The concept of a little neko loli feeling slightly happy is quite easy to understand.
After all, the perspectives of the secular world can sometimes be very important.
The recruitment of new disciples by the Righteous Sects is relatively easy. But for those labeled as Demonic Evil Cultivators, it can be incredibly difficult.
A Great Sect can be likened to a large corporation—aside from needing managers and key technical talents, there's also a need for a large number of regular employees.
Outer Sect Disciples are just like these regular employees; they are needed by every sect. Individually, they might not seem significant, yet the Sects can't function without this group of disciples.
At the same time, they're the fresh blood and the future backbone of the Sect.
Even for the top three Demon Sects notorious for being Demonic Evil Cultivators, their recruitment efforts are dismal compared to the formidable and righteous Big Four Sects.
Actually, this makes sense. If, like in some movies or novels, there are more disciples in the Demon Sect than in the Righteous Sects, that would be quite strange, right?
Of course, this situation is likely to be reversed once the players descend upon this world.
As mentioned earlier, for the players, this is just a game. They don't care about Righteous Sects or Demonic Ways; what matters to them is whether it's fun to play!
Many players might even think the Demon Sect looks cooler...
However, at the moment, such a booming trend has yet to appear. So, for the Demon Sect, they are not averse to newcomers like Ji Li. In fact, they are quite welcoming.
With her clean but pitiful background, people like her, with no one to rely on, often develop a strong sense of belonging to the sect.
Now, it all depends on whether she has the aptitude for cultivation.
Mao Nanbei wouldn't want to handle such mundane tasks, so with a straightforward smile, Murong Yan did Young Elder a favor.
"Miss Ji Li, relax your mind, don't think about anything. Let me check your cultivation aptitude." With that, she extended her chubby finger, gently tapping on Ji Li's forehead.
Like a raindrop falling on calm water, subtle ripples spread through the air.
Mao Nanbei was sitting on Murong Yan's shoulder, stretching out her small hand to count the number of ripples.
"One, two, three... seven, eight."
"Eight circles!"
Mao Nanbei's gaze at Ji Li had also changed.
"Only one circle less than me, an excellent jade indeed," she nodded slightly.
Listening to this, Lu Xun couldn't help but feel that the core of the sentence laid in the first half...
Actually, it's quite easy to understand, the eight circles of ripple is roughly equivalent to "Enlightenment level 8".
With an Enlightenment level cap of 10, level 8 is already considered very top-notch.
Even in the Demon Sect, she would absolutely be deemed a key cultivation candidate.
However, cultivation isn't solely reliant on one's aptitude.
Just like some people who are born clever, but have no interest in studying, hence their academic achievement ranks at the bottom.
Many times, heaven might bestow you with talent, but it would gradually revoke it if you decide to fritter it away.
There are many factors to consider along the cultivation path. You can think of it as a peculiar discipline, with cultivators intent on acquiring such knowledge.
While innate conditions are important, when they are roughly the same, one must rely on their acquired efforts.
As many novels suggest, having extraordinary talent makes leveling up lightning fast, and all other factors can be disregarded, such positions are a bit too fanciful.
Therefore, certain Sects prioritize temperament when accepting disciples.
Of course, having great talent is always advantageous.
An Enlightenment level of 8 is a quality sought after; if placed in some smaller sects, the Sect Leader would be grinning from ear to ear.
Listening to the little Neko Loli's words, Ji Li clenched her small meaty fists tightly, looking somewhat excited.
So, I've... passed?
At this time, Mao Nanbei cocked her head, looking cute in a potentially deadly way. Her gaze was on Lu Xun.
Her meaning was clear. She was a little curious about Lu Xun's aptitude.
Murong Yan, being a kind-hearted person, respects Lu Xun and asked casually, "May I?" not at all resembling the notorious Demonic way.
Lu Xun, however, was very nonchalant and simply nodded.
He had a clear understanding of the result, so he was like, 'Go ahead if you want to check.'
Murong Yan's chubby finger gently poked Lu Xun's forehead, and soon enough, ripples started to spread through the air.
No, only layers upon layers can be called ripples.
If there's only one layer... That's just a freakin' circle!
Lu Xun's current level of "Enlightenment 1" is precisely just a single ring!
Just like a hole, totally empty.
"Eh!?" The cat-eared little loli is a bit confused.
It seems that fate is fair after all. After granting him an unrivaled appearance, he did not bestow him with extraordinary aptitude.
"Is he just a decorative pillow?"
For some reason, the three women present, looking at Lu Xun's face then at the circle in the air, all feel a sense of regret.
...
...
The next day, the group of four officially set off.
Last night, Lu Xun and Ji Li naturally did not share a room. This stinky sister probably gave up the thought of using him as a furnace. The reason why they did not dare to say she had completely given up was for fear she'd covet his appearance.
Mao Nanbei had retied her ponytails, bundling her cat ears inside her hair. It looked like two little buns.
Every now and then, looking at her little head, Lu Xun felt the urge to reach out and give it a squeeze. But this little loli was so aggressively cute, he was afraid she would revert to her catchphrase: "Go ahead, I'll chop your head off!"
Though a man has two heads, losing either ultimately isn't a good thing.
They were going to buy some daily supplies first. After all, they would need to eat and drink on the way.
Although cultivators could survive without food, that was usually only when in seclusion. On normal days, everyone still ate and drank as usual.
Food is so delicious, few can completely ignore their appetite.
In contrast, delicious food can make people feel happy. When you're in a good mood, you'll have a good mentality, which benefits cultivation.
Of course, this might just be the self-justification of foodie cultivators.
However, there are actually quite a few foodies in the cultivation world. Many big shots love good food and wine, so there are many interesting legends and stories passed down in the mortal world.
When Lu Xun was playing with the old account, he wanted to unlock a hidden mission, so he crazily offered a foodie big shot NPC some delicacies, and improved his favorability rating. And sure enough, his final approach was through the stomach, which even enabled him to start the mission!
During the process of purchasing daily supplies, Ji Li, walking behind Lu Xun, reached out with her chubby hand to tug at his clothes.
"What's wrong?" Lu Xun asked, turning his head.
Ji Li looked down at her toes, then she said something seemingly out of nowhere:
"After we get to the Demon Sect, I will work hard to cultivate."
"That's good." Lu Xun smiled, responding to her.
He was a bit perplexed, why would she suddenly say this?
He didn't know that after Ji Li found out last night that Lu Xun's aptitude was barely enough to enter the threshold of cultivation, she hadn't rested well all night.
She thought practice and martial arts should be similar. Her dad had a student whose aptitude was very poor. No matter how hard he tried, he barely made any progress in his martial arts in this lifetime.
Perhaps Lu Xun would be the same.
Additionally, they were heading to the Demon Sect, famous in legend. She has no idea what kind of environment it actually is.
Would it really be the survival of the fittest, as people speculated?
Wouldn't he be in danger then!?
Plus, Lu Xun is so good-looking, wouldn't he be targeted by the same sex...
She's now become somewhat like Lu Xun's "Appearance Fan" and is showing signs of transforming into a fangirl.
Also, Lu Xun has really helped her a lot these past few days. She is sincerely grateful to him from the bottom of her heart.
So, she actually only said half of what she wanted, "After we get to the Demon Sect, I will work hard to cultivate!"
The other half she didn't say out loud.
—"And then I'll protect you."
...