“Marvelous!” Lian Xue said with a bright smile, “Brother Feng, do you want to send one of the Imperial Protectors to escort Princess Jin to the capital?”
The Lord Protector didn’t reply immediately, switching his focus between William and Princess Jin.
“Girl, is he telling the truth?”
“Yes, Lord Protector,” Princess Jin confirmed without hesitation, adding, “I believe he would be more suited. There were times I had been unconscious, fully expecting to meet my end, but Wei Liang protected my life.”
William thought that was a nice addition. Might even get him some points in his favor for saving someone from the imperial family, even if it was the branch family. Now, he had to think about a coherent story that wasn’t far from the truth to avoid being caught lying.
The Lord Protector grunted in acknowledgment before turning to Lian Xue. “I’ll escort her myself. The Elders will hound me for centuries if I let anything happen to such a young Nascent Soul Realm cultivator. The boy is your responsibility anyway, Brother Xue. Keep me informed.”
“May I accompany Jin’er, Lord Protector?” Princess Jin’s grandfather asked nervously.
“No, you will need to stay to represent the Empire. If Princess Jin survives the tribulation, I will summon you for the adoption ceremony.”
William could already tell that the Lord Protector was a brusque man with little patience for small talk, but that didn’t seem conducive to Princess Jin’s mental state. He could see that she was struggling to contain her fear after learning that she would experience a heavenly tribulation, and the casual talk of her failing did not help.
He hadn’t researched the heavenly tribulations closely since it wouldn’t be anything that he would encounter at his cultivation level. Still, the most common, well-known fact was that it was the barrier between the realms of Spirit Severing and Dao Seeking, with another tribulation an order of magnitude stronger experienced before becoming an Immortal.
There was nothing, from what William could remember, about the heavenly tribulation being required to advance into the Nascent Soul Realm. And with how pale Princess Jin’s face had turned, she was as clueless as him.
The Lord Protector seemed finished with being involved in any conversation as he stormed in William’s direction. He almost thought it was something he did, but realized the man was looking at the princess.
That should have been obvious. But the man’s intensity made William more nervous the closer he was.
“Let’s go,” the Lord Protector clasped his palm on Princess Jin’s shoulder, “I would rather not have the heavenly tribulation form above the city-”
He froze like a frightened animal when the man cut himself off and suddenly stared at him like he had personally offended the Lord Protector’s past nine generations of family.
“You-” the Lord Protector let out a disgusted sound, “You are reckless, boy. If I had more time, I would flog you for such stupid behavior. Taking on so much impurity at your age, tsk.”
William was left staring at nothing when the Lord Protector and Princess Jin disappeared before his eyes.
“Yanhua.”
He flinched, turning to see Lian Xue staring at him with narrowed eyes, just as unhappy with him as the Lord Protector.
“You were the one that tested this disciple. Did you not teach him the basics of alchemy? This is clearly pill impurity that has built up inside him.”
“This is my mistake, Grand Elder,” Elder Yu dipped her head slightly, accepting the blame.
It felt to William like his ears started ringing. Too many things had been revealed to him in just three exchanges.
Elder Yu’s full name was Yu Yanhua. This ridiculously beautiful man, barely a level below Elder Yu’s appearance, was the Grand Elder of the Jade Healing Sect. And for some reason, Elder Yu readily accepted blame for something Ren Bo had helped him with. She must know that this was the case.
“Your mistake, but the consequence will only fall on this child!” The Grand Elder seemed irate for William, making him want to open his mouth to defend Elder Yu. But just as he was about to, he was interrupted.
“I will dedicate my time to Disciple Wei until this is corrected.”
“You are a sentinel, Yanhua,” the Grand Elder waved off her offer, “It would be better if someone specialized in healing takes the task.”
“Er, Elder Yu? Grand Elder?” William asked hesitantly, continuing when he had their attention, “I was aware of the consequences of taking too many pills. Ren Bo handed me the book that explained it when I was in the clinic.”
“… I see,” the Grand Elder looked at Ren Bo, who had succeeded in making himself invisible till now. Luckily for him and unlucky for William, the Grand Elder turned back, “Then you know that with the amount of impurity in your body, it will take years for you to cultivate at a reasonable speed. Even then, that isn’t guaranteed.”
William did not know that. Nor did he believe it. He honestly trusted the system with the status of his body and thoroughly believed that in a short two months, he would be mostly fine. However, it wasn’t like he could tell the Grand Elder this.
“It was unavoidable, Grand Elder. If I didn’t take the pills, I doubt I would have lived to escape the Shard.”
