CFRSIO Chapter 50

Qingyun Mountain was usually bustling, and now with the start of the recruitment period, it was even more so.

Because it was too lively, Zhang Qing’an had already sold his shop a month before the recruitment began, becoming a hands-off boss and allowing himself some leisure.

More than ten days ago, Siam remembered some things, which made Zhang Qing’an determined to win this Qingyun Sect recruitment.

The things Siam recalled should be closely related to Lin Yunliang.

What he remembered was special, concerning how the protagonist of this small world became the protagonist of the world.

Although Ning Shijiang’s abilities were extraordinary, they were far from enough to become the savior. However, with his current cultivation level, it was still not high enough.

A turning point that caused Ning Shijiang’s sudden surge was a disciple within the sect. Although Siam couldn’t recall who that disciple was specifically, he knew it should be Lin Yunliang.

Only Lin Yunliang had this capability.

The death of that person caused Ning Shijiang to unblock his vital and governing meridians, and he then rapidly improved his strength, laying the foundation for him to become the one who would break the deadlock on Chengyuan Continent.

From this perspective, Lin Yunliang should be in the sect now. What’s strange is that if Lin Yunliang had such capabilities, he should have become famous in the sect long ago. He should at least have heard some news about Lin Yunliang.

However, Zhang Qing’an found nothing, which showed that someone had intervened behind the scenes.

This further solidified Zhang Qing’an’s decision to investigate Qingyun Sect.

The days quickly passed to the recruitment day, and the entire Qingyun Mountain was incredibly lively. All the inns in the town had been booked months in advance. Despite this, people were still arriving at Qingyun Mountain one after another.

This showed the great influence of the Qingyun Sect.

“I heard that all the talented youths from all over have come.”

“Yes, Miss Furong from Furong City is also here.”

“That Miss Furong is a rare beauty!”

“Not only Miss Furong, but the Crown Prince of Jinjia City has also arrived.”

“This Qingyun Sect recruitment is truly a rare sight.”

“What do you think Qingyun Sect will come up with for this recruitment?”

“I remember last time, the requirement was for participants to stay in the Qingyun Pond for three days and three nights.”

“Yes, yes, I remember too.”

“Brother, are you talking about that Qingyun Pond?”

“Oh, there’s no other Qingyun Pond! It’s that Qingyun Pond!”

“Gentlemen, what kind of place is this Qingyun Pond?”

“You must be from out of town! No wonder you don’t know how formidable Qingyun Pond is.”

“This Qingyun Pond is vast, and the lake contains miraculous formations. Most entrants are bewildered by illusions. If one’s strength is too weak, they will be attacked by the formations and die silently in the pond.”

“That’s right, that’s right. Not only that, I remember there are some wondrous plants in the Qingyun Pond.”

“Yes, yes, Brother Zhu is talking about the Seven-Colored Lotus, right?”

“That’s the thing. Oh, that Seven-Colored Lotus is a rare treasure!”

“Oh, it’s a shame that the Seven-Colored Lotus only blooms once every few years. I’m afraid we won’t see the grand occasion of the Seven-Colored Lotus blooming this time, which is a pity.”

Zhang Qing’an concealed his aura, made subtle adjustments to his appearance, and quietly stayed in a corner, listening to their chatter. There were far more interesting things on Qingyun Mountain than he had imagined.

It was no wonder that the town was only located at the foot of the mountain, while the Qingyun Sect was at the summit. Qingyun Mountain was rich in treasures but also full of dangers. It was the closest and most suitable place for the Qingyun Sect disciples to train.

Qingyun Mountain was just a general term. Within Qingyun Mountain, there were many training grounds such as Qingyun Pond, Gravity Mountain, and Qingyun Bridge. Each training ground was not an easy place to conquer. Once one could pass, there would be great rewards.

These people were chatting enthusiastically, making Zhang Qing’an somewhat tempted. He also wanted to go and train. He had been here for three to four months and had not visited many places. After passing the Qingyun Sect recruitment, he would try to train.

“Little brother, you look unfamiliar. Which family’s cultivator are you?” someone slurred, leaning closer.

It was evident that he was drunk.

