Xie Bing sat on a large rock, accompanied only by the Black Pig and the raven the Black Pig raised.
In her hands were the three textbooks she had found. The contents were all hidden, requiring her to grind the skill proficiency of the “Little Yellow Book” to unlock the assessment content.
For this assessment, she had obtained three things: “Chrysanthemum Withering Sword Intent,” “Ten-Step Swordplay,” and the Spiritual Sense Refinement of “Demeanor.”
The Wei-Jin Demeanor emphasized a profound heart and keen insight, refining the divine consciousness. Recently, within Xie Bing’s Sea of Consciousness, potent spiritual energy had begun to brew, a sign that her spiritual sense was being tempered and growing stronger.
Her spiritual energy was transparent, shimmering with a faint silver light, almost like an illusion. Xie Bing was certain something unknown was happening within her. Perhaps she would understand once the assessment was over.
What differed this time from the last was that, in addition to the sword art and sword intent, the system required her to refine her spiritual sense. At first, she found it strange, but then she understood:
—It was like the synchronized study of nine subjects back in her previous life in Huaxia. Mama no longer has to worry about my studies!
Day and night, Xie Bing shut herself away in the Back Mountain and furiously grinded proficiency.
The dark circles that had just started to fade intensified once more.
Proficiency 1/100…
Proficiency 90/100…
Just as her proficiency was about to max out, she received a summons: the new batch of Foundation Establishment disciples were all to go to the Cultivation Academy for instruction.
The Taixu Sect’s Cultivation Academy was unlike other academies in the cultivation world.
As one of the Three Major Sects, the Taixu Sect was wealthy and powerful, generous with resources for every disciple. They periodically enrolled disciples at different stages based on their progress.
After reaching Foundation Establishment, Xie Bing had finally qualified to enter… the Foundation Establishment Class.
Originally, all disciples who broke through in the same month were supposed to go to the Sword Tomb together to pick their Lifebound Magic Weapons, and then proceed to the Foundation Establishment Class together for lectures. However, Head Seat Gu Monian had put a halt to it.
In ancient times, King You of Zhou toyed with the nobles using beacon fires to win a smile from Bao Si. Today, Gu Monian had postponed the Foundation Establishment Class for Xuan Yao.
All disciples in her batch had to wait until Xuan Yao found her Lifeforce Spirit Sword before the class could commence.
Rumor had it that Junior Sister Xuan Yao, having lost two top-tier Innate Artifacts in succession, was deeply dispirited and spent her days in tears.
Rumor also had it that Gu Monian had somehow procured another top-ten-ranked spirit sword, and Xuan Yao finally had her Lifeforce Spirit Sword.
Xie Bing: Xuan Yao’s path as a Sword Cultivator truly is a bit bumpy.
And then Xie Bing thought: None of my business.
…
To attend the academy, one had to go to the Star-Plucking Terrace Academy on Ethereal Peak.
“Star-Plucking Terrace” carried the meaning of climbing high to pluck the stars, a metaphor for the great path of cultivation, ascending to the top.
Having just reached Foundation Establishment marked the first step upon that great path.
Xie Bing planted some spirit herbs at Stone Forest Peak for a while. Seeing that it was almost time, she washed her hands in the Rapids River.
She straightened up and gently brushed her fingers through her hair.
The Frost Hair Ribbon slipped with her fingertips. Light flashed, and it transformed into the Frost Spirit Sword.
The Frost Spirit Sword hovered in midair, trembling slightly.
Xie Bing stepped right onto it. The Frost Spirit Sword shuddered and shot directly from Stone Forest Peak into the boundless sky.
Endless mist and clouds drifted to her left; the rising morning sun seemed close enough to touch on her right. Standing steadily on the spirit sword, Xie Bing felt a lightness and joy in her heart.
Having a Lifebound Magic Weapon was wonderful. It charged itself, flew itself—finally, she didn’t need to hitch a ride.
Xie Bing: Happy.
…
Sword Riding was very fast. Before long, she arrived near Ethereal Peak.
She landed at the academy gate, found a corner, and seized the time to cram, quietly waiting for the gate to open.
