Immortal Hidden Sect is recruiting!
The two Chaodu sat on the white jade crane, chatting about the history of Zanmei City and the deeds of the Zanmei Ancestor in slaying demons. When they arrived above Zanmei City, the two put on masks, and the other Chaodu also put on gloves—which she had made in her spare time while fishing to cover the demonic markings on her hands.
Then the two put away the crane and walked together toward the city gate.
A long queue formed at the city gate, creating a lively atmosphere. The crowd was full of discussions about the Immortal Hidden Sect and Xi Su, and there were also voices urging those in front to hurry up.
Chao Du looked at the long queue and shook his head: "The queue will probably last until noon, and there are identity verifications at the city gate, as well as strict checks on demonic cultivators... It's troublesome."
Another man, Chao Du, nervously touched his mask and whispered, "Am I not allowed in?"
Asahi smiled and winked at her: "How could you not get in? Just go in stealthily."
Another Chao Du worriedly said, "There are usually checkpoints at the gates of these cities to inspect magical artifacts. I can hide from people's eyes by concealing myself, but I can't hide from magical artifacts, can I?"
Asakawa: "Don't worry, I'll 'say hello' to the magic weapon."
The two stealthily made their way to the city gate.
Asaka looked at the long queue and realized that it wasn't moving slowly at all, but completely still, which was not right.
Suddenly, several guards from Zanmei City ran out of the city gate and loudly explained along the queue, "The city is full! There really can't be any more people in! If you want to come in, you'll have to wait for the people inside to come out!"
The people in line immediately erupted in anger, complaining and expressing their dissatisfaction:
"By the time the people inside come out, Xi Su will have already left!"
"Can't Zanmei City accommodate a few of us?"
The guard said helplessly, "We really can't get in, folks. I don't want to stop you either! The city is packed with people, even the rooftops are full! There's no room left on the airships!"
The two men looked at each other in bewilderment: Just how many people have come?
Someone asked, "Has Xi Su gone in?"
The guard shook his head: "I don't know, but they haven't shown up yet."
Someone else sneered, "If Xi Su hasn't entered the city yet, and you're blocking him from entering now, you might end up keeping Xi Su out too! Let's see what you do then, just sit here and wait!"
The guard said, "Don't worry about that. If Xi Su comes, we'll definitely have to let him in. Besides, with his abilities, he might just go in without us having to let him in."
Asakawa nodded: That's true, she was just about to go in.
A group of people started talking amongst themselves, and the formation gradually broke apart. Some people sighed and complained that they had made a wasted trip.
After thinking for a moment, Chao Du said to the other Chao Du, "Wait here for a while. I'll go into the city to check the situation. If it's really as the guard said, even if we get in, we probably won't be able to find a place to set up a stall. Why don't we just recruit people outside the city?"
Another person, Chao Du, had a bright idea: "Great idea! The city gate is so spacious! And while people outside can't get in, people inside can always get out, right?"
Chao Du concealed himself and resonated with the magic weapon at the city gate, thus avoiding detection and arriving inside the city gate.
Zanmei City was indeed packed with people; the streets, rooftops, and even the air were filled with people, all asking about Xi Su's whereabouts.
Have you seen Xi Su?
"If I had seen it, would I still be here?"
Where exactly is Xi Su recruiting today?
"I just came from the north side of the city and didn't see it."
"Let's go and take a look to the south."
"I came all the way from Chongshan City five days in advance, I must see Xisu today!"
"Wow, that's quite a distance from Zanmei City. Did you come all this way just to register?"
"No, that's not it. Xi Su's origins are unknown. I heard that the Immortal Hidden Sect was actually built in Gray Wasteland Ridge. Who would dare to go there? I'm just here to watch the excitement, hehe."
Chao Du looked around, shook his head helplessly, and decided to set up a stall outside the city. But... since he was already here, he let her take some things with her.
Chao Du quickly arrived at a pastry shop next door: the street was crowded with people, but there were few people in the shop, with only one clerk who was sighing and looking worried.
"What would you like, sir?" the shop assistant asked with a sigh, without even looking up.
