The young woman in the yellow dress was named Jiang Zhenzhen, a disciple of Divine Phoenix Island.
Since the arrival of the Spirit Calamity, the martial arts system of the entire continent had suffered a tremendous impact, gradually advancing toward a higher level of cultivation.
The sect landscape had continuously disintegrated and reorganized amid the turmoil, ultimately forming a new era of cultivation with the ten top-tier sects as the supreme authorities.
Among them, the deeply-founded Great Qian Dynasty alone monopolized six.
Divine Phoenix Island was one of them.
As Spirit Calamity phenomena grew increasingly frequent, the imperial court also began vigorously promoting cultivation. Being able to enter a top-tier sect like Divine Phoenix Island meant a complete life transformation—becoming part of the emerging upper class.
One could not only obtain massive cultivation resources but also enjoy elevated status and power.
The path to "changing one's fate" was no longer exclusively through the imperial examinations.
Especially for a woman like Shi Xueying from an ordinary family, it was undoubtedly a true case of a sparrow flying up to become a phoenix.
"Stone, where's Big Sister?"
Not seeing her elder sister, Shi Xueying asked her younger brother Shi Baolu.
Shi Baolu had just secretly stuffed the chick into a basket to hide it. Hearing her voice, he hurriedly ran out.
"The rice jar at home is almost empty. Big Sister went to buy rice. Also, Little Sister has been obediently writing in the study the whole time. I've been watching her. She definitely wasn't playing around. I... I wasn't playing around either!"
He stretched out two empty palms. "Look, there's nothing in my hands."
Toward this simple-minded younger brother, Shi Xueying harbored some disdain in her heart. On ordinary days when going out, she least wanted him following along.
At this moment, there were still distinguished guests in the house. Seeing his slovenly clothes and naive bearing, she felt even more disgraced. She simply waved her hand impatiently. "Alright, I got it. Go to the study and watch Little Sister write. Don't come out running around."
"Oh, okay."
Shi Baolu flashed a silly grin at Jiang Zhenzhen and Wen Yu, then ducked back into the study.
Shi Xueying showed an embarrassed expression.
"Sorry, Senior Sister Jiang. That's my younger brother, Shi Baolu. He's a bit simple and honest."
"It's fine. He's quite cute."
Jiang Zhenzhen was polite with her words but disgusted at heart. However, considering that Shi Xueying was already an predetermined junior sister and deeply valued by their master, she still maintained a smile on her face.
The luxuriously dressed Wen Yu spoke up at the side. "I heard there's a fool living next door. Does your younger brother often spend time with him? Could he have been tainted by bad luck?
Xueying, I'm not being meddlesome, but your family really should have considered moving long ago to keep your distance from that person. Foolish people are mostly inauspicious. Long-term proximity will affect your household's fortune."
Shi Xueying pursed her pink lips, her expression somewhat unnatural, and did not respond.
Jiang Zhenzhen watched this with an amused expression.
She knew in her heart that Wen Yu was interested in Shi Xueying. After learning that she had a "fool childhood sweetheart," he must have been displeased. Taking this opportunity to demean him was only natural.
Jiang Zhenzhen took Shi Xueying's hand and said earnestly.
"Xueying, before Master decided to accept you as a disciple, she long ago investigated your family background. Naturally, she knows that you and that boy surnamed Mu are old acquaintances.
But Senior Sister must remind you—the times are different now. You are no longer an ordinary mortal. Do not, because of a moment of soft-heartedness, get entangled by those toads in the mud and ruin your own future."
"I... I know."
Shi Xueying bit her lower lip and said in a low voice, "I only think of him as a younger brother. After all, he saved me before."
"Even thinking of him as a younger brother won't do."
Jiang Zhenzhen spoke with the admonishing tone of someone who had been through it. "This kind of person is no different from a fly. As long as you show him the slightest bit of kindness, he'll harass you endlessly.
The reason I came this time was to give your elder sister advance notice not to wrongly arrange a match and ruin you. You also know that Master has very high expectations for you. You absolutely must not destroy your future because of old feelings or romantic entanglements."
