CFRSIO Chapter 49

The city where the Zhang family resided was some distance from Qingyun Mountain, but as cultivators, their journey was naturally much faster. They arrived at Qingyun Mountain a month before the new disciple recruitment began.

“All you fellow disciples must be tired,” one of them said. “Why don’t we go out for a meal before returning?”

Most restaurants located within Qingyun Mountain prepared spiritual rice, intended for the disciples of the Qingyun Sect.

“That sounds good.” No one present refused.

Only Lin Yunliang, who had always been unsociable, did not join them. He returned to the sect on his own.

The sect also had distinctions in the accommodations arranged for its disciples. There were eight-person rooms, four-person rooms, double rooms, and single rooms. To get better accommodations, one had to spend money. Disciples with higher cultivation levels could also undertake more sect missions than outer disciples.

Therefore, most chose to rent single rooms, and Lin Yunliang was one of them. He had a casual attitude towards cultivation, and most of the money he earned was spent on renting his room.

Lin Yunliang had always been unsociable, and Ning Shijiang couldn’t persuade him otherwise, so he let him be.

Coincidentally, shortly after Lin Yunliang left, a group of people, flattered by outer disciples, went to the small shop opened by Zhang Qing’an.

Naturally, those at the table began to chat and converse. Someone initially wanted to talk about the unsociable inner disciple but was afraid of being reprimanded by Ning Shijiang.

So, a few people changed the topic and began discussing the recent sect recruitment.

“Every year, the sect recruitment always finds some prodigies. I wonder if this year’s recruitment will have such powerful individuals.”

The inner disciples needed to help, but since they had just returned from a sect mission, the responsibility for assisting in this recruitmentGeneral Assembly would not fall on them, so a casual chat was acceptable.

They were all waiting for Ning Shijiang to speak, but Ning Shijiang’s gaze inexplicably fell on the young waiter who was serving the dishes.

This person was Zhang Qing’an.

Zhang Qing’an intended to participate in the Qingyun Sect’s recruitment, so he took a Rejuvenation Pill again, ensuring no one could recognize him. He hadn’t expected to be stared at like this.

“Is there something else you need?” Zhang Qing’an asked coldly. He was quite displeased with the impolite scrutiny.

Ning Shijiang, reminded by someone, came back to his senses and said apologetically, “My apologies.”

Zhang Qing’an did not wish to have any interaction with these people at the moment. He also recognized that these people were from the Qingyun Sect, and were inner disciples at that. At this time, Zhang Qing’an did not want any contact with them.

So, he simply said indifferently, “It’s nothing.”

“Enjoy your meal, everyone.”

He then withdrew.

Given Ning Shijiang’s usual demeanor within the sect, no one thought he was attracted to this waiter. Besides, he was just a waiter; no one believed such a person could catch Ning Shijiang’s eye.

Who was Ning Shijiang? He was the son of the sect’s Grand Elder and a direct disciple of the sect’s most powerful martial arts elder. What kind of beauties had such a person not seen? How could he be easily captivated by a mere waiter?

Ning Shijiang saw no need to explain to these people. He simply said, “Everyone, please continue eating. After we finish, we can go back and hand over the mission.”

“Yes.”

“Right, right, everyone eat!”

“Didn’t Junior Brother Zhou say the food at this restaurant is exquisite? Then we must savor it.”

“Indeed.”

Zhang Qing’an, who had left, felt an inexplicable sense of unease and sought out Siam.

“Did you see that person just now?” Zhang Qing’an said, still finding the person’s gaze irritating as he recalled it.

Siam recalled the face of that rude fellow and his expression changed. Because, quite coincidentally, this person was one of the protagonists of this world.

Then, based on past experience, Lin Yunliang should be within the Qingyun Sect.

“An’an, you must remember to stay away from that guy,” Siam said. Getting involved with the protagonist is not good for someone like them, who are cannon fodder. “He is the protagonist of this world.”

“Our identity is cannon fodder. Do not approach him.”

