Chapter 99: The Hidden Masochistic Impulse

Jiang Yan handed the hard hat to the little dragon and curled his lips in a triumphant smile.

In truth, those hard hats were unnecessary for the little dragon or for the wooden figures.

But their very presence served to satisfy that unique sense of ritual Jiang Yan felt whenever a project began.

The little dragon put on the hard hat with obvious reluctance. The hat’s red color, set against its yellow scales, gave it an unexpectedly adorable look.

Seeing this, Jiang Yan could not help but laugh. This little dragon foreman certainly looked the part.

He then took out a simplified construction drawing and passed it to the little dragon. “Little Dragon, this is the blueprint. The wooden figures need to follow the instructions on it while building. Just keep an eye on them. If they make a mistake, correct it right away.”

The little dragon stared at the blueprint for a while, confusion glimmering in its eyes. It was clearly a little dazed.

Though the lines on the drawing were clear, to it they were as incomprehensible as celestial script.

“This drawing is way too profound. I can’t make heads or tails of it!” the little dragon said, looking utterly bewildered.

Jiang Yan had thought this simplified blueprint was already plain enough, but he had not expected the little dragon to find it so baffling.

Yun Li had already made several trips carrying timber back and forth. He brushed the dust from his hands and was just about to continue working when Jiang Yan’s voice suddenly stopped him.

“Yun Li, come here for a moment.”

Yun Li answered at once and flew over to Jiang Yan and the little dragon’s side.

“Jiang Yan, do you need me to do something else?”

His eyes shone with boundless anticipation. He felt that so long as it was an order from his master, he would work with unflagging enthusiasm.

Jiang Yan glanced at Yun Li. Why did this guy seem so eager to work?

Well then, let him have it.

Jiang Yan casually handed the blueprint to him. “Yun Li, this is the construction drawing. Can you understand it?”

Yun Li took the drawing and examined it carefully, inwardly marveling that although his master had been reborn, his manner of doing things had not changed in the slightest.

The blueprint laid out the construction steps and the methods for assembling each structure in meticulous detail.

Yun Li nodded lightly and said with conviction, “I can understand it.”

At that, Jiang Yan patted Yun Li on the shoulder and said with a broad smile, “Wonderful! Then would you be willing to take on the role of site supervisor? Your main task will be to check the quality of the work done by those wooden figures.

“And you can also teach the little dragon how to read the plans. As payment, I’ll reserve a room for you in the new house.”

At Jiang Yan’s offer, Yun Li nodded repeatedly, afraid that Jiang Yan might change his mind. With excitement, he said, “Jiang Yan, I’m willing!”

He knew very well that if he wanted to protect his master, he could not stay too far away. To have a room in his master’s new home was nothing short of a blessing from the heavens.

Just then, a soft cough came from behind them. It was Ji Chuxue, who had quietly arrived and happened to overhear their conversation.

For some reason, she felt a faint sense that something was odd, though she could not quite say what.

Yun Li, in front of Xiao Liu, was acting entirely like an eager lackey.

Jiang Yan asked in surprise, “Senior Sister, why are you here?”

“Xiao Liu, I came specifically to find you. I also wanted to see how the construction of your new home is going.”

“Hehe, Senior Sister, I’ve only just started. By the way, what did you need me for?”

Ji Chuxue took out a sheet of paper and handed it to Jiang Yan. “Xiao Liu, congratulations. You’ve taken first place on the new disciple ranking.”

Jiang Yan took the list and carefully scanned it.

How did he not remember this from the original novel?

The top names on the list were:

First place: Jiang Yan, early Nascent Soul stage cultivation, Qilin Sect;
Second place: Ouyang Xiu, mid Golden Core stage cultivation, Azure Sky Sect;
Third place: Lin Ruyan, early Golden Core stage cultivation, Profound Spirit Sect;
Fourth place: Lin Yurou, peak Foundation Building stage cultivation, Spirit Void Sect;
...

Seeing that his cultivation level far surpassed the second place, Jiang Yan could not help but feel a little emotional. His bearing as a powerhouse was beyond doubt.

The second place on the list, Ouyang Xiu, was the male supporting character number three from the original novel. He came from a cultivation family, the Ouyang clan, and had been practicing from the moment he could toddle. With all manner of rare treasures at his disposal, and with his own relentless diligence besides, it was no surprise that he ranked second.

He had truly been born with every advantage.

Jiang Yan thought that if he had not broken those few seals, the first place would probably have fallen into Ouyang Xiu’s hands.

In the original novel, Ouyang Xiu met the female lead, Lin Ruyan, at the sect tournament.

What was puzzling was that after being defeated by Lin Ruyan across a whole realm, he had somehow developed feelings for her.

