CFRSIO Chapter 48

The group found a place to stay in a small town at the foot of Qingyun Mountain, where Qingyun Sect was located.

Siam’s expression was a bit strange. As the guide for this series of missions, he knew everything about the missions. However, upon seeing this town, he couldn’t help but be stunned.

This place was almost identical to Qingyun Mountain in his memory.

Siam felt a headache coming on. It seemed this place truly had something to do with Lin Yunliang. If it didn’t, how could he explain the current situation?

However, Siam didn’t dare to mention this to anyone. They hadn’t found Lin Yunliang yet. What if he was mistaken?

Seeing the little cat’s emotions, Zhang Qing’an thought the cat was worried about Lin Yunliang. He patted the little cat’s head and said comfortingly, “Don’t worry, Lin Yunliang is very capable. He’ll definitely be fine.”

“Meow meow meow.” The little cat meowed a few times without objection, its voice high-pitched. It tilted its head and rubbed against the person’s palm, acting spoiled.

In his heart, he thought, “Why would I worry about Lin Yunliang? That person is probably living quite well right now. He’s not someone who would make himself suffer.”

The news of Wu Jie’s death quickly reached the Zhang family. Zhang Qingyu, who had been incredibly jealous before, was now overjoyed.

Dead? That’s good! It would be even better if Zhang Qing’an, that bitch, died with him. That would be truly satisfying. Incredibly satisfying.

When Miao Caiyun heard the news, her emotions churned. She couldn’t quite articulate her feelings. Before, when she saw the timid Zhang Qing’an, she had been angry. But upon learning that this person was valued by Elder Wu, a strange sense of pride flashed through her mind. However, this emotion came and went quickly, and she soon became worried, fearing that this person might bring trouble to her precious son.

Zhang Qingya was not only her precious son but also the hope of the entire family. She pinned all her hopes on Zhang Qingya making a name for himself. The whole family was working together to help him achieve greater success.

Therefore, she no longer cared whether Zhang Qing’an was alive or dead.

Upon hearing the news, Old Master Zhang regretted the effort he had put into winning over Wu Jie, only for the man to die so suddenly.

As for Zhang Qing’an, he didn’t care much. If this son were truly capable of cultivation, he would have already embarked on that path, not dragged on until now.

“Then, Master, do we… need to look for the Second Young Master?”

“There’s no need to waste time on these matters,” the Master said, giving instructions for other things. “I heard that people from Qingyun Sect will be passing by in a few days. Make sure to make proper arrangements.”

“Yes.” The butler did not dare to have any objections to the Master’s orders, only feeling sorry for the Second Young Master in his heart.

He was clearly a young master, the Master’s biological son, yet he received such treatment.

However, it was only pity in his heart, and he didn’t truly intend to say anything for him. He was just someone who worked for others and didn’t have the right to care about so much.

—

Zhang Qing’an spent some money to rent a shop. Relying on Siam’s connections, he engaged in the food business. The shop’s location was quite good. Many people passed by daily, allowing him to earn a considerable amount of money. He could also meet many outer disciples of Qingyun Sect and learn some related information.

Qingyun Sect was indeed one of the top sects. It had thousands of outer disciples and many outstanding ones. The sect itself was divided into multiple peaks, such as the Artifact Refining Peak, the Talisman Peak, the Pill Peak, and so on.

Many people felt proud to be able to enter Qingyun Sect.

Those who had entered Qingyun Sect were even more smug.

“Boss, the usual.” A person wearing the uniform blue robes of Qingyun Sect appeared. The leader called out loudly.

Zhang Qing’an came out and nodded, “Okay, the private rooms you regulars frequent upstairs have been cleaned.”

“You are all regular customers, so please make yourselves at home?”

“Good, good.”

“No problem.”

They all said this. They had been here many times and knew the situation. The people serving them were just helpers hired by the boss. The boss was stingy and only hired one person, but the business was good, which led to the person having to be constantly busy.

Therefore, they were all accustomed to it.

The few people walked upstairs, chatting.

“Isn’t the five-year recruitment about to start?” one of them said, and Zhang Qing’an’s ears perked up.

Zhang Qing’an heard something that interested him. He gave them an extra dish of small appetizers.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. This is a homemade appetizer from our chef. You won’t find it anywhere else.”

“Oh, that’s really too kind of you.”

