Chapter Eleven: Three Veins and Four Paths

Liang Yan followed Lin Fei into the valley, where the mountains were clear and the waters pure, iridescent clouds drifting gently across the sky. All sorts of buildings, each with its own unique character, were half-hidden amid the streams and peaks, seemingly scattered without order, yet together evoking the sense of a hidden paradise, a world apart from the mundane.

At that moment, Lin Fei turned to him and said, “Every year in the second month, our sect holds a selection test for outer disciples. The time for this year’s recruitment has already passed. However, I happen to be on my way to report to the Pavilion Master, so I’ll take you along. If the Pavilion Master agrees, it will be no trouble for you to be admitted to the sect.”

Liang Yan, of course, had no objections, and under Lin Fei’s guidance, he walked deeper into the valley.

After about the time it takes to burn an incense stick, they passed through a lotus pond, and a stately, ancient building rose before their eyes. Unlike the ornate mansions of the mundane world, it radiated a quiet dignity and grandeur that inspired awe at first glance. Above the main entrance hung a plaque bearing three characters: “Council Pavilion.” Liang Yan surmised silently that the materials used for this structure were surely not of the mortal world.

Lin Fei straightened his robes with a respectful expression and led everyone inside.

There, more than a dozen people already stood waiting in the spacious hall. Liang Yan looked around and saw that most of them were at the Foundation Establishment stage; only four had cultivation he could not see through. He thought to himself, “The old monk’s techniques are decent, but my strength is too low. At best, I can see through Foundation Establishment cultivations. Anything higher is beyond me. These four must have already broken through to the legendary Gathering Essence stage.”

As this thought crossed his mind, he suddenly felt a cold gaze sweep over him. Only then did he notice a woman seated at the back of the hall. She appeared to be about twenty-seven or twenty-eight, dressed in purple robes and skirt, her expression noble and cold, her eyes icy and intimidating. As her gaze swept over him, cold sweat broke out on the back of his neck—it was as if all his secrets were laid bare before her.

“How formidable—she’s definitely not comparable to the others here. Her cultivation must already surpass the Gathering Essence stage.” With this realization, Liang Yan lowered his head and dared not meet her eyes.

At that moment, a middle-aged man in grey robes spoke up: “Lin Fei, you’re quite bold. Today is the agreed day to report back to the sect. All those responsible for the regional exchange meetings have already gathered, yet you’re the only one late. Are you making everyone wait for you?”

Liang Yan followed the sound and saw that the speaker was one of the four whose cultivation he could not perceive. The purple-robed woman at the head of the hall also turned her gaze to Lin Fei inquiringly.

Lin Fei bowed respectfully to her and said, “Reporting to the Pavilion Master, it was not my intention to delay. I brought a junior with me on the journey, and could not fly too quickly using an artifact, hence the late return. I ask for your forgiveness.”

At these words, all eyes in the hall turned to Liang Yan; obviously, the junior Lin Fei mentioned was none other than him.

The purple-robed woman remained silent, her gaze lingering briefly on Liang Yan before returning to Lin Fei, clearly waiting for him to continue.

Lin Fei went on, “Some years ago, while I was training in the Mangyun Mountains, I was beset by several six-clawed Night Wolves and poisoned by their venom. Fortunately, a senior passed by and saved my life, removing the poison. Had it not been for him, even if I survived, my cultivation would likely never have progressed. During the recent Cuishan Auction, that senior sought me out and asked that I introduce this youth to our sect. The favor I owe is great; I could not refuse. I hope the Pavilion Master will understand.”

The woman’s expression remained cold and indifferent; she merely nodded slightly and said, “So that’s the connection.”

Lin Fei quickly turned to Liang Yan and said, “Liang Yan, why aren’t you paying your respects to the Pavilion Master?”

Liang Yan stepped forward and bowed deeply, his voice ringing out clearly, “Disciple Liang Yan pays his respects to the Pavilion Master!”

“There’s no need for that.” The purple-robed woman did not even look at him, her tone frosty as she spoke to Lin Fei: “A mere mixed five-element spiritual root, and you wish to recommend him to my pavilion? Does that senior you speak of take the Yi Xing Pavilion for a dumping ground? Is anyone fit to join?”

At these words, a surge of anger flared in Liang Yan’s mind. By nature, he was proud and unruly; on any other day, he might have snapped back. But here, surrounded by powerful cultivators who could crush him with a flick of the finger, he could only grit his teeth and swallow the fury, barely restraining himself. Even Lin Fei looked embarrassed.

Fortunately, the purple-robed woman continued, “However, every cause has its effect. Since that person once saved our pavilion’s disciple, to give him no face at all would be laughable in the eyes of outsiders.” She turned her gaze to Liang Yan.

Sensing a turn in his fate, Liang Yan held his breath and waited.

Sure enough, the woman said slowly, “Your spiritual roots are hopelessly mixed; you’ll be lucky to break through to the third level of Qi Refining in this life. However, our Yi Xing Pavilion has three branches and four arts. If you feel you have talent in any of these, you may choose one and become a menial disciple for six years. If, after six years, you can prove your value to the sect, you may be admitted to the outer sect and enjoy its resources. If not, you will leave.”

Without waiting for Liang Yan’s answer, she waved to the beautiful woman in blue who had accompanied them, an obvious look of impatience on her face.

