An Encounter with the Tsundere Immortal Lady Chapter 8

Sky Peak.
Yu Huang landed her sword on Sky Peak’s plaza and said to Lin Wuxi, “The Sect Master will see you. Follow me.” With that, she started walking.
Apart from when Lin Wuxi first came to Sky Peak for the entrance assessment and the earlier seven-year examination, this was her first time on this plaza. Without the usual crowds like a sea of people, the vast plaza appeared exceptionally majestic, naturally exuding an extremely strong sense of pressure.
Sky Peak was the core area of Wan Hen Sect. Ordinary disciples usually only got to see it during major sect events like the seven-year examination. Normally, access was strictly guarded, and non-core disciples were absolutely forbidden entry. Thinking that she would soon be living on Sky Peak with such an awkward status, Lin Wuxi couldn’t help but sigh. Life, as always, was just… remarkably eventful.
The Sect Master was in the main hall at the highest point of Sky Peak. Yu Huang pushed open the door and led Lin Wuxi inside. Sect Master Song Qingde was already waiting. Seeing them enter, he turned and said to Lin Wuxi, “Sit.”
Lin Wuxi looked up and saw this renowned senior of the cultivation world. He appeared to be around fifty years old, with sharp eyes and a dignified face. There wasn’t the slightest trace of spiritual energy around him, yet the faint, oppressive aura he exuded made it impossible for anyone to underestimate him.
Lin Wuxi secretly marveled. The Sect Master of the number one sect truly has an extraordinary presence. Although I know this visit won’t be simple, it doesn’t mean I’m afraid. She smiled, sat down, and cupped her hands. “Disciple Lin Wuxi, here to see you by your esteemed command, Sect Master. May I know for what reason you’ve summoned me?”
Song Qingde stroked his beard and began, “I’ve heard some things about you from Yu Huang. I hear she praises you highly. Added to your outstanding performance in the seven-year examination, where you perfectly passed the sect’s mental state trial, as Sect Master, I am also quite pleased. I’ve specially transferred you to Sky Peak for cultivation, so your talent isn’t wasted. I summoned you this time for this very matter. What are your thoughts?”
“To receive the Sect Master’s favor is this disciple’s honor. I will definitely not disappoint your expectations, Sect Master, and will cultivate diligently, day and night.”
Although she said that, Lin Wuxi knew clearly in her heart that Song Qingde was suspicious of her. He was worried she might do something detrimental to Wan Hen Sect, so he wanted to keep her by his side to watch her at all times. It wasn’t about ‘not wasting her talent’ at all.
This wasn’t a big deal. In any case, staying on Sky Peak wasn’t much different from staying on Yunhua Peak for her. Remaining in Wan Hen Sect was convenient for finding materials and also beneficial for her cultivation. Setting aside the psychological factors, this wasn’t a bad thing.
“Excellent.” Having received the desired answer, Song Qingde was quite pleased. He said to Yu Huang beside him, “Yu Huang, Lin Wuxi has just arrived at Sky Peak and is surely unfamiliar with it. You arrange her accommodations and other matters.”
“Yes, Master.”
Yu Huang agreed and led Lin Wuxi out of the hall. She glanced back at Lin Wuxi and said, “Although Sky Peak has many spare residences, since you’ve just arrived, why don’t you live next to my Chenghua Hall?”
Since he’s already suspicious, it’s better to keep me close for observation. Lin Wuxi nodded slightly. “Whatever you arrange is fine.”
“What’s wrong?” Yu Huang in front stopped, turned around, her willow-leaf eyebrows slightly raised. She leaned in, her exquisitely beautiful face magnified before Lin Wuxi’s eyes, her thin lips parting. “Unwilling?”
Looking away, Lin Wuxi paused for a moment. “That’s not what I mean.”
A light laugh. Yu Huang turned back. “Well, regardless, this will be your place from now on. See if you like it.”
Hearing this, Lin Wuxi finally carefully examined the small wooden cabin before her. The cabin didn’t cover much ground and was surrounded by a small yard, which was further enclosed by a low fence. Looking at the cabin alone, it more closely resembled an ordinary house one might find anywhere in the mortal world’s mountain forests, lacking any of the otherworldly, immortal aura of the cultivation world.
Pushing the door open, a gust of fresh wind rushed in. The window directly opposite the door was slightly ajar, and outside was a grove of trees, some laden with various fruits, a delightful sight.
The furnishings in the room were simple, but much better than Lin Wuxi’s original room. By the window was a carved square wooden table and a square armchair. In the center of the room was an Eight Immortals table made of nanmu wood. Though simple in structure, the materials and craftsmanship were all top-notch. Further to the side was a wooden screen with a landscape relief carving, separating the main hall from the bedroom.
Behind the screen was a pearwood carved canopy bed. Its craftsmanship was beautiful, its style luxurious; one could tell it was quite valuable, but this was only by mortal world standards.
