Chapter 687 - Darkmtl
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Chapter 687

Chapter 687: Entering the Sect by Burning Incense

At the main peak of the Scorching Sun Xiangyu Sect,

There were about three hundred new disciples at the foot of the mountain, all wearing unified yellow and brown gauze clothes. Under the guidance of inner sect disciples, they walked towards the main peak.

The tall autumn yellow mulberry trees on both sides of the road had lush canopies covered with apricot-yellow leaves. Among them were orange-red flowers clustered together, forming shapes similar to pom-poms hanging from the treetops.

Although it was already winter outside, the mountains within the Scorching Sun Xiangyu Sect remained warm and comfortable. Everyone walked along the stone path in the forest, occasionally exchanging quiet words.

“I’m so excited,” someone said.

“I wonder if the Sect Head will appear. It’s said that His Excellency once stayed in my hometown for some time,” another disciple added.

“Hometown? Where is that?” a curious voice asked beside them.

“It’s in the Wind Gorge of the Chen Mu Continent. There are often monster invasions there. Immortal Xiuyan took charge of the local dragon veins as a shaman a century ago,” the new disciple explained. Afterward, others became curious and started asking questions.

After a short period of interaction, these new disciples quickly became familiar with each other. Unlike the Western sects, the relationships among members of Eastern sects were tighter. They not only maintained their sect’s base and interests but also had various divisions, working together in collaboration.

If it was a powerful sect, they would also take on certain responsibilities within the region, such as combating monsters, performing dragon vein rituals, regulating weather, or even developing the economy.

Due to the abundance of mulberry trees in Huilu Continent, papermaking was highly developed, and many books were printed. Over generations, the Xiangyu Sect improved its techniques, accumulating and researching continuously. Eventually, they developed nearly ten different qualities of paper.

The most common type was mulberry bark paper, used by civilians. A better quality was yellow mulberry paper (Iron Grade Black), commonly used by the nobility. Even better was autumn leaf note (Bronze Grade) and gardenia yellow note (Silver Grade), used for recording important things, making charms, making lanterns, kites, and more.

The highest quality was gold-embossed note (Gold Grade), exclusively for royal use. Occasionally, it would be given as a reward to certain ministers or nobles.

In addition to papermaking, the high-ranking members of the sect turned the soft fibers of the mulberry tree into gauze clothing, which had extraordinary durability. Therefore, even ordinary disciples of the Scorching Sun Xiangyu Sect could have several pieces without spending money. In other regions, buying decent Silver Grade extraordinary garments might cost a lot, sometimes requiring reservations.

Resources within an extraordinary sect were not magically created but produced or ‘earned.’ If nothing was done, even the deepest reserves would eventually be depleted.

Thus, the stronger a sect was, the better its economy and development would be. Nothing materializes out of thin air; behind the term ‘strong’ lies countless resources and factors. If cultivating disciples involved only investment with no returns, the sect would fall into a vicious cycle and struggle to survive.

Extraordinary resources needed by extraordinary beings were not something ordinary people could provide. Exploiting the populace had little meaning to them. Instead, they would develop corresponding extraordinary industries, producing what other sects or cultivators needed, trading for what they required.

As a result, in Eastern sects, everyone shared the same goals or interests, leading to close relationships.

On the mountain path, Su Ye and several other inner sect disciples walked ahead. They wore white robes with yellow edges, differentiating them from the new disciples behind them.

“This time, I just returned from the North, where a flood occurred. It submerged most of the region, causing millions of people to suffer and become homeless. The scene was quite tragic,” one of them said.

“A disaster of such magnitude, didn’t the major sects send shamans to regulate and guide it?” another inner sect disciple asked curiously.

“Supposedly, there were some, but unfortunately, this generation’s water shaman was still too weak, only reaching Tier Six. Additionally, many senior members had passed away, causing numerous techniques to be lost. They were unprepared, and the ritual failed, leading to a dragon vein eruption, worsening the flooding and spreading over hundreds of miles,” the disciple sighed.

“After the flood broke out, the imperial Spring Official Bureau ordered the major sects in neighboring regions for support. That’s how we learned the details.”

“What happened afterward?”

“Afterward, we joined forces with other major sect’s shamans to stabilize the local dragon veins. Then, we conducted searches in the mountains and rivers, eliminating the water beasts hidden there. Only then did the flood truly subside.”

Various natural disasters would also occur.

“It’s another year of troubles.”

After hearing this, the other disciples sighed as well. After this battle, not only did the population of this continent suffer significant losses, but the major sects were also held accountable by the Golden Oriole Patrol Envoys and punished severely.

