35: Immortal Sect Apprentice

She was the Sect Master of the Qingyun Immortal Sect, a Nascent Soul Ancestor with unfathomable cultivation.

On this day, a streak of light flew from the foot of the mountain and landed below the Star-Gazing Platform, transforming into a woman of peerless beauty.

This person was none other than Liu Jingyao.

"Disciple Jingyao respectfully greets the Sect Master."

Liu Jingyao bowed respectfully.

The figure on the Star-Gazing Platform did not turn around, and a ethereal voice drifted over: "Jingyao, you've come. Have you sensed it?"

Liu Jingyao nodded with a solemn expression: "Reporting to Sect Master, Disciple has sensed it. Recently, the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi within the Great Feng Kingdom has become somewhat restless, as if... something major is about to happen."

"It's not about to happen; it has already begun."

The Sect Master slowly turned around, and a wisp of the mist surrounding her dissipated,

revealing a pair of eyes that seemed to contain a sea of stars.

"I have observed the celestial phenomena for several years and found that the heavenly secrets are in chaos. The Ziwei Star is dim, while the Seven Kill, Po Jun, and Tan Lang stars, which represent slaughter, are unusually bright. This is a sign that a great calamity is about to arise."

"A great calamity?"

Liu Jingyao's heart tightened.

"Indeed."

The Sect Master waved her hand, and a Jade Slip transformed into a streak of light, flying before Liu Jingyao: "This is a message from the Lingdao Immortal Sect from half a month ago. Read it yourself."

Liu Jingyao took the Jade Slip and extended her Divine Sense into it.

A moment later, her face turned incredibly grim.

"Demonic Path... How dare they!"

The message in the Jade Slip was shocking.

The four great Demonic Sects—Blood Fiend Sect, Myriad Poisons Sect, Joyful Union Sect, and Heavenly Corpse Cult—which had been jointly suppressed by the Righteous Path and confined to bitter, cold lands, had, in the past few years, quietly gained four newly advanced Nascent Soul Immortal Masters!

Nascent Soul!

That was an existence at the pinnacle of the entire cultivation world.

Any Sect gaining one Nascent Soul would be enough to change the entire landscape of the cultivation world.

And the Demonic Path had suddenly gained four!

This meant that the balance between the Righteous Path and the Demonic Path, which had been maintained for nearly a thousand years, had been completely shattered.

"The Lingdao Immortal Sect stated in their letter that their covert agents within the Demonic Sects risked their lives to send back a message: the four great Demonic Sects are integrating their forces and seem to be making a comeback, with the potential to sweep across the world."

Liu Jingyao's voice was a little dry.

"The Lingdao Immortal Sect also specifically reminded us that a thousand years ago, our Qingyun Immortal Sect was the main force in suppressing the Demonic Sects, having slain more than one Demonic Lord. If the Demonic Path rises again, the first to be retaliated against will likely be us."

"Retaliation?"

The Sect Master smiled faintly, a hint of disdain in her smile: "My Qingyun Immortal Sect has stood for tens of thousands of years; what great storms haven't we seen? A mere few newly advanced Nascent Souls can't overturn the heavens."

She looked at the worried Liu Jingyao and said: "I have divined with the Sect's Luck, and within a hundred years, my Qingyun Immortal Sect's mountain gate will be as stable as Mount Tai; they won't be able to break in."

Hearing this, Liu Jingyao breathed a sigh of relief.

Since the Sect Master said so, she must have complete confidence.

"However..."

The Sect Master's tone shifted, "We cannot be careless. Demonic Path fiends are best at manipulating hearts and disintegrating from within.

They cannot break into the mountain gate, but they will certainly find ways to infiltrate the secular world, spread their Daoist traditions among Mortals, and pollute the Foundation of our Righteous Path."

Liu Jingyao immediately understood the Sect Master's meaning: "Sect Master means we need to strengthen our monitoring of the secular world?"

"Indeed."

The Sect Master nodded: "Although there are many Sect Disciples, most are dedicated to pure cultivation and are not good at handling such mundane affairs. We need people rooted in the secular world, who have a certain level of strength and influence, to serve as our eyes and ears."

At this point, the Sect Master's gaze fell on Liu Jingyao.

"I remember, a few years ago, you mentioned a very interesting young man to me. Born in the secular world, with astonishing Talisman Dao talent, named... Chen Xu, right?"

