Chapter 21 - Transmigrated as a Fake Daughter in Cultivation Novel

Chapter 21 Since receiving the little rabbit hairpin from Song Weizhi, Song Zhixia became more diligent in her daily cultivation. By the time of the outer disciples' assessment, Song Zhixia had already reached the Foundation Establishment stage in her cultivation. Such remarkable talent made even Song Weizhi couldn't help but admire, "She really lives up to being the female lead!" At the same time, the mechanical voice of the system once again echoed in Song Weizhi's mind, "The host has successfully assisted the female lead in passing the outer disciples' assessment, and will be rewarded with 100 points. The current total points of the host are 650." Thinking to herself, Song Weizhi believed that with Song Zhixia's current strength, passing the outer disciples' assessment would be an easy task. Therefore, she needed to accumulate more points quickly, especially since the fragments of the female lead's divine soul had yet to be found. She had to prepare for the worst. The outer disciples' assessment was conducted using a random pairing method. The top 20 disciples from the assessment would be admitted to the inner sect. Under Song Weizhi's training during these days, Song Zhixia had been able to receive nearly twenty moves from Song Weizhi. For Song Zhixia, who had only recently established her foundation, this was already a significant achievement. In Song Weizhi's view, it was certain that her little sister would enter the inner sect. The day before the assessment, all the outer disciples gathered at the martial arts arena for the draw. The names of the participants and their respective opponents could be found on the stone tablet at the side of the arena. Song Weizhi accompanied Song Zhixia to the martial arts arena. The names of the outer disciples were displayed on the stone tablet one by one. Song Zhixia drew number seventeen, and her opponent's name on the stone tablet was Zhao Gui. As all the results were revealed, the martial arts arena was filled with the discussions of the disciples: "Hey, who did you draw?" Liang Qin asked Xu Wen Yuan next to him. "Huang Xiao. He's already in the middle stage of Qi cultivation. It's over for me this time. I'm so annoyed. Why didn't I get paired with Song Zhixia? She just arrived, and most likely doesn't know anything. Moreover, with such a waste of a divine beast, if I fought her, I would definitely win easily." Xu Wen Yuan lamented. "That's true. By the way, who was lucky enough to be paired with Song Zhixia?" Liang Qin asked curiously. "I don't know. I wasn't paying attention. Let's go check it out." Xu Wen Yuan pulled Liang Qin and walked towards the stone tablet. At the bottom, they saw Song Zhixia's name. When they saw Song Zhixia's opponent's name, Xu Wen Yuan took in a sharp breath. "Oh my, Song Zhixia is actually facing Zhao Gui. She's doomed now. Zhao Gui is the strongest among the outer disciples. He's already in the late stage of Qi cultivation, just one step away from Foundation Establishment. His divine beast is said to be quite fierce as well." Liang Qin said, with sweat in the palms of his hands. "Ah, let's just focus on ourselves." Song Weizhi, with her cultivation at the Golden Core Completion stage, could easily pick up useful information from the bustling crowd. She had already heard the conversation between those two disciples. It seemed like she had to give her little sister some serious advice. The competition was scheduled for the next day. When they returned to their lodging, Song Weizhi gave Song Zhixia some more instructions, "Xiaoxiao, the person you will be facing tomorrow, Zhao Gui, has reached the late stage of Qi cultivation. He has a grudge against Fang Fang, so he might have a strong animosity towards you. When the time comes, do not hold back. You must fight as you see fit. Showing mercy in the arena is as good as giving away half of your life." Seeing her little sister gazing at her blankly, Song Weizhi was worried that she might suffer. She quickly added, "Don't listen to anyone saying to stop at the mention of a point. In the arena, it's every man for himself. Whether you severely injure or even kill your opponent, it's their own fault for not being skilled enough. I don't care how others are, I just hope my Xiaoxiao is safe and sound." Song Zhixia did not expect Song Weizhi to say these things to her. She didn't care how others were, only concerned about her safety. This made Song Zhixia genuinely happy, "Don't worry, I will do my best in the competition and not let you down, Sister." Sighing, Song Weizhi shook her head and said, "I don't care about being let down, as long as Xiaoxiao is safe and sound. Where else could I find such a lovely girl as you?" With Song Weizhi's words, Song Zhixia's cheeks quickly turned red. It seemed like her sister's words were becoming more and more teasing? But it must be her overthinking. Besides her sister, she had no other friends or sisters. Perhaps other close sisters had a relationship similar to her and her sister. Seeing that she had teased the girl enough, Song Weizhi stopped. She earnestly said, "I don't ask for anything else, I just hope my little sister is happy and safe every day. Xiaoxiao, please take care of yourself, alright?" For the first time, Song Zhixia looked into Song Weizhi's eyes all along and