Chapter 28: The Apprentice Ceremony (Part 1) Part 3

“Hello, Eldest Senior Sister.” Stiff and proper, he kept his head low, holding out a fruit basket with both hands. “This is fruit my Shizun instructed me to bring.”

During the day, he had knelt behind his Shizun. Although he had still towered a head above others then, it hadn’t seemed this absurd.

Now, upon closer inspection, he had to be over two meters tall.

Yun Jinxue had to crane her neck up to an uncomfortable degree just to properly see his face.

But that was too tiring. She stepped back one pace and lowered her head, which was much better.

“Welcome. Please thank Second Elder for me when you return.” Yun Jinxue accepted the fruit basket and noticed he was trembling minutely.

She recalled a setting from the original novel. Despite his cold and cool exterior, this Leng Enshuo was essentially a super-ultimate mega-social-anxious-introvert!

Such a tall youth, yet afraid of meeting strangers. His current composure was entirely an act.

Observing his seemingly calm and wise expression while imagining the sheer cowering terror in his heart, Yun Jinxue found it somewhat amusing.

“Go on to the Rear Cliff and sit down to rest for a while.”

Leng Enshuo gave a deep bow, then placed a hand on the top of the doorframe as he entered and fled the scene at extremely high speed.

Behind him followed a tall girl with single-lidded eyes and a somewhat indifferent air.

Yun Jinxue thought to herself: Do all cultivators just grow exceptionally tall?

The girl clutched a live chicken, which was clucking frantically, her expression completely neutral in stark contrast to the bird’s hysterics.

“Hello, Eldest Senior Sister. This is a chicken my Shizun told me to bring. She asked me to say that she raised it herself, the meat quality is excellent, and you absolutely must eat it.”

This person was Qiao Yushan’s disciple, Wu Feiran. Her personality was the polar opposite of her Shizun’s—a woman of few words, but a formidable fighter, a complete martial arts fanatic.

So cool, Yun Jinxue thought. A tall, cool beauty!

She was just about to take the chicken when an adorable young girl poked her head out from behind Wu Feiran. She wore twin-tails, little bells tied to her hairbands, jingling with every slight movement.

When this girl smiled, it was like watching a plump, multi-petaled flower blossom in an instant, bringing pure delight to the eye, so much so one could almost smell its fragrance.

“My Shizun told me to bring my stomach and completely freeload off Eldest Senior Sister’s food!”

Yun Jinxue couldn’t help laughing. “Your Shizun barely even speaks a few words. This is clearly your own idea.”

The young girl giggled. “You caught me, Eldest Senior Sister.”

This was precisely the Fifth Elder’s disciple, Tong Rong.

Despite her innocent, adorable appearance, she was, like her Shizun, a master poison user.

Underestimating her would not end well.

Everyone now assembled, they all headed to the Rear Cliff and sat down on that large bed. Yun Jinxue introduced, “You probably haven’t formally met yet. This is Yan Guixing, and this is Jiang Yanyu.”

Yan Guixing bowed politely according to proper etiquette.

Jiang Yanyu swept her ambiguous gaze over the group and smiled. “As expected of the Elders’ disciples, you all have extraordinary bearing.”

The ultimate social-anxious introvert, Leng Enshuo, began avoiding eye contact, staring at a single drop of water sliding down an apple in the fruit basket.

Tong Rong collapsed sideways into Wu Feiran’s arms, plucking a grape to eat. “Putting everything else aside, you two are both absolutely stunning.”

Yun Jinxue’s lips curved up. Why did this feel even better than being praised herself?

Tuo Xingfeng sat cross-legged on the edge of the bed, his back straight, his features clear and bright. Smiling, he asked, “Eldest Senior Sister, you wanted us to talk about the details of the Apprentice Ceremony?”

Yun Jinxue said, “Yes, thank you all for your trouble.”

Tuo Xingfeng said, “It’s no trouble at all. It’s only right.”

He adjusted his sleeves and pulled out a small handbook from within his robes. It seemed quite old; the pages were yellowed but well-preserved, without damage.

“Back when I came to participate in the Apprentice Ceremony, a senior Inner Sect Disciple at the time was distributing this little guidebook of things to note. Its contents are still largely applicable, so I brought it along.”

