95 - Crazy! Criticizing the Prime Minister for Being a Servant

Chapter 95: Control Cangjun Mountain stood as the leader among various sects, specializing in sword cultivation. Aside from Cangjun Mountain, there were the Zhenqi Gate, known for their formation techniques and weapon refinement; the Baicao Sect, skilled in alchemy; and the newly emerged Yushou Sect, which controlled the demon clan. The Yushou Sect quickly rose in influence, absorbing many smaller sects, and secured its position among the four major sects. Among those present from the Yushou Sect was Yang Yu. Despite his cultured name, he was a rugged man with a full beard. Yang Yu was the brother of the sect leader and had brought his nephew to witness the event. "It's been a while, Brother Yang. Have you made any progress in your cultivation?" Greeting Yang Yu was a man in blue clothes and a golden crown. Upon turning back, Yang Yu recognized him as Gong Sun Yin from the Zhenqi Gate, followed by a blue-robed disciple Yang Yu hadn't seen before. Given the significance of this gathering, anyone present was bound to be important. Yang Yu chuckled heartily, "Not as much as you, Brother Gong Sun. May I know who this young immortal is?" With a gentle smile, Gong Sun Yin introduced the person beside him, "This is my disciple, He Lan Mian Mian. Mian Mian, this is the second master of the Yushou Sect." He Lan Mian Mian bowed courteously, "It's an honor to meet the second master." Yang Yu was taken aback upon hearing the name. Rumor had it that the newly emerged formation genius in Zhenqi Gate was called He Lan Mian Mian. The sect had kept news of this person tightly under wraps, making today's revelation surprising yet expected. Bringing his nephew forward, Yang Yu said, "This is Yang Ling Yun, my older brother's youngest son. It's a good opportunity for the young ones to get acquainted. Ling Yun, greet Elder Gong Sun." Yang Ling Yun bowed politely to both. His gentle appearance contrasted sharply with Yang Yu's rugged demeanor. After sunrise, the disciple induction ceremony officially began. Each sect had sent respected figures, and many brought talented young disciples. Everyone knew that Qing Shuang's little disciple was a girl picked up from Bai Lu Village. Thus, the young disciples attending the ceremony were mostly male, hoping to become betrothed to Qing Shuang's disciple and form familial alliances. Moreover, Qing Shuang often stayed on Chaoci Peak and traveled alone, so this lavish disciple induction was unprecedented. Even if no alliances were formed, it was a chance to win the favor of the foremost figure in the cultivation world. People took their seats in an orderly manner, engaging in discussions with nearby cultivators. All present were from reputable backgrounds, ensuring even the young ones sat upright, cautious not to disgrace their sects. Suddenly, silence fell among the assembly as a figure walked in under the sun, clad in a green robe with a flute at her waist, exuding an aura as if the world held no interest for her. Ran Fan Yin's indifferent gaze swept across the gathering, making those caught in her gaze involuntarily hold their breath, unable to meet her eyes. Ran Fan Yin calmly ascended to the central platform and seated herself. Presiding over the ceremony was Cen Ran, who delivered a slew of formalities boring enough to lull the audience to sleep. Finally, before dissatisfaction could brew, the other central figure of the ceremony arrived. Ran Fan Yin commanded awe and respect, but Ning Song Wu inspired pure curiosity, jealousy, and schemes. Countless probing gazes fixed on Ning Song Wu. Ning Song Wu faced these gazes unfazed, recognizing her position as Ran Fan Yin's disciple was already cemented. This time, Ning Song Wu followed every step of the disciple induction ceremony earnestly. Receiving the personal disciple's jade pendant from her master, she felt a refreshing sensation that had an invigorating effect. She realized there would be no excuses for slacking off during meditation from now on. Ran Fan Yin projected her voice to the entire assembly: "From today onward, Ning Song Wu is my personal disciple." The cultivators shouted in unison, "Congratulations, venerable master, for finding an excellent disciple!" Standing atop the platform, Ning Song Wu observed the sea of cultivators paying respects below. She experienced a déjà vu, as if she once stood above others, revered by all. "Stop it, Ning Song Wu," she admonished herself. "You were just a beggar before; you couldn't have possibly had any grand background. It must be premonitory dreams that made today's scene feel familiar," Ning Song Wu reasoned her way out. Next came the gift-giving segment. Those wanting to speak to Ran Fan Yin were intentionally ignored, while those trying to approach Ning Song Wu were blocked by Luo Sheng. Cangjun Mountain seemed to have more females than males among its senior disciples. Luo Sheng and Lin Yu Xue were present, leading some to think that if they couldn't connect with Ning Song Wu, forming ties with Luo Sheng would be equally beneficial. Standing beside Ran Fan Yin, the number of people daring to bother Ning Song Wu dwindled. She took the chance to observe the scene, noticing Luo Sheng surrounded, looking impatient yet refraining from anger to avoid tarnishing Cangjun Mountain's reputation. Turning to look at Lin Yu Xue, Ning Song Wu noticed she