Chao Du: "Ten portions each of plum blossom pastries and plum blossom wine, specialties of Zanmei City, to take away. By the way, why are you sighing, young lady?"
While packing up Chao Du's order, the shop assistant sighed resentfully, "Everyone went to see Xi Su today, but I was unlucky enough to draw the lot to be in charge of the shop, so I won't be able to see Xi Su... Here, this is what you wanted, a total of one hundred and twenty copper coins."
As Chao Du took out copper coins from his purse, he comforted her, saying, "It's alright. Maybe you've already seen it, or maybe you're the first one in the city to see it."
The shop assistant shook his head with a wry smile: "How could that be? I've been an unlucky guy since I was a child. And even if I saw Xi Su, I wouldn't be the first person. Do you think Xi Su would do nothing but hide from everyone else and come to this shop to buy desserts as soon as she enters the city gate?"
Asawa nodded with a smile: "That's quite possible."
The shop assistant waved his hand listlessly and sighed, "Sigh, don't joke with me. I'm already upset, sigh."
Asakawa: "Alright, but maybe you'll hear news about Yusaku and your plum blossom pastry in a little while—if the plum blossom pastry is really delicious."
The shop assistant froze, then looked up at Chao Du with a skeptical expression: "What do you mean by that?"
Chao Du smiled and asked again, "Do you want to join the Immortal Concealment Sect?"
"Huh?" The shop assistant waved his hands repeatedly. "No, no, I heard that this sect is in Gray Wasteland Ridge, which is too remote. You... could you be from the Immortal Concealment Sect?"
Chao Du smiled without saying a word, picked up his things and turned to leave. He then went to the equally deserted jewelry shop next door and bought two plum blossom hairpins as souvenirs. He then returned to the outskirts of the city and handed the plum blossom pastry and plum blossom wine to the other Chao Du: "Here, try them and see if they're good. Wait a moment, let me change our masks."
Asakawa tapped the two masks with her fingertip, changing the mask that originally covered the whole face into one that only covered the upper half of the face. The other mask of Asakawa was slightly longer on both sides than hers, so that it could just cover the blood-red demonic patterns on her face.
Another person, wearing the modified half-face mask, first tasted the plum blossom pastry and exclaimed, "The outer crust is crispy, and the filling... it tastes a bit bland to me, so it should be just right. Overall, it's sweet but not cloying, with a refreshing aroma, not bad at all! This plum blossom wine is also a bit bland, but you can taste its clear and lingering fragrance, so it should be delicious too. I wonder if it was brewed with spring water or snow water?"
Chao Du nodded and smiled, "I heard it's snow water. By the way, give each of the new disciples a plum blossom pastry and plum blossom wine later."
"...Huh? We're giving this to the newly initiated disciples?" Another Chaodu disciple was a little confused. "Other sects give out swords and clothes, but we're giving out snacks and wine?"
Chao Du said confidently, "These are specialties of Zanmei City with great commemorative value, and they are indeed delicious! Of course, there is another main reason: I want to give the real gifts to the new disciples, but I can't give them in front of too many people. Otherwise, those who come to sign up for the disciples may be people who are after the gifts, not the people we want to recruit."
Another Chao Du suddenly realized: "That makes sense. By the way, where can we recruit people outside the city? There's such a large open space."
Chao Du looked around and pointed to a spot not far away: "Let's go here. It's lively and well-informed here."
The two got right to work, setting up a table that had been brought from the Immortal Hidden Sect and two chairs about thirty feet away from the city gate.
This strange action immediately attracted the attention of some people around them. They were the people who had been queuing earlier, but now that they had no hope of entering the city, the queue had broken up. However, they were unwilling to leave just like that and were still lingering nearby.
Someone stepped forward and asked, "What are you doing? We're not allowed to enter Zanmei City anymore."
Asakawa nodded: "Yes, they won't let us in, so we're recruiting people outside the gate."
"...Recruiting? Wait, do you mean you're from the Immortal Hidden Sect?" The man looked at the two Chaodu members with surprise.
Chao Du asked with a smile, "What, doesn't it look like it?"
The man looked at it carefully and shook his head seriously: "It doesn't look like it."
A group of people around him laughed: "With Xi Su's abilities, how could he not be able to enter the city?"