After his defeat, Ouyang Xiu said something terribly cliche to Lin Ruyan: “Woman, you have successfully caught my attention!”

Truthfully, Jiang Yan found the inner worlds of these cultivation fanatics rather hard to understand.

By ordinary logic, after being defeated by someone of a higher realm, should one not work even harder in cultivation, hoping to wash away the humiliation someday in the future?

Could it be that developing fondness for the person who defeated him meant he harbored some hidden masochistic tendency?

Seeing that Lin Ruyan had already stepped into the early Golden Core stage, Jiang Yan remained perfectly calm. After all, that damned book had not been exaggerating; the female lead’s cultivation speed was truly as swift as a startled rabbit.

But when he thought of that mysterious Chaos Pearl, unease stirred in Jiang Yan’s heart. If that thing was really on Lin Ruyan, then the matter would not be simple at all.

As for how exactly Lin Ruyan cultivated so quickly, that would require a very large question mark indeed.

What surprised him, however, was Lin Yurou, that vicious supporting character. Her cultivation speed was actually not much slower than the female lead’s.

“Senior Sister, what is this list for?”

“Xiao Liu, this list lets the disciples gauge their own strength before the sect tournament.

“After all, the tournament is only a few months away, and everyone’s cultivation won’t change all that much by then. With this list, they can get an early sense of their opponents’ abilities.”

Ji Chuxue paused slightly, then added, “Although you’re ranked first among the new disciples, once the tournament begins, you’ll have to face people of the same cultivation level. Even those whose cultivation is below yours have the right to challenge you.”

She looked at Jiang Yan and continued, “So, Xiao Liu, you need to speed up your cultivation. This time, Master intends for the few of us senior brothers and sisters to go together.”

Only after Ji Chuxue reminded him did Jiang Yan finally remember this matter. He was now at the early Nascent Soul stage, which meant he would be sparring with people of the same level. Of course, he could challenge those above his level, and he could also accept challenges from them.

“Senior Sister, don’t worry. I’ll cultivate diligently and bring honor to our sect! But has our sect ever participated in a sect tournament before?”

Jiang Yan was puzzled. His senior brothers and sisters all seemed strong enough. If they had ever taken part in such a tournament, they should have achieved good results.

And if they had achieved good results, surely their sect’s name would already have been made known to the world. Yet at present, their sect still had little presence.

“Xiao Liu, we have never participated in a sect tournament. This will be our first time.”

Hearing this, Jiang Yan put on an expression of understanding and raised his brows. “Senior Sister, could it be that Master is especially looking after me, which is why he’s sending all of you to accompany me at the tournament?”

After all, if he alone represented the sect, that would be somewhat underwhelming.

Ji Chuxue shook her head and explained, “No. This sect tournament will be held at the Profound Spirit Sect, and Master will be attending in person as well. His purpose in going is to search for the Chaos Pearl.”

A flicker of realization passed through Jiang Yan’s eyes. So the purpose of attending the sect tournament was not merely to compete, but had a far more profound aim.

“Alright, Senior Sister, I understand.”

“Good. Xiao Liu, are you ready to head to the Ten Thousand Swords Cavern?”

Oh, so Senior Sister had come to issue a quest. She was reminding him that it was time to go to the Ten Thousand Swords Cavern.

“Senior Sister, I plan to go in a few days. Do you have a map to the Ten Thousand Swords Cavern?”

“This is your map. Keep it safe. Remember, do not act rashly, and be sure to return safely.”

Ji Chuxue handed Jiang Yan a scroll, her tone carrying a hint of concern.

Jiang Yan accepted the map and smiled. “Don’t worry, Senior Sister. I’ll definitely come back safely.”

After finishing her instructions, Ji Chuxue bid farewell to Jiang Yan and the others before taking flight and leaving.

Seeing that the foundations for the wooden figures were nearly complete, Jiang Yan descended to inspect them carefully.

Satisfied, he nodded and thought to himself: Not bad. These wooden figures are pretty efficient. Five-star review!

Now then, it was time to reinforce the foundation.

Jiang Yan lightly stroked his palm, and golden spiritual energy gradually gathered before flowing into the foundation. Nourished by the golden spiritual energy, the structures made of timber immediately became sturdier.

Their surfaces were covered by a fine metallic layer, deep in color and entirely different from the dazzling yellow of gold.

The little dragon at the side watched this scene and gained a deeper understanding of the many uses of golden spiritual energy.

Jiang Yan truly had a flexible and adaptable mind.

It even found itself wondering: if one day Jiang Yan could gather a mountain of gold for it, then wouldn’t it be able to lie comfortably in a heap of gold and roll around to its heart’s content?