Chương 140: 1-4 Cannon fodder in a classic cultivation story
Chapter 1. Dao is vast and ever-flowing
Everything around Su Jing was blurry.
She tried to look around and distinguish things, but as if someone covered her eyes, Su Jing could not sense anything.
"Aish, you shouldn't have over-exhausted your inner Qi like that."
The voice was loud enough to kick her senses awake. Su Jing froze and rapidly breathed as a rush of air hit her lungs. This was almost painful, scratching her dry throat.
"What's with her?"
"She's clearly holding on to the master to make him pity her!"
The voices around her grew more restless. Su Jing felt nauseous, and while she tried to stop the uncomfortable sensation around her throat, the first man again talked.
"Why did you use so much of your Qi? Your cultivating vessels are wasted, young girl."
Immediately after, a warm sensation slowly surrounded her cold body.
Su Jing focused her eyes, and soon, the once-blurry shapes morphed into objects and people. In front of her was a man with a long white beard cascading down his chest, seeming to be the one who was talking.
She also noticed how poor her condition was - her legs hurt, her back was sweaty and painful, and her lips were dry. Her hands felt heavy, and she couldn't help but stare at the strange orb she was holding.
Glimpsing at it, Su Jing almost felt lost in its white mass.
"This young girl should give me back the testing sphere. It may ease down your disturbed Qi."
Su Jing's trance was cut short, and she felt an odd energy leaving her body as he took the orb. In the next moment, it turned grey in his fingers, looking like a rock. Strangely, Su Jing felt numb in her chest, like she had lost something.
"And remember not to overuse your roots. If you continue to do that, they will certainly turn weaker."
Now that her head was slightly more transparent, Su Jing couldn't help but get confused by his words. Roots? Was she a tree? She looked down at her hands and was sure her body was human.
"Have you understood me? You do not seem like listening to me at all."
The master stared at her, furrowing his brows.
Su Jing flinched, only now observing the aura around him - a powerful one. She nodded quickly, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Y-yes. I understand."
The intense, disapproving glares from around bore into the back of her head, becoming unbearable for her.
"So be it then," the old man said, leaning his head slightly, "Heavenly Clouds Sect only opens its door to the best, but fear not, the Dao is vast and ever-flowing. Your journey may take unexpected turns with enough patience."
Once more, Su Jing was puzzled by what he said, but one thing was obvious—she was being turned away.
She did not belong here or in that place.
As the realisation sank in, Su Jing's confusion grew. She wanted to ask him, but he turned towards someone else walking in this direction.
Her words got stuck in her throat.
"Greetings to the old master. This one is grateful for the opportunity."
The girl's voice sounded as she bowed, side-glancing at Su Jing fugitively. Her eyes had a cold allure, albeit beautiful - as if stars were scattered in the black, bottomless irises.
Su Jing unexpectedly felt mesmerised by her beauty. Although her red dress was a little coarse, it enhanced her natural traits.
The master nodded to the newcomer before returning to Su Jing. "Remember what I have said. The path of cultivation is not to be taken lightly. Take care of your Qi and roots. Perhaps you will find your place in Dao."
With that, he turned away, leaving Su Jing feeling more lost and chaotic than ever.
Her only option was to walk away. Hesitantly, Su Jing left and passed through the crowds. Some deliberately obstructed her path, jostling her shoulder as she passed.
After finding a peaceful corner in the back, Su Jing trembled, massaging her inner palm as she looked back towards the master and the other girl.
"Feng Zhi Hao is a shameless one for coming here."
"Did not she get almost evicted from her clan?"
"Perhaps she thinks she can get to the immortal realm to meet her fiance, Prince Jin."
"Hahaha, as if! Wishful thinking to be as good as her talented sister, Feng Huo Hua!"
Su Jing could not understand the gossip the nearby people were sharing. They seemed to like to belittle the beautiful miss.
Ignoring them, she tried to search throughout her overused clothes for hints about her identity. Su Jing only found a few coopers and a bunch of old red fruits, which also appeared almost withered.
The situation wasn't looking too good. Su Jing could only persist in assessing the affair here.
The girl from before held the rocky sphere, which looked like a measuring tool. She chanted something, and soon, the sphere shone in many pretty colours—red, green, blue, grey, and even gold.
"You have an affinity with all five elemental roots—water, wood, earth, fire, and metal..."
The people immediately erupted in an uproar when they heard that.
"Hahaha, what did I say? Still a disgrace to the bone!"
"No wonder the Feng Clan did not even send one servant - it's clear they had abandoned her!"
This perplexed Su Jing. Feng Zhi Hao was clearly apathetic to the whole situation.
Was she really that weak? It was strange to think that - Su Jing remembered her sparkly eyes, but all those gossip words seemed contradictory.
"Ah, what the hell?! That Feng trash?! What is she doing here?"
Startled by the voice, Su Jing turned her head. She saw a young man with a proud expression walking toward the crowd.
As the guy approached, Su Jing did not wish to be in his way, so she stepped to the side. Unfortunately, because of the big flock, someone from behind accidentally bumped into her, causing her to stumble and lightly hit her shoulder into another.
"Who is that? Xiu Xiu, let's go. We don't have time to chichat with those mortals."
Su Jing understood he was talking to the one she hit. She steadied herself and looked towards the person, only to see - a beautiful and delicate young lady!
"I'm sorry. Are you alright? Did I hurt you?" she said worriedly, grasping Su Jing's palm.
Feeling her soft hands around her fingers made Su Jing shake her head, at a loss for words, "I'm fine."
She should be the one saying sorry for crashing into her! Su Jing was just about to say that, but the words seemed to get stuck in her throat, seeing the ugly look the fancy guy was throwing her.
He looked impatient.
Perhaps understanding Su Jing's embarrassment, the girl smiled gently and nodded before running back after the guy.
Su Jing watched as they made their way through the crowd. People started to look curiously at the two of them.
The wealthy guy quickly went to the master, while the girl seemed hesitant to be in view.
"Saluting the Sixth Elder of the Heavenly Clouds Sect. "
The old man stepped closer, frowning once he saw them, "Young Master Zhu, what brings you here? I recall you were supposed to train in this realm alone."
Young Master Zhu's gaze did not immediately meet his. As he passed Feng Zhi Hao, he gave a contemptuous glance at the shimmering sphere in her hand, while Feng Zhi Hao did not even bother to look at him. This made him angry, but he kept this in since the master was before him.
"I came here to test my roots, Sixth Elder. Together with my junior sister."
The master glared over at the girl who came with him.
"Then you should have taken the test you missed in the immortal realm. I suggest you leave immediately and wait for a few more years. Immortals are accepted differently than mortals in a sect. I thought you were both aware of that."
His words showed that he had no intention of changing his mind, which made Young Master Zhu furious. Before he could say anything else, the girl from before intervened. She went closer and gracefully stepped in front of the master.
"Esteemed High Elder of Heavenly Cloud Sect. Please forgive my senior brother. He was asking this because of me."
The master looked her up and down, clearly conflicted now that this girl had intervened, "Young Miss Bai, you know it's not your place to be here."
The young girl, whose family name was Bai, seemed embarrassed by the old man's words. Glancing at the ground momentarily, she said, "I don't dare oppose the High Elder. My clan is undoubtedly awaiting my return at our Medical Moon Sect, but now, after I travelled in the mortal realm, I..."
She paused, taking a deep breath to gather her courage before continuing. "I want to join the Heavenly Clouds Sect and become a disciple."
The crowd gasped, and the master also looked surprised. Su Jing knew nothing about the places she mentioned, but it appeared that this young lady wanted to escape from her apparent noble family.
Fugitively, Su Jing saw Feng Zhi Hao gazing at the girl, appearing thoughtful.
The master kept silent, making the girl nervous that he wasn't responding.
"Young Miss Bai Xiu Ying had thought about the consequences of this decision? Why drop the path of following into the steps of your alchemist clan?"
Young Master Zhu seemed to want to intervene, but Bai Xiu Ying signalled that he should stay put.
"I've learned so much from my clan, especially about medicine, but I want to follow my path. Swordmastering has become my passion, and the Heavenly Clouds Sect is where I can truly prove myself. My clan wouldn't understand—they see me as the young miss destined to carry on our medical traditions. Since the selection happens rarely, I had no choice but to come to the mortal realm to find another way in."
She clenched her fist, signalling how resolute she was regarding this idea.
