44 - A Farewell to Mr. Luo

### Chapter 44 "Absolutely not." Bai Fan stood in the hall with a stern expression, arms crossed, teetering on the edge of an outburst. Her voice was firm and resolute; she despised being manipulated. "Is there something that displeases Miss Bai?" Sun Jia Lao Ye scrutinized Bai Fan with some dissatisfaction. After confirming the feasibility of the grafting process, the Sun family had taken extensive precautions to keep the information confidential, known only to the direct disciples. They even went so far as to offer Bai Fan, a lone cultivator, a marriage into their family to retain her. Now, she was refusing their offer. "I object to everything. First, you detained me. Second, you forced me into marriage. Third, you did not even ask for my consent. Just because I proposed the grafting idea does not mean I am bound to accept your conditions." "What does Miss Bai want, then?" Bai Fan glanced around the hall, cleared her throat, and spoke with a voice as clear as a mountain spring: "I will not marry into the Sun family. Moreover, I do not need to become an adopted daughter. However, I would like to join the Xuan Ming Sect, and I request the Sun family to make the introduction." The hall fell silent, so quiet one could hear a pin drop. Most of the faces in the room relaxed except for a slight frown on Sun Jia Lao Ye's face. "Why do you wish to join the Xuan Ming Sect?" "Naturally, for cultivation." At this moment, several elders promptly chimed in: "Patriarch, I believe this can be done. As long as a soul contract is established to ensure that Miss Bai keeps the grafting method a secret and that this technique remains exclusive to our Sun family." One of the elders glanced at the patriarch's expression before continuing. "Our Sun family introducing Miss Bai into the Xuan Ming Sect can be seen as a transaction. If Miss Bai joins the Xuan Ming Sect, she will have our backing, which is a better bond than marriage. What do you think, Patriarch?" The Sun Family Patriarch felt agitated. His wife had died early, leaving him with only one son, Sun Qing, who was frail and could not cultivate. If not born into the Sun family, Sun Qing might not have survived his infancy. The patriarch wanted to protect him for life but also wished to see his son experience the entirety of human life, including marriage and children. However, everyone knew the Sun family had a sickly young master that no prominent family wanted to marry their daughters into. Lower-status families were not acceptable to the patriarch. Encountering Bai Fan felt like fate. Although she was a lone cultivator with a modest background, she was extraordinarily talented and beautiful, and her age was suitable for his son. They would make a perfect couple, and he imagined them giving him a grandchild, ensuring the family's continuity even after his death and providing his grandson with a talented mother. He wanted Bai Fan to marry his son for personal gain. However, Bai Fan rejected his plan outright. Other lone cultivators might have agreed, given the Sun family's status as a prominent cultivation family in the southern region, backed by the Xuan Ming Sect and endowed with endless cultivation resources. Moreover, others within the Sun family were against Bai Fan marrying into their family. They resented the idea of their weak young master fathering a child who would ultimately control the family after the master's death, potentially handing influence to an outsider. "Introducing her to the Xuan Ming Sect would mean sacrificing a slot for our disciples. Ten years for one slot, how many decades does a young disciple have? Missing this opportunity would be a lifelong regret. How do you plan to console Sun Bing for giving up his place?" The Sun Family Patriarch's expression hardened as he glared at the elders. Sun Bing was his talented nephew, the prime candidate for the Xuan Ming Sect. They could not simply snatch his opportunity away without potential repercussions, given Sun Bing's vengeful nature. The elders replied nonchalantly: "The Sun family prioritizes greater matters. The family will compensate Sun Bing, and the Patriarch need not worry excessively." Hearing this, the Patriarch snorted and left angrily. His plans were thoroughly thwarted, and he was in a foul mood. Bai Fan felt relieved that the marriage ordeal was finally over. Moments later, several elders approached her with a contract. "Since we have agreed, please sign this soul contract, and the Sun family will arrange your introduction to the Xuan Ming