Yun Jinxue inwardly marveled: As expected of the Great Elder’s disciple, he’s meticulous and reliable.

And so, Tuo Xingfeng began his slow explanation from the very beginning. The other Elders’ disciples chimed in from the side with supplementary points. The two young women listened attentively, nodding occasionally.

Their explanations were very detailed, so it took a while. Yun Jinxue grew somewhat bored and looked at the Little Female Lead sitting cross-legged beside her.

That small, snow-white ear was delicate and lovely. Her black hair cascaded like a waterfall, sleek and beautiful.

Her hands grew a little itchy. Yun Jinxue lifted a few strands of hair and began recalling the technique, weaving a small braid.

Yan Guixing sensed what she was doing and leaned back slightly to give her easier access.

Jiang Yanyu swept an apparently casual glance their way, then withdrew her gaze.

By the time Tuo Xingfeng had finished explaining everything, the fruit basket was nearly empty. The old tree had shaken loose quite a few leaves, which now rested on everyone’s knees and shoulders, scattered all over the bed.

Tuo Xingfeng closed the little booklet. “Did you both understand clearly?”

Just as Yan Guixing was about to nod, she remembered her hair was still in the hands of the person behind her. She simply said, “Understood. Many thanks, Immortal Lord.”

Tuo Xingfeng smiled. “Since you’ve already addressed Dao Rhythm Immortal Lord as Eldest Senior Sister, you can also directly call me Senior Brother. I’m confident you’ll both shine brilliantly at the Apprentice Ceremony.”

Yan Guixing said, “Thank you, Senior Brother.”

Jiang Yanyu plucked a grape, popped it into her mouth, and chewed slowly. Only when the sweetness touched her tongue did she finally ask a question.

“Senior Brother, I’d like to confirm something. The final stage of the Apprentice Ceremony involves the disciples dueling each other, correct?”

Tuo Xingfeng said, “That’s right. The victorious disciples from the trials face each other in one-on-one matches. The final rankings determine the order of choosing a Shizun.”

Jiang Yanyu turned her head to look at someone. “Then that means there’s a very real possibility the two of us will face each other on the stage.”

Tuo Xingfeng said, “Yes, it’s possible you might be matched against each other then.”

Jiang Yanyu brushed the leaves off her knees, flipped off the bed, and landed cleanly on her feet. “Then why not have a match right now?”

Yun Jinxue had just tied a ribbon onto the little braid. To avoid detection, she had only braided a single, very thin strand, which looked quite elegant and cute.

Suddenly hearing this, she froze. “Huh?”

What was just being discussed? Why were they suddenly about to fight?

Yan Guixing glanced back to confirm the braid was finished, then also got off the bed. “Alright.”

Yun Jinxue: Huh?!?!

The other disciples didn’t try to stop them. After all, sparring matches were extremely common in daily cultivation practice.

Moreover, there were so many people here watching. Even if the match got heated, they could intervene promptly. Nothing would go wrong.

To be chosen by Eldest Senior Sister to be servant disciples by her side, these two had to be somewhat different from ordinary people—especially since one of them had been rescued by the Senior Sister herself.

For a moment, the group watched the two graceful figures walk into the makeshift arena, brimming with anticipation.

The atmosphere had already reached this point, so it wasn’t convenient for Yun Jinxue to call a halt now. She could only watch the two of them with a slight headache.

Why did they want to fight at the drop of a hat?

The two stood opposing each other, both staring at one another. Not far away was the open cliff, clouds churning and a gentle breeze blowing.

Tong Rong asked, “What weapons do you two need?”

Yun Jinxue thought: Ah, weapons too? Maybe not?

Yan Guixing said, “A sword.”

Jiang Yanyu said, “A saber.”

“Ah, perfect.” Tong Rong reached out and pulled the longsword from Tuo Xingfeng’s back and the saber from Wu Feiran’s, tossing them respectively to the two.

Such primary weapons were generally considered sensitive, important items for cultivators, things others couldn’t casually touch.

But Tong Rong’s gesture, which would normally be considered overstepping, was met with no reprimand.