Su Jing could see two small swords attached to her belt, making it more believable that what she said was true.
But again, swordmastering? Alchemy? Su Jing really couldn't catch up with what was happening around here!
The master seemed tired of entertaining those two. While massaging his forehead, he sighed and finally turned towards Feng Zhi Hao, who stood unmoving beside them. Su Jing felt terrible for her—just imagining standing there, not related to them at all!
Feng Zhi Hao caught his look, walked towards him, and bowed, "I will not be of bother anymore. I thank the esteemed master for helping me check my abilities. Now I know what I have to do."
The sphere changed to its previous numb colour, stopping the shiny play of lights. The master took it back and nodded, as if discontented that those two guests had interrupted her turn.
Young Master Zhu superiorly smirked at her. It looked like he said something only for Feng Zhi Hao to hear, but she kept her eyes down and did not comment further as she walked off and got lost in the masses.
Some people laughed at Feng Zhi Hao's blatant rejection, lovingly over-ridiculing her.
"Now," the old man said, flinging the sphere toward Young Master Zhu, "you will need to make any further explanations to the Sect Master. As his nephew, you were sent to the mortal realm to train and grow, but since it seems you can't stay here without causing trouble, it's time for you to return. Especially now that you've meddled in the selection to help Bai Xiu Ying enter."
Young Master Zhu's head was still held high, but Bai Xiu Ying quickly forcibly lowered it down in a bow, and together with hers, "We highly thank the elder benevolence. " She seemed very happy, her smile almost reaching her ears.
The Elder sighed as he saw those two. Bai Xiu Ying stepped back as she exchanged a quick glance with Young Master Zhu. He rotated the sphere between his fingers.
Immediately, it sparked a flame coming to life. Su Jing had never seen such a clear red colour, and her eyes burned just by watching it be lit.
Young Master Zhu, still unruffled by the chaos he had caused, grinned.
"Wow, immortals are really out of our league! They did not even start cultivating seriously, and look at that power!"
"Till now, all the best roots from our realm were rather ordinary. Only a few people got accepted."
"Of course, he is powerful! Have you yet to hear his name? He is from the Zhu Immortal Clan, the one that is part of the Heavenly Clouds Sect!"
"Oh? Then why did he not enter directly as a disciple?"
"Of course, he has to prove his power first! That is why he stayed here in our realm to train!"
Su Jing did not understand what was so different for them to be considered immortals. Of course, they looked powerful, but she felt that Feng Zhi Hao also looked like that, yet she was a mortal.
Unconsciously, Su Jing looked down at her own body—indeed, she did not have that vibe around her.
Back to the scene, Bai Xiu Ying held the sphere in her palm.
Once Su Jing saw the deep blue colour engulf the sphere, she was sure this young lady opposed Young Master Zhu's power.
Her predictions came true, her flux of energies giving this time a cold, watery sensation.
"A single heavenly ice root."
The master checked out her power, appearing surprised. He did not comment further. However, Su Jing could see that Bai Xiu Ying was also expecting this result.
"My traits are slightly different from my family's. Not the best in alchemy, but good enough for swordsmanship."
She deactivated the power, giving it back to the Sixth Elder.
"The young master Zhu's junior sister is powerful, too!"
"The most powerful one from our realm only had two roots with barely 60 Qi concentration! We were lucky to be here and see this!"
Su Jing looked at the "winners" people pointed at—two boys and one girl. The girl and one of the boys looked excited when the two young immortals approached their group, readily talking so they could grow close to them. The other stood silent, his arms crossed, looking lost in the crowd, towards the path Feng Zhi Hao took.
Since no more persons seemed to be left to take the test, the master took the sphere and put it in his sleeves, making a conclusion speech to the crowd. With that, the gathered people began to disperse—many bowing respectfully to the master and sneaking one last glance at the immortals before leaving. By observing their actions, Su Jing noticed a clear divide: the departing individuals were servants, while those lingering near the immortals appeared to be nobles.
Su Jing hesitated, unsure of what to do next. Alone in an unfamiliar place, the cold air of the surrounding forest clung to her, deepening her unease. Sitting idle only heightened her anxiety. She had no idea how or why she had come to this place. Everything about it felt alien and distant.
Tilting her head upward, she glanced at the sky. The swirling clouds above seemed unnaturally close, and the sight made her dizzy momentarily. She pressed a hand to her forehead, steadying herself.
When most of the crowd had dispersed, Su Jing quietly moved toward a random group of mortals who still lingered near the immortals. These people appeared to have been rejected—so why hadn't they left yet? Her curiosity grew, and she decided to stick close, hoping to find some clue about what to do next.
She wanted to ask them, but one of them gazed threateningly at her. Because of that, she kept her distance, choosing to stay behind.
Eventually, the entire group began to move, with the masters and chosen ones leading the way. They headed in the opposite direction of those who had left before, ascending a path that gradually became steeper.
Su Jing found herself trailing behind, feeling intense pain in the soles of her feet. She longed to stop and inspect her legs, but the thought of being left behind in the dense forest kept her going.
When the group finally stopped, the place where they arrived was the base of a mountain. There was an endless line of stone stairs. The rocks circled the mountain till their way was lost in the clouds, where the summits couldn't be seen.
Chapter 2."You'll regret this!"
Su Jing found a large rock and chose to sit on it as she massaged her feet. Now that she finally looked, her shoes were with some blood, signalling how her pain wasn't for nothing.
What did she do to have such a wound?
Not having anything, Su Jing broke one of her inner sleeves and wrapped her feet. Although still in pain, she felt a bit more comfortable now.
As the Sixth Elder directed his attention to the group, Su Jing became alert and eager to hear what he had to say.
"The Gate of Immortals is the only way mortals can reach the immortal realm, as few of you probably know already. Everyone is welcome to try their chances to reach the immortal realm, but take notice. If you weren't selected in our previous test, your journey from this point would be without Heavenly Clouds Sect's protection."
He paused, his gaze taking in the massive group of people who had not accepted. " Staying too long on this mountain path would make the demons flourish inside your soul by lengths and bounds, risking easily a death. I hope you will take care of your decision."
Su Jing gazed up the stairs, a bit overwhelmed by their size. She had followed these people because she did not know where else to go, but now, after hearing the elder's words, she regretted not choosing the other group that went down the slope!
Rummages and howls were constantly heard as if telling her the way back wouldn't be easy. The woods were all of a sudden dark to take without the master.
She seemed to be the only one fighting the worries inside her head. People began to step on the stairs, their figures getting lost one after another in the view. Many were excited and happily talking to each other as if the word "death" had not escaped the immortal's mouth.
The master turned towards the three chosen persons and started instructing them separately. He did not seem surprised by the mortals' reaction.
Now that Su Jing looked over, she observed that the two young immortals weren't with him. Were they so powerful they could go on their own?
Su Jing rose from her stone and approached the stairs, hobbling, wanting to eavesdrop on the master. She did not walk much, though. A cold, soft hand touched her shoulder, making Su Jing flinch in fright.
"Oh, my apologies. I did not want to startle you."
Su Jing turned and was surprised to see Bai Xiu Ying!
Young Master Zhu was behind her, with his arms crossed as he stared elsewhere, clearly disgusted at interacting with Su Jing. Su Jing could only bow her head, feeling a somewhat numb pressure on her stomach now that those two were around her.
"Immortal Bai, Immortal Zhu."
The soles of her feet still hurt, and as she lay her face down, she couldn't help but notice the beautiful shoes that Bai Xiu Ying and Young Master Zhu wore. While hers were bluish with a soft touch of flowers, Young Master Zhu wore a pair of resistant and comfy boots—something Su Jing would die to have right now.
"Older Sister does not need to greet us like that. Although our origin is immortal, we are still young."
Looking up, Su Jing saw Bai Xiu Ying gently smiling, unlike Young Master Zhu, who beat his finger impatiently against the forearm.
She next stretched out her hand, holding a green jade bottle in her palm. Su Jing took a moment to stare at it, not recognising what it could be—it was too small to be a bottle of water and yet too big to be used only for decorative purposes.
"I actually approached you to give you this elixir. I saw you limping during our walk here, and I figured out you were wounded. It can heal any injury or wound instantly."
Bai Xiu Ying smiled politely as she said that, appearing truthfully worried about Su Jing's condition. Su Jing, however, staggered for a moment, taken aback by her actions.