“No problem, no problem. You are all disciples of Qingyun Sect. It’s an honor for my humble shop.” Zhang Qing’an continued, seeing that the few people were all flattered. He then stated his purpose: “I just overheard you gentlemen saying…”

“Qingyun Sect is about to recruit. Do you know what the conditions are?”

The few people who were drinking and eating paused, exchanged glances, and one of them tentatively asked, “What? Does the boss know someone who is going to participate in the recruitment?”

“Not at all,” Zhang Qing’an quickly chuckled and said, “I’m just an ordinary person, I don’t have that kind of ability.”

“It’s just that, as you gentlemen know, my humble shop has only been open for a short time. I don’t know much about Qingyun City, Qingyun Mountain, or Qingyun Sect.”

“In the coming days, I imagine many people will appear here. It would be good for me to understand in advance, so as not to accidentally offend any noble persons. What do you say?”

Seeing that the boss spoke with genuine sincerity, they believed him for the most part and began to explain.

“The sect recruitment has two stages. The first stage examines bone age and spiritual roots.”

“Those whose bone age is between ten and thirty years old, and who have strong spiritual roots with no more than three spiritual roots, can pass the first stage.”

“As for the second stage…” Speaking of this, the few people started chatting again.

“When I took the test, I had to stay in the Qingyun Pool for three days and three nights. How about you?”

“Qingyun Pool? That’s not an easy feat. When I took the test, I had to cross the Qingyun Bridge.”

“And I had to climb Qingyun Mountain!”

“Wow, yours was the hardest! As expected of Senior Brother Zhou!”

The few people started chatting, completely forgetting that someone was standing beside them. However, this allowed Zhang Qing’an to get much of the information he wanted. It seemed that each assessment was different.

The first stage should be easy for him. His current body’s bone age was only eighteen. As for spiritual roots, judging by his current cultivation speed, they should be quite good. If that was the case, then it shouldn’t be difficult for him to enter the sect.

The person who obtained the information quietly withdrew.

As for this place, Zhang Qing’an didn’t need to worry. Siam would help handle it. Fortunately, when he came here, Siam had already obtained a Face-Changing Pill from the Wish Bureau. With that, he wouldn’t have to worry about being discovered when he wanted to join the sect.

Zhang Qing’an only hoped that he could gain something from this trip and truly find Lin Yunliang. He was still worried about Lin Yunliang in his heart, hoping that he was alright.

The recruitment was set to begin in three months. Even though it hadn’t started yet, Qingyun Mountain was already bustling like never before. Countless flying ships and cultivators came and went.

Zhang Qing’an didn’t rush to appear.

“So lively.” At the small shop, ever since that day, he had found someone to help him. Now the helper was resting. Siam was also by his side, leisurely basking in the sun.

Looking at the people coming and going outside, Zhang Qing’an felt a rare sense of leisure.

—

“It is truly an honor for my Zhang residence that esteemed seniors can grace us with your presence!”

The Master fawned with a smile as bright as a flower. His expression was truly unbearable, as if he were about to kneel down and greet them with a fawning face.

Before him stood several young people. As fellow cultivators, their aura was clearly stronger than Wu Jie’s. Following the group that came out to welcome them were sons and daughters, none of whom were not smiling and welcoming the guests before them.

They could all see that these people were definitely not ordinary individuals. Moreover, they all wore wooden plaques. Judging by the Master’s expression alone, they all knew that these people were no ordinary figures.

Zhang Qingyu looked at them, her eyes shining even brighter. Judging by her father’s expression, the people before them were definitely not simple characters. Moreover, their appearance alone was pleasing to the eye.

Zhang Qingyu had previously tried to get close to Wu Jie. At that time, she thought Wu Jie was already a very powerful person. Now, seeing them, she realized there were even more powerful people. This time, she was determined to get close to these people.

Whichever one it was, it didn’t matter. As long as she could get close to them, her life would be more glorious! And her mother would no longer be bullied by Miao Caiyun.

“You are too kind.”

“We, a few fellow disciples, have taken the liberty to disturb you.”

“Not at all! This is all our honor!” The Master continued, with a smile on his face, showing no signs of fatigue.

“Please come in! Please come in! The mansion has prepared good wine and dishes. We hope they will suit your appetites!”

The few people all entered.

However, one person lingered behind. Just as he was about to go in, he suddenly stopped, then stepped back a few paces, glancing at the magnificent house, the huge red wooden gate, the plaque with gilded edges, and the soaring calligraphy above.

