The Passerby Female Supporting Character – Chapter 40
by Little PandaZhang San
[Refresher:
Cultivation Levels: Qi Refining > Foundation Establishment > Golden Core > Nascent Soul > Divine Transformation > Integration > Great Ascension > Tribulation Transcendence]
The other party hadn’t praised her, but Song Linlin just took it as her being very satisfied. Anyway, Chi Qianning hadn’t said it looked bad, so naturally, that meant she liked it very much, right?
Song Linlin had a great attitude. She patted Chi Qianning’s shoulder. “Let’s go. The competition is probably about to start anyway.”
“Mm.”
Chi Qianning nodded, stood up, and walked out of the room with Song Linlin. They headed straight for the sect’s dedicated Martial Arts Arena, used for disciple competitions. Besides being requisitioned by the sect for large-scale competitions, this place usually had quite a few people. Capable disciples could earn sect contribution points by participating in arena matches here.
The Martial Arts Arena was usually lively enough, but today, with the new disciples’ first competition about to begin, a large crowd had naturally gathered. Besides those required to participate, many shixiongs and shijies1 had come to watch the excitement.
After all, sect activities weren’t frequent. With a rare large-scale competition happening, many disciples whose cultivation realms had temporarily stalled with little hope of a breakthrough, and who had nothing else to do, would run over to join the crowd.
Song Linlin arrived quite late; the area was already surrounded by many people. She grabbed Chi Qianning’s wrist and pulled her forward from the back of the crowd. Most people around were just spectators; the people Song Linlin knew well were waiting near the platform.
Disciples from the same intake year had arrived early to wait and do warm-ups. Only someone as carefree2 as Song Linlin would dash over this late.
On the high platform not far in front of the fighting stage, three seats were currently placed at the very top. The centermost seat was set the highest, and the chair itself looked extraordinary. These three positions were naturally for the three most prestigious individuals. The two rows below were for the various Elders and Stewards within the sect.
Song Linlin pulled Chi Qianning to stand within the crowd. They didn’t squeeze into the positions closest to the stage, but instead stayed back behind the disciples of their year. There were quite a few people here, making it easy to blend in and hide.
Standing on tiptoe, she looked ahead. Ye Tingran and Zhiyu, whom Song Linlin knew best, had naturally arrived very early and were standing in the front positions. Even Shen Wanyi was standing quite far forward.
Soon, the time for the competition arrived. A man who looked middle-aged walked at the very front. He seemed unfamiliar; it was Song Linlin’s first time seeing him. However, this person naturally carried the aura of a powerhouse. He wasn’t stern-faced; instead, he gave off a refined and amiable impression.
Behind this man closely followed two Hall Masters3 from the sect, and behind them, a group of Elders4 and Deacons5. They all walked respectfully behind the middle-aged man. You could tell just by thinking with your toes6 that this fellow was definitely someone of high status and great authority7.
The Xuanyun Sect’s inner sect was divided into four parts. The Sect Master wasn’t in Song Linlin’s area; rumor had it the Sect Master resided on an Immortal Mountain8 situated in the center of the four areas. Only the Sect Master’s direct disciples9 and some Elders with significant authority could enter that Immortal Mountain. Of course, Song Linlin didn’t know if this was true—after all, she wasn’t a direct disciple of the Sect Master.
And the middle-aged man before them was likely the person in charge of this region, one of the four highest-ranking and most powerful Elders in the Xuanyun Sect.
Such figures were naturally difficult to meet usually. Song Linlin really wanted to turn and gossip with Chi Qianning, but now, with the Elders’ appearance, the originally noisy crowd instantly fell silent. Even the whispers disappeared. Song Linlin could only hold it in for now, not daring to speak rashly.
The Elders took their seats one by one. The leading man scanned the densely packed crowd below, first introduced himself, then gave a brief opening speech. Song Linlin naturally wasn’t much interested in listening to what he was saying. Fortunately, he wasn’t a man of many words. Soon after, as the referee struck the gong beside the stage, the competition officially began.
A Deacon was responsible for drawing lots on site. The two people drawn were grouped together to go onto the stage for a competitive match. This format was certainly stimulating enough; until the results of the draw were announced, no one knew who their opponent would be.
The first pair to go up were two men Song Linlin wasn’t familiar with. As the match began, the crowd below the stage could finally start discussing again.
Song Linlin had been holding back for so long. Now, she immediately leaned closer to Chi Qianning and asked curiously, “Chi Qianning, do you know that Qi Zhengzhao10?”
Qi Zhengzhao was the middle-aged man sitting in the main seat; he had introduced himself earlier.