Liu Jingyao's heart stirred, and she quickly replied: "Precisely him. Sect Master has an excellent memory."

"This Chen Xu is indeed extraordinary. In just a few years, he has developed a minor, obscure Family into one of the top forces in Shangya Prefecture. Not only has his own cultivation reached Foundation Establishment Perfection, but he has also recruited the Loose Cultivator Immortal Master Yuqing as a Guest Elder. Both his methods and Heart-Nature are superior."

"Oh?"

The Sect Master seemed to have grown interested: "Foundation Establishment Perfection, and he has even recruited a Loose Cultivator of the same Realm? It seems this child has no shallow Luck."

"A chess piece rooted in the secular world, with a connection to my Qingyun Immortal Sect, and whose own strength and influence are rapidly growing... very suitable."

The Sect Master looked at Liu Jingyao and instructed: "Jingyao, you personally make a trip to Ninghai Town."

"Give him a task: let him, on behalf of this Sect, monitor Shangya Prefecture and even the surrounding prefectures. If any traces of Demonic Cultivators or any large-scale unusual incidents are found, report them immediately."

"This can also be considered a test from the Sect for him."

"If he handles it well, the Sect will not be stingy with rewards in the future, and can even give him the status of a registered Elder, formally bringing his Chen Family under the wing of my Qingyun Immortal Sect."

Liu Jingyao's heart trembled.

Registered Elder!

This was an immense favor!

This meant that the Chen Family would transform from an ordinary cultivation Family to an affiliated force of the Qingyun Immortal Sect, and their status and benefits would be incomparable.

She knew that this was the Sect Master's investment in Chen Xu, and also her trust in him.

"Disciple obeys!"

Liu Jingyao bowed deeply to the Sect Master, then transformed into a sword light and sped away from Qingyun Peak, rushing towards the foot of the mountain.

On the Star-Gazing Platform, tranquility returned once more.

The Azure Cloud Sect Master once again cast her gaze upon the vast starry sky, her eyes profound.

"A great era is about to begin, with heroes vying for supremacy... Chen Xu, I hope this chess piece of yours doesn't disappoint this Sect Master."

...The night was as dark as ink.

The patrol guards of the Chen Family Mansion had changed three shifts before Chu Xuan finally finished a day of training and defense arrangements, taking off his sweat-stained soft armor.

Over three years, the contours of his face had become more defined, his eyes as calm as water, and his once slightly thin physique, due to prolonged malnutrition, was now filled with strength.

His Qi Refining cultivation allowed him to walk with a steady and deep breath.

He was no longer the butcher boy from Shimen County of yesteryear.

He passed through several courtyards, not returning to his own residence, but instead, familiar with the path, arrived at a secluded side courtyard behind the mansion.

This was the residence specially approved by the Head of the Family for his younger sister, Chu Yuer.

Pushing open the door, a strong scent of medicine wafted out.

A bright oil lamp was lit in the room, and a pale-faced, slender girl sat by the bed, laboriously embroidering a handkerchief by the lamplight.

"Brother, you're back."

Hearing footsteps, Chu Yuer looked up, a weak but joyful smile appearing on her face.

"Why aren't you asleep so late?"

Chu Xuan quickly walked over, took the needlework from her hand, and his brows unconsciously furrowed: "The doctor said you need more rest and shouldn't overwork your mind."

"I couldn't sleep, so I wanted to embroider a sachet for you, Brother." Chu Yuer coughed twice, her voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz, "Brother is now the Captain of the Guard, so he should always carry something presentable."

Chu Xuan looked at the handkerchief embroidered with twisted mandarin ducks, and his heart ached.

For three years, the Chen Family had invited the best doctors in Shangya Prefecture and used countless precious medicinal ingredients, yet his sister's illness showed no sign of improvement.

Her body was like a sandbag with a hole in it, no matter how many good things were put in.

Her life essence was still slowly draining away day by day.

He could not repay the Chen Family's kindness, only with his life.

But his sister's illness was like a huge mountain pressing on his heart, making him breathless.

He was now at the sixth level of Qi Refining, considered a notable figure in Ninghai Town.

But this level of cultivation seemed so pale and powerless in the face of his sister's strange illness.

He needed to become stronger, strong enough to defy heaven and change fate.

"Go to bed early."

Chu Xuan tucked in the quilt for his sister, speaking softly.

