World of Cultivation Four Absurdity

The first rays of dawn pierced the retreating darkness, the sun ascending in its crimson glory. As its light filtered into the seclusion room, Zuo Mo's slender fingers suddenly shimmered with a golden hue!

He held his index finger before his blood-veined eyes, a golden aura seemingly encasing it. The usually impassive Zuo Mo's eyes held a look of intoxication. As the sunlight shifted, it revealed the finger's true appearance: a layer of faint, aged golden energy now swirled around it.

Just then, a series of melodious chimes rang out five times, echoing across the mountains. The golden light on Zuo Mo's finger flickered, and the aged golden energy dissipated abruptly.

Zuo Mo leaped from the ground, his appearance disheveled. "Damn it!" It was already morning. Disregarding the gnawing hunger, he bolted out of the room like the wind.

At this moment, an observer from above Wu Kong Mountain would have witnessed hundreds of figures streaming from their dwellings, all converging toward a single location.

Cursing the rule that prohibited outer sect disciples from flying within the mountain ranges, Zuo Mo’s feet pounded the earth as he sprinted.

The Hall of Hearing Principles was situated on Cow Horn Peak, a mountain named for its distinctive shape.

When Zuo Mo burst into the Hall of Hearing Principles, many individuals were already seated. He quickly found an empty mat and began gasping for air.

At the forefront, a young man was seated. Around twenty years old, his face was like polished jade, his eyes like piercing stars, radiating an imposing aura. He wore a simple dark blue robe. Amidst the dozens of others present, he stood out like a crane among chickens.

This was Xu Yue, ranked third among the inner sect disciples and typically tasked with instructing outer sect disciples. A disciple of Master Xin Yan, he possessed the most exceptional talent for forging among the inner sect disciples. Beyond his skills, he had a vast repository of knowledge on various miscellaneous subjects.

Ding!

A jade bell on the table chimed, its pure tone resonating and spreading, revitalizing Zuo Mo’s mind and dispelling the fatigue from his all-night vigil.

This Green Water Jade Bell Set, belonging to Senior Disciple Brother Xu Yue, was one of the talismans Zuo Mo most coveted. The stand was crafted from red copper, holding seven green bells arranged by size. Intricate, ant-like seal characters adorned each bell, and a verdant light pulsed alluringly from them.

Each bell possessed a distinct effect. The one that had just rung was the [Great Clear Sound Incantation].

Zuo Mo could only gaze with envy. The creation of this exquisite set of green jade bells had consumed an immense amount of Senior Disciple Brother Xu Yue's time and effort. None of the other senior disciples possessed such a treasure.

Senior Disciple Brother Xu Yue was highly esteemed by the outer sect disciples. Which other senior disciple would employ the [Great Clear Sound Incantation] to aid their focus?

With a sweep of his sleeve, Xu Yue caused the doors of the Hall of Hearing Principles to swing shut with a resounding boom.

Zuo Mo's gaze, however, remained fixed on the various artifacts displayed on the desk before his senior disciple brother. Alongside the green jade bells, a collection of other curious objects lay scattered.

"Forging?" Zuo Mo’s heart leaped with joy. He had been a disciple of the Wu Kong Sword Sect for two years, yet he had never once heard Senior Disciple Brother San speak of forging.

Periodically, Senior Disciple Brother San would impart certain cultivation techniques to the disciples. This was one of the privileges afforded to outer sect disciples, and many joined the sect precisely to acquire these methods, hoping to secure favorable positions upon leaving.

Zuo Mo was one such individual. With a mere seventh-level Qi Refining cultivation, his job prospects were limited. However, proficiency in the third level of the [Little Art of Cloud and Rain] would guarantee him a decent position in any farm or medicine garden. Tian Yu Jie might not boast many exports, but its favorable climate and abundant spiritual energy supported numerous farms and medicine gardens.

Scriptures enhanced spiritual energy and cultivation, which required resources and accumulation. Spirit veins, spirit medicines, and spirit stones could all accelerate one's cultivation. In their absence, progress relied solely on the slow accumulation of time.

