Chapter Sixty-Two: Step Aside

“What do you think, little sister?”

“My stomach feels a little bloated, but it’s nothing. I’m not really afraid.”

Li Mu gently touched his little sister’s hair and whispered, “It’ll be all right soon, little one.”

Earlier, he had thoroughly examined the effects of the Qi Transformation Pill and was well aware of its workings. Everyone possesses some innate potential for cultivation, but for most, it remains hidden, making it impossible to coalesce a qi pool or begin their practice. But after taking the Qi Transformation Pill, one’s hidden talent is awakened, granting them the ability to cultivate.

Yet, the process of awakening this potential is far from smooth; it can be extremely painful, so much so that many are unable to bear it and give up. But for Li Ying, so young, to endure such hardship without even flinching filled Li Mu with both pain and pride.

“If it hurts, just say so—it’s all right,” Li Mu said, employing a gentle breeze technique to ease his sister’s discomfort.

“Don’t worry. If I can cultivate and become like you, brother, then I won’t be afraid of anything.” Though sweat streamed down her face, her expression remained determined.

After a while, the pain at last subsided. Li Ying braced herself on the ground, lifting her head, hope shining in her eyes. “Brother, I can cultivate!”

Li Mu, feeling both relief and sorrow, hugged his little sister. “Come, let’s go try it now.”

Though she had taken the pill, Li Mu wanted to be certain, so he decided to have Li Ying’s talent tested.

Assignment.

Once again, it was the aged Elder Ye. “Li Mu, you’ve come again.”

Li Mu bowed respectfully. “Thank you, Elder Ye. I’d like to have my little sister tested.”

“This way,” the elder replied, as though he had expected it all along.

In the familiar room, Li Ying returned once more.

“Here, little one.”

“No, I can do it alone, brother.” Li Ying gazed at the crystal pillar, her face a mixture of worry and hope, then closed her eyes and embraced it.

“Well then, congratulations, Brother Li,” Elder Ye said, seeing the rings of light float up. He saluted Li Mu. Now that both were at the Spirit-Building stage, their forms of address changed accordingly.

Li Mu’s expression was awash with emotion; he could hardly contain his excitement as he watched the rings of light ascend the pillar. After nearly a year’s wait, the moment had finally come.

“Hm? Is that...?”

As two rings of light floated up, Elder Ye was slightly taken aback. Most who used the Qi Transformation Pill only revealed a single ring of talent. The reason was simple—those with outstanding talent could not have it hidden in the first place; it would have been apparent long before.

Li Ying clung to the pillar, tears streaming down her cheeks as she laughed and cried. “I can be just like you, brother!”

“Oh? Truly?”

Before he could finish speaking, a third ring appeared. Elder Ye stared in disbelief at the pillar, uncertain if his eyes deceived him.

Li Mu’s gaze sharpened, his spiritual senses heightened. He clearly saw a fourth ring begin to form, its image shimmering with unreality.

“Four rings. Four, once again. How is this possible?”

Startled, Elder Ye swiftly activated his communication jade, his movements belying his age.

A crisp chime rang out as the pillar emitted a brilliant light.

“What... a fifth ring?” Elder Ye could scarcely trust his eyes. The pillar now displayed five rings, all floating to its summit. As the fifth ring rose, the pillar’s sealing formation activated.

Suddenly, three figures appeared in the courtyard: Ye Yibai, Elder Wang, and Master Yu. Their faces were alight with joy as they gazed at the five rings. Ye Yibai’s hands trembled, his habitual sternness replaced by unconcealed delight.

Elder Wang looked from Li Ying to Li Mu, his expression complex. He shook his head repeatedly, as if about to speak, but stopped himself.

“Begin the assignment,” Ye Yibai instructed Master Yu, who nodded hastily and departed.

Li Mu’s brows drew together, an ominous feeling rising in his heart. He stepped forward and cradled the still-dazed Li Ying in his arms.

“Step aside,” Ye Yibai said coldly.

Li Mu shook his head. “City Lord Ye, what are you doing? She is my little sister.”

“So what if she is? With five rings—talent one in ten thousand—her future achievements will far surpass yours. Even as you are now, you have no right. Move aside.” Ye Yibai’s words were icy, as if Li Mu meant nothing to him. In his eyes, only Li Ying mattered—a prodigy such as her could not be left to waste.

Li Mu’s contempt was absolute. He held Li Ying tightly, not sparing Ye Yibai a glance.

“Move aside, you three-ringed mediocrity. What can a Spirit-Building cultivator like you do?” Ye Yibai’s eyes flashed with anger as he swept his sleeve and stepped forward, his presence overwhelming as he bore down on Li Mu.

It felt as though he were plunging into an abyss. Pain wracked Li Mu’s body, his head threatening to split apart, his spiritual sea on the verge of shattering, his spirit tower trembling violently.

Ye Yibai’s mastery of pressure was flawless and precise, harming Li Ying not at all.

Watching her brother sweat yet hold firm, Li Ying grew anxious. “Brother, are you all right?”

Elder Wang exhaled quietly and stepped forward, his robe fluttering in the breeze.

The pressure lessened considerably, and Li Mu finally regained his balance. Anger flickered on his face. “City Lord Ye, what is the meaning of this?”

Without looking at him, Ye Yibai addressed Lady Wang, “Wang Ning, what are you doing?”

Lady Wang spoke softly, “City Lord Ye, Li Mu is now a disciple of our sect. Please, don’t treat him like this.”

“Is that so?” Ye Yibai’s expression eased slightly. “He’s in the sect now? You gave him the Qi Transformation Pill?”

Lady Wang nodded. “Yes.”

Ye Yibai regarded Li Mu in silence. “Since you are a disciple of the sect, your little sister shall also join Jade Iron Sect as of today.”

The words were softly spoken, yet brooked no refusal.

Such gentle words only stirred Li Mu’s resolve. He glanced at Ye Yibai. “Forgive me if I cannot agree. I wish to consult my sister before deciding.”

At his reply, Lady Wang’s expression grew sorrowful, but she said nothing.

“Oh?” Ye Yibai laughed, a trace of anger and mockery in his eyes. “You win a few matches and think yourself a talent? What makes you think you can refuse me?”

Li Mu closed his eyes, holding Li Ying gently, silent and unmoved.

Since leaving the mines, he had sworn to control his own fate, but now it seemed as if he were back in those dark tunnels. In this world of cultivation, rank and power were everything. He realized this truth with painful clarity.

Ye Yibai laughed, then gestured with his fingers, casting a spell.

A hand of spiritual energy formed in the air, reaching straight for Li Ying.

“No, no!” As the hand was about to touch her, Li Ying suddenly turned, her cheeks flushed, her eyes flashing with a fierce light never seen before. She shouted at Ye Yibai, “Don’t you dare touch my brother! Stay away!”