There were such people in Qingyun City every day, and recently there were even more, because the people of Qingyun City rarely experienced such liveliness. Many people had been harassed by drunkards. However, these drunkards just wanted to find a sucker to pay their bar tab.

This one today was unusual. Why pick Zhang Qing’an, who was sitting in the corner, eating simply and looking like he had no money?

“Come, come,” he sat directly next to Zhang Qing’an and let out a loud burp. The pungent smell of alcohol was unpleasant. “Little… little brother, let’s drink!”

He held a jug of wine and was about to clink it against Zhang Qing’an. Zhang Qing’an disliked such contact, and with a slight movement of his body, he distanced himself from the man.

The drunkard, no, perhaps not a drunkard, as his eyes cleared momentarily, he looked with great interest at this unknown and young cultivator who was so adept at dodging.

However, the drunkard was not a simple person. With a turn, he was beside Zhang Qing’an again.

The owner of the inn saw this but did not intervene.

“Boss, this…” The waiter, with a cloth draped over his shoulder, looked a little confused. He knew this drunkard; he only appeared during the sect recruitment days. However, he had never bothered the inn’s guests like this before.

So the waiter was a bit puzzled. Should he go forward to help? He looked at the boss, at a loss.

The boss shook his head, signaling that there was no need to pay attention. The boss’s vision was naturally much higher than the waiter’s, so he could see that the drunkard was unusual. It was likely that he was no ordinary person.

Besides, this person only came out during these few days every time and never caused any trouble.

Nothing had happened so far. Therefore, they didn’t need to rush forward to cause anything.

Zhang Qing’an frowned. He no longer had the appetite to eat. He paid the money and turned to leave.

Watching the retreating figure, the drunkard took a sip of wine and continued to stagger away.

Zhang Qing’an also turned and went to the registration area. In the registration area, he underwent the first round of inspection.

Because there were many people registering, almost as far as the eye could see, it was impossible to inspect so many people at once. Therefore, after registration, everyone was inspected in batches of one hundred.

From time to time, there were disturbances in the crowd.

For example, someone tried to pass off as qualified, but they were discovered.

“No! Give me another chance! I… I’m not over the bone age limit! Please! Give me another chance!”

“Drag him away!” The examiner’s face turned dark.

The first round of Qingyun Sect’s examination was known to almost everyone, but almost every time there were people trying to pass off as qualified! It was truly infuriating.

“I will state it one last time: only those with a bone age between ten and thirty years old can undergo spirit root detection. Violators will be expelled! If anyone else knowingly violates, then do not blame Qingyun Sect for not showing mercy!”

There were also people in the crowd discussing the person who had just been taken away.

“Isn’t that the genius from Boquan Town?” At this moment, the person had just been carried out, but being called a genius made it all the more ironic.

“It’s him.” The person next to him, who recognized the person being carried out, spoke.

This genius was once incredibly talented years ago. When the Foundation Establishment Pill was only affordable by major sects, he became a Foundation Establishment cultivator after breaking through a secret realm.

Later, he felt that he had hope of forming a Core by relying on his own strength. Unfortunately, his good luck seemed to have been exhausted after successfully establishing his foundation. For many years, he had not found any insights into forming a Core.

Only after his age exceeded the sect’s recruitment rules did he belatedly want to join the sect and use the treasures of Qingyun Sect to form a Core.

But if you had come a few years earlier, would you be in this situation? Clearly, you don’t have much ability, but you insist on being self-righteous.

Although Chengyuan Continent appeared glorious now, the major sects were all aware that the spiritual energy was becoming increasingly thin, and the number of spirit herbs had also significantly decreased. If a solution to break the deadlock was not found, then the entire continent would gradually head towards destruction.

In order to save the continent, each sect had its own plans. One of these was to find talented and powerful young cultivators, hoping to use their strength to break the deadlock.

Nowadays, most of the alchemists on Chengyuan Continent were recruited by the sects. For ordinary cultivators, the only way to improve was to join a sect or, if they were lucky, to join a prominent and powerful aristocratic family, using the family’s influence to purchase pills from the sect.

Two paths, which one was easier to take? It was likely that smart people could see it at a glance.

