Demon Cultivator with Celestial Book-Chapter 97 - 80: Sect Veteran Sui Liushu, for All is Weighed by Cultivation
The Qianji Sect was comprised of the Outer Four Peaks and the Inner Three Peaks.
Guanlan Peak was where the Inner Sect Disciples resided. It was the center for instruction, sect business, and social activity.
Of the other two peaks, one was Observing Fate Peak, where Elder Sui Liushu engaged in quiet cultivation, and the other was Observing Sun Peak, the Sect Leader’s place of seclusion.
Since the Qianji Sect’s founding and the establishment of its Dharma Lineage, it had only passed through two or three generations.
Sect Leader Liu Huan had assumed the mantle at a young age. However, his cultivation was lacking, so he remained in seclusion year-round, rarely interfering in the sect’s day-to-day affairs.
In the early years, most sect matters—from developing Resource Lands and managing the peaks’ workshops to finding markets for Magical Artifacts—were handled personally by Elder Sui.
This lasted until Sui Liushu failed in his attempt to break through to the Qi Cultivation Tenth Layer, severely damaging his Primordial Qi. Liu Huan, meanwhile, advanced by leaps and bounds, successfully breaking through to the Tenth Realm.
As one’s cultivation waned and the other’s waxed, the balance of power shifted, and authority was gradually transferred.
’I wonder if Elder Sui still remembers me...’
Yang Xun rode a Flying Crane halfway up Observing Fate Peak. The upper half was protected by arrays and restrictions; without being announced or holding a token, one could only ascend the stone steps on foot.
He was quite apprehensive about this plan to use his connection with Elder Sui to find a patron for Jiang Yi.
On one hand, ever since Sui Liushu failed to break through to the Qi Cultivation Tenth Layer and went into retirement, his confidants had all been scattered. They were either sent to oversee the Marketplace or assigned to posts in the Outer Sect, and they had all lost touch.
On the other hand, with the Sect Leader’s faction now in power, it was uncertain if Elder Sui’s word still held any weight.
But Yang Xun had no other choice. There were very few avenues open to a Lower Cultivator.
Elder Sui, at the Qi Cultivation Ninth Layer, was the highest authority he could possibly reach.
About an hour later, Yang Xun finally reached the summit of Observing Fate Peak, where a boundless and magnificent view unfolded before him.
A mansion with green tiles and white walls rested peacefully among the clouds. Before its gates, two stone pixiu statues bathed in the heavenly light. Nearby, the gnarled branches of an old pine twisted and coiled, creating a scene of serene elegance.
A young attendant wrapped in a thick Daoist Robe stood by a side gate of the mansion. Yang Xun straightened his robes, approached slowly, and spoke politely.
"Please announce me. Yang Xun, a Servant from the Quenching Room on Red Flame Peak, has come to pay my respects to Elder Sui."
The attendant was young, about the same age as Jiang Yi, but his manners were impeccable.
"Please wait here, honored guest."
Perhaps because Observing Fate Peak rarely had visitors, the attendant didn’t even close the gate as he departed.
Yang Xun waited calmly. After about the time it takes to burn an incense stick, the attendant came jogging back.
"The master invites you inside for a talk."
The knot in Yang Xun’s stomach loosened slightly. Just by being allowed through Elder Sui’s gate, he felt his mission was already a third of the way to success.
Carrying the gift box he had prepared, Yang Xun followed the attendant through corridors and verandas, soon arriving in the rear courtyard.
Beside a fishpond dozens of feet across stood a slender, brocade-robed old man. He stood as straight as a pine, casually tossing feed into the water.
This was none other than Sui Liushu, the Elder of the Qianji Sect who had been retired for many years.
Seeing Yang Xun approach, he scattered another handful of fish food and laughed heartily.
"Let’s see, it must have been twenty years since we last met. How did you get to look so old?"
Yang Xun kept his back slightly bowed. Sui Liushu was of average height and not as tall as him, so he couldn’t stand up too straight.
"We mortals can’t compare to you, Elder. Your cultivation is profound, and you are still in your prime! To me, you look the same as ever, with all your former grace!"
Sui Liushu truly didn’t look old. He had the white hair of an old man but the face of a youth, and his eyes were bright and sharp.
"Of all the old comrades who struggled alongside me back in the day, you’re likely the only one still left in the sect."
"Yes... Xie the Third was killed during a Tribulation Cultivator uprising in the Marketplace, and Wu the Sixth passed away from an illness in his hometown a few years back..."
Yang Xun murmured in agreement. Noticing a nostalgic look in Sui Liushu’s eyes, he stood silently to the side and let the old man reminisce.
’The more these memories stir his emotions, the better my chances are today.’
"Time makes fools of us all. In the blink of an eye, it all feels like it happened only yesterday."
Sui Liushu sighed, then suddenly smiled and asked:
"So what brings you to my lonely doorstep today?"
Yang Xun quickly presented the gift box.
"I went to the Sanhe District the other day and made a special trip to Chaoshong Temple Street to find a few old-fashioned things.
