Chapter 18: Yellow Maple Valley

The speed of the flying vessel was far beyond what ordinary cultivators could achieve. In no time, they reached Jianzhou in the northern region of Yue Country, crossing an entire province in just two hours.

Huang Maple Valley was nestled within the Taiyue Mountains, which lay in the western part of Jianzhou, stretching thousands of miles in every direction.

As the flying ship approached a mountain range, it seemed as though it would crash directly into it, yet it did not slow down and sped straight ahead. A few itinerant cultivators were so frightened that they sat down on the ground.

But the ship was not smashed as one might expect; instead, the mountain dissolved like a splash of water, dispersing upon contact. The vessel had passed through an illusionary formation, and sailed directly toward the grand plaza of Huang Maple Valley, coming to a halt.

Directly above the plaza stood the council hall of Huang Maple Valley.

"Come, I’ll take you to see the Sect Master," Red Silk said, leading more than twenty people off the ship. Lin Yang walked with Li Ming, forming a small group.

Soon enough, after climbing a staircase several hundred meters high, flanked by hundreds of spirit trees—trees Lin Yang knew consumed vast amounts of spiritual energy—the entire mountain seemed wrapped in a gathering formation, spiritual energy abundant everywhere. At the foot of the mountain lay numerous high-grade medicinal fields.

To the left of the plaza stood a cluster of buildings. Through the haze, one could just make out the sign on the topmost floor: Pill Refining Pavilion.

On the right was the Artifact Refining Pavilion, as well as the Contribution Tower and the Task Hall.

Mist shrouded the mountain, and spiritual cranes frequently soared back and forth. Cultivators came and went from the Task Hall, making it appear bustling.

Behind the council hall was a small three-story building, shielded by a formation. Though modest compared to the other structures, it was not to be underestimated.

The sign at its entrance read: Technique Pavilion.

The group quickly finished climbing the stairs and entered the event hall. Inside, they saw an elderly man with hair as white as snow.

"Sect Master, I’ve brought this year’s candidates for the Ascension Conference," Red Silk reported.

"You’ve done well, Little Red Silk."

"Greetings, fellow disciples. I am Liu Hong, the Sect Master of Huang Maple Valley. You may call me Sect Master Liu or Uncle Liu."

"Well, enough formalities. Next, you will be tested for your spiritual roots and then assigned by your senior brothers to your lodgings."

This Sect Master Liu was not the later Sect Master Zhong. Judging by his age, it was unlikely he would be alive eighty years hence.

"Alright, who will go first?"

At these words, everyone looked at Lin Yang, including Red Silk, who was quite curious. After all, Lin Yang’s performance was far superior to his peers.

Lin Yang felt uncomfortable under their gaze. "Alright, I’ll go first." Helplessly, he placed his hand upon the stone for testing spiritual roots.

The stone quickly responded, shining with five beams of light.

"Five spiritual roots? How can it be five?" The crowd murmured, somewhat puzzled.

"I must have misjudged," Red Silk said, disappointed. He had hoped that if Lin Yang possessed exceptional talent, the sect might sponsor him with a Foundation-Building Pill, allowing him to enter Foundation Establishment directly, with great potential to become a Golden Core cultivator in the future.

"Is there a problem with this young man?" Sect Master Liu asked, a little confused.

"It’s like this, Sect Master. This disciple ranked first at the Ascension Conference, and he’s quite young," Red Silk replied.

"Moreover, his strength far surpasses the others."

"I see. Well, then, nephew, you are truly fortunate."

Lin Yang feared attracting further attention, so he hurried to explain, "I am a talisman master, and also a first-grade superior pill refiner."

"So, with some additional resources, I was able to cultivate quickly."

"Oh, I see. Then I’ll assign Nephew Lin to the Pill Refining Pavilion."

After the testing, most people turned out to have three spiritual roots. Only one girl at the late stage of Qi Refining had two roots. Word was that her name was Lin Shiyu, and as her name suggested, she was quiet and petite, evoking the grace of a southern maiden.

Of course, aside from the oddity that was Lin Yang with five roots, the others could be considered talented in the cultivation world. After all, the selection process weeded out those who cultivated slowly.

"Alright, those with special skills go to their respective departments. Everyone else should go to the outer sect office at the foot of the mountain to register for a room. Lin Yang, you head to the Pill Refining Pavilion," Sect Master Liu instructed.

"Oh, and Lin Shiyu, stay behind," he called out to her specifically.

"Yes," she replied, and the others departed, led away by several senior brothers.

Lin Yang followed another senior brother toward the Pill Refining Hall. This brother had a stern expression but spoke with warmth.

"You’re Lin Yang, right? Then I’ll call you Brother Lin. My name is Zhong Lingdao, and I’m thirty-five this year. How old are you, Brother Lin? You look very young."

Zhong Lingdao’s question triggered Lin Yang’s memories. After thinking for a while, he realized: wasn’t this the Sect Master Zhong of eighty years hence? It seemed the previous sect master intended to groom Zhong Lingdao for leadership.

Given Lin Yang’s age, he would inevitably become a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Once he reached that stage, his pill-refining skills would improve, greatly enhancing Zhong Lingdao’s influence in the future.

Zhong Lingdao clearly understood the sect master’s intentions, which explained his enthusiasm toward Lin Yang.

"Then I’ll boldly call you Brother Zhong. As for myself, I’m fourteen—well, actually fifteen if you count my virtual age," Lin Yang replied honestly. According to his plans, after participating in the Blood Realm, he would be able to break through to Foundation Establishment.

At that point, he might even attract the attention of Golden Core Elders or Nascent Soul Masters.

"What?" Zhong Lingdao was genuinely shocked by Lin Yang’s age. A fourteen-year-old at the peak of Qi Refining was astonishing.

"Brother Lin, you truly have extraordinary talent. It seems certain you’ll become a Foundation Establishment cultivator."

As they spoke, they entered the Pill Refining Pavilion. Zhong Lingdao led Lin Yang to the counter.

"Brother Zhang, is Uncle Bai inside?" Zhong Lingdao asked gently.

Brother Zhang, leaning against the counter, was clearly lost in thought. Startled by the voice, he saw it was Zhong Lingdao and quickly responded.

"It’s Brother Zhong. Uncle Bai is inside."

"Is Uncle Bai refining pills, or does he have free time?"

"Uncle Bai is teaching disciples to refine pills. Since the sect master has business, I’ll go notify him right away." With that, Brother Zhang turned and entered the pill refining room.

He opened the door, and the sound startled the disciples inside, causing the pill furnace to explode.

"Damn brat, if you don’t give me a reason today, I’ll make you regret it," Uncle Bai shouted, standing beside the furnace, now blackened from the blast.

"Uncle Bai, the sect master sent Brother Zhong to see you," Brother Zhang replied urgently.

"Hmph. Got it. Next time, if you enter without knocking, I’ll weld you to the door. For every visitor, you’ll call out their name," Uncle Bai said, shaking off the grime with a cleansing charm, instantly restored.

"Let’s go. You lead the way."

"Alright," Brother Zhang replied, running ahead to guide Uncle Bai.

……