Chapter 108: The Day of Receiving Gifts

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Situsi Jing’s expression was calm, quite different from Ji Yao’s serious unease. In her heart, she felt a deep sense of wistfulness; this young girl was practically someone she had watched grow up. From knowing nothing at the start to now matching anyone in ability, Ji Yao’s learning aptitude was astonishing. Although her grasp of swordsmanship was not particularly remarkable, she had the wisdom to recognize her strengths and choose a path that suited her better.

This incident revealed that her talent in formation arts far surpassed her sword skills, likely owing to her keen perception and unique strategic vision. With just a casual glance at the formation diagram and some on-site observation, she was able to deduce much more than Situsi Jing had anticipated. In light of this, sending Ji Yao to that place, with her protection, now seemed feasible.

The thought flashed through Situsi Jing’s mind in an instant, yet her face betrayed nothing. She lifted her gaze to meet Ji Yao’s eyes, seeing only concern about the situation but no sign of retreat. That was enough.

“Three days from now, when you formally become my disciple and receive the status of Mo Daoyan’s direct disciple, you will visit the Ling Tian Pavilion. It’s time for Xiao Wu to know that I have returned.”

Having spoken, Situsi Jing fell silent. Ji Yao did not press further, knowing that the degree of access to the pavilion’s books varied with one’s status. As for the Xiao Wu mentioned, Ji Yao instinctively felt it must be related to the pavilion’s spirit artifact. Over many years, no disciple had ever mentioned the pavilion’s spirit artifact, not even Mu Baiyun had encountered it.

The three days passed quickly. The formal apprenticeship ceremony was simply more witnesses — at least two senior brothers under Mo Daoyan, Mu Baiyun who had taken on Mo Daoyan’s teachings, and the newly promoted senior brother Dongfang Shun were present. Additionally, over ten revered immortals closely connected to Mo Daoyan and the stewards of the sect’s main peak administrative hall attended.

Ji Yao stepped forward and knelt, solemnly bowing three times and offering tea to her master. Mo Daoyan accepted the cup and sipped lightly, signaling his approval and marking the ceremony’s initial completion. Next came the incense offering to the ancestral master, followed by the administrative hall recording the event and replacing her jade token with one denoting her direct disciple status. With that, everything was settled.

Ji Yao received some gifts from the immortals and a few words of admonition from Mo Daoyan. The apprenticeship ceremony was complete. After bidding farewell to the immortals and stewards who had come to witness, a few senior brothers remained.

As the legitimate senior brother, Lu Ming was naturally the first to step forward, handing Ji Yao a storage bag with a smile.

“You’re the first little junior sister I’ve taken under my wing here at Tianlu Peak, and a direct disciple at that. Of course, I have to treat you well. Keep this for now. If you need anything else, just tell your senior brother; I’ll help arrange it. As for your Xuechen Sword, it will take seven days to advance. I’ll give it to you once it’s ready.”

Ji Yao’s spirit swept over the storage bag, and her face lit up with delight. She didn’t care if anyone laughed at her for being materialistic. “Thank you, Senior Brother! You’re the best!”

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Lu Ming ruffled Ji Yao’s hair, and she didn’t mind her hair being mussed, still smiling happily. After all, the wealthy hold the power; what did hair matter when there were five hundred mid-grade spirit stones in the bag?

One must understand that although the exchange rate among low, medium, and high-grade spirit stones was one to one hundred, a hundred low-grade stones were not always easily exchanged for one mid-grade stone, mainly because few were willing to trade the better quality stones. Spirit stones in the cultivation world were not just currency but also a resource for training; thus, few would part with high-quality stones unless they were wealthy.

Five hundred mid-grade spirit stones represented over fifty thousand low-grade stones. Could Ji Yao be anything but delighted? Especially with Lu Ming’s promise afterward—not to offend such a generous benefactor.