nodded, assuring, "Sister, rest assured, I will take good care of myself." "Good, Sister is looking forward to going to the Labyrinthine Secret Realm with you." The next morning, the training grounds were already crowded with many disciples. The training ground where Song Zhixia and Zhao Gui were located on the eastern side had the most spectators. Each training ground was supervised by a referee and a few administrative disciples to maintain order. Accompanied by Song Weizhi, Song Zhixia came over. The inner disciples who were watching quickly took out chairs from their storage bags for Song Weizhi to sit on. Song Weizhi thanked the disciples and then instructed Song Zhixia, "Xiaoxiao, be careful." Song Zhixia smiled at Song Weizhi and replied, "Sister, don't worry, I'll be fine." With that, she walked towards the center of the training ground, while Song Weizhi sat on the chair and watched the two people on the training ground. Due to Song Weizhi's presence, the surrounding discussions quieted down. As Song Zhixia walked into the middle of the martial arena, Zhao Gui was already waiting for her. Song Zhixia greeted him with a bow, "Please enlighten me, senior brother." With a mocking sneer, Zhao Gui, holding a long sword, said, "Don't think that I will go easy on you. Because of you, Fang Fang, such a good person, was sent to that ghostly place called the Violent Wind Valley. Today, I will make sure you walk in standing and leave lying down." After saying this, Zhao Gui glanced at the area where Song Weizhi was sitting. "Heh, I want to see how she protects you today." At that moment, the referee outside the arena struck the bronze gong, and the match began. With the long sword pointing towards Song Zhixia, Zhao Gui summoned his divine beast, a black dog, and both the man and the dog charged aggressively toward Song Zhixia. The spectators below began to discuss among themselves: "Zhao Gui is quite ruthless. He knows that Song Zhixia's divine beast cannot battle, yet he launches an attack using his divine beast. It seems like Song Zhixia is in for a tough time. Who knows, she might not make it through today." "It's not possible. Big Sister is here! I don't believe that Zhao Gui would dare to take Song Zhixia's life right in front of Big Sister." "Hmm, you never know. Look!" Zhao Gui unleashed his sword qi, and the fallen tree leaves around the training ground quickly gathered towards Zhao Gui's sword. These leaves revolved around his blade and swiftly charged towards Song Zhixia's face. Simultaneously, his large dog lunged towards Song Zhixia. Remaining composed, Song Zhixia ignited the first form of her flaming sword technique, "Burning Fire." The blade of her sword began to burn with raging flames. With her left hand, she pushed back the charging dog. Then, with her right hand, she stabbed at Zhao Gui. The flames on the sides of her blade surged towards Zhao Gui, completely incinerating the tree leaves that he had sent and then continued to attack him, reaching for his chest. Not giving Zhao Gui a chance to react, Song Zhixia continued her assault by deploying the fifth form of her flaming sword technique, "Flame Eruption." As she executed this, towering flames swiftly rose from the ground, and with a flick of her right hand wielding the sword, the billowing fire surged towards Zhao Gui. Though he had just managed to fend off Song Zhixia's first move, he was unprepared for her second onslaught. Zhao Gui had no time to react and his clothes were mostly burnt off. "You've lost. The match is over. I've won." Song Zhixia then sheathed her sword. "Incredible! Is this the same Song Zhixia with mediocre spiritual roots? How come she makes winning seem so effortless?" "Yes, not only did she confront two opponents at once, but she managed to keep Zhao Gui on the defensive throughout. He only attacked once, the rest of the time he was defending, and even that wasn't successful." "Zhao Gui has already reached the late stage of Qi cultivation. He has cultivated for several years to attain his current level. Song Zhixia has only been here for a short time. This, this seems impossible." "Could it be some forbidden technique? That's not allowed." "Yeah, Zhao Gui is really pitiful." At this point, the referee rang the bronze gong and loudly announced, "This match goes to Song Zhixia." "My goodness, how could this happen?" "This is so unbelievable. How could a mediocre talent like her become so strong in such a short time?" "This is absurd. I wouldn't believe it even if I saw it!" On the arena, Zhao Gui's expression was one of disbelief. He, hailed as the strongest man among the outer disciples, had unexpectedly lost to someone he deemed a waste. While Song Zhixia had already sheathed her sword and was preparing to leave, Zhao Gui, without warning, unleashed a burst of spiritual energy towards her from behind. By the time Song Zhixia noticed, it was too late to evade, and suddenly she felt weightless as she was lifted up. Where Song Zhixia had stood, Zhao Gui's attack exploded. Song Zhixia looked up to find Song Weizhi holding her. After a moment, Song Weizhi set her down below the training ground, and then positioned herself between Zhao Gui and Song Zhixia. Roaring with rage, Zhao Gui cried out, "This is the arena! As a senior sister, you're showing favoritism to her! I refuse to accept this! You caused Fang Fang to go to the Violent Wind