Zeng Dalou led Cai Zhao slowly back.
“Sister Cai, please don’t blame me for letting Lingbo off lightly. This matter… sigh, actually, Qingque Sect’s rules are strict and forbid bullying among disciples. It’s just… sigh, Lingbo’s talent and potential are more like Master’s than her mother’s… She’s slow to learn now, but once she breaks through her meridians…”
“Wait, hold on,” Cai Zhao interrupted, feeling increasingly confused. “My aunt said the former Sect Leader Yin was a famous prodigy, renowned across the land in his teens.”
Zeng Dalou turned his head, “The master I’m referring to is Lingbo’s father, the current Sect Leader Qi, not her maternal grandfather.”
Cai Zhao exclaimed, “Oh!” She looked Zeng Dalou up and down. “Sect Leader Qi is your master? You…” Given your age, shouldn’t you be of the same generation as Cai Pingchun and the others?
Zeng Dalou’s face remained expressionless. “I just look mature. I’m several years younger than your father.”
Even if you’re several years younger, you’re still in your early thirties, Cai Zhao thought, forcing a smile.
“Hasn’t Lady Cai mentioned me to you?” Zeng Dalou asked.
Cai Zhao shook her head. “In her spare time, Aunt often liked to tell me amusing anecdotes from her days roaming the martial arts world. They were all fragmented stories, but she never liked to mention anything about the Northern Chen sects.”
The Cai Pingchun couple had always forbidden their children from asking about Cai Pingxu, fearing that in their youthful innocence, they might ask something inappropriate and touch upon Cai Pingxu’s painful memories. As a result, Cai Zhao’s impressions of the martial arts world were scattered and fragmented.
Zeng Dalou sighed softly, shaking his head.
As they continued walking, he resumed, “…If it weren’t for Master and Lady Cai’s kindness back then, I would have been just a street urchin on the verge of freezing or starving to death. How could I have entered the Qingque Sect? Master’s grace is unforgettable. Besides, skill isn’t about age. Your father has made tremendous progress in martial arts these past years, while I’m merely average, just maintaining a position within the sect based on seniority.”
Cai Zhao replied, “That’s how Luoying Valley’s martial arts work. Progress is slow at first, requiring patience and gradual cultivation. The further you go, the more powerful you become. The aunt said that because of this, my father was often bullied in his youth.”
She thought to herself: Luoying Valley’s martial arts are like a tree. At first, when it’s just a sapling, anyone can easily uproot it. But once the tree grows large and its roots dig deep into the bedrock, even fierce winds and storms can’t destroy it.
Of course, there were exceptions.
Cai Pingxu was one such exception.
Sure enough, Zeng Dalou smiled and said, “I see. Then Lady Cai must have been exceptionally gifted. Not only did she become famous in the martial arts world at a young age, overpowering many experts, but she also single-handedly killed the Demonic Sect’s leader. Her reputation as the ‘World’s Strongest’ was well-deserved. When I first met Lady Cai at ten years old, I was quite puzzled. This young woman, not much older than me, commanded such respect from so many heroes.”
Cai Zhao fell silent, “Yes, but the price was too high.”
“It was the injuries sustained while killing Nie Hengcheng that led to Lady Cai’s untimely death,” Zeng Dalou said sadly.
Cai Zhao, not wanting to continue this topic, said, “Senior Brother Zeng, please continue telling me about our sect’s brothers and sisters. I don’t want to have any more ‘misunderstandings’ later.”
Zeng Dalou smiled bitterly, “You did nothing wrong today. It was our little sister who acted inappropriately. Chang Ning is the orphan of the great hero Chang Haosheng…”
Before he could finish, Cai Zhao let out a soft “Ah!” “So he’s Hero Chang’s son. The Chang… Chang family is still…”
Zeng Dalou sighed, “Your Luoying Valley doesn’t concern itself with martial world affairs, living in seclusion for years. You may not have heard. A few months ago, the entire Chang family of Wuan was massacred by the Demonic Sect. Only Hero Chang and his son escaped. Hero Chang’s injuries were too severe, and he passed away while seeking refuge at Mount Jiuli. Given his friendship with our Master, how could we not take care of Chang Ning when he arrived with his late father’s letter? So, Master took him in.”