The expressions of the senior brothers upon seeing Ji Yao’s joyful face varied. The most surprised was Dongfang Shun, likely because their cultivation levels had always been close. Although Dongfang Shun knew Ji Yao was skilled at adapting to circumstances, she had always maintained principled attitudes toward him. Even in compromise, she held firm, never smiling so purely or genuinely with such heartfelt happiness.

Their interaction had been forced from the start, coloring their later cooperation with self-interest. No wonder Ji Yao had drawn a clear line between them. Dongfang Shun wished to change this but knew, given their personalities and statuses, it was impossible. Maintaining the current state without deterioration was already a relief.

Gu Qiu’s mindset shared some similarities with Dongfang Shun’s. He was cautious, always thinking several steps ahead with the environment’s well-being as a premise. He initially valued Ji Yao for her abilities and then for the influence she would have on others. Only those who truly earned his trust entered his inner circle and plans, distinguishing him from Dongfang Shun and leaving room for further development with Ji Yao.

Mu Baiyun’s attitude was closer to Lu Ming’s. They were similar in cultivation and age, though initially two realms behind Ji Yao. Caring for younger juniors was their duty. Unlike Lu Ming’s straightforward legitimacy, Mu Baiyun, despite being taught by Mo Daoyan, was somewhat distanced by status, which could cause others to misunderstand Ji Yao’s reputation as a young woman.

Mu Baiyun felt more envy than anything else. The difference in status meant he had to maintain boundaries, unlike Lu Ming who could treat Ji Yao without reservation. Though Mu Baiyun was the sect’s senior brother, his relationship with the new junior brother felt different.

Ji Yao’s carefree smile was not only because of the spirit stones but also because Lu Ming’s kindness was entirely selfless, simply because she was his little junior sister. Being under such protective wings was what mattered most.

Next should have been Gu Qiu’s turn, but the proud youth deferred to Mu Baiyun, the nominal senior brother, who then presented his prepared gift.

Ji Yao caught it in her hands and found a delicately carved wooden boat. Since it had not been consecrated, its function was not immediately apparent.

Mu Baiyun explained, “This is a small flying boat. Once consecrated, you will understand its use. I believe Sister Ji will find it very useful.”

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Ji Yao looked up at Mu Baiyun in surprise and noticed that his typically expressionless face was no longer as stiff as before. The lines of his handsome features had softened considerably, making “handsome as a refined woman” a more fitting description.

She raised her brows and curled her lips into a sweet smile. “Thank you, Brother Yun. You’re very thoughtful.”

She had only once ridden Mu Baiyun’s flying sword, yet he had discerned her needs and thoughtfully prepared a fitting gift. It was indeed considerate and attentive.

She had never mentioned her plan to seek another flying treasure after foundation establishment. This gift was timely and aligned perfectly with her desires. Its value was surely no less than the spirit stones Lu Ming had given her.

Mu Baiyun had never been addressed so familiarly by name before and was momentarily stunned. When he recovered, he saw that everyone, including Mo Daoyan and the other disciples, were smiling to varying degrees.

The “culprit” causing this scene smiled the widest, her large bright eyes narrowed into slits with delight.

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Mu Baiyun quickly said, “You’re too kind, Sister. I’m glad you like it.”

Then, expressionlessly, he stepped back. Fortunately, his face had not fully returned to its usual impassive mask, so no one noticed the omission of his surname in his words.

After Mu Baiyun stepped back, it was Gu Qiu’s turn. He tossed a wooden box about a foot square into Ji Yao’s arms.

“This should serve as the compensation I promised last time. I’m not a man without credit, not just empty words.”

Ji Yao immediately understood he referred to the matter discussed on the flying boat on the way back.

Opening the box, she found a set of water-blue spirit armor, complete with accessories, belt, and sash, all shimmering with spiritual light and evidently quite valuable.

She raised an eyebrow, surprised. She had not expected the wealthiest among the senior brothers to be this shrewd second brother. This armor was clearly a high-grade, multifunctional spirit artifact set.

Tsk tsk! She had truly misjudged before!