Song Linlin was very interested in gossiping11 about the big shots within the sect, especially the highest authority in her own area.
Chi Qianning certainly knew such a famous figure, but she didn’t want to say much either, just nodding lightly without any further indication.
Although she knew him, the process of getting acquainted was certainly not very friendly. Chi Qianning decided it was best not to say anything.
Seeing the other party didn’t seem keen on sharing, Song Linlin could only change the subject. Just now, Qi Zhengzhao had said that besides the top twenty, any disciple who entered the top forty would receive excellent rewards, especially the higher ranks.
Song Linlin, who had originally planned to just be eliminated in the first round12, suddenly changed her mind. The rewards were too tempting; it was hard for her not to be moved.
Especially since the top forty all got something! If her rank was between forty and twenty-one, wouldn’t that mean she could avoid going to the dangerous Mirror Moon Secret Realm and get a hefty reward?!
This was totally worth it!
The only thing Song Linlin wasn’t sure about was that she had spent almost twenty days doing sect missions. Cultivating was naturally out of the question. Others had been working hard day and night, while she had been busy with other things. Could she win?
Song Linlin wasn’t confident. Her elbow nudged Chi Qianning, and she leaned in, asking somewhat sheepishly, “Do you think I can make it into the top forty?”
Chi Qianning rolled her eyes at her. Without even thinking, she knew Song Linlin was greedy for the ranking rewards. This girl had stubbornly refused to cultivate earlier, and now she was feeling unsure. Chi Qianning said, slightly annoyed, “If you knew this would happen today, and had cultivated properly back then, maybe you could have even entered the top ten.”
“Top ten, forget it…”
Song Linlin definitely didn’t want to go to the Mirror Moon Secret Realm. She just hoped she could get into the top forty and secure the baseline reward. “Top forty is fine.”
“Top forty should be achievable.”
Chi Qianning sensed the people nearby and said coolly, “Only ten people have broken through to the Gold Core stage during this period. The others are still stuck at late Foundation Establishment. You’re at the Gold Core stage, what are you afraid of from Foundation Establishment cultivators?”
“That’s good.”
Song Linlin gained a little confidence, but the fact that ten people had broken through to the Gold Core stage still shocked her slightly.
She remembered that even Shen Wanyi, that girl, was still stuck at the peak of late Foundation Establishment, and Shen Wanyi even came from a renowned cultivation family.
However, Song Linlin strongly suspected this was partly because Shen Wanyi was too playful; her cultivation was mostly done on whims, and she’d soon run off to do other things.
This competition didn’t just include people from Song Linlin’s year. Disciples within the sect under the age of twenty and not exceeding the Gold Core stage would also participate. After all, the allure of the secret realm was too great. They had entered the sect earlier than her cohort, having cultivated for at least an extra year. Among them were quite a few late Gold Core stage individuals. The fight for the top twenty spots was still very fierce.
Song Linlin just hoped she wouldn’t encounter a powerful opponent right at the start, otherwise she’d just be serving herself up on a platter13. Ending up eliminated in the first round would be terrible.
There were no second chances in the competition. Regardless of one’s strength, losing meant elimination, and one’s rank would be fixed from that point on.
The competition had already gone through several rounds. After the last match ended, the person responsible for drawing lots pulled out a long bamboo slip from the container again. Chi Qianning watched the slip from afar and turned her head, saying, “It’s your turn.”
“Huh?”
Song Linlin suddenly felt a bit nervous. The person drawing lots hadn’t even announced the information yet; they had to draw both opponents before reading out the names. Could Chi Qianning really see from such a distance?
Her doubt was answered the next moment. The Deacon had already drawn another bamboo slip, glanced at the name on it, and announced loudly, “Song Linlin, Du Can14.”
Hearing her name called, Song Linlin had no choice but to walk onto the stage carrying her sword. Her opponent was someone she wasn’t very familiar with. He hadn’t broken through to the Gold Core stage, which relieved Song Linlin considerably.
It was possible to forfeit a match without fighting. Du Can had been nervous below the stage for a long time, hoping not to encounter any formidable figures. Now, upon getting on stage, he saw that the person opposite him didn’t look like much. His confidence surged instantly. He immediately drew his sword and cupped his fist towards Song Linlin opposite him.
“I am Du Can, please enlighten me15.”
The competition rules prohibited attacking the opponent at the very beginning. Only after the opponent confirmed they would not forfeit and both parties had exchanged names could the fight begin.
This was considered a special rule to accommodate the new disciples, as newcomers certainly lacked the combat experience of those old hands16 who had been around for several years.
Song Linlin also drew her longsword and cupped her fist, “Song Linlin, please enlighten me.”