"Brother..."

Chu Yuer held his hand and asked softly, "Are you... about to Break through?"

Chu Xuan fell silent.

His cultivation had been stuck at the sixth level of Qi Refining for half a year, and the Bottleneck leading to the Late Stage was so solid it made him despair.

He knew this was a limitation of his Spiritual Root Aptitude.

Yellow Grade Low-Rank, was this his limit?

He was unwilling.

Just then, a hurried footsteps came from outside the courtyard.

"Captain Chu! Captain Chu!"

A guard whispered from outside the door: "The Head of the Family has given an order! A distinguished guest from the Qingyun Immortal Sect has arrived. You are commanded to immediately lead a team to the main gate forVigilance!"

A distinguished guest from the Qingyun Immortal Sect?

Chu Xuan's heart tightened, not daring to be negligent in the slightest.

"I'll be right there!" He turned and gave his sister a reassuring smile, "I'll go attend to things first. You be a good girl and sleep."

With that, he quickly walked out of the room, his figure soon disappearing into the night... Chen Family main hall.

Chen Xu sat calmly in the main seat, sipping a cup of Spiritual Tea.

In front of him stood a woman in a green palace dress, of unparalleled grace.

She simply stood there, yet a chilling pressure naturally emanated from her.

The aura of a Golden Core True Person made the air in the entire hall become viscous.

It was Liu Jingyao.

"Elder Liu, arriving so late at night, may I ask what urgent matter brings you here?"

Chen Xu put down his teacup and asked with a smile.

Over the past three years, he had exchanged letters with Liu Jingyao several times, but this was the first time she had come in person.

"Head of the Chen Family, I won't beat around the bush."

Liu Jingyao's expression was quite serious: "I have come this time by order of the Sect Master."

"Sect Master?"

Chen Xu's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Indeed."

Liu Jingyao nodded, her voice grave: "The Demonic Path is about to rise again."

She relayed all the intelligence obtained by the Sect to Chen Xu, exactly as it was.

From the four great Demonic Sects gaining four new Nascent Soul mighty figures, to their ambition to sweep across the world.

And then to the Qingyun Immortal Sect's predicament as the former main force in suppressing demons.

Chen Xu listened quietly, his face calm, but a storm raged in his heart.

Nascent Soul mighty figures!

He hadn't even touched the threshold of the Golden Core Realm yet; conflicts at that level were too distant for him.

But he also understood that when the nest is overturned, no egg remains intact.

Once the Righteous and Demonic Paths went to war, the entire cultivation world would be drawn into it, and his Chen Family would not be able to remain aloof.

"The Sect Master has divined the heavenly secrets: within a hundred years, the Demonic Sects will not be able to breach the mountain gate of my Qingyun Immortal Sect."

Liu Jingyao continued: "But they will certainly try to infiltrate the secular world by all means, to shake the Foundation of our Righteous Path."

"Therefore, the Sect needs some eyes and ears, rooted in the secular world."

At this point, Liu Jingyao looked at Chen Xu with burning eyes.

"The Sect Master means that she hopes the Head of the Chen Family can represent our Sect in overseeing Shangya Prefecture, and even the surrounding several prefectures.

Once traces of Demonic Cultivators are found, or any large-scale unusual incidents occur, report them to the Sect immediately."

Chen Xu's pupils slightly contracted.

Overseeing several prefectures!

This was not an easy task; it meant pushing his Chen Family to the front line of confronting the Demonic Path, fraught with danger.

However, this was also a Heaven-Defying opportunity.

"This is both a task and a test from the Sect for you."

Liu Jingyao saw through his thoughts and threw out an irresistible bargaining chip: "The Sect Master promises that if the Head of the Chen Family can handle this matter well, in the future, the Sect will not be stingy with rewards, and can even give you the identity of a Guest Elder, formally bringing the Chen Family under the wing of my Qingyun Immortal Sect."

Guest Elder!

Chen Xu's heart stirred slightly!

This meant that the Chen Family would no longer be an ordinary Cultivation Family, but would have the Qingyun Immortal Sect as a huge backer.

In the future, whether it was resources or protection, it would be incomparable.

This investment was too great.

"Good."

Chen Xu nodded in agreement with almost no hesitation: "Please tell the Sect Master, Elder Liu, that my Chen Family accepts this matter."

"I knew the Head of the Chen Family was a smart person."

