Chapter 688: The Nine Nethercurrents Lineage (Extra Update)
Three months after joining, the outer sect disciples began to choose their future sequences. Compared to other major sects, the Xiangyu Sect offered more choices, with three supreme paths available.
One day, inside the Xiaolu Palace where lessons were held.
An elder dressed in black with yellow edges sat at the front lecturing, while the disciples below listened intently. Incense burners in the hall then emitted wisps of smoke that transformed into various strange beasts, running and flying as if real.
“This is the application of the Incense Illusion Dragon Technique, which can transform all things using specially prepared incense. If one advances to a higher level, they can turn into a fog-like dragon, wandering the world and changing endlessly.”
As the elder explained, the disciples below also showed looks of admiration and yearning.
As a dragon sequence that mimicked dragons, it naturally sought the most powerful and free form. The Xiangyu Sect’s branch changed itself into an incorporeal mist dragon. Though its physical attacks were weak, it could adapt to various environments and was immune to most physical attacks.
“That’s all for today, you may leave.” A wind chime sounded under the eaves, and the elders in the hall announced the end of class.
The disciples in yellow robes stood up one by one, bowed briefly, and left the Xiaolu Palace.
“Sigh, the Hidden Dragon path seems quite good; even I feel somewhat tempted,” a disciple expressed his thoughts.
“Haha, didn’t you say just the other day that you admired Senior Sister Jin Hua and wanted to choose the Sky-Cutting Path?” the companion next to him seemed slightly disdainful.
“Well, perhaps Senior Sister Jin Hua is too distant and has too many admirers, making me feel unworthy,” this disciple was rather carefree.
“You’re good at making excuses,” the two continued chatting aimlessly as they headed towards their mountain-side dwellings.
Lolan Hill was walking down the road shaded by trees, accompanied by several familiar disciples.
“Is Han Zhen still going to spar with Senior Sister Jialan today?” a young girl asked the youth beside her.
“Well, not for now. I think I need more practice,” Han Zhen replied, hands behind his head, looking up at the lush canopy above.
Since entering the sect, Han Zhen felt humiliated by his test results. After intense training, he challenged Lolan Hill several times, but each time ended in failure. However, he gradually became acquainted with these few people around the young lady.
“Why is Ling Yu so excited today?” another youth asked curiously, wearing a dark robe with silver embroidery, carrying a wooden sword in a sheath—the same person who used the green moth fire that day, Qu Xin Yuan.
After being defeated by Lolan Hill, he accepted it gracefully and later frequently consulted the young lady, becoming a regular study companion.
“Because my little deer seems to be advancing soon, and I want Jialan to help check it out,” Yu Lingyu stepped forward, turning back to speak to the group.
“Why not ask one of the sect elders? Wouldn’t that be better?” a burly man stroked his beard, puzzled—it was Wu Feilian, who had wielded the long saber.
“But Elder Yin said there aren’t many in our sect who can cultivate exotic beasts, so asking Jialan, who is also part of the Hundred Flowers Path, might be better.”
“That makes sense,” the others nodded, shifting their gaze to the young girl in white with yellow embroidery.
“Why are you all looking at me? Actually, I don’t know everything,” Lolan Hill said helplessly.
“But Jialan is amazing, always showing us unique ideas,” Yu Lingyu opened her eyes wide, nodding. This sixteen-year-old girl was the youngest among them.
“Well, I only share what I know,” the young lady shook her head slightly, knowing she might come off as boastful, so she didn’t explain further.
“I’ll help check it later. Your little deer, Zijin, has grown quite well and should have no problem advancing to the fifth stage.”
“But once it does, it will be stronger than you. Can Lingyu still control it?” the young lady smiled and asked.
“Don’t worry, Jialan. I’ve been growing up with it since childhood, and we have a strong bond,” Lingyu patted her flat chest confidently.
“That’s good,” the group nodded.
“By the way, it’s enviable how exotic beasts advance faster than us,” Han Zhen remarked casually.
“There’s nothing to envy. Even though exotic beasts advance quickly, their abilities are limited and they can easily have weaknesses, unlike humans of the same rank,” Qu Xin Yuan shook his head.
If it were the same advancement exam, the cultivation methods of exotic beasts would be akin to taking an easier test, making it easier to pass. But compared to the meticulous and ambitious major sect disciples, such achievements were somewhat superficial and inferior. However, for those independent cultivators, it was a different story.
When exotic beasts and independent cultivators of the same rank were compared, the exotic beasts might be slightly stronger due to their sturdier bodies.
Walking along the road, Wu Feilian curiously asked, “Has Jialan chosen which path yet?”