“Zhang Residence”

A strange feeling churned in his heart. He felt as if something had been forgotten. His reason told him that this was something very unsuitable, something he would deeply regret. He had to remember it immediately, otherwise, his cultivation would develop a heart demon, causing him…

“Senior.” A sweet and coquettish voice suddenly came from beside him, bringing with it an overwhelming, cloying fragrance.

It made him frown unpleasantly and step back several paces, creating distance between them.

This caused the smile Zhang Qingyu had carefully arranged to freeze instantly. She stood there feeling extremely awkward, and in her heart, she was filled with hatred and anger. This person! Why didn’t he know how to cherish a beauty! Was she some kind of monstrous flood beast? This was too much!

“Yunliang.” Someone else came out, looking at the person before him with an unpleasant expression. “Why aren’t you coming in yet?”

Looking at Lin Yunliang, this person was somewhat displeased. He had disagreed with bringing this person along before, but it was only after the senior brother insisted on bringing him that he was brought along.

There were many incidents along the way, and it was fine. But they even deliberately took a detour. They could have returned to Qingyun Mountain much earlier, but because of this person, they took a detour and ended up here.

As a result, everyone else went in, but he was still foolishly lagging behind, even hooking up with the daughter of this household. He thought he had underestimated Lin Yunliang.

“Going in.” He swept both of them with a disdainful glance and then turned to leave.

“Yes, Senior Brother.” Lin Yunliang responded obediently.

Being ignored by two men in succession, Zhang Qingyu felt her face burn severely. When had she ever been ignored like this!

After sulking at the door for a while, she immediately followed them in. Despite her anger, she hadn’t given up on her idea. If she could truly get close to them, it would be a joyous event for the entire family!

She quickly followed them in.

Although she was a few steps behind, she didn’t attract much attention. After all, with several cultivators present, Zhang Qingyu would hardly attract anyone’s attention here.

“This is our local specialty, called Rose Brew. You esteemed seniors must try it!” Old Master Zhang glanced at his embarrassing daughter and immediately put on a smile, saying repeatedly.

The leading cultivator and the other cultivators present did not stand on ceremony. In their view, as cultivators, they naturally deserved to be fawned over by everyone.

The meal was quite enjoyable, but only if Lin Yunliang hadn’t suddenly said something strange.

“Old Master Zhang, does your mansion not keep cats?”

The Zhang mansion did indeed have someone who kept a cat. However, that person was not a likable one and had recently met with misfortune. No one in the household cared about what had happened to this person, or even if they were still alive.

Naturally, no one had the inclination to care about the cat they kept.

However, they did not expect that at this moment, someone would suddenly bring this up.

This caused most of the Zhang family members present to freeze, looking at the person who had suddenly said this with confusion.

Why would he suddenly say such a thing? Or rather, how would he know about this situation in the Zhang family?

The group felt extremely guilty. After all, many people had used that cat to deal with Zhang Qing’an. No, it should be said that almost everyone had engaged in such behavior. That cat had nearly died several times under their torment.

Old Master Zhang truly did not know. To be precise, he never paid attention to these matters. He naturally never cared about the trivial household matters.

“Senior Lin, do you like cats?” Old Master Zhang tentatively asked, already having an idea. If this person liked cats, then he could cater to his preferences.

Although Old Master Zhang was not a good father, he indeed had a good eye. He noticed that although this person who spoke looked unremarkable, and sat in the position of a guest, his status was not low. The leading cultivator treated him with great importance.

“No.” Lin Yunliang shook his head. He knew he didn’t just like cats, but he felt that cat… was quite important.

It was truly a strange psychology.

Lin Yunliang’s indifferent attitude also stunned everyone present.

Old Master Zhang was also choked by Lin Yunliang’s words, but his excellent psychological resilience allowed him to quickly calm down. He hurriedly said, “Come, eat, let’s continue eating.”

“I know that esteemed seniors might not be accustomed to the ordinary grain here. This is spiritual rice that I specially purchased. Esteemed seniors must taste it carefully.”

They were all cultivators. Eating too much human food would accumulate impurities in their bodies, which would be detrimental to their future cultivation.

This person was quite thoughtful. The leading cultivator nodded in satisfaction.

When they arrived here, it was already dark, so they naturally had to stay overnight.

This also gave certain people an opportunity.

This group of five people did not all have pure intentions. It was inevitable that some would be easily seduced. Lin Yunliang, with matters on his mind, naturally did not take a liking to any of them, nor did he care for this group. However, he still couldn’t figure out what he had forgotten.