"It's even less likely that they'd just set up a small stall outside to recruit people!"
"Hey, you'd better hurry up and leave. If Xi Su herself sees you, she might kill you, you imposter!"
Asaka chuckled and shook his head: "I'm not that short-tempered."
The people around were stunned.
"What did she just say?"
"She means she's Xi Su?!"
Chao Du didn't answer. He first placed the prepared specialties of Zanmei City on the table, stacking them into two tall piles. Then, he used his spiritual power to conjure paper and ink, and wrote on the paper:
Immortal Hidden Sect Recruitment
We sincerely invite courageous, ambitious, and talented individuals with limited backgrounds to join us.
Other than that, no restrictions
Sect Location: Gray Wasteland
As soon as the paper was laid out at Chaodu, it was as if the city had eyes. First, a group of flying boats flew out of the city, and then a large number of people rushed out from the city walls and gates. In the blink of an eye, they surrounded Chaodu's shop, and the crowd stretched as far as the eye could see. Many more people were still pouring out of the city like a tide.
There was much discussion among the crowd:
"Is this the sword immortal?!"
"This sword immortal's actions, uh, are indeed unconventional."
"What's in those boxes on the table? Rare magical treasures?"
“I can see through the box with my unique skill, but why does it feel like the contents are… pastries? Like the ones we ate yesterday.”
"Could this be a smokescreen by Xi Su? This person is indeed unfathomable!"
"It's open...and it really is dessert! We've already started eating!"
"Hey, look at those job requirements. I can understand having courage and wanting to become an immortal, but why do they need people with weak foundations?"
"I don't understand. Is it perhaps to prove that great teachers produce outstanding students?"
"By the way, who's that next to Xi Su? He looks exactly like Xi Su. Which one is Xi Su?"
"It must be the one who's calm and collected, right?"
The two men were eating plum blossom pastries and drinking plum blossom wine. One was calm and composed, while the other was clearly a little nervous.
Asahi noticed another of Asahi's nervousness and comforted her, "Don't be afraid, it's okay, just sit here and eat."
Another woman, Chao Du, touched her gloves and nodded slightly, but her trembling fingertips betrayed her barely suppressed nervousness. After all, the cultivation world absolutely forbids the existence of those who have fallen into demonic possession...
Chao Du looked up and glanced around. Seeing the crowd gathered around the table, practically squeezing onto it, she used her voice to say, "Everyone, I'm here today to recruit new disciples. Could you please step back a couple of steps and leave some room for my new disciple?"
The crowd slowly backed away, leaving an empty seat at the small table. Chao Du nodded in satisfaction and continued eating his snacks and plum wine.
Yes, it tastes really good.
"Oh, right, I also brought you a plum blossom hairpin, which is also a local specialty." Chao Du handed a hairpin shaped like a plum blossom to another Chao Du.
The crowd looked at each other in bewilderment, and various murmurs arose one after another.
"This Xi Su is not quite what I imagined..."
"Would anyone really join the Immortal Concealment Sect? Although the one recruiting is the Sword Immortal Xi Su, that sect is located in the Gray Wasteland Ridge. If someone actually goes there, they won't even know how they died!"
"Hey, have any of you seen her sword? I came here specifically to see the sword immortal's sword!"
"Never seen them before. And the swords from the ninth floor of the Hidden Sword Tower, shouldn't they all be in her possession? How come none of them are here?"
Asahi ignored all these discussions.
Chao Du glanced at the sky: besides the flying boats that blotted out the sun, there were hundreds of invisible "eyes" in the sky. Someone was observing this place from afar using magical artifacts like water mirrors. This was within her expectations, and she didn't bother to care.
Then, with a hint of anticipation, she looked around at the crowd: Who would be her first disciple? What kind of person would she be?
Suddenly, the crowd stirred.
A white-haired, wrinkled cultivator, clutching a sword, shakily flew through the crowd to the stall and asked:
"Can one become an immortal here?"
The two Chaodu exchanged a glance, both recalling someone they had once met: a person of average talent who spent his entire life finally winning the selection of a major sect and gaining the opportunity to become a disciple of that sect.
