Volume One: A Thousand Years of the Stream Chapter 19: The Solitary House in the Grass

Yanming Sect consists of four branches: Medicine, Artifacts, Techniques, and Beasts. Among them, the Medicine branch stands supreme, forming its own system and occupying half of the sect’s territory. The Xianyuan Garden serves as the dividing line—everything to the west belongs to the Medicine branch, while the other three branches share the eastern side equally.

The sect is led by one Sect Master and seven Branch Masters who collectively decide on major affairs. Notably, four Branch Masters and the Sect Master all hail from the Medicine branch. The Sect Master is Cui Qingrui, aged fifty-two. The seven Branch Masters are: from Medicine, Fu Zhe (thirty-two), Ma Dairan (fifty-three), Qu Hanrong (forty-four), and the female branch master Zhi Weici (forty-two); from Artifacts, Hu Xincheng (thirty-five); from Techniques, Ma Guanzheng (forty-nine); and from Beasts, the female branch master Wu Lanmu (thirty-two).

Today, in the Yanming Sect’s council hall, Branch Master Qu Hanrong rose in anger, slamming his hand on the table. He explained the cause: an inner disciple had entered the Xianyuan Garden and strung over eight hundred delicate circle rabbits on a single rope, roasting them like skewers. Pretending to be an outer disciple, this person shouted loudly, which incited the outer disciples to rush into the Blackwood Forest, leading to severe casualties among them.

Qu Hanrong, unable to contain his fury and always straightforward, glared at Beast Branch Master Wu Lanmu and said, “The outer disciples are demanding an explanation. What are we going to do? Speak up.”

Wu Lanmu, familiar with Qu Hanrong’s temper, glanced at him coldly and replied sarcastically, “Qu Branch Master, why are you looking at my legs like that? After all these years, still holding a grudge?” She crossed her elegant legs beneath her robe, her right foot hooking her shoe as it gently swayed.

“Wu Lanmu, stop pretending to be innocent!” Qu Hanrong shouted.

Wu Lanmu rolled her eyes and turned away without responding, but to her surprise, Sect Master Cui Qingrui was also watching her. She grew uneasy and asked suspiciously, “Sect Master, why are you looking at me too?”

Cui Qingrui said, “Little Wu, the Xianyuan Garden is under your jurisdiction after all. Are you really unaware of this matter?”

“No, I’m not!” Wu Lanmu replied.

“That person was a woman,” Qu Hanrong said darkly.

Wu Lanmu lifted her chin and pointed at Branch Master Zhi Weici, saying, “She’s also a woman. What’s the meaning of this? Are you trying to protect her? Hiss... Qu Branch Master, don’t tell me you think I did this.”

“Heh, if someone has the skill and the perversion to do such a thing, who else but you? Everyone knows those delicate circle rabbits. Which inner disciple can catch all of them in less than half a tea time?”

Ma Guanzheng interjected, “Not even elders. Half a tea time without harming the rabbits is beyond most elders’ capability.”

Ma Dairan added, “Only top-tier elders or branch masters have such a skill. It’s not just about skill; one must also deeply understand those rabbits.”

Wu Lanmu scoffed, “You two are playing tag-team just to pin this on me, aren’t you?”

Qu Hanrong pounded the table, “If not you, then who?”

“So what if I did it?” Wu Lanmu stood up defiantly.

Fu Zhe spoke up, “Fellow branch masters, calm down and listen to the Sect Master’s opinion.”

Zhi Weici also tried to soothe the tension, “Yes, yes, until we confirm which elder did it secretly, there’s no need to get angry. Let’s find the culprit first, then discuss.”

Qu Hanrong sat down, still angry. “Discuss? What’s there to discuss? The outcome is obvious. Always mingling with wild beasts like animals…”

Sect Master Cui Qingrui sharply interrupted, “Enough! Don’t speak anymore.”

Wu Lanmu sat down, glaring fiercely at Qu Hanrong. Artifact Branch Master Hu Xincheng remained silent, staring dreamily at a teacup on the table.

Cui Qingrui called to him, “Xincheng, any thoughts?”

Hu Xincheng, still dazed, was nudged by Fu Zhe before responding, “Sect Master, my disciple performed a set of body techniques this morning. I was just savoring it.” Hu Xincheng was Cui Qingrui’s first disciple, who later transferred from Medicine to Artifacts and rose to become a branch master.

Cui Qingrui sighed but said nothing further. He knew his disciple was wholly devoted to cultivation and could not be relied upon for sect affairs.

At that moment, a group of disciples entered. They were the disciples of the branch masters, all inner-core disciples, mostly following the master-disciple tradition, with some exceptions.

