Accompanied by Que Tang, Wei Ruoyun arrived at the mountain gate in less than an hour. Seeing the two guarding disciples bow respectfully to Que Tang, a sudden surge of resentment flared in her heart.
Why was the Way of Heaven so unjust? Her family had been slaughtered, and she bore a blood feud she was powerless to avenge, forced to rely on others just for a moment’s warmth. Yet this woman could stand so high above, receiving the reverence of all.
Why!
"Female supporting character’s Blackening Value has increased by ten. Current value is eighty; she has reached the level of a paranoiac. Meow~"
Que Tang, who was currently asking the guarding disciples about the location of the assessment grounds, was startled. "The initial Blackening Value for the supporting character this time is way too high. This feels dangerous."
"Because the supporting character’s entire family was massacred, she is currently in a state of resentment toward the heavens' injustice and hatred for her own weakness. Please be careful, Host. Meow~"
"No wonder she was a 'Black Lotus' in the original text..." Thinking of the supporting character from her previous life whose Blackening and Favorability were both maxed out, Que Tang felt a flicker of fear. However, she maintained her unwavering smile. After finishing her conversation with the disciples, she gently took Wei Ruoyun’s hand. "Ruoyun, are you here for the entrance assessment?"
Wei Ruoyun had been consumed by her resentment, and since she hadn't fully absorbed the medicinal pill Que Tang had given her earlier, she had nearly suffered a cultivation deviation. But with this sudden interruption, she felt an indescribable sense of comfort spread from the soles of her feet to the top of her head. Her previous gloom dissipated along with it. Realizing this, she felt ashamed of her earlier dark thoughts and felt another layer of closeness toward Que Tang, who had been helping her all along.
"Yes. My neighbor, Uncle Li, is a servant of the sect. He told me that today is the entrance exam and that regardless of status or wealth, everyone can try. As long as one has a Spiritual Root, they can join the sect."
"In that case, come with me. I shall lead the way."
"Supporting character’s Favorability toward the Host has increased by twenty. Current Favorability is thirty. Meow~"
"...I only said one sentence and the favorability went up. I think I’d better stop talking from now on," Que Tang silently established a rule for dealing with this character.
When they reached the assessment grounds, the area was crowded with people. Que Tang pulled Wei Ruoyun straight to a registration table. "Fellow disciple, this lady is here for the assessment. Could you please arrange it for me?"
The originally haughty disciple looked up and saw the Sect Leader’s daughter—the sect’s resident genius. His impatient expression instantly vanished, replaced by a welcoming smile. His gaze shifted to Wei Ruoyun, who stood behind Que Tang in coarse, tattered blue clothes. He was surprised at first, but then he figured that anyone personally brought by Que Tang could not be ordinary. He asked about her background politely, filled out the forms, and handed her a wooden token. "When someone calls the number on this token, just head over."
Que Tang glanced at it; it seemed to be a very early number. She smiled and handed over a bottle of pills. "These are pills I refined myself that help with the absorption of spiritual energy. Thank you, fellow disciple." Without paying further attention to the disciple, who looked as if he had won the lottery, she pulled Wei Ruoyun to a slightly clearer spot. Just as the disciple had said, it wasn't long before someone called her number.
"I wish you smooth sailing, Ruoyun."
Wei Ruoyun gave a bitter smile and turned to walk forward with determination. She approached the proctoring disciple and handed over her token. Under his guidance, she first washed her hands in a wooden basin and then placed both hands upon a mirror. For a long time, there was no reaction. Just as Wei Ruoyun’s heart began to turn cold and the disciple was about to ask her to leave, a golden light suddenly shot out from the mirror, piercing straight into the sky.
The elderly official in charge shouted in shock, "A Single Metal Spiritual Root!" Although Spiritual Roots were divided into the five elements—Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth—which reinforced and countered each other, a Metal Spiritual Root had not been seen for a hundred years. Now, not only had a Metal element appeared, but it was a Single Spiritual Root. Overjoyed, the old man sent a disciple to invite the Sect Leader.
Wei Ruoyun was dazed and at a loss. She turned as if seeking help, only to see that person already walking slowly toward her, as if she had seen through her thoughts long ago. That persistent smile, full of confidence as if nothing in the world could stump her, and her celestial grace calmed Wei Ruoyun down as she waited for Que Tang to reach her side.
"Do not panic, Ruoyun. The world follows the principles of the five elements. That golden light just now signifies a Metal Spiritual Root. Aptitude is ranked, and a Single Spiritual Root is the highest grade. Congratulations." Que Tang first touched her arm comfortingly before explaining.
Wei Ruoyun was stunned for a moment, then a look of mixed sorrow and joy appeared on her face. "So... did I pass?" She was a mere orphan; she never expected to have such immense luck to enter this immortal sect.
"Of course. The First Sect would never refuse you."
The Sect Leader arrived in a hurry. The official pointed in their direction. The Sect Leader paused for a moment upon seeing Que Tang before walking over.
"Tang'er, weren't you practicing in the back mountains? Why didn't you notify me when you came out of seclusion?"