Apart from fighting a few times back in Yuanqing City—and she wasn’t even the main fighter those times, purely playing a supporting role17—now there was no one to help her. She had to rely on herself to defeat the opponent.
Her hand tightened on the sword hilt. It would be a lie to say she wasn’t nervous. Although this person’s realm was lower than hers, Song Linlin felt like she herself was just a half-baked amateur18.
Song Linlin didn’t know many sword techniques. She had completely forgotten the one Chi Qianning taught her because she hadn’t practiced it diligently afterward. She only deeply remembered the sword forms taught by the sect, but even those she hadn’t learned thoroughly.
Better let the opponent attack first, Song Linlin thought, lacking confidence.
Seeing the opponent only maintaining a defensive posture, Du Can assumed Song Linlin didn’t dare to attack. This boosted his confidence even more. He had painstakingly studied sword forms and moves during this period, fully mastering the first two forms of the Lingyun Sword Technique and already learning half of the third form.
Right away, Du Can raised his sword, channeled spiritual energy into his legs, and rapidly dashed towards Song Linlin, shouting as he attacked.
In Du Can’s eyes, this series of actions was naturally heroic, his attack fierce and unstoppable.
Song Linlin, initially holding her sword defensively, thought he might have some real skill19 seeing his momentum and felt a brief moment of panic. However, when she actually saw him make his move, Song Linlin’s expression turned peculiar.
The opponent’s movements slowed down frame by frame, like watching a slow-motion movie; his attacking motions were completely clear.
Song Linlin broke into a sweat: I thought he was formidable, turns out he just shouts loudly…
This Du Can wasn’t even as good as Xing Jiu from the previous Luofeng Temple. That guy Xing Jiu was huge, but his attack speed wasn’t slow at all.
She switched from defense to offense. Song Linlin hadn’t practiced the Lingyun Sword Technique in a long time, and her execution was still a bit rusty. Even so, her first move blocked the charging Du Can.
“What?!”
Du Can was stunned, his mind in turmoil. Then, he watched as the opponent, despite her obviously unpracticed Lingyun Sword Technique, defeated him in just a few moves.
Song Linlin’s sword stopped at Du Can’s neck. This was, after all, a righteous sect. As fellow disciples, killing opponents was forbidden in competitions, not to mention Song Linlin didn’t have the guts to kill anyone.
Staring at the cold gleam of the sword next to his neck, Du Can’s lips trembled, his face pale. He hadn’t expected this seemingly unremarkable person to be so strong.
“I… I surrender!” At this point, he had no choice but to surrender. Du Can chose to follow his heart and admit defeat decisively.
Song Linlin retracted the sword from his neck, flicked it stylishly in the air, and sheathed it. Winning the first battle so easily inevitably made Song Linlin a bit cocky.
The meticulous referee at the edge of the platform loudly announced the result: “Song Linlin wins!”
Since Du Can had lost, he couldn’t linger on the stage and quickly scurried off, crestfallen. Song Linlin, however, walked down leisurely. Winners naturally enjoyed the audience’s gazes, especially after winning so easily. Many people had initially thought Song Linlin was just going through the motions, who knew this person actually had some skills.
Being scrutinized by various gazes, Song Linlin stepped off the platform. As she came down, she noticed Shen Wanyi standing nearby. Shen Wanyi looked Song Linlin up and down again, surprised.
“Song Linlin, I didn’t expect you to have a few tricks up your sleeve! Seeing you neglecting your duties all day, I thought you’d given up on cultivation long ago.”
Song Linlin looked at her. She had indeed given up on cultivation, but she definitely couldn’t say that so bluntly in public. Clearing her throat twice, Song Linlin told a barefaced lie without blushing or her heart skipping a beat20: “Who said I gave up cultivating? I was just working hard silently where you couldn’t see!”
Finished speaking, Song Linlin didn’t wait for Shen Wanyi’s reply and immediately left, squeezing through the crowd to stand beside Chi Qianning again. Chi Qianning had naturally overheard the conversation between Song Linlin and Shen Wanyi. She turned her head to look at Song Linlin and whispered, “How come I didn’t know you secretly cultivated behind the scenes?”
“Ahem…”
Such words might fool Shen Wanyi, but Chi Qianning knew perfectly well that these past days, Song Linlin spent her days doing sect missions and her evenings crashing onto the bed to sleep soundly21 right after bathing. She definitely couldn’t be deceived.
Song Linlin could only tilt her head up at a forty-five-degree angle towards the sky, pretending to be casual, “Ah, the weather is really nice today, so sunny…”
Seeing her try to evade the topic, Chi Qianning shook her head and said, “Song Linlin, you look like a petty person who just got their way22.”
