Chapter 112: Chapter 94: A Pawn Across the River Can Only Advance, How to Choose Between 2 Peaks

Spring had sprung, and the sun rose at a leisurely pace.

Bright daylight shone upon a sky as clear as if it had been washed, with not a cloud in sight for ten thousand miles.

At the foot of Guanlan Peak, a dense crowd had already gathered. Every year, when the Inner Peak seats were supplemented, a large number of Mortal Servants would rush over to watch, seeing off their former “colleagues” as they set foot on Qingyun Road.

Some saw it as a source of hope, while others used it to ignite a fire of ambition within themselves, a form of self-motivation, praying that one day they too could leap the dragon gate and join the ranks of the Inner Peak Disciples.

“Junior Brother Jiang may be late, but his presence is the strongest of all! He must have a solid plan.”

“Of course! A Mortal Servant from the Outer Sect at the Qi Cultivation Sixth Layer is a once-in-a-century talent!”

“I just wonder which peak he’ll join. Do you think it’ll be Observing Fate Peak, or Observing Sun Peak?”

“That’s a tough choice. Neither Elder Sui nor the Sect Leader is someone you want to offend!”

“You can only say he’s unlucky. In previous years, the Sect Leader hadn’t returned, so no one would have said a thing if he joined Observing Fate Peak. But now… it’s hard to say…”

Amidst the discussions, many Inner Peak Disciples had already gathered on the wide, flat plateau at the summit of Guanlan Peak, which was as smooth as if it had been shorn.

With relaxed expressions, they leaned on the railings and looked down, their gazes piercing through the floating clouds and cold mist that covered the mountains, watching the Mortal Servants below, who were as small as ants.

For the Mortal Servants at the foot of the mountain, stepping onto Qingyun Road, the path to Guanlan Peak, was a golden opportunity to turn their lives around and change their fate.

But in the eyes of the disciples who had been directly promoted into the Inner Peak, it was nothing more than a show for their amusement.

The reason for this was quite simple.

These “Mortal Servants,” who squeezed in through supplementary seats via recommendations from Outer Sect Servants, would mostly find it difficult to achieve great success in their Cultivation, even if they came from the Direct Lineage of a Village Clan.

The true “Cultivation Seeds,” those with outstanding talent and powerful connections, had no need to cross this hurdle at all.

Take Senior Brother Xu Yan of the Zhu Heng Xu Clan for example. He was the descendant of a Duke of Ye Country. At the age of five, he was sent to his clan’s school to be taught Qi Cultivation Techniques and the Nourishing Meridian Secret Technique.

At ten, he used a Fifth Grade Spiritual Object as a catalyst to open his Middle and Upper Meridians, subsequently drawing the attention of various Dharma Lineages.

By fourteen, he was at the Qi Cultivation Third Layer, and Elder Sui personally brought him back to Observing Fate Peak to be carefully nurtured.

Han Li of the Huangfeng Han Clan had a very similar experience.

The only difference was that he studied under Elder Xu of the Skill Transmission Institute, and his journey was just as smooth.

Therefore.

Guanlan Peak’s Qingyun Road was established for those with insufficient background, inadequate family status, and a weak foundation.

Even if they were lucky enough to step into the Inner Peak, the gap in their Cultivation would gradually widen, and they would eventually be reduced to mere attendants, waiting on the beck and call of their outstanding senior brothers and sisters.

In a corner of the wide plateau, low tables were arranged, incense burners wafted smoke, and a full spread of fruits and Spirit Tea was laid out.

Xu Yan sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion, his heavy gaze sweeping across the mountainside.

At this moment, several Mortal Servants who had successfully passed Qingyun Road and won supplementary seats had just come out of the Qi Gong Institute, having changed into the exclusive Water and Fire Robes of the Inner Peak Disciples.

Each of them was beaming with joy, either full of ambition or unable to hide their excitement, as if they had already set foot on a grand, open road to success.

’They think they’ve leaped the dragon gate, but little do they know this is just the first step in starting their Cultivation from scratch.’

Xu Yan withdrew his gaze and looked at Han Li beside him, speaking slowly.

“Junior Brother Han, what are your thoughts on that Junior Brother Jiang?”

Han Li cupped his hands and replied,

“Junior Brother Jiang can be called a young hero, a true talent for Cultivation.”

Xu Yan seemed to have his interest piqued and asked with a smile,

“Oh? I didn’t expect such high praise from Junior Brother Han.”

Han Li rested a hand on his knee and said with sincere emotion,

“Our Dao has governed the world for a million years; these are not the early days. The Dharma Lineages are numerous, their networks complex. Even within the Inner Sect, most disciples come from upper-class village clans.

For Junior Brother Jiang, with his humble, grass-like origins, to have come this far relying only on the favor and promotion of an Outer Sect Servant is truly remarkable.”

Xu Yan nodded in agreement.

“That is indeed the case. Since you admire him so, Junior Brother Han, do you have any intention of bringing Junior Brother Jiang to the Skill Transmission Institute?”

Han Li’s expression changed slightly, detecting the probing nature of the question.

Right now was a critical moment, with the Sect Leader having just returned and Observing Sun Peak and Observing Fate Peak in a standoff.