Zhang Qing’an nodded in understanding. Actually, even without Siam saying it, he could understand. The man sat there, looking down on him with a condescending air, which he found incredibly disgusting.

“Did you recall the plot?” Zhang Qing’an asked. If the cat remembered, it should recall related matters and could also help them find Lin Yunliang’s whereabouts.

Having not found the person yet, Siam’s recollections were limited. “I only remember some fragmented things.”

Ning Shijiang, with his protagonist status, was precious and would become the key to the revival of this small world. His dao companion was a junior brother from the same sect, and the two experienced countless hardships before their love finally blossomed.

Ultimately, their union inadvertently activated this small world, causing it to revive, and Ning Shijiang and his dao companion became benefactors to the entire Chengyuan Continent, revered by everyone.

Not long after, the two ascended together, becoming the first to ascend from the Chengyuan Continent and a divine couple envied by all.

This was their ending. The two lived happily ever after, but along this path, countless people sacrificed their lives for their happiness. And it was clear that these things would not be known by anyone; only the two of them would be remembered.

Zhang Qing’an’s expression was not good, especially when he recalled past events. In every small world, they two never had a good ending, which made him feel sad.

“An’an?” Siam, seeing his expression was not good, spoke again, gently patting Zhang Qing’an’s hand with its small paw. “An’an, don’t worry, I’m here.”

“It will be alright, it will get better.”

“Mm.” Zhang Qing’an smiled.

Sect:

Although the mission was completed smoothly, there were always gossipy people. The sect’s Grand Elder learned some things. Of course, the truthfulness of these matters was yet to be determined.

But it was obvious to anyone with eyes that dissatisfaction was brewing. The Grand Elder’s full name was Ning Xiyu. Compared to his son’s refined gentleness, the Grand Elder was clearly sharper and more decisive in his actions than Ning Shijiang.

Therefore, without further investigation, the Grand Elder summoned the person and sternly questioned, “Is this matter true?”

The words used by those who pressed Lin Yunliang were that this person was utterly undisciplined while carrying out missions outside. When lodging at a human wealthy family’s home during the journey, he became intimate with their daughter.

This showed he was not simple.

This matter was not entirely false; there were indeed disciples who became intimate with the daughter of a human wealthy family, but that person was not Lin Yunliang.

Lin Yunliang frowned upon hearing this, but quickly recovered. “I have not done such a thing. This is slander.”

Lin Yunliang frowned simply because he found the matter to be utter nonsense and felt it was unnecessary to bother with such a flawed accusation. Thus, he immediately relaxed his frown, but this behavior was interpreted by them as the person being afraid of the matter being exposed, leading to other expressions.

In reality, Lin Yunliang did not care about them at all.

“Slander?” Ning Xiyu smiled. “Then why is the account of the other fellow disciples unanimous?”

It was naturally unanimous. What were they cultivating so hard for? Wasn’t it to gain more status among humans and to be supported by more people? In their view, this incident was simply those people coming to curry favor with them, not them being undisciplined.

However, while they were enjoying themselves, Lin Yunliang interfered. Lin Yunliang did not openly publicize this matter, but when Ning Shijiang met Lin Yunliang and investigated, he didn’t even need to investigate to know. Ning Shijiang had no intention of concealing it.

Therefore, they naturally knew that this matter was related to Lin Yunliang.

Given Ning Shijiang’s character and extraordinary status, even if they were dissatisfied, they did not dare to reason with him. Instead, they would be reprimanded again for not knowing how to restrain themselves and regulate their behavior.

Thus, it was inevitable that Lin Yunliang would be targeted. After all, who told him to be so meddlesome?

“How would I know.” Lin Yunliang was indifferent. He had no feelings for this place anyway and likely wouldn’t stay here long. “Grand Elder, just tell me what your plans are.”

“There’s no need to put on such a pretense.”

Lin Yunliang’s words made everyone present hold their breath. No, no! How could you speak like that?

No one expected Lin Yunliang to be so defiant.

