Chapter 50: Immortal Sect Disciple, Isolated And Out Of Place
In the Inner Courtyard plaza, one person stood shoulder to shoulder with the Dojo Master.
The other party had an outstanding demeanor, appearing to be merely in her late thirties, a female Daoist clad in goose-yellow Daoist robes, wearing a Fish Tail Golden Crown on her head, with a stunningly beautiful appearance as sharp as a blade.
The female Daoist noticed Fang Shu’s arrival and cast a glance at him with a hint of amusement, carrying an aggressive undertone.
As the other party scanned him, Fang Shu felt the hairs on his body stand on end, as if scraped by a blade. This gave him some guesses about her identity.
Seeing Fang Shu arrive, the Dojo Master spoke:
“Everyone in the courtyard has arrived. There’s no need to wait for those who haven’t come; consider them without this fortune.”
Whoosh whoosh, the disciples who had been either lowering their eyes in contemplation or whispering discussions all turned their gazes to the Dojo Master and that female Daoist.
Seeing everyone perk up, the Dojo Master cupped his hands toward the female Daoist beside him and spoke:
“Today, this old one has specially invited a disciple from an Immortal Sect down from Mount Lu for you all. Quickly pay your respects!”
Hearing this, those who already had guesses in their hearts buzzed like an explosion, their eyes fixed tightly on the female Daoist, and they hurriedly called out:
“Greetings, Upper Immortal!” “Paying respects to the Immortal Sect Immortal Elder!”
Fang Shu blended in among them, thinking to himself that it was indeed so.
That casual glance from her earlier had already brought a tangible chill to his body, extremely similar to the rumored Spiritual Sense.
Thus, he didn’t dare to be neglectful either, respectfully saluting the female Daoist and calling out “Immortal Elder.”
The yellow-robed female Daoist calmly accepted the salutations from the Du Gu Guan Inner Courtyard Disciples, then said with a faint smile:
“No need for excessive courtesy. Poor Daoist bears the surname Fang and also came from Du Gu Guan. By seniority, you all should call me ‘Senior Sister.'”
The disciples present all showed surprise on their faces and hurriedly began calling her “Senior Sister Fang” one after another.
“Originally, Senior Brother was supposed to come today, but unfortunately, Senior Brother is in seclusion cultivating, involving a breakthrough.”
Ms. Fang spoke reservedly:
“As it happens, this Fang had some free time, so I came in Senior Brother’s stead to encourage you all and speak of past cultivation matters.”
Hearing this, the Dojo Master beside her immediately chuckled hoarsely and shook his head:
“Fellow Daoist Fang, why be so modest? Your willingness to return to this old one’s rundown dojo is already giving this dojo great face. What talk of ‘standing in’?”
As she spoke, the Dojo Master cupped his hands toward Ms. Fang once more.
The female Daoist smiled on her face and didn’t avoid it, merely returning the salute.
Then, amid the envious and yearning gazes of the crowd of dojo disciples, Ms. Fang began recounting her past experiences cultivating in Du Gu Guan and eventually joining an Immortal Sect.
Listening to her, all the disciples were exhilarated, wishing they too could leap into becoming Immortal Sect disciples, break through to Refining Qi, and become Spiritual Immortals.
“Generally speaking, the earlier one passes the Third Tribulation and enters an Immortal Sect, the easier it is to succeed in Refining Qi and obtain the status of Immortal Sect disciple.”
Ms. Fang spoke eloquently:
“Before age eighteen, the chances are highest; after eighteen, before twenty, chances drop by three-tenths; past twenty, before twenty-five, another three-tenths drop.
If one still hasn’t entered an Immortal Sect by thirty-five, there’s almost no hope for life; better to live a good life down the mountain for a lifetime.”
At these words, several disciples in the arena changed expressions slightly.
Among them, all were already over eighteen, and one was even over twenty-five.
Hearing this, Fang Shu’s expression also tightened.
Although he hadn’t yet turned eighteen, it was only a few years away!
Especially as Ms. Fang spoke, her gaze suddenly fell on Qin Min in the crowd.
She sized up Qin Min with interest and said:
“No wonder Du Shi wanted to invite us old folks down the mountain.
Turns out another little Junior Sister is about to emerge from the dojo.”
Fang Shu and the others’ attention once again fell on Qin Min, and thoughts arose in their hearts.
