Immortal Sect Disciple, Isolated and Out of Place

In the inner courtyard plaza, someone stood shoulder to shoulder with Hall Master Du.

Hall Master Du's companion possessed an outstanding bearing. She looked only twenty-four, a female Daoist clad in a goose-yellow Daoist robe and wearing a golden fish-tail crown. Her beauty was sharp as a blade.

The female Daoist noticed Fang Shu's arrival and swept her gaze over him with faint amusement, carrying a hint of aggression.

As she looked him over, Fang Shu felt every hair on his body rise, as though he had been scraped by a blade. At once, he formed a few guesses about her identity.

When Hall Master Du saw Fang Shu arrive, she spoke.

"Everyone in the courtyard who was going to come is here. There is no need to wait for the rest. Consider them lacking the fortune for it."

With a rustle, the disciples who had been lowering their eyes in thought or whispering among themselves all turned their gazes toward Hall Master Du and the female Daoist.

Seeing that everyone had perked up, Hall Master Du cupped her hands toward the female Daoist at her side and said, "Today, I specially invited an Immortal Sect disciple down from Mount Lu for you all. Why do you not hurry and pay your respects?"

At these words, those who had already guessed as much seemed to erupt in a buzz of excitement. Their eyes fixed tightly on the female Daoist as they hastily called out, "Greetings, Immortal!" "We pay respects to the Immortal Sect elder!"

Fang Shu stood among them, thinking, Just as expected.

That casual glance from her earlier had filled him with a tangible chill, exceedingly similar to the divine sense spoken of in rumor.

Thus, he did not dare be negligent. He respectfully bowed to the female Daoist as well and addressed her as "Immortal Elder."

The yellow-robed female Daoist calmly accepted the worship of the inner courtyard disciples of Solitary Gu Hall, then said with a faint smile, "There is no need for such ceremony. My surname is Fang, and I too came from Solitary Gu Hall. By lineage, you should call me 'Senior Sister.'"

The disciples present revealed surprised expressions one after another and hurriedly began calling her "Senior Sister Fang."

"Originally, Eldest Senior Brother should have come today. But unfortunately, he is in secluded cultivation, at a critical point in breaking through."

The female Daoist surnamed Fang spoke with reserved poise. "As Fang happened to be free, I took Eldest Senior Brother's place and came to offer you some encouragement and speak of my past cultivation experiences."

Hall Master Du immediately gave a hoarse laugh and shook her head. "Why be so modest, Daoist Fang? Your willingness to return to this broken Daoist hall of mine is already doing this hall a great honor. How can it be called 'taking another's place'?"

As she spoke, Hall Master Du cupped her hands toward the female Daoist surnamed Fang once more.

The female Daoist smiled and did not avoid the gesture, merely returning the salute.

Then, amid the envious and yearning gazes of the Daoist hall disciples, the female Daoist surnamed Fang began speaking of her years cultivating in Solitary Gu Hall and later entering the Immortal Sect.

Her words left the disciples flushed with excitement, each wishing they too could leap into becoming an Immortal Sect disciple, break through into qi refinement, and become one of the Spirit Immortals.

"Generally speaking, the earlier one passes the Third Tribulation and enters the Immortal Sect, the easier it is to succeed in qi refinement and be granted the status of an Immortal Sect disciple."

The female Daoist surnamed Fang spoke fluently. "Before the age of eighteen, the chances are greatest. After eighteen but before twenty, the chances drop by thirty percent. After twenty but before twenty-five, they drop by another thirty percent.

"If one still has not entered the Immortal Sect before thirty-five, there is almost no hope for the rest of one's life. It would be better to live out one's days properly at the foot of the mountain."

Several disciples' expressions changed slightly at these words.

Among them, every one was already older than eighteen, and one had even passed twenty-five.

Fang Shu's expression also tightened when he heard this.

Although he had not yet turned eighteen, he was not far from it.

Especially when the female Daoist surnamed Fang suddenly turned her gaze toward Qin Min among the crowd as she spoke.

She examined Qin Min with great interest and said, "No wonder Master Du wanted to invite us old hands down the mountain.

"So the Daoist hall is about to produce another little junior sister."

Fang Shu and the others all turned their attention toward Qin Min, thoughts stirring in their hearts.

They heard the female Daoist surnamed Fang click her tongue in wonder. "Just over fifteen, and already not far from passing the Third Tribulation. And she possesses a spirit root as well. Not bad, not bad!"