Song Linlin: …
Alright, upon reflection, Song Linlin admitted she was indeed getting a bit carried away. Better be more down-to-earth.
Since Song Linlin had finished her match, the subsequent competitions today didn’t concern her. The two continued watching for a while longer. By noon23, Song Linlin lost interest, had lunch, and then lay down at home.
The competition continued over the next few days, eliminating half the participants each day. However, as the weaker contestants were continuously eliminated, the remaining opponents became increasingly difficult to handle.
The opponents Song Linlin faced subsequently grew stronger, and her victories weren’t as easy as the first match. Fortunately, her luck was decent; she hadn’t encountered any Gold Core stage opponents yet. Otherwise, with her clumsy skills, she certainly wouldn’t have lasted long.
Today, Song Linlin woke up early as usual. Yesterday, she had drawn a late Foundation Establishment opponent and fought arduously for quite some time before finally achieving victory.
The good news, naturally, was that Song Linlin had successfully squeezed into the top forty. The opponent she faced today would definitely be tougher, but Song Linlin didn’t care. Anyway, having made it into the top forty, if she found she couldn’t win, she’d just concede defeat—it would save her energy.
After washing up, Song Linlin yawned and walked out of the house with Chi Qianning. She felt completely relaxed now; attending the competition today was purely going through the motions.
Only forty people participated in today’s competition. Besides Song Linlin being selected, Ye Tingran and Zhiyu were naturally included, and Shen Wanyi had also successfully entered the top forty.
Song Linlin stood below the stage waiting for her name to be drawn. She glanced up at the Elders’ seating area. Today, the topmost seat was surprisingly not empty. Qi Zhengzhao had only shown up on the first day to say a few words and watch the first half of the competition before disappearing. This was understandable; after all, for such a powerful figure, watching a bunch of Gold Core stage and below disciples compete was like an adult watching children play house—what was the difference?
Today would directly decide which twenty people would qualify for the Mirror Moon Secret Realm and also determine the top ten finalists. That’s why Qi Zhengzhao had reappeared today.
It was the same familiar Deacon, only today, the bamboo slips in his container were few. On the first day, there were a full ten containers, all filled with slips. Today, just one was sufficient.
The Deacon reached in and drew out two bamboo slips. Song Linlin also looked up at him. The Deacon glanced at the names on the slips and slowly announced, “First match, Shen Wanyi…”
“Heh, that girl is actually the first one!”
Song Linlin stood below, arms crossed, watching. Being the first to compete undoubtedly attracted everyone’s attention. Later on, the audience themselves would grow numb, only remembering the first match, perhaps an occasionally brilliant duel midway, and the final few matches.
Especially since the first match faced not just the disciples’ gazes, but also those of the Elders. In the previous days’ competitions, the Elders might have just watched perfunctorily, but today was the finals; they would definitely watch seriously.
Today’s first match would surely be more nerve-wracking. Crucially, today’s competition also determined eligibility for the secret realm. She remembered clearly that Shen Wanyi, despite her sporadic efforts24, also wanted to go to the Mirror Moon Secret Realm. Whether she could successfully get selected depended on this very match.
Amidst Song Linlin’s curious gaze, the Deacon read out the second name, “Song Linlin.”
Song Linlin: ?!
Just moments ago, Song Linlin was wondering which unlucky person would have to fight Shen Wanyi, only for the drama to land on herself25. It turned out she was the one facing Shen Wanyi!
She was still standing there, not quite reacting. Chi Qianning reached out and gently pushed Song Linlin, reminding her, “Go on, it’s your turn.”
Only then did Song Linlin reluctantly start moving towards the stage. As she walked, her eyes met Shen Wanyi’s. Both were clearly a bit stunned.
Then Shen Wanyi really wanted to laugh, but in such a solemn setting, with so many eyes on her, she could only forcefully suppress the upward curve of her lips to keep herself from smiling.
Yesterday, Shen Wanyi had already felt her opponent was quite difficult. She didn’t have much confidence in today’s match and had planned to rely on some unconventional means to secure a spot in the top twenty. However, she couldn’t guarantee the other party would accept; if it was an upright and inflexible person, things would be precarious.
But who knew her opponent today would be Song Linlin! In that case, there was nothing to worry about.
Song Linlin was still wondering inwardly, what was Shen Wanyi smiling about? Was facing her in a match really that funny?
The two contestants took their positions in the center of the stage. Due to their designated spots, there was some distance between them. This was set by the sect; a certain distance had to be maintained before the official start of the match.
