After Hong Nian Niang left, Yan Ping sat in the darkness and contemplated her decisions as a sect leader. Despite accumulating so much knowledge in the Mystical Qilin Sect, there were still so many fools. When did they start raising empty-headed academics?
For the longest time, she thought the rule to prevent anyone from leaving the sect to rejoin it was the best decision. If they did not interfere with worldly affairs, they would not be muddled by the ugly side of humans and stray from the path of learning.
Yan Ping ensured that those who wanted to leave the mountain understood the cruelties of reality beyond the mountain. They had to undergo a severe test in which she created an illusion with time extension magic, simulating several lifetimes that many less fortunate people experienced. For three whole months, disciples had to live the most miserable lives, from beggars to prostitutes, to understand the world outside and all its misery. Those still determined to leave the Mytical Qilin Sect after that would then be allowed to leave their tokens behind and venture into the world outside, never to return. However, many did not survive the trial and would have their memories erased, opting to remain in the sect for the rest of their lives, often never reaching the same determination to leave it.
Yet, for the first time in centuries, Yan Ping understood that a new level of foolishness existed even in well-learned academics.
Pu Jianming was someone who was remembered. He left quite an impression, not because he was talented but because he had a very altruistic nature. His reason for wanting to leave the Mystical Qilin Sect was unique, and Yan Ping thought he would do well in the world outside after he left.
Yet, here they were. Discussing the name of the traitor from her sect whom she once had higher expectations of. The days when Pu Jianming once dreamed about creating a utopia with his flag barrier formation were now buried deeply into the past. Presently, he was considered a traitor of the murim world by lending his knowledge to the demon cult. She had no idea why he changed his heart or if he was a fool to fall to their sweet lies. However, Yan Ping had no attachments to anyone who had chosen to leave their tokens behind in the Tomb Record room.
The morning came too quickly, and Yan Ping noticed a change in the energy coming from upstairs. Zhao Mingshen must have recovered after taking her antidote pills and advice. The Zhao family had very promising children. Alas, the same could not be said about the researchers from her sect. After expelling Song Geying, Yan Ping’s heart almost fell out of her mouth when Pearl, her secret archivist, reported how Anji was involved in a surgery after an accident. Thankfully, nothing happened to the girl. However, the lack of safety awareness around children made Yan Ping question the common sense these academic fools had.
"Come in," she called out even before the person at her door could knock. This update is available on N()velFire.net
Judging from the sound of those footsteps, it was not a cultivator. This must be Hong Nian Niang’s staff bringing in breakfast. Although Yan Ping did not understand the appeal of romance and why the Vermillion Bird Sect Leader had so many male romantic partners, the male concubine she sent to help Yan Ping transcribe the antidote ingredients was very skilled in household management and social skills.
"Master Lu prepared the dishes for breakfast," the servant explained and placed the dishes in a specific order in front of her. "Please advise if there’s anything else you require. Your guests will arrive in half an hour."
Curt and to the point without the wishy-washy flowery pretence just the way Yan Ping liked with just enough respect. The servant chosen to attend to her was definitely one of Hong Nian Niang’s favourites.
"Give Master Lu my thanks. Is there someone skilled in creating medicine here?" she asked.
After a whole night of reflection, Yan Ping decided it might be better to mass purchase the ingredients required for Rotting Poison before the demon cult got to them.
Smiling, the servant explained how Master Lu, Hong Nian Niang’s concubine, had already placed a bulk order for the medicine used by the guests upstairs.
"If there is no other concern, this servant will leave first. Please enjoy your meal."
Nodding, Yan Ping listened to the door close. Impressed by how quick and thorough Hong Nian Niang was, Yan Ping wished the researchers in her sect were half as thorough. No wonder the Vermillion Bird sect was one of the great orthodox sects in the murim world. Their information network, even before the birth of the Gentleman Club, was nothing to be scoffed at. It wasn’t Hong Nian Niang alone who was impressive. The flirtatious woman had an eye for talent like no other, and although she often mixed business with pleasure, the male concubines she chose were gems in their own right. Master Lu was mild-mannered, but he had a sharp mind and a strong spine that provided Hong Nian Niang with the support she needed in her sect despite his low cultivation level.
If there was one thing Yan Ping realised, it was the codependent relationship Hong Nian Niang had with all her lovers. Vaguely aware that Hong Nian Niang’s cultivation relied on a large supply of Yang energy to balance her yin energy, a reason for her harem’s existence, Yan Ping wondered what the male concubines got in return for such a polygamous relationship. However, it was neither her place to ask or probe. As long as the job was done, Yan Ping was more than happy.
The two strong raps that rattled the door startled the blind woman slightly. Even though she already knew who was outside, the volume of the knock that came too suddenly was still alarming.
"Come in," she called out for the second time that morning, opting to only drink tea instead of eating anything. There was no point for someone with the cultivation level to eat. It wasn’t as if she had any food cravings either.
"Good morning," Zhao Mingshen greeted. "Mingshen thanks Sect Leader Yan for the generosity last night."
Cringing a little at the flowery language, she pointed to the chairs before her wordlessly, commanding them to sit and cut the crap.
Feeling awkward at the lack of reply, Mingshen eventually took a seat beside Bai Dajin and ate silently while they waited for Hong Nian Niang to appear before they could start the meeting.