of the victory might be somewhat diminished, but there was no other way. Currently, within the Lihuo Dynasty, this was the only platform to showcase one’s martial prowess.

Afterwards, they would spread the news that Yun Qingying had become a disciple of an immortal, letting other clans know that the Yun family’s ancestral grave wasn’t just emitting smoke, but continuously emitting smoke!

***

On her way back, Ning Xianzhi heard people in the streets and alleys discussing something about bear paws at the Eight Delicacies Restaurant.

She paid it no mind and returned to her quiet room, removing the jade pendant and continuing to cultivate and heal.

In the evening, Chu Wuji returned a bit late again, but at least he arrived before sunset.

Carrying a large food box, he hurried into the room and said with a beaming smile, “Mother, quickly eat it while it’s hot! If it gets any later, the taste will deteriorate!”

Ning Xianzhi rarely saw him so excited and teased, “Did you stew the cat spirit into a dish?”

Chu Wuji shook his head, served the dish, and handed the chopsticks to the beautiful woman before saying, “Didn’t I say yesterday that I would get you some elaborate dishes to try? Fresh bear paw!”

Ning Xianzhi didn’t look closely at first and thought it was a big pig’s trotter. Now she realized it was indeed a bear paw. “You spent the whole day making this bear paw?”

“No, the chef at the restaurant made it. I couldn’t learn how to cook it, but I personally obtained this bear paw.”

Hearing this, Ning Xianzhi noticed that the boy had also changed into new clothes. His previous training uniform had been worn until it was grayish-white.

She realized something and gently pulled open Chu Wuji’s collar, revealing bandaged wounds on his arms, chest, and back.

Her brows furrowed, her lips pursed, and her expression turned serious. “You got yourself all injured… just to get this dish for Mother?”