She murmured, "Immortal Bai is too generous."
Shouldn't medicine be costly? Su Jing had no money or any other way to repay her. However, Bai Xiu Ying stuffed the elixir in her hand, giving Su Jing only a little time to think.
"You will need your body to be healed to reach the gate. Although I said I would abandon my alchemist way, my family's upbringing wouldn't let me leave you like that."
Su Jing held the bottle, still feeling Bai Xiu Ying's body cold. It was weird to think that since a body is usually warm! Or was it just her hands?
Bai Xiu Ying stayed for a short time. Once she saw that Su Jing accepted her help, she followed Young Master Zhu towards the master. Su Jing kept the elixir in her palm, scared she might accidentally drop it.
"Did Immortal Fairy Bai help that?"
Su Jing overheard what the nearby people said, and her back suddenly felt targeted. Her heart couldn't help but beat loudly. She knew they wouldn't be as lovely as Bai Xiu Ying if Su Jing conversed with them. She quickly retracted and returned to the rock where she had previously sat.
As she unpacked the garments around her feet, more and more people, even those immortals, were gone. Bai Xiu Ying waved her hand towards Su Jing when she caught sight of her, and with that, Su Jing was left alone.
Although it was slightly unsettling, hearing the bird chirp peacefully and the wind blow made Su Jing relax as she massaged the elixir into her wounds.
Bai Xiu Ying seemed not to lie, as the elixir did its job fast and repaired even the injuries on Su Jing's hands. Su Jing kept half of the elixir in the bottle and put it in her pocket along with the red berries and coins.
With that, Su Jing finally felt better. She could see a few people in the distance, but they were already ahead.
Su Jing did not want to meet them or anyone else on this isolated mountain.
She started climbing, the slight breeze bringing a strange mist.
"What a terrible girl..."
"I know, right? She wants to be a chicken through the heavens!"
Su Jing was startled by the sudden voices. Holding a rock from the ground, she looked around for the two people but did not see anyone.
Only the fog was circling her, like a trap that doomed her to be blind from all points.
Confused, she continued to climb up, wary of any sounds she encountered.
"Hahaha, let's do it, let's do it. I am curious how much she can hold on."
"She should have listened to the Village Head!"
Vague, scattered fog phantoms appeared before Su Jing. Their faces were blurry and hard to put together. These images didn't hurt her, but Su Jing felt that those held significance to be suddenly shown to her.
Were those maybe her memories? Su Jing tried hard to recognise those voices, but it was all for nought. Her head was like a white piece of paper.
Su Jing continued, trying not to overthink these mean voices. As the staircase narrowed, each step became higher than the other.
A scary cliff was just near the railing.
To Su Jing's surprise, the back of a real person was in front of her. Su Jing approached hesitantly, and with each step, she was sure the guy was someone she saw at the root test.
Murmuring, he kneeled on the ground and held his head. She stopped a few steps from him, unsure if she should check if he were alright.
"Mother...Mother..."
He started shouting harder now as if the fog around his head had increased his pain. Su Jing did not know what to do, and to make things worse, when she stopped a few metres behind him, he seemed to hear her.
The man suddenly turned, his face red from crying.
"You, wait! Let go!" Before Su Jing could escape, he kneeled to her feet, catching her dress firmly in his palms.
"Mother, you are here! At last, I thought I'd lost you."
He circled her legs, making Su Jing almost fall.
"What the, I am not your mother. Woke up, you prick!"
She hit him in the head with her palm, getting frightened by his firm grip.
"Why can't you see I always sacrificed everything for our family? Can't you forgive me only once this time? After everything I'd done!"
Su Jing had no idea what he was saying, but once she noticed that his hands were going higher around her body, she couldn't hold it anymore and struck him on the head with all her force.
"I said, let go!" She then kicked him with her leg, salting above his body and running up the stairs.
The man was crying in pain as if throwing a tantrum on the ground. Su Jing's idea of helping had long been gone, so now that she had the opportunity, she no longer stood still and went away.
"So it all comes to this, huh? Do you truly hate me? Am I not your child, mother?"
Su Jing couldn't care less about his mommy issues and continued to walk. However, a cold wind passed the stairs, adding even more fog. This time, its colour was an intense black, attaching itself around the man's body.
"My brother did not deserve to be an immortal! He was good for nothing!"
He looked straight towards her, his whole eyeballs red. Su Jing had no time to think as he salted towards her, clearly wanting to hurt her.
Su Jing could only run higher on the stairs, running away from his punch. The place trembled as he hit the ground, making Su Jing unbalanced, and he almost fell down the cliff. She locked air in her lungs, looking back at the cloud of dust from behind,
Once the wind washed it away, Su Jing was horrified to see the place where he hit it destroyed to bits. A big hole was now between him and her.
Suddenly, he kneeled again, putting his hands on his face as he cried. Su Jing looked horrified at him.
"I killed him, I killed you..." he murmured, shaking his head, "You are here to reprimand me, aren't you? To stop me, maybe?"
Su Jing understood that the man in front of her killed his family before coming here, taking his dead brother's place as a contestant.
The man again swung his fist at her, this time his killing intent being even higher. Thankfully, he was slow in his acts since he was in the hole, giving Su Jing time to avoid him and make him stumble down.
At this moment, she gave him no other seconds as she ran away, going as fast as she could up the stairs through the dense fog. He continued to scream, but as Su Jing persisted and did not look back, his voice eventually faded, lost.
The silence did not persist for long as Su Jing's inner voices came back, this time with the tone of an older woman.
"Of course, she's here to marry Uncle Ben's nephew, Little Du! But she's kind of a wild one and needs instruction."
"Hahaha, he will surely have fun with such a little concubine."
Su Jing's steps gradually steadied, and an uncomfortable pressure got on her chest. The chaos of her running away and the memories plunging into her mind almost made her dizzy, and she couldn't stand straight anymore on her legs.
She did not know them, but their words weighed heavily on her.
Had she run away from her home? That would explain her swollen feet and dusty clothes.
Hitting her palm through the grey cloud that gathered around her head, Su Jing persisted, now sure that the mortal realm had no home welcoming her in.
There were more accidents similar to the previous one. Because of the fog, people were in a dream memory, making Su Jing feel weird that she was passing quickly through this.
Indeed, it wasn't easy for her to remember that she was a little wild-running bride, but some of the things she heard from those people were flashing!
Killing, cheating, betrayals... they had done everything possible to reach this place, yet they were ending in such a way. Su Jing now vaguely understood why the master rejected so many of them.
While she was walking, she once again saw someone.
This had happened so many times that she wasn't even surprised anymore. Su Jing chose to stay far from them and go off the stairs to hide behind some stones, but as she took a fugitive glance, she was surprised to see Feng Zhi Hao!
What, what was she doing here? Su Jing was sure she left last, yet Feng Zhi Hao was before her!
Su Jing observed her, finding it weird that she was so silent. Usually, people were screaming their dissatisfaction and using violence.
Miss Feng, however, was as hushed as a statue.
The wind moved her hair elegantly in the air. As harmless as she looked, the previous encounters taught her not to go near people again headlessly.
She stood hidden, wondering how to bypass her.
"Oi, who do we have here? Miss Feng herself!"
Su Jing froze and quickly hid better behind the rocks. Looking higher than Feng Zhi Hao, she was surprised to see one of the three accepted contestants. Wasn't he with the master and immortals?
It was confusing, but Su Jing couldn't care less about that now since she needed to find a way to escape!
It was clear that there was gonna be a fight here!
Unlike the tumultuous state of Su Jing, Feng Zhi Hao did not react at all, continuing to stay immobile. Her back was still straight, and her eyes closed, seemingly fighting an inner memory of hers.
As she crawled away, Su Jing became hesitant, thinking Feng Zhi Hao would lose if she were against the top contestant.
But as much as Su Jing wanted to help, she was weaker!
"Hahaha, it's surprising how you even got here."
The young man wore a yellow belt, seemingly giving the impression of gold. Hanging down these were countless pouches, making Su Jing sure that he stole them from others!
"I heard Old Patriarch Feng gave you many things before dying."
He got an ugly sight before going closer and encircling Feng Zhi Hao.
"Feng Zhi Hao, hei! Can't you hear me?" he moved his hands in front of her, pushing her lightly. Soon, he pulled the jade hairpin she wore, with no regard that he might have broken her hair.