“Alright.” Ning Xiyu was almost amused to tears by such an attitude. He admitted that some people were targeting him, but he hadn’t expected Lin Yunliang to have such a disrespectful attitude.

How could he, who was of unknown origin, have the right to do such a thing?

Ning Xiyu, as Grand Elder, had an extraordinary status and naturally knew the inside story of how that elder brought the person here.

That elder possessed an ancient treasure, a divine book. Only those recognized by the divine book could see its contents; otherwise, it appeared as a tattered, unwritten book.

That divine book was actually passed down from above. Previously, it had been stored in the treasury. It was only because this elder had a predestined connection that it fell into the elder’s hands. Unfortunately, the elder’s connection with the divine book was also very limited.

Few people knew about this, but what the elder alone knew was enough to greatly benefit the entire Qingyun Sect. Because of this, the sect highly valued anyone who could read the contents of the divine book.

For many years, they had been searching for someone who could read the divine book. Ning Shijiang was one of them.

This is how Ning Xiyu became Grand Elder. This was a sect secret, and even Ning Shijiang, who could read the divine book, had not been revealed it.

Originally, he thought that only his son was such a person, which made Ning Xiyu very proud. Who knew that after that elder went out for a few years of training, he returned with another person who could read the divine book?

Ning Xiyu was furious, but he certainly couldn’t be too obvious. Therefore, he secretly tried to obstruct the person many times, but all without success. He even saw his son treating the person differently, which made Ning Xiyu even more furious.

The sect could only have one person who could understand the divine book, so that person had to be his son. As for anyone else, Ning Xiyu would not consider them at all.

Moreover, the sect members were also very pragmatic. Seeing that Lin Yunliang had never displayed any strength, many began to feel alienated. The elders who had previously expressed willingness to let him join no longer mentioned it after this incident.

It was as if they were not the ones who had been competing for Lin Yunliang before. In the end, Lin Yunliang joined Ning Xiyu’s side and became a member of the martial arts faction.

Fortunately, this person was truly without any ability, which made Ning Xiyu somewhat relieved.

Since the person was so ungrateful, he would not be polite.

“Good, pass down my order, effective immediately, Lin Yunliang…”

“Father!” Ning Shijiang rushed over. Seeing the group of people, he understood immediately and spoke, then, after meeting Ning Xiyu’s displeased gaze, he immediately corrected himself, “Grand Elder.”

It was true that Ning Xiyu and the person were father and son, but he did not like Ning Shijiang calling him father in front of others. Ning Shijiang knew this and had reminded him several times about it before, so Ning Shijiang reacted immediately.

“Could there be some misunderstanding regarding Junior Brother Lin Yunliang’s matter?”

“Grand Elder, it’s best to investigate thoroughly. Otherwise…”

Ning Shijiang believed he understood Lin Yunliang quite well, knowing that this person was not cunning. Now, what was this matter? Issuing such an order without any basis was not a good thing.

But he was met with Ning Xiyu’s icy gaze, and he suddenly panicked, forgetting everything he was about to say.

Ning Xiyu looked at his son with the feeling that he was truly hopeless, so ungrateful. Was this the time for him to play the hero? Clearly not. Moreover, this order was personally issued by him.

His own son was refuting the order he personally issued, which was not just a loss of face for him!

Thinking of other matters, it seemed he needed to inform him of this, otherwise, this child would still not understand what he should be doing.

“Effective immediately, you are no longer an inner disciple of our Martial Arts Mountain.” Ning Xiyu said. Releasing such a person rashly was also not possible, so Ning Xiyu had a better place for him. “Furthermore, Spiritual Field Mountain is in need of a few handyman disciples. I am assigning you there, do you accept?”

Whether he accepted or not was irrelevant. Was it useful to refuse? Lin Yunliang respectfully bowed to him. Even so, despite his lower position, his gaze remained indifferent.

This showed his strong will.

Ning Xiyu felt another surge of anger, but it was suppressed. He knew that it was not appropriate to vent at the moment, nor was it necessary to continue arguing with someone so unappreciative and ungrateful.

