Chapter 14 Mom Returns Like Lightning
126.
The next day, I had just gotten out of bed and hadn't had time to show off my skills on today's night patrol when my mom, Ms. Lin Yao, landed leisurely on Wayne Island.
"Mom!" I rushed over in surprise, and was picked up by Ms. Lin Yao and spun around on the ground.
"Yes, it's taller and heavier." Ms. Lin Yao weighed me with a relaxed look on her face.
"Hehehe, 165 easily." I winked at her.
And ignored the resentful looks from Barbara and Dick.
127.
Ms. Lin Yao said she came because I was already 12 years old and it was just the right time for me to return to the sect, choose a major and then attend classes.
Why wasn't I sent to a sect when I was eight? Because my mother had already taken me outside to complete the sect's elementary school learning tasks - sensing spiritual energy, inhaling spiritual energy to strengthen the body, controlling swords (or controlling anything else you like), as well as the basics of alchemy, refining weapons, drawing talismans, taming beasts, magic, spiritualism, and yin and yang, so that I could choose subjects after entering junior high school.
My master once said that I was born with sword bones, just like my mother.
She felt very sorry that my mother did not become a sword practitioner back then, or rather, she spent some time practicing everything and learned everything well.
My mom said she used to have a sword, but it broke, so she never used one again.
But she is very powerful with her body or any weapon, and the level of the enemies is not high enough for her to use a sword.
128.
"Return to the sect?" My eyes widened. "Mom, are you kidding me? I'm just starting to make a name for myself in Gotham, and now you want me to leave?"
Ms. Lin Yao patted my head calmly, "Don't worry. You're only going back to the sect to choose a major, not to practice in seclusion. Besides, do you think your father doesn't know about this? I already told him about it."
"Bruce agreed?" I said in disbelief. "He usually nags Dick for half an hour even if he eats an extra dessert at night, and he actually wants me to go back to cultivation?"
"Of course, he thinks it's cultural learning." My mother looked innocent. "And he said that practicing Taoism is much safer than you running around here."
I:"……"
Well, Bruce, you, who have only studied ordinary courses for half a year, really don’t understand how dangerous the world of cultivation is.
129.
"Ms. Lin Yao, I have a question." Barbara raised her hand and asked curiously, "What should we do if Leona returns to the sect to choose a major? Will she be able to come back in the future?"
Ms. Lin Yao looked at Barbara with a smile, her tone so gentle that it was frightening. "Of course she can come back. I will send her back after she chooses her major. But——"
She paused, her eyes flicking to Dick, who was stealthily eating a biscuit nearby. "If you want to come along, our sect wouldn't mind having a few foreign friends to exchange ideas and learn from."
Dick nearly choked on his biscuit. "Will the sect accept me? I'm just an ordinary person. I don't have any spiritual roots like you do!"
"Have you read too many novels? We in the cultivation of immortals don't look at spiritual roots, but only at comprehension, mental strength and willpower. Ordinary people can also give it a try. Maybe you will discover some talents." Ms. Lin Yao said seemingly nonchalantly.
"Really?" Dick's eyes lit up.
I looked at him warily, "You don't want to go back with me, do you?"
Dick winked at me, slid over to me sweetly, and said, "Why not? I'm your Robin."
130.
Finally, Ms. Lin Yao successfully persuaded Barbara and Dick to go to the sect to experience it together.
As for Bruce's opinion? That doesn't matter.
"It's been a wonderful journey," Barbara exclaimed.
"What's so amazing?" I rolled my eyes at her. "Wait until you see those flying swords all over the sky and the talismans that can explode people, then you'll know what eye-opening means."
"Flying sword?" Dick jumped up excitedly. "Oh my god, that sounds much cooler than the bat claw!"
"Don't worry, I'll let you know what 'hell mode from the start' means." I patted Dick's shoulder and gave him a meaningful smile.
Barbara and Dick shuddered simultaneously.
"I really regret it." Barbara whispered.
131.
Three days later, led by Ms. Lin Yao, we set foot on the snowy Kunlun Mountains.
"Welcome to the Wanjian Sect." Ms. Lin Yao pointed to the floating mountain gate below and said with a smile, "I hope you can get used to it."
