7.Senior is from the mortal realm?
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Ya Wen paused for a moment. "It's not like I have a say in how the Immortal Guild's arrays work."

Meanwhile, Wan also chimed in on the discussion: "But don't you have teleporting talismans? I recall you were a Talisman Contestant during the last Seven Sect Tournament."

"My talismans only allow me to teleport back to my sect since I don't have authorization to connect them to other core energies," Yawen clarified. "I solely possess talismans towards my sect. Plus, because of my health, I wasn't a good fit to use or craft talismans. The longer the distance, the more Qi is needed. "

"That's such a shame." the Young Master replied, "If only my clan could resolve the Immortal Guild array - but in the end, it is still in the hands of the Immortal Guild."

"Elder Brother, your Clan is one of swordsmen, not of array masters. This whole mess is the problem of the Immortal Guild." Wan replied, but quickly, the other girl interrupted her.

"We don't know how much it will take. I have heard news of how the Master Luo of the Immortal Guild had gone on an expedition. "

"Master Luo? Who even is that?" Wan seemed clueless.

"Master Luo is one of the elders of the Immortal Guild and the one supervising this area of the realm. "Yawen replied, slowly explaining to Wan, "He is one of the teachers at Heavenly Clouds Sect, and the news Cultivator Mei heard is quite true, too. He had left more than a few months ago."

Su Jing stood as quiet as a wall as she listened to their conversation. She touched the top of the teacup in circles, realising she was an exceptionally talented background character. She almost felt the blue filter washing her body while the others talked.

Regarding Master Luo, he was someone known by her. His famous name was Luo Changle, and he was the type of character meant to teach Feng Zhi Hao talismans, arrays and formations cultivation practices since he was quite a rare genius even in the immortal realm. Everyone wanted that type of teacher, but only the female lead succeeded in being his disciple.

If Su Jing wanted to go to the same field as Ya Wen, she would soon meet him since, in the story, he came back immediately after Feng Zhi Hao began to be known as a doctor.

But that was a matter to worry about later. What attracted Su Jing's attention was Young Master Wu's Clan matters.

So his Clan's array masters were overseeing the Yang City array? If that is true, then the people controlling the Immortal Guild Branch in Yang City were his Clan. And the Clan powering over Yang City was - the Black Tortoise Clan! Yawen told her about this just a few moments ago.

At first, Su Jing hadn't paid much attention to the name, but now that she was revisiting her memories, something clicked. There had been a minor scandal involving the Black Tortoise Clan, though not directly connected to Feng Zhi Hao. It was more like a side story to explain the actual events of the main story.

This Clan had been the victim of a devastating attack by another powerful clan, which had resulted in the death of the previous clan master. That shook the whole realm, so everyone pointed out the attackers' actions so much that it was decided at the urgent Immortal Convention that the Clan should be exterminated for the well-being of all cultivators.

And like this, the Clan responsible for the assault had been completely wiped out. The connection to Feng Zhi Hao was that, after many years, Feng Zhi Hao had fortuitously stumbled upon their most treasured heirloom—an artefact of immense value. Although many blamed the Clan's action, cultivators were as greedy as they wanted to find their clan treasures. So, of course, the female lead had to take it right before their noses.

With it, she had gained an advantage over the most skilled poison cultivators and doctors, making her nearly invincible in situations involving toxins. It had been an essential tool for Feng Zhi Hao's rise to fame since this heirloom made you immune to poisons.

So, the Black Tortoise Clan hadn't that much direct impact. And yet, Su Jing was beside one of its young masters. He was a swordsman at the Silver Sword Sect...

She searched for distinct signs on his attire. But as much as she thought, the problem lay in the fact that cultivators often had many names, the most used being different from the one from their family. He could appear in the story with another name and not mention his Clan. That was because they needed to show their worth as a single individual—to make themselves valuable to the family name.

If only she could have encountered him in the story setting with Feng Zhi Hao, it would have been easy to tell which was which. Her suitors had quite different personalities when they met her.

