Chapter 117: Junior Senior Sister

The little girl’s eyes were filled with spirit, darting about as she scanned her surroundings. Towering pines and lush cypresses stood tall, and the air was filled with the rustling of leaves, yet not a soul was to be seen.

Looking down, she noticed pressed marks on the vines—an unintended mistake by Zhou Qian. The three people hiding nearby immediately began to curse their luck.

Just as expected, she puffed out her delicate little cheeks and shouted, "Big Dummy, Second Dummy, Third Dummy! Come out, I’ve found you!"

They held their breath, watching the girl with bated nerves. After a long while, it became clear she was bluffing. She searched high and low, poking through trees and roots, but because the four of them were well-hidden, her efforts were in vain.

She placed her small, fair hands on her hips in a posture of mock exasperation and turned to leave. "Those big dummies really aren't here!"

After a long silence, a head poked out from behind a tree. "I think she’s gone."

"I think so too. Junior Sister has the shortest temper," another man said, emerging from the grass and brushing a withered leaf off his forehead with a nod.

"We can probably head back now," the third man added.

"I think you all should keep hiding," Zhou Qian suddenly interjected.

"Why?" the three asked in unison.

"Hahaha!" A childish, ringing laugh erupted as the little girl descended from the sky. She swept her gaze over the four of them and giggled, "Still want to run?"

"Run!" Two streaks of light shot into the sky, while one man cried out, "You’re just bullying me because I haven't mastered sword-flying yet!"

"Where do you think you're going?" A yellow silk ribbon unfurled from her waist, darting out dozens of feet like a nimble snake. It wound around a pine tree ahead, wrapped around the man, and immobilized him. By then, the other two were already airborne. With a serious face, the girl made a series of hand signs. As she waved her hands, the red silk glowed with brilliant light, transforming into a sheet of fabric ten feet wide and long. It swooped down, wrapping around the two unstable streaks of sword light and binding Zhou Qian as well, trussing them all up like festive dumplings and hanging them from the tree branches. The silk was quite extraordinary; once caught within it, one lost all strength.

Smacking her lips, the girl’s eyes curved into crescents, brimming with glee. "Three dummies, still want to try and run?"

"Junior Sister, you're cheating! You promised not to use the flying silk!" the one who couldn't fly his sword protested indignantly.

"Hmph! I’m the Little Immortal, I’ll use whatever I want! I won, you lost. You three big dummies—tell me, what punishment do you want?"

"You forced us to play in the first place..." Before he could finish, the red silk coiled around the speaker like a cudgel and struck him heavily on the head, followed by a miserable shriek.

"Junior Sister, look! There’s a mortal at Yuxu Peak today. He might be a spy from the Demon Sect!" one of them said, trying to be clever.

"Oh?" The girl’s attention was truly caught. She examined Zhou Qian with curiosity and asked in a crisp voice, "I’ve never seen a mortal before! Are all mortals this pale?"

"Speak! Are you a spy from the Demon Sect?"

"I was brought here by Senior Brother Qin Yu," Zhou Qian replied with a bitter smile. "I haven't officially entered the sect yet."

"Oh? Who is your master?"

"Senior Daoist Wine."

"Then doesn't that make you our Junior Brother? I am Third Senior Brother He Qin."

"I am Fourth Senior Brother He Qi."

"I am the real Fourth Senior Brother He Qi! You are Fifth Senior Brother He Hua!"

The three who were wrapped tightly in mid-air struggled to turn their heads, introducing themselves one after another. Zhou Qian, forgive his poor eyesight, truly couldn't tell who was who.

"Zhou Qian greets the three Senior Brothers." The four "brothers in misfortune" exchanged a look of mutual understanding, feeling a sense of camaraderie.

"And me! Don't forget me, the Little Immortal! I am your Sixth Senior Sister! My name is Lu Xiaoxian." The little girl opened her eyes wide, looking quite expectant.

Zhou Qian’s mouth opened and closed several times. He looked at the little girl, who was only four or five years old and reached barely to his knees. Gritting his teeth, he closed his eyes and said, "Greetings, Sixth Senior Sister!"

"Yay!" Lu Xiaoxian raised her soft, fair arms and cheered. "Xiaoxian has a Junior Brother now!"

"Junior Sister, since the Seventh Junior Brother is here, shouldn't you let the three of us down?" He Qin asked ingratiatingly.