Shen Wanyi was the first to draw her weapon and cup her fist, but her tone wasn’t serious, carrying a hint of casualness, “Shen Wanyi, please enlighten me.”
“Song Linlin, please enlighten me.” Song Linlin also raised her hand.
It was the first match, with so many people watching the stage, and it wasn’t like she was facing an opponent with absolutely no hope of winning. Song Linlin felt too embarrassed to forfeit directly right now.
Both parties had exchanged courtesies. The match officially began.
To be honest, Song Linlin had no intention of fighting Shen Wanyi seriously. Moreover, she didn’t want to go to that Mirror Moon Secret Realm anyway. She definitely couldn’t win this match. So, when Shen Wanyi attacked with her weapon, Song Linlin merely raised her sword symbolically to block.
The sword blades crossed, creating a momentary stalemate. At this point, the two were very close. Shen Wanyi whispered, “Three thousand Spirit Stones, let me win.”
Although her voice was very low, they were so close that Song Linlin naturally heard it clearly. After hearing it, her eyes instantly widened, feeling it was somewhat unreal.
Three thousand Spirit Stones!
Song Linlin almost had her jaw drop. Even comparing these Spirit Stones to sect contribution points, three thousand Spirit Stones were definitely worth more than three thousand contribution points. Yet Song Linlin’s entire net worth was currently only just over one thousand contribution points, and that was because she had been saving up and hadn’t made any large expenditures.
Song Linlin knew Shen Wanyi was rich, but she was still genuinely shocked by her now. Wasn’t Shen Wanyi being too generous?!
Seeing Song Linlin didn’t answer, Shen Wanyi thought she wasn’t satisfied with the price. After launching another move, she whispered again, “Five thousand Spirit Stones.”
Song Linlin was shocked by her again and immediately nodded, considered it accepting the deal.
It wasn’t that Song Linlin didn’t want more; it was just that this money came too easily, making her feel uneasy holding it. Besides, her relationship with Shen Wanyi wasn’t bad; constantly taking advantage of her would make her feel guilty.
Seeing Song Linlin nod in agreement, Shen Wanyi finally breathed a sigh of relief. At least her qualification for the Mirror Moon Secret Realm was now secure. As for competing for the top ten, she was somewhat interested, but that would depend on whether her opponents were willing to give up their spots.
Song Linlin cooperated with Shen Wanyi’s moves, and not long after, was ‘smoothly’ defeated by Shen Wanyi, raising her hand to surrender.
“Shen Wanyi wins!” the referee announced loudly.
Shen Wanyi was very satisfied with this result, and Song Linlin was equally satisfied. Although Song Linlin lost, she showed no signs of depression. She hadn’t intended to win anyway, and bumping into a God of Wealth26 like Shen Wanyi was truly an unexpected pleasant surprise.
Song Linlin walked off the stage in high spirits, her steps light. If she weren’t supposed to hide her happiness about losing the match, she would have felt like humming a little tune right then and there.
Song Linlin returned to Chi Qianning’s side. Chi Qianning narrowed her eyes slightly at her and said leisurely, “What did you and that person say on stage?”
“Uh… nothing!”
Taking money to throw a match27 didn’t sound good if it got out. Song Linlin subconsciously wanted to hide it, not letting others know.
However, the next second, Chi Qianning continued, “How much did she give you?”
Song Linlin: !!!
How did she know she took money?
Song Linlin looked at Chi Qianning with astonishment. Chi Qianning just wanted to roll her eyes at her, saying, “The two of you were evenly matched, yet she could beat you so easily. A simple thought makes it clear: you definitely accepted a bribe from her.”
“You really sold off the spot for the Mirror Moon Secret Realm.” Chi Qianning shook her head. Although she knew long ago Song Linlin didn’t want to go, she couldn’t help feeling it was a pity.
Song Linlin couldn’t hide it anymore and could only obediently tell the truth, “Five thousand Spirit Stones…”
“That Shen Wanyi isn’t stingy then.”
Chi Qianning said. She strongly suspected that even if the other party had only offered one hundred Spirit Stones for the spot, Song Linlin would have agreed without hesitation and still felt she got a great deal.
For that girl to give five thousand seemed quite generous.
“It’s fine not going to this Mirror Moon Secret Realm. Isn’t it good for us to stay in the sect? It’s not worse than outside here. Why go to such a dangerous place?” Song Linlin smiled at the person opposite her.
“As long as you don’t regret it.” Chi Qianning didn’t insist further. The spot was gone now anyway, and she couldn’t exactly force Song Linlin to go. That place had strength restrictions; even if Chi Qianning went, she couldn’t enter.
