I Became a Rare Species in the Immortal Cultivation World

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Chapter 40: Investment Conference

Losing three investors abruptly halted You You’s progress in establishing the sect. Fortunately, the remaining Yuan Family proved reliable. Ling Qi reported their Elder had personally pledged support for the celestial maiden’s decisions. At least this last relative remained, making You You curious about this wise ancestor.

She initially wanted to meet him but got distracted by other matters. Meanwhile, the Ji, Jian, and Yu families kept pleading openly and covertly for her to reconsider. Upon realizing futility, they spread rumors in Feng Tian Pavilion about her being difficult.

These rumors meant little to You You. True seekers wouldn’t believe gossip without verification. Even if some did, such foolish families didn’t deserve relativeness.

Ling Qi took the matter seriously, compiling stacks of family documents for her review. Yet none seemed suitable, leaving replacement candidates undecided.

"Tomorrow’s the Heavenly Chosen Ceremony. Noble Lady must decide soon," Ling Qi urged anxiously.

"Heavenly Chosen Ceremony?" You You blinked. "What’s that?"

"It’s the ritual to honor Heavenly Dao and formally Select Relatives," Ling Qi explained. "You’ll announce your chosen families publicly. Time’s short."

You You froze. So this ceremony was essentially an investment signing event? Since when did this exist?

"Noble Lady, have you decided?" Ling Qi pressed.

You You gripped the documents, finally answering, "I’ll just pick the Yuan Family."

"Noble Lady!" Ling Qi’s eyes widened. "Celestial maidens traditionally choose at least three families! Picking only Yuan Family will hinder sect establishment!"

"It’s not refusal," she pointed at the papers. "These either lack scale, have overcrowded populations, or seek random luck. Better fewer troubles than hasty choices. Quality over quantity."

Seeing her resolve, Ling Qi stopped persuading. The remaining families did have complicated backgrounds. Selecting them would indeed invite future issues.

"Where’s that prickly Xun Rong?" You You glanced around, missing the red-clad figure.

Lately he’d visited often, revealing his sarcastic nature. He’d mocked nearly everyone on the floating peak yet couldn’t out-argue her. Though constantly infuriated, he kept pushing to become her relative.

Oddly, he’d vanished today.

"Noble Lady…" Ling Qi frowned. "Xun Rong’s origins are unclear. No records match him across families. Be cautious."

"I know." You You nodded. Xun Rong did appear mysteriously each time. Yet she sensed no malice from him – he’d returned to rescue people at the ruins despite initially leaving.

Dismissing further thoughts, she focused on ceremony preparations.

At dawn, Feng Tian Pavilion buzzed with activity. You You was escorted to the main peak where crowds already gathered. A raised platform with incense burners dominated the square – clearly the ritual altar.

Scanning the crowd, she spotted a white-haired elder radiating dense spiritual energy, distinct from others. Ling Qi’s confirming nod identified him as Yuan Family’s Elder. Noticing her gaze, he bowed respectfully. You You returned a cordial smile.

Wu Yue arrived later, dragged from bed with sleep-clumsy steps. Spotting You You, she stifled a yawn mid-stretch, flushing red with teary eyes.

"Hmph!" She jerked her head away defiantly.

You You suppressed a chuckle, resisting the urge to pat the pouting child’s head.

The Grand Priest commenced the ceremony. Two tedious hours of rituals followed. You You glanced sideways, catching Wu Yue fidgeting tiredly. The girl instantly straightened, feigning ease with forced snort.

Finally, the ritual concluded. The Grand Priest gestured to both maidens. "You may announce your Selected Relatives. Who’ll speak first?"

You You nodded, but Wu Yue leapt up. "Me first!"

Like a candy-grabbing child, she smirked at You You before declaring, "I choose Qin’an Cheng Family, Yangxiang Li Family, and Taizhang Chen Family as my relatives! Together we’ll seek the Great Dao!"

Three family heads knelt, swearing allegiance. You You recognized them as top families – predictable choices.

"And…" Wu Yue turned, radiating smugness. "I select Long Xi of Western Region’s Long Family as my first Follower, bound by life-death pact!"

Long Xi stepped forward hesitantly, shooting You You an apologetic glance.

You You blinked, baffled. What did that mean?