How could he dare to rashly get involved in these muddy waters? The slightest misstep could lead to him getting burned and suffering for no reason.

“With Junior Brother Jiang’s extraordinary aptitude, sending him to the Skill Transmission Institute would be a waste of his talent. I’ve heard that the Outer Sect Servant who nurtured him, Yang Xun, is one of Elder Sui’s old associates. Logically, Junior Brother Jiang should join Observing Fate Peak.”

Xu Yan tapped his fingers lightly on the table and shook his head.

“The day the Sect Leader returned, he was alarmed by the commotion Junior Brother Jiang caused when his strength was being measured and has long since sent people to inquire about his background.

He’s already been registered with Observing Sun Peak. How could Observing Fate Peak do something like snatching away someone so coveted?”

Han Li fell silent, a trace of pity rising in his eyes.

’Junior Brother Jiang has only just entered the Inner Peak and hasn’t yet grasped the complexities of the sect, yet he’s already being forced to choose between Elder Sui and the Sect Leader. No matter which side he picks, he will offend the other.’

’How can he possibly advance or establish a firm foothold in the future?’

’He’ll probably have to lie low for a long time, wasting his years.’

’The path of a Lower Cultivator is indeed like walking on thin ice, filled with constant fear and trepidation.’

’A moment of carelessness, and you become a pawn in the hands of an Upper Cultivator, used in their games.’

’It’s just like a pawn crossing the river in chess—it can only advance, never retreat. You have no control over your own fate.’

Han Li sighed. A gust of mountain wind suddenly swept across the table, scattering the curling smoke from the incense burner and bringing with it a hint of coldness.

He gazed at the steep and rugged Qingyun Road on the mountainside, thinking to himself:

’A little pawn, caught between the two peaks of Observing Sun and Observing Fate.’

’Junior Brother Jiang’s path of Cultivation from now on will be like a lone rope hanging from a thousand-fathom cliff—impossibly difficult to traverse.’

…

…

「At the summit of Observing Fate Peak, within the estate.」

Sui Liushu, following his daily habit, stood silently by the fish pond, holding bait in his hand.

Swimming in the pond were the “Exquisite Treasure Fish,” specially transported over a thousand miles from Hong Shui.

These fish were delicate by nature. They needed to be nourished by the living waters of a Spiritual Spring and fed a special Bait Medicine to survive for long.

Whenever rain and dew fell from the heavens, the Treasure Fish would surface and exhale wisps of long, thin smoke. The smoke would gather into clouds, creating a scene of alternating clarity and density—truly a wondrous sight.

“That young man you think so highly of should be ascending Qingyun Road today. Why haven’t you gone to watch?”

Sui Liushu casually scattered the Bait Medicine. The fragrant pellets caused the Treasure Fish to vie for the food, stirring up fierce ripples in the pond.

Standing a few steps behind, bowing in attendance, Yang Xun said with a smile,

“Whether the younger generation can amount to anything depends entirely on their own fortune. As an elder, I have already done all I can—paving the way, offering help, and giving warnings.

For the rest, he must be allowed to stumble, hit brick walls, and learn his lessons the hard way. Only then will he understand how to go far.”

Sui Liushu narrowed his eyes and smiled faintly.

“Your words show insight. It seems your decades in the Quenching Room of Red Flame Peak have brought considerable growth.”

For your Cultivation to still be steadily improving at your age shows that you have an ambitious character.

Once that young man you’ve nurtured enters the Inner Peak, why don’t you come to Observing Fate Peak and keep an old man like me company?”

Yang Xun’s face twitched. In the past, being promoted from the Outer Sect to the Inner Peak, and even becoming one of Sui Liushu’s confidants…

…would have been a heaven-sent Opportunity!

But the current situation was delicate. The Sect Leader, Liu Huan, had reached the Twelfth Level of Cultivation and was in a standoff with Observing Fate Peak. Yang Xun dared not agree rashly.

’It wouldn’t matter much if I were to face some suppression, but I’m afraid it would affect Ah Yi’s future prospects.’

“I’m worried I would disturb the Elder’s quiet Cultivation.”

Yang Xun replied with difficulty.

He sighed internally. ’So this is what it feels like to act like a grandson, groveling before someone. It’s unbearable.’

’Ah Yi must have endured the same thing during his years on Red Flame Peak.’

“My path forward is already cut off. My Merit has stagnated for many years, and I have no hope of further progress,”

Sui Liushu shook his head gently, then changed the subject.

“Speaking of which, you also Cultivate Ding Fire. I have an Eighth Grade scroll, the *Pill Fire Refining Pearl Technique*. I can allow you to study it; perhaps it will be of benefit.”

Yang Xun sneered inwardly. ’I have my good grandson Jiang Yi, whose Dao Wisdom is world-shocking. How could I be blinded by such a paltry offer from Sui Liushu?’

’The *Little Refining Yuan Fire Control Technique* has already been elevated to the Eighth Grade. Why would I care about some blasted *Pill Fire Refining Pearl Technique*?’

He hurriedly bowed and declined.

