Chapter 22: Luo Bing’s POV

Faraway on a different continent in the middle of a sect that covered a whole mountain range , stood a large and ancient palace made of ivory stone covered with beautiful runic symbols which laced with bluish hues, today many people were coming and going out of the magnificent palace unlike it’s usual calm .

There was a sense of urgency among the people , many different coloured somewhat organized units of cultivators were standing in its outer courtyard awaiting the result of meeting being held inside by the few of greatest cultivators in this era all nascent soul stage and above .

“Master Zhao , what do you think about this disturbance in our plane and I heard it might be related to the Lost continent and the various sub realms.” A man dressed in black robes with golden marking symbolizing the powerful Tian ji empire said with some curiosity and apprehension .

“I think it must have some thing to do with either the emergence of a new sub realm which seems unlikely or a few sub realms merging to create a new one or something similar but I don’t know the details and I don’t think it will emerge anytime soon “. Master zhao said while drinking some wine from his gourd .

“So what are the higher ups discussing with other factions , is something big about to happen , they haven’t told us anything. “ The man in black clothes said a little disgruntled.

“Yes , its about the Legacy of an immortal cultivator that the princess found while she was out on training with her friends on one of the islands near seven great islands which comes under Heaven Dao sect .

Since she is a disciple of heaven dao her companions were also from there so they informed their clans and the sect while the news reached us through her .

It spread like wildfire on the entire continent and since there is a treaty in place which binds every major power on the continent to conduct a ‘fair’ competition if something like an immortal’s abode is found … they are discussing it’s details.” Master Zhao said while drinking.

The man in black robes, now intrigued, leaned closer. "An immortal's legacy? This could change the balance of power across the continent. But why all the secrecy? Shouldn't we be preparing?"

Master Zhao chuckled softly. "Patience, young one. The elders are determining the rules and conditions for this 'fair' competition. You know how these things go; every faction wants an advantage without appearing to break the treaty. They need to ensure the competition's fairness while also safeguarding their interests."

………

Meanwhile, inside the grand palace, the atmosphere was tense. Representatives from every major sect and power on the continent were present.

Luo Bing, a young and talented disciple of the Heavenly Dao Sect, stood quietly in a corner, observing the proceedings without any interest.

At just six years old, she possessed a rare and captivating beauty. Her long, silky black hair cascaded down her back, contrasting strikingly with her clear, sky-blue eyes that sparkled with not with innocence and curiosity but maturity.

Her skin was smooth and flawless, with a jade-like quality that seemed almost ethereal. Despite her young age, there was a serene elegance about her, her delicate features perfectly balanced. She moved with a natural grace.

...........

Master brought me here to attend this meeting and wants me to meet other kids of my generation from other top powers.

I really didn’t want to come to this meeting, but I had no choice in the matter. My master was quite overbearing and insisted on my presence. From a very young age, I had been trained in the intricacies of political maneuvering.

In fact, she had started learning how to navigate complex political environments when she was only four years old.

This extensive training was now being put to the test as she found herself amidst a sea of influential cultivators and powerful sect leaders.

“Bing’er don’t speak and observe carefully , it will help you in future and try to make connections with other kids in your generation and don’t show weakness in front of anyone , you are the princess of our Tian ji empire.” A tall man with broad shoulders and black robes with dragon markings said.

“Yes, uncle” Luo Bing said already feeling tired before anything even started I went closer to master and stood beside him. I came here with him in heaven dao sect’s entourage . Meeting was about to start.

The main hall was an architectural marvel, with high vaulted ceilings and intricate carvings that depicted ancient battles and legendary figures. The air buzzed with the hum of protective formations, ensuring that no one could eavesdrop or interfere with the discussions taking place. At the center of the room, the leaders of the various factions were engaged in a heated debate.

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"We cannot allow any single sect to dominate this !" declared Elder Wu of the Spirit Mountain Sect, his voice echoing through the hall. "The legacy of an immortal cultivator is too significant to fall into the hands of just one power."

Elder Mei of the Heavenly Sword Sect nodded in agreement. "We must establish clear rules and ensure that the competition is truly fair. The last thing we need is another war among the sects."

“Only Qi manifestation and lower level cultivators can enter the abode and there is no limit to people who can enter but we can’t allow too many cultivators to enter the abode or else there would be too much bloodshed and too many lives will be lost and humans will suffer a big loss.” Luo Bing’s master said.

Luo Bing understood very well why her master was saying such words she wasn’t concerned about the lives of those cultivators but worried about how would the presence of so many variables affect the sect’s interest.

Even if cultivators in the top powers are much stronger than those belonging to other lower level powers or independent cultivators at the same level, there is still quality in quantity and there could be unforeseen circumstances.

“I suggest we restrict the number of cultivators that can enter the abode and allot spots, half the spots will go to Top powers while the rest can divided between others and independent cultivators .” Luo Bing’s master said.