"Whether he comes back or not, he isn't the only one in the Immortal Guild," Young Master Wu responded as if not worried. "If you wait a little more, maybe my Clan could request cranes from the City of Higher Clouds - though that may take a while. The City of Higher Clouds has its network of connections and array masters. If we can establish a link with them, they may have the resources to aid us in resolving the current issues plaguing Yang City. It's a long shot, but it's better than sitting around waiting. Or at least, that is what I expect my Clan Head to do."

Ya Wen shook his head. "I appreciate your help, but my plan was to head to the mortal realm, as only Yang City has a route there. I don't think cranes would fare well in the forest."

Su Jing couldn't help but pause in her actions. Ya Wen wanted to go to the mortal realm? Similar to her, the others were surprised too, but as if suddenly things made sense, Young Master Wu nodded, "That is true, though I did not think you wanted to exit the realm. For that, indeed, using the array is the easiest way to go, even more so since it takes more than a month to pass the forest to reach the Mortal Gate."

Su Jing seemed to get a rather small understanding of what happened. 

She had used Immortal Guild's array, which was meant for cultivators. 

At first, Su Jing thought only one array existed between the realms, the Mortal Gate, which sent everyone directly into the forest. The rejected mortals were left to fend for themselves, while the cultivators passed quickly through the forest since they were powerful.

However, an Immortal Guild Array existed, which somehow was found by Su Jing instead. She had not thought too deeply before, but the High Elder, Bai Xiu Ying, Zhu Tai Chang, and the other two accepted mortals most probably used the Immortal Guild Array to skip over the forest. That's why she never saw any sign of them since they had probably reached the Sect already!

Weaker mortals were left to use the other small array because teleporting used internal energy, and they did not have enough to travel long distances without dying. Since the accepted mortals were powerful and had good innate cultivation, it was no problem for them to use the Immortal Guild array at a longer distance. In a way, the High Elder accepted the disciples, considering how well they would manage to teleport over a longer distance.

Assuming that Su Jing had already cultivated and used her roots before transmigration, the best explanation would have been that she had good Qi internal energy but not enough to reach the destination. Maybe that was why the High Elder rejected her - he mentioned how she consumed her roots too much.

So when she forced herself into the Immortal Guild array like a cow in a wall, the array might have broken - in a measure to preserve her life. The transport arrays had such a safe setting, and Su Jing knew that from the part of the story when Feng Zhi Hao was studying arrays. The main principle was to teleport but also to avoid accidents and casualties. 

So, Su Jing shut down Yang City and the mortal realm from the transporting system. She was that variable the cultivators from the Immortal Guild were investigating. Thinking about it, Su Jing couldn't help but be thankful she lied to Young Master Wu. Wouldn't she have become indebted to the Immortal Guild if he found out she had a fault? They would force her to work to pay for the inconvenience!

She had to leave this city as soon as possible! 

"Cultivator Su must be in the same situation, even more so since you do not have talismans or flying weapons. I apologise in stead of my clan, but I recommend Cultivator Su to wait until this issue is resolved before travelling."

Had he read her thoughts? Su Jing felt even more determined to leave before this guy caught on to something. 

"Of course, Young Master. I can manage to wait for a little," she replied with an overly calm tone, though her words were half-lies.

She glanced at Ya Wen, his earlier offer to take her to the Heavenly Clouds Sect suddenly seeming like a lifeline. That sect's future might be bleak, but it had a powerful reputation and a far safer environment right now than wherever this conversation was heading.

"That goes for you too, Cultivator Wen," Young Master Wu added, turning toward him.

"Unfortunately, I'll have to return to my sect," Ya Wen responded, shaking his head firmly. "I cannot afford to wait too long."

Young Master Wu nodded as if understanding. "That's quite reasonable," he said, though his gaze lingered on Su Jing for a moment too long. Su Jing couldn't help but freeze, awkward to move. 

