Taiming Sect, located in the heart of the Eastern Divine Continent, is a large sect known for its upright business.
On this particular day, two adorable little girls arrived at the gates of Taiming Sect.
“Little sisters, are you here to join the sect?” The disciple stationed at the entrance was quite surprised—after all, it was their first time seeing such young girls coming together to join the sect.
The two girls looked to be about eleven or twelve years old, their clothes ragged, faces smudged with dirt, looking rather pitiable.
One of them seemed to have some marine animal genes from her ancestors, with eight tentacles floating behind her. The other had two fox tails.
Speaking of those two tails, they really were quite cute. One looked perfectly normal, while the other seemed somewhat underdeveloped, as if only half had grown out.
“Master, there are two Yao Race girls wishing to join the sect,” the disciple at the gate sent a Transmission Talisman inside.
He especially emphasized the words “Yao Race.”
Upon hearing this, the two girls’ expressions clearly became a bit tense.
.
These two girls, naturally, were me and Clururu~
According to our plan, after crossing over, Clururu and I decided to find a sect to become disciples of.
Then, we could finally experience the camaraderie of fellow disciples that we missed last time, and at the same time see what the cultivation world is like these days.
“If I remember correctly, the Yao Race aren’t very welcome in these lands.” I sent a message to Clururu, “Get ready, it’s time to show off!”
“Mm mm!” Clururu nodded expectantly.
Time flows differently in this world compared to Earth.
Seventeen years on Earth equates to nearly ten thousand years here, so… even though I only spent half a year back on Earth, over three thousand years had passed here.
Three thousand years—enough time for many, many things to change.
For example, cultivation ranks here are no longer referred to as Qixiu Realms—Qi Refining, Foundation Building, Golden Core, Nascent Soul, Divine Transformation, and Tribulation Crossing.
Now it’s: One Origin, Two Modes, Three Talents, Four Symbols, Five Elements, Six Harmonies, Seven Luminaries, Eight Trigrams, and Nine Palaces.
Personally, I find the new system easier to remember. More elegant and meaningful.
And Nine Palaces is equivalent to the old Tribulation Crossing stage—pass Nine Palaces, and you ascend to the Jiexian realm.
“Please wait a moment.” Seeing the timid looks on our faces, the Shoumen Disciple’s tone softened considerably, “Don’t be afraid. Times have changed. No one will bully you anymore.”
Huh?
That’s odd.
Aren’t the Yao Race supposed to be at the bottom of the ladder in this cultivation land?
They even used to cut off their ears and tails just to survive by disguising themselves as ordinary humans.
But ever since I returned, I’ve actually seen many Yao Race cultivators.
These Yao cultivators walk the streets openly, some even joining sects… For the world from three thousand years ago, this is unbelievable!
“Master is here. This is Mu Shuang, the Mistress of Cold Sound Valley from Taiming Sect…”
Mu Shuang?! Surname Mu? The Mu Family??
Clururu and I instantly tensed up.
Fortunately, we quickly realized that the Mu Family’s influence could never reach all the way here.
“You poor little things… Where are you from? How did you get here?”
Mu Shuang, heart aching, scooped both of us into her arms.
“Beiju… Beiju Luzhou.” I made something up on the spot, “We ran away from there.”
Upon hearing we came from the Northern Continent, Mu Shuang’s lovely face instantly grew cold.
“It’s been so many years, but the Northern Continent is still a disaster zone for abusing the Yao. Even though the Huangtian Holy Master has ordered a ban on such acts, there are still some self-righteous bastards who refuse to change. There are still poor little Yao suffering even now… Xiao Ming, Xiao Ri, you two head back to the Northern Continent to investigate. If you come across any remnants of those Jiexian, cut them down immediately!”
“Yes!” The two guard disciples responded with respectful cupped fists.
Holy Master?
Is that the new ruler who’s risen up in these three thousand years? Just like when I was an Immortal King.
Sounds pretty good—a champion of equality who gets things done!
“You poor children.” Mu Shuang, eyes brimming with tears, carried Clururu and me into the sect, “From now on, Taiming Sect is your home. You’ll never suffer again…”
Huh???
Wait… Weren’t we supposed to face discrimination on the spot, then Clururu and I would show off our real cultivation, and in a display of kingly might, awe everyone on the scene?
Why does it feel like someone beat me to the punch with all the cool scenes I wanted to pull off?
Is the cultivation world really this peaceful now??
Clururu and I were led into Taiming Sect, still muddle-headed.
Taiming Sect is divided into seven peaks, a pretty standard sect layout, just like the Sect of Immortal Dew… It actually made me feel a bit nostalgic.
“What kind of being do you wish to become in the future?”
Standing at the foot of the seven peaks, Mistress Mu Shuang asked us.
I was a little confused.
This question was like asking—what’s your dream?
Is cultivation really so free these days?
“I want to become someone strong enough to protect… my little sister.” Clururu answered first.
Mistress Mu Shuang nodded: “Understood. You can go to Yihe Peak. That’s where we focus on combat.”
Then she looked at me.
“I… I just want to grow nine tails.” I smiled wryly, glancing at my second tail, which was only half-grown.
“Haha, I get it, I get it! Which little fox doesn’t want to grow nine beautiful tails like Houtu Holy Master? You can go to Yihe Peak too. It’d be too cruel to separate you two.”
Mm~ Naturally, being with Clururu is the best.
Wait a minute! I came here to show off and crush people!
But why is everyone being so friendly?!
What exactly happened in these three thousand years?!
“Xuan Yang, I’ll leave these two girls to your Yihe Peak… Their little hearts might’ve been hurt by bad people, so be sure to take good care of them!”
“Don’t worry!” Xuan Yang was a bright and cheerful man, “Here at Yihe Peak, if anyone dares to bully these two, I’ll personally bash in the evildoer’s head!”
“Good.” Mu Shuang raised her eyebrows, “That, I do believe.”
Xuan Yang waved his hand, summoning two flying swords.
The flying swords automatically attached themselves to Clururu’s and my feet.
“Let’s go. I’ll take you to Yihe Peak. From today on, I am your master.”
Clururu and I looked at each other.
I’d said I brought Clururu here to show off, but the very first chance to do so had already gone bust.
I pouted, feeling seriously frustrated.
But Clururu was quite happy, her eyes sparkling.
Taiming Sect is basically her dream sect! A harmonious atmosphere, a protective master, friendly senior brothers and sisters!
[I bet this is all an act!] I insisted in a Transmission Talisman to Clururu, [These people are definitely devil cultivators trying to lure us in so they can chop us up and squeeze us for ingredients—seen it a thousand times! This is a classic setup!]
[You just don’t want to admit the cultivation world has changed,] Clururu shot back, annoyed.
[I dare you to bet!]
[What do we bet?]
[If I lose, I’ll help you vent your fire!]
Yesterday, Small Octopus evolved again.
While Little Qilin grumbled and Clururu gave a look like she was going to eat someone, Small Octopus giggled, “Ehehe~”, finished evolving, and immediately ran off to hide.
I managed to escape the disaster.
[It’s a deal!] Clururu’s eyes shone, 「And this time, whether or not Small Octopus evolves, you’re not allowed to chicken out!」
[Fine! But if you lose?]
[If I lose? Then I’ll help you vent your fire,] Clururu said with an air of reluctance.
Huh? That sounds fair… but somehow feels a bit off.
My little face flushed, 「Isn’t that still you taking advantage?!」
[So what do you want, then?]
[If you lose, then you have to promise me one thing.]
[Deal!]
A new bet has begun!