115. The Audience

Ling Yu and Qian Jiale stood upright before the Inquiry Palace, eyes observing noses, noses observing hearts, patiently awaiting their summons. By their side was Tu Qiurong, the steward of the Moon Embracing Peak, accompanying them.

According to regulations, when disciples reach the Foundation Establishment stage, they belong to the peak where they cultivated, and the steward of that peak leads them to the Inquiry Palace to pay respects to the elder who imparts the Transmission Art. It is also an opportunity to meet Jindan cultivators interested in taking apprentices. Ling Yu had just established her foundation, and Tu Qiurong was overjoyed. The Moon Embracing Peak had not produced any Foundation Establishment disciples for many years, and as steward, her reputation had suffered. Now, finally, she could redeem herself.

As for Qian Jiale, he resided on a large peak with over a thousand residents. The steward there was too busy to escort him immediately and planned to bring him later. However, he wished to accompany Ling Yu and had notified in advance to come on his own.

"Junior Sister Cheng, no need to rush," Tu Qiurong, usually stern, smiled gently and reassured them softly, "The Foundation Establishment report is sent to the sect, and the Inquiry Palace will notify the various Jindan elders to arrange a time... The elders’ time is precious, so we must wait patiently."

"Yes, thank you, Uncle Tu," Ling Yu replied respectfully.

"Hey!" Tu Qiurong wagged a finger teasingly, "Now you must address me as Senior Sister. Unless you become a direct disciple of a Nascent Soul master, your seniority is determined by cultivation level. Don’t get the titles wrong."

"Yes, Senior Sister Tu," Ling Yu quickly corrected herself.

Tu Qiurong smiled broadly. The more she looked at Ling Yu, the more she liked her. This young girl was quiet but diligent, without the spoiled arrogance of sons-in-law from influential sect families. She was good material, surely one of the Jindan elders would take a liking to her.

With this in mind, she gave Ling Yu a careful reminder: "When the Jindan elders arrive shortly, you must not be rude, but also don’t be overly restrained. At this level, they do not focus much on aptitude when taking apprentices; they look for compatibility. So, don’t hide your true nature. Finding a master whose nature matches yours would be a blessing."

Sighing, she added, "When I established my foundation years ago and came to pay respects to my Jindan uncles, I was too nervous and restrained, which led to no one willing to accept me as a disciple. I wasted many years because of that… Junior Sister Cheng, you have come at a good time and will surely succeed, so seize the opportunity."

Tu Qiurong carefully explained all the important points to Ling Yu and gave Qian Jiale a few tips as well. Ling Yu felt fortunate to have met such a kind-hearted senior sister, who, though seemingly strict and traditional, had a genuinely good heart.

She continued, "If any direct disciple from the Five Peaks comes to take apprentices, you must seize the chance and join their ranks if possible. They are direct descendants of Nascent Soul founding masters and possess far more resources than other Jindan elders. You juniors might occasionally meet Nascent Soul masters, and even a word or two of guidance from them would be invaluable."

After this thorough briefing, Ling Yu and Qian Jiale finally understood clearly and repeatedly expressed their gratitude.

When Tu Qiurong finished, Qian Jiale asked, "Senior Sister Tu, may I ask which elder among the Five Peaks cultivates the sword? Both Junior Sister Cheng and I are sword cultivators. It would be ideal to join a sword cultivator’s sect."

Tu Qiurong pondered for a moment and said, "There is only one sword founding master in our sect—Master Duanyue of the Qinyue Peak. Most sword cultivators in the sect hail from his disciples. A century ago, I would have advised you to join his ranks. Unfortunately, Master Duanyue has secluded himself for a hundred years, and Qinyue Peak has been closed to guests. His Jindan disciples do not take apprentices anymore. There is no way in."

This was not a secret within the sect. Qian Jiale had heard of it before but did not know the reasons. Now, with Tu Qiurong’s explanation, he understood why.

"Heh," he sighed. Even if one succeeds in joining a Jindan elder’s sect, if they are not a sword cultivator, their chances diminish.

"Don’t be too disappointed," Tu Qiurong said, "Among the Five Peaks, there are two sword cultivators under Master Yang of Shaoyang Peak, and one sword cultivator under the sect leader of Fuhai Peak. They might come to take apprentices."

Despite her words, their hopes were not high. The Five Peaks had numerous Jindan cultivators, but sword cultivators were more lax and less interested in worldly affairs. The chance of three sword cultivator elders coming to take apprentices was slim indeed.

After waiting a while longer, their scheduled time arrived. A Foundation Establishment cultivator emerged from the Inquiry Palace. After greeting them, he said politely, "The masters have all arrived. Please come in."

"Thank you, Senior Brother," Tu Qiurong expressed thanks on their behalf and reminded them once more, "Remember, do not be rude, and don’t be too constrained."

The two nodded and were about to enter when a sharp voice called out from nearby, "Wait!"

Startled, the four turned to see Xu Jibo running over quickly. He bowed deeply and asked, "Senior brothers and sisters, may I join you in paying respects?"

"You..." The Foundation Establishment cultivator frowned slightly, feeling Xu Jibo was being somewhat impolite.

Tu Qiurong looked surprised. "Xu... Junior Sister? You’ve established your foundation?"

