When not in combat mode, A Meng looked much like an ordinary butterfly— just a bit more eye-catching due to her rainbow glow.
But in this world, many creatures had such “special effects.” Spiritual energy loved adding flair.
“If you see anyone from the Magic Path, come straight back. Don’t get entangled.”
‘Got it. They can’t stop me.’
Though A Meng’s master was just a Spirit Master, A Meng herself was at the peak of Ling King level.
Thanks to her race’s traits, even a Ling Emperor might not be able to catch her.
What were the odds of a Ling Emperor showing up in this tiny place? Hua Jian didn’t believe it.
From Qinghui’s account, the ones who abducted her were only at Ling King level—the strongest they’d send for grunt work.
The Magic Path didn’t have the resources of the Saint Sect.
When they acted, Ling Emperors were commanders, Ling Kings were sub-leaders, and most of the henchmen were Spirit Masters.
The Saint Sect, on the other hand, would only send disciples at Ling King or above for such missions—one of their rules.
No one below Ling King could go down the mountain on business.
Of course, if you just wanted to travel for fun, there was no such requirement.
Some, like Linglong, were even kicked out for training.
A Meng flitted into the village and soon brought back news for Hua Jian.
She’d spotted a cultivator who didn’t look like a local.
“Tell Feng Xiaoyue and Liu Daniu from your village to come here. I’m taking them to Ascension City.”
In the open space at the village center, a man in flowing white robes, exuding an immortal air, ordered the old village chief before him.
His face was full of disdain for this village, as if every moment here was a waste.
“And bring out all the children who are seven or older and haven’t had their aptitude checked. I’ll test them while I’m here.”
At these words, the village chief looked puzzled.
“That second request is fine, but the two children you mentioned were taken away a few days ago by another Immortal Master.”
This reply drew a soft “Oh” from the cultivator. He was indeed responsible for this area, so why had someone else taken his charges?
Whatever, they were just two kids with mediocre aptitudes—no big loss.
He shook his head. “Someone must have come ahead of me—probably read the map wrong. Bring the other kids, and don’t waste my time.”
“Yes, yes.”
Knowing that Saint Sect cultivators would come around this time of year to test the children, the villagers were prepared.
Once the village chief rang the big bell, all the children of the right age quickly gathered.
Watching the curious little faces before him, the Saint Sect cultivator’s face flashed with contempt again, but he had no choice but to beckon the kids over.
“One by one, come here. Hold this stone in your hand— no matter what happens, don’t be afraid.”
He took a jade-white stone from his storage pouch— just big enough to grip— and handed it to the first boy in line.
The stone glowed faintly red, meaning the boy had spiritual aptitude, though not much— he’d likely remain a Spiritist at best.
“Next.” He took back the stone and sent the boy aside.
Soon he’d teach these children the basic method of cultivation so they could start on their paths.
He looked down on all this, but for the sake of sect contribution points, he had to grit his teeth and do it.
Soon enough, he finished testing all the children. Only one had mediocre aptitude; the rest were poor.
“Those with cultivation aptitude, come with me. I’ll teach you the cultivation formula.” He flicked his sleeve and strode toward the village outskirts.
The children glanced at each other and trailed behind him.
Soon they left the village, stopping in a forest clearing.
“Next, I’ll recite the cultivation formula once and demonstrate the process. If you can’t remember it, you’re not fated for immortality.
“Pay attention, don’t get distracted!”
……
“You know, he’s not really a bad person— he just has a terrible attitude. But he’s doing good deeds. Humans really are complicated creatures.”
Perched in a big tree not far away, Hua Jian whispered to Shiqi beside her.
By now, she was pretty sure this cultivator wasn’t from the Magic Path.
He wore the Heavenly Dao Sect’s robe, and his manner matched those Hua Jian had seen before.
After taking the kids out, he hadn’t done anything evil—he was really teaching them the Entry-level Technique.
His attitude was just terrible, but he was a Heavenly Dao Sect cultivator—what did you expect?
“Like you’re any better… Oh, wait, you’re not even human.” Shiqi was about to retort, then remembered her companion wasn’t human at all.
That was awkward.
“It’s fine, you can treat me as a person. I’m sure I’ve got some ‘human’ in my code somewhere.”
“You’re talking nonsense again… Hey, the technique he’s teaching is so simple—even mine is better than that.”
“Of course. That’s the most basic Entry-level Technique. Once you reach Spirit Master rank, you must switch to another method. In the Central Continent, only the poorest people rely on it.”
If she hadn’t dug out that battered old manual from under her bed, Hua Jian would’ve started with this basic technique too.
In the Central Continent, such ineffective methods were everywhere—usually the Saint Sects’ inner techniques, simplified over and over and released as foundation versions.
There was a huge oversupply for beginners up to Spirit Master.
Techniques for Ling King or Ling Emperor, though, were nearly impossible to find.
After all, if you reached Ling King, you were expected to fend for yourself. What, expect the sect to feed you forever?
Obligatory education only lasted through junior high!
“Actually, it’s a way to preliminarily screen these kids. Over time, their compatibility with the Five Saint Sects will become apparent… at least in theory.”
That was about all Hua Jian knew—she’d picked it up back when she was struggling to survive.
Oh, right, from that courtesan sister. She remembered the scorn on her face when she said it.
“But isn’t he worried they won’t learn it? Just one demonstration—how can anyone follow?”
“Not just those kids, even I didn’t get it.” Shiqi whispered.