Cai Zhao softly exclaimed, “Aunt said she rarely admired people, but Hero Chang Haosheng, with his hatred of evil and kind heart, was someone she greatly respected. Back then, Hero Chang even helped Luoying Valley… Is Chang Ning now a senior brother in our sect?”
“Not yet. Chang Ning is severely injured, with lingering poison. Master plans to heal him first, then accept him as a disciple and teach him martial arts, so he can avenge his family in the future.”
“I see, so the Snow Lotus Pill was for treating Chang Ning’s injuries and detoxifying him,” Cai Zhao brought the topic back around.
Zeng Dalou could only continue sighing, “Master has the rare ‘Heavenly Fire Dragon’ constitution. Initially slow to learn, but as long as one doesn’t fear setbacks and perseveres, once the meridians are broken through, learning any martial art becomes twice as effective. Alas, the difficulty lies in ‘not fearing setbacks and persevering.'”
Legend had it that in ancient times, while other great dragons could easily break out of their shells and roam freely, the ‘Heavenly Fire Dragon’ had to endure the torment of flames for 9 times 81 years before it could emerge and survey the world.
Cai Zhao nodded, “I know this. The aunt said that when she met Sect Leader Qi, he was being bullied. Originally, Old Sect Leader Yin had another direct disciple, but later, seeing Sect Leader Qi break through his limitations and progress rapidly, he took him into the inner sect and nurtured him carefully.”
Zeng Dalou sighed, “Yes, that was Uncle Master Qiu. He now wanders the world and rarely returns to Wanshui Qianshan Cliff. I wonder if he’ll make it back for the ancestor’s death anniversary.”
He turned back to look at Cai Zhao, “Master often says that he owes his successful meridian breakthrough to Lady Cai. When they met, Master was just an unremarkable outer sect disciple. But Lady Cai said he was like a hidden dragon in a pond, destined to soar and capture everyone’s attention one day, and that he shouldn’t be discouraged by initial setbacks. Master says he’s never forgotten Lady Cai’s words all these years.”
Cai Zhao tilted her head back, the mountain sunlight stinging her eyes.
She could imagine how spirited and bold her aunt must have been as a young woman, speaking those words.
“But Lingbo is different. Repeatedly trying to break through her meridians and practicing austerely – the pain she must endure,” Zeng Dalou said gloomily. “She’s her mother’s only child, pampered and loved since birth. How could she endure such suffering? With the Snow Lotus Pill, she could have suffered less during the meridian breakthrough, which is why Lingbo had such high hopes. That Snow Lotus Pill was obtained by chance by the Third Junior Brother and given to Master. Master and his wife had originally planned to give it to Lingbo, but who knew… who knew Junior Brother Chang Ning would suddenly arrive… Naturally, saving a life took priority.”
“There’s no need to regret it too much. Didn’t Old Sect Leader Yin have plenty of good pills back then? He eagerly hoped for his two daughters to succeed, but did the two Madame Yins end up mastering martial arts? Madame Qinglian was alright, but my future master, Madame Sulian… well,” Cai Zhao chuckled.
Cai Pingxu’s original words were that Yin Qinglian had barely mastered the basics, while Yin Sulian was as skilled as an overturned turtle.
Cultivating martial arts is an extremely arduous task. One must practice from dawn to dusk, regardless of the season, repeatedly tempering every meridian and bone in the body to transcend the limitations of an ordinary physique. Noble-born and beautiful girls often can’t endure such hardship, especially when their father has already arranged futures for them.
Zeng Dalou frowned, then shook his head with a bitter smile. “Lady Cai and Master’s wife were never on good terms. It’s one thing for her to say such things, but you, Sister Cai, must be cautious. After all, Master’s wife will soon be your elder.”