"Ah, damn! What could I expect? This is not even a jade. It's just a useless piece of wood. "
He threw it on the ground, and the sounds of it falling down the stairs got lost gradually.
He then searched her clothes and hands but couldn't find anything.
"Why the fuck are you even a Feng if there is nothing good about you?" he lashed out at the unconscious Feng Zhi Hao, pulling on her clothes in anger.
Feng Zhi Hao destabilised a bit, and Su Jing saw her frowning in her sleeping state, signalling that she was somehow aware of what was happening.
However, since the man had pulled her clothes, the front side had gotten undone a little, showing her white neck and clavicle. There, going distinct, was a pure green stone, shining quietly as it was out in the open.
"That's a Qi-enhanced artefact! I knew it - she was hiding something!"
He brutely wrapped his hand around the necklace, trying to rip it out of her neck. Su Jing did not have time to observe these events closely, but suddenly, Feng Zhi Hao's hand moved, striking the man in the stomach!
"Argh, you crazy - !" Screaming in pain, his back arched, trying to cover the focal point of the hit.
Feng Zhi Hao then used her hand to hit the fingers that were still holding her necklace, finally breaking free from his clutches. Su Jing was surprised to discover that she had kept her eyes closed all this time!
"Feng Zhi Hao, so you were pretending all this time!" With blood coming out of his mouth, the man slowly got back up on his legs, a burst of maniacal laughter coming out of his mouth. "I should have guessed it. You have a treasure with you. From Qin Country till the Shun Mountains, how could a single miss like you come on her own?"
Feng Zhi Hao kept her silence and wrapped her fingers around her necklace.
Su Jing admired her tenacity for seeking meditation, but out of all moments, it was rather improper to do this now when someone was with a clear killing intent directed towards her!
"You dare ignore me?! Don't you know that this mountain is not bound to any rules, be they from the immortal or mortal realms?" He somehow materialised a sword from his sleeves and swung it in front. " Be prepared to die!"
Seeing this awful course of action, Su Jing closed her eyes, not wanting to watch a gruesome scene. However, instead of the sword sounds she had expected, a blast happened, throwing her on her back by the force of the air.
It was so strong that even the mountain looked like it was trembling.
The pine trees swayed in the distance, and Su Jing's body seemed to lose all strength, utterly drained of energy.
A golden light started to sprout around Su Jing. Looking in front, she saw that it was coming from Feng Zhi Hao's clenched hand, slowly enveloping and spreading to the surroundings.
The girl appeared to be transforming in terms of power, even her wounds healing rapidly on their own.
"You..." the man whispered, now trembling with his sword in hand. He was also astonished, but not at Feng Zhi Hao since he greedily looked at the treasure in her hand.
He got back up and punched again, unafraid of the colossal energy around Feng Zhi Hao.
Without warning, Feng Zhihao also lunged forward without a single weapon. Catching the hand holding the sword, she bent it, making the ruffian scream painfully.
Feng Zhi Hao did not give him even two seconds to talk as she quickly took his sword and slashed it across his chest. She did it multiple times as if wanting to make sure that each hit was causing him more pain.
The man's face was pitifully struggling to get up.
"You'll regret this!"
Feng Zhihao surprisingly smirked mockingly at the speaker, crushing his fingers one by one with her feet.
The man's screams were so piercing that they sent shivers down Su Jing's spine.
"Wait...!"
"Initially, I wanted you to send my regards to my dear second sister, but I've changed my mind."
The tip of the sword glittered in the air, sending with it a bad omen. The man's scream did not have time to be heard as Feng Zhi Hao sliced open his neck, making the actual bloody scene even more horrendous.
Su Jing did not dare even to breathe now that she saw this.
Feng Zhi Hao had now her eyes fully open, looking with indifference at the now breathless body that was lying in a pool of blood.
She kneeled in front of him, starting to rummage through his clothes and pouches. Su Jing saw how she took almost all the valuable things she could see on his body and threw them in a ring that miraculously appeared on her finger!
When she thought things finally got peaceful, the dead body wasn't in view anymore, a flame quickly burning it to dust.
The girl swiftly tidied all the mess as if she hadn't committed one killing.
Chapter 3. This world was a story.
"How troublesome."
Feng Zhi Hao's words sent a cold sweat down Su Jing's spine.
Su Jing kept her breath, afraid to be noticed. But as she stood hidden, she couldn't help but take notice of the black fog that was quickly spreading around. It got towards the place where Feng Zhi Hao killed the man, increasing in density as it circled Feng Zhi Hao.
That surely did not announce good news. Although Feng Zhi Hao appeared unaffected by it, Su Jing couldn't ignore what this strange mist did to the other previous persons. Every time that fog showed up, it coincided with someone losing their mind entirely! If Feng Zhi Hao fell into one of those deep dream states and went bonkers, too, Su Jing knew she'd be in big trouble.
Her heart raced as she debated whether to warn Feng Zhi Hao and get her out. But would it even work? That fog looked seriously tough to handle - Feng Zhi Hao herself was a difficult person!
As if to confirm her guesses, Feng Zhi Hao placed a hand on her forehead, knitting her eyebrows. She bit her lip as she tried to resist the force taking over her. Her eyes glinted with intense hatred toward whatever haunted her thoughts.
A cold shiver ran down Su Jing's back, seeing this. She never saw such intense emotions.
While the fog gradually enveloped Feng Zhi Hao's body, and her memories hazed her, Su Jing tried to move and tiptoed back down the stairs. Her slight hopes of saving Feng Zhi Hao were long gone—now she wasn't sure about her well-being!
But even her futile wish to run away seemed unreachable. She attempted again to lift her legs, but they remained unmoving.
Feng Zhi Hao also seemed strangely silent. Su Jing glanced at her and saw how the mist almost swallowed her whole, showing her awful memories. This was by far the most enormous black cloud she had seen on this mountain—and supposedly the one at fault for not allowing her to move!
Su Jing struggled, the panic slowly getting through her body. The edge of the cloud had reached her, feeling ominous and with Feng Zhi Hao's full emotions of resentfulness.
As it slowly crept over her body, Su Jing felt a cold pressure surrounding her. Her vision darkened, and despite trying to keep her eyes shut to avoid any hallucinations, something still appeared before her, demanding her attention.
Because of that, once Su Jing opened her eyes, she saw a different landscape—a beautiful garden with sunny rays. Su Jing still stood on the ground, but someone else was with her.
To be more exact, she was kneeling beside an older woman, her head carefully massaged in her lap. Su Jing had the urge to get up and slap the fingers that were touching her, but her body continued to be still, sometimes acting on its own.
"Her" palm reached over her mouth as "she" took the air in boredom. The old lady smiled gently as she was treading Su Jing's hair, and the multiple bracelets from her wrist hit Su Jing's forehead with a cold touch.
Everything seemed so alive, yet when Su Jing looked closely into the grandmother's eyes, she couldn't quite discern what emotion she was hiding. This lady was so distant—so unreal and obvious, at least from Su Jing's perspective—that she was merely an illusion.
"Grandmother, I think my elder sister has already understood what she did wrong. She shouldn't stay further like that."
Coquettish words started coming from Su Jing's mouth, and her voice was far different from her real one or Feng Zhi Hao's. Su Jing would have frowned and cringed, but even her facial expressions were not in her control.
The old lady shook her head disapprovingly, her smile dropping into a cold one.
"Huabao, you are too kindhearted. Your sister's fault shouldn't be so easily dismissed. If we did that, she wouldn't learn how to repent."
Su Jing lifted her head as the grandma patted her. Heavy pins adorned her hai, which the grandmother adjusted carefully.
Su Jing nodded timidly, hugging her grandmother.
"Hua'er understands, grandmother. Hopefully, elder sister will not take too long to correct her behaviour."
The woman no longer replied, just sighing. The girl's mouth curved slightly upwards, and as she turned her head behind, Su Jing was surprised to see someone kneeling not too far away, with their head down.
That was Feng Zhi Hao.
Although her attire was more expensive and her youthful traits, Feng Zhi Hao couldn't hide her haggard state. Her hair was messy, and her hands were trembling as they were red, visibly from being spanked. Just watching her, Su Jing knew her knees must have felt numb.
Perhaps sensing her staring, Feng Zhi Hao lifted her head, her hair cascading over her face. Her fierce eyes pierced through the strands, leaving Su Jing momentarily breathless.