Spells, on the other hand, represented the application of spiritual energy, necessitating instruction and comprehension. While rare geniuses could comprehend these arts independently, for ordinary individuals, receiving guidance was the more practical path.

Certain major sects imposed restrictions on disciples learning arts before they reached the Foundation Establishment stage, viewing cultivation as the most fundamental aspect.

But for typical cultivators, the path of cultivation was merely an illusion. Without spiritual veins, spiritual medicine, or spirit stones, such things were beyond their reach. In contrast, learning spells seemed more attainable. One could secure a decent job, earn a respectable income, and not only ensure their own livelihood but also make the path of cultivation less arduous for their descendants.

“You have spent a considerable amount of time within this Sect. I am aware of the immense effort and hardship you have endured. You must persist in your cultivation and refrain from neglecting it, as this will greatly aid your future prospects. Your endeavors will not be in vain. As for cultivation through scriptures, I won't elaborate further; there's little to discuss on that front. Should your performance this year be exceptional, I shall naturally impart high-level scriptures to you.

Today, however, I will focus on two methods of forging talismans: the first is the Spiritual Exciting Hoe, and the second is the Needle and Thread Sucking Pouch.

The Spiritual Exciting Hoe is an indispensable talisman for tending to the spiritual fields. It invigorates the spiritual energy within, facilitating the absorption of energy by the spiritual plants. The Needle and Thread Sucking Pouch, on the other hand, is used to extract the sap from these plants. Remember, you must promptly submit the extracted sap. Otherwise, once the spiritual energy dissipates, you will forfeit any contribution points.

Pay close attention. I shall impart this knowledge only once today......”

Xu Yue shixiong spoke with plain clarity, his words infused with a spirit that resonated deeply, convincing all who listened.

Zuo Mo listened with utmost concentration. This was his very first encounter with the subject of forging, and he feared missing even a single word.

When Xu Yue shixiong concluded his lecture, six hours had passed. Having foregone sleep all night and focused intently for six hours, Zuo Mo's chest felt as though it were pressing against his back. He hurried back to his courtyard, searching for anything to quell his hunger.

Before he could even wipe his mouth, a sudden beam of sword light descended from the heavens, piercing Zuo Mo's yard. The protective jinzhi surrounding the area offered no resistance, shattering instantly.

A man with a frigid expression materialized before Zuo Mo.

Zuo Mo swallowed the curse that had risen to his lips, his heart pounding erratically. Why had this harbinger of death appeared?

Before he could even offer a bow, he heard the other man's cold snort: “You are Zuo Mo?”

“Zuo Mo greets Luo Li shixiong!” Zuo Mo’s voice was steeped in respect as he performed a deep bow. Luo Li shixiong, though ranked fourth among the inner Sect disciples, possessed the most profound cultivation among this generation. His inherent disposition was aloof, and he was a fervent devotee of cultivation. His innate talents were exceptional, and he was the sole disciple of the second generation to have achieved the [Empty Sword], widely recognized as the most promising individual in two hundred years to master the Sect's ultimate technique, the [Void Sword].

Equally renowned as his innate talents and formidable power was his volatile temperament. He was tasked with overseeing a mine for the Sect. According to circulated rumors, any slight transgression or non-compliance from the servant cultivators working there resulted in their immediate demise at his hand.

Luo Li, displaying typical disinterest in conversation, suddenly appeared behind Zuo Mo. He lifted him by the collar and ascended into the sky.

Although Zuo Mo had previously referred to himself as the foremost among outer Sect disciples to possess a steed, this was his first experience of such astonishing flight speed. The world seemed to spin around him; the wind rushing past felt like an assault on his face, rendering him unable to open his eyes.

The moment his feet made contact with the ground, Zuo Mo nearly buckled.

“So, it truly is a zombie face.”

Zuo Mo, who was just recovering from his bout of dizziness, heard this remark and his initial positive impression of the speaker vanished instantly.

A young woman, adorned in green attire, examined him with discernible interest. Her chin was delicately pointed, her cheekbones slightly prominent. A smile graced her lips, yet her eyes held no warmth.