For this reason, the number of people participating in the recruitment reached new heights almost every time.

Zhang Qing’an mingled among them. Although he was amazed by this mysterious world and felt that becoming a legendary Nascent Soul cultivator would be amazing, he hoped more to find Lin Yunliang.

Once Lin Yunliang was found, wouldn’t it be even better if they could be together?

While lost in thought, he heard a commotion. He looked up and saw that someone from the previous batch had tested positive for a rare single spirit root.

In this world, many people had four or three spirit roots. Those with dual spirit roots would undoubtedly have a very good future. Single spirit roots were even rarer.

Therefore, it was already considered very good if the sect recruitment produced five dual spirit roots. Now, a single spirit root had appeared, causing the crowd to stir.

The spirit root pillar lit up with a dazzling red crystal pillar.

It turned out to be a fire spirit root cultivator with an exceptionally pure spirit root!

This was a single spirit root! Such a cultivator’s talent was not ordinary! The crowd stirred again and again.

“My heavens! Single spirit root! Another single spirit root cultivator has appeared!”

“This Qingyun Sect is truly lucky to have another single spirit root cultivator!”

“Yes, there’s already a single spirit root cultivator in Qingyun Sect.”

“Yes, it’s Ning Shijiang! He is now a Core Formation cultivator, which shows how good the talent of single spirit root cultivators is.”

“Who is this person? Truly lucky.”

“Yes, why am I not of this spirit root.”

“That young gentleman looks familiar, isn’t he from the Guang family?”

……

Zhang Qing’an also saw it. The examiner, who had been looking dejected, immediately changed his expression and walked down, hurrying to the side of the person who had tested positive for a single spirit root.

It was a young man, a man with a clear and handsome appearance. He seemed to have been overly protected by his family, because after this situation occurred, his eyes revealed only confusion.

He even quickly bowed to the examiner who was walking towards him, “Senior Brother, has something happened?”

This caused many envious people to roll their eyes.

Zhang Qing’an didn’t care who this person was. However, Siam, who was hovering above his head, suddenly became active.

[An’an, that guy is Ning Shijiang’s fated partner, Guang Baiqiao.]

Zhang Qing’an was silent. He became more certain in his heart. If the two protagonists of this world were both here, then Lin Yunliang must also be here.

That’s good. Then he must get in.

Because joining the sect was the easiest and most convenient method. Qingyun Sect’s protective formation was almost connected to the entire Qingyun Mountain. Even Siam and the others couldn’t do anything, so they could only enter and become disciples of the sect, then continue their search.

[I know.]

[Siam, will my spirit root be enough to enter the sect?]

[Please rest assured. Since your divine soul merged with this body, you are now a single spirit root genius.]

[No.] Thinking of Guang Baiqiao’s situation just now, Zhang Qing’an disliked this atmosphere.

Guang Baiqiao had already been taken in blankly. A single spirit root cultivator with a bone age of only eighteen would be an idiot to let go. Qingyun Sect had no such idiots, so he was directly selected.

Now, not only was he selected, but he was also standing beside the sect elder who was supervising the recruitment order. That sect elder had a look of comfort and relief.

It was truly unbearable. Zhang Qing’an didn’t want to be so conspicuous either.

[Is there a way to make me look like I have dual spirit roots, or triple spirit roots?]

[This…] Siam hesitated, [Are you sure?]

Siam had a headache. Why aren’t you more arrogant? Lin Yunliang also clearly had the ability to fight people for three hundred rounds, but he insisted on being a behind-the-scenes manipulator.

[I’m sure, do you have a way?]

[…I’ll try my best.] Siam said.

In this world, even if it was a small plane, there was no reason for him to interfere randomly.

[En, do your best.] Zhang Qing’an said, his tone gentle and his attitude amiable.

This made Siam sigh again, how could such a person fancy that annoying guy Lin Yunliang? He then thought of the entanglement between the two. He thought of the first ancient plane.

In that plane, the two did not end up together in the end. In the end, Father Zhang was going to find a live-in husband for Zhang Qing’an. Lin Yunliang not only did not stop him but even helped introduce one.

