Passing through the ethereal clouds, the spirit boat slowly came to a halt at the Governing Peak plaza.
The moment Gu Ningyun stepped off the boat and onto solid ground, her identity jade token flashed with a blinding green light.
This was the signal that a sect-wide message had arrived.
As soon as she extended her divine sense into the token, a pale green light screen popped up from the platform interface.
【All new disciples are requested to gather at the Governing Peak plaza tomorrow at the start of the Chen hour to participate in the inner disciple promotion competition.】
Gu Ningyun looked closely at the time. The words "start of the Chen hour" were clearly visible.
Was this a competition or a sneak attack? It was so sudden.
She wondered if the sect had been waiting for the ten of them to return from the Penglai Dao Discussion Meeting before starting the event for all the new disciples.
During the last new disciple competition, they had created a massive group chat for the six hundred and ninety-three new disciples, named "11680."
At this moment, messages were popping up in the group one after another.
Zhu Zijin: "What's the deal? A sneak attack? I just tripped yesterday and sprained my neck."
"I went to Alchemy Peak to find a senior brother to set the bone, and he did a good job."
"But then he handed me a pill that he said was a Return-to-Spring Pill, only for it to be a new poison pill he was testing. My spirit energy won't recover until tomorrow night."
Zhu Zijin: "The inner disciple promotion competition is tomorrow at eight in the morning. How am I supposed to fight?"
Lian Anping: "Senior Brother Zhu, I never realized you were so humorous."
Shao Xingwen: "LMAO. Senior Brother Zhu, have you been reading too many storybooks lately? That story was quite creative."
Zhu Zijin: "I'm being serious."
Lian Anping: "Sure, sure. If you say it's true, then it's true."
Zhu Zijin: "..."
Jiang Haosi: "I was wondering why a mission suddenly popped up in the Mission Hall two days ago, telling all the new disciples of our session to return to the sect within two days to accept it."
"When I went to accept it, they told me there was a temporary issue and asked me to wait."
Yin Qingshu: "I thought it was strange too. I assumed it was some kind of collective training expedition. Turns out they just wanted to gather us all in the sect for a sneak attack."
Lian Anping: "They didn't notify us in advance. Do you think they were afraid we'd go to our martial uncles to fish for information and find loopholes in the competition?"
Qin Xiaosheng: "I've looked into it. Two days ago, Senior Sister Gu and the others were on their way back from Penglai."
"The moment they stepped off the spirit boat, we all received the message about the competition."
"It's clear the New Disciple Training Department was just trying to get everyone together in a roundabout way so they could organize a surprise competition."
"I haven't been able to find out the specific content of the competition yet. All the veteran disciples, including our guides, are keeping their mouths shut."
Fu Mingzhi: "Junior Brother Qin, do you have the latest edition of 《New Disciple Xiaosheng's Remarks》?"
Qin Xiaosheng: "I do! The latest statistics were finalized right after Senior Sister Gu finished her Dao Insight. There's a nine-month delay, though. Do you want to buy it?"
Fu Mingzhi: "I'll take it. I'm waiting for you at the Governing Peak plaza."
Qin Xiaosheng: "Anyone else want the latest edition of 《New Disciple Xiaosheng's Remarks》? Ten low-grade spirit stones a copy."
"It includes the latest information on the top ten from the last competition who spent over half a year in Penglai. It's absolutely accurate. If it's not, I'll give you a full refund."
Lian Anping: "Senior Sister Gu has already had a Dao Insight. Is there even any point in fighting her if we run into her?"
Shao Xingwen: "Our performance in the promotion competition determines whether we'll be chosen as progeny disciples by the seniors. It wouldn't be good to just give up if we face her."
Jiang Haosi: "I'm already prepared to surrender the moment I see her. Saving spirit energy and avoiding injury to face the next opponent in peak condition is also a strategy."
Shao Xingwen: "That's true. It's not like we only get one chance to step onto the arena in the whole competition."
Zhu Zijin: "...Please don't say such unlucky things. I'm quite concerned about that."
Yin Qingshu: "Qin Xiaosheng, I'm at the Governing Peak plaza. Where are you?"
Qin Xiaosheng: "See that spirit boat in the middle with all the seniors flying out of it? I'm heading that way."
Gu Ningyun withdrew her divine sense. Jiang Yao had already run over to Qin Xiaosheng and bought a jade slip.
The top ten of the previous competition were the ten disciples who had gone to the Penglai Dao Discussion Meeting.
Besides the five of them, there were Si Puyu, Fu Mingzhi, Ling Hanbai, Shao Yuqi, and Xi Caixuan.
The courtyard belonging to Si Puyu’s group was right next to Gu Ningyun’s. After five months of comprehending Dao Rhyme, they had also made breakthroughs one after another, reaching the peak of Qi Refining level eleven.
Back at Ruiyu Pavilion, Jiang Yao opened the jade slip.
Excluding the ten of them, the highest cultivation level among the other new disciples was the middle stage of Qi Refining level nine, while the lowest was the late stage of level eight.
