Chapter Thirteen: The Little Golden Silk Selects Its Master
Since Wenyue began drawing energy into his body, his enthusiasm for cultivation surged. Not only did cultivation increase his strength, but it also brought a comforting sensation, making it quite addictive.
Until one day, Wenyue felt he was about to advance to the next level. That was unacceptable—it had only been half a month since he started drawing energy into his body. Whether to avoid standing out or to ensure a solid foundation for the future, he had to apply the brakes urgently.
If not cultivation, then what? The only option left was practicing spells. Now that he was only at the first level of energy cultivation, the only spell he could practice was object manipulation. With nothing else to do, even though it was difficult at this level, he had no choice but to persist stubbornly.
Wenyue first recited the incantation once more, then reviewed the energy circulation route. Why did it seem so familiar? Wasn't this just like the legendary tale of moving mountains and filling seas from his previous life?
Unexpectedly, though he had not become an immortal, he was learning immortal techniques first—a thought that lifted Wenyue’s spirits immensely.
Of course, cultivation was tedious, and progress was hardly encouraging. After three or four days, he finally mastered it—but truly, he had only just learned. He could move a palm-sized piece of paper about five centimeters. Wenyue felt that even blowing on it with his mouth would yield better results.
Yet, in the eyes of ordinary people, this was a magical skill, already entering the realm of immortals simply because he could use spells.
When Wenyue could finally move that piece of paper two meters away, they set off for Tianluo Mountain. It was said that Tianluo Mountain was a high peak marking the boundary between the Demon Sect and the various righteous factions.
Joining Wenyue and his group were a dozen or so unfamiliar people, some teenagers, others older, whom Elder Zhao said were former managers of the Demon Sect’s various holdings.
Wenyue had no desire to make friends. The sins lingering on those people deterred him completely. Not only with them but with others in the Demon Sect, he had no intention of socializing. Up to now, Wenyue had barely spoken to anyone, and everyone presumed him shy.
They traveled on the Corpse Granny’s airship, though this one was pink—definitely not hers. It looked like it had been prepared for a little princess; Wenyue wondered who Corpse Granny had robbed to get it.
No one objected to riding it, nor dared to complain. After all, Corpse Granny could turn people into her “little darlings” at any moment. She had done so before, as Wenyue learned later through Elder Zhao’s subtle hints.
Though the airship appeared soft and cute, its speed was not slow; they arrived outside the Xuantian Tower before nightfall.
At that moment, Little Golden Tendril was clinging to the youth in the green robe, demanding food in a voice so sweet it could melt hearts: “Brother Qing, I’m hungry.”
“Call me Ao Qing, not brother,” Ao Qing corrected sternly.
“Ao Qing, I really am hungry,” the little tendril said coquettishly.
“Go find your own food,” Ao Qing said firmly.
“But what I find doesn’t taste good,” the tender voice sounded aggrieved.
“Then if you leave me, won’t you starve to death?” Ao Qing asked.
“Then I won’t leave you, right?”
“I told you, it’s very difficult for plant spirits like you to cultivate. If you accept a master, it will save a lot of time and reduce many hardships,” Ao Qing patiently explained.
“Then can I accept you as my master?” Little Golden Tendril’s feelings for Ao Qing were special—he was the first person she had met.
“I’m not human, and I can’t be your master. This body isn’t even mine. You have to find your own master,” Ao Qing said.
“Ah? But I don’t want to leave you! Can’t I just stay?”
“Your destined master will arrive soon.” With a wave of his long sleeve, Ao Qing conjured a mirror of water. The image showed Wenyue and the others disembarking from the airship.
“Who is it?” Little Golden Tendril had already heard about the master from Ao Qing a few days earlier and didn’t object, just didn’t want to leave Ao Qing. Her earlier hunger pangs had been a way of coaxing him. Now, hearing that her master had arrived, she was curious.
“That depends on your fate. I’ll send you out, and you have to find them yourself. You should have a sense—whoever makes you feel most comfortable, that’s the one you seek.”
Though Ao Qing had already divined who Little Golden Tendril’s future master was, he wanted her to rely on her instincts. That way, she would trust them more than if he simply pointed out someone.
“All right!” Little Golden Tendril fluttered her tendrils.
“Prepare yourself! I’m sending you off now.”
Instantly, Little Golden Tendril transformed into a tiny strand just a few centimeters long.
With a casual wave, Ao Qing sent her to Wenyue’s feet. None of the two or three dozen companions noticed the sudden appearance of Little Golden Tendril.
Of course, Corpse Granny definitely noticed, but she would never warn anyone—she would rather they die. After all, if monsters harmed people, she could openly claim the bodies. It would be foolish of her to help.
Little Golden Tendril arrived at the group’s feet and carefully observed to find who she liked best, as Ao Qing had advised. But everyone carried an aura she disliked.
She slowly searched among the crowd, ignoring appearances, extending her tendrils to sense their energies.
Who was this person? Smelly as rotten! This aura was the most repulsive to her. Curious, she peeked.
Oh my! How ugly! Dressed all in black, a sallow face covered in sores, lips curled into a sinister grin.
Corpse Granny’s grotesque visage scared Little Golden Tendril away immediately. No master for her here—better to keep away from such evil.
She darted far off, finally at ease.
From inside the tower, Ao Qing watched Little Golden Tendril closely, amused by her reaction. It was understandable—plant spirits were especially sensitive to evil. Even if Little Golden Tendril lived with Corpse Granny for a while without harm, she would still die from the malevolent presence. Such was her sensitivity.
Better to stay far from evil. That sinister aura made Little Golden Tendril terribly uncomfortable. Here, the air was filled with a sweet fragrance. How wonderful it would be to stay here forever!
But wait—why was that sweet scent fading? Such a pleasant fragrance shouldn’t disappear. Little Golden Tendril fluttered her young tendrils, searching everywhere.
Ah! The sweet scent and that evil aura were both moving forward? Her little mind couldn’t comprehend such a complex matter.
Following instinct, she chased the sweet fragrance until she caught up with it. She took a deep breath—this was the feeling, so comforting!
By now, Little Golden Tendril had climbed onto Wenyue’s trouser leg. She thought to herself: this must be my master.