Just as Lolan Hill was about to explain her future choices, a yellow daisychain flew over. Seeing Lolan, it chirped happily and fell like a small cannonball into the young lady’s arms.
A stream of air gathered, forming a dome that enveloped the troublesome creature, and then Lolan grabbed its wings and lifted it up.
“Chirp chirp.” (Save me) The daisychain struggled.
“Indeed, cooking you would be better,” the young lady looked at this incorrigible creature.
“Haha, this guy is here again,” Yu Lingyu tentatively touched the daisychain’s head.
“Chirp chirp!” (There are guests at home.) The daisychain chirped again, having learned to express more complex meanings over time.
Lolan understood and blinked. Who could it be visiting her at this moment?
After bidding farewell to the few people beside her, she released the daisychain’s wings and took flight, quickly darting through the forest.
Soon, the human and bird descended slowly into the courtyard.
Seeing the familiar figure, Lolan exclaimed, “Senior Sister Jin Hua.”
This true disciple of the sect, nearly openly regarded as the next successor to the sect leader, came to see her today for some reason.
Jin Hua turned around, revealing a faint smile on her gentle face.
“It’s been a while, Jialan. How have you been lately?”
“Very well, everyone in the sect has been treating me well.”
“That’s good,” Jin Hua nodded and then walked with Lolan Hill into the pavilion to sit down.
“In fact, I came today to understand your future choices, which of the three great paths you plan to follow.”
“After all, one’s energy and time are limited, and choosing one to focus on yields better results.”
“You don’t need to rush to answer me, because I have something else to say first.” Jin Hua took out three differently colored metal flower cups from her sleeve.
These flower cups were only thumb-sized, exquisitely crafted, almost like some extraordinary creation.
“Do you know the ranks of the sect disciples?”
“The outer sect, inner sect, and true disciples?” Lolan Hill spoke of the knowledge she had recently acquired.
“That’s right, but there are also a few special cases, the core true disciples.”
“To help us grow faster in this changed world, the senior members of the sect have prepared many rare resources to aid in cultivation.”
“You might think this is cheating, but actually, all major sects are doing the same to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
“Early cultivation of high-level Extraordinary Beings greatly enhances a sect’s reputation within the dynasty, bringing numerous benefits.”
“On the contrary, if our sect, as a major sect, fails to produce a seventh-stage existence, the methods we practice will be questioned by the outside world.”
“Times are changing; failing to lead the way will become a sin. This is the current transformation within the dynasty. All major sects are preparing and seeking change and opportunities.”
“Majors want to maintain their status, large sects aim to replace majors, and smaller sects seek new paths to stand out.”
“It’s the era of the Hundred Schools Contending,” Lolan Hill muttered to herself.
Jin Hua paused slightly, then smiled.
“Indeed, you are very smart, Jialan. This is precisely the era we live in.”
“So we have to use unconventional means and pile up resources to accelerate cultivation.” Jin Hua pursed her lips.
“There are three great paths within the Xiangyu Sect, and naturally, three outstanding leaders are needed as representatives.”
“I cultivate the Sky-Cutting Lineage, which has already taken up resources for this path. Another true disciple, named Jiaori, cultivates the Hidden Dragon Lineage and is close to breaking through to the seventh stage, matching my level.”
“Therefore, the Nine Nethercurrents Lineage remains unoccupied. If you choose this lineage, the sect will provide you with abundant resources as rewards.”
After a brief pause, Jin Hua observed Lolan’s expression and continued.
“Of course, this is merely the hope of the senior members of the sect. You can ignore it and choose your own path to cultivate, and you will still receive corresponding resources, albeit not as rich as those for the Nine Nethercurrents Lineage.”
After saying this, Jin Hua seemed somewhat embarrassed. “Actually, interfering with your choice is not right, but given the current situation, I want to inform you of the pros and cons of each choice to avoid any misunderstandings later.”
“Although Uncle Chiwu recommended you for entry, he has remained at the Purple Heart Illuminating Night Palace and hasn’t returned for a long time, so I had to tell you these things. I hope this won’t put pressure on you.” Jin Hua chose her words carefully.
But I was originally planning to choose the Nine Nethercurrents Lineage, Lolan Hill blinked, looking at the apologetic Jin Hua, unsure how to comfort her.
“Since Sister Jin Hua told me, I’ll choose the Nine Nethercurrents Lineage,” the young lady added.
“In fact, Sister Jin Hua doesn’t need to feel guilty. I decided on the Nine Nethercurrents Lineage from the start, and Uncle Chiwu can confirm this when he returns. So you don’t need to worry that this is coercion.”
Lolan tried to ease Jin Hua’s worries, not wanting her to feel indebted or owe her a favor.
End of Chapter