“Since you accept, then go today. The work at Spiritual Field Mountain cannot wait for people. The sooner you go, the sooner you can start.”

Ning Xiyu no longer cared what Lin Yunliang said or did. A good inner disciple was suddenly stripped of his token and sent to Spiritual Field Mountain. Everyone present knew what this meant. Outer disciples would also immediately understand when they saw it.

Then, there would be plenty of people to teach him a lesson; Ning Xiyu did not need to act personally.

Lin Yunliang left calmly. Most disciples were satisfied. The sudden appearance of this Lin Yunliang, and his snatching of an inner disciple spot, had already displeased many at the time. Now that they saw him in trouble, there were naturally many happy people.

As for Ning Shijiang, he still had some objections. After meeting Ning Xiyu’s gaze, he could only suppress the restlessness in his heart and silently waited until only the father and son were left.

This time he spoke.

“Father, Lin Yunliang did not commit any major offense. Is this not too much…”

“Foolish thing!” Ning Xiyu said, full of disappointment.

He often heard outsiders praising Ning Shijiang for being magnanimous and decent. Initially, Ning Xiyu thought it was good, but he never expected that his son, who seemed intelligent, was actually a muddled-headed fool.

“Do you also think I am wrong in this matter?” Ning Xiyu questioned sternly. His heart grew more and more angry. He had considered many things for his son, but now? His own son was stepping forward to contradict him!

How could this not make him angry?

Ning Shijiang said nothing, but his expression clearly indicated that he felt pity for Lin Yunliang.

Ning Xiyu was simply furious with Ning Shijiang’s attitude. This foolish son!

“Shijiang, you are still too soft-hearted,” Ning Xiyu sighed.

Ning Shijiang lowered his head and said nothing.

“When Lin Yunliang suddenly appeared, did you not feel any sense of crisis?” Ning Xiyu said angrily, seeing his son’s demeanor.

Then he sighed, “It’s also that I considered you too young, and now it’s time to let you know some things about the sect.”

“Whether in the future…” Ning Xiyu still had some aspirations. Regarding that position, he could not help but covet it.

“You should also understand the sect’s situation.”

“Yes.” Ning Shijiang nodded in agreement. He dared not disobey his father in the current situation.

Qingyun Sect’s spiritual fields spanned over a hundred mu, occupying an entire mountain, which was enough to show the sect’s grandeur. Furthermore, the spiritual rice produced by the sect annually was supplied to various mountain peaks within the sect, and also sold to other towns, generating income.

Therefore, the scope of the sect’s spiritual field mountain was not small.

Lin Yunliang was demoted there. Along the way, many people watched him. Most of the people on Spiritual Field Mountain were those without family lineage, patrons, or ordinary strength among the sect members. In fact, at the very beginning, they all thought this person would be thrown to Spiritual Field Mountain, but they did not expect this person to get lucky and enter Martial Arts Mountain.

Although his final destination turned out to be Spiritual Field Mountain, it was not surprising.

However, it was rare in Qingyun Sect’s history for someone to be driven out like this, and it naturally attracted the attention of many people.

Lin Yunliang paid no mind. With a confident gaze, he walked the path towards Spiritual Field Mountain. He wasn’t even carrying a bag, which was normal. He had no sense of belonging here, so he didn’t need anything. Moreover, he had storage bags with him that could hold many things, so he didn’t need a bag.

“Are you Lin Yunliang?” Several people wearing blue robes stopped Lin Yunliang, their gazes filled with ill will as they scrutinized him.

“Yes,” Lin Yunliang nodded. “May I ask who you are?”

“You are no longer an inner disciple of our Martial Arts Mountain! And you still dare to shamelessly wear the disciple robes of our Martial Arts Mountain!”

“Come!” The leader called out and said fiercely, “Beat him! Give this ungrateful fellow a lesson!”