Ms. Fang exclaimed in admiration: “Just over fifteen years old, already so close to passing the Third Tribulation, and possessing a Spiritual Root too—not bad, not bad!”
She smiled: “After entering the Immortal Sect, remember to come find Senior Sister to play.”
Hearing this, Qin Min’s little face flushed red, her posture straightening. She cupped her hands toward the other and said joyfully: “Yes, Sister Fang.”
Meanwhile, everyone else around, including Fang Shu, clicked their tongues inwardly.
“So close to the Third Tribulation!”
“Could it be Junior Sister Qin Min will pass the Third Tribulation before sixteen and join an Immortal Sect!?”
Murmurs of envy and astonishment filled the scene.
Gazing at her profile, Fang Shu also clicked his tongue inwardly and immediately recalled that during the last lecture, he had heard people discussing whether Qin Min was about to pass the Second Tribulation.
Now, half a year later, she had indeed successfully passed the Second Tribulation long ago, becoming a Second Tribulation Immortal.
“As expected of someone with a Spiritual Root.” Fang Shu sighed inwardly.
But immediately, he suppressed the envy and jealousy in his heart, simply standing quietly in the crowd.
Such stray thoughts were useless; overthinking only added trouble. Moreover, with his Dao Talisman and the Dojo Master’s guidance on the Gu Master path, his cultivation progress wasn’t necessarily slower than ordinary people.
As the thought stirred, a line of text appeared in Fang Shu’s mind:
【Realm: First Tribulation Refining Essence Human Immortal (20% 9/10)】
In the past half year, Fang Shu’s cultivation progress was just one tenth shy of completing thirty percent of the First Tribulation process.
And this was while he was distracted with Gu Technique, and for the first month or so, his Insect Skill wasn’t yet perfected—the cultivation gains under such conditions.
If given another half year, he should also be able to pass the Second Tribulation and advance to Second Tribulation Refining Essence Human Immortal.
This way, if he pushed hard, one tribulation per year, he should just manage to pass the Third Tribulation before turning eighteen!
But the next moment, Fang Shu’s heart sank again.
Because he immediately realized that Immortal cultivation often slows down the further one progresses, and occasionally requires consolidating cultivation, tempering new Qi and Blood to avoid an unstable foundation.
The Second Tribulation could be passed in a year, but the Third Tribulation might not—just one year was unlikely; it could take two years, or even three.
Thinking of this, Fang Shu’s gaze swept over and involuntarily fell on those more mature-looking disciples in the arena.
A sense of urgency surged even stronger in his heart.
But before Fang Shu could immerse himself in this mood, another voice arose at the scene, drawing his attention.
It was Ms. Fang, having heard the disciples’ discussions and mutterings in the arena, beginning to answer some questions.
“Me? This Fang was mediocre, entering the Immortal Sect right at eighteen, breaking through to Refining Qi right at twenty.”
“No rush, no rush. Though you’re already twenty, as long as you haven’t passed thirty-five, it won’t affect entering the Immortal Sect. But after joining, during your time as a Menial Laborer, you’ll need to work harder than the young ones to seize the opportunity for Refining Qi.”
Ms. Fang encouraged:
“The first, second, and third tribulations are important, but the key is the Fourth Tribulation, the Refining Qi stage.
Among Mount Lu’s five sects, late bloomers are not few.”
Fang Shu listened attentively, taking in all the Q&A at the scene, feeling he had gained much insight.
It turned out that entering an Immortal Sect didn’t mean being accepted as a disciple; one was first granted Menial Laborer status, and only upon succeeding in Refining Qi would one be granted Immortal Sect disciple status.
If one failed to Refining Qi, one could only toil bitterly on the mountain, and might even be sent down, barred from returning without Refining Qi.
And for Immortals to Refining Qi, cultivating within an Immortal Sect offered the highest chance!
As everyone was asking eagerly, Fang Shu in the crowd also repeatedly raised his hand to signal, but the Dojo Master noticed the feigned weariness on Ms. Fang’s face.
She promptly scolded everyone:
“What all this noisy chatter for? Fellow Daoist Fang’s time is limited; she’s just passing through Gu Ling Town on her way down the mountain and has Immortal Sect matters to attend to.