Wen Yu gazed at Shi Xueying's beautiful profile with burning eyes, suppressing the surging adoration in his gaze, and chimed in.
"Senior Sister Jiang is right. There are many talented young men far more outstanding than that foolish boy. Xueying, you must not, because of soft-heartedness and nostalgia, wrong yourself and give your life to the wrong person."
Shi Xueying let out a soft "Mhm," her eyes floating with confusion.
Speaking from her heart, she had a proud nature and naturally was unwilling to live a mediocre life.
But she also didn't want to make things difficult for the elder sister who had raised her single-handedly.
After all, after their parents died young, Uncle An's family had helped for many years. The adults of both families had long had a tacit understanding, viewing her and Mu Jiang as a pair.
Especially since her elder sister greatly valued loyalty and relationships.
Now, she could only hope that Uncle An and her elder sister could understand her choice.
"Alright, I won't say any more unnecessary words."
Jiang Zhenzhen's tone softened slightly. "Master went to Prince Cheng's residence today. After she finishes her matters, she will come personally to speak with your elder sister. At that time, Master will naturally persuade her to draw a clear line with that family as soon as possible, to avoid entanglements later."
Jiang Zhenzhen paused, then continued.
"Additionally, I heard from Master that His Majesty has graciously approved Consort Yue's request, specially permitting her to enter our Divine Phoenix Island to cultivate.
Consort Yue is currently enjoying profound imperial favor. If you can befriend her and gain her favor, whether for cultivation or future prospects, it will be of immense benefit—truly a step to heaven."
Hearing these words, Shi Xueying and Wen Yu were inwardly shaken.
Regarding this Consort Yue who enjoyed such tremendous imperial favor, they had naturally long heard of her illustrious name.
Consort Yue was originally the princess of the Western Yue Kingdom.
It was said that when she was born, red clouds stacked above the Western Yue royal palace, shaped like a phoenix. Hundreds of birds circled the palace crying without cease. The entire nation regarded it as an auspicious omen, declaring that she possessed "phoenix destiny."
When the Western Yue princess was fourteen, she came to Great Qian for a marriage alliance due to the friendly relations between the two nations.
The newly ascended emperor of Great Qian at that time fell in love at first sight and immediately conferred upon her the title of consort.
However, there were also secret rumors among the common folk saying that this Western Yue princess suffered from a strange illness where men could not approach her—who knew if it was true or false.
But regardless, she was indeed His Majesty's most favored consort. Her favor was so abundant that His Majesty even specially built an incomparably luxurious Water Moon Palace for her.
If one could climb up to this noble person and gain her favorable glance, one would naturally ascend to heaven in a single step.
"Senior Sister Jiang, what level of cultivation must one reach to become a Spirit Master like you?"
Wen Yu suddenly asked curiously.
Jiang Zhenzhen explained.
"Actually, the concept of 'cultivation' only arose after the Spirit Calamity appeared. At that time, besides various spirit objects appearing in the world, there were also incomplete and fragmentary mysterious cultivation technique texts scattered throughout the world."
"Through the strenuous efforts of major powers to decipher and piece them together, they slowly sorted out a still somewhat vague path of cultivation."
"And the foundation of cultivation lies in 'Refining Qi,' that is, inhaling and exhaling the spiritual qi born between heaven and earth. The major sects and the imperial court all possess basic breathing techniques. Once you formally enter Divine Phoenix Island, you will naturally be taught to practice them."
"When spiritual qi can condense and take form within the dantian, forming a 'Spirit Pill,' only then can one be called a true 'Spirit Master.' At this point, one can fuse with and control a spirit object."
Shi Xueying's eyes brightened slightly, and she asked, "The more spiritual qi one refines, the higher one's realm?"
Jiang Zhenzhen nodded with a smile.
"That's right. With each major realm increase, one can fuse with one additional spirit object, or control a spirit object of higher grade.
But to reach higher realms, one needs to cultivate higher-level techniques. Relying solely on basic breathing techniques is far from enough. Moreover, the technique must suit oneself, requiring extremely high talent. The slightest mistake makes it easy to suffer qi deviation.