"She has to, " the old woman replied, continuing to give in and pet Huohua, "That child surely is as wild as her damn mother."
The lady didn't even bother to look at Feng Zhi Hao while saying this.
Since "she" was her younger sister, did that mean Su Jing was portraying Feng Huo Hua right now? The one that people kept complimenting for reaching the immortal realm. Feng Zhi Hao also mentioned her when killing that man - not in a good tone.
However, Feng Huo Hua continued to stare at Feng Zhi Hao, taking in every second of how Feng Zhi Hao's hate intensified.
Of course, Su Jing wasn't too dumb not to realise what Feng Huo Hua was doing. "She" was mocking Feng Zhi Hao.
The hand on top of her head touched her lighter and lighter until Su Jing noticed that the grandma's persona had disappeared, leaving only Feng Huo Hua. Her body got up, and as she exited the beautiful pavilion, Su Jing reached in front of Feng Zhi Hao.
Feng Huo Hua's dress was gorgeous, with pinkish tones and golden embroidery details. She crossed her delicate arms, having an oppressive and superior stance over Feng Zhi Hao.
"Isn't dear older sister content? Grandma had visited you as you wished. Why the long face?"
Her voice had changed, and it was far from timid. She looked down at the kneeling Feng Zhi Hao, hitting her knee slightly with the tip of her shoe.
"What now? Can't you hear me?"
Feng Zhi Hao still didn't respond, clenching her hands. Although she was silent, Su Jing could still sense that she was in a very conflicted mental state.
Feng Huo Hua continued, her voice dripping with disdain.
"You haven't changed at all. Always so defiant, always thinking you're better than everyone else. Even grandfather's death did not seem to have changed something."
One of Feng Huo Hua's feet reached Feng Zhi Hao's shoulder. She pressed on it, forcefully raising Feng Zhi Hao's head. The mention of her grandfather had clearly struck a nerve, as Feng Zhi Hao's jaw clenched tighter.
"Don't you dare mention him!"
She shoved Feng Huo Hua's leg away, causing her to stumble backwards. That seemed to enrage Feng Huo Hua greatly since her smile instantly disappeared, painfully biting her lips while glaring towards Feng Zhi Hao.
"Ha, you still think you are the grand and favoured miss of the Feng Clan? Stop daydreaming!" She took a whip from her belt, which glistened with sparkles and small lightning bolts. "You should accept your pathetic fate, you trash!"
Su Jing felt she was an unwelcome third party during all this fighting. She tried to look around for a way out, but this dream seemed only possible to exit with proper powers.
And the owner of this memory, Feng Zhi Hao, didn't look like waking up too soon. She was more forward in fighting Feng Huo Hua.
Feng Zhi Hao moved her hands, and a sword materialised out of thin air. The blade glinted menacingly, far more formidable than any standard sword she had seen. Su Jing couldn't fathom how this was possible, but considering this was Feng Zhi Hao's dream domain, it made sense that she had more potent abilities here.
She lunged forward, aiming to strike down Feng Huo Hua and Su Jing! Su Jing panicked more than ever since she didn't know what Feng Huo Hua would do or how good she was at fighting.
But thankfully, Feng Huo Hua's mood seemed opposite to Su Jing's, hardly being intimidated at all. Her whip quickly launched towards the sword, intending to smack it from Feng Zhi Hao's hands.
Unfortunately, the whip could not stop Feng Zhi Hao's fury. She caught the whip and wrapped it around her palm, pulling it and launching Feng Huo Hua to the ground.
Being in her body, Su Jing felt the hard floor scratch her skin—almost feeling too real. Her shoulder hurt, her chest went rapidly up and down, and her throat ached.
Even the beautiful dress from before felt now a bit impractical. Because of that, before Feng Huo Hua could get back up, Feng Zhi Hao launched herself with a clear intention to stab her sister to death. Su Jing quivered in fear.
Feng Huo Hua quickly raised her arms to block the attack, catching the weapon in her palms, millimetres away from her body.
"It was you who killed Grandpa!" Feng Zhihao shouted madly.
Su Jing couldn't help but hiss inwardly as Feng Zhi Hao pressed the blade harder against her hands. Although this was just a memory, the pain felt alarmingly authentic, and something told her that dying here could represent a big problem for her body outside.
That's why Su Jing focused on Feng Huo Hua's hands, as "she" was more preoccupied with insulting Feng Zhihao and making her angrier. A tingling sensation passed through her head, making her arms tremble and fingers feel even hotter. Unsure whether it was her sensation or Feng Huo Hua's, Su Jing kept still, desperate to hold the sword away from her,
But Feng Zhi Hao seemed determined and powerful enough to break Feng Huo Hua's forces. The blade began to slip from her grasp, even though both Feng Huo Hua and Su Jings were holding onto it. Feng Huo Hua didn't look like she was worrying about the situation as she continued smirking, further provoking Feng Zhi Hao.
"And in the end, grandfather still chose me, not you. Nothing can change that."
The craziness overtook Feng Zhi Hao and the black mist around her body. The blade went closer to her flesh, and just as it was about to pierce her, a sudden, sharp crack echoed through the air.
Su Jing held her breath, her fingers feeling hot. Her gaze was locked on the blade as she watched cracks rapidly spread across its surface.
In mere moments, the sword burst into a dazzling display of light, shattered into fragments. The bits flew everywhere, disappearing around the two of them.
Feng Zhi Hao's eyes widened in shock at such a scene. Her actions seemed to pause, as if confused and still not processing that her sword was gone. Only after Feng Zhi Hao started to tremble did she get away from Feng Huo Hua's body, coughing violently and clutching her stomach.
Unconsciously, Su Jing wanted to reach after Feng Zhihao. Her hands moved, making Su Jing stop as she realised Feng Huohua's presence had faded. Her fingers efficiently responded to her commands.
Su Jing looked around, her heart racing as the dreamscape began to dissolve. The enchanting fairy garden and elegant courtyard melted away, their vibrant colours changing into the harsh and cold mountain view.
With a gasp, Feng Zhi Hao was forcefully pulled back to reality. She vomited blood, trembling from the rough awakening. Su Jing felt herself being pulled back into her own body. The disorientation was brief as she rapidly sought cover, not wanting to be seen by Feng Zhi Hao.
The fog continued to cling around Feng Zhi Hao, thickening and swirling in a last-ditch effort to suffocate her. Gasping for breath, her trembling hands fumbled for the necklace around her neck.
She clutched it tightly, and the jewel quickly emitted a brilliant, golden light of the calibre she used to kill the previous cultivator. The intense glow cut through the fog, causing it to dissolve rapidly into nothingness.
Amazingly, her condition improved almost immediately, shocking Su Jing. She wanted to continue to watch Feng Zhi Hao, but the show of light seemed to blind her, and her vision became blurry. Pained, Su Jing put her palms over her face, but her head continued pounding, and nothing she did made it better.
She wondered whether the fog was causing this, but it was already fading. Her head felt like it was splitting open. As she struggled to keep herself conscious, different kinds of images flooded in, each distinct and unfamiliar. There were no angry villagers or a Village Head this time, nor Feng Huo Hua or Feng Zhi Hao—just an ongoing mess hard for her to decipher.
Su Jing did not know how much time passed or if something happened in her surroundings.
When she finally regained consciousness, Su Jing could hear nothing, and she needed a few seconds to realise where she was. Her body felt numb as if lying down for a long time.
Feng Zhi Hao was gone, and a scary silence enveloped the whole place.
She needed a few minutes to understand what was happening in her head. With each moment, her expression petrified more and more, and there was a slight moment when she did not even know if what she was living was a dream or reality.
This world was a story.
Su Jing breathed in and out at this affirmation, as she still needed some time to completely believe that—however, all the happenings from before told her what she knew now weren't lies.
No wonder she felt a weird vibe around Feng Zhi Hao and the two immortals, Bai Xiu Ying and Zhu Tai Chang.
They were one of the main characters in this world story!
Especially Feng Zhi Hao, the young lady Su Jing encountered, was the illustrious and lucky female protagonist!
She was everything that the genre cliches had to offer - reborn with a powerful secret bloodline, heavenly medical knowledge, and farming space. She had many love interests, but Feng Zhi Hao remained utterly oblivious to their affections, consumed by her dedication to the dao and getting revenge on the ones who betrayed her.