His appearance also caused some resentment among his fellow disciples.

They even found the senior disciple.

“Senior Brother, look at Lin Yunliang.” The disciple who came to complain glanced at the distracted Lin Yunliang. “We are out on a mission this time.”

“Not only is he unable to complete his mission, but his entire demeanor is like this. Isn’t this disgracing the sect?”

The junior disciple was annoyed. In fact, Lin Yunliang was handsome, with heroic features, tall and long-legged. His neat blue and white robes further accentuated his ethereal demeanor. However, Lin Yunliang’s expression always carried a hint of dejection.

This made him appear less handsome.

Naturally, it made them annoyed. After all, when they went out, they carried the Qingyun Sect’s brand as the sect’s face. Having such a person by their side naturally tarnished Qingyun Sect’s reputation.

The senior disciple frowned, looking unpleasantly at the junior disciple who was speaking ill of others behind their backs. “Is this how the sect’s etiquette elders taught you?”

“Junior Brother Yunliang joined the sect much earlier than you. How should you address him?”

The junior disciple who had intended to complain immediately wilted. The senior disciple’s authority was quite effective. Senior Brother Ning Shijiang was not only from an extraordinary background, being the son of the sect’s Grand Elder, but he was also a rare single-element spiritual root genius. At the age of fifty, he had already reached the middle stage of Golden Core and was about to form an infant.

He also managed many affairs within the sect. Many people believed that Ning Shijiang would be the next Sect Master of Qingyun Sect. Ning Shijiang was also handsome and had a bright and upright disposition and conduct. There were many confidantes in the sect.

Being reprimanded like this, the junior disciple immediately wilted.

“It is my fault, Senior Brother. Please do not be angry.” The junior disciple immediately pleaded. “However, Senior Brother Lin… Yunliang’s behavior is indeed somewhat improper.”

Ning Shijiang nodded. He was aware of the situation, and he also felt that Lin Yunliang’s current state was not appropriate.

“I understand. I will speak with him.” Ning Shijiang said.

Given Ning Shijiang’s status, if he spoke, Lin Yunliang would likely listen.

In fact, Lin Yunliang’s background was also very strange.

He suddenly appeared ten years ago. Although he had missed that sect recruitment, he was still brought into the sect by an elder.

However, after being brought into the sect, it was thought that he would become that elder’s personal disciple. But unexpectedly, after bringing him into the sect, the elder disregarded him.

Not long after, he encountered enemies and died at their hands. Thus, no one paid any attention to Lin Yunliang.

A few years ago, he distinguished himself in the sect disciple selection. However, after reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, there was no further progress. Even after joining the Martial Cultivation Peak, there was no movement.

This mission was not originally intended for him, but the senior disciple wanted to improve the relationships among the disciples, so he called him along. Unfortunately, this person was simply not sociable.

It was troublesome.

“Who?”

Although Lin Yunliang did not sleep early, it was rare for anyone to come looking for him. Lin Yunliang was somewhat puzzled.

“It’s me, Ning Shijiang.”

Ning Shijiang? Lin Yunliang understood. Most likely, those gossipy fellows had run to Ning Shijiang and said all sorts of things, right?

Lin Yunliang actually didn’t care much for this person because he really didn’t want to get along with these people. He had forgotten many things, such as his past family, his friends, and his origins.

Meeting that sect elder was an accident. His joining the sect was also simple, mainly because he remembered nothing.

He thought that since he remembered nothing, he might as well join this sect directly. Perhaps one day he would recall things. Besides, this sect had a good reputation, and he wouldn’t have to worry about being bullied when he went out in the future. Moreover, it was a sect, so there were bound to be many good things that could help him recover his memory.

Now, it seemed that this sect was also quite ordinary.

“Come in.”

Although Lin Yunliang didn’t have a good impression of the people in this sect, he wouldn’t truly offend someone like this. Ning Shijiang’s status was such that it was easy for him to cause trouble.

“Yunliang, will it disturb you to come this late?” Ning Shijiang still had that elegant young master’s expression and demeanor. He revealed a kind smile.

Lin Yunliang really wanted to roll his eyes. Since he knew it would be disturbing, shouldn’t he not have come to disturb him? However, he only complained in his heart and didn’t say anything.

He poured Ning Shijiang a cup of tea and didn’t answer the question. “Sit.”

He simply said this.