“Alright, let’s not talk about these things. It’s rare for you to come back. After today’s ceremony, we should gather at Yellow Crane Pavilion on the mountain slope.”

“Haha, then it’s settled. Also, I’ve brought quite a lot of materials obtained from slaying exotic beasts. If you need anything, you can take a look when the time comes.”

“I’m sure of that. Recently, the dragon lizard I’ve been cultivating is about to advance, and it lacks some nourishing items.” After saying this, everyone laughed again, talking about their cultivation progress.

Half an hour later, the group passed through layers of apricot-yellow trees that obscured the main road, turned the corner, and suddenly had a clear view. A wide and grand staircase made of white jade extended upward from below, reaching the top of the mountain.

Beside the white jade staircase stood bronze incense burners, each two men tall with intricate carvings. Wisps of blue smoke rose from them, enveloping both sides of the staircase, creating an ethereal atmosphere like a fairyland.

The newcomers gradually stopped before the grand staircase, following the instructions of the inner sect disciples in front, forming neat lines before slowly ascending, step by step, toward the summit of the main peak.

At this moment, Lolan Hill was walking among the new disciples. The fragrant scent from the incense burners on both sides made people feel calm and composed, as if it had a calming effect.

Because of today’s ceremony, she didn’t wear a veil. Many of the new disciples curiously peeked at this young lady along the way.

What’s her name? Why is she wearing the same gauze dress as us? Isn’t this girl one of the senior inner sect sisters? Could I have guessed wrong?

These questions swirled in their minds, making the newcomers want to inquire further, but they hesitated due to the young lady’s strength yesterday, afraid to approach rashly.

As the disciples in yellow robes gradually stepped onto the stairs, several drumbeats echoed from the mountaintop.

The drumbeats reverberated like the sound of elephants, steady yet powerful, stirring the hearts of those present.

Most of the newcomers were in their early twenties, precisely the age when they were full of vigor. Hearing the drumbeats, their spirits gradually lifted.

When Lolan Hill lifted her skirt and reached the top of the stairs, a vast open space came into view.

The ground was paved with fine gray jade, adorned with patterns. As each disciple entered, these patterns emitted golden light.

Whoosh—

The ancient horn sounded, and ripples appeared in the sky, followed by a faint cloud mist rising.

The newly advanced disciples looked up at the mysterious cloud scene in the sky, where mountains and earth seemed to appear and disappear, very enigmatic.

Once the last new disciple ascended to the open space at the top of the stairs, the golden patterns on the stone slabs began to brighten. The golden patterns flowed like water, forming golden petals under each person’s feet, gently lifting every member.

Then, everyone ascended into the air, flying slowly towards the cloud mist in the sky. The formation was roughly that the newcomers were in the center, with several inner sect disciples surrounding them.

At first, everyone thought they would reach the cloud mist soon, but to their surprise, it took several hours. The mountains and earth below became increasingly distant and smaller. The once towering mountains and rivers in their vision gradually shrank to the size of worms, and the entire land slowly transformed from lush forests into a patchwork of different shades of green and yellow.

Looking down from above, one could feel an overwhelming sense of vastness. They were merely tiny grains of sand in this world, insignificant, inspiring awe and admiration.

Just as everyone’s minds were swayed by the height, a loud and majestic roar echoed. Then, the ethereal cloud mist in the sky suddenly dispersed, revealing a clear and distinct world inside.

It was akin to a silent transparent egg suddenly cracking open, allowing everyone to see the vast world inside.

It was a sea of red and yellow trees, with clouds swirling around. Several tall pavilions floated among the clouds on the mountain slopes, appearing and disappearing intermittently.

“Everyone, stand firm,” an inner sect sister reminded, and then everyone felt the golden patterns beneath their feet lose their grip, plunging them into the world within the cloud mist.

It was as if they had passed through a thick membrane, entering the inner realm of the Xiangyu Sect. A refreshing breeze greeted them, making them feel incredibly comfortable. This was the exclusive Fiery Sun Xiangyu Sect’s Fi-Xiang Cavern Heaven, where the Mana (Essence Energy) was much denser than outside. It was home to numerous extraordinary plants and various mystical treasures.

“Follow me,” an inner sect sister shouted, leading everyone toward a certain part of the forest.

Light yellow, deep yellow, pale yellow, all kinds of colored leaves fluttered in the gentle breeze, filling the entire view with a sea of yellow. This world seemed to remain in autumn forever, with a cool and refreshing atmosphere.

Lolan Hill raised her hand to catch a falling leaf, holding it in her palm, still feeling the softness of the leaf, not dry at all.

How wonderful it is. She slightly closed her eyes, savoring the sensation.