Over these many days, Chi Qianning had naturally come to roughly understand Song Linlin’s personality. She didn’t have grand ambitions regarding cultivation, just wanting to muddle through and slack off28 all day. However, she did get interested quite easily in other things.
Song Linlin linked her arm through Chi Qianning’s. Seeing the other party relent, she immediately said, “Of course I don’t regret it!”
For the subsequent matches, Song Linlin didn’t go home to laze around after watching the first half like before. This afternoon was the competition for the top ten spots. Song Linlin was very curious about such things, so she still dragged Chi Qianning over to watch in the afternoon.
In the end, a shixiong one year ahead of Song Linlin won first place in this competition. He was already at the peak of the late Gold Core stage, only lacking an opportunity to break through. Coupled with his solid martial techniques, he naturally claimed the top spot this time.
Ye Tingran secured third place with her early Gold Core stage strength, which was also a dazzling rank. After all, she had only advanced recently. This sect competition wasn’t a life-or-death struggle; defeating so many opponents stronger than herself to become third was inherently something to be proud of.
After Qi Zhengzhao, seated in the head Elder’s seat, personally presented the awards to the top three and offered a few words of encouragement to the disciples, the competition that had lasted several days finally concluded successfully.
The twenty disciples were to depart early the next morning with a supervising Elder from the sect to the Guanzhong region29. Song Linlin bid farewell to Ye Tingran, Zhiyu, and Shen Wanyi in turn. It had to be mentioned that Shen Wanyi actually managed to snag tenth place in the end. Apparently, another opponent had been swayed by her generosity and chosen to throw the match.
The next morning.
At the Xuanyun Sect inner sect’s teleportation array, the one responsible for leading the team to Guanzhong this time was an Elder with deep seniority within the sect. After all, this group represented the pinnacle of the Xuanyun Sect’s new disciples. If they developed well in the future, perhaps the next pillars30 of the sect would emerge from this team.
There was still some time before departure, but most disciples had arrived early at the assembly point to wait. Some hadn’t even slept all night, though for cultivators, losing one night’s sleep wasn’t a big deal.
The teleportation array suddenly lit up, and in the next moment, an old man appeared within it. He wore a green Daoist robe31, a round Daoist cap32, had white eyebrows, white hair, and even a long white beard.
Not a trace of power leaked from this old man, yet the first sight of him immediately gave the impression that he was definitely an accomplished Daoist master33, possessing an air of immortal grace and sagely bearing34.
Upon seeing the old man, the leading Elder immediately bowed low in salute, his attitude respectful. “Greetings, Daozhang Zhang35. Elder Qi is already waiting for you in Qingming Hall36.”
“No need for formalities. It is I who have arrived suddenly and disturbed you all.” Daozhang Zhang had a kind attitude, nodding in response to the leading Elder’s words.
Having spoken, he continued, though this time with a hint of helplessness in his tone, “Alright, San’er37, come on out.”
Then, a young girl dressed similarly to him peeked out halfway from behind him, her large, sparkling eyes sizing up the others.
“I’m gonna die, gonna die!”
Song Linlin sprinted through the sect grounds, her hair uncombed and flying messily in the air. She couldn’t bother with that now because it was almost time for morning class!
Due to the sect competition these past few days, morning classes had been temporarily canceled. The first match each day started later than morning class time. Plus, last night Ye Tingran and the others were leaving, so Shen Wanyi insisted on dragging everyone to her place for dinner. Song Linlin couldn’t resist having a couple of drinks, only to discover she couldn’t hold her liquor at all.
Adding up all these factors, the result was she woke up late today. If Chi Qianning hadn’t pushed her awake, Song Linlin felt she could have slept until the afternoon.
This led to her only quickly washing up before immediately running towards the location for morning class.
However, misfortunes tend to cluster together. Just as Song Linlin rounded a corner, she saw someone right behind the turn. Normally, Song Linlin could have stopped, but she was running too fast now and couldn’t control herself, crashing right into the person.
“Watch out— Aahhh…”
Song Linlin collided with the person. Her feet stumbled back several steps. The person she hit was shorter than her, only reaching her chest height, and was knocked straight to the ground.
“Whoa!”
Song Linlin was startled. The person had their hair tied up, and at first glance, Song Linlin thought she had bumped into a little boy. She immediately squatted down, reaching out to help the person up. Getting closer for a better look, she realized it was clearly a girl.
“Are you okay?!” Song Linlin was panicking now. This person looked several years younger than her; she had actually knocked down a child! It was too guilt-inducing.
The girl who was knocked down clutched her lower back and let out a pained grunt, which scared Song Linlin into quickly helping her up.