This transmigration was totally out of her scope. If you want someone to change the flow of the story, why don't you take one of these usual military, spy, killer women? Su Jing read a lot of crossover stories, but neither of the transmigrators was as pitiful as her.
What worried Su Jing even more was that she didn't remember a character named after herself. She might have remembered her past life, but her current one was still unclear!
There is a high possibility of her forgetting. However, Su Jing is sure she wouldn't easily overlook a character with the same name.
Upon deeper reflection, Su Jing realised she might be one of those one-sentence characters. After all, why would she be announced right before the mighty female lead?
When she read about this story in her modern past, she did not seem to do anything grandiose apart from living an everyday, monotonous life. Su Jing had no clear view of those memories either. They were running like sand from her fingers.
Su Jing preferred to avoid becoming collateral damage in Feng Zhihao's epic adventures, either way.
As Su Jing suspected, Feng Zhi Hao was dangerous if not handled well. The person Su Jing saw dying wasn't the first person Feng Zhi Hao had killed, but one of the many victims she had finished to make them pay for her suffering in her first life.
The story has already passed a few arcs. Right now, it was somewhere in the middle, where Feng Zhi Hao escaped the mortal realm after finishing getting revenge on her family, other clan nobles, and academic schoolmates.
First, Feng Zhi Hao was a noble concubine daughter of a famous family in Qin Country. At first, she was elated as a talented and proud miss. Still, once it was discovered that she did not have talent in cultivation, after an accident that also made her dumb, people began to ignore her since the motto of this story is "only the powerful rule."
Although quite true, Su Jing would want to add that "the majority of people are also dense" since they ignored, again and again, the signs of superpower Feng Zhi Hao had shown.
In her last life, Feng Zhi Hao died because of being poisoned by her stepmother, half-sister and fiance. While the sister and her taken lover went to the immortal realm, Feng Zhi Hao died slowly in loneliness, ignored by everyone.
Thus, Heaven gave Feng Zhi Hao a chance to be reborn in the accident that made her dumb right after her sister and fiancee left for the immortal realm. With the knowledge of her past life, Feng Zhi Hao played the role of a mindless girl, wearing a weak and docile mask, while plotting how to ruin everyone.
But first, she needed to cure her poisoned body to gain power. Feng Zhi Hao had no cultivation abilities, and neither did regular mortal medicine seem to work.
Thankfully, she got lucky and discovered that the necklace her mother left her wasn't a normal one but a spiritual heirloom. This powerful tool contained a farming space and many other treasures, such as cultivation and medicinal books, spiritual springs, and weapons.
Through this, she could cure herself, unlock her meridians, and start cultivating and being a doctor while still hiding her new robust constitution with an elixir.
The next time someone started bullying her, she either created an unfavourable situation for them or simply killed them in secret, making everyone pay.
She began by killing her noisy grandma who only favoured her step-sister, slapped the stepmother till she got exiled to a distant residence, and also made her bully cousins a laughing stock in the nobility - all this while pretending to be innocent and too stupid to think of such scheming things.
And that wasn't all. From the moment Feng Zhi Hao succeeded in gaining her ignorant father's approval to go to the Qin Country Academy, she continued creating a riot there, too!
Talking about an ambitious and vengeful female lead, Su Jing was sure no one could pass over Feng Zhi Hao!
Was this all finished?
Of course not. Through her mother's notes, Feng Zhi Hao found that she could still be alive, somehow hidden in the immortal realm.
Although desired by many, this realm was challenging for mortals to enter without a master cultivator accompanying them, like in Feng Huo Hua and Prince Jin's case. This implies that numerous dangerous areas must be passed by to reach the disciple selection area for all countries. This selection happens once a decade.
So how did the ridiculed Feng Zhi Hao reach the immortal root selection?
The imperial order ordered Feng Zhi Hao's cousin to come to this root selection, but the Feng Clan feared losing her because of the dangerous path there and because she was engaged to the crown prince. Her Aunt, the remaining members, and the exiled stepmother decided to throw Feng Zhi Hao instead.
It might have looked unfavourable and a dead end, but for Feng Zhi Hao, it was the best situation ever!
Together with some other wealthy noble heirs, she experienced perilous small-scale events. The arrogant heirs were either killed by the monsters or by Feng Zhi Hao herself.
During one of those situations, she encountered Zhu Tai Chang, embarrassing him in a duelling contest with her medical tricks, even though he was more powerful. He grew furious and wanted to attack her outside the arena. However, thanks to Bai Xiu Ying, they left without doing anything to Feng Zhi Hao.
As an apology, Bai Xiu Ying gave Feng Zhi Hao a map showing the route to Mountain Shun, where the root selection was supposed to occur.
Easy peasy then, and Feng Zhi Hao successfully reached the root selection. The only problem was that she had not expected the sect to reject her only because of the quality of the roots.
Although she cultivated, her roots were not good enough to impress an immortal. But that wasn't enough to stop her—since she decided to go on her own towards the eternal realm.
She killed numerous beasts along the way, gaining more strength and abilities. When she saw people she knew who ridiculed her, she killed them without words to spar. The man Su Jing saw was such a victim.
It was interesting to learn that this mountain had a special spell that made you fight your inner demons. As Feng Zhi Hao stood immobile, she remembered some painful events from her past. Because the man decided to mock her at the wrong moment, she threw her frustration at him and killed him.
Then, she entered the next stage of inner demon fighting. This part worried Su Jing since the story dictated something else.
According to Feng Zhihao's memories, although Su Jing mostly followed Feng Huohua's will, the dream state didn't end that fast since Feng Zhihao killed the false Feng Huohua! After that, the memory regressed to a part where she was scolded by a false grandpa, who told her she was not worthy of the Feng family name.
The end was when Feng Zhihao realised she was, in fact, in a fake dream when the grandpa accidentally said something out of character. She slashed him with her sword, thus clearing her inner demon. This made her pass over her bottleneck, reaching the Fifth Stage of Qi Refinement.
Well, that clearly didn't happen anymore. Feng Zhihao missed the chance to increase her cultivation. Although Feng Zhihao might have entered again while Su Jing was unconscious, she still suffered a significant impact when the sword broke. Su Jing didn't know then, but that sword was made from her inner Qi, and breaking it meant having serious inner wounds.
Was it because of Su Jing? Two people in the same inner demon weren't something that ever happened with other characters.
Not that Su Jing was a normal one, either.
Su Jing was an external soul with amnesia, and the fog's illusion power was probably not working on her. So what if she had some evil villagers wanting her dead? If Su Jing hadn't attributed those memories to herself, it would have hardly an emotional effect on her mind.
The fog put her in someone else's demon dream, the mechanism pursuing her to test her mental cultivation in some way. It is too bad that this affected Feng Zhihao's testing and made her fail. Maybe her sword wasn't meant to handle anything besides the fake memories, so it broke when fighting with something external like Su Jing.
Inner demons were, after all, very sensible.
Su Jing hit her head, wondering if this minor mishap would now doom Feng Zhihao's entire journey. Feng Zhi Hao still needed to explore a forest and train when reaching the immortal realm, so maybe she would succeed in passing her bottleneck then. Her farming space was full of meds and overflowing spiritual Qi, anyway.
But what about her life memories? Su Jing had a hunch that she had transmigrated long ago, but her memories were only unlocked now since she had the fog as a stimulus.
Recalling how she found herself confused at the root selection, Su Jing was sure that was when she first arrived in this world - since then, she appeared in this story! That was when Feng Zhi Hao saw her, in other words.
Feng Zhi Hao has no business with Su Jing's life, so, understandably, the story doesn't discuss her past, actual life, or future.
She was a simple extra, a poor mortal girl who most probably went back to live everyday mortal life in another village, away from those who wanted to kill her. Even if she still pursued going to the immortal realm like Su Jing, it was hardly probable that she passed her inner demons. Being made an enemy with an entire community wouldn't be easy for a young girl.
Su Jing did not want to risk it and return there. Who knows what would they do if they accidentally saw her?
Su Jing trembled as she didn't have enough big balls to scheme revenge on them. She had no talent, no cheat, no relatives, no home. In what way could Su Jing do something? Even cultivation power was out of the list since she was so weak the sect rejected her!
She needs to survive first. And for that to happen, she had to find a place for herself in the immortal realm.
Chapter 4. Why was he vomiting blood?