"Mom," I looked at the towering palace and the sword lights dancing in the sky, and couldn't help sighing, "I now suspect that you brought them here just to show off."
"Of course." Ms. Lin Yao nodded seriously. "What could be more fulfilling than letting your father's children see our world?"
I:"……"
Mom, legally speaking, they are not my dad's children... Well, but it doesn't really matter.
Dick and Barbara were completely stunned, staring with their mouths wide open at the swords, fans, flutes, umbrellas, spirit beasts, etc. flying in the sky.
"Oh my god, this is so cool!" Dick danced with excitement.
Barbara frowned, "I suddenly have a bad feeling."
I patted her shoulder sympathetically, "Welcome to the hell of cultivation. Wish us good luck."
132.
The grand elder of the sect's mountain gate had been waiting for a long time.
"Lin Yao, you've finally come back with your child." The Great Elder stroked his beard, a hint of joking in his tone, "We all thought you were planning to keep her hidden and teach her privately, not showing her to the outside world."
"How could that be, Junior Brother?" Ms. Lin Yao replied with a smile, "She was sent back to receive a formal education shortly after she turned 12."
The Great Elder turned his gaze towards me, his tone suddenly changing to one that sounded somewhat kind. "Little girl, I heard you inherited your mother's sword bone? Now that you're back, come with me to the Sword Pavilion."
"Wait!" Ms. Lin Yao interrupted quickly, "Junior brother, this time it's not just my daughter, there are two other children coming to see the world."
Dick and Barbara stood up straight when their names were called. Barbara nodded slightly, while Dick smiled nervously. "Uh, hello, my name is Dick, nice to meet you."
The Great Elder glanced at them and frowned slightly, "They... are outsiders?"
"Junior brother, why would I bring outsiders here so casually?" Ms. Lin Yao waved her hand casually, "Don't worry, they are family."
"Family?" The Great Elder glanced at me suspiciously. "Your father's?"
I:"……"
Mom, is it really okay to say that?
133.
The world of cultivation encompasses numerous "sects," and while they've evolved into academy systems, they still retain many traditional practices. For example, upon initiation, a gift of apprenticeship is required, and upon becoming a professional disciple, a "heritage" is distributed as a symbol of status—perhaps a rudimentary flying sword, a protective robe, or a manual on basic cultivation techniques.
Furthermore, despite possessing modern infrastructure and even a well-established spiritual energy network, the sects of cultivation remain secretive from the general public. While the truth behind cultivation remains a secret to the outside world, it maintains a subtle connection with the state, and other superhumans are aware of its existence, so it's not strictly isolated.
"Then why do some cultivators go out and interact with ordinary people?" Barbara asked as she flipped through the manual.
"Once you've learned all the knowledge, the school will naturally leave you alone," Ms. Lin Yao said matter-of-factly. "No matter what you do, as long as it doesn't violate the law or discipline, the school won't intervene."
Before choosing our majors, we were taken to the "ladder to heaven" next to the mountain gate.
This is a huge staircase leading to the core area of the sect. It is made entirely of a special bluestone and emits a soft spiritual light.
"This is your first test," the Great Elder said, pointing to the ladder. "With each level you ascend, gravity increases, and spiritual energy impacts your body and will. At the very top, there's the 'Self-Examination Test,' where you'll need to confront your deepest desires."
Sure enough, it is an extraordinary way to cultivate immortality.
However, my mother said that this was the inspiration that the cultivation world got from novels... Thanks to the materials provided by the authors, the probability of law-breaking and disorderly behavior in the cultivation world has been greatly reduced after implementing this method.
134.
Ladder to heaven, no big deal.
By the time I reached the 70th floor, I was still breathing evenly.
"I feel like my knees are going to split." Dick sat on the steps, panting heavily, his whole body slumped like a puddle of mud. "Will I really be crushed into a cookie if I go up any further?"
"Don't stop." I patted his shoulder firmly. "Once you stop, gravity will become more difficult to bear."
"How can you walk so steadily?" Barbara asked curiously.
"I'm used to it." I grinned. "After all, I've been running around with my mom since I was a kid, so this kind of physical burden is still within an acceptable range."
Barbara sighed, "How annoying, you superhumans."
When I reached the last floor, in an instant, the surrounding scenery disappeared and I stood in an empty void.
"Ringo," a deep voice said, "What is your greatest desire?"