Did I break something…?
“Ouch…” the girl said.
Song Linlin scratched her head, also embarrassed. Thankfully, she had received that sum of Spirit Stones from Shen Wanyi. Even if the other party demanded compensation now, Song Linlin could afford it.
“Where were you going? How about I take you there?”
Song Linlin felt this might be the child of some Elder within the sect. After all, she hadn’t seen this person in her year’s intake, and the sect didn’t prohibit Elders from freely marrying. The children born could be raised by their side.
As for her morning class, there was no helping it now. She’d have to skip one session. Since she was the one who bumped into someone, she should at least see them back safely.
The girl shook her head, her large, watery eyes looking at Song Linlin with utter confusion. After thinking for a moment, she said, “Um… I don’t know either.”
Song Linlin: “Huh?”
It couldn’t be this cliché38, could it? Did she knock the girl into amnesia?
That shouldn’t be right; Song Linlin remembered the girl didn’t hit her head.
The girl blinked again, looked at Song Linlin, and asked, “You’re in such a hurry, where are you going?”
Song Linlin couldn’t figure out the situation and chose to answer honestly. Besides, it wasn’t anything shameful. She replied truthfully, “I’m rushing to morning class, I’m almost late.”
“Can I go too?” the girl looked at Song Linlin and continued.
“This…”
Song Linlin thought about it. Morning class didn’t restrict who could attend. It seemed like anyone who wanted to could go listen, and those unwilling could choose not to. There was no rule stating who couldn’t enter.
She looked down at the girl again. The girl had large, watery eyes, a bit of baby fat on her face, was fair-skinned and clean, looking completely harmless39. She clearly wasn’t a bad person. Taking her along shouldn’t be a problem, right?
Song Linlin hesitated for two seconds, then immediately agreed, nodding, “Of course you can go. There’s no rule about who can’t attend morning class.”
“Then I’ll go with you!”
“Okay!” Song Linlin readily accepted.
Song Linlin led her to sneak quietly into the morning class location. She was already about to be late, and got delayed on the way, so the instructor was already seated at the front and had begun lecturing.
Song Linlin tiptoed, hunched over, and slipped into a seat in the back row. The girl immediately sat down next to her, her eyes darting around, curious about everything.
Of course, none of this stopped Song Linlin from dozing off during morning class. The person beside her was clearly full of energy, while Song Linlin felt as drowsy as if she hadn’t slept in centuries.
Surviving through the morning class period, Song Linlin was nudged awake by the person next to her when it ended. The girl looked at Song Linlin and mumbled, “Weren’t you here to attend morning class? How come you were the only one dozing off the entire time?”
Song Linlin’s face flushed red at the question, and she could only make excuses, “I was in closed-door cultivation the past few days, haven’t slept for many days. It’s normal to feel sleepy now.”
“By the way.”
Song Linlin looked her up and down. The girl wore loose green Daoist robes, not the usual disciple uniform, but one could still tell her figure was quite petite. She couldn’t help asking, “How old are you?”
“Fifteen.”
Song Linlin looked at her. No wonder she was a head shorter than her, she really was just a kid. It was rare to see someone like this in the sect. Song Linlin continued, “My name is Song Linlin, what’s yours?”
The girl opened her mouth: “My name is Zhang San40.”
Song Linlin: ???
The author has something to say:
Okay, the real Zhang San has appeared. Wrote a lot today, feeling squeezed dry.
LP:
Me: This chapter is too long, I should cut it in half.
Also me:
Footnotes
- Shixiong = senior male disciple, Shijie = senior female disciple.
- 心大 | xīn dà | Lit. ‘heart big’; often implies being carefree, optimistic, sometimes to the point of being thoughtless or unconcerned.
- 堂主 | tángzhǔ | Head of a specific hall or division within the sect.
- 长老 | zhǎnglǎo | Elder; A senior member of the sect, typically powerful and holding authority.
- 执事 | zhíshì | Deacon/Steward; Handles specific administrative or operational duties within the sect.
- 用脚趾想都知道 | yòng jiǎozhǐ xiǎng dōu zhīdào | Lit. ‘know even thinking with your toes’; It’s incredibly obvious, doesn’t require any real thought.
- 位高权重 | wèi gāo quán zhòng | Lit. ‘position high, authority heavy’; Holding a high rank and significant power.
- 仙山 | xiānshān | Lit. ‘Immortal Mountain’; A mythical or special mountain peak often associated with powerful cultivators or deities.
- 亲传弟子 | qīnchuán dìzǐ | Lit. ‘personally transmitted disciple’; A disciple taught directly by a master, implying a close relationship and higher status than ordinary disciples.
