Chapter Twelve: What More Do You Want Me to Do?

“The timing and location of this small grotto’s appearance are quite favorable. I have already dispatched people to guard and conceal it, so no news will leak out for now, preventing other sects from joining in.”

“We must act swiftly. Our Wanling Sect has thirty-six Core Formation stage cultivators and over five hundred Foundation Establishment stage disciples. However, a small grotto can only accommodate one hundred people. We should prioritize those in the late Foundation Establishment stage and draw lots among the remaining Foundation Establishment disciples for the leftover spots. What do you think?”

A peak master raised an objection: “Sect Leader, we can’t select purely based on cultivation level. Core Formation stage is understandable, but the difference between early Foundation Establishment and peak Qi Refining stage is minimal. We should also consider the disciples’ character and their contributions to the sect.”

This remark struck a nerve with Shen Yanchu, who nodded in agreement: “Exactly. Some Qi Refining disciples possess many treasures and their overall strength even surpasses that of Foundation Establishment disciples.”

He was referring to Xu Ning’an, who, despite only being at the seventh layer of Qi Refining, had a storage pouch full of treasures gifted by her master and senior brothers, wealthier than many Core Formation stage cultivators.

Gao Junhao asked, “So what do you suggest?”

Shen Yanchu replied, “Besides the Core Formation stage, let’s decide the other spots entirely by lottery. If there are no disputes, teams should form immediately to enter the small grotto. If disputes arise, we will refer to the other factors Liu’s suggestion mentioned and filter accordingly.”

Gao Junhao pondered for a moment: “Very well. Send the order out right away. All disciples below Core Formation stage must gather at the Star-Picking Terrace for the lottery.”

Everyone responded in unison.

The lottery at the Star-Picking Terrace was hard to rig. Wanling Sect had thousands of disciples below Core Formation, but only sixty-four spots—truly one in a hundred.

Shen Yanchu hoped Xu Ning’an would get in and was confident about it.

He deliberately mentioned possible disputes to leave room for maneuver.

Snow Crane Peak had several hundred disciples; even with bad luck, it was unlikely none would be chosen.

If someone was picked, he could offer extra benefits, and they would willingly yield the opportunity to Xu Ning’an.

Perhaps no bribe was even necessary; everyone adored her and would gladly support her.

But when the lottery results appeared, Shen Yanchu and the others’ expressions instantly changed!

Only one disciple from Snow Crane Peak was chosen—Jiang Heng!

Seeing her name etched on the stone wall, Jiang Heng was surprised but also relieved.

Truly, fortune favors the prepared; just as she was pondering how to gather spiritual resources in large quantities, this golden opportunity arrived.

In her previous life, she had entered the lottery but was not selected.

It seemed distancing herself from bad luck was the key to better fortune.

With only three hours to prepare, Jiang Heng was about to return to her cave residence when Xia Zhiyu stopped her.

His expression was slightly awkward, but his tone was resolute: “You can’t go to the small grotto this time; give the chance to Ning’an.”

Xu Ning’an stood behind him, her eyes red and nose swollen.

Jiang Huaisu gently stroked her hair in comfort; Huo Shiqing whispered something, while Shen Yanchu stood some distance away, his expression unreadable.

Jiang Heng raised an eyebrow: “Why can’t I go?”

Xia Zhiyu pursed his lips: “Your meridians are damaged; going there would only waste a spot. If you want spiritual medicines or demon pills, Second Senior Brother and I will gather more for you.”

Jiang Heng replied coldly, “Though my meridians are broken, my spiritual power remains. I am not useless. The small grotto holds not only medicines but also opportunities for growth. Perhaps I might find a chance to restore my meridians.”

Xia Zhiyu was momentarily speechless, glancing helplessly at the others.

Huo Shiqing narrowed his eyes: “Stop dreaming. You’re the only lottery winner from Snow Crane Peak this time. You’ll be assigned under a Core Formation disciple of our peak. Who here likes you? Without their protection, don’t even think about opportunities. Surviving there would already be a blessing.”

Jiang Heng remained unmoved: “Then I will seek out Core Formation elders from other peaks. If I can’t find any, I’ll die in there. It’s none of your concern.”

“You—”

Shen Yanchu restrained the angry Huo Shiqing, struggling internally before speaking.

He knew Jiang Heng had suffered much recently and was eager to heal her meridians, but...

“Junior Sister, listen to Senior Brother and give this chance to Ning’an. Regarding your meridians, since I promised to seek Master’s help, I won’t break my word.”

Jiang Heng looked at Shen Yanchu: “Why must I give it to her? If she doesn’t enter the small grotto this time, will she suddenly perish?”

Xu Ning’an was pierced by this remark; tears streamed down as she threw herself into Jiang Huaisu’s arms.

Jiang Huaisu gently patted her back, soothing her.

Shen Yanchu frowned: “She’s the youngest in the sect. As your Senior Sister, why can’t you be a little more accommodating?”

Jiang Heng had heard this countless times in her past life.

She sneered ironically: “Courtesy and all such virtues are meant to restrain oneself, not to bind others. I haven’t even resented her nearly fatal act; I even gave her my own spiritual sword. What more do you want?”

Her gaze flicked to Jiang Huaisu before returning.

Her eyes glinted with derision: “Do you expect me to personally scrub the so-called Dao Partner clean and send her to bed just to be a ‘good’ Senior Sister?”

This statement suddenly made the onlookers realize something. They all turned toward Xu Ning’an, who was crying in Jiang Huaisu’s arms.

Sensing the shift in atmosphere, Xu Ning’an hurriedly broke free and lowered her head, fidgeting with her sleeve.

Jiang Huaisu glanced at Jiang Heng faintly but said nothing.

Shen Yanchu scolded with a frown: “This is going too far! Ning’an is so young, still childish at heart. Why sully her with such baseless accusations?”

“When we cultivated together, whenever you were injured, we, your senior brothers, carried you. Not long ago, I even took you to the medicine hall. We treat each other like family. Now you say such things, you’re only belittling yourself!”

Jiang Heng reminded him: “That was because then we had no reason to avoid suspicion. Second Senior Brother has had many Dao Partners before. Since I grew up, I kept my distance, never joked or played around with him. Senior Brother, have you forgotten?”

Shen Yanchu was left speechless, his usually serene face now tinged with irritation: “So, you do not intend to give this chance to Ning’an, is that correct?”

Jiang Heng answered decisively: “Yes.”

Shen Yanchu closed his eyes, and when he reopened them, his gaze was colder: “Ning’an’s talent is inferior to yours. If she misses this chance, who knows when she will achieve Foundation Establishment? This trial is crucial for her. Her lifespan is limited; can you bear to watch her be separated from us forever?”

“As your Senior Brother, I earnestly implore you to give the small grotto spot to her. You are a Foundation Establishment cultivator with much longer life ahead. You will have countless opportunities in the future. If you stubbornly insist on this harmful and pointless course…”

His expression darkened.

He left the rest unsaid, but the implication was clear.