"This is data from nine months ago. If not for that Dao Rhyme, we would probably still be at level nine as well,"
Jiang Yao scrolled through the light screen of the jade slip. "Our cultivation grew too fast, so Daoist Lord Yi Guan told us to stabilize for a while before breaking through again."
"They should be in a similar situation."
"It seems manageable, but we can't be careless."
Gu Ningyun took out several newly drawn talismans and distributed them to her companions. "It's better to win in the most stable and effortless way possible."
"True."
...
The next day, fifteen minutes before eight in the morning.
Just after leaving the transmission hall and arriving at the Governing Peak plaza.
Gu Ningyun immediately spotted a Cloud Mirror standing in the center of the plaza, thirty meters high and twenty-four meters wide.
The aura and appearance of the Cloud Mirror were very familiar, similar to the one she had seen during the recruitment trial.
However, this one felt more ancient, heavier, and more imposing.
Once everyone had gathered, Perfected Person Ye didn't say much, simply gesturing for the six hundred and ninety-three of them to enter the Cloud Mirror.
After checking her storage ring and storage bag one last time, Gu Ningyun grabbed the wrists of Wen Xuan and the others and stepped into the mirror's surface, which was as hazy as smoky gauze.
"Family Head, it is the end of the year. The various shops have sent their ledgers and revenue reports."
The crisp clicking of abacus beads abruptly stopped. "The total profit is twelve million taels of silver."
Gu Ningyun lay lazily on a soft couch, her long black hair held up by a single Lantian jade hairpin.
The Gu family was the wealthiest in Great Yong; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say their wealth could rival a country.
Three years ago, both of Gu Ningyun's parents had passed away from illness, leaving her alone in the massive Gu Manor just as she reached adulthood.
Along with her came a manor full of gold, silver, treasures, ancient books, famous paintings, and exquisite jade, as well as shops and restaurants spread across more than half of Great Yong.
Half-opening her eyes, a handsome young servant beside her immediately brought over a bowl of camel hump soup.
The servant's fingers were long and slender, with distinct knuckles.
He held a green jade spoon, scooped up a bit of the soup, and fed it to Gu Ningyun's lips.
She opened her mouth and took a small taste. The perfectly simmered broth burst with flavor in her mouth as she ate the piece of camel hump meat along with the soup.
The servant was very observant; as soon as she swallowed, the second spoonful was right at her lips.
After unhurriedly finishing the bowl of soup, the servant set the bowl down and used a handkerchief to wipe the corners of her mouth.
Only then did Gu Ningyun rise from the couch and take the ledger to look it over.
"Compared to last year, it has grown by fifty percent."
"Under your wise decisions, Family Head, our Gu family has completely expanded our shops to every city in Great Yong this year. That is how we achieved such income."
Nianwei took the ledger and placed it on the desk. "Langyue Pavilion has a new authentic work by the Hermit of Mount Xiang. It will be auctioned tomorrow. Would you like to buy it, Family Head?"
"The south wall of the study is missing a painting. Buy it."
"Cuiyu Gallery has released new accessories. The manager has already sent over the designs. Would you like to take a look?"
"Are there any jade pieces?"
"There are headpieces made of Hetian jade, bracelets made of turquoise, ornaments made of white agate..."
"I'll take all of them."
Glancing at Caiwei’s hair, which only had a single gold hairpin, Gu Ningyun added, "Caiwei, I remember you like gold jewelry."
"You've worked hard on the accounts this month. If there's anything you like, just take it and put it on the manor's tab."
"I already bought the gold jewelry I like just now."
Caiwei touched the gold earrings on her ears, her smile bright. "If you really care about my hard work, Family Head, why don't you give me a raise?"
"You are my most capable head steward. The Gu family's business owes much to your efforts."
Gu Ningyun thought it over carefully before speaking. "How about I increase your monthly salary by thirty percent next year?"
"What about those under me..."
"Draw up a proposal for me to see. If it's appropriate, all future salary adjustments will follow that proposal."
"Then Caiwei will thank the Family Head on behalf of everyone."
Leaving behind Caiwei, who had been assigned more work even at the end of the year, Gu Ningyun stretched and walked out of the room.
As soon as she left the study, the handsome servant followed her. "Family Head, a new play is being rehearsed in the South Garden. Would you like to go see it?"
"What play?"
"It seems to be called 《Mu Guiying Takes Command》."
"Sounds good. Let's go see it."
As soon as she finished speaking, the servant turned and called someone over to give orders.
By the time Gu Ningyun stepped into the South Garden, the stage had already been prepared.
Directly in front of the stage, a pavilion had been built. A stream flowed around the pavilion, containing about a dozen goldfish.
Three sides of the pavilion were hung with curtains made of moon-glow silk, leaving only one side facing the stage.
She crossed the small stone bridge, stepped up the stairs, and entered the pavilion.
Inside was a reclining chair made of small-leaf red sandalwood. The chair was wrapped in soft cushions and covered with a layer of fox fur, making it incredibly soft.