Entering the Cultivation Academy for the first time was a significant event. From various peaks, senior and junior brothers, Shifus, and masters came to escort their disciples.
All over Ethereal Peak, people were flying back and forth. Various magical artifacts glimmered with spiritual light, a stunning sight.
The disciples gradually arrived. Suddenly, a familiar sword light streaked across the sky.
Xie Bing’s grip on her book tightened unconsciously.
She knew this sword light all too well.
After her ex-husband brother had killed his wife to prove the Dao, the very first glimpse of this extraordinary world she had stolen was split open by her Shifu’s sword light.
The wind rose suddenly.
Clouds and mist swirled, the sword light gradually fading. On the spirit sword stood a man and a woman.
The man was tall and imposing, right hand tucked behind his back. He was noble and aloof, his face unreadable.
The woman was soft and adorable. She giggled as she spoke to the man, the hem of her pink skirt gently fluttering with her movements, sweet enough to melt into one’s heart.
Gu Monian and Xuan Yao.
The sword descended, and they stepped off.
Another sword light followed behind them.
An spirited young man jumped off the sword. It was Youngest Junior Brother Su Caiyi.
Gu Monian casually tucked a stray strand of hair behind Xuan Yao’s ear. His voice was cold, like an autumn wind:
“Yao’er, during your time here at the Cultivation Academy, you must not be willful. The path of cultivation is long and begins with a single step. Proceed steadily.”
Xuan Yao’s smile was bright and radiant. She laughed cheerfully: “I know, Shifu! You’ve already told me this several times. I’ve carefully memorized everything you’ve taught me. I absolutely won’t embarrass you.”
“Hm.”
A faint acknowledgment. In his voice was a trace of tenderness that no one else could perceive:
“Your teacher has always known.”
He lowered his hand. A faint light flickered, revealing a bag of amber candy.
The candies were of various colors, crystal clear, melting upon entry.
This type of amber candy was refined from various top-tier spirit herbs. It was a luxury-grade candy that female cultivators in the cultivation world loved most.
Xuan Yao’s eyes lit up with delighted surprise. She snatched it eagerly, her eyes sparkling like starlight. Carefully opening the Brocade Pouch, she pinched a candy with her jade-like fingers and popped it into her mouth. Her eyes curved in satisfaction:
“Shifu, you’re the best! How did you know I love eating this?”
She then picked up another amber candy and tried to feed it to Gu Monian.
Gu Monian smiled and shook his head.
Xuan Yao pouted in disappointment, then stuffed it into her own mouth, immediately brightening again.
Numerous gazes fell upon the two of them.
Before the gates of Star-Plucking Terrace Academy, other cultivators waited for the doors to open, occasionally glancing toward this master-disciple pair.
Their eyes held barely concealed envy and resentment:
…Who wouldn’t be jealous?
The best Shifu, the best resources, the best spirit roots, the best care and affection. The entire Taixu Sect’s resources at her disposal. Only Xuan Yao received such treatment.
…No, even if they became disciples under Gu Monian, they probably couldn’t become Xuan Yao. They could only be…
Their gazes shifted and landed on Xie Bing.
—They could only be Xie Bing.
Inequality breeds resentment. The degree to which Gu Monian doted on Xuan Yao starkly highlighted how little he valued Xie Bing.
Who could guarantee they would be the favored one?
Mulling it over, they found the thin, silent girl huddled in the corner somewhat pitiful, and finally dismissed the thought from their minds.
…
Xie Bing kept her head down, waiting for the academy to open.
Naturally, she had also heard the exchange between master and disciple.
As she studied her book, listening to Gu Monian’s instructions for Xuan Yao, her thoughts grew hazy.
She, too, had once been earnestly admonished by her Shifu.
What she heard most often was: “Xie Bing, remember to take your medicine.”
“Don’t forget your medicine.”
“This bottle of pills was meticulously concocted by your teacher. Take them daily without fail.”
“Be sure to take your medicine.”
…Medicine, medicine, medicine! Take a damned ghost’s medicine!
Xie Bing drew a deep breath and refocused.
One was stern and severe, never showing her a smiling face, only concerned with whether she took her medicine. The other was pampering and doting, instructing her with tender care like a beloved daughter. These were two different people.