Her scrutinizing gaze made Zuo Mo profoundly uncomfortable, but he dared not betray any hint of displeasure. He offered a respectful bow: “Greetings to Hao shijie!”[2]

Hao Min shijie and Luo Li shixiong were both disciples of Yan Le Shishu.[3] Rumor had it that Luo Li shixiong harbored an unusually strong infatuation for her, a rumor that seemed to hold credence.

“I heard your [Little Art of Cloud and Rain] has reached the third level?” Hao Min posed the question, her gaze fixed intently on Zuo Mo.

“Yes!”

“Very good,” Hao Min replied, a flicker of satisfaction crossing her face. “I will be away for a period. During my absence, the medicinal fields will be entrusted to your care.”

Without granting Zuo Mo any opportunity to respond, she tossed him a jade pendant, stating coolly, “This serves as your credentials to enter the medicinal fields. Water them once daily. From this day until my return, you are responsible for the upkeep of the medicinal fields.”

Her tone instantly turned severe. "My temper isn’t exactly known for its patience. Let’s get the unpleasantries out of the way first. If anything goes wrong with the medicine fields, I won’t forgive you when I return!"

With that, she didn’t spare Zuo Mo another glance. Instead, she turned to Luo Li, linking her arm through his. Her smile bloomed like a flower, and her voice softened to a gentle murmur, "Shixiong, let's depart."

A faint warmth appeared on Luo Li's face. He casually cast a look at Zuo Mo, let out a cold snort, and the two ascended into the sky.

Zuo Mo stood rooted to the spot, clutching the jade pendant, his gaze fixed on the receding figures of the pair disappearing into the heavens.

When one is mired in misfortune, even a simple drink of water can feel like it’s catching in one's throat. He had never imagined he would encounter such a streak of bad luck.

The outer sect disciples generally disliked Hao Min shijie. She was known for her ruthlessness and selfishness, and being ordered around by her offered no advantages. Her temper was as unpleasant and unpredictable as Luo Li shixiong's; if one wasn't careful, beatings and scolding were sure to follow.

From the very beginning to the end of their interaction, neither of them bothered to ask for his opinion.

Zuo Mo inwardly let out a silent scream.

From the moment he had opened his eyes until now, his sole interaction had been with the ling grains. He had absolutely no experience tending to medicine fields. To make matters worse, given his current cultivation level, he could only perform the third level of the [Little Art of Cloud and Rain] once per day.

The thought of the rain agreements he had already signed with other shixiongs brought a bitter taste to his mouth.

Within Wu Kong Sword Sect, there were three designated areas for medicine fields. The one Hao Min shijie was in charge of was located in Cold Mist Valley. Gripping the jade pendant, his heart pounding, he began walking in that direction.

Cold Mist Valley lay nestled between two towering mountain peaks, perpetually shrouded in swirling mist. The temperature remained lower than anywhere else on Wu Kong Mountain, a characteristic that lent the valley its name. It was considered one of the vital regions within the sect, and outer sect disciples were generally forbidden entry. Had Zuo Mo's [Little Art of Rain and Cloud] not reached the third level, Hao Min would certainly not have chosen him for this task.

Along the path, ancient trees stood tall, and grass carpeted the ground. A fragrant aroma rose into the air, imbued with a sense of vitality. Occasionally, small creatures like rabbits and squirrels darted past, hopping about with joyful abandon. However, Zuo Mo had no interest in admiring the scenery. His heart hammered wildly in his chest as he clutched the jade pendant, furtively making his way forward with trembling legs.

Everywhere along this route, jinzhi were present, some concealed, some in plain sight. Certain powerful jinzhi would occasionally discharge a terrifying aura, nearly suffocating him. With his seventh level lianqi abilities, if he were to accidentally trigger one of these formations, not a single piece of him would remain.

If he hadn't been naturally blessed with a 'zombie face,' it would surely have been pale and bloodless by now.

[1] 三师兄: third elder student. Referring to Xu Yi who is ranked third

[2] 师姐: senior female student

[3] 师叔: senior uncle. Male of a sect’s older generation.