Chapter 642

Chapter 642: The Past of the Crimson Immortal Sect

Lolan Hill looked slightly surprised as Bai Zao began to recount the story slowly.

“The Crimson Immortal Sect first teaches the art of Steaming Clouds, which is used to cultivate one of two major paths. Upon reaching the second rank, if one chooses to cultivate the Dark Heart Path, they will be taught Scorpion Sting Hand, Green Spider Finger, and Red Snake Sword. These three techniques allow outer disciples to choose one to practice diligently for self-defense.”

“Are there no spells?” The young lady was curious. If there were extraordinary powers of heaven and earth, why not use them to summon wind and rain?

“Hehe, one must proceed step by step,” Bai Zao explained with a smile. She had once thought similarly when she was learning her arts.

“At the first and second ranks, one can only control limited elemental forces, making it more practical to strengthen the body and perform special martial arts.”

“Usually, by the third rank, some sects begin teaching simple spells. It’s only after the fourth and fifth ranks that more spectacular spells are taught,” Bai Zao added.

“However, even at lower ranks, the Dark Heart Path has considerable power. For example, the Green Spider Finger I just demonstrated moves swiftly and carries a deadly poison. Those struck by it would experience excruciating pain, and in severe cases, it could lead to death.”

“But the techniques of the Dark Heart Path often come with side effects,” Bai Zao’s expression turned serious.

“For instance, my Green Spider Finger condenses sky-blue poison in my blood. Even when not in use, it still causes damage to myself. Currently at the second rank and not deeply cultivated, I manage to suppress its harmful effects.”

“But if cultivation deepens and one fails to advance, the toxicity accumulates, causing hidden injuries,” Bai Zao continued.

“This is why the Crimson Immortal Sect generally recommends that disciples choose only one path to cultivate. Due to years of stagnation, I abandoned other less advanced techniques to avoid burdening myself. Moreover, if I were to become pregnant soon, I would have to abandon the Green Spider Finger, as it could affect the fetus.”

As she spoke, she placed her hand on the table, and a green spider web pattern formed on her fair skin, eerie yet vivid.

“So, even within the Crimson Immortal Sect, despite many beautiful women, men in the Seven Continents and Five Lakes are reluctant to marry them. My husband and I have known each other since childhood, and we decided not to continue cultivating the Crimson Immortal arts, allowing us to marry smoothly,” she recounted the views and customs of the mountain people.

“Lan Xi’er wants to learn a technique for self-defense,” Bai Zao deduced wisely after hearing their backgrounds yesterday.

She would probably think the same. With such unique looks and no relatives, it’s natural to seek some defensive skills for security.

“In the city outside Min Ze, several major factions will send people to guard. There might also be a meeting soon to select talented individuals and admit them into the sect. This way, entering the sect would be much easier than having to endure years of trials like me.”

“However, competition will be fierce, so you should prepare ahead,” Bai Zao advised.

“How will new disciples be selected?”

Lolan Hill’s interest was piqued. She suddenly recalled the immortal novels she read in her past life, where great sects lived in seclusion on floating mountains, riding swords through the wind, free and carefree. Although she couldn’t remember everything, she still envied that feeling of unrestricted freedom.

“Let me think… I went to the city a couple of years ago,” Bai Zao tucked her wrist away and gently smoothed her long hair by her ear. She had just married and hadn’t tied it up yet, keeping her youthful hairstyle.

“First, one must know how to read. Otherwise, many texts would be incomprehensible,” Bai Zao raised her finger.

Well, no matter where you are, reading is essential, the young lady blinked.

“Also, arithmetic will be tested.”

Sigh, even math? Is this really an immortal world? The young lady tilted her head.

“Thirdly, one must understand gratitude and righteousness,” Bai Zao raised her third finger.

Hmm, what does this mean? The young lady looked at Bai Zao curiously, her lively eyes asking for an explanation.

“This means knowing stories from classics and histories, like ‘The Five Virtues’ and ‘The Six Principles.’ It’s not difficult; most can pass unless they have a bad reputation that disqualifies them from certain sects.”

“Finally, the most intense part is direct combat.”

“Only the top few are chosen?” the young lady asked curiously.

“No, because some have never practiced martial arts before. The masters mainly check if you are agile, physically strong, and react quickly. This helps eliminate those with hidden illnesses or too old.”

Thus, the selected individuals will be literate, numerate, knowledgeable about gratitude and righteousness, and in good health, Lolan Hill counted on her fingers.

“It’s indeed a suitable disciple,” she lifted her head, her smooth black hair swaying slightly.

“Yes. But don’t be too discouraged if you’re not chosen. There are other ways to enter the sect,” Bai Zao detailed her own experiences.

“I was around fifteen when my uncle sent me to the Crimson Immortal Sect’s outer court. At first, I helped with miscellaneous tasks.”

“If you did well, inner disciples would teach you basic cultivation methods, then assess your progress.”

“After a year or two, if the overseers found you promising, they would recommend you for further study.”

“I learned quickly and was selected within a year, starting to cultivate the Dark Heart Path.”

“After nearly a year, the elders transferred me to Lotus Marsh, where I assisted the Mountain Shaman with various tasks.”

“Mountain Shaman?”

“The Mountain Shaman oversees dragon veins in the mountains, usually practicing the Hidden Dragon Path.”

“That Mountain Shaman was already at the fifth rank and came from the Crimson Immortal Sect. There were five of us in the shaman society, and except for me, all were seniors from the Crimson Immortal Sect.”

“Usually, I accompanied the Mountain Shaman on patrols, checked dragon veins, assisted during grand ceremonies, or entertained mountain villagers.”

“Unfortunately, during the chaos years ago, the dragon veins became chaotic, and beasts from the mountains emerged. The Mountain Shaman died in an attack by an electric-winged snake.”

“Afterwards, chaos spread across the four seas, and bandits roamed freely. I took this opportunity to gradually leave the Crimson Immortal Sect and return home to get married.”

Bai Zao finished speaking with a hint of reflection. Lolan Hill was slightly surprised, noticing Bai Zao was only around twenty but had experienced so much. Recalling her own past, at twenty, she was still living aimlessly in college.

But upon deeper thought, ancient people indeed married and started families much earlier, with many marrying in their teens.

Watching the pure and serene young lady imagining these exciting tales, Bai Zao smiled faintly.

“There’s nothing particularly noteworthy. Everyone’s experiences are fascinating; it depends on the path you choose.”

“Even the Seven Phoenix True Flame Lord, who raised the Five Virtues Phoenix, chose different paths, later influencing the fate of 134 continents.”

“Every choice has its own beauty and charm, leaving a lasting impression.”

(End of Chapter)