The latter… had nothing to do with her.
She could vaguely sense the meaning behind those gazes. In her previous life, she had also wallowed in confusion, even desperately hoping to touch the hem of his robe when Shifu had locked her away.
Now, what did the latter’s Shifu have to do with her?
The Wei-Jin Demeanor valued intelligence, broad-mindedness, and sincerity. She would be better off spending her time refining her spiritual sense.
…
Inside Star-Plucking Terrace Academy, everyone took their seats according to the arrangements of the Welcoming Senior Brother.
There were twenty Foundation Establishment cultivators in this cohort.
White robes, sacred and elegant. Red flame patterns, scorching and vivid, lifelike.
It was the Crimson Flame Seat of the Taixu Sect, Perfected Yu Yan.
Cultivators showed no true age, all appearing as handsome men and beautiful women. Perfected Yu Yan looked no older than twenty.
His red hair blazed like fire, cascading down his straight, slender waist as he strode slowly to the open-air lectern on Star-Plucking Terrace.
All the fellow disciples fell silent.
Despite his youthful appearance, Perfected Yu Yan had a fiery temper that no one dared provoke. They were mere newcomers to Foundation Establishment. Who would court disaster?
They dutifully offered salutations.
Yu Yan nodded.
Everyone sat.
Amidst the misty clouds, his gaze was stern.
Just as Xie Bing, in her corner, sat down, a charming laugh sounded nearby.
A figure in pink bounced lightly to the front. It was Xuan Yao.
Xuan Yao lowered her head slightly, her voice clear and ethereal. “Perfected Yu Yan, this is Clear Heart Tea I managed to obtain with great difficulty. I thought, as Perfected Yu Yan cultivates fire arts year-round, you might need something to balance it, so I brought it especially for you.”
Yu Yan’s fiery red hair lifted slightly. His handsome face froze for a moment.
Xuan Yao said softly, “One day as a teacher, a lifetime as a teacher. This is just a small token of this disciple’s regard.”
Yu Yan was visibly moved. He looked down at the small wooden box in Xuan Yao’s hand and reached out to accept it.
Xuan Yao seemed overjoyed, giggling softly as she returned to her seat.
The other disciples sighed with regret. Why hadn’t they dared to curry favor with Yu Yan?
Xie Bing watched coldly.
If this could be visualized, countless “+10 Favorability,” “+10 Favorability,” “+100 Favorability” notifications were probably popping up above Yu Yan’s head.
Her neighbor was a young man with a likeably cheerful face named Ming Wen. He chuckled: “Your Junior Sister just gave Perfected Yu Yan Clear Heart Tea. Where’s yours?”
Xie Bing’s face was expressionless as she pulled a teapot from her Storage Brocade Pouch and filled the cup on her table.
Xie Bing: “Me?”
She leisurely sipped her tea. “Soaking goji berries in a thermos.”
…
“Perfected Yu Yan has the worst temper in the Taixu Sect, but he treats Junior Sister Xuan Yao uniquely. Shows how lovable she is.”
Ming Wen, whom Xie Bing had never once seen paying attention in class, was either fiddling with small artifacts or leaning over to whisper gossip with her.
“Did you know? Perfected Yu Yan, though very handsome, has always been single because of his explosive temper. Female Cultivators don’t want to get close to him.”
“And also, Perfected Zang Chenghua, the Head Seat of Starry Peak, is usually stubborn and unapproachable, but he absolutely loves petting cats! If you mess up, you can obliquely bring a cat to beg for mercy. Once Perfected Zang has had his fill of petting, he might just forgive you.”
“The female cultivators of Divine Dream Peak are currently planning the 76th cultivation world beauty contest. I heard that out of ten judges, eight favor Eldest Senior Brother Yin Juanzhi. He’s very likely to be the number one beauty again!”
Xie Bing: “…”
An eye-opener!
If Ming Wen hadn’t told her, she’d never have known the Taixu Sect was this entertaining!
Ming Wen winked slyly. “The Taixu Sect’s official internal newspaper is too boring. We’ve started our own gossip rag, but it’s only distributed to a small circle. It’s incredibly interesting. I’ll give you a fifty percent discount!”
