Chapter 22: These Things Are Not for You

Elder Lu’s reaction was not one of disdain toward the informant being merely a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

What shocked him was that the tribulation between Foundation Establishment and Nascent Soul stages could be so terrifying!

Jiang Heng was somewhat puzzled.

She had been immersed in her breakthrough within the cave dwelling and only emerged after the celestial phenomena had dissipated, unaware of the stormy clouds and crackling lightning outside.

“Yes, Elder Lu, do you have any questions?” she asked.

Elder Lu lightly tapped his own face in a daze, blinking. “No, no questions.”

Then he put on a smile. “Young Master Jiang, to have broken through to the Nascent Soul stage at such a young age shows boundless potential. You have a bright future ahead!”

Several peak leaders also offered encouraging words, their expressions far friendlier than when they had first seen Jiang Heng.

Though the Snow Crane Peak’s affairs were mostly internal, the presence of a late-stage Deity Transformation cultivator and two Nascent Soul practitioners lent it greater prestige and influence than ordinary peaks.

The attitudes of these key figures inevitably affected others.

Shen Yanchu appeared neutral, but Jiang Huaixu clearly sided with Xu Ning’an, and they had all been rather cold toward Jiang Heng out of respect for Jiang Huaixu.

Today’s change in demeanor was not only because the Nascent Soul stage was important but also due to Jiang Heng’s youth and the extraordinary celestial signs during her breakthrough, seemingly signaling a divine message.

From every perspective, Jiang Heng was an impressive talent not to be underestimated; there was no need to burn bridges or block her path.

Jiang Heng sensed the shift in the elders’ attitudes.

She wanted to smile but maintained a perfectly composed and appropriate response.

According to the rules of the Myriad Spirits Sect, cultivators at the Nascent Soul stage may select their preferred cave dwellings first, receive a significant monthly increase in spirit stones from the sect, take the lead on higher-level missions, and independently choose their team members.

After reviewing the Snow Crane Peak’s dwelling map, Elder Lu smiled: “You currently reside in one of the best cave dwellings on this peak. I suppose there is no need to move.”

Jiang Heng was silent for a moment before asking, “Elder Lu, is it possible for me to live outside Snow Crane Peak alone?”

Elder Lu hesitated. “Unless you sever your master-disciple bond with Immortal Cloud Yin and are reassigned under another Nascent Soul or higher-level cultivator, it’s impossible to move out. The sect’s prime cultivation lands are mostly claimed by Nascent Soul and above cultivators, each with their own allocations...”

Jiang Heng caught a detail in his words. “So, if I become a Nascent Soul cultivator someday, I can decide the location of my cave dwelling?”

Elder Lu nodded. “In principle, yes.”

---

Currently, several Nascent Soul cultivators in the Myriad Spirits Sect are nearing the end of their lifespans with little hope of breakthrough, staying mainly as guardians or mascots within the sect.

Jiang Heng has just reached the Nascent Soul stage. By the time she reaches Nascent Soul, those elder cultivators will likely have passed on, freeing up new territory.

Jiang Heng lowered her gaze. “I understand. Thank you for informing me, Elder Lu.”

After the two departed, the peak leaders and Elder Lu could not help but discuss among themselves.

“Truly fearless like a newborn calf, just reached Nascent Soul and already thinking about the Nascent Soul stage.”

“Well, she’s young, talented, and the direct disciple of Immortal Cloud Yin. A bit of arrogance is normal.”

“Isn’t it said Immortal Cloud Yin doesn’t like her now...?”

Elder Lu quickly cut off the topic and instructed his disciples to prepare a congratulatory gift according to tradition, to be sent to the Clear Spirit Hall on Snow Crane Peak with proper ceremony.

Regardless of how strained Jiang Heng’s relationships with her peers might be, such an honorable occasion required a formal public acknowledgment.

When the congratulatory gifts arrived, Xu Ning’an and others were recounting the terrifying scene to Jiang Huaixu.

“That lightning was really scary! Even my fierce Fire Yanluo Sparrow shrank into my arms. It’s usually very brave.”

“After returning to the cave, I covered my ears and dared not open my eyes, feeling like the lightning might strike me next—sniffle.”

Xu Ning’an clutched Jiang Huaixu’s sleeve, looking pitiful.

Jiang Huaixu stroked her hair gently. “If you’re scared next time, just come hide in my cave.”

Xu Ning’an immediately hooked her arm around his, coquettishly saying, “Third Senior Brother promised me not to travel far recently. Otherwise, who will I turn to during thunderstorms?”

Jiang Huaixu hummed in agreement.

Xu Ning’an cheered, her eyes sparkling.

The other disciples on the peak watched the scene with smiles as sweet as if tasting candy.

The little junior sister was lively and charming; Third Senior Brother was cool and otherworldly. Together, they were a perfect match, endlessly pleasing to the eye.

Alas, such a high mountain flower was unfortunately overshadowed by Jiang Heng...

Everyone’s thoughts inevitably turned to that detestable woman, and the topic once again veered toward her.

“Do you think the elders’ formidable tribulation this time gave Jiang Heng an excuse for failure?”

“Haha, it’s quite possible.”

“If she really uses that as a scapegoat, I’ll laugh at her forever. Who gave her the nerve to shamelessly challenge the elders?”

As the group gleefully exchanged barbs, Elder Lu’s disciples arrived carrying rich congratulatory gifts.

Two large chests were filled—one with spirit stones, the other with valuable pills and talismans.

The leader bowed to Jiang Huaixu, congratulating him: “Congratulations to Snow Crane Peak for producing another promising cultivator! No wonder it is the peak with the most talent in the Myriad Spirits Sect, and no wonder she is the direct disciple of Immortal Cloud Yin. Of course, this must also be thanks to Elder Jiang’s guidance of his junior sister.”

“Our elder is also preparing a gift personally selected, to be sent later,” he added.

At this announcement, everyone except Jiang Huaixu erupted in excitement.

Successfully establishing a foundation was indeed a joyous event, but such a solemn celebration by the sect was unprecedented.

No wonder she was their beloved little junior sister, admired by all and blooming like a flower!

Xu Ning’an, somewhat overwhelmed by this unexpected honor, smiled brightly and thanked them: “Thank you all for bringing these gifts. It must have been a long journey! But... is it appropriate to show such favoritism toward me alone?”

The others looked confused. “Favoritism? What do you mean, Sister Xu?”

Xu Ning’an cleared her throat, a slight blush on her cheeks. “I’ve only just completed Foundation Establishment, so according to sect rules, I shouldn’t accept such heavy gifts. But Elder Lu values this so much, I had no choice...”

The leader’s face briefly showed embarrassment, and he quickly interrupted to avoid further awkwardness.

“Haha, Sister Xu is truly witty! But these gifts are not for you—they are for Sister Jiang.”

“Sister Jiang achieved Nascent Soul at such a young age. The astonishing celestial tribulation was caused by her. Surely you all know that?”

“Our elder said that anyone who can trigger such a tribulation is not to be underestimated in the future. Every disciple under Immortal Cloud Yin is outstanding; he truly has an excellent eye for talent!”