Fu Zhe had no disciples. Qu Hanrong’s disciple was his seventeen-year-old son, Qu Yuezhi, currently the oldest among the inner-core disciples but with the poorest talent. Zhi Weici’s disciple was a twelve-year-old girl named Ru Nan. Ma Dairan had only one disciple, his eleven-year-old grandson Ma Kaiyu, and last year he accepted another, Yang Youshi, now ten.

Hu Xincheng’s disciple was Gao Yang, thirteen years old. Ma Guanzheng’s disciple was his son Ma Yuhong, fifteen. Wu Lanmu’s disciple was a little girl named Feng Yueyi, nine years old.

Seeing these young faces, Sect Master Cui Qingrui’s melancholy vanished, replaced by a beaming smile. “These youngsters, they’re far stronger than we were at their age.”

Ma Dairan replied, “Of course. Remember when we both entered the core discipleship together?”

“Which time?”

“When you got beaten for stealing someone’s clothes…”

Cui Qingrui immediately coughed and hurriedly said, “Old matters need not be brought up, Old Ma. Let’s look forward.”

Ma Dairan smiled mischievously and then called the disciples over, inquiring about their cultivation progress.

Fifteen-year-old Ma Yuhong had the highest realm, at Qi Refining Stage Six. Unlike Qi Condensation’s seven sub-levels, Qi Refining had nine. Ma Yuhong deliberately refrained from further breakthroughs, a common practice among disciples beyond Qi Refining Stage Five to refine the internal spiritual energy to its purest and strongest state. This preparation was crucial for building a solid foundation, which in turn affected the height of future cultivation paths.

Next was eleven-year-old Ma Kaiyu, a standout at Qi Refining Stage Five.

Then thirteen-year-old Gao Yang, born into poverty and the only disciple without any background or treasures, also at Qi Refining Stage Five.

Following was twelve-year-old Ru Nan, at Qi Refining Stage Four, highly favored by her master Zhi Weici.

The two little girls, nine-year-old Feng Yueyi and ten-year-old Yang Youshi, were both at Qi Refining Stage One.

Ma Dairan often praised Yang Youshi’s extraordinary talent, noting that despite her young age, she was familiar with thousands of medicinal herbs and their effects, showing great potential in medicine. Within only a year, she had reached the Qi Refining Stage, which was commendable.

Qu Hanrong’s expression had changed drastically—restless and avoiding eye contact, as if wishing to disappear. The truth was his seventeen-year-old son, though the oldest, had the worst cultivation talent, only at Qi Refining Stage Three, barely ahead of the two little girls. This was his one shame within the sect.

Wu Lanmu added fuel to the fire, taking Feng Yueyi’s small hand and saying, “Yueyi, you must study hard. You’re currently at the bottom—you’re two stages behind the others.”

Qu Hanrong’s face flushed with anger as he glared at his son, frustrated by his shortcomings. Qu Yuezhi lowered his head in shame, standing silently at the back.

Cui Qingrui said, “Children, you are gathered here because there is a mission for you. Three hundred miles away lies a mountain lake with a pavilion called ‘Acquaintance.’ You are to take the gifts your masters have given you and set out soon. Try to arrive there the day after tomorrow to meet with core disciples from other sects. Talk more, do more, and make more friends.”

This was a special event universally accepted among all sects on this continent. The new generation of core disciples were destined to become future leaders, so it was necessary for them to become acquainted early. Many century-old grudges were also overturned during these meetings.

After dismissing the disciples, the branch masters resumed their heated argument over the Xianyuan Garden incident. Qu Hanrong, humiliated by his son’s poor progress, was determined to regain face by putting Wu Lanmu on trial. Wu Lanmu, tired of his antics, merely greeted the Sect Master before storming out. Fu Zhe followed and called after her.

“Mu sister, wait.”

“Don’t come looking for me. Yanming Sect might as well be called Medicine Sect! You all are so formidable—black is black, white is white!”

“Mu sister, about this matter…”

Before Fu Zhe could finish, Wu Lanmu interrupted, “I did it? Who else but me? A woman branch master with a perverted hobby? Yes, it’s me! Is this a meeting or a trial?”

“I never meant that,” Fu Zhe said. “I know you’re not capable of such a thing. You spend your days with beasts and care sincerely for them. Such kindness would never harm outer disciples.”

“You’re so good at talking. Why didn’t you say this earlier? I’m the only one arguing with four others. The Sect Master ignores me, Hu Xincheng stays aloof, and those two Ma elders gang up on me, nearly pointing their fingers in my face. And now you come playing the good guy!”