She smiled. "When you enter the Immortal Sect in the future, remember to come play with Senior Sister."

Qin Min's little face immediately reddened at these words, while she straightened her back. She cupped her hands toward the other woman and said joyfully, "Yes, Sister Fang."

The others around them, Fang Shu included, all clicked their tongues in amazement.

"She's already not far from the Third Tribulation!"

"Could it be that Junior Sister Qin Min will pass the Third Tribulation and enter the Immortal Sect before she even turns sixteen?"

Envious, astonished murmurs continued throughout the crowd.

Fang Shu looked at her profile and clicked his tongue inwardly as well. He immediately recalled how, during the last sermon, he had heard people discussing whether Qin Min was about to pass the Second Tribulation.

Now, half a year later, she had indeed passed the Second Tribulation long ago and become a Second-Tribulation Essence-Refining Human Immortal.

As expected of someone with a spirit root, Fang Shu sighed inwardly.

But the next moment, he suppressed his envy and jealousy, merely waiting quietly among the crowd.

Such stray thoughts were useless. Dwelling on them would only breed more trouble. Besides, he possessed a Dao Register and had the Gu Master path taught by Hall Master Du. Compared to ordinary people, his cultivation progress might not necessarily be slower.

As his thoughts turned, a line of text appeared in Fang Shu's mind:

[Realm: First-Tribulation Essence-Refining Human Immortal (29%)]

Over the past half year, Fang Shu's cultivation had advanced by another one percent. His First Tribulation was now thirty percent complete.

And that was while he had divided his attention toward Gu arts, while his Insect Method had not been perfected during the first month or so, and under the cultivation results gained in such a state.

If he were given another half year or more, he should be able to pass the Second Tribulation as well and advance to a Second-Tribulation Essence-Refining Human Immortal.

As long as he hurried, passing one tribulation a year, he should be able to pass the Third Tribulation just before reaching eighteen.

Yet the next moment, Fang Shu's heart sank again.

He immediately realized that immortal cultivation usually became slower the farther one went. One also occasionally had to consolidate one's cultivation and temper newly gained qi and blood, lest one's foundation be unstable.

The Second Tribulation might take only one year, but the Third Tribulation would not necessarily take merely one year. It might take two, perhaps even three.

Thinking this, Fang Shu's gaze drifted toward those disciples in the crowd whose faces looked older and more seasoned.

A sense of urgency rose ever more strongly in his heart.

But before Fang Shu could sink into this mood, another voice sounded at the scene and drew his attention away.

It was the female Daoist surnamed Fang, who had heard the disciples' whispered discussions and begun answering some of their questions.

"Me? Fang is untalented. I happened to enter the Immortal Sect at eighteen, then broke through into qi refinement at twenty."

"No hurry, no hurry. Though you are already twenty, as long as you have not passed thirty-five, it will not affect your entry into the Immortal Sect. It is merely that after entering the sect, while serving as a menial, you must work harder than the younger ones to fight for an opportunity at qi refinement."

The female Daoist surnamed Fang encouraged them. "The First, Second, and Third Tribulations are important, but the key lies in the Fourth Tribulation—the qi refinement barrier.

"Within the Five Sects of Mount Lu, there are quite a few who caught up from behind."

Fang Shu listened intently, taking every question and answer at the scene into his ears. He felt that he had gained another measure of knowledge.

It turned out that entering the Immortal Sect did not mean one had formally joined it. One would first be granted the status of a menial. Only after successfully refining qi would one be granted the status of an Immortal Sect disciple.

If one failed to refine qi, one could only endure on the mountain for years. One might even be sent back down, forbidden from returning to the mountain if one had not achieved qi refinement.

And if an immortal cultivator wished to refine qi, cultivating within the Immortal Sect was the only place where it was most likely to happen.

Just as everyone was asking questions with great enthusiasm, Fang Shu repeatedly raised his hand from within the crowd. But Hall Master Du noticed the deliberately weary look on the female Daoist surnamed Fang's face.

She promptly rebuked everyone. "What are you all making such a fuss for? Daoist Fang has limited time. She merely passed through Guling Town on her way down the mountain and still has important Immortal Sect business to attend to.

"Today's sermon ends here. We can speak again if there is an opportunity in the future."