This world was subtly different from the outside, seemingly having a special preference and enhancement for concepts like yellow leaves, autumn winds, and fragrant scents. If one used related skills or abilities here, they would be several times stronger than in the outside world.

The fallen leaves underfoot cushioned the ground, giving a soft feeling. This world of countless layers of yellow brought a unique beauty.

As Lolan Hill and her group walked through the forest, a magnificent archway appeared before everyone’s eyes.

The archway was mainly composed of two giant pillars reaching up to the sky, standing amidst this sea of yellow trees, towering hundreds of feet high. When people stood beneath the pillars, they had to tilt their heads back as far as possible just to barely glimpse the top of the archway.

Above the tree canopy, five large characters, written in a vigorous and elegant script, were carved onto the horizontal plaque.

‘Zhuo Ri Xiang Yu Sect’

Among them, ‘Zhuo Ri’ leaned towards crimson red, while ‘Xiang Yu Sect’ transitioned from orange to yellow, clearly glowing like flames.

When everyone held their plaques and entered the archway, it felt as if a wave of energy swept over their bodies, causing their spirits to tremble, followed by a sense of warmth.

Ahead lay a stone-paved avenue. Looking forward, dozens of elderly men dressed uniquely stood in the middle of the road. Behind them stood a towering tree over thirty meters high, its leaves a striking red, beautiful yet captivating.

Seeing the arrival of the crowd, the elder at the forefront waved his sleeve, and a gentle breeze cleared the dust and fallen leaves from the avenue.

Then, his aged voice echoed in the clear wind.

“I am the 132nd Patriarch of the Zhuo Ri Xiang Yu Sect, Xiuyan.”

“May we pay our respects, Patriarch,” everyone bowed in unison.

“Since you have entered this gate, it means you follow the teachings of the Ancestor Burnt Incense, seeking the truth of heaven and earth, pursuing the changes in the world, and striving for the arrival of a great era of peace.”

“Entering the world is difficult, and seeking the path is arduous. You must forge ahead through thorns and obstacles, never giving up, until the clouds part and the true yang is revealed. Only then can you be considered a disciple of the Xiang Yu Sect.”

“We will remember this,” everyone bowed again.

“Good, good, good.” The patriarch laughed heartily three times, stepping aside to reveal a yellow-wood incense burner behind him.

Carved on the incense burner were vivid scenes depicting Red Elm’s life, studying at the Yellow Sea, crossing westward with the Yellow Bird, encountering the netherworld, returning to the Eastern Dragon, founding a sect, writing books, and becoming famous worldwide.

Faint wisps of mist rose from the incense burner, gathering slowly in the air to form the image of a woman. She wore a feather robe and long skirt, her figure ethereal.

“Pay your respects to the Grandmaster,” everyone bowed for the third time. Then the smoke coalesced into a dragon shape that drifted away into the sky.

“Ritual complete.” A nearby elder called out, and the solemn atmosphere gradually dissipated.

Compared to the elaborate rituals of the past, influenced by the West in recent decades, the Xiang Yu Sect had simplified many of its practices, sparing numerous disciples from unnecessary torment.

After the ceremony, new disciples inserted wooden tags with their names into boxes, which were then collected by the elders.

Subsequently, the incense burner was removed, and everyone was led to the Red Elm tree. Several elders explained the history, experiences, transformations, and daily rules, rights, and obligations of the Xiang Yu Sect.

By noon, the explanations were mostly finished, and they were led away from there, returning to the present world.

They rested for five days, familiarizing themselves with the environment, arranging accommodations, and purchasing daily necessities. After the New Year arrived, the elders convened the disciples to begin teaching and answering questions.

As winter receded and spring approached, everyone gradually became acquainted. During this period, Jialan’s name became well-known among the crowd.

At first, everyone assumed she was an inner disciple, but they were surprised to find out she was also an outer disciple, like themselves. Later, admiration and respect grew, and many often sought her advice on cultivation.

Thus, time passed slowly. Lolan Hill’s reputation gradually spread within the outer sect, becoming widely recognized as a leader. Her presence began to attract the attention of senior masters in the caves.

Perhaps, could this girl become the next core figure of the faction, like Zihua? Some elders and senior uncles thought so.

(End of Chapter)


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She Is Not a Witch

She Is Not a Witch

才不是魔女
Score 9
Status: Ongoing Type: Author: Native Language: Chinese
She is a silver-haired maiden who lives in the forest. She is the teacher of the seven legendary heroes. She is the Sage who represents the stars and wonders. She is the guide who quells ten world disasters. Her name is Lorraine Hill, and she is not a witch. As the poem describes it. Like the sunlight that descends upon the world, she who has bright and transparent wings carries with her the legacy of another human civilization, bringing hope and blessings to this new world.

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