Countless images flashed before my eyes: Ms. Lin Yao taking me on a tour of the starry sea, my heroic figure patrolling Gotham at night, Bruce's proud expression, and Barbara and Dick joking around me...
But in the end, all the pictures turned into a simple picture -
I stood on a tall building, overlooking the entire Gotham. Bruce, Lin Yao, Barbara and Dick... my family, were all standing behind me.
"My desire..." I whispered, "is to protect everyone."
There was silence for a moment, and finally a chuckle sounded, "Pass."
135.
When I came out of the Questioning Heart Pass, Ms. Lin Yao was standing on the steps waiting for me.
"How is it?" she asked with a smile.
"Not bad." I wiped the sweat from my forehead. "You knew I could pass it."
"Of course." She raised her chin proudly, "You are my daughter."
Then, Barbara and Dick came out of the Pass of Questioning Heart one after another. Both of them looked a little tired, but there was a different light in their eyes.
I knew that a simple question of conscience would not be enough to frustrate them.
136.
After officially entering the sect, we can also visit each major and then make a decision.
The Sword Cultivation Department was the core of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect. Disciples practiced swordplay daily in the martial arts arena, occasionally engaging in life-or-death (?) competitions. The Talisman and Formation Department was more like a group of precision engineers, wielding cinnabar and brushes, drawing intricate spiritual energy circuit diagrams on sheets of talisman paper. Disciples in the Alchemy Department spent their days in the alchemy room, smoky and fiery, trying to refine a perfect foundation-building pill. And the Beast Taming Department...
"They're like a bunch of circus clowns." I pointed at a disciple nearby who was being pecked to the ground by a giant bird and couldn't help laughing. "It really is true that 'man is inferior to beasts.'"
"Don't underestimate them." Ms. Lin Yao raised an eyebrow. "Although the Beast Tamers may look embarrassed, once the contract is successful, with the nourishment of the spirit beasts, their combat power is no less than that of sword cultivators."
Dick agreed, "I think beast taming is super cool!"
"That's what you think." I rolled my eyes. "I hope you won't be disliked by the spirit beast."
137.
After the tour, we finally entered the professional assignment phase.
The academy is divided into eight majors: Sword Cultivation, Talismans, Alchemy, Weapon Refining, Beast Taming, Formation, Spells, and Physical Cultivation. Each major has its own main peak as its teaching base. The peak is the core area for the major courses, and the higher you go, the richer the resources.
Ms. Lin Yao took us to an open square. In the center of the square stood a stone tablet emitting spiritual energy. The names of eight majors were engraved on it and it was shining with a faint light.
"Each of you will have one chance to choose a major," Ms. Lin Yao explained. "However, after you choose, the elders will evaluate your talents. If you are truly unsuitable, they will recommend changing your major."
"Change majors?" Dick's eyes widened. "Is that even possible?"
"Of course." I nodded. "Cultivation isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. As long as you have enough understanding and ability, you can always find the path that suits you."
"So when do we choose?" Barbara asked.
"Now," Ms. Lin Yao pointed to the stone tablet, "Place your hand on the stone tablet and think about the major you want to study. It will record your choice."
138.
Dick rushed forward impatiently and put his hand on the stone tablet.
"I choose beast taming!" he shouted, his eyes full of anticipation.
The stone tablet shook slightly, and the two words "taming beasts" emitted a faint light.
"That's exactly what I'm talking about." I couldn't help but laugh. "With your alluring charm, I'd be doing you a disservice if I didn't choose Beast Tamer."
When it was Barbara's turn, she seemed a little hesitant.
"Talisman or spell?" She murmured to herself, finally taking a deep breath and placing her hand on the stone tablet, "Talisman."
The stone tablet flashed, and the word "talisman" lit up.
"Not bad." Ms. Lin Yao nodded with satisfaction. "Talismans require carefulness, logic, and a high level of communication with heaven and earth. You made a good choice."
Finally it was my turn.
I stood in front of the stone tablet, closed my eyes, and the scene I saw on the ladder emerged in my mind - I was holding a long sword, protecting my family.
"Sword cultivator." I whispered and placed my hand on the stone tablet.
The stone tablet flashed with a dazzling light, and the two words "Sword Cultivator" were so bright that they were blinding, and even had the faint sound of a sword.