At that time, let alone Father Zhang, even Siam himself was stunned. Especially Siam, as a member of the Wish Bureau, his perception of others’ emotions was a very important task. He could naturally feel Lin Yunliang’s affection for Zhang Qing’an.

He couldn’t understand why Lin Yunliang did such a thing. Later, the cat figured it out. Perhaps he was worried that when they entered the next small world, he would remember the person but could never see him again, so he was unwilling to carry those happy memories and would rather Zhang Qing’an find someone who was good to him.

At that time, they also did not expect the subsequent events involving Zhang Qing’an.

Now it seemed that Siam did not understand his contractor well enough.

However, no matter what, the priority now was to find the person. To complete this mission.

Soon, it was Zhang Qing’an’s batch of one hundred people.

Zhang Qing’an, who was mingling in the crowd, was low-key and not at all outstanding. The spirit root he tested out was mostly triple spirit roots, which made him even more low-key and inconspicuous.

However, no one expected that the second round this time would be so different. The second round required participants to fight twenty moves with the inner sect disciples.

This was the test for those applying for Wuxiu Mountain. Those applying for other peaks had different assessments.

As soon as the examiner finished speaking, some people wanted to forfeit.

Qingyun Sect’s Wuxiu Mountain was renowned for its fighting prowess. They were currently only at the Qi Refining stage. How could they possibly withstand fighting with the inner sect disciples of Wuxiu Mountain?

The examiner did not care about those who forfeited. After marking those who wished to forfeit, he continued, “Anyone else?”

“If there is anyone else, please state it now.”

“Otherwise, you will be responsible for any injuries or deaths.”

There were many cultivators who died during Qingyun Sect’s recruitment every time. Such things had happened more than once or twice. If Qingyun Sect people had to be responsible every time, then Qingyun Sect would have ceased to exist long ago.

Moreover, such matters were inherently about life and death. Would they go to trouble the demonic beasts if they were eaten by them while venturing out? Clearly, this was impossible. Similarly, if something happened during the recruitmentGeneral Assembly, they would naturally be responsible for themselves.

Upon hearing this, several more people chose to forfeit.

“Alright, is that all?”

Most of those who withdrew were triple spirit root cultivators who were older. The other cultivators didn’t care. If more cultivators withdrew, their chances of being selected would naturally increase, wouldn’t they?

Zhang Qing’an would naturally not choose to forfeit. Firstly, his actual strength was far greater than the strength he displayed. Secondly, he still wanted to find Lin Yunliang after joining the sect, so he certainly wouldn’t choose to withdraw now.

But what no one expected was that Zhang Qing’an’s opponent was…

Ning Shijiang.

“Isn’t that Ning Shijiang?”

“Why is he here?”

“Isn’t this just a normal recruitment? Why would Ning Shijiang need to show up?”

“To have Ning Shijiang appear is truly using a great talent for a small task.”

“But why is Ning Shijiang here?”

“Who knows.”

[An’an?]

Because Zhang Qing’an was now standing on the stage, in order not to affect him, Siam had come down and stood to the side. Seeing Ning Shijiang, Siam was also stunned and looked at Zhang Qing’an with some concern.

Now that he was standing on the stage, Zhang Qing’an did not pay attention to Siam. He immediately had an idea. He would fight as usual, but he had to control his scale and not reveal his true strength.

“Senior Brother.”

Ning Shijiang smiled, looking at the youth in front of him. It was as if he was looking at something unusual through him.

“Does anyone recognize this person? I haven’t seen him before.”

“I haven’t seen him either.”

“Could he be a little monster raised by that old monster?”

“Impossible, this person only has triple spirit roots.”

“Yes, this person is only at the fifth level of Qi Refining. Could such a cultivator be raised by an old monster?”

The people around spoke without reservation, chatting directly.

Zhang Qing’an frowned, his expression vaguely uneasy, but it was still manageable. He restrained his emotions and told himself that after entering the sect, he must stay away from this person.

The trial began. Ning Shijiang was, after all, a Core Formation cultivator. A Core Formation cultivator fighting a Qi Refining cultivator would not gain any advantage.

