Chapter 17: There’s More to the Story
1027 Words
Yang Lie felt a bit bitter and nodded, "Thank you for the reminder, Master. Some things take time to resolve."
Lotus Fairy asked, "What level of cultivation is required to participate in the Immortal Discussion Conference?"
Saint Aoki replied, "A minimum of a primary saint is required."
Lotus Fairy exclaimed, "Then I probably don't stand a chance. I'm only at the primary level of magic cultivation and have just transformed into human form."
Senior Brother Zhou comforted her, "You've cultivated by yourself in the lower realm without any guidance. It's already remarkable that you've transformed into a human. If you work harder, you might reach the saint realm within five years."
Lotus Fairy said, "Thank you for your encouragement, Senior Brother Zhou. I will put in my best effort."
Junior Sister Xiangyun asked, "Master, I've just reached the intermediate level of a true person. What level can I achieve in five years? Do I have any hope of participating in the Immortal Discussion Conference?"
Saint Aoki pondered, "You have good talent, but reaching the saint realm within five years is nearly impossible. Your Senior Brothers have cultivated for two hundred years and are still in the spirit cultivation realm. Don't be too greedy."
Xiangyun pouted and said reluctantly, "I understand. I'll just continue to cultivate and wait for the next opportunity."
Everyone fell silent, understanding Xiangyun's feelings but unsure how to comfort her.
Saint Aoki waited for a moment, then stood up and said, "Regarding the assessment conference in three years, I will supervise your cultivation closely. As for the martial arts and Immortal Discussion Conferences, do your best without being overly concerned with fame and fortune. Except for Lu Li and Lotus, the rest of you can leave now. I have something to discuss with them."
The disciples obeyed and left the bamboo building, leaving only Lu Li and Lotus behind.
Looking at Lu Li, Saint Aoki asked, "Do you know how to read?"
Lu Li shook his head, "No."
Saint Aoki said, "Starting tomorrow, you and Lotus will come here in the mornings to learn literature with me, and in the afternoons, you will study basic cultivation methods with Elder Zhufeng."
Lotus Fairy asked, "Master, do we have to start from the beginning?"
Saint Aoki replied, "Since you're here, you have to start from the beginning. For the rest of today, take Lu Li around to familiarize him with the surroundings, but remember not to enter the Purple Bamboo Forest."
Lotus Fairy said, "Don't worry, Master. I understand."
Saint Aoki looked at the silent Lu Li and said softly, "Go ahead, let him interact more with his senior brothers. His cold and aloof personality won't win him many friends."
Lotus Fairy responded and led Lu Li away.
Watching Lu Li's departing figure, Saint Aoki sighed, "Resting Heaven Sovereign, why did you have to leave this trouble for me? If you had sent him directly to Mount Taiyi, wouldn't everything be fine?"
Saint Aoki's words were peculiar. What exactly did he mean?
Leaving the Bamboo House, Lotus Fairy released Lu Li's hand and laughed, "How do you feel about this place?"
Lu Li looked around and said indifferently, "It's all bamboo, quiet but monotonous."
Lotus Fairy said, "I'm not asking about that. I mean, how do you feel about Yunxu Realm and joining the Taigu Sect?"
Lu Li smiled coldly, still proud, "It's too early to say. Since I'm here, I'll observe the situation."
Knowing Lu Li's proud nature, Lotus Fairy changed the topic, "I've asked the senior brothers. It's said that there's a seal between Yunxu Realm and the lower realm. Without reaching the intermediate saint realm, you can't leave here unless someone takes you."
Lu Li questioned, "What is the lower realm? And what's this?"
Lotus Fairy explained, "Our previous world is called the lower realm. This place belongs to the middle realm of the Three Realms, located above the clouds but below the upper realm."
Lu Li was surprised, "We're currently on Cui Xuan Peak, above the clouds?"
Lotus Fairy said, "That's what they say."
Lu Li pondered, "That's interesting. I need to explore this place."
Lotus Fairy smiled, "Interested?"
Lu Li didn't reply. He looked around and asked, "How big is this bamboo forest?"
Lotus Fairy replied, "Very big. It occupies one-third of this peak. We are currently at the mid-level of Cui Xuan Mountain. Above is the Purple Bamboo Forest, a forbidden area. Below is an endless bamboo sea, with Nine-Bend River running through it, offering beautiful scenery."
Lu Li said, "Earlier, you mentioned that Jiang Xiaoyu is a carp from the Nine-Bend River. Does that mean she lives in the bamboo sea?"
Lotus Fairy said, "Eleventh Senior Sister transformed into a human by absorbing a lot of ethereal wood energy in the bamboo sea and then joined Master's sect."
Lu Li said, "Let's go and see."
Lotus Fairy smiled and grabbed Lu Li's hand, flying through the bamboo forest until they were far away.
Soon, Lotus Fairy took Lu Li to a dense part of the bamboo forest, where they saw a gentle stream.
Looking at the stream, Lu Li questioned, "Is this the Nine-Bend River?"
Lotus Fairy said, "Don't underestimate it. Though it looks unremarkable, the water contains spiritual energy. However, the energy is weak and doesn't provide much power."
Lu Li, looking at the vast bamboo forest, sneered, "How much can the Green Bamboo Sect achieve by guarding this useless bamboo?"
Lotus Fairy said, "Master Aoki cultivates the Ethereal Wood Technique and needs a lot of wood spirit energy. This bamboo sea contains an immense amount of wood spirit energy, which will greatly aid our future cultivation."
Lu Li said, "The countless bamboo gathers a lot of wood spirit energy, but the consumption is also huge."
Lotus Fairy said, "Although the consumption is huge, it can regenerate endlessly."
Lu Li's eyes flickered, and he said softly, "Endless regeneration, that's not bad."
Lotus Fairy smiled and said softly, "Let's go. I'll show you around. You might end up liking this place."
Lu Li didn't respond, and following Lotus Fairy, they moved through the bamboo sea, quickly disappearing from sight.
- Writer