Today’s lecture ends here; if there’s a chance later, more can be said.”
Fang Shu and the others all showed regret, but didn’t dare speak up, hurriedly cupping hands toward Ms. Fang:
“Many thanks to Senior Sister for the teachings!”
After another round of pleasantries, the Dojo Master and Ms. Fang chatted idly as they walked toward the Assembly Hall, seemingly with private matters to discuss.
Fang Shu and the others saw them off all the way to outside the Assembly Hall without dispersing, but didn’t dare enter to disturb.
They gathered in twos and threes outside the hall, discussing in low voices.
Fang Shu was no exception; he exchanged insights with the excited Li Hou Er.
Li Hou Er said relishfully: “Damn it, if I Refining Qi too, I’ll definitely return to the dojo and impart experience to the Junior Brothers and Sisters. To keep our dojo’s legacy going!”
Fang Shu smiled faintly:
“I think you just want to show off in front of people, basking in the admiring looks from the Junior Brothers and Sisters.”
Li Hou Er put on a serious face but waved his hand:
“This is human nature; why not enjoy it?”
Just as everyone was discussing animatedly, Senior Sister Yu Er suddenly emerged from the hall and called to Qin Min, who was surrounded by several disciples:
“Bao Er, Master and Senior Sister are calling you.”
This immediately drew everyone’s attention, and the crowd once again cast envious gazes at Qin Min.
No need to say it—the Dojo Master and the others calling Qin Min over must be to encourage her further and give her special guidance.
In the crowd, Qu Yan and Fu Shi Er, one man and one woman, both bowed to Qin Min with smiles:
“To get acquainted early with an Immortal Sect disciple like Senior Sister Fang, only Junior Sister Qin Min in the dojo has this qualification.”
“Junior Sister Qin joining the Immortal Sect is not far off; sharing a dojo with her is our fortune!”
With these two leading, nearly half the disciples chimed in with kind words, smiling faces like green leaves clustering around Qin Min, making her shine brilliantly, standing out like a crane among chickens.
As for the other half, like Fang Shu and Li Hou Er—those standing farther away with little interaction with Qin Min—they just silently watched in envy.
Qin Min was radiant; she reservedly cupped her hands to those around without a word, then casually waved to Du Yu Er and strode into the Assembly Hall.
Once she entered, the disciples outside the hall discussed even more lively, though all kept their voices low, not daring to be too loud.
Especially Qu Yan and Fu Shi Er, the man and woman now seemingly representatives of the many disciples, even discussing:
“Junior Sister Qin Min hid it so well from us—when did she pass the Second Tribulation? She didn’t even say, so no one in the dojo celebrated for her.”
“How about this: all us Inner Courtyard Disciples chip in to throw her a belated celebration banquet. If Junior Sister doesn’t want that, we can switch to congratulatory gifts. What do you all think?”
Those who had just clustered around Qin Min naturally agreed one after another; even those short on cash gritted their teeth and consented, chiming in:
“Yes indeed, while Qin Min is still in the dojo, we must seize the chance to get on good terms with her.
Who knows, when we enter the mountain later, we might rely on Junior Sister Qin Min for support!”
At these words.
When Qu Yan and Fu Shi Er looked again at the remaining half of the disciples, many hesitated a moment before nodding in agreement.
In the end, only Fang Shu and Li Hou Er stood in the arena without responding.
Li Hou Er mumbled awkwardly on his face; he’d heard Qu Yan and the others—chipping in would be at least three thousand coins per person.
With his stingy old man, he really couldn’t scrape that much together, nor did he want to, lest he burden the family.
As for Fang Shu, he was also very tight on funds; even his remaining Purple Lead Mica Milk had been sold off, with no extra Talisman Money to buy favors.
Moreover, even if he had it, he wouldn’t be foolish enough to throw it away.
Fang Shu glanced at the faces of Qu Yan, Fu Shi Er, and the others, as well as Li Hou Er’s unease beside him.
He stepped forward proactively, cupping hands in refusal: “As for the congratulatory gift, count me out.”
Seeing this, Li Hou Er inwardly breathed a sigh of relief.
He too hurriedly cupped hands awkwardly: “For such a good thing, you Senior Brothers and Sisters handle it; I… I’ll pass.”
Hearing their refusals, displeasure immediately showed on Qu Yan and Fu Shi Er’s faces.