Valley, and now you're still after me. Is there any fairness in this competition?" "You, as a grown man, feel it's unfair when you were the one who lost? How shameless of you. The referee's gong has already sounded, and the victory has been announced. Yet you deceitfully attacked from behind. It's truly despicable of you. A wretched person like you, even if you achieve something, is nothing but rubbish. You're just a disgusting clown." Song Weizhi's gaze at Zhao Gui was like looking at a pile of garbage, further enraging him. "Unfair! This is unfair! You and Song Zhixia teamed up to bully an outer disciple like me. I demand to see the sect master. I want to see the sect master!" With red eyes, Zhao Gui was unable to approach. "Calling it unfair after losing? Where do you get the face to say that? If you can't match someone's skills and resort to underhanded tactics, I think you should no longer stay in the Song family." As Song Weizhi spoke, the imposing pressure of her Golden Core stage bore down on Zhao Gui. At first, Zhao Gui remained standing, but blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, and his legs trembled uncontrollably. Eventually, he knelt down under the intense pressure. Even as he struggled to stand under the pressure of Song Weizhi, Zhao Gui continued to protest, "Why? I refuse to believe this. Song Zhixia, a waste, could never become so powerful in such a short time. She must have used forbidden techniques. It's her that you should punish, not me." "Clever words and sinister intentions." As she spoke, Song Weizhi sent a palm strike, flinging Zhao Gui several meters away until he collided with a pillar at the edge of the training ground. The thick pillar snapped upon impact, and Zhao Gui's subsequent wails echoed through the area. When Song Weizhi looked back, she found Zhao Gui collapsed on the ground, spitting blood, utterly powerless. "That's enough…" Zhao Gui's attempt to say something was cut short as he lost consciousness. The recent palm strike by Song Weizhi had not only severely injured Zhao Gui but had shattered his spiritual roots from within. This effectively put an end to his cultivation path. The onlookers below the training ground were equally stunned by Song Weizhi's actions. For a while, the entire area was eerily silent. "If you have any dissatisfaction, settle it in the arena. Spreading false accusations is not considered a skill. Furthermore, Song Zhixia has not used any forbidden techniques. I used the Purifying Root Talisman, which my father compensated to her, to refine her spiritual roots. She's already at the Foundation Establishment stage. If anyone has any objections, let's settle it in the arena, not through underhanded means." Song Weizhi turned her gaze towards the outer disciples standing below the training ground as she spoke. Subsequently, she instructed the administrative disciples on the sidelines, "Zhao Gui has injured others maliciously. His actions aren't befitting of this place. Expel him from the sect." Several administrative disciples respectfully took the man away according to Song Weizhi's instructions. Song Weizhi then approached Song Zhixia. "Let's go. We're leaving." Releasing her spiritual sword, they both flew off within moments and were soon out of sight. Only after they were gone did the disciples at the training ground dare to start discussing the incidents that had unfolded. "I'm relieved I didn't have to face Song Zhixia. Otherwise, I'd be the one getting beaten up. I don't think I could have even blocked her first move." Xu Wen Yuan patted his chest, feeling relieved. "Indeed, the other day when we saw the Tribulation Lightning, it was probably when Song Zhixia was entering the Foundation Establishment stage. Even if she refined her spiritual roots, her rapid progress is truly amazing! What kind of comprehension ability does she possess?" Liang Qin marveled. "I hope I don't have to face Song Zhixia in the next match. I want to try to sneak into the inner sect. I've been here for years, and I don't know if I'll be able to make it." Xu Wen Yuan sighed. "Indeed, I also hope to avoid facing Song Zhixia. Nevertheless, this is also Zhao Gui's fault. Song Zhixia had already let him go, but he insisted on launching a treacherous attack. Such a waste of a bright future." Liang Qin added. "Absolutely. We had better tread cautiously. There's no need for underhanded schemes." Simultaneously, news of the incidents involving Song Zhixia and Zhao Gui had reached the main hall. "Song Weizhi is becoming more and more unreasonable. I know that child, Zhao Gui. He's one of the outstanding figures among the outer disciples. He's just one step away from reaching the Foundation Establishment stage. Song Weizhi actually damaged his spiritual roots for the sake of someone she deems a waste. Isn't she being too self-important?" Elder San was evidently exasperated by Song Weizhi's actions, and his beard trembled as he spoke. "Yeah, what a promising talent he is. In the end, it's all due to Song Zhixia's fault. Since she arrived, it seems like Song Weizhi has changed. She used to be obedient to the elders, but now she's disobedient. Ruhai, maybe it's time for you to intervene and ask some questions." Elder Da continued, having already been discontented with Song Weizhi since the incident when she demanded to call off her engagement. "Moreover, Tianming just