However, Zhang Qing’an was no ordinary person. After a few dodges, he managed with ease. Exclamations continued to erupt from the crowd, likely because they did not expect him to be able to dodge like this.

However, dodging aside, the gap in levels could not be easily bridged. The difference was too great. The gap between the two was not one or two small levels, but an entire major level of Foundation Establishment.

Zhang Qing’an’s analysis of the battle came more from his knowledge of the interstellar world. The interstellar capital academy he attended in the interstellar world implemented a militarized education.

In a one-on-one situation like this, with such a high level gap, the knowledge he learned could not help much, but his physical reflexes sometimes reacted faster than his thoughts.

Therefore, after dodging again, Zhang Qing’an listened to the surrounding exclamations with a heavy heart, because he did not want to be so conspicuous. At the same time, he reaffirmed that he had to stay away from Ning Shijiang.

Otherwise, it would only bring him a lot of trouble.

So, when Ning Shijiang swung his fist at him again, this time he did not dodge, appearing to be exhausted. When Ning Shijiang realized his fist had hit the opponent, he immediately restrained his strength.

This prevented him from seriously injuring the person. However, the injury was not light. Zhang Qing’an, who fell to the ground, even coughed up a mouthful of blood.

Ning Shijiang’s hand moved, and his expression seemed to show a hint of emotion. No one knew what he was thinking, they only thought it was his compassion acting up.

Not only the people of Qingyun Sect, but even people outside knew that Ning Shijiang was a benevolent and generous good person.

Ning Shijiang himself did not understand his own thoughts.

The person fell, and the outcome was decided. Zhang Qing’an came alone, so in the end, disciples of Qingyun Sect came to help him up. Zhang Qing’an lasted fourteen to fifteen moves under Ning Shijiang. This achievement was already very good for a triple spirit root cultivator at the fifth level of Qi Refining.

Not to mention that his opponent was Ning Shijiang, a Core Formation cultivator.

So, Zhang Qing’an’s performance was good.

Several examiners gathered to discuss, “But he only lasted fourteen moves, which does not meet our regulations.”

“Regulations are rigid, but people are flexible,” said the examiner next to him. He quite admired Zhang Qing’an. “Besides, don’t forget, his opponent is the Senior Brother.”

“Senior Brother is in the Core Formation stage.”

Indeed, Ning Shijiang’s appearance was also an accident. The person originally scheduled to compete had a problem at the last minute, which is why Ning Shijiang was called to compete. In fact, this match, to be precise, was the fault of their Qingyun Sect.

“When you were in the Qi Refining stage, could you last ten moves against Senior Brother?”

“Alright, alright.” The examiner who was pointed out raised his hands helplessly in surrender.

Ning Shijiang also walked over, “The person just now had some strength.” As the examiner, he could see Zhang Qing’an’s strength more clearly than others.

“Also, Junior Brother Li, remember to give that person a recovery pill later.” He had injured the person, so he had to give him a pill.

“Yes.” No one dared to disobey the Senior Brother’s command.

Zhang Qing’an did not stand on ceremony. After thanking him, he accepted and took it. After all, fighting with a Core Formation cultivator while at the Qi Refining stage was inappropriate no matter how you looked at it.

Zhang Qing’an was still somewhat annoyed. After all, Ning Shijiang was the culprit who would cause Lin Yunliang’s death. Regardless of the reason, he could not treat this person with a calm demeanor.

He also felt somewhat heavy-hearted. He didn’t know what Lin Yunliang’s state of mind was during that time when facing those who would take his life. He probably felt the same as himself, wanting to act but being unable to.

He could only plan for the long term.

Siam came to Zhang Qing’an’s side and leaned against him gently.

Fortunately, the next person to appear was another unexpected individual, Guang Baiqiao.

“Isn’t that the single spirit root?”

“It’s him.”

“This person is quite refined-looking.”

“Alas, what good is talent just by looking at his appearance?”

“He’s a single spirit root, his talent alone is streets ahead of yours!”

Someone started arguing, but this did not affect the other gossiping individuals.

“Hasn’t this person already been exempted from the test?”

“Who knows. No one can understand the thoughts of a genius.”

