"I've read your mission report. You did well using your wits to eliminate a Huli Jing." Lu Yang felt a surge of joy; it wasn't easy to earn praise from his senior sister, so the trip to Taiping Village felt worthwhile.
Yun Zhi commented lightly, but then her expression darkened as she thought about the deeper meaning behind the Huli Jing.
"For a hundred years, with the arrival of the Great Era, hidden forces have been stirring in the shadows, and ghosts roam freely. The Great Xia Dynasty seems peaceful, but who knows how many disasters are lurking within? The Great Xia Dynasty is too proud to seek help from the Five Great Sects," Yun Zhi sighed. This wasn’t something she intended for Lu Yang to hear.
Lu Yang caught one word in his senior sister's speech: "Great Era?"
He had never heard this term before, nor had he seen it in any books.
Yun Zhi's voice seemed distant, as if she were not of this world. "A hundred years ago, the Grand Elder of the Tian Ce Sect walked out of a deathly situation, blood spilled in the Qing River, and he asked the heavens for answers, but what he found remains unknown."
The Tian Ce Sect claimed to understand everything and emphasized the principles of heaven and the law of cause and effect. They were the ones who questioned the insurance practices of the local money merchants.
"The Grand Elder then announced to the world that the Great Era had arrived, bringing back the glorious days of ancient cultivation."
"According to past practices, it was already a good harvest if one single spirit root appeared in a generation from the Five Great Sects. But in your generation, there are ancient barbarian tribes, three single spirit roots, and even rarer immortal bodies. I've heard that other sects have also recruited many talents comparable to single spirit roots over the past century; from this, we can glimpse a part of the ancient Great Era."
Yun Zhi rarely smiled, but this time her smile seemed to carry a hint of mockery. "They call it a glorious era, but in reality, it is extremely chaotic. The Great Era is a time of turmoil, with various forces and interests intertwined. Demons and monsters scheme against each other, and human lives are dictated by fate. Countless innocent lives are lost before a true cultivator emerges. In terms of peace and stability, it pales in comparison to now."
Lu Yang felt that his senior sister's smile was very cold.
He had read descriptions of the ancient Great Era in books. It was a time where strength ruled, and the victor became king. There was no distinction between righteous and evil; humans were just one of many powerful beings, far from the dominant position they held today.
In that era, demons emerged, and heroes clashed, with the strong making their names through blood and bones. Many great beings became legends admired by thousands, and for cultivators, it was a lifetime goal that seemed out of reach. It was truly inspiring, making one wish to travel back to that time and showcase their talents.
In such chaotic times, heroes had the opportunity to shine.
But seeing his senior sister's expression, Lu Yang realized that while the ancient Great Era might be good for the talented, it was a nightmare for ordinary people.
Life was fragile, and in a single clash among the powerful, one’s family could become slaves or prisoners, subject to exploitation and slaughter, with no sense of security.
The grand descriptions of the ancient Great Era were written from the perspective of high-level cultivators who longed for that time.
From an ordinary person's point of view, it painted a completely different picture.
Lu Yang realized that after becoming a cultivator, he seemed to have forgotten that he was once an ordinary person.
This shouldn't be the case.
Yun Zhi didn’t dwell on this topic for too long; it was too early for Lu Yang. "Do you have any other questions?"
"Um, senior sister, do you have any spells for traveling?"
"Of course, but why do you want such a spell?"
The Wen Dao Sect had an agreement with the local money merchants. When disciples of the Wen Dao Sect traveled, their expenses for lodging and travel were recorded on the sect's account. Lu Yang could take a flying boat without spending any spirit stones, so why did he need a traveling spell?
Lu Yang scratched his head, showing a rare look of embarrassment. "It's nothing, just thought I'd learn it to save some money for our Wen Dao Sect."
Yun Zhi didn’t doubt him. "Since you have that intention, as your senior sister, I can’t go against your wishes. You’ve just established your foundation, so you won’t have many spells available."
Lu Yang chuckled, rubbing his hands together. "As long as there’s something I can use."
"I’ve seen your progress this past year; you truly deserve the name of Sword Spirit Root. I have a flying sword technique here that allows you to ride a flying sword and travel the world."
"There’s also a shifting technique that strengthens your consciousness, allowing your mind to move your body and fly freely. It’s not as fast as the flying sword technique, but it’s less tiring, and training your consciousness will help in future battles."
"There's also a transformation technique. Once mastered, you can transform into a bird and soar through the skies, free as a bird."
"Junior brother, which one do you choose?" Yun Zhi casually mentioned a few spells for Lu Yang to consider.
"Um... is there a spell that doesn't involve flying?"
Yun Zhi looked at Lu Yang, who was blushing, with great interest. "Oh, why do you want to learn a traveling spell that doesn't involve flying?"
Lu Yang stammered, unable to find the words.
Yun Zhi didn’t press further. "There are spells that don’t require flying, but they require a high level of comprehension of the Dao and a good amount of spiritual power. It might be a bit early for you to learn now."
"It’s fine, I’ll just give it a try. If it doesn’t work, then so be it."
"This spell is called 'Shrinking the Earth to an Inch.' It’s very difficult to practice. Here’s the heart mantra. Once you can recite it fluently, I’ll officially teach you."
Yun Zhi raised her delicate hand and casually opened a space, pulling out a golden sheet of paper filled with elegant writing.
Lu Yang carefully took the golden paper, realizing its value at a glance; he couldn’t afford to tear it.
After Lu Yang left, Yun Zhi closed her eyes and continued her training. Suddenly, a cold wind blew, and an old, mournful voice echoed in her ears, chilling her to the bone.
"My dear disciple, how much longer will you keep me imprisoned?"
The voice seemed to come from the depths of hell, sending shivers down her spine!
"I haven’t taught you much. It’s not easy for you to reach your current level. I’m proud of you."
"As the saying goes, once a teacher, always a father. You can’t disregard my teachings and keep me trapped here."
"It’s been ten years since the Wen Dao Sect has had a leader. You’ve taken on the role of leader in my place. Aren’t you afraid of gossip affecting your senior sister’s reputation?"
"You took on disciples for me, and while I won’t pursue it too deeply, you should at least let me out to see my disciple. It’s ridiculous to let him worship my portrait instead of the real me. What will others think?"
The voice held a certain power, tugging at the heartstrings, making one unconsciously want to comply and release its owner.
Yun Zhi focused on her training, ignoring the voice.
Seeing that Yun Zhi remained unmoved, the old voice sighed deeply, and then it vanished, as if it had never existed.
Yun Zhi remained calm, her heart steady, and everything was as it should be.
(End of Chapter)