“I…” Fu Zhe was embarrassed. “You know I have no say here. I will help clear this up for you. Just don’t worry and rest.”

Wu Lanmu snorted and left angrily, turning back to say, “If you can’t support me, then don’t! There’s plenty of room here without you!” She left without another word.

Returning despondently to the council hall, the quarrel had ceased. Ma Dairan tapped his teacup and said, “That girl, heh… I told you not to let her rise. Does her temper fit the job? Just watch, today’s little trouble will become tomorrow’s disaster.” He then stood and said, “My child still needs cultivation. I won’t interfere. Handle it as you see fit.”

After he left, Ma Guanzheng also departed. Hu Xincheng remained lost in his own world. Zhi Weici suggested, “Sect Master, why not handle this quietly by offering some benefits and low-key resolutions?”

Cui Qingrui nodded, and Zhi Weici continued, “But after this…”

Sect Master frowned. “Without sufficient evidence, we cannot rashly blame Lanmu.”

Qu Hanrong growled, “What evidence do you need, Sect Master? Who else but her?”

Fu Zhe then said, “Sect Master, I volunteer to investigate thoroughly. Give me three days to find the truth.”

“To no avail,” Cui Qingrui unexpectedly refused. “Handle this as Branch Master Zhi suggested. You all may leave. Fu Zhe, you stay.”

The other branch masters stood and left. Qu Hanrong lingered, dissatisfied, before departing. Only Cui Qingrui and Fu Zhe remained.

Fu Zhe asked, “Sect Master, why won’t you let me investigate?”

Cui Qingrui brought up another matter. “It’s been a year. Any news?”

Fu Zhe was startled, glanced cautiously outside, and replied, “None. I also sought information from Muchen Sect, but no news of him.”

Cui Qingrui tapped the table, pondering all possibilities. “Where could that man have gone?”

“I know my master’s temperament best. Though greedy, he knows priorities. He wouldn’t betray the sect. Probably imprisoned or assassinated.”

Cui Qingrui shook his head. “Your master Baizhu was of humble origin. Becoming a branch master was through his own effort and cultivation. Killing or capturing him wouldn’t be easy. At least we would have detected it.”

“Indeed, my master was at Golden Core stage. Killing him would require someone of the same level or higher. Such a presence wouldn’t go unnoticed.”

Baizhu had been the Medicine branch master but disappeared one year ago. Fu Zhe knew why. In his youth, Baizhu had been greedy for wealth, exploiting conflicts between the Fourteen Cities of Linghou and the barbarians. He repeatedly aided barbarians to breach cities, then pretended to help, plundering vast riches. This path made him wealthy.

Fu Zhe was righteous despite being Baizhu’s disciple and had often opposed his corrupt deeds. Six years ago, Baizhu’s schemes were exposed, and Cui Qingrui sentenced him to seven years of confinement inside the sect. One year ago, while Cui Qingrui was away on sect business, Baizhu escaped to resume his schemes but vanished for a whole year with no trace.

No one knew Baizhu was dead—killed by a single punch from twelve-year-old Sun Zikai, leaving no remains.

After a pause, Cui Qingrui said, “Stop investigating the Xianyuan Garden incident to avoid harming Lanmu.”

“Do you also suspect her?”

“Uncertain, but most likely.”

“I don’t believe it.”

“You have no choice but to believe,” Cui Qingrui said, checking outside to ensure privacy. “Why else would I bring you and Lanmu here?” He looked meaningfully at Fu Zhe.

Fu Zhe whispered, “To counterbalance the Ma family…”

“Shh…” Cui Qingrui waved a hand, then tapped the table. “Stand your ground, young man. Many want to see you two fall. You should start taking disciples. Otherwise, twenty years from now, Yanming Sect will truly belong to the Mas.”

Fu Zhe said, “They monopolize all top resources of the Medicine branch and have nurtured so-called ‘geniuses’ through precious medicines. Who can compete? It’d be better if you took disciples yourself, using sect resources to cultivate new talents.”

“If I did that, it’d really tear the sect apart—too messy. You scout around more in the outer disciples’ cultivation halls. You might find a prodigy.”

“There aren’t that many geniuses in the world, sigh…”

---

Meanwhile, Sun Zikai led Jiang Yujin into the cultivation hall. Following procedure, they filled out forms and after two long hours finally received a set of clothes and a token, officially becoming disciples.

But the survival rules of the cultivation hall caught them unprepared. No idle hands were kept. The hall provided only lodging, food, and necessities for life and cultivation—everything else had to be earned.