"...That’s not important, Father. Look at Ruoyun; she has a Single Metal Spiritual Root. I found her on the road and brought her here." Que Tang, addressed as 'Tang'er,' suppressed her goosebumps and changed the subject. Sure enough, the Sect Leader immediately scrutinized Wei Ruoyun. After a long while, he said, "In our sect, only the Great Elder specializes in Metal-element cultivation techniques. It would be best if she joins the Great Elder’s lineage."
Hearing this, Que Tang was overjoyed. The male protagonist of the story just happened to be the Great Elder’s disciple. If the female lead also joined, spending time together day and night would surely allow her to complete the mission quickly. "I think so too."
"Then lead her to the Great Elder." Having said that, he waved them off.
Since things were proceeding so smoothly, Que Tang happily took Wei Ruoyun’s hand and walked out without a second thought. She tossed out a flying sword and was about to jump on when she remembered that Wei Ruoyun was still an ordinary person, even if she had just gained a "cheat code." She turned to explain, only to see the supporting character looking at their joined palms with a shy, blushing face. Startled, she immediately let go.
"Miss Ruoyun, I was being too forward," she said seriously. "This place is only where the sect handles daily affairs and interacts with the secular world. The true cultivation grounds are those towering peaks shrouded in clouds behind us. I will use the Flying Sword Technique to take you there. Once your cultivation has made some progress, you will be able to fly on a sword just like me."
Wei Ruoyun nodded.
Que Tang summoned the flying sword and let it hover flat on the ground. She stepped on and pulled Wei Ruoyun up with her. "If you are afraid, you can close your eyes. As for the rest, do not worry; I will keep you safe."
Hearing the words "I will keep you safe," Wei Ruoyun’s heart skipped a beat. She gazed at her and nodded firmly.
"Meow~ Supporting character’s Favorability toward the Host has increased by twenty. Current Favorability is fifty. Didn't the Host say she wouldn't pursue the supporting character? It turns out your mouth says no, but your actions say yes."
Que Tang was petrified. "I didn't do anything! Heaven is my witness. Isn't the supporting character a Black Lotus this time? Why is her favorability rising so fast?"
"In the beginning, the supporting character doesn't trust anyone because of her background. But once she accepts someone, she becomes single-minded. Furthermore, the Host is currently playing a 'Mary Sue' role, which provides a bonus to favorability. Meow~"
"You only told me such important information in the second mission..."
"Meow~ Better late than never!"
"..."
Having learned about the favorability bonus, Que Tang didn't want to delay, fearing the supporting character’s favorability would mysteriously max out again like in the last world. She headed straight for the blessed land where the Great Elder resided. After about fifteen minutes of flight, they arrived deep within the mountains. Que Tang believed that if this world had a Quidditch match, she would definitely be a Seeker.
"Great Elder? Great Elder?" she called out from outside a simple, rustic residence.
"Little Que Tang, have you brought me a disciple?" A clear woman’s voice drifted from inside. She had already received the message from her Junior Brother, the Sect Leader.
"Yes, Elder Sister," Que Tang called out sweetly.
"Nonsense. I am of the same generation as your father. How can you call me 'Sister'?" Though her voice was stern, there was no hint of actual reproach.
"By the way, where is Senior Brother?" Although the male lead had a marker over his head, seeing the mission target early would allow her to avoid trouble sooner.
"I sent him to find medicinal herbs for me. He won't be back for about a month. You girl, every time you come here, you only think of your Senior Brother."
"Elder Sister, don't wrong me! Look, this time is different. I’ve brought your future disciple." As she spoke, she pushed the hesitant Wei Ruoyun forward. "Look, isn't she lovely? Only someone this beautiful is fit to join the Great Elder’s lineage and uphold your prestige."
"You girl, you certainly have a way with words. Fine, let her stay." The Great Elder was coaxed into a laugh and let the matter slide.
"Ruoyun, don't be afraid. The Great Elder is very kind and has a high cultivation level. Many people dream of joining her lineage. If my father didn't cling to me so tightly, I would want to stay with Elder Sister too." Suddenly, the door opened, and a jar flew out, accurately hitting Que Tang on the forehead. She cried out in pain but didn't dare do anything, only pouting aggrievedly.
Seeing her drop her calm demeanor from the outer gate and act like a playful young girl, Wei Ruoyun couldn't help but laugh.
"See, you look so much better when you smile." Que Tang tilted her chin up like a flirtatious rogue. A moment later, as if she hadn't noticed Wei Ruoyun’s blushing face, she let go and thrust the jar, along with a pile of other things, into her arms. "This is a storage ring, this is Foundation Building medicine, and this is a guide charm—it has the coordinates to my residence. You won't need the rest for now."
"This... how can I accept this?" Wei Ruoyun looked at the pile of items in her arms, feeling conflicted.
"Don't be polite. We are now fellow sisters of the same sect. If I don't look after you, who will?" Before the other could voice her gratitude, Que Tang cut her off. "Say no more. We have plenty of time ahead. Hurry inside; don't keep the Great Elder waiting, or you'll be punished."
"You child, don't slander me in front of my future disciple. Have I ever punished you?"
Que Tang stuck out her tongue. She pushed Wei Ruoyun through the door. "Great Elder, I’m leaving now! Ruoyun, see you another day." She immediately jumped onto her flying sword and headed back to her own residence without looking back.