Liu Jingyao smiled slightly, "This matter is confidential and must not be publicized. You need to establish an absolutely reliable force to act in secret."

"I understand."

Chen Xu nodded.

The two discussed some details for a moment, then Liu Jingyao stood up to leave, transforming into a sword light and disappearing into the night sky.

Chen Xu sat alone in the hall for a long time.

His fingers tapped on the table, calculating rapidly in his mind.

Overseeing several prefectures, confronting Demonic Cultivators.

This required an absolutely loyal and capable team.

He thought of the guard team he had personally established; after three years of training, their strength and loyalty were guaranteed.

But this task needed a leader.

Someone he could completely entrust his back to.

A figure instantly appeared in his mind.

Chu Xuan.

With a thought, his Eye of Destiny quietly opened, and his gaze fell on the main gate.

On the young guard captain who stood ramrod straight, with a focused expression.

Name: Chu Xuan

Realm: Qi Refining Sixth Layer

Cultivation Technique: Evergreen Art

Spiritual Root: Yellow Grade Low-Rank (can grow)

Lifespan: 21 / 86

Loyalty: 92 (Grateful: Willing to die for the Family, his Heart-Nature remains unchanged.)

Luck: Cyan and white intertwined (Resilient fate, grows in adversity, has become a pillar of the Family.)

His loyalty was 92, and his Luck had also changed from the grayish-white of three years ago to the current cyan and white intertwined.

This young man had not disappointed him.

Moreover, the 'can grow' Spiritual Root annotation always gave Chen Xu a sense of anticipation.

It was him.

"Someone."

"Head of the Family."

A servant quickly walked in.

"Go and call Chu Xuan, the Captain of the Guard, to my study."

...Late at night, in the study.

Chu Xuan stood at the desk, feeling a little uneasy.

This was the first time in three years that he had been summoned by the Head of the Family alone late at night.

He didn't know what had happened, so he could only bow and stand still, awaiting the Head of the Family's instructions.

Chen Xu didn't look at him, but continued writing something on paper.

Only the rustling sound of the pen tip scratching against paper filled the study.

The oppressive atmosphere made Chu Xuan's breathing become somewhat cautious.

After a long while, Chen Xu finally put down his pen, raised his head, and looked at him calmly.

"Chu Xuan, how many years have you been in my Chen Family?"

"Replying to the Head of the Family, three years and five months."

Chu Xuan answered without hesitation.

"Three years..."

Chen Xu nodded, "From a Mortal who hadn't even touched the threshold of Cultivation to your current Qi Refining Sixth Layer and Captain of the Guard. Do you think it was my Chen Family that made you, or your own efforts?"

Chu Xuan's body trembled, and he knelt on one knee without hesitation, saying in a deep voice: "Without the Head of the Family's acceptance and the Family's nurturing, Chu Xuan would already be a pile of dry bones by the roadside. Everything Chu Xuan has was bestowed by the Family!"

Chen Xu looked at him, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.

"Get up."

He said indifferently, "I called you here tonight because I have an extremely important and extremely dangerous matter to entrust to you."

Chu Xuan stood up, his expression solemn: "Please instruct, Head of the Family, Chu Xuan will not flinch from death!"

"I want you to select twenty of the most elite and reliable people from the guard team to form a squad."

Chen Xu's voice deepened: "This squad will not be listed in the Family register, will not be controlled by anyone, and will only be accountable to me alone."

"Your mission is to become the shadows of my Chen Family, lurking in the darkness, monitoring all movements in Shangya Prefecture, and even the surrounding several prefectures, collecting all intelligence that is useful or threatening to the Family."

"This mission is a matter of nine deaths and one life. You may encounter powerful Demonic Cultivators, you may be hunted by other forces, and you may even die without revealing your identity as a Chen Family member."

Chen Xu looked at him, asking word by word: "Do you dare to accept?"

Chu Xuan's heart pounded wildly.

This represented unparalleled trust, and also unimaginable danger.

An opportunity, a Heaven-Defying opportunity!

As long as he handled this matter well, he would be able to obtain more resources and possess stronger strength.

Only then would it be possible to cure his sister's illness!

However, Chu Xuan did not answer immediately.

He took a deep breath, then knelt down straight again, this time, he kowtowed heavily to the ground, making a resounding thud.

"Head of the Family!"

His voice carried an uncontrollable tremor.