The disciple robes of Qingyun Sect were blue robes for outer disciples. Inner disciples mostly wore blue and white robes and were issued a wooden token engraved with the name of their mountain peak. Additionally, the collar would have the abbreviation of the mountain peak embroidered with special silk thread. For example, for Martial Arts Mountain, a “Wu” character would be embroidered.

Since it was very rare for inner disciples to be expelled like this, and the sect’s rules had no relevant records, Lin Yunliang did not notice that he was still wearing the disciple robes of a Martial Arts Mountain inner disciple when he left.

The few people, full of imposing might, intended to teach Lin Yunliang a lesson, but were instead beaten by Lin Yunliang.

Lin Yunliang had a bad temper to begin with. He didn’t make a move against Ning Xiyu, not only because of Ning Xiyu’s status but also because Lin Yunliang’s current strength was far inferior to Ning Xiyu’s. Ning Xiyu’s strength was at the mid-Nascent Soul stage. He was currently only at the Foundation Establishment stage.

Lin Yunliang actually felt that his strength was unusual, as if it were shrouded by something, making it hard for him to grasp. However, he was not afraid. As long as he was within the sect, even Ning Xiyu would have to deliberate before making a move.

As for the few people in front of him, no matter who sent them, Lin Yunliang was not afraid.

“You,” Lin Yunliang knocked them to the ground, stepping on the leader’s head. “If you want to stand up for someone, you have to see if you have the ability.”

“These disciple robes were also given by the sect. If you want to take them back, it should be the sect’s authorities who take them back.”

“Since you find them unsightly, then you should come and take them yourselves.”

Lin Yunliang glanced at a few people. Then he left. He still needed to report to Spiritual Field Mountain. He didn’t have time or energy to continue arguing with them.

“Since Grand Elder Ning wants me to go to Spiritual Field Mountain, then if there’s anything needed, have someone come to Spiritual Field Mountain to find me.”

Lin Yunliang then withdrew his leg, unconcerned about how disheveled the people lying on the ground were.

The reason these few people came was to teach him a lesson, but they were unexpectedly and mercilessly beaten. It was truly a great loss of face.

This matter naturally reached Spiritual Field Mountain. Although Spiritual Field Mountain was mostly composed of people without status or influence, they had been there for many years and could easily find trouble for someone.

So, Lin Yunliang was bothered by unnecessary trouble right after being caught, and then he would beMaking trouble by the people of Spiritual Field Mountain.

“Do you have something to say?” Lin Yunliang looked at the people in front of him and asked.

As Lin Yunliang entered the territory of Spiritual Field Mountain, he immediately noticed that someone was following him. He initially thought they were just passing by, but he clearly felt that several people were getting closer and had no intention of leaving. In fact, the followers were gradually increasing, which did not seem like a good sign.

Lin Yunliang then stopped and spoke.

Only then did the few people reveal themselves. As long as they entered Spiritual Field Mountain, they were all inner disciples. However, within Qingyun Sect, inner disciples were differentiated. Once they entered Spiritual Field Mountain, even if they became inner disciples, they were of the lowest status among all inner disciples.

“You are Lin Yunliang?”

The leader looked up at Lin Yunliang with a smug expression, giving him a look of disdain as he scrutinized him from head to toe, as if looking at trash.

Lin Yunliang nodded.

“Since you are here, I will be direct,” the leader continued.

They, a few of them, had the idea of teaching someone a lesson and giving Ning Xiyu a good impression. Thus, after exchanging glances, they immediately made their calculations.

“Please speak directly.” Lin Yunliang understood their intentions upon seeing their demeanor.

They probably wanted to teach him another lesson? These people were really uninteresting, using the same old tricks. He calmly watched the people in front of him, his gaze filled with calculation.

“I am Sun Gu. For now, I am in charge here at Spiritual Field Mountain.”

“Our place is not like the other mountain peaks. We have no money. Also, we have to get up at Mao Shi every day.”

“We have few people here, and you are new. I will say some unpleasant things upfront.”

“Since you are here, do not think about high beds and soft pillows. We have to do farm work every day, and there is a fixed quota for monthly spiritual rice production.”

