Yunlu Mountain, Westwind Pavilion.
This was one of the places within Qingxuan Sect responsible for handling the affairs of external disciples.
"Linglong Fairy, this young brother's registration has been processed. Please take care of this copper mirror and this jade slip," an elderly man with graying hair said as he handed over a wooden box containing the copper mirror and a white jade slip to Linglong.
"Taiping, keep this copper mirror. It's proof of your identity as an external disciple and also a tool for you to listen to lectures from the sect's elders in the future," Linglong explained as she passed the copper mirror and jade slip to Taiping.
"That's right. External disciples can't receive personal guidance from elders like inner disciples. They can only observe the lectures of the sect's elders on the 1st and 15th of each month, through this copper mirror," the elderly man added with a smile.
"What about this jade slip?" Xu Taiping asked as he took the jade slip.
"This is the transmission jade slip. It contains a cultivation technique for refining Qi. To use it, you simply need to focus your mind and press it to your forehead," the old man explained.
"That's right. The jade slip also contains detailed instructions on how to use the copper mirror, as well as some rules and regulations that you'll need to follow after joining the sect. Once you've settled down, you can start using it," Linglong added.
"Got it," Xu Taiping nodded.
"Master Liu, do you still have any herbal gardens that need overseeing?" Linglong turned her gaze toward the head of Westwind Pavilion.
"This…" Pavilion Master Liu hesitated slightly.
In the external sect, the best way to earn merit was undoubtedly by working in the medicinal herb gardens. Not only was the work light, but the merit earned was also considerable.
"Master Liu, this child is a distant relative of mine. If you could assist him, it would be a favor from me, Zhao Linglong of the Seventh Peak," Linglong said earnestly.
Upon hearing this, Pavilion Master Liu's eyes immediately brightened. He knew well the significance of Zhao Linglong's status. As the direct disciple of the Seventh Peak's leader, she had an immense future ahead. A favor from her was highly valuable.
"If Fairy Linglong asks, then naturally, I must help," Pavilion Master Liu said, after a brief pause, nodding in agreement.
Linglong visibly relaxed with the assurance and gave Xu Taiping a grateful glance, silently noting this favor in her heart.
"Not to hide it from you, Fairy, we do indeed have an herbal garden in the western mountains of Yunlu Mountain that has no caretaker," Pavilion Master Liu continued, pointing to a map on the wall. He stroked his beard as he said, "It's located three thousand miles from Westwind Pavilion, in a place called Qingzhi Valley. The garden there is half an acre in size, and there's also a small house available for you to live and cultivate."
Half an hour later.
At the entrance of Westwind Pavilion.
"Pavilion Master, didn't we receive a report saying there were evil spirits spotted in Qingzhi Valley? You're sending that child there? If anything happens, it will be difficult to explain to Fairy Linglong," a steward of Westwind Pavilion expressed concern as he watched Linglong and Xu Taiping leave on the immortal crane.
"It's just a baseless rumor. A few disciples from the Four Peaks went to check it out recently, and there was no sign of anything unusual," Pavilion Master Liu said dismissively, shaking his head.
"Even if something does happen, it's just a mountain outsider disciple. If he dies, then he dies. Every year, many new external disciples die, and if I had to take responsibility for every death, I wouldn't be able to be the Pavilion Master anymore!" he added with a dismissive glance at the steward.
"Pavilion Master is right. I was worrying too much," the steward muttered before retreating.
Half an hour later.
Qingzhi Valley.
"Fairy Linglong, we've arrived at Qingzhi Valley."
The immortal crane spoke human words and flapped its wings lightly, bringing Linglong and Xu Taiping safely to the ground.
After steadying himself, Xu Taiping looked up ahead. In front of him, a small mud-brick courtyard quietly stood amidst a lush bamboo forest, the ground scattered with bamboo leaves almost burying the doorstep.
"Little Taiping, from now on, you'll have to rely on yourself," Linglong said, glancing at the sky, somewhat reluctantly.
The time agreed upon with Elder He had come.
"Thank you, Sister Linglong. I will work hard to cultivate and strive to join the Seventh Peak as soon as possible," Xu Taiping said with a determined expression, one that was mature beyond his years.
"I believe in you," Linglong said, reaching out to gently pat Xu Taiping's small face. She then took out a bone flute and a pouch of money from her sleeve and handed them to him.
"This bone flute can be used to summon nearby spiritual birds. The pouch contains thirty merit coins from Westwind Pavilion, which every new external disciple receives. If you need something urgently, you can use one merit coin to have the birds help you buy it. But unless absolutely necessary, you should not use them recklessly. Most likely, the herbal garden in your backyard will be abandoned, and you'll need this money to buy seeds and supplies," she explained.
"I won't waste them, Sister Linglong," Xu Taiping nodded, taking the bone flute and pouch.
"Little Taiping, may we meet again by fate. Take care," Linglong said as she sat back on the crane, waving at Xu Taiping with a smile.
"Goodbye, Sister Linglong," Xu Taiping waved back.
"Whoosh!"
With a flap of its wings, the immortal crane soared into the sky, leaving a gust of wind in its wake.
"Little Taiping, I hope to see you again," Linglong murmured as she looked down at the increasingly distant figure.
Having grown up in the Qingxuan Sect, she knew well that external disciples with only a white spirit bone rarely made it to the Seven Peaks. Most couldn't pass the selection after three years.
"Creeeak…"
As soon as Linglong left, Xu Taiping opened the courtyard door and walked in, heading straight for the herb garden in the back. He stopped when he reached the garden.
"Just as Sister Linglong said, this garden is indeed abandoned," Xu Taiping muttered as he looked at the overgrown weeds and barren land.
But he wasn't there to confirm this.
Carefully, Xu Taiping took out a wooden box from his robes, then pulled out a small porcelain bottle. He opened the bottle and poured out a yellow bean seed.
Yes, this was the yellow bean seed his grandfather had left him.
"Grandfather said, when I get to the immortal mountain and plant this seed, I will receive another great opportunity," he whispered, crouching down in the garden. He dug a small hole in the soil, then planted the seed.
"If that pill was real, then this seed must also be real," Xu Taiping muttered to himself as he gently covered the seed with earth, making sure to bury it carefully.