Sect." Bai Fan eyed the contract warily, feeling uneasy about the term "soul contract," but after reading through it and finding no excessive demands, she agreed. After signing and sealing the contract with her blood, a thread of something was extracted from her mind, causing her to bristle: "What have you done to me?" Bai Fan clutched her forehead, sensing a void and a strange pull within her. "Do not worry, Miss Bai. This is just a soul contract. As long as you adhere to its terms, it will not affect you. The Sun family has also pledged to introduce you to the Xuan Ming Sect, and breaking this contract would affect us as well." Bai Fan felt slightly reassured, knowing the contract held mutual obligations. Afterward, Bai Fan was escorted back to her room by a maid. Lying in bed, she marveled at how easily she had gained entry to the Xuan Ming Sect, despite the minor disruptions along the way. Unable to sleep, Bai Fan sat at her dressing table, staring at her reflection. She decided that her appearance attracted too much trouble. "Someone, come." The maid quickly approached. "What can I do for you, Miss?" "Bring me a set of men's clothing." "Huh?" "Quickly." "Oh." Bai Fan believed that dressing as a man would save her from future troubles. Given her young age, the disguise would be convincing. When the maid returned with the clothes, Bai Fan promptly changed, letting down her hair and tying it into a man’s style, albeit clumsily. "Miss, let me help you," the maid offered, unable to bear watching the awkward attempt. The maid expertly styled Bai Fan's hair, tying it with a white jade ribbon. The white robe made Bai Fan look quite handsome. If she looked like a delicate maiden in women's clothes, she appeared more striking and confident in men's attire. Bai Fan inspected herself in the mirror and, satisfied that she no longer appeared feminine, turned to the maid. "From now on, address me as 'Young Master' instead of 'Miss'." The maid was puzzled but complied, "Yes, Young Master." Dressed as a man, Bai Fan roamed about, finding men's clothing far more comfortable and straightforward, reinforcing her preference for the disguise. With her cultivation sealed, Bai Fan could only move around the courtyard. Aside from the direct disciples, no one knew of her presence. Bored, she often admired herself in the mirror, growing increasingly narcissistic, convinced she was more suited to being a man. Lost in self-admiration, Bai Fan was interrupted by the maid's voice. "Young Master, the Patriarch is summoning you." "Me?" Stunned, Bai Fan quickly composed herself and stepped outside, assuming the Xuan Ming Sect must have sent someone. As she walked out with a graceful air, those who saw her could not help but admire the fine young man she appeared to be. The gate guards, perplexed by the apparent transformation from girl to boy, said nothing, attributing it to some unknown explanation. Even the direct disciples found it odd but refrained from questioning. "Miss Bai, the Patriarch summons you. Please follow us," one said. Bai Fan nodded, correcting him, "It's Young Master, not Miss." The Sun Family disciple was taken aback, glancing at Bai Fan with some confusion but ultimately complying with her preference. "Understood, Young Master Bai." Bai Fan was then led to the same hall as before. This time, however, the seat of honor was occupied not by the Sun Family Patriarch but by an elder with white hair and beard, whose presence seemed to lower the atmospheric pressure of the hall, silencing everyone. "Are you Bai Fan?" the elder's voice boomed, defying his aged appearance and sounding even sturdier than the patriarch's. Bai Fan remained silent for a moment, intently observing the elder. He was draped in a purple-gold robe, holding a whisk, and though aged, his skin retained a jade-like sheen. Bai Fan was certain that his cultivation level far surpassed the Golden Core stage. "The ancestor is speaking to you," the Sun Family Patriarch prompted by nudging Bai Fan with his elbow, snapping her out of her trance. "Oh? Yes, I am Bai Fan." "I've heard from our family members that you discovered the grafting technique?" "Yes." "And you have considerable knowledge of flora?" "Just a superficial understanding." It was Bai Fan's first time being questioned by such a powerful figure. Her mind blanked out, leaving her no choice but to answer truthfully, which felt even more terrifying than being physically controlled. After the questioning ended, Bai Fan realized her state and felt a chill run down her spine. The elder's pressure