A Nanhai Yunpu Tea Piece, a Yu State Yellow Mud Inkstone, and a few stacks of light, translucent snowflake paper. They’re all things you used to enjoy, Elder."
These were all gifts selected specifically to cater to Sui Liushu’s tastes.
Though they weren’t rare Spiritual Objects, a great deal of thought had gone into selecting them.
"I’m touched you still remember my little hobbies."
As his gaze swept over the gifts, Sui Liushu’s expression softened.
He then began to reminisce with Yang Xun at a leisurely pace, talking mostly of amusing anecdotes from years past.
Though Yang Xun had a long face and sparse brows that gave him a fierce appearance, he was actually quite worldly. He knew when to offer praise and when to laugh, possessing a keen sense of propriety.
For a while, the courtyard was filled with laughter and cheerful conversation, the atmosphere warm and friendly.
Only when the sky began to dim and Sui Liushu’s energy flagged did he finally say slowly:
"As the saying goes, no one visits a temple for nothing. This temple of mine sees fewer and fewer pilgrims these days. It’s a rare treat to receive an offering from you, so out with it. What is it you want?"
Yang Xun didn’t play coy. The timing was just right; dragging it on any longer would be counterproductive.
"There’s a junior I’m very fond of. Though not from my family’s Direct Lineage, he is of upstanding character and has won my heart.
He just broke through to the Qi Cultivation Fifth Layer, and I was hoping to ask you, Elder, for a supplementary spot for him on one of the Inner Peaks. If you could also look out for him from time to time, I would be eternally grateful."
Sui Liushu raised an eyebrow and asked,
"How old is he?"
"Not yet twenty."
"Then he is a true talent."
Sui Liushu nodded, then said,
"Raising a talent like that must have emptied your coffers, I imagine?"
Yang Xun only smiled and said nothing. This was part of his plan to conceal the truth about Jiang Yi, to avoid exposing his profound Dao Wisdom and bringing disaster upon the boy.
"It’s a struggle for us all. At our age, we have no aspirations for ourselves; all our thoughts are for the younger generation."
Sui Liushu pondered for a moment before saying,
"I have a Disciple named Xu Yan. He has a fair bit of influence on the Inner Peaks. I’ll send word to him tomorrow and have him look after your junior."
Yang Xun bowed deeply. "Thank you for your help, Elder!"
The wrinkles on Sui Liushu’s face smoothed out as he chuckled.
"You should visit more often. I could use an old friend to talk to."
"Yes."
Yang Xun put on an obedient expression, but inwardly, he was less than thrilled.
’Who enjoys fawning and groveling? Besides, Sui Liushu has an inscrutable personality. Humoring him in conversation is exhausting.’
’If he had any other choice, Yang Xun wouldn’t have come knocking, cashing in a favor that was decades old.’
’Xu Yan of the Inner Peaks... He really is a renowned and outstanding figure.’
Yang Xun thought to himself as he hurried down the mountain.
’This trip wasn’t a waste after all. With Elder Sui’s promise, Ah Yi’s entry into the Inner Peaks next spring should be guaranteed.’
...
...
’I’ve made Grandpa run around so much for my sake.’
The next day, Jiang Yi learned from Yang Xun the wonderful news that his spot on an Inner Peak had been secured.
Seeing his Grandpa so overjoyed, he felt a storm of conflicting emotions.
’When I reach the peak of the Qi Cultivation Twelfth Layer, I will be sure to remember this and repay him.’
The act of humbling oneself sounds simple, but in practice, it is incredibly difficult.
No one in this world is born a sycophant, destined to enjoy fawning and flattery.
It must have been especially galling for someone like his Grandpa, Yang Xun, who was a respected figure in the Outer Sect, to have to go to an Inner Peak and bow and scrape. The experience must have been terrible.
’Cultivation... I have to raise my cultivation, and fast! In the Demon Dao Dharma Lineage, cultivation is everything!
I’ve had more than enough of these days spent bowing and scraping before others!’
After seeing his Grandpa off, Jiang Yi stood silently in the snow. A boiling rage surged through his chest, and a searing heat spread through his entire body.
He understood the principle that you have to bow your head when you’re under another’s roof.
But sometimes he couldn’t help but feel indignant. Why was it always him who had to be the one to bow?
’Once I get into the Inner Peaks and secure my position, it’ll be time for this ant from an Inner Sect Dharma Lineage to finally raise its head and see the sky.’
Jiang Yi’s gaze hardened, becoming like tempered steel.
He had already reached the Perfection of the Qi Cultivation Fifth Layer. Now, he needed a plausible reason to break through to the Sixth Layer as a matter of course.
Otherwise, advancing by such leaps and bounds in less than half a year would inevitably attract unwanted attention.
’Looks like I’ll have to use Junior Sister Li as a shield.’
Jiang Yi lowered his gaze, his plan fully formed. Cradling his Cat Master, he left his private courtyard.
He asked Zhao Fang from the Quenching Room to pass on a message, then immediately set off for Guanlan Peak.
