34 - A Sect Leader’s Ascension

Within the Beast-Taming Sect, numerous large, domesticated spiritual beasts are roaming freely, highly aggressive towards any non-sect cultivators. Hence, outside cultivators never dare to recklessly fly into its territory. They can only linger at the boundary, using special signaling fireworks while awaiting a disciple from the sect to escort them. Sure enough, after not too long, a Beast-Taming Sect cultivator riding a vicious bird of prey came to escort them. Upon revealing his intentions, the cultivator was straightforward, inviting him to sit on the back of the fierce bird and fly directly to the location of Zhao Liangde. This was Qi Xiu's first time witnessing a world beyond the domain of the Daoist sects. Although the Southern Chu Sect didn’t don Daoist robes, their traditions were much the same as the authentic Dao sect of the Qi Yun School, so there didn’t appear to be much difference. But stepping into the Beast-Taming Sect was truly shocking for him. In broad daylight, he encountered a man and a woman flying alongside him. The woman wore a revealing garb made of animal skin, her skin the color of wheat, and her slender waist was exposed. She wore no shoes or socks, her bare feet exuding a wild hint of sensuality. The man dressed only in a patterned animal skin skirt, his skin dark and muscles bulging, appeared more like a seasoned hunter than a cultivator. His firm chest pressed against the woman’s back, the two shared an intimate embrace on the back of a flying beast, completely indifferent to any onlookers. This sight stirred Qi Xiu’s mind, inadvertently shaking the resolve he’d maintained for thirty years, abstaining from women. He was brought to a densely populated area rich in spiritual energy, its landscape starkly different from that of the Qi Yun sect. Everything from architecture, customs, dialect, and even the formation patterns differed greatly from his long-standing perceptions. The guiding cultivator led him directly to the great hall where Zhao Liangde resided, placing him at the back of a line of cultivators without further explanation, and then turned to leave. Curious, Qi Xiu craned his neck to view the individual seated on the main seat, clearly the person he sought. Zhao Liangde’s attire was closer to that of Daoist cultivators, dressed in a light blue long robe. His skin was fair, and he sat comfortably, tilting his head as he conversed with the cultivators beneath him. Despite his somewhat plump figure, short stature, and bright, yet small eyes, he exuded an air of cunning, his gaze darting nimbly across everyone in the great hall. The cultivators before Qi Xiu, each dressed distinctively, approached Zhao Liangde with respect, either reporting matters, presenting gifts, or submitting name cards. The queue steadily crept forward as if moving with an unspoken rhythm. “Do we really need to queue just to meet him? Such airs! The Beast-Taming Sect certainly is unique!” Qi Xiu thought to himself. The great hall was a hub of subdued chatter, with queued cultivators exchanging whispers and jokes, creating a bustling yet orderly environment. Zhao Liangde dealt with each visitor swiftly, sending them off contentedly, demonstrating his adeptness at handling affairs. Still uncomfortable in this atmosphere, Qi Xiu felt a bit restrained, exchanging mere names with a few nearby cultivators. Inconspicuous in reputation and cultivation, few took interest in him. Shuffling slowly forward, it took nearly half an hour for his turn to arrive. Qi Xiu took a deep breath, approached Zhao Liangde with due respect, introduced his background, and then mentioned his hope for guidance on surviving in the Black River area, tactfully highlighting his connection to the Southern Chu Sect and Wang Guan. He had rehearsed his speech countless times while waiting, delivering it smoothly with clarity, feeling quite satisfied with himself. Unexpectedly, Zhao Liangde’s expression turned to one of disdain. He remained silent, casting oblique glances with his sharp little eyes, as if he could peer into Qi Xiu’s every thought. “Have I perhaps offended him? Or did I unknowingly transgress during my two months in the Southern Frontier?” Qi Xiu’s heart quivered under Zhao Liangde’s scrutiny, and sensing the mocking stares from those behind, his initial confidence crumbled instantly. Using a faltering voice, he pressed on, “Uh… About this… our sect matters, please... Zhao Senior... kindly advise.” A refined maiden, standing behind Zhao Liangde and holding a palace fan, intrusively interrupted Qi Xiu, chastising, “Is this the way you seek guidance from my elder?” “With sincere intentions, uh…” Qi Xiu, in a daze, attempted to argue, but had a sudden epiphany regarding the maiden's insinuation and Zhao Liangde’s reputation. Hastily, he fished out an item from his pouch. “I wasn’t aware of Senior’s preferences as this is my first visit. In my rush, I haven’t brought any specialties, but I hope this small token will serve as a proper greeting.” The graceful maiden stepped forward and took the item, presenting it to Zhao Liangde. Weighing it appreciatively in his hand, Zhao Liangde’s demeanor shifted to a beaming smile, as he asked, “Are you the newly appointed head of the Chu Qin Sect at Black River?” “Indeed.” Qi Xiu heaved a sigh of relief; the old man’s reputation for greed wasn’t unfounded, changing his expression swiftly over a gift. The item he presented was a Ten Directions Storage Pouch purchased from Qi Nan City, used for carrying formation tools, worth the equivalent of an entire third-tier spirit stone, comparable to a Foundation Establishment Pill. Presently, the Chu Qin Sect only had five of such third-tier spirit stones left—one given to Zhang Shishi, another to Zhan Yuan, while Qi Xiu carried the remaining three. Such an expensive gift seemed effective. “Hehehe, trying to find a livelihood in the Black River, that’s tough... nothing grows there...” Zhao Liangde smiled while speaking, observing Qi Xiu, a cultivator of low cultivation and average demeanor, yet surprisingly generous with his offering. Once it’s in Zhao Liangde’s hands, there’s no point in returning it. “Oh well!” he turned to the maiden who interrupted earlier, “Go and fetch me the fifth booklet from the left, on the third shelf in my study.” The maiden gracefully complied, turned, and walked inside, only for Zhao Liangde to give her a playful smack on her shapely rear. She cast him an alluring glance like a feigned scolding, while the old man chuckled heartily, prompting Qi Xiu to divert his gaze elsewhere. Soon she returned, carrying a thin book with a beast-skin cover. Zhao Liangde took it, opened it, and picked up a wooden slip from his desk, noting something while reading. After about a quarter of an hour, he finally raised his head, handing the wooden slip to Qi Xiu, “The Black River area is barren, with scarce living creatures within. I’m giving you a guide to cultivate something there; take it back and consider it carefully. If willing, try raising it. Should it yield results, our Beast-Taming Sect guarantees to purchase everything, and you won’t be cheated.” Qi Xiu was overjoyed, hurriedly expressing his gratitude as he stepped forward to receive it. (To be continued)