Su Jing sighed. It had been several hours since she started climbing the mountain again.
The view was clearer now, and the mist had dissipated. Su Jing could see the forest she had passed through earlier with the other mortals. On the other side, a faint blue shade appeared near the horizon, indicating that this mountain was near a sea.
These things couldn't be seen before because of the mist.
But what struck her the most was what she didn't see—no people, no animals. The path was eerily silent, so still, it almost unsettled her. The emptiness made Su Jing wonder if she had been unconscious far longer than she had realised. Or was this because of Feng Zhi Hao's heirloom? She had, after all, purified that inner demon fog!
But the mountain wasn't this clear even in the story! It almost felt like something sucked the life out of this mountain.
No one hurt her since she stood hidden, but she was still a mortal either way. Her stomach hurt, so she swallowed the berries from her pockets. Those did not taste good since they were dry and almost mouldy.
Su Jing could only bite her lip, and she did not have many food options. She would maybe find something in the immortal realm.
Feng Zhi Hao found that entrance, so it was there somewhere for sure! She just needed to hold on and keep going.
Su Jing's self-motivation seemed to not be for nothing as she gradually saw a change in the aspect of the staircase. They grew wider until she arrived at an elegant platform with only a simple paifang gate*.
Its weathered and dusty appearance did not remind Su Jing of the immortal realm, and for a second, she got scared that things weren't as simple as she thought.
Once she arrived at the summit, Feng Zhi Hao encountered an elegant, beautiful array mended with colourful spiritual stones. She stepped on it, and with that, she teleported to the immortal realm.
That was it. So why does Su Jing have a gate? Where is her array?
This sudden problem made her kneel on the ground, tired from her long hours of climbing. As much as she understood the rules of this world, Su Jing's mood still plummeted. Feng Zhi Hao was making the world revolve around her, so it wasn't strange that Su Jing couldn't do it the same way as she did.
The gate looked like it could fall anytime with a touch. The roof was broken, and even the plate's writing was smudged. Su Jing couldn't understand what was written.
Su Jing had no choice but to approach the gate. Although hesitant about touching it, she stepped through it with her palms close, feeling as if water had washed her body.
Su Jing squeezed her eyes shut briefly, overwhelmed by dizziness. Gradually, her perception sharpened, and the strange noise of the surroundings became more distinct.
Only to find the same view when she opened her eyes.
Her heart sank to her stomach.
Su Jing desperately tried repeatedly but remained on the mountain each time. It was as if she had been bounced back just before reaching the other side!
The gate even broke one of its tiles, making it fall on Su Jing's head.
"Ugh, it hurts!"
She gazed towards the gate, wanting to make it fall for real!
Su Jing rose and searched around, but her slight hope of finding another path quickly faded as she realised this was the end of the stairs. It was strange, especially considering that Feng Zhihao described the path differently when she had almost reached the array—the array was supposed to be in an open area near the peak, where one could see the vast sea of clouds.
Instead, jagged rocks surrounded this place. The sea of clouds was nowhere to be seen, and the surrounding peaks towered even higher than the one Su Jing stood on.
Su Jing had expected to follow the same route but ended up somewhere entirely different. Hah, it seemed she had indeed taken another path altogether! For a brief moment, she considered turning back and searching for a side trail, but she knew she couldn't leave just yet.
Back in front of the gate, she sighed.
Maybe she needed to do something. This paifang gate should have a use for being here.
To put spiritual Qi? As much as Su Jing wanted, she had no idea how to cultivate. Of course, she had a basic idea of how Feng Zhi Hao and other characters cultivated, but that took a lot of work to apply in reality! Moreover, she had a weak constitution!
She needed a cultivation book or a master to teach her the correct method.
However, this situation called towards desperate measures. Su Jing couldn't just stay and do nothing.
She put her body down in a lotus position, the classic of cultivation stories, and tried to meditate. Usually, that was the quickest way for characters to become powerful—the mighty and chosen by heaven ones, if she were to add. That's why Su Jing did not feel anything, no matter how much she tried. Her scattered thoughts made it difficult to achieve the clarity needed to perceive Spiritual Qi.
She took deep breaths, regretting she hadn't learned her root results at the disciple selection. The master had said she forced her roots, which meant she had some cultivation inclination that she used already. But what kind? Was she a four-root? A five-root?
Certainly, they weren't impressive enough since the sect rejected her.
The wind grazed her skin, a gentle reminder to concentrate. Su Jing tried once more to steady her thoughts, and gradually, a cold embrace enveloped her body.
She attempted to focus on the gate, but the sensation pulled her away from the world, making her oblivious even to the wind. Strangely, it felt comforting.
Did she succeed in meditating? Su Jing's face hardened as a sense of heaviness settled over her limbs, dragging her deeper into the trance. Because of that, her eyelashes trembled, and as a sliver of light crept in, Su Jing's heart pounded wildly.
Out of nowhere, a shadow thrust a hand directly into her face. Fear surged through her as she bent backwards, desperately raising her arms to shield herself. She tried to assess the situation, but she couldn't see anyone!
Suddenly, the illusion solidified, and Su Jing felt a real hand wrap around her neck. Gasping for air, she fought against the suffocating pressure, her struggles growing weaker by the second. A strange darkness overtook the corner of her eyes.
With her last ounce of strength, Su Jing raised her bloody hand and swung it wildly in the air. With that, Su Jing felt her fingers brush against something like another human body, but it disappeared as fast as she thought it. She gazed and was surprised to see - that damn black fog!
Why was this thing still here? Didn't Feng Zhihao destroy it?
Once she saw it, the grip around her neck loosened, allowing her to break free. However, the sudden release sent her tumbling backwards, crashing through the falling gate. Tiles rained down around her, and the pillars swayed dangerously, threatening to crumble at any moment.
She coughed in pain, touching with her hand the painful area around her neck. Ever since entering the mountain, she found the fog weird but never considered it more than a trail of powerful Qi Energy. It disappeared after Feng Zhi Hao left, as her cheat heirloom destroyed it. So what was she seeing now? It was too real to be a mere memory left by the original body!
Su Jing wanted to cry! Her death now seemed to be threatened by a random evil entity!
The fog rumbled and condensed, signalling to Su Jing that it wanted to attack her again. With adrenaline driving her forward, she slipped, trying to rise to her feet and escape through the gate. It was the only way for her to escape alive from this monster!
As the roof showed signs of collapse, Su Jing made a desperate leap with her body, refusing to let this fog trap her in this realm. She felt the familiar sensation of the energy swirling around her, and simultaneously, her calves and hands became entangled with the black fog as if it were trying to anchor her in place.
Closing her eyes tightly, Su Jing summoned every ounce of strength and determination she had left. With a final, desperate push, she forced her body through the barrier. The gate crashed down behind her as the light slowly faded from her eyes.
When Su Jing regained consciousness, she first noticed the dirt spreading across her face. Lying on her stomach, she felt painful and uncomfortable, and the dirt grazed her skin.
Her nostrils were filled with warm, rich air, a change from the harsh, cold air she had become used to on the mountain. Su Jing felt so good taking in this air that she opened her mouth and took deep breaths, feeling it somehow calm her painfully beating heart.
She passed through the gate.
This realisation hit her mind, and excitedly, she opened her eyes to look around, even though the sky's light felt too harsh for her eyeballs. Slowly putting her hand over her face, the landscape got a frame, and Su Jing gasped when she saw the immortal realm she desperately tried to get into so much.
Sparkly colours, flying people, and gorgeous birds filled up the painting before her with sparkly colours, flying people, and gorgeous birds, totally different from the dull mortal realm. The female cultivators' pretty flowing dresses made them resemble fairies, and the men's proud demeanours made them stand out in the crowd.
Su Jing got so overwhelmed she did not know where to look first. Still kneeling, her awareness slowly awakened as curious stares started to be directed towards her. Some people laughed as they pointed towards her, and Su Jing's fantasy slowly ripped as she realised her face was still dirt-filled.
Embarrassed, she wiped herself with her sleeves, leaving messy spots imprinted on the fabric. Once she had arranged herself, Su Jing got up.
Behind her was the view of a bustling street, the same thing as in front. No wonder people gave her weird looks - she was lying in the street! Anxious, she glanced around, not knowing in which direction to go.
This was different from the place described by Feng Zhi Hao once reaching the immortal realm. She teleported into a forest - not even close to a crowded city of people!