At that time, he had only about a year left to live.
Some say he was lucky; even on his deathbed, he became a disciple of a major sect, proving his life wasn't wasted.
Some people take him as a role model: Look, even with such ordinary talent, as long as you're willing to work hard, you can still enter a major sect. If you had better talent, you might even be able to enter sooner.
As Chao Du looked at the man who was laughing wildly with joy and crying his heart out, he felt a chill run down his spine, as if he saw his own future: to work hard all his life, only to end up as a junior disciple of a major sect.
From then on, she resolutely changed her path, no longer trying to break through the encirclement and enter the major sects through competitions, but instead accepting various bounties and going to the perilous Amber Realm to temper herself between life and death.
A burst of laughter brought Asaka back to her senses; she heard the people around her laughing:
"Judging from her appearance, she probably doesn't have more than a year left to live."
"Someone with one foot in the grave wants to become an immortal?"
The aged-looking cultivator clutched his sword tightly, his face flushed, and stubbornly raised his head, looking at Chaodu with anticipation.
Chao Du looked at her for a moment, then smiled and said, "Anyone who promises you immortality is a fraud."
She paused slightly, then slowly lowered her head in disappointment.
Chao Du added, "However, the Immortal Hidden Sect might be able to give you more hope of becoming an immortal."
"The hope of becoming an immortal..." the aged cultivator repeated, nodding happily, "That's good! It's good to have more hope!"
Chao Du handed her the registration form: "Come and sign your name. I'm so happy that you're the first one to join the Immortal Hidden Sect."
Those who had been quietly observing exchanged bewildered glances: "They agreed so easily?"
"Xi Su didn't ask anything, did she?"
The aged cultivator was also stunned: "Aren't you going to ask me some questions?"
Asawari: "Hmm? For example?"
A nearby sword cultivator couldn't help but chime in, "For example, age, family background, talent, aptitude, time of entry into the sect, cultivation time, which sects they have studied in, how many Amber Realms they have visited, how many demonic cultivators they have eliminated, whether they have participated in the New Sword Trial Tournament and what ranking they achieved... These are all questions that must be asked!"
Asakawa was taken aback, then chuckled and asked, "Are these important?"
The crowd fell silent instantly.
On the high-rise building, some people put down their teacups and stared intently at the water mirror, while others sneered, "What are you pretending for? Of course these things are important."
Chao Du pointed to the paper spread out in front of his stall: "The Immortal Hidden Sect only needs to meet these conditions to recruit people; nothing else matters. She meets all these conditions perfectly, and I'm very satisfied with her."
In an instant, countless eyes fell once again on the brief conditions on the paper, and on the white-haired cultivator.
Chao Du turned to the nervous and anxious old cultivator and smiled, "Welcome to become the first disciple of the Immortal Hidden Sect. From now on, you will be our Immortal Hidden Sect's senior sister. What is your name?"
The aged cultivator was so moved that she couldn't hold back her tears. The tears flowed down her face, etching deep wrinkles, and fell to the ground, stirring up a few specks of dust.
"My name is Suixi." She said her name in a trembling voice. Chao Du nodded and smiled, "Good name. Come on, sign here. This is your welcome gift."
Another person handed her a box of plum blossom pastries and a bottle of plum blossom wine: "They taste very good. By the way, where should we let her sit?"
Chao Du snapped her fingers, and behind her appeared two tables and four chairs that she had brought from the Immortal Hidden Sect, as well as three large pink parasols embroidered with butterflies, which blocked the view above the tables and chairs.
Asakawa pointed to the chair behind him: "Come on, don't be shy, pick one you like to sit on."
The onlookers looked at each other in bewilderment.
"The Immortal Concealment Sect... has a rather unique style."
"Those three umbrellas are quite exquisite."
"If you don't look at the umbrella, this stall looks just like the wonton stall in front of my house. The Immortal Hidden Sect is so down-to-earth."
"Is it really that easy to get started? Then I can do it too!"
"Wake up! That sect is located in Gray Wasteland! And who knows what Xi Su's intentions are in setting such strange conditions?"
"If I were the same age as Sui Xi, I would be willing to give it a try. But I have a long life ahead of me... never mind."