Fang Shu and the others all showed regret, but none dared make a sound. They hurriedly cupped their hands toward the female Daoist surnamed Fang. "Thank you for your instruction, Senior Sister!"

After another round of pleasantries, Hall Master Du and the female Daoist surnamed Fang chatted as they headed toward the council hall, seeming to have private matters to discuss.

Fang Shu and the others escorted them all the way outside the council hall, yet did not disperse. Still, they did not dare enter the hall and disturb them.

Instead, they gathered in groups of two and three outside, waiting as they quietly exchanged thoughts and discussed matters.

Fang Shu was no exception. He spoke with the excited Li Hou'er about what they had learned.

Li Hou'er said with relish, "Damn it, if I refine qi someday, I'll definitely return to the hall and pass on some experience to my junior brothers and sisters too. I'll keep the incense fire of our Daoist hall burning without end!"

Fang Shu smiled. "I think you just want to display your holiness before others and see your junior brothers and sisters staring at you with faces full of admiration."

Li Hou'er put on a solemn face, but waved his hand and said, "That is only human nature. Why not enjoy it?"

Just as everyone was discussing things enthusiastically, Senior Sister Yu'er suddenly walked out of the hall and called to Qin Min, who was surrounded by several disciples. "Bao'er, Master and Senior Sister are calling for you."

Her words immediately drew everyone's attention. Once again, they cast envious gazes toward Qin Min.

There was no need to say more. Hall Master Du and the others had called Qin Min over to encourage her again and give her special instruction.

Among the crowd, Qu Yan and Fu Shier, one man and one woman, both bowed to Qin Min and said with smiles, "Among the hall, only Junior Sister Qin Min has the qualifications to meet an Immortal Sect disciple like Senior Sister Fang in advance."

"Junior Sister Qin is not far from entering the Immortal Sect. To share a Daoist hall with her is truly our blessing!"

With those two taking the lead, nearly half the disciples also offered flattering words, smiling as they clustered around Qin Min like green leaves around a flower. They made her shine all the more brightly, like a crane standing among chickens.

As for the other half, they were disciples like Fang Shu and Li Hou'er, who stood farther away and had little contact with Qin Min. They merely watched silently and enviously.

Qin Min was radiant with high spirits. She reservedly cupped her hands toward those around her without saying a word, then casually waved to Yu'er and strode into the council hall.

After she entered, the disciples outside the hall discussed things even more animatedly, though they all lowered their voices and did not dare speak loudly.

Qu Yan and Fu Shier in particular seemed to have become representatives of the many disciples. They even began discussing, "Junior Sister Qin Min hid it from us well. When did she pass the Second Tribulation? She did not even tell us, leaving no one in the hall to celebrate for her."

"How about this? Every inner courtyard disciple contributes something, and we make up a celebration feast for Junior Sister Qin Min. If Junior Sister is unwilling, we can turn it into congratulatory gifts instead. What do you all think?"

The disciples who had just clustered around Qin Min naturally agreed without hesitation. Even those short on funds gritted their teeth and agreed, chiming in, "Exactly. While Qin Min is still in the Daoist hall, we must seize the chance to build a good relationship with her.

"Who knows? When we enter the mountain in the future, we may need Junior Sister Qin Min to lend us a hand!"

Once those words were spoken.

When Qu Yan and Fu Shier looked toward the remaining half of the disciples, many hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement.

By the end, only Fang Shu and Li Hou'er remained standing in the crowd without responding.

Li Hou'er wore an awkward expression. He had heard Qu Yan and the others discussing it earlier: each person had to contribute at least three thousand coins.

With how stingy his father was, he truly could not take out that much, nor did he want to, lest he add to his family's burden.

As for Fang Shu, he was also desperately short of money at the moment. He had already sold off the remaining Purple Lead Mica Milk and had no extra talisman coins to spend currying favor.

What was more, even if he did, he would not be foolish enough to throw them away like water.

Fang Shu glanced at Qu Yan, Fu Shier, and the others, then at Li Hou'er's unease beside him.

He stepped forward and cupped his hands. "I will not take part in the matter of congratulatory gifts."

Li Hou'er secretly breathed a sigh of relief at this.

He hurriedly cupped his hands as well, awkwardly saying, "You senior brothers and sisters can handle such a good matter among yourselves. I... need not join."

At their words of refusal, displeasure immediately appeared on Qu Yan and Fu Shier's faces.