Lin Wuxi said, “This cabin is beautifully decorated and thoughtfully laid out. I like it very much. But looking at these furnishings, although very beautiful, they all seem to be from the mortal world. I wonder why Wan Hen Sect would have such things?”
The cultivation world pursued transcendence from the mundane; mortal items were what cultivators disdained the most. Even small sects in the cultivation world had mostly switched to using furnishings and tools imbued with magical power. For a major sect like Wan Hen Sect, they normally wouldn’t even mention mortal, worldly items. Therefore, to have a building here that one would mostly only see in the mortal world was indeed a bit strange.
“Although Wan Hen Sect is in the cultivation world, it also has branches in the mortal world. Obtaining some small items like these is naturally not difficult.” Yu Huang paused, but didn’t directly answer Lin Wuxi’s question.
“Is that so,” Lin Wuxi replied thoughtfully and said no more. For a moment, the room fell silent.
“Stay here tonight. Rest well. Tomorrow morning, I’ll take you to meet your instructor.”
Yu Huang, turning to leave at the door, felt quite annoyed. Just now was clearly a good opportunity to gain Lin Wuxi’s trust. Why did I suddenly feel that saying “I specially went to the mortal world to find these for you” would sound a bit strange, and change my words at the last minute?
Shaking her head, she shook off those strange thoughts from her mind, took a step, and flew towards the distant Chenghua Hall.
The Lecture
The next morning, Lin Wuxi tidied her hair early and waited outside her door for Senior Sister Yu Huang to take her to the lecture location.
Lin Wuxi was rather looking forward to this lecture. The instructors for the core disciples of the Wan Hen Sect had to be cultivators accomplished in certain fields. Even if Lin Wuxi had done considerable research in some areas, she naturally couldn’t compare to these dedicated teachers. What Lin Wuxi needed most now was a guide who could answer her questions and clear her doubts. To get such an opportunity was undoubtedly excellent for her, even if she had to give something in return.
Lin Wuxi didn’t have to wait long. Soon, she saw Yu Huang arriving on her sword, treading on the faint morning light. The pale yellow sunlight gently touched Yu Huang’s jet-black hair, coating it with a golden sheen. Seen from afar, she looked like a deity descended to the mortal world, making people hesitant to look directly at her.
Yu Huang landed in front of Lin Wuxi. She looked Lin Wuxi over and noticed she was somewhat different from before. Her delicate brows lifted slightly, and she began, “Congratulations, Junior Sister, on entering the Fusion Stage.”
Her melodious voice brought Lin Wuxi back to her senses. She replied, “Thank you, Senior Sister. My progress has been slow these years; I often feel ashamed.” After replying, Lin Wuxi put away her own flying sword and followed Yu Huang towards the lecture square.
Breakthroughs were common for cultivators, especially in the Wan Hen Sect, which was brimming with talent. Advancing to the Fusion Stage was something every disciple would eventually experience. Therefore, neither Yu Huang nor Lin Wuxi herself paid much mind to the breakthrough from the previous night.
The lecture square of Sky Peak was named Silver Moon Square. Located below Sky Peak, it was exclusively for the core disciples of the Wan Hen Sect for lectures and practice. Lin Wuxi had never been there before.
Lin Wuxi followed Yu Huang, using an earth-shrinking technique. In no time, they arrived at Silver Moon Square.
Many people had already gathered at Silver Moon Square. Seeing Yu Huang, everyone seemed quite surprised. They quickly parted to make a path, greeting her, “Greetings, Senior Sister.” A spot in the foremost circle had already been prepared, cleaned, and was waiting for Yu Huang to take her seat.
Yu Huang didn’t stand on ceremony and sat down directly. She also gestured for Lin Wuxi to sit beside her.
“…” Lin Wuxi was silent.
In the end, Lin Wuxi still sat next to Yu Huang because, apart from the spot beside Yu Huang, there were no other seats left nearby. Watching the group of disciples who had given up their seats for them happily move to the back rows, Lin Wuxi could only grumble inwardly, They can really do this with such peace of mind.
“What’s wrong?” Seemingly noticing that Lin Wuxi’s expression was a bit off, Yu Huang leaned her head closer, looked into Lin Wuxi’s eyes, and asked curiously.
All eyes turned in unison towards Lin Wuxi following Yu Huang’s movement. Lin Wuxi didn’t need to turn her head to feel the strong waves of envy, jealousy, and hatred from them.
“Nothing…” Lin Wuxi replied, her head lowered. Choosing to sit next to Yu Huang was truly a terrible decision.
Fortunately, they hadn’t arrived too early, and the lecture began soon.
Their instructor was Venerable Yu Shi. Though his cultivation wasn’t the highest, in the world of alchemy, he was a famously renowned grandmaster. The course he taught was precisely alchemy.
“The way of alchemy,” Venerable Yu Shi began, “lies in a calm mind, a focused spirit, and clear energy. Without sufficient patience, you cannot form pills. Without a resolute will, the pills will lack essence. Without abundant spiritual consciousness, the pills will lack spirituality. If any of these three are lacking, what you refine can only be a pile of waste.”