Sui Xi, holding some snacks, sat down behind Chao Du with a cheerful smile. She seemed to be in a very good mood and even looked a few years younger.
Before the murmurs of the crowd had subsided, another person flew out of the crowd and landed in front of the table. It was a handsome young man.
When Chao Du saw this person, he gasped: This person was exactly like a young Fu Buci!
His features were exquisite, his lips slightly upturned, and he was handsome and dashing, yet also exuded a heroic spirit and youthful vigor. Just by standing there, he could turn the surrounding winter into spring.
Asawa glanced nervously at her other self and found that she was completely stunned.
This is bad, this is really bad... How could it be such a coincidence? There's a high chance it's targeting another version of myself!
This person knew she was possessed by a demon, and even knew that her inner demon was Fu Buci?!
Chao Du's brows gradually furrowed.
The young man clasped his hands in a respectful greeting and declared in a melodious voice, "My name is Liang Yue, and I wish to join the Immortal Hidden Sect!"
Then she raised her beautiful phoenix eyes and looked at Chaodu expectantly.
Chao Du glanced at him only once before turning her gaze to the other Chao Du. Even through the half-mask, Chao Du could see the turmoil in her eyes… Did she really mistake him for Fu Buci? People who are possessed by demons have impaired discernment, especially when stimulated, their perception is easily confused, and they simply cannot distinguish between two people who are so similar.
No, this can't go on, otherwise her demonic energy might get out of control, and then the Breathless Necklace wouldn't be able to shield it... It's best not to take this person in, but at first glance he meets all the conditions, and she even specifically stated that there are no other restrictions.
Asaka pinched the bridge of her nose and realized that everyone around her was looking at her, waiting for her response.
Even the other Chaodu looked at her, his eyes asking, "Why don't you take him in?"
Chao Du smiled silently: because there was something wrong with him at first glance. How could he look so much like Fu Buci? Even the pronunciation of his name was similar to that of Lang Yue Jian! He was afraid that the other Chao Du would not remember Fu Buci when she saw him! But from another perspective, if she could use him properly, perhaps this person could help her rebuild her Dao heart? If he wanted to harm her other self, it would be easier to find out if he was kept by her side?
The boy asked innocently, "Sect Master, is there a question you'd like to ask?"
Asaka thought to herself: There are many questions I want to ask, but he must have come prepared and won't answer truthfully. I don't want to say something wrong and provoke another Asaka... So I'll try a different approach to test his background. I don't believe this person is as simple as he seems.
Chao Du slammed his hand on the table, and the Yao Ling Sword and the Zhuo Tian Sword immediately stabbed at Liang Yue from the left and right, one pointing directly at his neck and the other at his heart.
Amid gasps of surprise, the onlookers retreated in fear, but the young man stood motionless, smiling at Chao Du with his beautiful eyes, and asked, "Sect Master, are you trying to test my courage?"
The onlookers, regaining their senses, erupted in exclamations of admiration:
"This young man has such courage and intelligence, and his potential seems quite good; he is destined for great things!"
"Whose precious orchid is this?"
"As expected of the Yaoling Sword and the Zhuotian Sword, seeing these two swords today made the trip worthwhile!"
"If our sect had such a person, the revitalization of the sect would be just around the corner, and I could die in peace."
"Is this young master engaged? Is he married?"
"Such unparalleled beauty... truly captivating to my heart."
Another Asakawa smiled slightly, gazing at him with tender and infatuated eyes, and through him looked towards her former lover.
Chao Du sheathed his sword and whispered a reminder: "That's not him."
After a moment, the other man nodded slightly: "I know, but he really looks like him back then... Let me take a few more glances. Why don't you take him in?"
Chao Du sighed helplessly: This person is obviously problematic. Most people would either run away, fight back, or freeze when faced with such a sudden attack. But he is not like that. He is flawless and calm. He is clearly a veteran who has seen it all before.
Although the "courage" criterion didn't eliminate him, it's okay! There are still two of the three criteria she set that she hasn't tried yet!
This time, Chao Du took out the "Heart-Revealing Mirror," looked at him through it, and asked, "Do you want to become an immortal?"