The others looked over as well, staring at Fang Shu and Li Hou'er with astonished eyes.

Someone among them, perhaps mocking them or perhaps offering a well-intended warning, said, "Everyone is joining in except you two. Being so out of step with the group does not look good."

Under the invisible pressure, Li Hou'er's awkwardness became even more apparent, while Fang Shu frowned slightly.

Yet neither changed his words. One avoided their gazes, while the other remained silent.

Since they were fellow disciples, and since even Fang Shu and Li Hou'er—despite entering late—were still immortal cultivators, Qu Yan and Fu Shier withdrew their scrutinizing gazes when the two truly refused to speak up.

In the end, they each merely said one thing.

"Your senior brothers and sisters invited you both to such a good affair. If you miss this chance, do not blame us for failing to tell you later."

"Junior Brother Fang, I heard your performance during tribulation was not bad. Senior Sister admires you quite a bit. If you change your mind, you can come find me anytime."

Fu Shier even smiled and raised her slender brows at Fang Shu before swaying away.

Then, these inner courtyard disciples ignored Fang Shu and Li Hou'er, leaving the two behind as they gathered elsewhere to discuss where to arrange the feast and what gifts to buy.

"Junior Sister Qin Min is devoted to cultivation. The feast can be simple, but the congratulatory gift absolutely cannot be."

"Yes, yes! We must prepare a precious medicine worthy of Junior Sister Qin Min."

"Qu is untalented, but my family runs a medicine hall. When I return, I will certainly bring out fine medicine. By the way, I heard the elders in Junior Sister Fu's family also hold shares in some establishment?"

Their lively discussion buzzed on like a swarm of flies.

Meanwhile, Fang Shu and Li Hou'er stood alone in a corner.

The scene was much like before they had entered the Dao, when they had stood side by side in the cultivation hall, watching the Venom Pit from afar like two little lackeys.

Not long after.

Qin Min walked briskly out of the council hall.

She had a vigorous figure and abundant qi and blood, with joy still lingering on her face.

The moment she appeared, she drew the attention of everyone outside the hall. More than ten inner courtyard disciples surged toward her.

"Junior Sister Qin! Did you receive more guidance from Senior Sister Fang? Congratulations, congratulations!"

"Will Senior Sister Fang give another sermon tomorrow?"

The disciples all spoke at once, making Qin Min appear even more dazzling.

Fang Shu and Li Hou'er leaned in a corner, watching from afar. The two sides seemed as far apart as clouds and mud.

Li Hou'er's eyes were filled with envy. Compared to when he had looked up at Senior Sister Fang earlier, his gaze now was even more envious.

Li Hou'er clicked his tongue and sighed to Fang Shu. "Wonder when we'll become figures in the inner courtyard too."

Just then.

Faced with everyone's adulation, Qin Min frowned slightly, finding them rather noisy.

She ignored their curiosity, compliments, and concern, instead looking around as though searching for something outside the hall.

When she spotted Fang Shu and Li Hou'er, her gaze paused. Then she strode over and stopped before Fang Shu with a slap of her feet.

Before everyone's eyes, Qin Min cupped her hands toward Fang Shu and spoke politely:

"Senior Brother Fang, Master and Senior Sister Fang have summoned you."

In an instant, the voices of the crowd outside the hall came to an abrupt halt.

Qu Yan, Fu Shier, and the others fell silent. They stared blankly at Fang Shu and Li Hou'er, wondering if they had misheard.

Li Hou'er himself widened his eyes. He fixed his gaze on Fang Shu beside him, as though he were seeing his own brother for the first time.

Yet Fang Shu remained calm, showing no great surprise.

He merely returned the salute with equal courtesy. "Thank you, Junior Sister Qin."

After speaking, Fang Shu nudged Li Hou'er beside him with his elbow, then strode unhurriedly into the council hall.

Fang Shu's manner caused the expressions of the inner court disciples around them to change even further.

Rumors from the outer court about Fang Shu entering the Dao and crossing tribulation instantly became clear in their minds, and they vaguely realized something.

Outside the hall.

When Li Hou'er came back to his senses, he discovered that everyone else was watching him. In an instant, he had become a focus of attention no less than Qin Min.

Li Hou'er rubbed the arm Fang Shu had nudged. Words hovered on his lips, unsaid, and his expression became quite a sight.