“Therefore, the way of alchemy is about cultivating the mind and nurturing one’s temperament. Facing the alchemy furnace and persevering for twenty hours – this is the content of our first lesson. Let’s begin now.”
As soon as his voice fell, an alchemy furnace appeared before everyone. Its style was simple and ancient, its color orange-yellow. It was indeed a rather fine furnace.
But at this moment, no one paid attention to these details. Every face showed some degree of distress, yet no one complained. Instead, they focused their attention on the alchemy furnace before them.
Such good discipline! Lin Wuxi praised them silently in her heart. Focusing one’s mind on a dull furnace is clearly an extremely tedious and boring task. Yet not a single one of these disciples protested. Blessed with heaven-sent talent, yet not arrogant, spoiled, or impetuous. Truly rare.
Unwilling to be outdone, Lin Wuxi also focused her mind on the furnace before her, engraving its form and patterns in her mind over and over. She locked all her spiritual awareness and energy onto this furnace. If it showed the slightest irregularity, Lin Wuxi would immediately react.
But this furnace wouldn’t show any change; everyone knew this. Secretly letting one’s mind wander or spacing out a bit wouldn’t matter much. But since it was cultivation, no slackening could be tolerated.
Such prolonged concentration was extremely draining on one’s mental energy and stamina. After four to six hours, many disciples already had a light sheen of sweat on their foreheads. Uninterrupted concentration for so long was very taxing, even for them.
Actually, during the normal alchemy process, such prolonged focus wasn’t usually needed. After a period, one would slightly divert their attention to relax. Venerable Yu Shi hadn’t instructed them not to divert their attention either. As for why they were pushing themselves so hard, it was probably because of Yu Huang.
Even though Yu Huang was respected by all disciples of the Wan Hen Sect, these once-favored children of heaven, these peerless geniuses, still harbored some pride in their hearts. They were unwilling to fall too far behind Yu Huang. At least, at the very least, they wanted to be able to see her back.
This was the thought in the hearts of almost all disciples of the Wan Hen Sect. Therefore, now that Yu Huang, who hadn’t shown her face for a long time, was finally attending class with them, these disciples were all giving their utmost, wanting to keep up with the figure ahead of them.
Yu Huang had never once diverted her attention during this cultivation session. This was the reason everyone had persisted until now!
The sun gradually slanted west, stretching the shadows of the young men and women seated before their alchemy furnaces, lengthening them further, until the red sun hid beneath the horizon. Those slender yet resolute figures—not one had collapsed.
Accompanied by the cool night, the evening breeze gently blew. Twenty-eight hours had passed. The stubborn young men and women were still unwilling to give up, only because that distant figure was still there.
“Alright, our first lesson ends here,” Venerable Yu Shi announced. “Everyone’s performance was excellent. It has pleasantly surprised me. Now, everyone go back and rest. I hope you can all maintain today’s mental state tomorrow!”
“Yes!”
The teacher had spoken. Yu Huang didn’t persist any longer. She was the first to stand up, pulling Lin Wuxi onto her sword as they left.
On the flying sword, Lin Wuxi looked at Yu Huang and said, “You did that on purpose just now.” It wasn’t a question, but a statement of certainty.
“Oh? How can you tell?” Yu Huang’s eyebrows raised slightly, her deep eyes looking at Lin Wuxi as she retorted.
“Even if you were concentrating intensely, as a cultivator, you can still sense your surroundings. You must have been clearer about the condition of those disciples than I was. So why did you keep persisting?”
“I just wanted to test their temperament. From the looks of it now, they all passed.”
Chenghua Hall was already in sight. Yu Huang pursed her lips. “Ah, we’re here. You can go.”
Someone was already at the entrance of the hall to receive her. Yu Huang stepped onto the carpet at the entrance and entered Chenghua Hall, without a single glance back at Lin Wuxi.
“…” Looking at the hall door that was heavily shut before her, Lin Wuxi wanted to cry but had no tears. This damn woman! Weren’t you the one who offered to take me back and then pulled me onto your flying sword? And fine, you didn’t take me back to my place but to your own Chenghua Hall, that’s one thing. But then you just shut me out without a word! And ran off to enjoy yourself in your hall! It’s simply outrageous! Your villainy is endless! So cruel and heartless! Unforgivable!
Lin Wuxi returned to her own residence, fuming.
Meanwhile, Yu Huang was not enjoying herself in the hall as Lin Wuxi imagined. Instead, she was sitting on her chair, vexed and sulking.
Why on earth did I just pull Lin Wuxi onto my flying sword like that? Once on the sword, how did I unconsciously fly directly back to my Chenghua Hall? And when we arrived at Chenghua Hall, why couldn’t I naturally and gracefully invite Lin Wuxi in for a sit-down? What is this, running back into the hall in a panic and sulking like this? This really isn’t like me at all.
In any case, their first class on Sky Peak ended like this.