alone had made her divulge everything she knew. It was a frightening experience. "I've heard you wish to join the Xuan Ming Sect?" "Yes." The Sun Family Ancestor's gaze bore into Bai Fan, causing her scalp to tingle. "Why?" "Because, as a lone cultivator, there is no path forward. I wish to continue cultivating at Xuan Ming." "Is that your only reason?" "Yes." Bai Fan glanced up in confusion, wondering what other reasons there could be. Joining a sect was primarily for cultivation, wasn't it? "Very well. You shall accompany me to Xuan Ming tomorrow." "Oh." Bai Fan didn't quite remember how she returned to her room, but she slept soundly that night, more peacefully than she had since leaving the Qing Xu Sect. "Young Master Bai, it's time to wake up. The ancestor is waiting for you outside." Still half-asleep, Bai Fan leapt out of bed upon hearing this. "What!" Bai Fan hastily gathered her things, with the maid helping her dress. Once ready, she hurried outside. A large group was waiting for her, and all eyes turned towards her, making her heart quiver. She had clearly overslept, experiencing the deepest sleep since leaving Qing Xu Sect. Bai Fan awkwardly joined the crowd, where particularly hostile glares from the younger disciples seemed to want to rip her apart. Additionally, she felt an icy gaze piercing through her, but when she turned around, she saw nothing. The Sun Family Ancestor looked at Bai Fan nonchalantly and said, "Come over here." Bai Fan carefully stepped behind the ancestor, finding more comfort there than amidst the crowd's hostile gazes. The ancestor glanced at his descendants, his eyes sweeping over them, before turning to the patriarch. "The future of the Sun family is in your hands now. Conduct yourselves discreetly in the immortal city. The cultivation world is entering turbulent times, and it won't be easy going forward." "Yes, Ancestor." "Hmm." Bai Fan felt lost in the clouds, wondering what was about to happen in the cultivation world. Suddenly, she felt herself lifted off the ground. Looking down, she saw a cloud forming beneath her, gently carrying her upwards. She was leaving, following the ancestor on a cloud. Standing on what felt like soft cotton, Bai Fan marveled at the experience. She had thought riding clouds was a myth, but here she was, witnessing the real deal. As they flew further, the immortal city grew smaller, and Bai Fan couldn't help but steal another glance at the spiritual farmland below. She was truly joining a sect now, and not just any sect but Xuan Ming. She wondered if Lian Sheng, far away, had achieved success in his cultivation. Looking back at the immortal city, Bai Fan thought of a green-clad figure, uncertain when they might meet again and wondering if their promises would ever be fulfilled. The journey to Xuan Ming seemed to cross countless mountains and rivers until they entered the clouds and finally saw a mountain peak. The area was shrouded in spiritual energy and fog, resembling a heavenly abode. Approaching closer, Bai Fan saw Xuan Ming's location more clearly: towering mountains connected in a vast expanse, more magnificent than the immortal city. Various palaces and edifices were built among the peaks, exuding an ethereal aura. As they flew by, Bai Fan noticed many youthful cultivators riding clouds, who greeted the ancestor with respect. "Greetings, Elder Sun." "Hmm." Some even cast curious glances at Bai Fan. After encountering several such figures, Elder Sun brought Bai Fan to a dock-like area. A small boat approached them, floating in midair without any water below. Bai Fan was curious about the boat's mechanism, which was manned by a boatman seemingly rowing through the air. As the boat docked, two young maidens in light gauze dresses emerged, smiling brightly. They looked like twins. "Greetings, Elder Sun," they said in unison, their voices melodious like the call of orioles. They gracefully leaped from the boat to stand before Bai Fan, their dresses emitting a sweet fragrance. The scent muddled Bai Fan's mind, and her eyes showed signs of infatuation, amusing the twin maidens. "Is this young gentleman a new disciple brought by Elder Sun?" "Hmm." Elder Sun's voice, like a thunderclap, snapped Bai Fan out of her trance, leaving her sweating nervously. These twin maidens were terrifying. "Rest assured, Elder Sun, we will take good care of him." "Thank you both." Elder Sun promptly rode his cloud away, leaving Bai Fan anxious. How could he just leave her with these two seemingly dangerous women? The twins' teasing laughter