- 戚正浩 | Qī Zhènghào
- 八卦 | bāguà | Originally ‘eight trigrams’; Colloquially means gossip or to gossip.
- 一轮游 | yī lún yóu | Lit. ‘one-round tour’; Slang for being eliminated in the first round of a competition.
- 送菜 | sòng cài | Lit. ‘deliver vegetables/dishes’; Slang meaning to be an easy target, to offer oneself up for defeat easily.
- 杜参 | Dù Cān
- 请赐教 | qǐng cìjiào | A polite, formal phrase used in martial arts contexts before sparring or dueling, meaning ‘Please offer your guidance’ or ‘Please instruct me’.
- 老油条 | lǎo yóutiáo | Lit. ‘old oil stick’ (referring to a deep-fried dough stick); Slang for a wily, experienced person who knows how to work the system, sometimes implies cynicism or slipperiness.
- 打酱油 | dǎ jiàngyóu | Lit. ‘to buy soy sauce’; Slang for being an onlooker, uninvolved, or playing an insignificant role.
- 半桶水 | bàn tǒng shuǐ | Lit. ‘half a bucket of water’; Describes someone with only superficial knowledge or skill; an amateur.
- 有几把刷子 | yǒu jǐ bǎ shuāzi | Lit. ‘to have a few brushes’; To possess some skill or ability.
- 脸不红心不跳 / 睁眼说瞎话 | liǎn bù hóng xīn bù tiào / zhēng yǎn shuō xiāhuà | Lit. ‘face not red, heart not jump’ / ‘open eyes talk blind words’; Both mean to lie shamelessly and blatantly.
- 呼呼大睡 | hūhū dà shuì | Lit. ‘whoosh whoosh big sleep’; To sleep soundly, often implying snoring.
- 小人得志 | xiǎo rén dé zhì | Lit. ‘(like a) small person who achieved their ambition’; Describes someone acting smug or arrogant after achieving minor success or power.
- 午时 | wǔ shí | Hour of the Horse; 11:00–13:00 in the traditional Chinese time system.
- 三天打鱼两天晒网 | sān tiān dǎ yú, liǎng tiān shài wǎng | Lit. ‘fish for three days, dry the nets for two’; Describes working inconsistently or lacking perseverance.
- 吃瓜吃到自己身上 | chī guā chī dào zìjǐ shēnshang | Lit. ‘eating melon (watching drama/gossip) and it falls on oneself’; Describes being an observer of gossip or a situation, only to suddenly become involved.
- 财神爷 | Cáishényé | The God of Wealth in Chinese folk religion; used colloquially to refer to someone rich and generous, especially someone who gives you money.
- 打假赛 | dǎ jiǎ sài | Lit. ‘play a fake match’; Match-fixing.
- 浑水摸鱼 | hún shuǐ mō yú | Lit. ‘to grope for fish in muddy water’; To take advantage of a confusing situation; often used to mean slacking off, goofing around, or getting by without real effort.
- 关中之地 | Guānzhōng zhī dì | Guanzhong region, a historically significant area in Shaanxi province, often used in fiction as a destination or region.
- 中流砥柱 | zhōngliú dǐzhù | Lit. ‘firm rock in midstream’; Metaphor for a pillar of strength, someone who plays a crucial role in holding things together, especially during difficult times.
- 道袍 | dàopáo | Traditional robe worn by Daoist priests or cultivators.
- 道巾 | dàojīn | Headwear typically worn by Daoists.
- 得道高人 | dédào gāorén | Lit. ‘attained the Way high person’; An enlightened or highly accomplished master, often in cultivation or Daoism.
- 仙风道骨 | xiān fēng dào gǔ | Lit. ‘immortal wind, Daoist bones’; Describes the ethereal and sagely aura/appearance of an immortal or highly accomplished Daoist practitioner.
- 道长 | Dàozhǎng | A respectful title for a Daoist priest or master.
- 清明堂 | Qīngmíng Táng
- 三儿 | Sān’er | A familiar diminutive, likely for Zhang San (meaning ‘Third Child’ or ‘Number Three’).
- 狗血 | gǒuxiě | Lit. ‘dog blood’; Slang for overly dramatic, cliché, or melodramatic plot points often found in soap operas.
- 人畜无害 | rén chù wú hài | Lit. ‘harmless to humans and livestock’; Describes someone who looks completely innocent and harmless.
- 张三 | Zhāng Sān | A very common placeholder name in Chinese, similar to ‘John Doe’ or ‘Average Joe’. Its commonness can be used for effect (plainness, mystery, humor).
Why is nothing happening :/