Chapter 97
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Chapter 97: Let Him Wait
After the grand ceremony, two practitioners were chosen to enter the inner mansion. One was Wu Qing, the other, Yi Qianmo.
Both received special nameplates engraved with restrictions. These nameplates, unique to inner mansion disciples, were the key to entering the heavily guarded inner mansion. Without them, any intruder would be killed instantly by the protective formation.
As they walked, the deacon leading them explained, “The inner mansion is divided into the Shu School and the Tao School. I’m sure you’ve heard about this during the exam.”
Despite Yi Qianmo’s record-breaking performance, he received no preferential treatment.
The deacon continued, “One of you will study the ways of magic, the other, the path of Tao. You’ll join Shu School and Tao School respectively, where you can exchange contribution points for cultivation resources. Contribution points are essential. You can earn them by completing tasks or through alchemy, but becoming a Pill Master is no easy feat. The Pill Pavilion, the heart of alchemy, is the most coveted yet most difficult place to access in the academy.”
Yi Qianmo observed the surroundings, noting the abundant spiritual energy.
“The inner mansion’s spirit Qi is double that of the outer mansion. Here, you can recover your spiritual power in a day or two of meditation,” the deacon added.
Yi Qianmo’s focus, however, was elsewhere. Su Muyu had already briefed him on the essentials. His attention was drawn to the grandeur of the inner mansion itself. From the outside, it appeared modest, but inside, it revealed a vast, serene world—much larger and quieter than the bustling outer mansion.
The deacon paused, pointing to a distant tall structure. “That is the Treasure Pavilion. It houses countless treasures, which can be exchanged for contribution points. If you have any unused treasures, you can trade them here for points.”
Yi Qianmo briefly glanced at it before returning his gaze to the deacon. His nonchalant demeanor annoyed the man.
“Some people think breaking records and earning titles means they can look down on others,” the deacon remarked sharply.
Yi Qianmo met his gaze without a word, neither apologizing nor defending himself. Irritated, the deacon flicked his sleeve and led them onward. Wu Qing smirked as he followed behind.
The pair soon arrived at the Council Chamber, where they submitted their nameplates. The chamber managed all inner mansion affairs, and they were swiftly assigned to their respective schools. Wu Qing headed to Shu School, while Yi Qianmo was guided to Tao School by a young disciple.
The boy, modest and respectful, explained, “Brother Yi, though the Grand Princess supports you, it’s wise to tread carefully. The Tao School’s training ground is divided into nine levels. The higher the level, the richer the spirit Qi. However, all the caves are occupied. If you want one, you’ll need to challenge someone for it.”
Yi Qianmo raised an eyebrow. “And if I lose?”
“Then you’ll have to train at the foot of the mountain.”
The boy hesitated before adding, “Rumors say you defeated a ninth-level Qi Refining Stage disciple during the exam. Even so, be cautious. You’ve become a target.”
“Why?” Yi Qianmo asked, puzzled.
“Many in Tao School admired the Grand Princess and aspired to be the Prince of Yan Kingdom. Your sudden rise, with the Emperor’s favor, has turned their admiration into resentment.”
Yi Qianmo chuckled. “First, take me to the Treasure Pavilion. By the way, where’s Minister Professor Zhou?”
“Minister Professor Zhou is not part of Tao School or Shu School; he’s in the Pill Pavilion,” the boy replied, surprised by the question.
“Shouldn’t you visit Tao School first, senior brother?” the boy asked nervously. “The sect master might be waiting for you.”
Yi Qianmo smirked. “If he
enjoys waiting, let him wait.
Now, to the Treasure Pavilion.”
Meanwhile, at the Tao School’s
mountaintop, dozens of
disciples stood in a pavilion,
discussing Yi Qianmo’s
actions.
“This intruder is so audacious!
Instead of greeting the sect
master, he heads straight to
the Treasure Pavilion. He
doesn’t respect the rules!”
“With the Grand Princess
backing him, he thinks he can
do whatever he pleases!”
Amidst their grumbling, the
sect master, a middle-aged
man with a calm demeanor,
finally spoke. “Let him go to
the Treasure Pavilion first. It’s
no crime.”
“But sect master, his disregard
for tradition—”
The sect master interrupted,
“Don’t think I’m unaware of
your schemes. I know you’ve
secretly altered the cave
assignments to test him.”
The disciples exchanged
sheepish glances but didn’t
deny it.
The sect master closed his
eyes, waving them off. “Do
what you will, but be careful.
Don’t kill him.”
As Yi Qianmo approached the
Treasure Pavilion, a sly smile
played on his lips. “Let them
wait,” he muttered. “I have
better things to do.”