Volume One, Chapter 10: Reaping What One Sows!

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Master Zhong Huai continued questioning, “This pill... where did you obtain it?” Before the woman could speak, the boy in her arms suddenly said, “It was Sister Qingyi who made the pill!” Zhong Huai’s expression turned puzzled. Sister Qingyi? Could it be that some great alchemist had deliberately concealed their identity and come here to play among mortals? “Then this... cough... where is she now?” The woman hesitated briefly but still answered, “Immortal, Qingyi lives in a small courtyard at the northern corner of the town!” Overjoyed to have found the residence of this great alchemist, Zhong Huai exclaimed, “Thank you!” Without waiting for a reply, he left with his two disciples, leaving behind a family of three, disheveled in the wind.

...

Inside the small courtyard, Qingyi had already packed all the pills she had refined. Earning so many gold leaves yesterday had greatly boosted her confidence! If she could encounter a few more spendthrifts like that, getting rich wouldn’t be a dream! “Are you really short on silver?” Li Yan asked, puzzled. He had clearly given this woman a pouch of gold leaves yesterday. To cultivators, such worldly wealth meant little. But to mortals like them, that amount was enough to guarantee a lifetime free from want, even a life of luxury! Qingyi thought seriously for a moment and nodded, “You could say that.” She was still planning to renovate the walls and house. Who knew when she might leave to search for her parents—and if she left, who knew when she would return? Earning more money to keep by her side was simply prudent.

Li Yan’s lips moved as if to say something but then frowned deeply. How could cultivators have come here? Li Yan’s realm was such that under his divine sense, he detected three human cultivators approaching—one mid-stage Nascent Soul and two early-stage Foundation Establishment. Such a level wasn’t worth his concern but was curious nonetheless.

Outside the courtyard gate, Master Zhong Huai and his two disciples appeared. Though the courtyard looked shabby, a faint Daoist aura flowed within. Zhong Huai was increasingly certain that a secluded alchemical master dwelled here. Such a figure, even the sect leader would treat with utmost respect. Zhong Huai took a deep breath and knocked respectfully on the door.

“Is someone knocking?” Qingyi found the sound strange. The last time anyone had come to her little courtyard was a year ago—when Mrs. Wang next door’s sow gave birth, and she was called over to help. A cold glint flickered in Li Yan’s eyes. He, too, was curious why human cultivators had found this place.

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Nascent Soul cultivation was nothing significant to him but still marked one as a formidable figure on this continent. Such a realm was enough to found a sect!

“Senior.” Zhong Huai bowed deeply outside the door. “I am Zhong Huai of Qingyun Sect, here to pay respects to senior.” Senior? Li Yan glanced at Qingyi. Zhong Huai? The grand elder of Qingyun Sect? Bai Ziye also found it strange. Why would human cultivators come here?

Qingyi blinked her large eyes and then looked toward Li Yan. “Are they looking for you?” Li Yan shook his head after a deep look at Qingyi. The human sects and their demon clans were locked in endless conflict. If they knew he was here, even if given courage, they wouldn’t dare show up!

Outside the courtyard, Zhong Huai and his disciples waited a moment with no response. Tang Xi eyed the shabby courtyard with disdain. “Master, could we be mistaken? Such a filthy place—how could a reclusive master live here?” “Don’t speak nonsense!” Zhong Huai whispered sharply. Those recluses possessed great divine powers! If they whispered here and the master inside heard, what would happen?

Tang Xi was resentful but dared not argue further. She just thought her master was overreacting. Zhao Ping, holding his sword with an arrogant brow, also doubted that an unparalleled master lived here. Such a figure would be treated as a guest of honor in any sect! This courtyard was smaller than his family’s outhouse! If an unmatched master lived here, he’d perform a handstand while eating dirt on the street!

“Creak.” The gate suddenly opened. Qingyi scrutinized the three, seeing no ill intent, and asked, “Who are you? What brings you here?” Zhong Huai bowed again, “I am Zhong Huai of Qingyun Sect, wishing to pay respects to senior Qingyi. Please convey my greeting, fair lady.” Qingyi... Senior? (´・【Expression】・`) Confirmed! These people aren’t here for her! Perhaps just a coincidence of names? Qingyi scratched her head, “You’ve probably come to the wrong place!” Tang Xi appraised Qingyi seriously, envying her beauty. Moreover, this woman had no spiritual power at all—just a mortal! A “fair lady”? Bah! Tang Xi asked coldly, “Is this the northern corner of the Peach Blossom Formation?” Qingyi nodded, “Yes, it is.”

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“Then it must be right!” Tang Xi pushed past Qingyi, stepping into the courtyard, loudly proclaiming, “My master, the grand elder of Qingyun Sect, has come to visit a master!” Zhong Huai felt this was improper. Coming abruptly was somewhat rude. They couldn’t afford to disturb a master’s quiet cultivation. “Disciple, do not be rude!” “Yes, master!” Tang Xi obediently fell back behind Zhong Huai.

Qingyi glared angrily at the three. What exactly did these people want? Breaking into her home was one thing, but pushing her? How outrageous! Seeing their mistress bullied, Hongluan’s eyes flashed with ferocity. A fist-sized stone crumbled under her claw.

“Calm down,” Xuan Ling emerged from the pond. It worried that Hongluan might incinerate these brash humans out of anger. Hongluan flapped her wings with a clatter, looking at Zhong Huai and his disciples as if at three corpses. “They bullied our mistress!” Xuan Ling was silent for a moment. “Don’t forget our mission!” Hongluan glared at Xuan Ling. It was inconvenient to act while their mistress was here but once these people left, no one could stop her.

Inside the yard, Li Yan set down his axe. His sharply defined, stubbled face darkened with displeasure. Zhong Huai noticed Li Yan but, seeing his lack of spiritual power and shabby clothing, assumed him a servant of the great master and paid him no mind.

Tang Xi lowered her voice, “Master, the master might be inside. Maybe he didn’t hear us?” Zhong Huai nodded. “That’s possible. Let’s move closer and pay respects, senior!”

Qingyi grabbed a broom to block their way. “This is my home. I do not welcome you. Leave!” Tang Xi’s face darkened. “Who do you think you are? Just a servant of a master—what right do you have to drive us away?” Qingyi pointed at her nose, blinking her large eyes, “I—I’m a servant?” “Get lost!” Tang Xi, unwilling to waste time with a mortal, reached to push Qingyi aside.

The willow trees rustled. Branches silently drooped to the ground. A faint fire flickered in Hongluan’s eyes. A golden carp surfaced from the pond, watching Zhong Huai and his disciples with ill intent. Xuan Ling sighed. These three human cultivators had chosen the wrong target—their mistress. Foolish indeed!