said that Song Zhixia actually prevailed over Zhao Gui. This is truly absurd! She must have used forbidden techniques because how could she possibly surpass Zhao Gui, who has been cultivating for several years, in such a short time?" Elder Er added fuel to the fire. Song Ruhai was also displeased this time. Song Weizhi had repeatedly shown contempt for him, and now she had taken liberties by damaging a disciple's spiritual roots. She clearly did not respect him as the sect master. Furthermore, with Song Zhixia's sudden improvement in strength, there must be a significant problem here. In a somber tone, he instructed the disciples around him. "Tianming, go fetch your senior sister, and also bring Song Zhixia. I want to see what Song Weizhi's reasons are for injuring a fellow disciple and what tricks Song Zhixia is playing." Tianming, a disciple by Song Ruhai's side, tried to find Song Weizhi but was intercepted by Weizhi's guard, Weizhi's guard, "Hold on. Who are you?" The guard swiftly appeared before Tianming and blocked his path. "Since when has this senior sister appeared at the Song family's house? I don't know you." Although Tianming hadn't clashed with the guard, he sensed that the guard's strength outmatched his own, so he was exceptionally polite as he spoke. "I'm not your senior sister, nor am I a member of the Song family. Who are you? And what are you doing here?" The guard asked coldly. "Ah, I'm here to see my senior sister, Song Weizhi." Tianming replied. Song Weizhi had already heard the commotion outside and realized that Zhao Gui's situation could not be easily resolved. Those old men probably had long been hostile towards her. She decided to see what these people and their dogs could come up with. When Song Weizhi stepped out of the room, she walked slowly to the courtyard's entrance. Upon seeing Song Weizhi's arrival, Tianming quickly bowed respectfully and said, "Senior sister, the sect master requests your presence in the main hall with Song Zhixia. He has some questions for you." Song Weizhi thought it was for the best. After all, she couldn't always be by Song Zhixia's side. There were certain matters that she had to face alone, especially since her adoptive parents were not people to be trifled with. Just as Song Weizhi was about to use her spiritual power to communicate with Song Zhixia, she saw Song Zhixia coming out of the room. "Sister, I'm coming with you," said Song Zhixia. Song Weizhi smiled and replied to Song Zhixia, "Good, let's go together." The two women summoned their spiritual swords and departed. Within moments, they had arrived at the main hall, where Song Weizhi held Song Zhixia's hand and carefully scrutinized the elder men present, believing they had nothing good in store. "Weizhi, what's the matter with the recent incident of the outer disciples' trial? Why did you interfere as a senior sister and damage the junior brother's spiritual roots? Don't you hold any respect for me as the sect master?" Elder San's forehead was bulging with veins. "I had to step in; otherwise, you might not have seen a live Song Zhixia. After losing the match, Zhao Gui attacked from behind. As a senior sister, it was my moral obligation to intervene. Isn't that so?" Song Weizhi remained unperturbed, fixing her gaze directly on Song Ruhai. "Even so, you shouldn't have intervened so severely, causing damage to his spiritual roots." Song Ruhai continued, "Furthermore, you say Zhao Gui lost the match? Such a baseless claim. How long has Song Zhixia been with our family? Even without considering her spiritual roots and divine beast, it's clear that she is not just capable of defeating Zhao Gui. If she did so, it must have been through the use of forbidden techniques." "Master Song, I did not use forbidden techniques. The reason why I was able to use martial arts was because my senior sister used the Purifying Root Talisman to refine my spiritual roots. After some time of cultivation, I have already reached the Foundation Establishment stage." Song Zhixia, who had not spoken before, finally spoke up. Observing Song Zhixia, Song Weizhi realized that her junior was much calmer than she had expected. She sat in the primary seat, seemingly having nothing to do with the person speaking ill of her. The elders, without waiting for Song Ruhai, were the first to express dissatisfaction. "Who are you, an outer disciple, to speak here? Unacceptable," said the chief elder. "What's going on? Can't she defend herself against slander? You're resorting to forceful confessions, aren't you?" Song Weizhi scoffed. "Song Weizhi, don't assume that your talent gives you the right to look down on others. I think it's time for us to teach you the rules of our family." The chief elder was clearly upset with Song Weizhi's contemptuous attitude. "Indeed? How exactly do you plan to teach me a lesson?" Song Weizhi's lip curled into a sneer. "Ruhai, this is your beloved eldest disciple, someone you raised." The chief elder continued, clearly distressed by Song Weizhi's scornful attitude. However, Song Ruhai was unwilling to escalate the conflict with Song Weizhi. Suppressing his ire, he spoke, "Weizhi, the chief elder watched you grow up since you were a child. You shouldn't show disrespect to him. If you're wrong, just admit it. And for Song Zhixia's use of forbidden techniques, she will be expelled from the family." Song Weizhi paid