"What a powerful sword intent." The elders nearby all showed surprised expressions.
Ms. Lin Yao looked proud, "As expected of my daughter, she has the sword intent even before she even has a sword."
"Senior Sister, her talent is even greater than yours back then." The Great Elder stroked his beard and sighed, "Jian Ge is blessed this time."
139.
After selecting our majors, we were assigned to our respective main peaks and prepared to officially start our studies.
"Starting tomorrow, all classes will officially begin," the elder announced solemnly. "I hope you will cherish every day here, because every moment may determine your future."
"Come on." I waved to Dick and Barbara. "I hope you can hold on."
"Don't worry!" Dick clenched his fist excitedly. "Just wait and see, I will definitely tame the strongest spirit beast!"
Barbara calmly adjusted her backpack, her lips curled up slightly. "Then let's see who learns faster."
"Don't be too proud." Ms. Lin Yao smiled and patted my shoulder. "The real test is coming next."
"Don't worry, Mom." I raised an eyebrow, "I'm not some new kid."
Ms. Lin Yao smiled meaningfully. "That's good. I'll wait and see how you perform."
140.
"The next few days of training will definitely be more exciting than patrolling Gotham at night," I said to Barbara and Dick.
Dick's eyes sparkled, "I love exciting challenges!"
Barbara held her forehead and said, "Just don't go too far."
It turned out that I was not exaggerating - from the first day, our practice life was full of unexpected situations.
"You failed your sword flying practice. It's normal to fall from mid-air." The sword cultivator elder looked at me calmly as I fell into a heap. "Stand up and continue."
"The talisman exploded? Don't worry, it proves you overused your spiritual energy." The formation elder soothed Barbara, whose fingers had been burned. "Next time, be careful not to make such a loud explosion."
"It's a good thing that the spirit beast scratched you. It means it's beginning to recognize you." The Beast Tamer Elder patted Dick, whose face was covered in scratches. "Try to communicate with it."
I looked up at the sky and couldn't help but sigh again, "Welcome to the hell of cultivation."
The system also took the opportunity to update its task list:
【Main quest: Cultivation of Immortality (in progress).】
Mission Description: Cultivating immortals is a arduous journey, one that severs thorns and thorns, escaping the mundane world and embracing the loneliness and might of heaven and earth... ahem, sorry for the misreading. In short, cultivating immortals is cool, but also tiring, especially when you have to deal with the superpowered criminals that plague Gotham City.
Phased goals: Break through the bottleneck of cultivation, spiritual power reserve +1000 points; complete the sect's major task ×1.
Rewards: Cosmic Fragments x 1000, Star Track Pass x 2. 】
[Side Quest: Accept and complete a sect bounty (to be triggered)
Mission Description: The sect always has a variety of small missions, such as helping to beat up a troublesome cultivator, dealing with a rebellious monster, or... catching a fast-running pet beast for your uncle? Your cultivation level and temperament determine the type of mission you can take. After all, this is part of the daily life of cultivating immortals.
Rewards: Cosmic Fragments x 50, Cultivation Secret Manual x 1 (chance to drop), Spirit Beast Egg x 1 (chance to drop).
[Bond Mission: Guide Dick and Barbara to become familiar with the life of immortal cultivation (acceptable)
Mission Description: Your sister and brother are curious about cultivating immortals, but they're clearly not quite accustomed to the locales of Kunlun. As their guide, you need to help them, like teaching Dick to control his impulsive mindset and explaining to Barbara how to avoid drawing talismans that look like abstract paintings...
Rewards: 30 Cosmic Fragments, 10 points of tacit understanding, 1 Love Feed.
[Special Mission: Search for the blessings and rare items scattered across Kunlun (randomly triggered).
Mission Description: This is a repeatable mission that can earn rewards.
Reward: Cosmic Fragments x10. 】
…
"System, you really are good at taking advantage of every opportunity."
"Thank you for the compliment. The system will continue to work hard, meow."
“…No cuteness allowed.”
"Okay, host. I've written 'No cuteness allowed' into the memory bank. Do you have any further instructions?"
"Back off."
"Good host."
141.
"What? Only half a year?" Dick widened his eyes and looked at Ms. Lin Yao in disbelief.