……

The news of the single spirit root cultivator had already spread throughout Qingyun Sect. Ning Xiyu, who was stationed in the rear, also heard about it and knew in her heart that this person might be the one predicted by the Divination Elder to break the formation.

Moreover, regardless of whether he was or not, just based on his single spirit root talent, they would not let him go. And this person had come to Qingyun Sect’s recruitmentGeneral Assembly, so he was naturally part of Qingyun Sect.

Guang Baiqiao was also very happy about this matter.

However, after seeing the strength displayed by Zhang Qing’an, his heart inexplicably felt a sense of blockage. He had a feeling that this person should not exist, and that he should be the most dazzling one at this recruitmentGeneral Assembly.

But Zhang Qing’an, a triple spirit root cultivator at the fifth level of Qi Refining, lasting fourteen moves against the Golden Core Senior Brother Ning Shijiang, had stolen more than half of Guang Baiqiao’s limelight.

Guang Baiqiao felt somewhat awkward. At the same time, Ning Shijiang’s figure was constantly in his mind.

Therefore, he voluntarily proposed to participate in this trial, and he also wanted to fight Ning Shijiang.

Ning Xiyu was surprised by this person’s courage, and coupled with her desire to know more about this person’s abilities, and even more so to confirm whether he was indeed the so-called person to break the deadlock, she naturally agreed.

Guang Baiqiao stepped onto the stage, and his opponent was Ning Shijiang.

This once again caused gasps from the people present. The battle between two single spirit roots naturally attracted interest.

“Senior Brother.” Guang Baiqiao’s eyes could not hide his admiration, and he smiled sweetly.

This person had already been selected, so calling him Junior Brother now was perfectly fine.

“Junior Brother.” Ning Shijiang also nodded. However, regarding Guang Baiqiao’s overtures, Ning Shijiang did not show anything.

Strangely, a shadow was always in his mind, and that was Zhang Qing’an, who had just fought him.

Guang Baiqiao’s eyes showed some disappointment. Ning Shijiang’s charm was indeed immense.

This battle between Ning Shijiang and Guang Baiqiao made everyone forget Zhang Qing’an, who could last fourteen moves against Ning Shijiang just now.

Zhang Qing’an was satisfied, after all, he didn’t want to have too much connection with these people, nor did he want to be too conspicuous.

As expected, the battle between the two single spirit roots was extremely exciting.

Although Ning Shijiang had suppressed his cultivation, Guang Baiqiao also had some skills, and he truly exchanged blows back and forth with him, even lasting hundreds of moves against him.

Such talent and ability were extremely rare.

This immediately made everyone present only remember the exceptionally talented Guang Baiqiao.

The Qingyun Sect’s recruitmentGeneral Assembly would last for three days in total. Today was the first day, and the remaining cultivators who had not yet had their turn would start their trials on the following two days.

Naturally, this was for the Wuxiu Mountain. The cultivators of other peaks did not have as many trials. Therefore, Wuxiu Mountain was able to recruit many new disciples each time.

And the events that happened today were quite unexpected, because the list of inner sect disciples announced by Qingyun Sect actually had two people.

One was Guang Baiqiao, and the other was Zhang Qing’an.

Everyone understood about Guang Baiqiao, but Zhang Qing’an?

Let alone others, even Zhang Qing’an himself was somewhat surprised. He thought that at most he would join Wuxiu Mountain and become an outer disciple, but he didn’t expect to become an inner disciple.

“What?” Ning Xiyu looked at the stunned Zhang Qing’an. She was displeased in her heart.

Zhang Qing’an was a capable person, but he was far from meeting the qualifications of an inner disciple. However, it was Ning Shijiang who spoke up. Ning Shijiang said that this person had some skill. If Ning Shijiang had not spoken up, Ning Xiyu would never have agreed to him becoming an inner disciple.

“Why aren’t you kneeling to thank your Master?” Her tone carried a hint of contempt.

Zhang Qing’an heard this, but his expression remained as if he hadn’t, and he stepped forward to perform a kowtow.

“Greetings, Master.” Zhang Qing’an said obediently.

Such obedience was somewhat satisfactory.