The Grand Elder hummed as he crossed his arms, tapping his well-manicured fingers on his forearm. “So be it. Even if you didn’t have talent yourself, it would only be right to help you as much as we can due to you being a child of my sect. Princess Jin’s clear affection toward you can only help. I will ask Brother Feng for assistance if necessary.”
William stared at him a little dumbly, never having expected someone to offer so much help. Then again, it only made sense since this was the Jade Healing Sect’s Grand Elder. He must genuinely want the best for the disciples.
“Thank you, Grand Elder,” William’s voice wavered. He likely didn’t need the help, but it was nice to know there was a cushion to soften his fall if necessary.
“And Yanhua,” the Grand Elder looked at Elder Yu apologetically, “I should not have assumed. I hope you forgive me.”
“You were not incorrect,” Elder Yu shook her head, “If it wasn’t for Ren Bo, Wei Liang might have left the Outer Court ignorant of the dangers.”
The Grand Elder chuckled, “Then we are both at fault. Let’s not embarrass ourselves in front of our disciples any further. Allow me a moment to take care of Disciple Bo. He looks more frightened the longer he’s near the guards.”
William willingly bowed his head to show respect as the man practically glided to Ren Bo, leaving him with Elder Yu beside him.
“How many pills did Elder Huang give you?” Elder Yu asked suddenly.
He paused before saying unsurely, “Maybe twenty-five? Thirty?”
“So you used it like a sweet treat,” Elder Yu said blankly, “I’m not sure how you managed to take around twenty pills of that quality. It’s too late to change what has already come to pass, but be ready for some painful rehabilitation. I will not allow a prospect like you to stall at the Core Formation Realm because of foolishness.”
“… I promise that I feel fine, Elder Yu.” William couldn’t tell her that nothing would happen to him, but he did want to reassure her somehow. That was a mistake.
Elder Yu gave him a look that showed just how furious she was before it disappeared, as if he imagined it. “I will judge that after your Qi pathways are inspected.”
William nodded quickly, expecting that her anger would disappear soon enough. He guessed she thought it was as serious as the Grand Elder assumed. That was not the case.
“The Grand Elder is kind,” William said, hoping that praising the man would improve Elder Yu’s mood.
“Yes.”
He decided to shut up after that. Somehow, she became even more closed off than usual.
“Marvelous!” Lian Xue said with a bright smile, “Brother Feng, do you want to send one of the Imperial Protectors to escort Princess Jin to the capital?”
The Lord Protector didn’t reply immediately, switching his focus between William and Princess Jin.
“Girl, is he telling the truth?”
“Yes, Lord Protector,” Princess Jin confirmed without hesitation, adding, “I believe he would be more suited. There were times I had been unconscious, fully expecting to meet my end, but Wei Liang protected my life.”
William thought that was a nice addition. Might even get him some points in his favor for saving someone from the imperial family, even if it was the branch family. Now, he had to think about a coherent story that wasn’t far from the truth to avoid being caught lying.
The Lord Protector grunted in acknowledgment before turning to Lian Xue. “I’ll escort her myself. The Elders will hound me for centuries if I let anything happen to such a young Nascent Soul Realm cultivator. The boy is your responsibility anyway, Brother Xue. Keep me informed.”
“May I accompany Jin’er, Lord Protector?” Princess Jin’s grandfather asked nervously.
“No, you will need to stay to represent the Empire. If Princess Jin survives the tribulation, I will summon you for the adoption ceremony.”
William could already tell that the Lord Protector was a brusque man with little patience for small talk, but that didn’t seem conducive to Princess Jin’s mental state. He could see that she was struggling to contain her fear after learning that she would experience a heavenly tribulation, and the casual talk of her failing did not help.
He hadn’t researched the heavenly tribulations closely since it wouldn’t be anything that he would encounter at his cultivation level. Still, the most common, well-known fact was that it was the barrier between the realms of Spirit Severing and Dao Seeking, with another tribulation an order of magnitude stronger experienced before becoming an Immortal.
There was nothing, from what William could remember, about the heavenly tribulation being required to advance into the Nascent Soul Realm. And with how pale Princess Jin’s face had turned, she was as clueless as him.
The Lord Protector seemed finished with being involved in any conversation as he stormed in William’s direction. He almost thought it was something he did, but realized the man was looking at the princess.
That should have been obvious. But the man’s intensity made William more nervous the closer he was.
“Let’s go,” the Lord Protector clasped his palm on Princess Jin’s shoulder, “I would rather not have the heavenly tribulation form above the city-”
He froze like a frightened animal when the man cut himself off and suddenly stared at him like he had personally offended the Lord Protector’s past nine generations of family.