Liang Yue nodded sincerely: "Of course I want to."
The mirror of the heart has become brighter, which means that this person's heart is as clear as a mirror and that he has not lied.
Chao Du asked again, "What kind of immortal do you want to become?"
Liang Yue's smile deepened slightly: "An immortal who can bring blessings to most people in the world."
The mirror that reflects one's heart remains bright.
The crowd immediately erupted in praise, which was even more impressive than before.
"It's truly rare to find someone with such a kind heart."
"I have a feeling he really can become an immortal!"
"If he can't become an immortal, then who can?"
Some people couldn't help but say to Chao Du, "Are you going to take him in or not? If you don't, I'm waiting to take him in!"
As soon as he said this, a group of people echoed, "We want to take it too!"
"Come join our sect!"
"Come to me! I'll make you the senior disciple!"
"Hey! I said it first! Come to me first!"
Liang Yue turned and bowed to the crowd, saying in a gentle and refined manner, "Thank you all for your kindness. However, I have come out of the mountains this time only for the Immortal Hidden Sect. I hope I can catch the eye of the sect leader."
Someone remarked, "If you can't catch her eye, then she's blind!"
Liang Yue shook her head and said seriously, "Please do not be rude to the sect leader. If the sect leader refuses to accept me, it must be because I still have shortcomings that need to be improved."
Another chorus of praise erupted from the crowd, but those looking at Chaodu showed a hint of dissatisfaction.
Chao Du smiled, unmoved, and continued to ask, "You just mentioned going down into the mountains. What were you cultivating there before?"
Liang Yue replied gently, "I was not cultivating in the mountains, but recuperating from an illness. I have been weak since childhood and needed to rest in the quiet of the mountains. Now that I have recovered, I only wish to find a good teacher to study diligently. I have long admired you, but I don't know... if the sect leader will find my foundation too weak?"
Liang Yue looked at Chao Du with a mixture of anticipation and unease. She appeared gentle, harmless, pitiful, and touching.
Asaka smiled without saying a word: Another watertight answer, practically designed specifically for her hiring criteria.
People are already questioning why she didn't ask Li Yunyan a single question when she accepted her, but is now launching a barrage of aggressive questions.
"True gold fears no fire, and a fine sword fears no tempering." Chao Du tapped the paper. "Come and sign here for a snack."
No rush. Let's deal with him first and see what his plans are. Maybe we can catch a bigger fish by following the clues. Besides, her other inner demon is Fu Buci. This person "happens to" be so similar to Fu Buci. Maybe we can fight fire with fire to resolve her inner demon. Until the very end, it's hard to say who is using whom.
"Thank you, Sect Master!" Liang Yue happily stepped forward to sign, her handwriting as graceful and lively as the moon amidst the clouds in the mountains, a truly delightful sight.
Chao Du smiled and said, "It seems you've practiced calligraphy quite a bit in the mountains."
Liang Yue accepted the plum blossom pastry and plum blossom wine, tilted her head and smiled, "Life in the mountains is long, and I sometimes ponder calligraphy when I'm bored."
Someone in the crowd exclaimed with admiration, "What happened today will surely become a beautiful story in the future."
Some people lamented, "What a promising talent, it's a pity he can't join my sect."
Some people were not disappointed: "Although he is a good prospect, he didn't start cultivating from a young age. It's a bit late to start cultivating now... What a waste!"
Behind the water mirror, someone smashed a teacup to pieces, saying bitterly, "She wouldn't let me find a substitute for Chaodu, but she found me a substitute for Chaodu in front of so many people?!"
You Cang held his teacup and looked at Shui Jing, his brows furrowing slightly: "Judging from Xi Su's expression, perhaps she doesn't want to take this person in. All of this person's answers were watertight, so he may not be as simple as he seems."
Fu Buci glanced at the water mirror again, growing even angrier, and slammed his hand on the table, shattering it into dust: "And what about Chao Du?! Her eyes are practically glued to that person! She's utterly shameless!"
"Isn't it because he looks like you, Alliance Leader?" Ning Changkang said with a smile. "However, why does he look so much like you? I guess Xi Su is going to be in trouble."
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