Chapter 49: The Choice of the Inner Nine Peaks

Ji Yao glanced around warily, uncertain whether there might be other members of the Shi family present who had also joined the Lingyun Sect. If word of this incident made its way back, she would have stirred up a hornet’s nest. After all, the reputation of the Shi family’s direct descendants was held in high esteem under the public eye. Even if she sold herself and handed over every spirit stone she owned, it would not be enough to compensate for such an offense.

Her only hope now lay in the man before her—Shi Xiuyue—who seemed approachable enough. She didn’t believe he was truly rigid; trying too hard to curry favor would only backfire. The outer sect was not a simple place. To thrive there for years, maintain strong relations, and advance one’s cultivation without setbacks—this was proof of his skill.

After a moment’s thought, Ji Yao decided to make amends. Even if she couldn’t win his friendship, she could at least help the Shi family save some face.

“Senior Brother Shi, I am Ji Yao. On the arena just now, knowing I had no hope of advancing and unable to fend off your attacks any longer, I found a way to exit the fight unharmed. I’m sorry for putting you in an awkward position! After the tournament, I hope we can find another time for you to instruct me—I would be most grateful!”

She finished in one breath, her expression calm as she met his gaze.

Shi Xiuyue, just as Ji Yao had guessed, was no fool. He understood her intention to help him regain lost face. Nor was he petty; he admitted to himself that he had underestimated her in the match and fallen into her trap. Had he been more alert, he could have ended the fight before she resorted to her final trick, so there was no real cause for embarrassment.

Besides, he had heard clearly her words before leaving the stage: “I won’t play along any longer.” She had likely seen through everything from the start. One thing still intrigued him—the piercing sound that had jolted him awake. Only he could hear it, and it was nothing like the pure note of a jade flute, but instead carried the resonance of metal and stone. Ji Yao, clearly gifted with a metal spiritual root, would naturally have her attack power boosted when using a metal-attribute artifact. All of this pointed to one thing: the jade flute she wielded as a flying sword contained hidden mysteries.

The Shi family had seen countless rare treasures, even a few Dao and Immortal artifacts, but never anything like this.

Ji Yao had no idea how much her final move had revealed, but she could see his gaze shift from amusement to deep meaning, making her uneasy. Had she said something wrong? His look sent chills down her spine.

Fortunately, Shi Xiuyue didn’t keep her waiting. He smiled openly and nodded. “We’ll both be in the inner sect soon, and there’s plenty of time ahead. It’s my good fortune to spar with you, Junior Sister.”

“Thank you for your understanding, Senior Brother Shi. I wish you every success in your next match.” Ji Yao felt that any further conversation would be unnecessary—ending things swiftly was best.

After a few more polite words, Ji Yao turned and left. The remaining matches didn’t concern her; she had accomplished her goal in this tournament. Now all she had to do was wait for her Foundation Establishment Pill and enter the inner sect smoothly.

Things had moved faster than she’d expected. Just by participating in this one sect tournament ahead of schedule, she’d solved two major problems before Foundation Establishment in a single stroke.

After the fourth round, Ji Yao had sent a message to Ling Ru using a high-grade transmission talisman, but had yet to receive a reply. She supposed Ling Ru had traveled beyond the talisman’s range.

Back in her small courtyard, Ji Yao finally felt the tension of the tournament melt away. She collapsed onto her bed and, at some point, drifted off to sleep.

She slept for three days straight. When she awoke, still bleary-eyed, she realized today was the day for outer sect disciples to collect their monthly stipend.

After composing herself, Ji Yao made her way leisurely toward the sect affairs hall on Chaoyang Peak. As she reached the square, someone hurried up behind her and called out.

“It really is you! I thought I was seeing things. Didn’t you enter the inner sect tournament?”

“Dongfang Shun, haven’t you been busy earning spirit stones? I didn’t see you at any of my matches.” Ji Yao looked at the tall, sharp-featured young man before her, and couldn’t help feeling a little emotional.

With his background, looks, luck, cultivation speed, and perception, Dongfang Shun was the very image of those protagonists from inspirational novels in her previous life—even his knack for attracting girls and his chivalrous nature were exactly the same.

The only thing that puzzled her was that he hadn’t entered the tournament. Ji Yao was certain that, even at the tenth level of Qi Refining, Dongfang Shun could easily have made the top hundred and entered the inner sect. He must have other plans, she thought, and decided not to press the issue.

Dongfang Shun grinned and cupped his hands. “It doesn’t matter if you lost—you’re already in the inner sect. Congratulations! It won’t be so easy to meet again after this.”

Ji Yao waved. “Thanks! But if you wanted, you could have done the same.”

He just smiled, letting the subject drop, and changed the topic. “Have you decided which inner sect peak you’ll join?”

Huh? Isn’t that assigned at random? Can you actually choose?

Ji Yao realized she was out of the loop.

Dongfang Shun gave her a look that seemed to say, “You really don’t know, do you?”

“Even if it’s assigned randomly, there’s still a difference! Besides, it’s people who handle the process. Haven’t you checked how many new disciples each of the nine inner peaks needs?”

Ji Yao really hadn’t. Once she’d achieved her goal, her mind had been exhausted, and she’d just wanted to relax, not think about anything else.

Seeing her expression, Dongfang Shun could only shake his head.

“You’re not planning to go to Blazing Flame Peak, are you?” Dongfang Shun knew why Ji Yao had joined the tournament; who’s to say that person wouldn’t arrange everything else as well.

Of course not! Though Ji Yao knew Ling Ru meant well and wanted to help her, with Perfected Zhaoming present, it would be awkward. She didn’t mind, but she feared it would cause trouble for Ling Ru. If she had a choice, Blazing Flame Peak was off her list.

“So, you have a way?” Ji Yao eyed Dongfang Shun.

“Here, take this.” Dongfang Shun tossed her a jade slip, looking expectant. Ji Yao was unmoved.

Before she could ask, he explained, “This jade slip contains information about all the peaks. You can use it for reference. Once you decide, you can go to Senior Brother Meng Zhiyang in the affairs hall—his great-uncle is in the inner sect and is in charge of submitting the list of new members this time.”

Ji Yao was surprised—this kid had really built up his connections over the years.

She scanned the jade slip with her spiritual sense. The information about the nine peaks wasn’t exhaustive, but it was certainly thorough and highlighted everything worth knowing. Clearly, a lot of effort had gone into it. Ji Yao couldn’t help but accept this favor from Dongfang Shun.

After a few more words, they parted ways.

Ji Yao walked into the affairs hall. No matter what, she needed to collect her monthly stipend first—no matter how small, every bit helped.

“Senior Brother, did you say I have to go to the Disciplinary Hall to collect my stipend this month?!”

Ji Yao suddenly felt as if a dark cloud had drifted overhead…