Because they were still two cultivators short of the hundred with different techniques, everyone could only continue waiting outside the ruins.
Many people from the Golden Dragon Market had already arrived here, but not everyone had come. There were still occasional stragglers, and each new arrival was met with the gaze of the entire crowd. Everyone wondered if this newcomer’s technique would be unique. This placed immense pressure on each arriving cultivator.
What did it feel like to arrive at a ruin and have over three thousand people, including Golden Core True Persons, all turn to stare at you at the same time?
Those with decent mental fortitude merely felt weak in the knees; those with poor mental fortitude fainted on the spot.
At this moment, Yin Mengyu’s feelings were complex.
She lingered within the crowd, hesitating.
The technique she cultivated was called the “Clear Moon Sword Art,” a legacy of her former family, utterly unavailable on the open market. It could be considered a truly unique technique.
But during the earlier survey of cultivation techniques, she hadn’t told the truth. For safety’s sake, she had claimed to cultivate the “Flowing Water Heart Method.” Because the spiritual power of the “Clear Moon Sword Art” bore some resemblance to the “Flowing Water Heart Method” in certain aspects, she had successfully slipped through. However, this now left her in an awkward position.
With a one-of-a-kind technique, she could have secured an entire share of Divine Medicine for herself. But now, she might only receive a few hundredths of a share.
The difference between the two outcomes was like heaven and earth.
‘Had I known the rules for obtaining the Divine Medicine were like this, I wouldn’t have lied. Is it too late to correct myself now?’
Yin Mengyu was a little nervous.
She didn’t know how the Blazing Heaven Sect would react to being told she had lied. Would they be displeased with her?
But to say nothing and simply accept a few hundredths of the Divine Medicine—was that really the right choice?
She wasn’t someone without ambition. On the contrary, she urgently desired to increase her cultivation. She had a goal to pursue, and an opportunity for rapid advancement was laid out before her. How could she let it slip by?
After much deliberation, Yin Mengyu made her decision.
She would take a small risk.
However, Yin Mengyu didn’t go to the Blazing Heaven Sect’s side. Instead, she went over to the Qixi Festival Sect and flew up to Tong Shishi.
As she approached, Tong Shishi immediately looked at her.
Tong Shishi asked, “Is there something you need?”
After a moment’s thought, Yin Mengyu said, a little embarrassed, “Um, I’m very interested in the Qixi Festival Sect’s philosophy of mutual support. Do you think I could join the Qixi Festival Sect?”
Tong Shishi’s eyes immediately lit up. “The Qixi Festival Sect is certainly recruiting. However, we will need to investigate your past. If you aren’t someone with problematic ties, then we would welcome you very much.”
She assessed Yin Mengyu, noting her Late Foundation Establishment cultivation. Having such a capable person truly join the Qixi Festival Sect would naturally be a great thing.
Yin Mengyu also sighed in relief upon hearing this. Her past wasn’t something shameful.
Tong Shishi then took out a brush and paper. “Miss, could you tell me about yourself?”
Yin Mengyu was a bit tense. “Of course.”
She recounted her background and history, allowing Tong Shishi to record it.
As Tong Shishi wrote, she was somewhat surprised. “You actually come from Alioth Prefecture? That’s quite far away.”
Yin Mengyu’s gaze was complex. “I come from the Yin Family of Alioth Prefecture. However, the Yin Family was wiped out a few years ago. I suppose I’m a fugitive who escaped. I have some enemies, but they can only act with impunity within Alioth Prefecture. Their reach doesn’t extend outward.”
Tong Shishi noted everything down and said, “Verifying your identity might take a bit more time, since you come from Alioth Prefecture.”
Yin Mengyu pursed her lips and nodded. “I understand.”
Tong Shishi smiled. “I’m glad you understand. Before your identity is confirmed, you may stay with our Qixi Festival Sect for the time being. It’s just that until we are certain you pose no risk, people might be a little guarded around you.”
Yin Mengyu showed her understanding. “That’s fine. Just having a place to stay is enough. But, Sect Master, there’s another rather awkward issue I need to bring up.”
Tong Shishi was curious. “What issue?”
Yin Mengyu’s expression grew awkward. “Well, my Yin Family has a hereditary technique called the ‘Clear Moon Sword Art,’ which I cultivate. When I was fleeing in Alioth Prefecture, to prevent my enemies from finding me, I always told outsiders that I cultivated the ‘Flowing Water Heart Method’ as a cover. After leaving Alioth Prefecture, I continued saying this for safety, as possessing a rare technique could also attract unwanted attention. Because I’ve said it so often, during the earlier survey, I habitually said ‘Flowing Water Heart Method’ too. So… um…”
The more Yin Mengyu spoke, the more embarrassed she became.
Tong Shishi was momentarily speechless but understood Yin Mengyu’s meaning.
She said helplessly, “I understand your situation now. But since your technique is different, you’ll need to prove it. Once confirmed, we can record it properly.”
Yin Mengyu asked nervously, “I won’t be punished?”
Tong Shishi laughed. “What kind of matter is this? How could we possibly punish you for something like this? It’s just that from now on, since you’re joining the Qixi Festival Sect, trust us a little more.”
She could naturally tell that Yin Mengyu hadn’t misspoken accidentally; it was purely out of caution.
If this person had truly traveled the great distance from Alioth Prefecture to here, she must have witnessed the deceit and bloodshed rampant in the Cultivation World. Being cautious was perfectly normal and not something to be blamed for.
Yin Mengyu felt relieved and increasingly felt that the Qixi Festival Sect was a place well-suited for her.
Having traveled so many places, seen so many sights, and witnessed so much bloodshed, she felt it was time to find a suitable place to rest and recuperate. The Qixi Festival Sect seemed perfect.
Next, Yin Mengyu demonstrated her technique, the “Clear Moon Sword Art.” Although the spiritual power condensed by this technique was somewhat similar to that of the “Flowing Water Heart Method,” a careful examination could still detect the difference. Thus, this point was confirmed.
After confirming this, Tong Shishi went to inform Zhang Yongchang. Zhang Yongchang glanced at Yin Mengyu with surprise, then publicly announced the result.
With that, they were only one person short.
Yin Mengyu moved directly into the ranks of the Qixi Festival Sect and said to Tong Shishi beside her, “Sect Master, since we’re only one person short, can we make use of those from the Cloud Net Sect?”
Tong Shishi was taken aback. “The Cloud Net Sect?”
Yin Mengyu nodded. “Yes! Because the Cloud Net Sect offended us, their Golden Core True Persons are imprisoned, and their disciples below Golden Core are cowering in a corner, not daring to move or speak. They didn’t come to report their techniques earlier. I think, can we use them to help open the ruins? Worst case, we just won’t give them any Divine Medicine.”