It wasn’t that Shiqi was dull; it was that the Heavenly Dao Sect cultivator didn’t care at all, rushing through the demonstration without expecting anyone to really grasp it.
With that attitude, who’d want to join Heavenly Dao Sect? Only those desperate for status, probably.
“Ugh, let’s go talk to him.” Now certain of his identity, Hua Jian jumped down lightly from the tree.
Meanwhile, Linglong had changed into her Jade Pool disciple robes for the first time in a long while, her jade token hanging from her waist.
She hadn’t joined Hua Jian and Shiqi in spectating earlier because she’d been off changing clothes.
Hua Jian had an outer disciple robe too, but since she wasn’t a Jade Pool disciple yet, it was best not to wear it and risk awkward questions.
“Should we make a cool entrance?” Hua Jian asked. “Like, flower petals suddenly raining down from the sky, and you walk down from the air on them, overwhelming him with your presence.”
“It’s pointless, but A Meng can fly us over.” Linglong vetoed Hua Jian’s mischief but agreed to put the Heavenly Dao Sect cultivator in his place.
Her master had said as much: don’t be too polite to these guys—they’d only take advantage.
To make them listen, you had to show whose fist was bigger.
Right now, theirs was. With a Ling King peak spirit beast, what’s to be afraid of!
“No problem. What do you say, A Meng?”
“Happy to serve!”
……
Watching the group of kids, who appeared to understand everything, the Heavenly Dao Sect cultivator snorted.
Just a bunch of mudlegs, hopelessly untalented. Wasting resources on them was a mistake.
“You can go back on your own now. I’ve got other duties— I won’t stay.”
He waved, about to send them away.
But he didn’t get the words out before his face changed dramatically. A waft of fragrant wind drifted over from the distance, carrying a fearsome aura.
Ling King level— peak!
Impossible. How could such a powerful enemy appear here?
Rainbow petals floated down from the sky. In the cascade, a butterfly ringed by colored light bands fluttered out of the woods.
Sweat beaded on the Heavenly Dao Sect cultivator’s brow. What kind of spirit beast was this?
He had no idea at all!
Clenching his fists, he reached for his storage pouch, ready to fight for his life.
But just then, a voice came from the butterfly, making him pause.
“Senior brother, please don’t be alarmed. This child is my friend.”
A white-haired girl in a beautiful dress jumped down from the butterfly, landing gracefully among the petals.
Her face held helpless resignation, as if someone had ignored her warnings yet again.
The Heavenly Dao Sect cultivator’s eyes shrank. He recognized Linglong’s attire—a Jade Pool inner disciple!
But how could a mere Spirit Master Jade Pool inner disciple appear here? Wait—white hair and golden eyes?
A bad feeling crept over him.
“Could you be the Jade Pool Saintess Linglong?” His face almost spasmed.
Before Linglong could reply, another languid voice floated over.
“Linglong, he’s using a question— looks like you’re still not famous enough.”
As the children stared in a mix of awe and curiosity, the swirling petals coalesced, and Hua Jian stepped out, needling Linglong.
A Meng withdrew her aura, shrinking down into a Dream Butterfly Hairpin and flitting to Hua Jian’s head.
With the peak Ling King pressure gone, the Heavenly Dao Sect cultivator felt like he could finally breathe again.
Being glared at by such a vastly stronger spirit beast was unnerving, to say the least.
With the pressure gone, he could finally think straight about the situation.
Linglong’s appearance wasn’t just to scare him. The Jade Pool Saintess was never that bored.
“What brings the Saintess here?” he asked respectfully, cupping his fists.
He knew Linglong was only half-human, but with a peak Ling King spirit beast beside her, he knew better than to act rashly.
Anyone with a brain could guess what attitude to take.
“Someone impersonated a Saint Sect cultivator to kidnap and murder children here.” Linglong didn’t mince words.
“Is there evidence?” The Heavenly Dao Sect cultivator’s head throbbed. This was no ordinary incident.
Someone impersonating a Saint Sect cultivator to lure and kill children—what were they after?
“Naturally. I was training up north and, on my way back, found a girl who’d survived an attack.” Linglong beckoned behind her.
They brought Qinghui out of the woods.
Linglong pointed to Qinghui, indicating she was the rescued victim.
“Saintess, it’s not that I doubt you, but this young lady doesn’t look like she’s been attacked…”
Before he could finish, Hua Jian tossed him a Liu Ying Stone.
“See for yourself. Luckily, I know how to collect evidence.”
He watched the recording, then looked up at Qinghui in disbelief.
How could someone survive such a wound? Did she have a special constitution?
“The village chief here said someone took the children before I arrived—could it be…?” He gripped the Liu Ying Stone, uncertain.
He never imagined such a simple task could become so complicated. He wanted to slap himself for taking it.
“Looks like we were still a step too late. Senior brother, how many are on this recruiting mission with you? Please inform the others— this may be a conspiracy targeting the Ascension Gathering.”
Linglong sighed. The children already taken were probably doomed.
Not every child had Qinghui’s luck.
All she could do now was quickly alert the cultivators still in the mountains, so they could protect the remaining children before the Magic Path could strike again.
“Each sect sent two, so ten in all. I’ll notify the others at once, and check the other villages as quickly as possible.”
With Linglong invoking the Ascension Gathering, the Heavenly Dao Sect cultivator couldn’t afford to appear careless.
If something happened and Linglong spread word of his negligence, he’d be finished.