Xu Jibo’s joy was unmistakable as she nodded cheerfully. "As soon as I emerged from seclusion, I heard Senior Sister Cheng and Senior Brother Qian had returned and were coming to the Inquiry Palace to meet the Jindan elders. I have been anxious without news of you for half a year, so I couldn’t resist coming over. I also established my foundation, so if I can join you in meeting the elders, it will save the Inquiry Palace from having to make another arrangement. Senior Brother, is that alright?"

She directed her last question to the Foundation Establishment cultivator.

He frowned, thought for a moment, and said, "Technically, once you establish your foundation, you have one opportunity to meet a Jindan elder. Coming in together is no problem. However, rules require that after Foundation Establishment, personal status must be reported to the Inquiry Palace, which then forwards it to the Jindan elders and Nascent Soul masters. Those interested in you will come forward. If you just follow them in without your information being known, you might miss your chance. You should consider carefully."

"Yes? There are many details I haven’t told you yet that could affect your choice of a suitable master," Tu Qiurong also advised.

She had known Xu Jibo obtained the Foundation Establishment pill and had high hopes. Now seeing Xu Jibo truly established, she was pleased but worried that Xu Jibo might act impulsively and miss a crucial opportunity, affecting her whole life.

"I know," Xu Jibo dismissed the concern lightly. "Thank you both for your kindness. I’ve thought it all through."

"Very well," the Foundation Establishment cultivator said, turning to lead the way. "Follow me."

"Junior Sister Xu..." Tu Qiurong sighed as she watched Xu Jibo follow without hesitation.

The Inquiry Palace was vast. The cultivator led them through winding paths, past the front hall, around the main hall, and finally stopped at the rear hall. "Wait here a moment. You will be called in shortly."

The three bowed in unison. "Thank you, Senior Brother."

After he left, Xu Jibo turned and smiled. "Senior Sister Cheng, Senior Brother Qian, it’s been half a year. Are you both well? I haven’t congratulated you on your Foundation Establishment yet. You truly have great fortune—not only surviving great tribulations but also gaining tremendous opportunities."

Ling Yu replied calmly, "Likewise. Junior Sister Xu, it hasn’t been easy for you either."

"Not really, just lucky," Xu Jibo smiled brightly, clearly in good spirits.

Qian Jiale snorted and didn’t even glance at her. He whispered to Ling Yu, "Why bother with her? Such a petty character!"

Ling Yu responded telepathically, "At least she warned us before and isn’t malicious at heart. Just respond casually."

Qian Jiale sneered, "Is that so? Look at her. She said she was anxious without news of us, but does she look worried? More like she’s overjoyed at her own Foundation Establishment and eager to find a good master!"

Ling Yu was silent. During their six months on Mount Zhuru, she had thought about Xu Jibo’s behavior. Earlier, she had found Xu Jibo’s actions strange—accusing her of wanting to harm them, yet warning them to leave the earth fissure promptly, appearing to help them but also obstructing her in many ways.

Regardless, their predicament on Mount Zhuru was not Xu Jibo’s fault, so Ling Yu had let it go, deciding only not to get close to her anymore.

Back at the sect, they heard that Xu Jibo had not only escaped the catastrophe on Mount Zhuru but also offered treasures to the sect, earning the Foundation Establishment pill as a reward. Ling Yu was initially relieved—after all, Xu Jibo was her friend, and it was good she survived. Yet, she had an inexplicable uneasy feeling.

Qian Jiale was more straightforward. Without any evidence, he trusted his instincts and decided Xu Jibo was suspicious, warning Ling Yu to keep away.

Later, when they reported to the sect and came to meet the Jindan elders, Xu Jibo brazenly rushed over, claiming she was anxious to see them. But she didn’t say a word or even give them a look. Qian Jiale’s dislike grew, and he outright labeled her petty.

Compared to Ling Yu, Qian Jiale was a typical sword cultivator: straightforward, black and white, driven purely by gut feeling. If you asked why, he’d just say he disliked her.

Ling Yu, who hadn’t provoked her, was indifferent—her attitude could be summed up as “whatever.” She wouldn’t turn hostile, but she wouldn’t treat her kindly either.

"By the way, where did you go afterward? Didn’t I tell you to leave early?" Before they could answer, Xu Jibo rambled on, "I was worried when I couldn’t find you! The entire Mount Zhuru was engulfed in heavenly flames. How did you get out?"

Ling Yu glanced at her and said, "The heavenly flames on Mount Zhuru have died out. Didn’t you know?"

Xu Jibo was stunned, unable to believe it. "The heavenly flames have died out? What does that mean?"

"Literally what it says," Qian Jiale said sarcastically. "Junior Sister Xu, aren’t you so concerned about us? The heavenly flames on Mount Zhuru have been out for almost half a year, and you didn’t know? Well, having obtained the Foundation Establishment pill, you naturally focused on your cultivation and forgot about us. Maybe we’ve long been reduced to ashes!"

Qian Jiale’s tone finally made Xu Jibo sense something was wrong. She looked at him, then at Ling Yu, and said, "Senior Brother Qian, you must have misunderstood me. Uncle Lan waited on Mount Zhuru for two months and rescued all the disciples he could find. Without news of you two, I thought you might have... I stopped paying attention after that."

What she said was not without reason, but Qian Jiale was fixed in his judgment, and no amount of explanation would change his mind.

At that moment, the Foundation Establishment cultivator returned. "Three junior brothers and sisters, please come in."