I knew that by doing this not only would top powers not anger the masses but they will gain a huge advantage as half the people inside will be from their side and that means the biggest advantage others held, that of numbers will be lost . This was a brilliant plan .

A representative from the Beast Taming Sect spoke up, his tone measured but firm. "Agreed. However, we must also consider the security risks. We can’t allow forces from outside our continent to intervene and will have to keep an eye out for trouble. "

“Well that’s a given for something of this magnitude and while we take care of that we can also ask the cultivators from the islands to keep a look out for the beasts or demonic cultivators . I think they fall under your sect’s jurisdiction Elder Qing.” Elder Wu said while looking towards Luo Bing’s master.

“No Problem “Elder Qing nodded .

I was used to such things but this time when I went out with my senior sisters and senior brothers they discovered this abode by chance when they were fighting against two Qi manifestation beasts .

Well I was just looking from a distance as I can’t fight on that level yet and that’s when all of them heard a huge bang from the forest nearby, when they investigated it , it turned out to be the abode of the once renowned Jade immortal.

They were all very eager to enter first and almost ended up destroying their friendship but they soon realised that the entry was banned and it will only open up after 2 to 3 years .

But this incident also taught me one thing: friendship was fragile in the face of profit and power. I learned it the hard way. Then there was…a fly.

"Miss Luo Bing, I didn't think we would meet again so soon. How have you been? I was worried since you never sent me a reply," a boy, eight years old, with black hair and black eyes, said while showing a brilliant smile. Ah, Huo Lu—the persistent pest of my life.

"It's nothing serious. I was out training with my senior brothers and sisters," I replied half-heartedly. Huo Lu, a disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect, was under the wing of Elder Mei.

I remember the first time we met. His master brought him along when she visited my master. He had been shy then, hiding behind Elder Mei, stealing glances at me when he thought I wasn't looking. But now, ever since he turned eight and became an initial stage body tempering disciple, he had developed this uncanny ability to show up wherever I was 'by chance.'

I sighed inwardly. "So, Huo Lu, what brings you here today?"

"Well, I heard about the meeting and thought I'd come see how things were going. And of course, I hoped to see you," he said, flashing that dazzling smile again. Oh, great. Here we go.

"Huo Lu, you seem to have a knack for being in the right place at the right time," I said, trying to keep my tone light. "Or should I say the wrong place at the wrong time?"

He laughed, not catching my hint. "It’s just fate, Miss Luo Bing. It’s like we’re destined to cross paths."

Destined, my foot. More like a determined pest. I tried to keep my face neutral as he chattered on about his latest training achievements. I couldn't help but notice how he puffed up with pride, like a rooster trying to impress a hen.

"And then, I managed to break through the first stage of body tempering. Elder Mei said I have great potential," he said, his eyes shining with excitement.

"That's...nice, Huo Lu. Congratulations," I replied, trying to muster some enthusiasm. I didn’t want to be rude, but his constant presence was starting to wear on my nerves. He was like an overly enthusiastic puppy, always underfoot.

He leaned in a little closer, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "I was thinking, maybe we could discuss dao sometime. You know, share some pointers. I could really learn a lot from you."

I fought the urge to roll my eyes. "Huo Lu, I appreciate the offer, but my training schedule is quite rigorous. Besides, I'm sure Elder Mei has plenty of wisdom to share with you."

He looked slightly deflated but quickly perked up again. "Of course, Miss Luo Bing. Maybe another time then."

As he continued to ramble on, I couldn't help but wonder how he managed to find me every single time. Did he have a sixth sense for my whereabouts? Or was he just incredibly lucky—or unlucky, depending on how you looked at it?

Just then, I caught sight of my senior brother, Zhao Wei, approaching. Relief washed over me. "Huo Lu, it seems my senior brother needs me. We’ll catch up later, alright?"

Huo Lu’s face fell slightly, but he quickly masked it with another smile. "Of course, Miss Luo Bing. Until next time."

I hurried over to Zhao Wei, who raised an eyebrow at me with some amusement. "Oh little Bing has another admirer , how many will you collect by the time you turn 8 years old, I guess we can open bets on this?"

"More like another nuisance," I muttered under my breath. "Huo Lu. He's been popping up everywhere ."

Zhao Wei chuckled. "He’s got it bad for you. Can’t say I blame him."

I shot him a glare. "Don’t you start too. One pest is enough."

As we walked away, I could feel Huo Lu’s eyes on my back. I knew he’d be back again, showing up unexpectedly, hoping to catch my attention.

"It seems like they have decided to hold an internal sect competition to select those who will enter for both body tempering and Qi manifestation realms , it will happen 2 years later and now they are talking about some other boring stuff." Zhao Wei explained while they both walked back .

I would rather pass my time reading some stories. she thought of her favourite pass time. I guess I also want to know what’s inside that abode , it will make a good story.

“Your master is looking for you he told me to tell you that he found what you were looking for.” Zhao Wei said , the moment she heard that all her previous laziness vanished into thin air replaced by ecstasy.