"That's right," Ms. Lin Yao said matter-of-factly. "You're just exchange students. Half a year is the limit. The longer ordinary people are exposed to the world of cultivation, the greater the impact they will receive."
"But half a year is too short!" Dick said with a look of resignation. "I just chose the animal taming major and haven't learned how to tame a decent spirit beast yet!"
Barbara remained calm, pushing her talisman textbook. "Half a year is enough to learn all this knowledge. For ordinary people, it's more about gaining experience. Further study isn't for us."
"Yes, half a year is enough." Ms. Lin Yao nodded. "Besides, the courses here are not easy. It's hard to say whether you can make it through half a year."
"What about Leona?" Dick looked at me. "Can she stay here forever?"
"Of course." Ms. Lin Yao smiled proudly, "She is my daughter, and the cultivation world is her other half's hometown."
I shrugged helplessly, "Don't worry, I'll go back to Gotham with you guys in six months. I still want to see that you don't go crazy with your training."
142.
However, Dick did not give up and gave his all in his animal taming class from the first day.
Then he took a big fall based on the animal language.
After all, there are only a few spiritual beasts that have inherited memories and can speak human language since childhood. Although they will definitely learn it if they study hard when they grow up, as a beginner, it is safer to contract a baby.
Therefore, one must learn animal language, spiritual communication, the magic arrays and rituals of various contracts, and the habits and hobbies of spiritual animals.
The school also provides basic spiritual animals for students to practice communication with, and the animals are happy to do so. After all, they are provided with food, accommodation, playtime, and a salary. Those who know know that they are working, while those who don't know would think this is a nature reserve.
As expected, Dick has been a popular person since he was a child. Even the spirit beasts are attracted by his charm. Even though they couldn't understand each other at the beginning, it didn't prevent them from communicating happily.
Barbara, on the other hand, was very composed. From the very beginning of her talisman class, the elders praised her, saying, "This exchange student is very talented. She draws talismans quickly and accurately."
"Thank you for the compliment." Barbara smiled slightly, but the confidence on her face could not be hidden.
143.
Six months have flown by quickly. Luckily, we sword cultivators often venture out for training, allowing me to quickly amass cosmic fragments (though I haven't encountered any blessed equations or events yet, only rare items). I plan to purchase domain anchors and install them in Gotham and my dorm. Until then, Bruce will have to remain the empty-nest Batman, quietly working in the Batcave.
Barbara's talismans have been drawn to perfection, and Dick has finally finished reading those mountains of books and has established good relationships with all the spirit beasts.
People from the Yin-Yang school next door said that he might also be talented in spiritual communication.
Damn, everyone loves Grayson, right?
"I really don't want to leave." Dick stood in front of the mountain gate, looking at the cultivation academy behind him, his eyes full of reluctance.
There were also spirit animals and people who knew he was leaving and gave him gifts, and he really cried.
"Don't worry, Gotham is still waiting for us." Barbara patted his shoulder. "This knowledge is enough for us to benefit from for the rest of our lives."
She was holding the notes given to her by her senior sister in her arms. I dare say that they are more detailed than those written in the textbooks. After all, everyone knows that textbooks have anti-self-study mechanisms.
"I haven't memorized enough books yet, Little Wing." I said with a smile, "And when you go back, these stories will be enough for you to brag about for the rest of your lives."
"What about you?" Dick looked at me. "Aren't you going back with us?"
"Of course I'll come back." I looked at the sky outside the mountain gate, "But not now. I still need to learn something."
"Then we'll wait for you." Barbara said softly.
"Yeah." I nodded. "When I return to Gotham, we'll fight side by side again."
144.
Ms. Lin Yao personally escorted us to the mountain gate.
"You've grown a lot in the past six months." She patted Dick on the head. "Go back and put what you've learned into practice. Don't waste this experience."
"Don't worry, I will definitely become the strongest Robin!" Dick said confidently.
Barbara silently sorted out her books and said, "Thank you for your teachings. I will treasure this knowledge."
"I'll bring you back to play." I waved to them, "Goodbye."
Dick and Barbara turned and left. Ms. Lin Yao looked at their backs and sighed softly, "What a nice pair of children."
"Yeah, that's good." I nodded. After all, they are my worried younger brothers and sisters.
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