Cai Zhao ignored this and continued, “Even if the Snow Lotus Pill could reduce suffering during meridian breakthrough, success isn’t guaranteed. The pill is a precious remedy for healing and detoxification. Using it this way, if the breakthrough fails, it would be a waste of good medicine.”
Zeng Dalou sighed, “Success or failure doesn’t matter. I just hope for harmony in Master’s family.”
As they walked and chatted, Cai Zhao quickly learned that she would have five senior brothers and one senior sister, ranking seventh. She had already met half of them.
Zeng Dalou was the eldest disciple, a former beggar taken in by Sect Leader Qi Yunke in his youth. Though average in talent and martial skill, he was warm-hearted and fair, naturally becoming Qingque Sect’s chief steward, managing daily affairs.
The second senior brother was the handsome youth who had fawned over Qi Lingbo earlier. Named Dai Fengchi, he was a distant relative of the late sect leader. Orphaned as an infant by the former Demonic Sect leader Nie Hengcheng, he was adopted by the late sect leader and later became Qi Yunke’s disciple. He excelled in the Forty-Nine Flowing Star Chasing Wind Sword technique and gained some renown in the martial world (which meant he was quite famous).
Cai Zhao expressed her admiration but admitted she had never heard of him, leaving Zeng Dalou only able to shake his head and smile bitterly.
Next was Song Yuzhi.
Ranking third both in his family and among the disciples, he was, unsurprisingly, the most talented, skilled, handsome, and wealthy among them… with the most arrogant father and brother.
“It’s admirable that Third Junior Brother is willing to live a simple life on Wanshui Qianshan Cliff. You know, Mingcui Peak’s Guangtian Gate is incredibly wealthy, with mountains of gold, silver, and pearls…”
“Yes, I can see that,” Cai Zhao smiled. “I witnessed Guangtian Gate’s grandeur earlier on Fengyun Peak. Not to mention that Third Senior Brother’s mother was the late Madame Qinglian. I won’t provoke him in the future.”
Zeng Dalou could only smile bitterly again.
As if summoned by their conversation, a familiar figure came racing towards them from afar.
“Senior Brother! Senior Brother!”
Song Yuzhi arrived in a flash. His first call came from seven or eight zhang away, but by the second, he was right in front of them. Cai Zhao silently admired his excellent lightness skill.
“Senior Brother, Sister Cai.” Song Yuzhi bowed to both, his jade-like face filled with urgency. “Senior Brother has Lingbo caused trouble again?!”
Zeng Dalou looked troubled, reluctant to cover up Qi Lingbo’s actions in front of Cai Zhao.
Song Yuzhi’s face turned ashen. “Senior Brother, stop protecting her. This keeps happening. I’m going to tell Master…”
“Wait!” Zeng Dalou held Song Yuzhi back. “Why are you in such a hurry? Can’t we discuss this calmly? I’m handling it, I’ll deal with Lingbo…”
“You’ll just go easy on her again!” Song Yuzhi’s gaze turned cold as he looked directly at Cai Zhao. “Sister Cai, were you just bullied by them? Was Qi Lingbo the ringleader? Wasn’t she?”
New to the sect and unclear about the relationships between her future siblings, Cai Zhao was reluctant to get involved. She shook her head, smiling brightly. “Senior Brother Song must have misunderstood. I merely crossed paths with Sister Qi. She treated me with one part surprise, two parts joy, three parts warmth, four parts enthusiasm, and five parts attentiveness. One moment she urged me to rest, lest I tire myself; the next, she was teaching me the rules of conduct. It was truly refreshing. Although it was just a brief encounter, I benefited greatly and already regard Sister Qi as my sister. It’s as they say, ‘kindred spirits at first sight.'”
Zeng Dalou’s mouth gaped open, unsure whether to be shocked or pleased.
Song Yuzhi glared, enunciating each word: “You’re lying.”
“If you don’t believe me, ask Senior Brother if I’m lying.”
Zeng Dalou stammered, “She… she’s not lying. Lingbo did tell Sister Cai to rest and gave her some advice…” Language truly was a marvelous art.
Song Yuzhi stared at Cai Zhao. “Even if the first part is true, the part about regarding her as a sister must be false.” It sounded too nauseating.
