Chapter Ten: Divergent Paths

The Jade-Iron Sect stood as the preeminent order in the Cloud Mountain Realm, reigning over three cities and five mountain ranges, its dominion encompassing nearly a quarter of the entire realm. For such a sect to openly extend invitations was an exceedingly rare occurrence.

Yet Li Mu shook his head several times, declining graciously, “Thank you, Steward Ye, for your kindness, but I have chosen another path and cannot join your esteemed sect.”

A look of regret flickered across Steward Ye’s face. “Oh, what a pity indeed.” He turned to the others. “Next, who will try?”

“I will!” Li Si’s voice rang out loudly. The surrounding mists felt comforting to him, and he could hardly wait to step forward.

With a press of the switch, the stone chamber closed again.

Li Mu moved to stand beside Li Ying, gently cupping her delicate cheek. “Ying’er, you’ll be going in soon as well. Are you afraid?”

Li Ying tilted her head thoughtfully. “With my big brother here, I’m not afraid.”

“Good girl.” Li Mu smiled, stroking her forehead.

The prospect of cultivation filled him with joy, and his plans could now unfold more swiftly. As for why he refused the Jade-Iron Sect, he had his own reasons. To join a sect was to gain many resources, yes, but it also meant many obligations and limitations. He was not lacking in resources, and for the time being, his livelihood was assured, so he chose to avoid unnecessary entanglements.

Besides, he had never been one to live bound by rules. In his previous life, he had changed jobs repeatedly, unable to abide by myriad regulations. He preferred to walk his own path, to follow neither trends nor orders, and now he was granted such an opportunity.

Time passed. Li Si emerged slowly, a hint of confusion in his eyes.

“Four rings?” Steward Ye stared at the column in astonishment. He could hardly believe it; two in succession with cultivation potential. Three rings had already been shocking, but this boy showed even greater talent—four rings.

Steward Ye knew well what four rings meant. Though not as rare as the monstrous five-ring prodigies, a four-ring talent was still a once-in-millennium genius. As long as disaster did not strike, even one with average luck could reach the Core Formation stage and become a true powerhouse—perhaps even lord of a small realm.

“Three rings would have sufficed, but this four-ring prodigy must not fall into any rival sect’s hands. He must be retained.” Steward Ye made his decision at once.

With a gentle expression, he patiently explained matters to Li Si, and after some time, the boy nodded in understanding, his face radiant with joy, body trembling slightly as if he already felt himself transformed.

Instead of conducting further tests, Steward Ye drew out a jade slip and entered some information. Shortly after, the Deputy Lord Yu appeared, descending in a flash of spiritual light before the stone chamber.

...

“Steward Ye, is it him?” Deputy Lord Yu glanced at Li Si and asked in a low voice.

Steward Ye bowed and gestured to the pillar. “It is, Deputy Lord. Please look—four rings remain.”

Yu’s face lit up with delight as he examined the column. “Remarkable! To find such a genius today, how unexpected.”

Li Si was overjoyed as well, feeling a fire ignite in his heart. The prospect of becoming a cultivator meant he could finally help Madam Zhao avenge her grievances; he could no longer bear to wait.

“Boy, do you wish to join the Jade-Iron Sect and become a cultivator?” Deputy Lord Yu bent down, his tone warm.

“Will I be able to learn cultivation arts?” Li Si asked hopefully.

Yu smiled. “You will.”

Li Si clenched his sturdy little fists. “I want to learn techniques for vengeance—I want to help Madam Zhao find justice!”

Yu was momentarily taken aback, a flash of surprise crossing his face, but he quickly smiled again. “To seek vengeance? Why not? There’s nothing wrong with that.”

To Yu’s mind, the boy was young; it was only right for him to be so passionate about redressing wrongs. Such a spirit often inspired untapped potential, and the child before him was full of promise.

“I am willing!” Li Si replied resolutely.

Nearby, Li Mu’s body trembled at the words, hearing the determination for vengeance in Li Si’s voice. Yu had already surmised the whole story.

Li Si took small steps toward Li Mu. “Big brother Li, I want to join the Jade-Iron Sect.”

Li Mu’s expression was calm. He had long seen that Li Si’s stubborn nature would make it difficult for him to wait any longer. Now that this chance had come, perhaps it was for the best.

“I brought him here, but I cannot determine his path. Each must walk their own road,” Li Mu thought. Though regret lingered, he quickly fell silent.

He smiled gently. “Go. You have the strength within you; you will shine in the Jade-Iron Sect. But when the time comes for vengeance, come find me and we’ll go together.”

Li Si replied earnestly, “Brother Li, I will.”

Li Mu smiled and waved. Beside him, Li Ying’s eyes streamed with silent tears as she said sweetly, “Fourth brother, are you leaving?”

Li Si nodded vigorously. “Little Ying, I’ll come see you whenever I can.”

“But... I want to play with you, fourth brother,” Li Ying whimpered, pouting as she clung to his hand, unwilling to let go.

Li Si tried to pull away but hesitated, finally prying her fingers loose with an apologetic glance.

“Big brother Li, I’m going.”

...

With those words, Li Si turned and walked toward Deputy Lord Yu, never looking back.

Li Mu led the weeping Li Ying away, watching the mingled joy and sorrow on the faces around him, a faint sense of loss lingering in his heart. Perhaps everyone’s path must diverge in this way.

Deputy Lord Yu offered no parting words to Li Mu, instead whisking Li Si away into the skies.

Time passed.

Steward Ye approached slowly, unable to hide his smile. To discover a four-ring genius meant the city lord’s rewards would be generous indeed. And there remained one more untested—perhaps even more joy awaited?

“Li Mu, it’s the little girl’s turn,” he said quietly.

Li Mu nodded, comforting Li Ying with a few words before sending her into the stone chamber himself.

“Don’t be afraid, Ying’er. It will be over in a moment.”

“I understand, big brother,” Li Ying replied, sitting cross-legged within, tears still streaming down her cheeks, but she nodded obediently.

Some time passed.

Li Ying slowly walked up to the column and hugged it with both arms.

A long while.

No ring appeared.

Steward Ye let out a quiet sigh. The surprise was gone, but he felt no particular regret. He had seen this outcome countless times; it was the norm. What had happened earlier was the exception.

Li Ying, unaware of what had transpired, looked about in confusion, her dark eyes darting from side to side.

Li Mu took her hand, forcing a smile. “Thank you, Steward. We’ll be leaving now.”

Li Ying’s test result left him deeply saddened.

The divide between immortals and mortals, to him, was of great significance. If one could not cultivate, life would be as fleeting as the morning glow.

Would Ying’er dissipate like the dawn? He would not allow it.

“It must be soon,” Li Mu vowed inwardly. “The best age for cultivation is ten or twelve; before she reaches that age, I must obtain a Pill of Pure Essence for her, no matter what.”