Chapter 38: Feng Xi Writes an Essay

Everyone rose and headed to the mountain gate, where they once again took to their swords. This time, Feng Xi hitched a ride on Jun Wen’s sword, leaving the Golden-Haired Suanni behind.

Golden-Haired Suanni: ...Are you trying to welsh on our deal?!

Since Xiao Baidao had official business to attend to, Feng Xi and Jun Wen returned to their courtyard. After landing, Feng Xi pouted, "Fifth Senior Brother, our sect lacks a sense of ceremony!"

Jun Wen was puzzled, "What do you mean by 'sense of ceremony'?"

"For example, we won first place in the Sky Trace Secret Realm trial. Shouldn't the people left back at the sect hang a giant red banner, beat drums, and present us with flowers to welcome our triumphant return? Right now, nobody is here to greet us—we look like we just suffered a crushing defeat!"

Jun Wen scratched his head. "Our Xuantian Sect keeps everything simple. We’ve never held such ceremonies because they waste manpower and resources."

Feng Xi disagreed. "That’s not a waste of manpower or resources; that’s called 'sect culture'! It’s an essential tool for boosting cohesion! Only when everyone is united can the sect thrive. I’ll suggest to Master that we hold more ceremonies like this in the future. How about we start with an awards ceremony to honor the disciples who performed outstandingly in the Sky Trace Secret Realm?"

Jun Wen: ...So, after all that talk, your goal was just to get Master to hold a sect assembly to honor you? And, of course, me!

Upon realizing he would be included, Jun Wen nodded like a woodpecker. "Right, right, right! Junior Sister, you are absolutely correct! Our Xuantian Sect isn't as poor as it used to be; we really should have some of that 'sense of ceremony'! I completely support your idea!"

After chatting for a while, they returned to their respective quarters. Feng Xi first checked on the little black ball, which had said it needed to sleep after leaving the secret realm, yet it hadn't woken up since. Seeing it was still asleep, she ignored it and began drafting a "little essay" for the old devil, Xue Tianjue.

"My Lord, thanks to my unremitting efforts, the trip to the Sky Trace Secret Realm has been very fruitful. I have won over Liu Shaobai and Song Yudie of the Ten Thousand Sword Sect, and Yuan Zongheng and Xing Wu of the Beast Taming Sect. Using my silver tongue, I convinced them to join me in severely wounding Lu Xiu-han, the direct disciple of the Hunyuan Sect. I also stirred up their dissatisfaction with Shen Zhilan. Shen Zhilan has a top-tier water spirit root and is the most favored direct disciple among the four major sects. She must be destroyed so she doesn't become a sharp claw for the human race! Furthermore, because the Hunyuan Sect only placed fourth this time, they are disgruntled and will eventually cause trouble for the Xuantian Sect. Then, we can sit back and watch the dogs bite each other..."

Because the message was so long, she had to send it in ten separate parts. About a quarter of an hour later, Xue Tianjue replied.

"What you have done is not yet enough to earn my trust. I want to see how you perform next."

His tone was much softer than before, showing that he had dispelled most of his suspicions. Feng Xi curled her lips; the old loach had finally taken the bait!

"My Lord, rest assured, I will continue to work hard. I will dedicate my life to you and the Demon Race until my last breath! By the way, My Lord, I specially hid two high-grade spiritual plants from the secret realm. When we have a chance to meet, I will personally offer them to you!"

Xue Tianjue's reply was even milder this time. "I have no use for such things. Keep them for yourself!"

Feng Xi blew a bit more smoke up his sleeve before putting away the Blood Demon token.

The little black ball, still drowsy, had vaguely heard the "dialogue" between Feng Xi and Xue Tianjue. It was stunned! It couldn't figure out who Feng Xi really was. Was she a spy for the Demon Race within the human ranks? If so, why did she refuse to let demonic energy enter her body? But if she wasn't a spy, what was she doing? However, sleepiness overcame it quickly, and it drifted back into a deep slumber.

Feng Xi freshened up and began taking inventory of her storage ring. The most valuable items were the high-grade spiritual plants she had brought out of the secret realm. According to Xuantian Sect rules, spoils obtained from a secret realm belonged to the individual, as they were considered personal fortune. However, since the sect’s quota was used, a fixed fee had to be paid. Feng Xi had intended to pay, but Xiao Baidao had refused, as she hadn't actually occupied a sect slot; she had been sucked into the realm by accident. Feng Xi didn't press the issue; the fee wasn't much, and she could always find a chance to give some high-grade plants to Xiao Baidao later.

The next morning, Feng Xi rose early to pay her respects to Xiao Baidao. Jun Wen also arrived to do the same. Xiao Baidao looked deeply gratified; ever since he took in his youngest disciple, even his unreliable fifth disciple had become sensible.

After the three of them chatted for a while, Feng Xi sneakily took out dozens of high-grade spiritual plants, all of which were Earth-tier. "Master, these are my tribute to you!"

Xiao Baidao was shocked! The Xuantian Sect had primarily relied on ten Earth-tier spiritual plants to secure first place, and now his youngest disciple was gifting him... dozens?

After the shock subsided, he said sternly, "Master doesn't need these. Keep them for yourself. Remember, don't flash your wealth; don't show off to others, or you might invite disaster." He then turned to look at Jun Wen. "I trust Xiao Xi, but it’s that big mouth of yours I’m worried about! If you dare to go out and blabber, I’ll break your legs!"

Jun Wen: ...Why is it always me who gets hurt?!

Feng Xi smiled and said, "Master, we know what we're doing; we won't talk about it. Just take them; I still have plenty!"

Xiao Baidao couldn't refuse any longer and accepted them. The old man was delighted; the monetary value of the plants was secondary—what mattered was his disciple's filial piety. He felt that taking Feng Xi as a disciple was the best decision he had ever made.

After their moment of warmth, Xiao Baidao said, "Xiao Xi, your dantian's injuries have healed significantly. As long as you don't exert too much spiritual energy, you will be fine. From today on, go to the Dharma Hall for classes. Once you have mastered the basics, I will teach you personally." He glared at Jun Wen. "You go too, and straighten out your attitude!"

Jun Wen: ...I shouldn't have come today!

Once out of the courtyard, Jun Wen said with a bitter face, "Junior Sister, those elders at the Dharma Hall are experts at tormenting people. We're in for it now!"

Feng Xi was quite excited. Having transmigrated, she understood many things only superficially; receiving a systematic education was exactly what she needed. She gave a perfunctory reply, not taking his worries to heart. Jun Wen watched her carefree demeanor and mentally lit a candle for her.

The two soon arrived at the Dharma Hall on the Middle Peak. It wasn't just for disciples of the Middle Peak; all inner disciples of the Xuantian Sect could attend classes there. Except for a few mandatory sessions, most disciples arranged their own schedules. Feng Xi and Jun Wen fell into the "mandatory" category, as specifically instructed by Xiao Baidao.

Xiao Baidao originally hadn't expected much from Feng Xi, wishing only for her to live a good life. But the trip to the Sky Trace Secret Realm had given him hope. He wanted to give her a push. If she could build a solid foundation, her cultivation would soar once her dantian was completely healed.