"That reminds me," he began casually, "Cultivator Su must be searching for a sect, correct?"

Su Jing fought to keep her expression neutral. She hadn't spoken to Ya Wen about his plans to take her to the Heavenly Clouds Sect yet. Still, in this matter, there was no point in lying.

"That's right, young master. I also asked Cultivator Wen for advice on where I could go."

Young Master Wu leaned forward slightly, resting his arms on the table. "I see. Then did you happen to join the Cultivation Academy in the mortal realm? That is often where aspiring mortals begin their cultivation."

"Unfortunately, I did not have the chance." Su Jing shook her head." Getting into the academy is harder than it seems."

Although the Academy may claim to be open to everyone, you need someone powerful, like a noble, to protect you and give you resources, such as weapons, books, or ink, to use and learn.

You often fall victim to other students and teachers without a strong backbone. Many of the academy's instructors were former disciples from the immortal realm, unable to progress in their cultivation. Their stagnation occasionally resulted in jealousy, hindering the new mortal disciples with immense potential for greatness.

So, from an upper perspective, the Academy had long ago lost its power to corruption.

"Since you didn't attend the Academy, you probably haven't heard much about our sect," Wu continued, his tone becoming more serious. "The Silver Sword Sect occasionally holds contests at the Academy to recruit the most promising students as disciples. Although the selection process for this decade has already been completed, our sect is always willing to accept newcomers—if they show sufficient potential. That's why I'm curious if you would be interested in trying."

Su Jing felt her stomach drop.

Before she could respond, Wan shot up from her seat like an arrow. "Brother! What are you saying? Do you want her to join our sect? She hasn't even formed a proper Qi Refinement dantian! How could she possibly qualify, let alone compete with us?"

"Sit down, Wanwan," Young Master Wu said mildly, "I suggested this because it would be unfortunate for Cultivator Su to roam without direction in search of a sect. Our sect has lenient requirements," he went on turning towards Su Jing. "All you need to do, Cultivator Su, is demonstrate your abilities in a small contest. That wouldn't be too hard, as it depends more on your ambition rather than innate ability."

Once again, all attention turned to her, making Su Jing uncomfortable! She had no interest in becoming a swordswoman, so joining a sword sect felt even more outrageous! 

Not to forget, the Silver Sword Sect was notorious in the story for its aggressive and competitive disciples, and looking at Wan, that seemed to be true. Although the other girl had not said anything, Su Jing felt her eyes sending her cold cakes towards her. It was a worse place than the Heavenly Clouds Sect!

Su Jing could only force a smile that she hoped didn't look too strained."I appreciate Young Master Wu's kindness, but I'm not sure I'm suited for such a sect."

Wan continued to look down at her, arms crossed, her expression dripping with disdain. "At least it's good that you're self-aware."

Su Jing really felt that her patience would inevitably wear thin if Wan continued to say a few more things. She smiled, "Cultivator Wan also doesn't need to worry about any competition with me. After all, I'm far from your level."

The words hung in the air as Wan's expression tightened, her eyes narrowing.

"Sect Sister Wan, let's not make this more difficult," the other girl spoke up, her voice steady but firm. "Cultivator Su has already stated she's searching for something else. Fighting over this would only reflect poorly on the sect's image."

Su Jing hadn't expected her to speak up in her defence. Their eyes briefly met before she quickly turned her gaze to Young Master Wu, silently waiting for him to weigh in.

Wan scoffed, her voice dripping with indignation. "Sect Sister Mei, are you presuming to lecture me?"

"Sect Sister Wan," Mei replied coolly, "You're letting your emotions cloud your judgment. I am simply helping you see the bigger picture."

Young Master Wu sighed, shaking his head in frustration. "Enough, both of you. If Cultivator Su has made her decision, we must respect it."

Cultivator Mei gave a slight smile, the edges of her lips curling with a hint of satisfaction. "That is true. Sect Sister Wan, you do not need to worry now. Your position is safe."

Wan clenched her hands, glaring at Mei.