Ning Shijiang didn’t feel at all that the person before him was giving him the cold shoulder. He sat down frankly and did not touch the tea on the table.

No matter how good the tea in ordinary homes was, for these cultivators, it was all impurities. The only reason he agreed to eat that meal today was because it contained some spiritual rice. Therefore, he wouldn’t touch this cup of tea at all.

However, Lin Yunliang, this person was truly unconcerned about anything. Seeing that the person was about to lift his hand to drink tea, Ning Shijiang couldn’t help but speak.

“Junior Brother.”

“This human tea is mixed with many impurities. Drinking too much is not conducive to cultivation.”

Lin Yunliang lowered his head to look at the clear tea, then looked at the sincere Senior Brother before him and found it amusing. “Senior Brother, before cultivation, both you and I were ordinary people. Since we could drink this before, we can drink it now.”

“But…” Ning Shijiang was being publicly embarrassed like this for the first time, and his expression was not very good. He wanted to say something, but there was nothing suitable to say. His words turned over in his mouth, and he finally swallowed them back.

He could only watch as the Junior Brother before him drank the cup of tea.

He finally spoke again. He had a purpose for coming today.

“Junior Brother, from now on, when you go out, you represent the sect’s reputation. Your appearance like this,” Ning Shijiang rolled the words around his mouth, then changed them to, “is unseemly.”

“Senior Brother is doing this all for your own good.”

“Junior Brother should still listen. Don’t be so stubborn.”

These words were not only about Lin Yunliang’s appearance but also about the cup of tea just now.

“How is Junior Brother doing in the sect now?”

“Everything is stable.” Lin Yunliang finally replied. It was clear that he paid no attention to Ning Shijiang’s previous words.

“Are…” Before he could finish saying “anything uncomfortable, tell Senior Brother,” he was directly interrupted by Lin Yunliang.

Ning Shijiang once again realized that this person was a troublemaker. Disappointment couldn’t help but show on his face, though it was fleeting, it was still captured by the other person.

Lin Yunliang lowered his eyes, looking at the unfinished cup of tea before him. He had no thoughts about the person in front of him.

“That’s good.” Ning Shijiang quickly regained his composure and continued, “This mission, thanks to Junior Brother’s reminder.”

“Even Senior Brother can be careless at times.”

What Ning Shijiang was referring to was the encounter on the road. Their mission was to collect some miasma from the Misty Forest. This was originally a very simple mission. But precisely because it was simple, it made people forget one thing.

There were usually some poisonous creatures near the Misty Forest. Although most poisonous creatures were not to be feared, there was still a type of poisonous creature that was symbiotic with the mist in the Misty Forest. However, this poisonous creature was mostly dormant.

Their mission only required them to collect some, and it would not disturb the poisonous creature. It was precisely this mindset that made them forget that it was recently the time for the misty poisonous creatures to awaken.

Along the way, it seemed that Lin Yunliang was unnecessarily causing trouble by making them change roads, but in reality, Lin Yunliang had discovered something was wrong and had changed course in time, thus saving their lives. Otherwise, with their cultivation level, they would likely have fallen victim.

Even Ning Shijiang initially thought so, but later he realized this matter. He led everyone to avoid the area where the misty poisonous creatures appeared.

Although Lin Yunliang was the first to discover it, the credit ended up being Ning Shijiang’s.

Ning Shijiang offered no explanation, and of course, Lin Yunliang himself didn’t care much about it.

“Senior Brother praises me too much.” Lin Yunliang said, his expression calm, showing no hint of humility. He continued, “Senior Brother is knowledgeable and experienced. You are the truly capable one.”

“Junior Brother,” Ning Shijiang’s expression was clearly a little stiff, but he still wanted to say something more.

But he was interrupted by Lin Yunliang. “Senior Brother.”

“It’s getting late, you should rest early.”

Lin Yunliang stood up. As he stood, he lowered his eyes to look at Ning Shijiang, who was still seated. His eyes seemed to carry a hint of contempt, but it was not clearly discernible.

“Also, Senior Brother, the person you need to discipline is not me.”

“If you don’t go and manage things, perhaps in the future, a woman will come to the sect holding a child, looking for a father.”

“What do you think? Is that proper?”

This trip to the Zhang residence was not pleasant. They left immediately without even spending the night there.

The people around, even the people in the nearby towns, knew about these matters of the Zhang family.

It truly caused the Zhang family to lose a great deal of face.