Gu Ningyun sat down with a flick of her skirt. A maid on her left brought snacks and tea, while a servant on her right lit incense.
"The breeze is pleasant, but the incense is too stuffy. Put it out today."
At her word, the incense burner was taken away.
Propping her head up with her arm, she looked toward the stage, where the performers began their singing and acting.
The curtains of the pavilion hung from the top on three sides.
Occasionally, a gentle breeze would blow through, lifting a corner of the curtains.
The scent of flowers mixed with sunlight would then spill inside.
With a wave from the handsome servant, the curtain at the back of the pavilion was lifted slightly.
A handsome male servant, a round-faced maid, and a heart-faced maid entered.
As soon as the handsome male servant came in, he joined the other servant.
The two of them knelt on either side of Gu Ningyun’s feet, massaging her legs.
The two maids stood behind her, one massaging her shoulders and the other her arms.
On stage, famous actors performed the opera; below, handsome servants and pretty maids massaged her while tea and snacks were at her fingertips.
When Gu Ningyun opened her mouth, the round-faced maid on her left fed her a peeled lychee.
"To think there is someone with such talent in the mortal realm. Truly a fine seedling for cultivation."
A smooth, steady female voice rang out in her ear.
Gu Ningyun’s chewing slowed for a moment. She discreetly glanced at the people around the stage.
No one showed any abnormality.
Swallowing the lychee, Gu Ningyun looked back at the stage, appearing to be focused on the play.
"Little girl, are you willing to follow me and cultivate?"
There really was a voice. Who was playing tricks?
She blinked but didn't make a sound.
The sound of the opera suddenly grew distant. The faces and figures of the servants and maids around her became a blur.
A woman holding a sword was now standing in front of her reclining chair.
Gu Ningyun didn't speak as she watched the sudden change, though her pale fingertips gripping the armrest betrayed a hint of her emotions.
"I used a small spell. In the eyes of mortals, they only see you watching the play, completely unaware of our current situation."
The woman asked again, "Little girl, I was passing through this place and happened to discover that your bone structure is extraordinary. You are a fine seedling for cultivation."
"Are you willing to follow me and cultivate?"
Standing up from the chair, Gu Ningyun swallowed. "Cultivate?"
"Indeed. With your talent, you will soon possess the ability to move mountains and fill seas. You could even ascend to immortality and gain eternal life."
As she spoke, the woman took Gu Ningyun by the sleeve and led her out of the pavilion.
With a wave of her hand, a long sword appeared horizontally beneath their feet.
The woman pulled Gu Ningyun onto it and cast a protective shield around her.
The sword soared into the sky, piercing straight into the clouds.
After taking Gu Ningyun for two laps over the entire Great Yong, the woman flew back to the pavilion in the Gu Manor.
"Well? Are you willing to come with me?"
I must not have woken up today, she thought. Otherwise, how could such a bizarre thing happen?
She had lived in Great Yong for eighteen years, and her influence spread across the entire country.
She had never heard of cultivators or immortals.
But the wind whistling past the shield and the people she saw moving below from the clouds...
The leg that still throbbed from being massaged... everything proved that what she had just seen was real.
A merchant never acts without profit.
What could this woman with such powers possibly want from a mortal like her?
She looked at the woman. "What you say, Immortal... I cannot decide so quickly."
"I am an elder of the Qingyun Sect."
The woman took out a jade token. "If you make up your mind, you can take this token to the foot of Mount Qingyun next March to participate in the Qingyun Sect's new disciple recruitment trial."
Mount Qingyun... did the legendary immortal mountain truly exist?
She instinctively asked, "Immortal, how do I find Mount Qingyun?"
"Hold the token in your palm and softly say 'Mount Qingyun.' It will guide you."
"However, there is one thing I must explain to you."
Seeing her take the token, the woman spoke slowly. "Once you enter the immortal gate, you are separated from the mortal world."
"If you enter the sect, you must give up everything in the Gu Manor."
"No servants to handle your chores, no vast wealth for luxury and indulgence, no beauties to feed you fruit and massage your shoulders."
"Instead, what you will face is day and night of bitter cultivation, constant conflict, and a world far more terrifying than any mortal battlefield."
The woman reached out and took out a small stone, which projected a light screen.
In the screen, a young man dug up a spirit ginseng that emitted a soft white glow.
Just as he took out a jade box to pack the ginseng, a long blade cut off his head.
Gu Ningyun instinctively took a step back. The scene of blood gushing from the boy's neck replayed repeatedly in her mind.
She had spent eighteen years living in luxury, and even in business, she had Caiwei, whom her mother had trained, to help her. She had never seen such a bloody scene.
She was momentarily speechless, but her hand instinctively tightened around the jade token.
"That boy was a disciple of my Qingyun Sect. I was passing through to handle this matter."
The woman put away the stone and sighed. "No matter how powerful a sect is or how many methods it has, it cannot guarantee its disciples will never face an accident."
"The recording I just showed you is a common occurrence in the cultivation world."
The woman's meaning was simple.
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