Chapter 876: Fang Ting

When the external incarnation was too far from the true body, they could no longer sense each other.

Qin Sang dared to send the incarnation inside because it inherited the true body’s memories and could act independently, the only difference being cultivation and flesh.

Of course, to be safe, Qin Sang had concealed certain critical secrets, such as his origins and the existence of the Jade Buddha.

The incarnation rode the leaf-shaped artifact, flying over mountains and ridges toward Yanmiao Pavilion.

Yanmiao Pavilion was built deep within Landou Mountain, on an island in a vast chain of lakes. The sect was renowned for its water-based spells and held some fame locally, thanks to Landou Sect’s influence.

After traveling for some time, the incarnation found a spot to rest briefly before continuing.

It was still a distance from Yanmiao Pavilion. Looking to the horizon, he saw the mountain peaks thinning, and faint mists rising. That should be where the lakes lay.

Just then, while flying, the incarnation suddenly stopped. Standing on the leaf artifact, he hovered in mid-air and turned his head to the left.

It was near noon, the sun high above. The mountain mists had mostly cleared, revealing lush green ridges, ancient towering trees, and the cries of birds and beasts, a scene brimming with vitality.

At the same moment Qin Sang looked over, the canopy of an ancient tree shook violently, followed by a sharp sound cutting through the air. A petite figure appeared in his sight.

A short-haired young girl approached on a sword. Judging from her direction, she was likely heading toward Yanmiao Pavilion as well.

Their eyes met. The girl froze slightly, then immediately halted her sword light.

Seventh stage of the Qi Refining Realm...

The incarnation thought to himself.

He had not even needed to use an incantation. The Sky-Eyed Butterfly easily pierced through her facade at a glance.

The girl was young, yet already at such a realm. Her talent had to be outstanding. She was most likely here for the disciple recruitment ceremony as well.

The incarnation cast her a deep glance as a competitor, then turned away without a word.

Since Yanmiao Pavilion’s recruitment was not determined through arena duels or the bloody trials of Yuanzhao Sect, her talent would not affect him.

The girl, initially wary, noticed his direction and changed expression. She then followed, raising her voice, "Daoist, please wait!"

The incarnation frowned slightly, reining in his light, and turned toward her.

"My name is Fang Ting. How should I address you? Are you also going to the Yanmiao Pavilion disciple recruitment ceremony?"

The short-haired girl urged her sword forward, cheeks blooming red as she introduced herself. Her eyes were large, her smile bright, revealing two small canines.

"My name is Zhang Yue," the incarnation replied warmly, not aloof. He judged that she would likely be chosen by Yanmiao Pavilion, and forging a bond might prove useful.

"Ms. Fang also intends to join Yanmiao Pavilion, I assume?"

Fang Ting nodded quickly. "Just like Big Brother[1] Zhang, I am also here for the disciple recruitment ceremony. Since fate brings us together on the road, why not travel together? They say Landou Mountain isn’t without danger. To temper disciples, the sects haven’t cleared out all the smaller demonic beasts here, and some beasts can be troublesome."

"Is that so?" The incarnation feigned surprise. "On my way here, I never met any demonic beast. Seems it was mere luck. You appear quite familiar with this place, Ms. Fang."

Fang Ting smiled modestly. "Not truly. I only live on a small island not far from Landou Island and have heard such rumors. Is Big Brother Zhang not from Landou Island?"

𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

"Correct. I was a rogue cultivator from Lu Island. I came here after hearing of the grand sect taking disciples." The incarnation spoke frankly, not concealing his supposed origin.

When Fang Ting learned Lu Island’s location, she was astonished, impressed by his courage to cross the seas.

After a few more words, the incarnation agreed to travel together, and they set off toward Yanmiao Pavilion side by side.

Fang Ting seemed very innocent, her speech filled with childlike candor.

Yet, the incarnation knew well that a girl so young with such cultivation could not be without calculation. What she showed was likely a facade.

Still, as long as she bore him no ill will, he would not mind. Their conversation soon grew lively, and they appeared as familiar companions.

On the way, they encountered an Ordinary Demon Realm monkey demon. Working together, they slew it and split the corpse evenly. Fang Ting laughed even more brightly, her eyes curved like crescents.

The incarnation disdained such scraps, but he pretended to be pleased and accepted his share.

Through this battle, his performance earned Fang Ting greater trust.

"Big Brother Zhang, to reach such cultivation at your age, and with such sword skills, you will surely be chosen by Yanmiao Pavilion!" Fang Ting sought to reassure him.

The incarnation shook his head slowly and replied solemnly, "My talent is poor. Only through a single chance encounter during my travels did my cultivation soar once. But my potential has nearly run dry. Whether I can break into the tenth stage is uncertain, let alone achieve Foundation Building. I may not catch Yanmiao Pavilion’s eye. It is you, Ms. Fang, who truly have talent. After you join a big sect, just don’t forget me."

Fang Ting blushed, flustered. "I don’t know if I’ll be chosen either... Big Brother Zhang, don’t lose heart. People say talent isn’t everything. That great improvement you had shows your fortune is strong. You will surely have more chances in the future."

The incarnation nodded silently, glancing at her without expression.

However deep her schemes, they could not escape his seasoned eyes.

Though she spoke as if worried about failure, her demeanor carried an air of confidence. Whether it came from true talent or some other reliance, he could not yet tell.

They chatted as they flew over mountain after mountain until, without noticing, they reached their destination.

Between two peaks, rippling waves shimmered. The two exchanged a look and hastened forward. At once the view opened up to reveal a vast lake.

Mist drifted over the waters. In its heart lay a large island, faint with pavilions, bamboo groves, and leafy woods.

The mist gathered without dispersing, flowing in rhythmic patterns, clearly formed by artifice.

"This is Yanmiao Pavilion! We finally made it!" Fang Ting cried out with delight. As she scanned the view, she suddenly pointed to the distance and exclaimed, "There are people over there!"

The incarnation saw them too. On a stretch of bluestone by the lake’s shore, dozens of figures sat or stood in groups, their actions unclear.

A whisper from the Sky-Eyed Butterfly told him they were mostly at Qi Refining cultivation, likely also here for the recruitment ceremony.

Amidst them sat a Foundation Building cultivator, a young man in azure robes upon the highest stone, with Yanmiao Pavilion’s waist token hanging at his belt.

To hold the disciple recruitment ceremony in such a wilderness is rather shabby, isn’t it?

The incarnation muttered inwardly. Calling Fang Ting along, he flew toward the gathering.

1. It is common in Chinese culture to refer to someone older as "Big Brother" or "Big Sister".

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