There were two clear paths: accept cultivation hall missions, mostly outside the sect, highly dangerous but rewarded upon completion; or take sect internal jobs, completing daily tasks for pay. Jobs like cleaning the Xianyuan Garden or guarding the gates were stable and safe, highly sought after by disciples.

Rewards were mostly money or goods, exchanged for living necessities. Outer disciples’ cultivation was different from inner disciples. Inner disciples had elders assigned to them, focusing on cultivation with resources and methods easy to obtain. Outer disciples found it far harder to receive elder guidance—they had to curry favor and risk abandonment anytime.

Both inner and outer disciples obtained cultivation methods from “Manqian Tower,” a ten-story central building on the sect’s west side holding tens of thousands of cultivation methods. All disciples had to exchange mission earnings for selection chances. Inner disciples had three free selections yearly but only for the lower seven floors; the top three floors were exclusive to core disciples, others needed to pay.

A cultivation hall disciple led the two newcomers to their lodging without speaking. They arrived at a remote courtyard near the middle of Xianyuan Garden. The house was large, a quadrangle courtyard with simple but complete furnishings.

The courtyard was likely cleaned regularly but stood alone, with Xianyuan Garden tightly to the west and over a hundred yards of weeds to the south, east, and north. A hillside loomed to the north, placing the house at the slope’s base. Rain would cause mudslides—disastrous consequences. Sun Zikai walked to the back and found mud-stained walls and many cracks.

He sensed immense vitality and energy within the pitch-dark Xianyuan Garden, laced with danger. The disciple who led them was likely completing a mission: to assign this undesirable house. The nearest sect buildings were two hundred yards away, making meals difficult.

The disciple feigned calm: “Like other lodgings, you get one free month. After that, rent must be paid—or you can buy the lease outright. Everything else you must earn yourself. Though remote, you’re lucky. Others only get a bed; here you have a whole courtyard. You can even manage the outside grounds. The space is large, so rent is high—fifteen hundred copper coins monthly.”

Sun Zikai thought, one thousand copper coins equal one hundred fifty coins, ten thousand equal one tael of silver. This unwanted ruin cost a full tael per month. He almost exclaimed—one year’s drinking money for a gatekeeper didn’t exceed a thousand coins.

“No!” Sun Zikai frowned.

The disciple panicked. “Though expensive, it’s huge and undisturbed. Elders said within fifty yards on three sides you can do as you please! Who else has this? It’s a rare opportunity.”

“Does it get noisy at night? Does rain leak in? Even if we buy food and drink, no one would deliver here, right?”

“You… how do you know? Fine, come on, I’ll take you back.”

“I’ll take it.”

“Really?” The disciple brightened but, seeing Sun Zikai’s mischievous smile, guessed his intent. “Name your conditions. As long as you stay, it’s fine.”

“First tell me why this house is like this and what you gain. Don’t lie—I’ll find out eventually.”

The disciple sighed, “This was built by the Beast branch to study high-level beasts in Xianyuan Garden. Later it was given to current Beast Branch Master Wu Lanmu. She doesn’t live here but couldn’t bear to tear it down, so she assigned someone to rent it out. Xianyuan Garden is like knocking on the devil’s door at night, and this place is so remote no one dares live here. Yet the price is so high. But the reward for completing this mission is good: outer disciples get the right to read two cultivation methods in Manqian Tower for free. So…”

“I’ll stay,” Sun Zikai said calmly.

“Really? Name your conditions!”

Jiang Yujin tugged his sleeve. “Are you sure? No one around here.”

“Exactly. No one around means peace of mind for what I’m about to do.”

“What do you mean?” Jiang Yujin was suspicious.

The disciple grinned at Jiang Yujin. “You two kids really know how to play.”

“What do you mean?” Jiang Yujin asked, confused.

The disciple urged Sun Zikai again.

Sun Zikai thought for a moment and said, “We don’t even have money for food. Give us some so we can eat—that’s all.”

“That’s it?”

“That’s it.”

“Brother, I’ll remember you for life! You must hold out for a month and pay next month’s rent; otherwise, I fail the mission.” Saying this, he pulled out a pouch and placed two bundles of money into Sun Zikai’s hands, then left with tears and snot, or rather, ran away.

The two stood at the gate. Sun Zikai asked, “Should I have made him pay next month’s rent too?”

Jiang Yujin said, “He said he’d remember you, but he never asked your name.”

They entered the courtyard and closed the door. The vast, empty yard left Sun Zikai at a loss. Soon they went out again, following a dirt path nearly swallowed by weeds to buy food and drink.

Along the way, many secretly watched them, as news of the house’s rental had spread. Everyone was betting on how long these two would last tonight.