"Hmph!"

"Why are you still calling her Junior Sister? Since the Seventh Junior Brother has arrived, he is the youngest. From now on, you must call her Sixth Senior Sister. Isn't that right, Sixth Senior Sister?" He Qi chided He Qin, then turned to flatter the girl.

"I'll let it slide this time!" Lu Xiaoxian waved her hand with the air of a little adult. The red silk coiled back to her waist, and the four of them tumbled to the ground, landing in a heap.

Strangely enough, once the silk was retracted, Zhou Qian’s strength returned immediately. It seemed this was the marvelous nature of immortal treasures.

After standing up, seeing the four of them laughing, scolding, and teasing one another, he felt that the disciples of Yuxu Peak were a bit different—not strictly bound by etiquette, nor particularly humble or deferential to one another, yet there was a warmth among them.

"Actually, you don't have to be discouraged. The Little—no, Sixth Senior Sister—appears to be a child, but she is already ten years old. She accidentally ate an immortal herb when she was young, which caused her to stop aging in appearance," He Qin whispered, patting Zhou Qian on the shoulder with a sympathetic look.

"Ah?" Zhou Qian was stunned. Such a thing existed?

"Also, Uncle Wine is the youngest of the previous generation. Therefore, according to sect hierarchy, you must call every man 'Senior Brother' and every woman 'Senior Sister'." He Qi added.

"Is it really like that?" Zhou Qian was dumbfounded.

"How can you bully the Seventh Junior Brother like that!" He Hua feigned indignation. "He has the lowest seniority in the entire Qingcheng Sect; from now on, he’ll have to bow to everyone he meets. Mocking him on the first day... the Seventh Junior Brother has a hard life ahead of him!"

"..."

Lu Xiaoxian giggled, clapping her hands as if she found it all very amusing.

"By the way, Seventh Junior Brother, how did you know I’d come back?" Lu Xiaoxian asked curiously.

"Senior—Senior Sister, your last sentence was a bit too loud, almost as if it were intentional. That was the flaw," Zhou Qian explained. Having spent four years wandering the martial arts world, his eyes were naturally sharp.

A yellow streak of light passed overhead, its wake ruffling the clothes of the five people.

"Huh? Isn't that the Eldest Senior Brother?" He Qin looked up.

Before he could finish, the yellow light turned and flew toward them. As the light dispersed, it was indeed Qin Yu.

"Senior Brother!"

"Eldest Senior Brother!" They all greeted him.

"Why are you all together?" Qin Yu asked curiously.

"Eldest Senior Brother, I was playing with my three Senior Brothers and just happened to run into the Seventh Junior Brother. Hee hee, I have a Junior Brother now!"

"Did she rope you into playing again?" Qin Yu scanned the group and guessed the cause immediately.

"Yes," the three sighed dejectedly.

"Have you finished your lessons for the day?"

The four shook their heads in unison. Qin Yu sighed and smiled bitterly. "You guys... you’ve been so lacking in discipline lately, truly lazy."

"Eldest Senior Brother, I’ve already practiced the mental cultivation method to the sixth level! Senior Brother He Hua is only at the fifth level; he’s not as good as me!" Lu Xiaoxian boasted proudly.

"That’s only because Junior Sister is naturally gifted and brilliant," He Hua said, his face turning red as he defended himself.

"Let's not talk about that. I have some things to discuss with Junior Brother Zhou and need to return to my cave dwelling. Do you want to come along?"

The four were all mischievous by nature; seeing the excitement, they all agreed to join. Fortunately, the White Jade Cave was not far, and they arrived in less than the time it takes to burn an incense stick. Qin Yu brought out some tables and chairs, and fetched some fruits—all precious immortal delicacies. They were refreshing to the palate, and eating them left the entire body feeling comfortable and at ease.

"Come, Junior Brother, this is a Red Sun Fruit; it warms the stomach. And the immortal pear, it’s so sweet. Oh, is this a Snow Pearl? I’ve never even eaten this at Mother’s place. Junior Brother, have a bunch."

He Qin couldn't bear to watch and said with some jealousy, "I say, Junior Sister, we Senior Brothers have looked after you for so many years, and I’ve never seen you be this attentive. Why are you being so good to the Seventh Junior Brother?"

"You are my Senior Brothers, so naturally you have to look after me. He is my Junior Brother, so naturally I have to look after him," Lu Xiaoxian said as if it were only natural.

