Ji Wushuang's public identity was thus settled—she was now officially the personal disciple of the Yunlan Sect's Master.
But privately?
She was, without question, Lian Xing's ancestor in every sense.
With his other disciples out on training missions, Lian Xing personally took charge of arranging every aspect of her life: the most opulent cave dwelling, the finest attire, the gentlest and most endearing spirit beasts. He even instructed his servants to procure mundane foods for her, fearing she might not be able to stomach meals imbued with too much spiritual energy. However, once he saw her comfortably consuming spiritual delicacies, he ceased these unnecessary efforts.
When all preparations were in place, Lian Xing led her to the "Inheritance Hall" to light the Soul Lamp.
It must be noted that even personal disciples of the Peak Lords or the Sect Master were not immediately qualified to light a Soul Lamp.
Under ordinary circumstances, only those who had reached the Foundation Establishment stage were granted this privilege, and for inner and outer sect disciples, it required attaining the Golden Core stage.
The act of lighting the Soul Lamp marked one's official induction into the sect.
The elder presiding over the Inheritance Hall hesitated when the sect master arrived with a disciple who had yet to enter the Qi Refinement stage.
"Master, this… seems inappropriate… If the patriarch overseeing the hall learns of this…"
Lian Xing sighed inwardly. Of course, he knew it was against protocol. But if this little ancestor encountered any danger without a lit Soul Lamp, everyone here would be in serious trouble.
"This is by the decree of Elder Zeng."
Zeng Qi, the patriarch overseeing the Inheritance Hall, was also one of the esteemed Eighteen Elders. At the mention of Elder Zeng's consent, the hesitant elder promptly lit the lamp for Ji Wushuang.
Once the ritual was complete, her foundational information quietly appeared in the Yunlan Sect's Celestial Scripture.
—[Ji Wushuang, Personal Disciple of the Sect Master, Uninitiated.]
Under normal circumstances, such an entry would have been discreetly appended to the end of the scripture, unnoticed by anyone.
However, Ji Wushuang's unique identity caused her entry to eclipse even the likes of Shi Lei, the "Ancestor of the Mahayana Stage," standing out like a glaring mark on a monk's shaven head.
The sight left Ji Wushuang speechless.
Was this… a public execution of sorts?
The elder who had lit the lamp trembled at the realization.
Good heavens.
Had he just encountered someone beyond comprehension?
Hurriedly, the elder bowed deeply. "This disciple was unaware of your exalted status. Please forgive my offense, Little Ancestor!"
Ji Wushuang smiled. "Elder, there's no need for such formalities. Treat me as any ordinary disciple."
The elder struggled to maintain his composure, nodding repeatedly.
Lian Xing, attempting to console her, chuckled awkwardly. "Ah, don't worry about it. This is necessary, but the Inheritance Hall is seldom visited."
"And what if someone does come?"
"Well… even if they do, it's no big deal. Most wouldn't dare meddle with the patriarch's matters. At worst, I'd be scolded, and it's not like I'd lose a limb."
Ji Wushuang's feelings were complicated. After a long pause, she finally said, "You've worked hard… Little Master."
Hearing himself addressed in such a way, Lian Xing nearly burst into tears. What had he done to deserve this? If she called him "Little Master," didn't that make him the ancestor of his own master?
This… While strangely exhilarating, it ensured he wouldn't escape a good thrashing upon his master's return.
Clearing his throat, Lian Xing redirected the conversation. "Now that your Soul Lamp is lit, what would you like to do next? Shall we attend an introductory class?"
He was thinking ahead for Ji Wushuang. When she eventually succeeded in reconstructing her spiritual bones, a solid foundation would be crucial for her cultivation journey.
Ji Wushuang glanced at the "Uninitiated" label and, after a brief silence, agreed. "If that's the case, let's attend."
After all, as Lian Xing's official disciple, it would reflect poorly on him if she remained a mere "waste." If she couldn't cultivate, she could at least master one of the Six Arts of Cultivation to establish her worth.
With the personal disciple's token in hand, Ji Wushuang stood outside the Propagation Institute, carefully reading the guidelines.
The institute was open to all disciples, regardless of their inner or outer sect status. However, before attending lectures, disciples had to complete an initiation. Only upon passing could they proceed to specialized branches within the institute.
Moreover, lectures weren't mere lessons; they included rigorous assessments.
Those who passed could advance to the next level of study. The gates of the institute remained open to those who persevered, and some particularly talented disciples even earned inner sect or personal disciple status through mastery of the Six Arts.
This was the foundation of Yunlan Sect's enduring vitality over millennia.
It was the essence of their legacy.
Ji Wushuang murmured, "The Six Arts of Cultivation… Formation, Talisman, Alchemy, Crafting, Beastmastery, Spirit Cultivation…"
Formation: As the name suggests, the study of arrays. In her past life, Ji Wushuang had destroyed countless formations—her method being direct and brute, usually a single sword stroke. As for creating formations? She had little to no experience. Without spiritual energy to connect nodes, fortify bases, or inscribe patterns, this was a dead end.
"Next."
Talisman: The art of sealing spiritual energy within runes crafted from spiritual materials. Again, spiritual energy was indispensable.
"Next."
Alchemy: Utilizing spiritual energy to condense fire, refine herbs, and fuse them into pills.
"Pass."
Crafting: Similar to alchemy but involving refining spiritual objects instead of herbs.
"Hard pass."
Beastmastery? That seemed more feasible. Defeat a magical beast, earn its submission, and establish a contract—wait, the contract also required spiritual energy.
"Next!"
Spirit Cultivation: The nurturing of spiritual plants by transforming spiritual energy into nutrients…
"Oh, come on…"
"Next!" Wait, there were no more.
In conclusion, none of the Six Arts were suitable for her.
For the first time, Ji Wushuang, who had always maintained her composure—even after losing her spiritual bones—felt a pang of self-doubt.
What now?
As she pondered, a curious voice called from afar, "Oh? Little junior sister, you've finished your seclusion? Here to attend a class? Have you decided which art to pursue?"
Ji Wushuang turned to see Mo Lanyi, her serene aura more refined than before.
Her spiritual root… was it evolving?
Beside her stood Lian Yuan, as elegant as ever, though the light of fortune on his brow seemed dimmer than before.
Ji Wushuang thought grimly, *At this rate, his fortune will be completely depleted in no time.*
She herself, now dressed in the robes prepared by Lian Xing, bore no trace of the grime and scars that once marred her face. Her features, now fully revealed, were exquisite beyond compare. Though frail and thin, her complexion glowed like white jade, and her ink-black hair framed her ethereal beauty.
Her demeanor was otherworldly, like a snow lotus blooming in frost.
Even in her youthful form, the promise of unrivaled elegance was undeniable.
Seeing her now, Mo Lanyi's jealousy surged violently.
How dare this wretched little beggar possess such a face?
And why did her gaze linger on Lian Yuan?
Was she trying to seduce him?
Shameless!
She wanted nothing more than to ruin her.