The blue-robed woman understood and bowed, then escorted Liang Yan out of the hall.

Liang Yan said nothing until they had left the building and stood beneath the blue sky. Only then did he let out a long breath, his heart unsettled.

Seeing his demeanor, the blue-robed woman said, “Don’t take it too hard. The world of cultivation values strength above all; the strong are respected. To be honest, though your aptitude is poor, having the sect’s shelter here is still better than suffering in the mundane world.”

Liang Yan listened, not particularly moved, but understanding she meant well, so he expressed his thanks: “Thank you for your advice. Could I ask, what are the three branches and four arts the Pavilion Master mentioned?”

The woman smiled slightly. “No need to call me ‘senior.’ Now that you’re in the sect, even as a menial disciple, you may call me Aunt Zhou. As for the three branches and four arts: the three branches are Alchemy, Talismans, and Formations. The four arts are music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.”

“So that’s how it is!” Liang Yan looked enlightened but pondered silently, “That old witch said I must prove my worth to the sect in six years to enter as a formal disciple. The four arts all focus on self-cultivation; in terms of contributing to the sect, they can’t compare to alchemists, talisman masters, or formation masters. I heard from the old monk that alchemists must refine their own spiritual fire, and the entry requirements are extremely high—six years probably isn’t enough for me. As for talisman masters, they require a calm and tranquil heart, which isn’t my strength. It seems my only option is to try formation arts.”

Having made up his mind, Liang Yan said, “Aunt Zhou, I would like to join the Formation Branch.”

Aunt Zhou gave him a rather odd look, hesitated, then explained, “It's your choice, but since you’re Lin Fei’s junior, I’ll be honest with you. Though our Pavilion’s founder was famed for both chess and formations, after a thousand years, the formation branch has fallen into decline. Few now can master it. The formation branch is sparse, much less influential than alchemy or talisman branches. If I were you, I’d reconsider.”

“So that’s how things stand...” Liang Yan paused, then said, “Aunt Zhou, my mind is made up; I’m truly interested in formations. Please let me join.”

“Very well,” Aunt Zhou sighed. “Come with me.”

...

Within the valley of Yi Xing Pavilion, nestled in a secluded apricot grove, stood a pavilion with red bricks and green tiles, simple and elegant in structure. From each of the eight corners of the eaves hung a bell, which chimed melodiously in the breeze, like orioles and swallows dancing.

In front of the pavilion sat a large yellowwood table, on which sprawled a middle-aged man in yellow robes, broad-nosed and thick-lipped, with a notably high forehead, fast asleep.

Suddenly, his large ears twitched. He raised his head and looked out; at the end of the apricot-lined path, a man and a woman approached—it was Liang Yan and Aunt Zhou.

Startled, the yellow-robed man leaped up and hurried over, bowing to Aunt Zhou. “Menial disciple steward pays his respects to Aunt Zhou. I didn’t know you’d be visiting—please forgive my poor welcome...”

“That’s enough,” Aunt Zhou interrupted impatiently. “I’ve brought him to join the formation branch as a menial disciple.” She pointed at Liang Yan.

The man paused, then looked Liang Yan up and down. “So our formation branch has a new menial disciple. Don’t worry, Aunt Zhou, I’ll get him started right away.”

Aunt Zhou nodded, raised her hand, and a sheepskin scroll flew into Liang Yan’s hands. She told him, “From now on, you are a menial disciple of the formation branch. This is the sect map. Tomorrow morning, report to the Etiquette Pavilion and the Law Pavilion to register and receive the sect’s rules manual. You must strictly obey the rules. If you violate them, the law enforcement disciples will deal with you. Understand?”

Liang Yan’s expression grew solemn. “I understand.”

Aunt Zhou, now satisfied, turned and left.

The man, surnamed Wang, watched her leave before turning to Liang Yan. The warmth vanished from his face, replaced with a stern look. “What’s your name? Any family, elders, or siblings in the sect?”

Liang Yan was taken aback, but replied honestly, “My name is Liang Yan. I have no relatives cultivating in the sect.”

A trace of disdain flickered in Wang’s eyes. He pulled a wooden token from his sleeve, infused it with spiritual power as he wrote, then retrieved a seal from the table and stamped the token before tossing it to Liang Yan.

“This is your menial disciple identity token. Starting tomorrow, report here every morning. You’re to chop fifty bundles of spirit wood, fetch ten barrels of water from the spirit spring, and then clean the library behind me. Fail to complete your tasks, and you’ll be punished. Remember, my name is Wang Yuan, and I’m in charge of everything here. Understood?”

Liang Yan took the token—it was a plain piece of wood, with “menial disciple” carved on the back, his name on the front, and a dark red seal below. He thought, “So much for a cultivator’s token—how ordinary.”

Still, he bowed and said, “I will do my best to fulfill my duties.”

“Good,” Wang Yuan continued, “There’s a residence in the northwest corner of the apricot grove for menial disciples. Use your token to enter. Choose any vacant room for yourself.” With that, he returned to his table and closed his eyes to rest.

Liang Yan put away his token, bade Wang Yuan farewell, and walked northwest. Soon he saw a gray-brown compound with around ten rooms. Having practiced the “Wandering Mist Technique” for years, his senses were keener than most. From a distance, he saw that only two rooms had closed doors; the rest were wide open and empty. He couldn’t help but smile wryly.

“It seems the formation branch truly has declined.”