"Seventh Junior Brother is much older than you!" He Hua chuckled, teasing her.

Just as Lu Xiaoxian was about to throw a tantrum, Qin Yu interrupted. "Alright, alright, stop causing trouble. The Seventh Junior Brother is new here, and there is much he needs to learn!"

Zhou Qian hurriedly set down the pile of immortal fruits and vegetables in his hands; he truly couldn't handle the enthusiasm of this little Senior Sister.

Seeing Zhou Qian sitting upright, Qin Yu smiled. "There's no need to be so formal, they are just some sect rules you ought to know."

"Our Qingcheng sect inherits the tradition of the ancient Golden Immortal Guang Chengzi. We have existed for four thousand years and are divided into five peaks: Yuxu, Chongxuan, Wulong, Taisu, and Chaoyang. Yuxu Peak is the main peak, led by Master Ai Zhenren, who is also the Sect Leader of Qingcheng. Chongxuan Peak is led by Uncle Master Tian Longzi, whose entry into the sect predates even my master, Ai Zhenren. Wulong Peak is led by Uncle Master Tian Wen, the Fire Daoist. Taisu Peak is led by Abbess Leng Yue; they only accept female disciples and have many taboos—especially regarding Uncle Master Leng Yue. Ahem, Junior Brother, it’s best if you don't wander there without cause." At this point, Qin Yu’s expression stiffened, as if recalling some unpleasant memories.

"Then there is Chaoyang Peak, managed by Uncle Masters Lu Lingxian and Su Ru. The Little Senior Sister is the daughter of those two."

"Eldest Senior Brother, I’m not the Little Senior Sister anymore! I’m the Sixth Senior Sister, and I have a Junior Brother now!" Lu Xiaoxian complained.

"That's about it. There are many other elders in the sect you will get to know later. As for our Yuxu lineage, due to certain reasons, we have always been few in number. Including you, there are only seven of us, all of whom are present, except for Second Senior Brother Song Dazhu, who is tempering his sword in the Fire Pool. You’ll have to wait a while before you can see him."

Zhou Qian was a little confused; it seemed the main peak wasn't as powerful as he had imagined.

"Uncle Master Wine is still recovering from his injuries at the Lian Shan Sect and has instructed me to teach you the basics. Do you agree?" At this, Qin Yu’s expression turned solemn, and Zhou Qian nodded seriously.

"In Qingcheng, regardless of the Taoist arts, sword techniques, or forbidden methods, the foundation lies in the 'Qingyun Heart Canon.' This manual was left behind by the Golden Immortal Guang Chengzi and perfected by successive sect leaders. To this day, it has twenty levels. According to sect regulations, one cannot practice other techniques until they reach the fourth level to avoid biting off more than one can chew. Before practicing the Heart Canon, one must strengthen the body and temper the soul for five years..." He paused, a flash of blue light in his eyes as he asked uncertainly, "Junior Brother, have you consumed any immortal fruits before?"

"I did eat a red apricot..." He recounted his experience at Sheshan when he was a boy. Upon hearing this, Qin Yu realized, "So it was that Divine Apricot. It is said that this apricot can refine essence and blood and strengthen the spirit. The fact that your inner light is contained and your body is leak-proof is likely due to the medicinal effects of that fruit. It’s a pity you didn't know the methods of cultivation, wasting most of its potency."

"In that case, since the Junior Brother has already reached this state, can he start practicing directly?" He Qin asked suddenly.

"That stands to reason, but..." Qin Yu stood up and paced back and forth for a long time before saying, "Outer sect disciples are tested every year for five years to verify their progress. We shall test you together tomorrow. If you pass, you can start practicing the Heart Canon. If not, you will have to strengthen your body using the outer sect methods. What do you think, Junior Brother?"

"That sounds excellent," Zhou Qian agreed.

"Haha! Junior Brother, then you're in for some suffering tomorrow!" He Hua gloated.

"Hmph! You have the nerve to talk! You’ve been practicing for nearly twenty years and can't even fly your sword. Tomorrow, I will seal your magic power and have you take the test with the Seventh Junior Brother. If your performance is even slightly lacking, you'll be sent into seclusion! And you aren't coming out until you reach the sixth level of the Heart Canon!" Qin Yu scolded.

"Ah???"

"I’ll be the judge!" Lu Xiaoxian giggled, raising her small hand.