This is also why most Spirit Masters who cultivate are First Grade Spirit Masters. Because those techniques pieced together from fragments are already rare and precious, and the majority are secretly hoarded by major sects and the imperial court, very rarely falling into the outside world."
Shi Xueying and Wen Yu secretly clicked their tongues as they listened.
Indeed, the path of cultivation was far more difficult than imagined.
Talent, resources, and techniques were all indispensable. Ordinary people couldn't even catch a glimpse of the doorway.
Shi Xueying blinked her beautiful eyes and asked again, "Senior Sister Jiang, then who is the highest realm Spirit Master in the world today? What level has their cultivation reached?"
Jiang Zhenzhen frowned and thought for a moment, then shook her head.
"It's hard to say. Because the techniques are incomplete, the current cultivation system is far from perfect. According to what is currently known, the highest realm should be the Fifth Realm, that is, Fifth Grade Spirit Master.
Looking across the entire Great Qian Dynasty, those who have reached this realm probably number fewer than ten, and it is difficult to reach a consensus on who is stronger or weaker.
At the end of the day, a Spirit Master's combat power depends to a great extent on the might of the spirit artifacts they have fused with and control. The stronger the spirit artifact, the more terrifying the strength naturally."
Fifth Grade Spirit Master!
Shi Xueying and Wen Yu were aghast.
This was simply monstrous.
Wen Yu couldn't help sighing, "Incomplete techniques alone can produce such a strong person. It's hard to imagine how terrifying it would be if these techniques were complete."
"Yes, it truly is a pity."
Jiang Zhenzhen shared the same feeling.
She had once heard her master vaguely mention that these incomplete techniques and spirit objects very likely came from another unknowable, mysterious world.
If this were true, could there really be immortals in that world?
Did immortal cultivation and eternal life really exist?
The cultivators of that world must be very happy.
——
——
After helping his aunt mince the meat filling, Mu Jiang went to the river outside the courtyard to retrieve the big white goose.
Carrying the struggling big white goose back to the courtyard entrance, he happened to see the luxuriously decorated carriage slowly driving away from the door of Shi Baolu's house next door.
Shi Xueying stood prettily at the door, waving goodbye to the carriage.
A gentle breeze blew past, lightly lifting the young woman's light cyan skirt hem, outlining her slender and graceful figure.
She turned her eyes and saw Mu Jiang carrying the white goose, slightly startled.
Mu Jiang took the initiative to smile and greet, "Hello there, Xueying."
Shi Xueying's expression was somewhat cold. She merely nodded slightly, then turned to enter the courtyard.
However, her footsteps paused for a moment.
She suddenly turned back and called out to him, "Mu Jiang."
"Mhm?"
Mu Jiang looked at the young woman.
Shi Xueying raised a slender finger and tapped her own head. "I heard... you're better here?"
"I guess I'm better."
Mu Jiang shrugged.
The young woman let out an "Oh," then entered the courtyard.
The corner of her skirt flashed and disappeared by the door.
Mu Jiang didn't mind either. Carrying the big white goose into his own courtyard, just as he was preparing to give it a bath, from the other side of the low wall suddenly came the young woman's tender and pleasant voice.
"Mu Jiang!"
Mu Jiang turned his head to look. He saw Shi Xueying standing on tiptoe, a pair of slender hands lightly resting on the wall top, revealing that pretty little face carrying a somewhat complicated expression.
"What is it?"
Mu Jiang walked over puzzled.
"That..."
Shi Xueying bit her cherry lips and said in a low voice, "In a few days... I'm going to Divine Phoenix Island."
"Oh, Stone mentioned it to me before. Congratulations."
Mu Jiang congratulated with a smile.
"You..."
Shi Xueying avoided his gaze. Her slender, white pinky finger unconsciously tucked a strand of temple hair behind her ear. After pausing a moment, she finally spoke in a low voice, "You're a good person. You'll definitely find a better girl than me in the future."
Without waiting for Mu Jiang to respond, her slender waist twisted as she turned and went back inside.
Mu Jiang was somewhat stupefied for a moment.
He scratched his head, lowered his head, and teased the big white goose in his arms.
"Congratulations, Mu Jiang. Life's first 'good person card,' obtained just like that, completely out of the blue."