Chapter 177

Chapter 177: The True Power of Cultivation

Before returning, You You had asked Huan Yan about the Divine Clan. Huan Yan, who knew little himself, had checked celestial records but found nothing beyond what Nie Zheng previously discovered. No clues emerged about awakening the Feng Clan.

Huan Yan’s determination to flatter remained firm. He promised to inquire across heavenly courts and notify her of any findings. Shamelessly, he even secured a red lotus from Feng Rong as a communication tool before watching them depart for the lower realm.

After recent celestial events, You You sensed something odd. Even while tackling piled-up sect affairs, her focus wavered.

“Don’t you think… my Cultivation might be off?” she finally blurted.

The room froze. Everyone studying documents turned to stare. Yuan Qi rose, asking, “Is your body unwell?”

“Not that!” She set down her papers, frowning. “Doesn’t my Cultivation seem… too high?”

“……”

Silence deepened. Yuan Qi’s outstretched hand dropped. Ling Qi, entering with documents, nearly tripped over the threshold.

Their faces screamed disbelief.

_You just noticed?! It’s not high—it’s absurd!_

You You propped her chin on a hand, analyzing earnestly. “I thought being a celestial maiden meant higher Cultivation. Since celestial maidens lead sects, faster progress made sense. Others must be similar!”

“…” _No. Only you._

“But after everything, I’m more confused.” She scratched her head. “Monsters, magic cultivators, Nascent Souls, God Transformations—those made sense. But in the Immortal Realm, that Yongqing Emperor was weak as a chicken! Shouldn’t Immortals be stronger?”

“…” Nie Zheng winced, his race slighted.

“Then Qiu Yao!” she continued. “We beat him, and he’s a god! Sure, I hesitated initially, but with full effort, it’d have ended faster.”

“By standard ranks: beating monsters makes me a cultivator; defeating Foundation Building suggests Golden Core; overcoming Nascent Souls implies God Transformation. But besting an Emperor and a god? What does that make me?” She scanned the room. “What’s my actual Cultivation level?”

Yuan Qi: “…”

Ling Qi: “…”

Nie Zheng: “…”

_How would we know?!_

The silence thickened, heavy with bewilderment.

Yuan Qi finally coughed. “Your body defies norms. Though indistinguishable from others, I can’t gauge your Cultivation or potential.”

Long ago, he’d examined her. No spiritual energy surfaced, yet her spellcasting awed even him. Energy seemed to manifest spontaneously, drawing from spiritual, celestial, or divine sources.

Thus, her true nature—human, Immortal, or divine—remained unclear.

“But you’re no ordinary celestial maiden.” He patted her head.

“Fine, I’ll stop overthinking.” She shrugged. Protecting the Zhen Yan Sect and her brothers mattered most.

Outside, rising clamor interrupted. “Ling Qi, what’s that noise?”

“Today’s the final exam. Disciples are sparring at Four Peaks Arena. Strange—it shouldn’t be this loud.”

“Final exam? The five-year event?”

“Yes. With more disciples, top three earn special rewards. Especially—” He halted, paling.

“Let’s watch!” She stood, waving Yuan Papa and Nie Zheng along.

“Sect Master—” Ling Qi began, but they’d already left.

At Four Peaks, the din intensified—not from clashing steel or spells, but shouting.

You You tensed. The usually harmonious disciples were arguing en masse.

A roar cut through: “Silence! First place is mine. Challenge me if you dare!”

Shui Yan’s voice.

Protest erupted:

“Senior Sister, you quit competing three exams ago!”

“Who here but elders can match you?!”

“Elders can’t either!”

“Don’t backtrack for special rewards!”

“We protest!”