The escort who came down to meet Anji and Gu Ying was a senior librarian who appeared very strict with greying streaks in her fringe even if she appeared only a few years older than Anji. The most update n0vels are published on novèlfire.net
"Are you Zhao Anji?" she glanced at Gu Ying but received no reply.
Having been called "young mistress" or by her name without her surname, Anji felt weird getting called by her full official name. Moreover, it was the first time anyone had mistaken her identity with Gu Ying. However, she wasn’t mad. Anyone could make mistakes. This could not count as bullying.
Calmly, Anji raised her hand and showed her a polite smile.
Too engrossed in the beautiful foreign swordslady in front of her, the senior librarian was not expecting to see a little ball of sunshine who barely reached her waist level to speak. However, she concealed her surprise at such a tiny child. They were given orders not to give any special treatment to the newcomer from above as a special sort of trial.
Unlike Anji, who was only six, going on seven, most students of the Mystical Qilin Sect were handpicked from the best institutes who showed aptitude in both scholarly arts and cultivation. Only those above sixteen can apply, and everyone is given only one chance to do so. Many applicants failed the initial test because the senior researchers must all agree on a candidate’s potential for that person to be accepted.
Over seventeen stubborn old fools were sitting in that position. The chances of getting into the Mystical Qilin Sect were very slim, and even she barely made it. There was absolutely no way to enter the sect through connections because the people who lived here were isolated from the outside world. Yet, she was no fool. Zhao Anji definitely entered the sect using connections. No wonder everyone in the sect was given strict orders not to give her any special treatment. Without the warning, there would be many seniors who would love to spoil this adorable child. Unlike the children in the village, this girl was well-mannered, well-dressed, well-spoken and smart.
Clearing her throat, the senior librarian introduced herself as Zhenzhu, with the characters of her name, sharing the exact characters for the word Pearl. Anji remembered her name easily and beamed.
"Thank you, Big Sister Pearl, for the warm welcome! Gu Ying and I will be in your care."
Ah, so the name of the foreign beauty was Gu Ying. Pearl blushed a little but quickly turned around and told them to follow her while she explained some of the sect rules. Even guests and occupants were no exceptions to them.
"For long-term guests, we have prepared lodging at the outer court of the sect. Your token will give you access to all amenities shared with librarians and apprentices like the girl at the gate and myself. Feel free to approach us if you require anything during your stay. You may leave and enter the sect anytime you wish, but you cannot access the inner court without authorisation from your patron."
Nodding, Gu Ying asked if there would be a courtyard and writing materials made available to her. Although she was here as Anji’s bodyguard, she still had a duty to fulfil to the sect and her secret work as a shadow.
Nodding, Pearl explained that the outer court was fully furnished with everything an inner disciple would normally use in other martial sects. The research facilities were the only difference between the outer and inner courts in the Mystical Qilin Sect. Heck, because they were more research-driven than martial arts-driven, even their cultivation chambers were open to guests like Gu Ying. Most of the cultivation chambers were either used to farm spiritual herbs or left empty because nobody really used them.
Thrilled that they would still live together, Anji asked if she could share a room with Gu Ying. However, Pearl raised a brow and told Anji that would not happen.
"For all new students, there will be a one-month orientation where you will be assigned to different locations throughout the month to familiarise yourself with the tasks as an apprentice. However, we were told that you were a special case. Hence, you will be residing in the inner court under the watch of several researchers while learning the ropes with the apprentice and librarian guides in the outer court."
Anji’s face fell when she heard they had to be separated almost immediately, and she quickly held onto her guardian’s hand tightly. Her subconscious action did not go unnoticed by the observant senior librarian.
"Unlike Lady Gu Ying’s pass, you can access almost anywhere in the sect, which means you can visit her when you have time. However, special instructions forbid you from using any cultivation chambers. In addition, you must check in at least once daily at the pharmacy because of your poor constitution. Moreover, unlike the rest of us, you cannot cultivate without the supervision of someone at least a Radiant Core."
At least a Radiant Core... Anji looked at Gu Ying sadly. Her bodyguard might already be of Radiant Core if they had more time. However, Pearl had more bad news for Anji.
"One last thing," Pearl glanced at Anji and wondered if the girl would burst into tears if she heard this. However, it was the strict instruction of her patron and higher-ups. "Apart from the books given to you by your patrons and seniors, Zhao Anji is forbidden from visiting any library in the sect. I’m sorry, but this is the rule that was specially created for you. I don’t know who your patron is or what they were thinking, but in this sect where knowledge is above martial arts, it’s akin to a death sentence."
Hearing the last restriction, Anji’s jaw fell. For many nights in the past few years, Anji studied hard and dreamt about visiting the ancient library in the Mystical Qilin Sect, which would give her some clues to mastering the last level of spells and array that her teacher sent. Although she had completed the intermediate lessons independently, the advanced book was too difficult for Anji to comprehend, even if the author was Yan Ping herself.
Frustrated and feeling wronged, Anji sniffled silently while she followed Pearl to the outer sect to show Gu Ying where her room would be. She knew that her shifu would impose restrictions on her and provide her with a harsh environment so she could grow stronger through the adversities. However, wasn’t this a little too much?!