Wan abruptly pushed her chair back with a sharp screech. Without looking back she stormed out of the room, slamming the door against the wall as she left.

Su Jing stared after her. Her two companions didn't appear too shaken, as if it wasn't the first time. 

Young Master Wu let out a weary sigh, for a moment Su Jing did not know what emotion was on his face. "I must apologize on her behalf," he said with a slight bow toward Su Jing and Ya Wen. "She has been my junior sister since childhood, and I may have indulged her too much over the years."

"Sect Sister's temperament is her responsibility, Senior Brother," the other girl interjected smoothly. "You shouldn't burden yourself with her shortcomings."

Young Master Wu, however, contrary to Mei's expectation, rose up. She frowned as she looked at him. "Still, Mingmei, we need to find Wanwan before she gets lost somewhere around the city. You can return to our quarters if you want, but I will search for her."

He then turned towards Su Jing and Ya Wen and said, "Cultivator Wen, since you plan to return to your sect, I understand you must be busy." He paused and glanced at Su Jing, adding, "And naturally, Cultivator Su has the opportunity to rethink her decision. During those days, at least for me, we will still be here in the city."

Su Jing inclined her head politely, though inwardly, she felt relief seeing them finally leaving.

Ya Wen replied, "Of course. Young Master can leave without worry. We will be fine."

Young Master Wu nodded, and although the other girl wasn't really willing, she cupped her hands in a sign of goodbye, following after Young Master Wu.

The room remained silent, and Su Jing almost felt awkward with Ya Wen. He put down his teacup and said, "I hope this did not cause you too much trouble." 

Su Jing turned towards Ya Wen, knowing he couldn't do much. Even more, it wasn't like Su Jing had no mouth or hands to defend herself.

"It's alright, senior. I actually heard a bit about Silver Sword Sect in the mortal realm, so I was curious about its disciples."

Naturally, it was through Feng Zhi Hao. While a student at the Cultivation Academy, she aimed to escape the mortal realm and join the Silver Sword sect after learning they were accepting winners. However, she faced a setback when encountering Zhu Tai Chang, who posed as a fellow student. He caused her to lose her place, illustrating the gap between her strength and the immortals.

This fueled her ambition to become more powerful, leading to her victory over Zhu Tai Chang in their next encounter, which embarrassed him. Her reward for the win was the information regarding the Heavenly Clouds Sect selection, which came from Bai Xiu Ying.

" Regarding the Silver Sword Sect, I won't stop you if you wish to go there." Ya Wen said, "But I do not know at what expense you know of them."

"I know the sect is highly regarded in the immortal realm, especially in swordsmanship."

He nodded.

"That's right. Over the years, they were regarded as the best sword masters. It is easy to enter, and the benefits are great. However, Lord Qingwu may have omitted something."

Su Jing paused, "Lord Qingwu?"

She knew only one Qingwu. This character was known for his cruel nature. He was also rich enough to occasionally gift Feng Zhi Hao things, from medical resources to a spiritual vein sought by almost all cultivators. Apart from minor remarks of "having to attend some matters back home" and" to resolve some messy stuff," he was not associated with the Black Tortoise Clan, which made him gain that mysterious allure.

That was a sub-male lead for Feng Zhi Hao!

Su Jing couldn't believe it! She actually got herself so soon wrapped around an important character? She fought to keep her face still. However, Ya Wen responded soon to her question.

" That's the Immortal Title for Young Master Wu. He mentioned you must enter a contest to enter the Silver Sword Sect. This contest is not the same as the one in the mortal realm since it involves duelling one of their current disciples. If the overseer supports the opponent, the victor could legally cause your death. Plus, even if you succeed, you would constantly risk losing your position as a disciple. You can't refuse a duel, especially from someone outside the sect, as it can hurt the sect's pride. At first, I wanted to intervene, but good thing you refused."

Su Jing considered Qingwu's acting. He certainly wasn't trying to help her, and she knew that since his character wasn't like that in the novel. The only one he helped was the female lead. She wasn't even able to recognise him because he acted so differently!

