Chapter Five: The Spirit Immortal

The sect leader spoke as he drew from behind him a book titled "The Celestial Dragon-Seeking Feng Shui Manual," presenting it to Zhang Zhiheng.

"This secret manual of Feng Shui can calculate the heavens to alter fate above and seek hidden dragons below. Combined with your physiognomy techniques, if you master it, you will come to understand all things under heaven!"

Zhang Zhiheng received the manual and bowed deeply. "Thank you, Master!"

At this moment, the sect leader turned to stand beside Second Sister Zhou Linger. "I found you as an orphan during my travels. At that time, you were floating on a lotus flower amid the water, and I sensed at once that your origins were not mundane."

"I can feel traces of spiritual energy flowing in you. Legend has it that when immortals and mortals fall in love, their offspring are neither human nor immortal, surpassing mortals but not quite reaching immortality—thus called Spirit Immortals."

"Some Spirit Immortals, born with innate spiritual energy, become cultivators; some choose ordinary lives as mortals; others are taken by their immortal parents to the legendary immortal island of Penglai for cultivation."

"But as for you, it seems—though I do not know the reason—you were abandoned upon a lotus, left to drift and survive as fate would have it. Perhaps it was due to the rules of the immortal realm, for immortals are forbidden from mortal desires and raising offspring. Usually, such children are hidden away in Penglai, the fabled link between the human and celestial worlds, but no trace of it has ever been found."

After saying this, the sect leader sighed deeply. "You’ve grown up here at Mount Mao as well, and the Spirit Immortal cultivation you practice is exceedingly rare. I have little to offer you, save this."

He drew a segment of wooden vine from his sleeve. "This is the Immortal-Knot Vine. Once, in a dream, an immortal bestowed it upon me, entrusting me to sweep away worldly filth. Now, I am old and weary, my strength failing; today I pass it to you, hoping it may aid you on your path."

As Zhou Linger took the vine, she felt a strange warmth emanating from it.

Meanwhile, Fang You, unable to contain himself any longer, spoke up. "Isn’t it my turn? What will you give me? I can’t wait to find out!"

The sect leader burst into hearty laughter, approaching Fang You. "Among you all, your spirit is the most lively. When you entered Mount Mao, it was your wit and talent that earned you a place as an inner disciple. Now that you’re setting out into the world, I pass this method to you. With your aptitude, you should grasp it quickly!"

He produced another manual from behind him. "This is the 'Secrets of the Mysterious Gates,' a compendium of all the strange arts and formations under heaven, refined through over ten generations of masters. Each generation has added their own insights and discoveries. As you travel, I hope you add to it the wonders and techniques you encounter, leaving something of value for future generations. That would be a great achievement!"

"Oh, is that all?" Fang You took the manual with a hint of reluctance. "I thought it would be some profound secret. So, you want me to keep recording strange arts and formations. Well, wandering the world is my dream anyway. If I find something interesting, I’ll add it for those who come after. Thank you, Master!"

"I don’t have any outstanding skills—what will you give me? I’m so curious!" piped up Little Sister Lin Xiaoyue.

The sect leader glanced at her, then sighed. "You have a talent for controlling objects, which is rare. If you train diligently, you could accomplish much. But…"

He looked at her again, sighing once more. "Though you’re skilled with objects, your nature is too gentle, and you’re not suited for combat. So let me give you this."

He handed her a jade hairpin, gleaming green.

"What is this?" Lin Xiaoyue asked.

"This was left by the previous generation’s last disciple. It’s a spiritual artifact for object control, tamed by those before you. I give it to you now; it may save your life in a critical moment." As he spoke, he passed the hairpin to her.

Lin Xiaoyue accepted it, her eyes sparkling. "It’s so beautiful! Thank you, Master!"

"Now that you’ve passed the trial, you should prepare to descend the mountain," Deputy Sect Leader Zhong Shankui said sternly from the side.

"Yes, Master Zhong!"

They all bowed again and slowly made their way outside.

Inside the hall, Master Hua Chenzi grumbled, "Zhong, you old fox, you’re too sly. They didn’t even get to say goodbye to me, and I was so worried!"

"Are we still playing mahjong or not? It’s been ages," Zhong Shankui replied, pulling out a mahjong table.

"Looks like we’re one short," the sect leader said, his solemn demeanor gone as he smiled. "Shall we ask Ouyang from the Disciplinary Hall to join?"

"Let’s invite Yue Yan from the Finance Hall to play East Wind. Ouyang is too skilled at mahjong—better not call him!"

"You still feel awkward about owing him 700 coins, don’t you? Haha!"

"Nonsense, he was the one cheating!"

Watching the others banter, the sect leader smiled softly and gazed outside. "I hope the few of you never become enemies, forced to fight one another."

At the foot of Mount Mao—

"Farewell, everyone. I hope we’ll meet again someday," Fang You said, turning to his three fellow disciples.

"Don’t forget the Mount Mao Token," Senior Brother said, drawing a shining token from his robes. "Master said disciples may use this to seek help from our sect while out in the world. Other sects have their own tokens too. If you’re ever in danger, seek aid—you may find another Mount Mao disciple and be saved."

"But unless it’s urgent, don’t reveal it lightly," Second Sister Zhou Linger warned. "Mount Mao has many enemies. If you expose yourself and are recognized, you could be targeted for revenge—it’s dangerous."

Lin Xiaoyue looked at Fang You, as if wanting to say something, but hesitated, lowering her head and mumbling.

Fang You simply laughed heartily, carefree as ever. "Little Sister, you’ll find a good family one day. As for me, I’m meant to roam the world alone."

"…Mmm…" Lin Xiaoyue murmured softly, head down.

"Until we meet again, everyone."