Feng Zhi Hao had to protect herself by fighting demon beasts, and many events were happening, making her evolve in power. She also searched for medicinal plants, using her knowledge to mend and cleanse her blocked meridians—doing that in the most dangerous of places.
Su Jing walked down the street through the people, not recognising which place was this. After all, Su Jing had used a different array, so it was no surprise it sent her elsewhere. It was better since, like this, Su Jing had escaped the worry of fighting her way through the forest. Still, this place was unknown to her, which was a problem.
That fog or that monster also sent tremors down Su Jing's spine when she recalled her escape. Her neck still ached, and she had a slight difficulty moving her head. She was bound to die there if she hadn't had the chance to teleport.
Feng Zhi Hao fled because, yes, she plotted armour with her magical heirloom, but Su Jing did not seem so lucky since she had to get head-on with the part that remained unpurified.
Either way, she escaped it and shouldn't have to encounter it anymore. She will never go towards that mortal realm again - since she already left it with difficulty.
Su Jing's initial problem of not being accepted by the sect resurfaced. She looked left and right for classic opportunities, like other sects putting stands for leftover rejected disciples. But Su Jing didn't see any of that.
She needed to find another way to live in the next few days.
Her lack of funds complicated matters, and sleeping on the streets was not an option, as she knew the dangers lurking beneath this realm's beauty.
The only option was for her to follow a sect—whichever was closest and most accessible. Although this might not be the best option, it would provide her with at least some protection and shelter.
The Heavenly Clouds Sect, which she encountered in the mortal realm at the root testing, was renowned as one of the most prestigious sects. However, considering her rejection, Su Jing doubted they would reconsider accepting her even as a low outer disciple.
Moreover, the sect's future wouldn't be so stable, especially with the involvement of the female lead.
The female lead transformed as she cultivated, adopting a new image, name, and nickname: "Miracle Doctor." No one knew her as Young Miss Feng from the mortal realm anymore; she was Zhi Hao, a simple cultivator and secretly a miracle doctor.
After fateful encounters, Feng Zhi Hao took refuge in the Medical Sun Sect, an old medical sect that had waned in influence over the years. The sect welcomed disciples without strict requirements, seeking individuals wanting to learn.
The sect's warm reception and the genuine personalities of its members endeared the female lead to their cause. She made it her mission to protect them and help the sect thrive - while secretly preparing herself for the ultimate confrontation with her enemies.
So, what had Heavenly Clouds Sect done to earn her ire?
Heavenly Clouds Sect was where her main enemies—her older sister and former fiancé —who had betrayed her resided. By the end of their story arc, Feng Zhi Hao had made sure they would be uprooted along with the entire sect to bring closure to her past life.
She was the female lead, after all! What can't she do?
For Su Jing, the logical and obvious choice was to head to the Medical Sun Sect. She wasn't naive. Aligning herself with this sect without interacting with Feng Zhi Hao would ensure her well-being and keep her isolated from the power struggles among cultivators.
Unfortunately, Medical Sun Sect was too far away for Su Jing to reach in just a few hours or days. It was located in a distant southern region with a warmer and humid climate, somewhat isolated on the map. She wasn't exactly familiar with the route either, and given her limited resources and unknown location, it was simply out of reach.
Su Jing sighed, her head hurting. She would have wanted to drink a bit of Bai Xiu Ying's healing elixir but was scared of carelessly showing it around. She was weak, and anybody could easily take it away if she weren't careful. She also knew how precious the medicine from the Moon Medical Sect was.
As she ventured further down the street, lightly clothed cultivators strolled by, their movements graceful and fluid. She looked at them closely, amazed by their otherworldly weapons. Some of these cultivators even effortlessly soared through the skies on their blades, defying gravity itself.
Redirecting her gaze towards the bustling marketplace, she bit her lip, acknowledging the inevitable. With no other options, she knew she had to secure a job to afford food and a place to sleep. Moreover, she needed to gather information about her current location and locate potential small sects that might offer her refuge.
Su Jing felt anxious about talking to the vendors, knowing she looked homeless with dirty clothes. As she approached some cultivators, they threateningly looked towards her, far from the kind regard Bai Xiu Ying gave her.
Su Jing could only keep trying.
"My apologies, dear client, but our restaurant does not need workers. The only thing I can do for you is serve you food or accompany you out of this place if you aren't thinking of buying anything."
Su Jing put her palm on the back of her neck, feeling embarrassed. She tried asking for workers in a busy restaurant, but the waiter looked down on her the whole time.
"But couldn't there be even a small place for me? I can do anything. I only wish for a place to sleep this night."
The man still shook his head, not giving in.
"We don't take mortals."
His way of phrasing made Su Jing not know what to say, and he felt like he was unjustly rejecting her.
"Dear client, please understand that cultivation is a must to live in this realm. Keeping you here would only slow down our business since all our things work only activated by energy Qi."
Su Jing stood silent as she indeed did not know how to use Qi Energy. The sound of the door opening again prevented the waiter from spending too much time with her, making Su Jing understand that she needed to leave.
"Thank you anyway, senior. "
The waiter only nodded towards her, moving towards the clients who just entered. Su Jing understood he was also commanding her to leave.
If only they would have accepted her pennies for a night's sleep in an inn, but cultivators did not use mortals' currencies.
Su Jing sighed. Although she had anticipated that her journey in this new realm would be challenging, her lack of cultivation abilities posed an even more significant challenge than she had imagined.
Su Jing bypassed the people who wanted to enter the restaurant and went towards the opposite side of the street. However, her stride was interrupted when her legs unexpectedly became entangled in something.
She looked in the back and saw a person sitting on the ground. The object on which she tripped over was the cane they seemed to use. A massive hat was on their head, making it difficult to distinguish their traits.
"My apologies, senior." She bowed slightly in front of them. They were silent and did not say anything, making Su Jing think that she had accidentally offended them.
Feeling awkward, Su Jing glanced around. She bowed again and tried to leave.
But as she turned her body, she was startled by a sudden "thump" nearby. She was surprised to see the person falling from his sitting position to lying down, seemingly unconscious. His cane fell from his hand and got near his body, its end reaching Su Jing's feet.
Her heart quickened as she knelt to retrieve the cane. It was crafted from a lightweight material, its surface smooth to the touch, and adorned with the rich hues of polished wood.
"Are you alright? Can you hear me?" Su Jing approached the person, touching them lightly on their back. They did not respond this time either.
Su Jing's heartbeat suddenly increased as she tried to move their body again.
They weren't responding.
Now Su Jing was panicking for real. She continued calling them and removing the hat veil from their faces to ensure they were alright.
Su Jing was taken aback as the hat lifted to discover a young man beneath it. Despite his handsome features, he appeared alarmingly frail and sickly. His complexion was ashen, and when she tentatively touched his hand, Su Jing recoiled at the heat radiating from his feverish body.
Gah, Su Jing felt she was the wrong person to be here. She wasn't a doctor, nor did she have medicinal knowledge. Feng Zhi Hao would have known what medicine to give him, but she wouldn't have the chance to reach this place.
Su Jing checked his breath with her finger near his nose and got worried as she felt his breath extremely weak.
Was he dying?!
SuJing tried shaking his body, but that was of no use.
"Senior, please wake up!"
She looked around for help, but Su Jing immediately seemed to be hit with people's indifference.
The man's condition seemed to worsen. Not having any other choice, Su Jing took the elixir she had carefully kept out of her pocket for later use, not knowing if this would be enough to help him.
She shook the liquid from the bottle's bottom, conflicted.
Either way, her consciousness would be prickled if she left a person dying!
Su Jing opened his mouth and carefully tried to swallow the medicine, her hand shaking when a few drops splattered.
When he showed no signs of swallowing, Su Jing's desperation drove her to gently massage his neck, angling his head slightly to prevent choking. A moment later, he began to cough, his lips tainted with blood.
Su Jing froze up when she saw that. Did she give him the wrong medicine? Why was he vomiting blood?
The man regained consciousness for a second. He looked towards Su Jing, his eyes not fully open.
"Senior sister?" His voice was faint, raspy.
Su Jing hesitated, unsure how to respond. Was he mistaking her for someone else? Before she could gather her thoughts, his head drooped once more.
"Wait, wait, wait, stay awake. I am not your senior sister."
Su Jing shook his head, but everything was for nothing. He seemed deep asleep.
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