Another Cliché Cultivation Story

The eyes of the youthful woman on the jade throne were closed. She gently tapped her temple as she was currently deep in thought.

Are these experts the ones that the Great Ancestor mentioned? But why are there two? The Ancestor only mentioned one…

“Yueyin, this Ji Xian and Xia Lihua, are they the ones who obtained the book from Empress Han Lan?” She opened her eyes and asked.

Zeng Shihao’s eyebrows raised. A look of understanding appeared on his face followed by a look of confusion. His thoughts were similar to the youthful woman.

Xiao Yueyin was also surprised. “How did you know, Sect Master?”

Her words confirmed the woman’s suspicions.

“Tell me more about these two experts.”

“Sect Master, I don’t know much about them.” Xiao Yueyin shook her head.

Giving it a thought, she continued, “Seni- Ji Xian is… an eccentric person. He is someone who’s very egotistical. Other than constantly bragging about his appearance on a daily basis, he loves to constantly tease other people. His words tend to be rude and without thought. He isn’t exactly a truthful person either, he disguises himself and pretends to be someone he is not. He will say one thing but will do something completely different. He also…”

As Xiao Yueyin speaks, the more passionate she became. It almost seemed impossible for her to stop. The image of Ji Xian leaving the group on their journey back to the Arcane Mountain appeared in her mind and for some reason, she felt even more irritated.

…

Ten minutes later.

“…”

The woman on the throne and Zeng Shihao glanced at each other. Xiao Yueyin has been talking nonstop for a long time. From her words, it didn’t seem like there was a single positive aspect about this man named Ji Xian. To sum it up in one word, he can be described as annoying. At least, that is according to Xiao Yueyin.

The eyebrow of the woman sitting on the throne raised, it was obvious that Xiao Yueyin was acting differently than usual when talking about this person. Her accustomed cold and indifferent attitude were replaced by actual emotions. This was a side of her that even she, someone who regarded Xiao Yueyin as a Junior Sister, rarely sees. The woman’s eyes narrowed. She became even more curious about this man.

As she was running out of adjectives to describe Ji Xian, Xiao Yueyin took a deep breath and calmed herself. Seeing how her Master and the Sect Master were weirdly looking at her, she softly blushed, but without a change in expression, she perfectly acted as though nothing was unusual.

“As for Xia Lihua…” Xiao Yueyin looked pensive. Her feelings for Xia Lihua are nothing but complicated due to the conflict in their bloodlines. Her expression continuously changed as she struggled to find the right words to say.

“She’s…”

“…”

“Well, she’s…”

“…”

Once again, the woman on the jade throne and Zeng Shihao glanced at each other. Earlier, Xiao Yueyin wouldn’t stop talking, now, she was struggling to even form a coherent sentence.

Ji Xian and Xia Lihua. What kind of person are they for Yueyin to be acting like this? The woman wondered curiously.

Seeing that Xiao Yueyin was still mumbling to herself, she decided to speak, “Yueyin, it’s been a long journey, go and rest. I’ll need to speak with the Ancestor about these matters.”

Xiao Yueyin snapped out of her thoughts and nodded indifferently. She gave a simple bow before leaving.

“Hall Master Zeng, remember to not spread the word about what happened today.”

Zeng Shihao nodded seriously.

“You may leave.”

…

After he left, only a delicate figure was left alone sitting on a jade throne. In this moment of silence, a tired sigh filled the large hall.

Standing up, the figure took a small step forward and vanished without a sound.

…

Due to its odd shape of looking like two mountains, the Arcane Mountain is split into the First Peak and Second Peak.

The First Peak is where all the Halls are situated and where the Sect Master, Elders, and disciples stay. The Second Peak is a forbidden area that is off-limits to everyone but a few important individuals.

Different from the vibrant and lively First Peak, the Second Peak was barren and void of life.

At its highest point, a woman wearing a conservative, light green dress appeared in front of a cave.

“Great Ancestor.” She called out.

…

“Zongying, what brought you here.” A gentle voice came from the cave.

“Ancestor, there is a matter you need to know.”

“Oh? Tell me about it.”

“Another Formatic has been found…” Zongying proceeded to explain everything.

“…”

After a moment of silence, the person in the cave finally spoke.

“We had always suspected that there were more than one Chaos Tunnels, so this news isn’t all that surprising. As for how many there are, you don’t need to worry too much. There can’t be that many left. Chaos Tunnels are a natural phenomenon, they come and go. It’s impossible for all of them to have remained after all this time.”

The Sect Master, Zongying, quietly listened.

“As for those two experts… even I didn’t expect there to be two of them. My divination only hinted at a single person.”

“Ancestor, is it possible that they aren’t the one?”

“…”

“I will check again.” The gentle voice said calmly.

The woman, Zongying, frowned upon hearing this. Divination is not something that can be done whenever one wishes. It comes with a heavy price.

When she wanted to speak up to stop him, Zongying hesitated. This matter was just too important, it involves the fate of every being in the Mortal Desolate World. As the Sect Master of the Arcane Sect, she has a responsibility to safeguard it from any threats, at any cost. With the danger of the Grahas constantly on their head, it wouldn't hurt to know more about this mysterious person who can supposedly help them.

In the end, she steeled her mind and didn’t say anything. She stood there, quietly waiting for the result.

Not long after, violent coughing came from the cave, the sound of liquid hitting the ground and heavy panting can be heard.

“Ancestor!”

Zongying shooked. But with her years of experience, she quickly calmed down. She rushed into the cave and held up an old man that was dressed in a white robe.

The robe was originally clean and spotless, but it was now stained with blood.

She took out a pill and prepared to put it into his mouth, but the old man shook his head.

“It’s fine, just a minor backlash.” He said. “Come. Let’s get some air.”

Zongying held up the old man, leading him out of the dark cave.

With the sunlight shining down on him, his appearance can be seen.

With short grey hair and a slightly hunched back, he looked like any ordinary grandfather. He held a wooden cane in one hand while the other was being supported by the woman, Zongying.

He gave off a gentle aura, but his appearance would make people feel a hint of pity.

An inch-wide, white linen cloth was wrapped around his head covering his eyes.

Anyone who see him would think he was blind.

Zongying waved her hand. A table and two sets of chairs appeared in front of them.

“Ancestor, what exactly did you see?” She asked after helping him sit down.

“Nothing.” The old man said. “The figure I once saw, is no longer there.”