“I, Yang Xun, have no merits and dare not accept a reward. In my early years, I served under you, Elder, and I know well that your rewards and punishments are clear! How could I be the one to break your rules!”

Sui Liushu’s fingers, pinching the Bait Medicine, tightened slightly, but his tone remained impassive.

“It’s a good thing you still remember all that. My disciple, Xu Yan, previously reported that your young successor has already reached the Qi Cultivation Sixth Layer. Such a level of Cultivation is quite remarkable among his peers.

I have always cherished talent. If he is willing to join Observing Fate Peak, his future monthly stipend will be distributed at the second-class rate. He’ll also receive ten Nourishing Essence Pills per month, a Water and Fire Robe, and his choice of either a White Bone Magical Sword or a Hundred Soul Banner.

Furthermore, I can make an exception and exempt him from guard duty at the Resource Lands, yet still allow him to receive a share of the Spiritual Materials and Resources.”

Yang Xun’s breathing immediately quickened, and he couldn’t help but feel tempted.

Such generous treatment was something only core disciples like Xu Yan, Han Li, and Zhou Fu could enjoy.

Any other Mortal Servant from the Outer Sect would likely find it impossible to resist.

Without the backing of an Elder or connections, the normal monthly stipend was only Fourth Class, with just three Nourishing Essence Pills and a Water and Fire Robe.

“Such immense kindness from the Elder! I thank you on Jiang Yi’s behalf! Once he has finished walking Qingyun Road, I will bring him to pay his respects to you!”

Yang Xun suppressed the excitement in his heart and did not agree on Jiang Yi’s behalf.

’Whether to enter Observing Fate Peak or Observing Sun Peak… in the end, he has to make the decision himself.’

But since Sui Liushu had gone this far, if he continued to be evasive, it would be a sign of disrespect.

Thus, Yang Xun acted decisively, his knees bending.

He knelt and kowtowed three times, his posture one of extreme humility.

This subservient and forbearing appearance made it difficult for Sui Liushu to press him any further for the moment.

He scattered all the crushed Bait Medicine in his hand into the fish pond. Watching the Treasure Fish fight over the food, he waved his hand in resignation.

“Rise.”

…

…

The “Qingyun Road” at the foot of Guanlan Peak was neither a straight, wide thoroughfare nor a rugged, difficult-to-climb goat path.

It consisted of only a few hundred stone steps, which came to an abrupt, clean end, covering less than a thousandth of the total distance.

Beside it stood a bluestone stele, engraved with four powerful characters: “Soar into the Blue Clouds.”

When ordinary Qi Cultivation Cultivators reached this point, if they lacked the ability to fly, they could only gaze up at the peak with a sigh and turn back.

Jiang Yi ascended the steps. Pausing for a moment, he held the plump True Master Xuanmiao in his arms and laughed heartily.

“Cat Master, let us ascend into the blue clouds together!”

With that, his Primordial Gate stirred slightly. His Divine Thought reached into the world, sensing the fluctuations and flow of the clear and Dense Qi Mechanisms.

Immediately, his Inner Mansion trembled violently. Spiritual Liquid surged, filling his entire body, before erupting from the crown of his head and transforming into a searing, brilliant, and dazzling fiery glow.

The blazing flames instantly enveloped his body, making him as light as a swallow as he rose into the air!

Jiang Yi had long ago mastered the *Cloud Soaring and Flame Riding Skill*. To him, this Qingyun Road was like a wide, open highway, presenting not the slightest difficulty.

He was wreathed in a scorching fiery glow, rising higher and higher toward the summit of Guanlan Peak, a thousand fathoms above.

The surrounding clouds scattered and the cold mist retreated. The strong wind made his Daoist Robe flutter loudly, giving him the appearance of an Immortal!

In a mere moment, Jiang Yi was already a hundred zhang off the ground, ascending leisurely.

The mountain scenery below him shrank, while the outline of the peak’s summit grew ever clearer.

’This test of Qingyun Road is, first, a test of profound Cultivation. It sees if an Outer Sect Mortal Servant can sustain the immense energy consumption required to fly across the chasm and reach the summit directly.

Second, it’s a test of one’s methods. Without a skill to ride the wind and clouds, one must rely on the power of Magical Artifacts or the effects of Elixirs. Everyone must show their own Divine Techniques, so to speak.’

A realization dawned on Jiang Yi. The person who set up this trial truly understood the fundamentals of Cultivation!

The fiery streams gathered like a cloud, resembling a red dragon soaring through the sky. In an instant, he had already passed the mountainside.

The old Daoist guarding the gate and the middle-aged Daoist registering names at the Qi Gong Institute all looked up.

Their expressions were complicated as they watched Jiang Yi’s figure.

Who could have predicted that the unremarkable-looking boy from the Outer Sect, dressed in a Mortal Servant’s cotton robe, could ride the flames into the sky by his own power, soaring straight into the blue clouds and heading for the summit?

Just as Jiang Yi was about to descend and land on the wide plateau,

the golden paper in his eyes suddenly trembled, and small, tadpole-like characters leaped onto its surface.

’Within the Inner Peak, both the mountains of Observing Fate and Observing Sun are waiting for me to make a choice?’

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