filled her ears. "Don't worry, young gentleman. Elder Sun is a busy man. He doesn't have time for these trivial matters, so you should follow us." Bai Fan felt increasingly uncomfortable as the twins led her onto the boat, their soft and slender fingers brushing against her, giving her goosebumps. They seemed more like seductive spirits than proper cultivators, making her wonder if she had walked into a spider's den. The entire journey, Bai Fan was on edge, feeling the boat moved too slowly. When they finally reached the shore, she quickly jumped off, escaping the clutches of the twins. The twin maidens chuckled, finding the young man amusing. They led Bai Fan to the registration area, where she kept a safe distance behind them. If their previous scent had seemed like a sweet fragrance, now it felt intoxicating. Their voices sounded more like those of seductive spirits. At the registration desk sat a disciple in yellow garments. He glanced at Bai Fan and asked, "Who brought you here?" " Elder Sun," Bai Fan replied, blinking. "Name?" "Bai Fan." The registering disciple hesitated, then turned to the twins. "Are you sure there's no mistake?" The twins' brows furrowed, hands on their hips. "Are you doubting us? He was personally handed over to us by Elder Sun." The registering disciple muttered, "Elder Sun usually brings in Sun family members. How come it's someone with the surname Bai this time?" Reluctantly, he wrote down Bai Fan’s name, adding the character for 'male' underneath. Bai Fan's pupils dilated, but she thought it best to accept the designation. If posing as a man could avoid unnecessary trouble, she didn't mind maintaining this façade. The registering disciple handed a bamboo token and a finely crafted white storage pouch to Bai Fan. "Imprint your divine sense onto the token, and the other item contains essentials for new disciples." Carefully, Bai Fan infused the token with her divine sense. Instantly, a red light surged, etching her essence into it, creating a bond. This token would serve as her identification. The new storage pouch, more refined than her old, drab one, felt reassuring. Bai Fan held onto it without revealing her old pouch. The registering disciple then spread a large map before her. "Choose a cave residence. These are all within Elder Sun's domain, available to his disciples." Taken aback, Bai Fan stared at the vast map in disbelief. The so-called domain was as large as a mortal kingdom. Was the Xuan Ming Sect truly this extensive? "Can I really choose any?" The twin maidens immediately leaned in, one on each side, practically draping themselves over her shoulders. Bai Fan, being short, found herself dwarfed as they whispered close to her ear, their breath sweet and warm. "Of course, you can, young master. After all, you are Elder Sun’s disciple." "Yes, young master, choose quickly." Pressed between them, Bai Fan felt suffocated, her arms squeezed by their chests. She wanted to push away but found herself immobilized. Examining the map intently, Bai Fan, being a snake demon fond of water, preferred a secluded place where she could transform without worries. Finally, she chose a valley with many lakes. Upon seeing her choice, the twin maidens pouted, softly complaining into her ears, "Why would young master choose such a spiritually depleted place? It's not suitable for a cave residence." Bai Fan, bewildered, responded, "Isn't selecting a residence my choice? I find that place quite suitable. Why do you object?" "We think it’s unsuitable." Bai Fan chuckled lightly, "Thank you for your consideration, but Bai finds this place perfect." "Sister, I don't want to go there." "Nor do I, sister." Perplexed, Bai Fan asked, "Why are you saying this?" The registering disciple explained, "These twins were allocated to Elder Sun ten years ago to serve new disciples. They've been at Xuan Ming for a long time and will now be your attendants. But you, as a man, chose a desolate place, making two beautiful maidens suffer." The twin maidens began to wail, leaving Bai Fan at a loss. Why were these ‘seductive spirits’ assigned as her attendants? How could she focus on her cultivation with them around? ※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※ Thank you to all the little angels who voted and provided nourishment! Special thanks to those who provided [nutritional liquid]: With 1 bottle by 隨之隨之; Your support means the world, and I’ll keep striving to do better! Previous Chapter Table of Contents Next Chapter Homepage Desktop Version Bookshelf Novels Collection Popular Novels