“You-” the Lord Protector let out a disgusted sound, “You are reckless, boy. If I had more time, I would flog you for such stupid behavior. Taking on so much impurity at your age, tsk.”
William was left staring at nothing when the Lord Protector and Princess Jin disappeared before his eyes.
“Yanhua.”
He flinched, turning to see Lian Xue staring at him with narrowed eyes, just as unhappy with him as the Lord Protector.
“You were the one that tested this disciple. Did you not teach him the basics of alchemy? This is clearly pill impurity that has built up inside him.”
“This is my mistake, Grand Elder,” Elder Yu dipped her head slightly, accepting the blame.
It felt to William like his ears started ringing. Too many things had been revealed to him in just three exchanges.
Elder Yu’s full name was Yu Yanhua. This ridiculously beautiful man, barely a level below Elder Yu’s appearance, was the Grand Elder of the Jade Healing Sect. And for some reason, Elder Yu readily accepted blame for something Ren Bo had helped him with. She must know that this was the case.
“Your mistake, but the consequence will only fall on this child!” The Grand Elder seemed irate for William, making him want to open his mouth to defend Elder Yu. But just as he was about to, he was interrupted.
“I will dedicate my time to Disciple Wei until this is corrected.”
“You are a sentinel, Yanhua,” the Grand Elder waved off her offer, “It would be better if someone specialized in healing takes the task.”
“Er, Elder Yu? Grand Elder?” William asked hesitantly, continuing when he had their attention, “I was aware of the consequences of taking too many pills. Ren Bo handed me the book that explained it when I was in the clinic.”
“… I see,” the Grand Elder looked at Ren Bo, who had succeeded in making himself invisible till now. Luckily for him and unlucky for William, the Grand Elder turned back, “Then you know that with the amount of impurity in your body, it will take years for you to cultivate at a reasonable speed. Even then, that isn’t guaranteed.”
William did not know that. Nor did he believe it. He honestly trusted the system with the status of his body and thoroughly believed that in a short two months, he would be mostly fine. However, it wasn’t like he could tell the Grand Elder this.
“It was unavoidable, Grand Elder. If I didn’t take the pills, I doubt I would have lived to escape the Shard.”
The Grand Elder hummed as he crossed his arms, tapping his well-manicured fingers on his forearm. “So be it. Even if you didn’t have talent yourself, it would only be right to help you as much as we can due to you being a child of my sect. Princess Jin’s clear affection toward you can only help. I will ask Brother Feng for assistance if necessary.”
William stared at him a little dumbly, never having expected someone to offer so much help. Then again, it only made sense since this was the Jade Healing Sect’s Grand Elder. He must genuinely want the best for the disciples.
“Thank you, Grand Elder,” William’s voice wavered. He likely didn’t need the help, but it was nice to know there was a cushion to soften his fall if necessary.
“And Yanhua,” the Grand Elder looked at Elder Yu apologetically, “I should not have assumed. I hope you forgive me.”
“You were not incorrect,” Elder Yu shook her head, “If it wasn’t for Ren Bo, Wei Liang might have left the Outer Court ignorant of the dangers.”
The Grand Elder chuckled, “Then we are both at fault. Let’s not embarrass ourselves in front of our disciples any further. Allow me a moment to take care of Disciple Bo. He looks more frightened the longer he’s near the guards.”
William willingly bowed his head to show respect as the man practically glided to Ren Bo, leaving him with Elder Yu beside him.
“How many pills did Elder Huang give you?” Elder Yu asked suddenly.
He paused before saying unsurely, “Maybe twenty-five? Thirty?”
“So you used it like a sweet treat,” Elder Yu said blankly, “I’m not sure how you managed to take around twenty pills of that quality. It’s too late to change what has already come to pass, but be ready for some painful rehabilitation. I will not allow a prospect like you to stall at the Core Formation Realm because of foolishness.”
“… I promise that I feel fine, Elder Yu.” William couldn’t tell her that nothing would happen to him, but he did want to reassure her somehow. That was a mistake.
Elder Yu gave him a look that showed just how furious she was before it disappeared, as if he imagined it. “I will judge that after your Qi pathways are inspected.”
William nodded quickly, expecting that her anger would disappear soon enough. He guessed she thought it was as serious as the Grand Elder assumed. That was not the case.
“The Grand Elder is kind,” William said, hoping that praising the man would improve Elder Yu’s mood.
“Yes.”
He decided to shut up after that. Somehow, she became even more closed off than usual.
