Chapter Forty-Five: Announcement of the Rules (III)

“No matter whether the Chosen List is mistaken or not, we must be prepared!” Wang Li encouraged those present at the meeting. “Did you all notice the cultivation restriction for the Chosen candidates?”

The group looked a bit distracted, as if recalling something, but then they all shook their heads in unison.

Luo Heng spoke up, “That’s impossible. I can’t speak for other sects, but among the disciples of Pure Yang Temple, there’s no one under a hundred who has reached the Divine Transformation Realm. In fact, there isn’t even anyone under a hundred in the Nascent Soul Realm!”

Wang Li shook his head. “No, there is one. The only question is whether she was at Pure Yang Temple at the time.”

The others looked puzzled. They had never heard of such a figure in any sect. If someone like that existed, surely everyone would know. A Divine Transformation cultivator under a hundred—just the thought of it seemed fantastical.

Only Jiang Yue understood whom Wang Li was referring to. She shook her head, “Impossible. She left before I arrived at the mountain gate. Who knows which sect she’s blending in with now, swindling people?”

Wang Li replied, “Perhaps, but her absence might actually be a good thing.”

Their exchange left the rest of the group bewildered.

Luo Heng asked, “Who is this person, Steward Wang? I have never heard of such a prodigy in our sect.”

The other Pure Yang disciples shook their heads in agreement.

Ling Xiao, however, had a glimmer of understanding upon hearing them mention “her.” Hong Luanfeng noticed the change in his expression, nudged him in the back, and whispered, “You know who they’re talking about?”

Others overheard Hong Luanfeng and turned curious gazes toward Ling Xiao. He was a well-known figure now. Though he hadn’t made much of a name for himself before, having quietly cultivated to the peak of Foundation Establishment in the outer sect, perhaps he did know secrets others didn’t.

Ling Xiao’s plump face twitched slightly; he was inwardly troubled. But since everyone asked, he had no choice but to answer, albeit reluctantly. “I don’t know much about her identity. I only know she joined the outer sect the same year I did. Thirty years ago, she had already reached the peak of Foundation Establishment. Ten years ago, she was in the Nascent Soul Realm. Whether she’s in the Divine Transformation Realm now, I couldn’t say.”

“I haven’t seen her in a long time—she might have already left the sect.”

Luo Heng shook his head. “Impossible. How could such a genius hide in the outer sect without being discovered? Even if the outer sect elders missed her, the senior members of the inner sect wouldn’t overlook such a talent. If the person you mention reached the Nascent Soul Realm before a hundred, she’d have to undergo two heavenly tribulations—those can’t be concealed.”

Wang Li wasn’t in a hurry to reveal her identity. Instead, he was genuinely curious how Ling Xiao knew of her existence. She was a very unique presence—most people in Pure Yang Temple had no idea she existed. Wang Li himself only learned of her by chance in the Sutra Library, where they’d exchanged a few words. Jiang Yue knew of her because her position meant most of the temple’s secrets were no secrets to her—perhaps she was even quite familiar with her.

But how could an unremarkable outer sect disciple have any interaction with her? It was odd indeed.

Could it be, as Master Sheng had said, that Ling Xiao was the protagonist of this era, always unwittingly dragged into significant events?

Yet, judging by his attitude, Ling Xiao seemed quite wary of even mentioning her name. Who knew why?

Jiang Yue was not as concerned as Ling Xiao and said to Luo Heng, “Nothing is impossible. To be frank, she is my third senior sister’s disciple, known as Yun Jingzi. She’s been in the outer sect for sixty years.”

Ling Xiao nodded in agreement, “Since Jiang Yue has said it outright, there’s no point in me being secretive. Yun Jingzi possesses the Innate Yin-Yang Body and is a few years younger than me. We entered the outer sect at the same time. I once considered myself a rare talent, but never expected the outer sect to be hiding such dragons and tigers. As far as I know, there are three outer sect disciples under one hundred at the peak of Foundation Establishment, and two in the Nascent Soul Realm. If Yun Jingzi has reached Divine Transformation… Well, what I mean is, we don’t really need to be too concerned about the Earth Howl leader. Even if Yun Jingzi isn’t here, the other two can handle it.”

As soon as he finished, the group erupted into discussion.

“What’s going on? Are the outer sect disciples all monsters?”

“Compared to them, have us inner sect disciples wasted our lives?”

“But why don’t they try to enter the inner sect? Inner sect disciples enjoy great privileges, and the more talented you are, the more attention you get. What are they thinking?”

“Who knows? Maybe they want to make a splash like Junior Brother Ling Xiao did.”

Even Wang Li was stunned. He had thought Yun Jingzi was a unique case, perhaps placed in the outer sect by the sect leader or elders for tempering. He hadn’t expected there to be several such remarkable individuals hidden in the outer sect.

“Master Sheng, what’s going on? How did so many experts end up in the outer sect?”

Master Sheng replied lazily, “Before I met you, Ling Xiao was the child of fortune of this era. Is it strange for a few other geniuses to be hidden around him?”

Wang Li was exasperated. “Is that what I’m asking?”

“I told you before, someone is orchestrating things. In any plan, you need to arrange your pieces.” Master Sheng explained, “The Profound Heavens World is fundamentally no different from other great worlds. Every so often, the world’s will will reorganize its own order, select some people to eliminate others, and thus keep the rules of the world under its control. These geniuses gathered around Ling Xiao are just chess pieces, responsible for ensuring the growth of an important piece—Ling Xiao himself.”

“Otherwise, why do you think Ling Xiao, after sixty years of lying low, suddenly rose to prominence? Besides knowing he has strong allies, the world’s will arranged for him to make his appearance at this exact moment. That’s a significant reason as well.”

“Hiss… Is it really that terrifying?” Wang Li sucked in a cold breath.

Master Sheng grinned, “What’s wrong, frightened? Didn’t you want to make a name for yourself? Don’t you feel a bit ridiculous now?”

“Somewhat. I suddenly feel rather foolish,” Wang Li admitted, feeling dispirited.

He understood Master Sheng’s implication—it was all just the world’s will pushing its own agenda. He was only involved by accident. Even if he hadn’t stepped up, these disciples would have gotten away unscathed. His own participation was nothing more than puffing himself up.

Suddenly, he felt a wave of disinterest.

Master Sheng seized the moment. “This is just petty scheming—at worst, a few people die. If a certain bastard were to intervene, who knows how many worlds would be wiped out?”

“You’ve seen it yourself: the world outside is too dangerous. Once you’re back at Pure Yang Temple, you’d best keep your head down. Don’t go spouting nonsense about upholding justice, fighting evil, and defending the Way.”

Wang Li sighed, “…Master Sheng, this is what you wanted all along, isn’t it?”

“What do you think? Without my tacit consent, you think the immature world’s will could drag you into this?” Master Sheng said smugly. “I just wanted you to see how shameless those lofty beings can be. If you want to be a good man, you’ll never be a match for those without shame. If you want to live well, listen to me!”