The others looked on in surprise, staring at Fang Shu and Li Hou Er.
Some, unclear if mocking or kindly reminding, said:
“Everyone’s joining in but you two—not fitting in looks bad.”
Under this invisible pressure, Li Hou Er’s awkwardness grew more obvious; Fang Shu’s brows furrowed slightly.
But neither changed their stance, either evading or staying silent.
Opposite them, since they were all fellow disciples—and even if Fang Shu and Li Hou Er entered late, they were still Immortals—Qu Yan and Fu Shi Er saw they really wouldn’t budge and withdrew their scrutinizing gazes.
The two finally just said respectively:
“For such a good thing, Senior Brother and Senior Sister invited you two; don’t blame us later if you miss this chance.”
“Junior Brother Fang, I heard your performance during the tribulation wasn’t bad; Senior Sister quite admires you. If you change your mind, come find me anytime.”
Fu Shi Er even smiled and raised her fine brows at Fang Shu, then sauntered away.
Thereupon, these Inner Courtyard Disciples ignored Fang Shu and Li Hou Er, leaving them behind to huddle together and discuss where to hold the banquet and what congratulatory gift to buy.
“Junior Sister Qin Min is focused on cultivation; the banquet can be simple, but the gift absolutely cannot.”
“Yes yes! It must include a Precious Medicine to be worthy of Junior Sister Qin Min.”
“This Qu is untalented, but my family runs a Medicine Hall; I’ll definitely bring good medicine. Right, I hear Senior Sister Fu’s elders have shares in some building?”
They discussed noisily like buzzing flies.
While Fang Shu and Li Hou Er stood isolated in a corner.
This scene was just like back when they hadn’t entered the Dao, standing side by side in the Cultivation Practice Hall, watching the Scorpion Basin from afar like two lowly minions.
……………
Not long after.
Qin Min strode quickly out of the Assembly Hall.
This woman had a vigorous figure and abundant Qi and Blood, with lingering joy on her face.
Her appearance immediately drew the attention of everyone outside the hall; over ten Inner Courtyard Disciples surged forward.
“Junior Sister Qin! Did you get more guidance from Senior Sister Fang? Congratulations!”
“Will Senior Sister Fang lecture again tomorrow?”
These disciples chattered one after another, making Qin Min shine even brighter.
While Fang Shu and Li Hou Er leaned in a corner, watching from afar, the two sides like clouds and mud.
Li Hou Er’s eyes were full of envy, even more so than when gazing up at Senior Sister Fang earlier.
Li Hou Er sighed to Fang Shu with a tsk tsk: “Who knows when we’ll get to be a part of things in the Inner Courtyard.”
At this moment.
Facing the crowd’s adulation, Qin Min frowned slightly, finding it quite noisy.
This woman ignored the crowd’s curiosity, kind words, and concern, instead scanning around outside the hall as if searching for something.
Upon spotting Fang Shu and Li Hou Er, her gaze paused, then she strode over briskly, stopping right in front of Fang Shu with a slap of her foot.
Under everyone’s gaze, Qin Min cupped hands to Fang Shu, politely saying:
“Senior Brother Fang, Master and Senior Sister Fang request your presence.”
Instantly, the chatter outside the hall came to an abrupt halt.
Qu Yan, Fu Shi Er, and the others were dumbfounded, staring blankly at Fang Shu and Li Hou Er, wondering if they’d misheard.
Li Hou Er himself gaped wide-eyed, staring at Fang Shu beside him as if seeing his brother for the first time.
But Fang Shu’s expression was calm, without much surprise.
He merely returned the courtesy politely: “Many thanks, Junior Sister Qin.”
After speaking, Fang Shu nudged Li Hou Er beside him with his elbow, then unhurriedly stepped toward the Assembly Hall.
This demeanor from Fang Shu caused changes in the gazes of the surrounding Inner Courtyard Disciples.
Some tales from the Outer Courtyard about Fang Shu’s Entering the Dao and tribulation passing instantly clarified in their minds, making them vaguely realize something.
Outside the hall.
When Li Hou Er came back to his senses, he found himself stared at by the others, suddenly the focus no less than Qin Min.
Li Hou Er touched the arm Fang Shu had nudged, wanting to speak but hesitating, his face a spectacle of emotions.