"Chu Xuan's life was given by the Head of the Family. Whether it's a mountain of blades or a sea of fire, Chu Xuan will not say a second word!"

"It's just... Chu Xuan has an impudent request, I beg the Head of the Family to grant it!"

Chen Xu looked at him quietly, saying nothing.

"My sister, Chu Yuer..."

Chu Xuan's voice choked: "Her illness is getting worse and worse. The doctor in the prefecture city said that the vitality in her body can only... only last for another year at most."

"Chu Xuan knows that his request is very excessive. But Chu Xuan truly has no other choice!"

"I beg the Head of the Family... I beg the Head of the Family to save her! As long as Yu'er can be saved, Chu Xuan is willing to make a Divine Soul Blood Oath, in this life and this world, to be a servant for the Head of the Family, never to betray! If I break this oath, may Heaven and Earth destroy me, and my Divine Soul be incinerated!"

After speaking, he kowtowed heavily again, his forehead colliding with the cold bluestone slab, emitting a muffled thud.

Inside the study, there was silence.

Chen Xu looked at Chu Xuan kneeling on the ground, without any surprise in his heart.

This was the Chu Xuan he knew.

A man who valued his sister's life more than his own.

And precisely because of this, he was worthy of his trust.

"Get up."

Chen Xu's tone softened a few points, "I have always kept your sister's illness in mind. That is not a Mortal illness, and cannot be cured by Mortal medicine."

Chu Xuan suddenly looked up, his eyes full of shock and a hint of hope.

The Head of the Family actually knew the root cause of his sister's illness?

"As long as you handle this mission well. Not to mention asking for a medicine for your sister, it is not impossible to even ask for a Cultivation Technique that can save her."

Boom!

In Chu Xuan's mind, it was as if a thunderclap had exploded.

He understood that the Head of the Family was telling him that his future, and his sister's life, were tightly bound to this mission and to the future of the Chen Family.

An indescribable surge of warmth and excitement.

It coursed through his limbs and bones.

He didn't say any more words of thanks, but simply kowtowed three times to Chen Xu again.

"Ding! Guest Chu Xuan was moved by the Host's benevolence and was genuinely convinced, his loyalty increased to 100 (Unwavering devotion: Has regarded the Host as his sole belief, willing to dedicate everything to the Host, including life and Divine Soul, never to betray.)"

The atmosphere in the study changed somewhat with Chu Xuan's loyalty reaching one hundred points.

Chen Xu looked at the young man kneeling on the ground, a touch of emotion also stirring in his heart.

"Your sister is a member of my Chen Family."

Chen Xu's voice softened, he stood up, walked around the desk, and personally helped Chu Xuan up: "Since she is Family, her matter is my Chen Family's matter."

Chu Xuan looked up, his eyes full of excitement.

He hadn't expected that the Head of the Family would not only not be angry because of his impudent request, but would also say such words.

"Head of the Family..."

Chu Xuan's voice choked, thousands of words stuck in his throat, unable to utter a single one.

"No need for more words."

Chen Xu patted his shoulder, that steady strength instantly calmed him down a lot: "Your loyalty is worth my Chen Family's full assistance. Let's go, take me to see her now."

"Now?"

Chu Xuan was stunned, it was already late at night.

"No time like the present."

Chen Xu's tone was unquestionable: "I want to see what kind of strange illness can leave even the famous doctors of Shangya Prefecture helpless."

He turned and walked out, without any hesitation.

A warm current surged in Chu Xuan's heart.

He quickly followed, walking ahead to lead the way for the Head of the Family.

The Chen Family Mansion under the night sky was quiet and majestic.

The two walked one after another, passing through layers of courtyards.

The patrolling guards along the way, upon seeing Chen Xu, immediately stopped and bowed in salute.

Their eyes were filled with reverence.

Chu Xuan looked at the Head of the Family's calm back, filled with myriad emotions.

Three years ago, he was still a butcher in Shimen County, struggling for a few dozen coppers, never dreaming that one day he could follow behind such a legendary Immortal Master.

Walking in such a heavily guarded Immortal Family residence.

And all of this was bestowed by this Head of the Family.

Soon, the two arrived at a secluded side courtyard behind the mansion.

Pushing open the courtyard gate, a strong smell of medicine assailed them, mixed with the faint fragrance of a few flowers and plants in the courtyard, forming a heartbreaking scent.