This was simply because the group was far too familiar with each other. They frequently visited one another and had gone on missions together, sharing many experiences—bonds that could practically be called life-and-death friendships.

Among them, there was no longer any sense of “yours” or “mine.”

Jiang Yanyu spun the long saber in a flourish, raising an eyebrow. “Who do you think is stronger, you or me?”

Yan Guixing said, “I have no intention of competing with you for who is higher or lower.”

Jiang Yanyu laughed. “Is that so? But I insist on surpassing you.”

Yan Guixing said no more, drawing the longsword with its intimidating, icy edge.

Based on experience, individuals of their age range would have some martial foundation, but wouldn’t be overly proficient. They would lack adaptability due to inexperience, yet react quickly because of their youth.

Thus, their fights were often quite entertaining to watch.

Those present had all gone through similar experiences after joining the sect—dueling before their elders. So they could guess that the two standing in the arena were likely feeling a mix of bumps and nervous tension.

But watching juniors spar was precisely about this flavor. All perked up, ready to feast their eyes.

However, the duel ended far quicker than anyone could have imagined.

At the command given by Eldest Senior Sister to start, the instant the duel began, both moved with explosive speed, charging at each other so fast that afterimages blurred.

The sound of Eldest Senior Sister’s voice shouting “Begin” hadn’t even fully faded when the crisp clang of weapons clashing rang out.

A blast of Spiritual Power erupted in the field, a brief, violent gale sweeping through. Hair and sleeves flew wildly, dust and gravel swirled up, and the old tree swayed and rustled.

Leaves from the tree cascaded down in flurries, as if a torrential rain of green descended, showering the two individuals now standing back-to-back, their positions swapped.

Yan Guixing stared at the ground, her gaze trembling.

After a long while, she raised a hand and, from within her waterfall of black hair, pinched out a single strand of hair.

The small braid Senior Sister had just made for her had been cut short by a section. The severed end was crisp and neat, faint Spiritual Power still lingering along the cut.

Yan Guixing’s hand gripping the sword tightened abruptly until it trembled. In those eyes, which had always been detached and indifferent, a flame called ambition ignited for the very first time.

Jiang Yanyu turned around, rotating her wrist to twirl the long saber in a full circle before pointing its tip at her opponent. “This is a preview. At the Apprentice Ceremony, I will defeat you once more.”

On the tip of that saber, half of the small braid hung steady and still.

Only when all the leaves had settled, blanketing the ground in emerald green, did everyone react. They burst into cheers, “What excellent skill!”

Amidst the applause and cheers, Yun Jinxue was stunned.

Was the gap in their strength really that vast?

Wasn’t the Little Villain, at this current stage, a little too unreasonably strong?

When she finally made out that half-section of braid, Yun Jinxue faintly understood the origin of this conflict.

A person who would even get jealous over a single chicken drumstick would naturally be someone who paid extreme attention to details. And recalling her actions just moments ago, there was only one possibility.

It was because she had braided the Little Female Lead’s hair, but not hers?

Oh heavens, this child! If you want something, can’t you just say it directly?! Must you resort to fighting and killing for it?!

But then again, the original novel had described her twisted, contrary personality, and also heavily emphasized that she was actually very easily satisfied and didn’t need any other rare or precious things.

What she had always wanted was to be special.

The specialness of being treated differently, the specialness of being the one and only someone remembered—even if it was just the most trivial thing.

So, it wasn’t that the chicken drumstick itself was so enticing; it was her action of proactively serving it to someone else. And it was the same now.

Yun Jinxue sighed inwardly. This willful child!

Jiang Yanyu gave a slight flick of the blade. The braid, losing support, fell toward the ground, landing amidst the fallen leaves.

The young woman in fiery red robes, vivid as a blaze, stood backed by the vast expanse of heaven and earth. She faced the wind, a smile on her lips, holding the long saber in hand—utterly unrestrained and scorchingly radiant.

Suddenly, her crimson lips moved. “Senior Sister.”

Yun Jinxue lifted her gaze. “Mm?”

Jiang Yanyu smiled. “If I can take first place at the Grand Apprentice-Making Ceremony, will you promise me one thing?”