wasn't pestered as much. While talking to people from other sects, Lin Yu Xue kept sneaking glances at Luo Sheng. Yet, when Luo Sheng returned the gaze, she swiftly diverted her eyes. "Sister, Gong Sun Yin from the Zhenqi Gate is here. We should seek their assistance concerning the formation in Wanjia Village," Cen Ran mentioned to her daydreaming sister. Ran Fan Yin returned to her senses, "Sure, you handle it. No need to ask me." Cen Ran smiled wryly, "Understood, sister." Feeling disturbed by the noisy atmosphere, Ran Fan Yin considered ordering her junior to conclude the ceremony when she detected a hint of demonic energy. Her expression hardened, and she acted swiftly. A fierce wind arose, compelling the cultivators to brace themselves against it, lest they be embarrassed by being blown away. As the wind ceased, the crowd's simmering anger was met with Ran Fan Yin's indifference. She shouted, "If you're here, why hide?" The gathering was shocked into vigilance, weapons drawn in readiness. Above them, a figure began to coalesce, and a bold voice echoed, "Ha ha ha, indeed, Qing Shuang. We've known each other for centuries, yet you didn't invite me to celebrate your disciple's induction?" Ning Song Wu glanced up, seeing a crimson-robed man standing midair. His eyes and hair were the color of flames, and he locked his gaze on her, filled with layers of incomprehensible hatred that made her uncomfortable, as if her soul was being scrutinized. Ning Song Wu's face turned pale. A figure in green interposed, shielding Ning Song Wu from the man's oppressive stare. Her master’s presence steadied Ning Song Wu’s heart, reminding her she now had backing. Furtively, Ning Song Wu peeked out from behind Ran Fan Yin and pulled a funny face at the red-robed man. Ran Fan Yin tolerated her disciple's antics. Irritated by the targeting of her pupil, her voice cooled, "Dan Qing, you're overstepping." The red-robed man's demeanor shifted, appearing slightly wounded, "Perhaps you should call me Yao Huang. Using my full name seems impolite." Ran Fan Yin responded icily, "Dan Qing, you openly transgress. Are you in such haste to seek death?" Dan Qing shrugged, "This is but a shadow. My true self remains in the demon realm." Maintaining eye contact, Ran Fan Yin's unwavering gaze pierced through him. The once composed Dan Qing paled, realizing his distant true form felt threatened, and with a quick shift to seriousness, he relented, "You are formidable, Qing Shuang. I'll leave now." Dan Qing's image gradually faded. Before disappearing entirely, he glanced at Ning Song Wu once more, to which she responded with a piercing glare. Relief swept over the cultivators after Dan Qing's departure, and the assembly regained its liveliness. "Praise to Qing Shuang! With just words, she scared the Yao Huang away!" "Indeed, if not for the challenge posed by the demons' stronghold, it would've been overrun by now." "His true form is a phoenix, a creature made of treasures, perfect for both alchemy and forging." Among the cultivators, greedy whispers tainted the air, but Ning Song Wu quietly listened, a flicker of disdain sparking momentarily within her, unnoticed in her self-reflection. Ran Fan Yin frowned, murmuring, "Silence." The noise ceased instantly, as the participants realized Qing Shuang valued calm. Having already erred, they sat in anxious silence, wary of further upsetting her. Having sat there long enough, Ran Fan Yin couldn't feign patience any longer. With a stern expression, she declared, "That concludes today. My disciple and I will depart first. Please, feel free to stay." Grasping Ning Song Wu's hand, Ran Fan Yin led her away from the bustling crowd. Cen Ran reluctantly rose to handle the aftermath, "Please don't mind. Sister has been weary lately. Cangjun Mountain has prepared Bai Ling wine for friends old and new. Please, enjoy." Bai Ling wine, the finest spirit, could not only strengthen cultivation but also enhance one's constitution. Known for its rarity, members of the cultivation world could hardly obtain a drop, yet Cangjun Mountain offered it generously to guests. Discontent dissipated as the guests realized it was futile to antagonize those of higher standing. "Brother Yang, what do you think?" Gong Sun Yin asked Yang Yu, who was indulging in the wine nearby. Yang Yu set down his wine cup, his expression slightly intoxicated. "What are we to make of it? Surely you wouldn't presume to have any opinions about Qing Shuang, Brother Gong Sun?" Gong Sun Yin swirled his glass delicately, chuckling, "Certainly not. It's intriguing, though. This Yao Huang typically stays holed up in his lair and yet dared to provoke us today." Yang Yu scoffed, "Provoke us? More like embarrass himself. The current Yao Huang lacks the strength of his sister, who was, unfortunately, slain by Qing Shuang. However, his true form is a phoenix. If we could somehow control him..." He didn't finish his thought, but Gong Sun Yin understood well enough. The Yushou Sect owed its status to their ability to command the demon clans, though the ambition to control a phoenix seemed far-fetched, given the proud nature of such creatures. Gong Sun Yin merely smiled without exposing the impracticality of the idea. He turned to He Lan Mian Mian beside him, whose nod acknowledged understanding. He Lan Mian Mian's eyes followed the direction where Ran Fan Yin and Ning Song Wu had disappeared.