Thinking she needed to fight someone else when she did not even cultivate properly was like indirectly telling her to just die.

"Thank you for telling me this. I'll be careful," Su Jing said, appreciating Yawen's warning.

If she accepted, then it would be impossible to reconsider abandoning. She would have been surely killed! That damn Qingwu! Su Jing wanted to curse at him!

"I am also not inclined to be a swordmaster, so there is nothing to reconsider."

"I am glad. Lord Qingwu has lived his entire life in the immortal realm, so he might not have considered the shortcomings of mortals."

In other words, he was an ignorant man. Su Jing leaned more toward the idea that he was aware mortals weren't as sturdy and powerful as immortals, and he simply enjoyed making fun of their stupidity. If Su Jing had been an ordinary mortal, enthusiastic about cultivation yet lacking knowledge, she might have been easily swayed by his words, as every mortal yearns for treasures and a quick path to power.

"Senior sure is knowledgeable."

Ya-Wen nodded, " I simply needed to learn, just like you. I had difficulties getting along with the immortals when I arrived in the immortal realm since they have a slightly different thought process." 

"Senior is from the mortal realm?"

Su Jing blinked, taken aback by his answer. Ya Wen frowned as if it was something too obvious.

"I actually spent my childhood in Qin Country, and then my master accepted me as a disciple. My mother was a noble there."

Su Jing was more and more impressed by Ya Wen! If a master recruited him personally, then that meant that he surely was strong! 

"I did not expect senior to have such a high position. Were you planning to visit the mortal realm to see your family?"

Ya Wen paused for a moment, his expression shifting slightly. "In a way," he eventually replied, "I had hoped to reason with the Immortal Guild, even to ask them to send me the array coordinates in the mortal realm. But the repairs will take much longer than I can afford to wait. I even attempted to create my own teleportation talismans... but it was all in vain. I suppose all that remains is to return to my sect."

Talismans capable of transporting someone to the mortal realm? That was no small feat. Such talismans already required an immense amount of Qi for travel within the immortal realm, let alone across realms.

But then something clicked in her mind—she remembered how she had first found Yawen in Yang City: weak, feverish, and on the brink of collapse.

Suddenly, it made sense. He must have tried forcing himself to create the talisman for the mortal realm. But was there really a need for all that? Su Jing felt there was much more to it but didn't want to force her into personal matters.

"When does senior plan to return?"

"That," he hesitated, " I was thinking in a few days, but probably I must change my plans. I can not stay for too long now. So most probably tomorrow."

Su Jing did not understand the reason for his sudden hurry, but it didn't matter; she also wanted to leave this place as soon as possible!

"If you want to leave, I do not know if your offer still stands. I would like to try working at the Heavenly Clouds Sect, at least until I get used to the immortal realm."

Ya Wen's eyes softened at her words, a flicker of relief crossing his features. "Of course, there will be no problem," he replied. "The Heavenly Clouds Sect isn't perfect, but it's stable enough to give you time to adapt."

Su Jing nodded, her shoulders relaxing slightly. To think finding somewhere where to stay would relax her so much. 

"Since Lord Qingwu and his sect sisters have departed, there's still some tonic in the kettle. Would you like me to pack it for you? It doesn't really have an effect on me, and it would be a pity to let it go to waste."

When she heard him, Su Jing smiled awkwardly, not knowing how to respond. The liquid in her cup was still full, but it was cold because Su Jing had left it unnoticed. Perhaps seeing her look towards her cup, Ya Wen stretched his neck towards it.

"Oh, you haven't finished it yet. Do not worry, we can still stay a little while. I will transfer the rest to a Butterfly Bottle while you drink it."

Su Jing appreciated Ya Wen's efforts, but her stomach wasn't happy to see this liquor. Looking at Ya Wen's expectant gaze, she almost cried internally as she raised the cup to her lips, drinking it bit by bit.

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