Xie Bing: “Hmm?”
Ming Wen perked up and immediately slipped out a jade slip stealthily. “This is the Gossip Jade Slip we make. Original price is two Spirit Stones. I’ll give you an insider price—only one Spirit Stone!”
Xie Bing: “No thanks.”
She couldn’t afford it!
One Spirit Stone was equal to ten thousand yuan. Was she insane to spend ten thousand on a gossip rag?
Ming Wen was crestfallen. “Why won’t any of you buy it? Fine. I’ll give you a trial version. Just be a tester and let me know if anything needs improving.”
He ducked his head and, with lightning-fast, nonchalant speed, tossed Xie Bing a jade slip.
…Clearly a master of slacking in class.
Xie Bing was no slouch either!
She calmly accepted it, looking utterly as if she was doing nothing else, and secretly unfurled the jade slip.
The contents were in inked characters, divided into sections by different gossip categories. The top headline was currently updating. When Xie Bing saw the title, she nearly threw the jade slip away!
—Taixu Peak Eldest Senior Brother Yin Juanzhi Returns to Report Mission Completion. Statistics: 18 female cultivators “fainted” into his arms under false pretenses, 26 female cultivators sought “guidance in martial arts.” Popularity Explodes!
Xie Bing: “…”
She couldn’t help but recall what had happened at Little Rest Pavilion two days ago. Yin Juanzhi had suddenly returned. She had pretended to be a Face Connoisseur and wildly confessed, saying she wanted to sleep in his bed, bathe in his bath, touch his skin… At the time, Yin Juanzhi had been ready to kill her with a single sword stroke.
But they were within the sect after all. Xie Bing was just a shallow flower-lover, infatuated with anyone attractive. Yin Juanzhi had given a cold sneer, remarking that no wonder Xie Bing had been acting so strangely lately—she’d simply taken a fancy to his body.
Yet, in the entire Taixu Sect, was Xie Bing the only woman coveting Yin Juanzhi’s body?
Just look at this gossip headline! He’d attracted a swarm of frenzied bees and wanton butterflies in a single day. Yin Juanzhi had been expertly handling such situations for years.
So, expertly, he had grabbed Xie Bing by the scruff of her neck and thrown her out.
Drenched to the bone, Xie Bing had landed pitifully with a thud on her bottom outside Little Rest Pavilion.
The deep mountain night wind had howled as she shivered and trembled her way back to her Stone Forest Peak Courtyard.
Xie Bing pondered: Eldest Senior Brother doesn’t like a single woman. Yet the Devil Venerable is repeatedly rumored to be debauched and promiscuous. Which one is the truth?
…
Perfected Yu Yan’s assignments that day were not light, and they absolutely had to be finished that night. Xie Bing, thinking of her midnight exam, simply went back to the Back Mountain.
In the moonlight, she did her homework on the large rock, with only the Black Pig for company.
By the time she finished, the moon hung directly overhead, and all was still and silent.
Then, the second assessment began.
The familiar virtual exam room, the massive countdown, the desk, the test paper, the A4 sheet.
Xie Bing, confident she had memorized the three books thoroughly, gasped sharply when she saw the exam paper!
There was one more question than in the first assessment:
—Briefly discuss the relationship between Li Bai and Du Fu.
This question was manageable! She could do this!
We liberal arts students excel at memorization. She had crammed non-stop for two days; all that knowledge was in her brain!
And there was also a bonus question?!
—Lu Xun once said: “Tao Qian is great precisely because he is not entirely ‘tranquil and serene.'” Discuss this in relation to Tao Yuanming’s poetry.
Xie Bing: “…”
When did Lu Xun say that?!
She only knew Lu Xun said that if you spend money often, your worries will lessen by 80%.
But Lu Xun never mentioned where the money comes from, and no one dared to ask.
Xie Bing picked up her brush, then put it down.
Picked it up, put it down again.
Did all exams everywhere conspire to go beyond the syllabus?
Crack.
Xie Bing snapped her pen cap: Damn system, I’ll murder you!