Cai Zhao rolled her eyes. “How can Senior Brother know what’s true or false in someone else’s heart? Anyway, I’m fine. Third Senior Brother, please go about your business.”
Song Yuzhi’s chest heaved. Being angered twice in one day by this young girl was enough. He turned and left, no longer wanting to see this vexing future junior sister.
Zeng Dalou sighed in relief. “Sister Cai, you’re very magnanimous. As your senior brother, I thank you. It’s not that I don’t want to uphold justice, but if this matter isn’t handled well, Master and his wife will argue again.”
The word “again” was used quite skillfully.
Cai Zhao, being clever, didn’t pursue this topic and instead asked Zeng Dalou to continue introducing her future sect mates.
The fourth senior brother was Ding Zhuo, a man of few words who was devoted to martial arts. He probably wouldn’t be seen on an occasion like this.
Zeng Dalou sighed, “Fourth Junior Brother bears a deep blood grudge, which is why he trains so diligently, waiting for the day he can leave the mountain and seek revenge against the Demonic Sect.”
Cai Zhao paused. “Besides you and Third Senior Brother, is there anyone in our sect who doesn’t have a deep blood grudge?”
“Yes, Fifth Junior Brother.”
Zeng Dalou told Cai Zhao that if she saw a young man with dimples and a constant smile entertaining guests, that would be Fifth Junior Brother Fan Xingjia. He was the only disciple selected from the outer sect, recommended by Uncle Master Li who managed the outer sect. He had a good temperament, excellent talent, loving parents, and harmonious siblings – a rare case of a perfect family background. He was exceptionally skilled in medicine preparation and qi cultivation.
“Fifth Senior Brother is skilled in medicine and qi cultivation? That’s quite a rare talent,” Cai Zhao’s eyes lit up.
The saying goes: innate true qi is seven parts cultivation and three parts nourishment.
Those who practice martial arts go against nature’s course, often risking disrupted meridians and misdirected qi. In severe cases, they might even suffer qi deviation and bodily rupture. However, if someone with nourishing qi can gently guide and supplement the healing process, recovery becomes much smoother.
The problem was that twenty years ago, during the great battle between righteous and evil forces, Nie Hengcheng had scattered Demonic Sect minions everywhere, specifically targeting those skilled in medicine and qi cultivation among the Six Sects of Northern Chen. Unfortunately, those who cultivated nourishing qi often had lower martial prowess, making them easy targets. This led to many veteran heroes suffering unrecoverable injuries, greatly diminishing the Six Sects’ fighting power.
Moreover, those naturally gifted with this talent were rare, which explained why Uncle Master Li from the outer sect had recommended Fan Xingjia – rarity increases value.
The sixth junior sister was Qi Lingbo, Sect Leader Qi’s only daughter. In a few days, Cai Zhao would join as the seventh disciple.
“Master has taken so few disciples? I heard Siqui Gate accepts disciples widely, with over a thousand,” Cai Zhao asked, puzzled.
Zeng Dalou hesitated briefly, then carefully explained, “Master says that capable individuals often grow on their own, rather than being nurtured. Each year, many young people come to Mount Jiuli. As long as they have a clean background and upright character, Master accepts them all to study and practice martial arts together. Those who can stand out will naturally do so, depending on their aptitude.”
Cai Zhao rolled this idea around in her mind, then smiled lightly. “Master’s reasoning is sound. What use was it for Old Sect Leader Yin to accept so many disciples when our Master, who came from the outer sect, emerged as the best?”
“Indeed. When you master your skills in the future, you might even compete for the position of Sect Leader,” Zeng Dalou teased.
Cai Zhao rolled her eyes. “Thank you for your kind words.”
As they spoke, the residence of the Qingque Sect came into view – a majestic palace that inspired awe.
With jade steps, golden structures, white walls, black tiles, vermillion beams, and painted ridgepoles, the three-story palace seemed to float above the clouds. It truly lived up to its name: “Heavenly Palace in the Sky, Muwei Palace on Earth.”