“If you do not meet the quota, you will have to pay the difference yourself. The other junior brothers all have their own work to do, so do not expect them to cover for you.”

“Did you hear everything I said.”

“I understand.” Lin Yunliang replied calmly.

“You are quite composed,” said the leader. “Then, Junior Brother Yunliang, come with me first.”

“We still have a lot of work to do here.”

Lin Yunliang was not in a hurry to go to the dormitory. There would definitely be a dormitory for him here. Even if there wasn’t, he could find one himself. He would never let himself suffer.

He followed the person towards the spiritual field distribution area. Seeing a vast expanse of continuous spiritual fields, Lin Yunliang understood that these people were doing this intentionally, and he knew it.

Lin Yunliang began his farming days. Although it was tiring, Sun Gu and the others failed toMaking trouble him, which showed Lin Yunliang’s extraordinary abilities. They almost never succeeded.

Moreover, Lin Yunliang’s combat skills were always very good, making it even harder for them to take advantage of him. Instead, they themselves were often in an embarrassing situation.

Seeing Sun Gu fall into a cesspool, Lin Yunliang’s usually calm face finally showed a few cracks. It was a mix of shock and disgust, even more so than the subtle disgust before. Although these cesspools were different from ordinary ones and had been treated, they still made people feel somewhat disgusted.

Seeing them so miserably fall into it, he felt extremely satisfied and inexplicably disgusted.

The people nearby wanted to help him up, but… they were not very brave, so they all stood in place tacitly. No one stepped forward.

Lin Yunliang just glanced at them and said calmly, “Senior Brother Sun Gu, you are truly too careless.”

“These things have been specially purified. You must be careful when you come out later. Don’t get them dirty.”

These were indeed cold words.

Although Lin Yunliang was being targeted like this, after one month, the amount of spiritual rice he submitted was more than enough. Sun Gu’s eyes widened by several times. He wanted to say it was impossible, but after repeated checks, he found nothing wrong.

“What’s wrong?” Lin Yunliang stood aside, watching them move around.

The few people even contorted themselves as if they were maggots. The scene was truly ridiculous.

Lin Yunliang glanced at these people. “Enough? Or are you questioning the elders’ judgment?”

These items had to be inspected by the elders when submitted. If they were not suitable, the elders would not approve them. This was to prevent people from Spiritual Field Mountain from colluding with each other. Therefore, when inspected, people from Spiritual Field Mountain were not allowed to inspect each other.

Now, Sun Gu’s expression clearly implied that he suspected the elders were showing favoritism to Lin Yunliang. If such baseless rumors spread, Sun Gu would definitely not fare well.

Sun Gu clearly knew this, so he immediately restrained his expression and retorted, “What nonsense are you talking about!”

“When did I say such a thing!”

“Lin Yunliang, how dare you speak such baseless things with an open mouth!”

Lin Yunliang calmly raised his eyes to look at the man. His expression seemed to question the man’s words. After all, it was not unheard of for people in Qingyun Sect to use unfounded accusations to make a point.

For example, why Lin Yunliang ended up in Spiritual Field Mountain.

Sun Gu felt uneasy under Lin Yunliang’s calm gaze and immediately stopped arguing.

Lin Yunliang disdained to continue arguing. In any case, his task for this month was completed.

These matters must have reached Ning Xiyu. Ning Xiyu felt that these people were truly useless; they still couldn’t teach Lin Yunliang a lesson even after all this. However, he soon didn’t have the mind to dwell on these matters anymore.

A year ago, an elder in Qingyun Sect, skilled in divination and fortune-telling, burned his bone essence and lifespan to calculate that the person who could break the deadlock of Chengyuan Continent would appear at the Qingyun Sect’s five-year disciple recruitmentGeneral Assembly.

However, the specific details were unknown because after that elder saw through the heavenly secrets, he grew increasingly thin and died of old age months ago.

Therefore, with such a major event at hand, Ning Xiyu would not care what that fellow Lin Yunliang was doing.