When they came out, Xiao Lin could see about a hundred Elders and a thousand Honor Guards, well lined up to receive the Lord Ancestor. In front of everyone, besides the Lord Ancestor, were the eight Grand Elders, and also Yun Zhi's father...

The Sect Leader, Yun Chen.

"Xiao Lin, pays respect to Sect Leader!"

Yun Chen could see how well Yun Zhi was dressed, despite her dispirited demeanor. He knew immediately how much effort Xiao Lin put into preparing this young lady of hers. Seeing the proper girl, all grown up and already stepping into Foundation, he smiled. The sect had yet another genius to look forward to. Comparing her to his daughter right now... Aiii...

Why did it come out to this?

Did he do unjust things in his past life or something?

"You've done well, Lin-er. You'll be promoted to Core Disciple soon. Zhi-er, come,"

With her father calling her over, Yun Zhi felt dread. Whenever this old fossil called her over, it was always something about cultivation, study, or work... Can't you give me a break? Taking cover behind Xiao Lin, she protested;

"No."

"...Stop being spoiled. We can do this the easy way, or..."

"No is no!"

"This little,"

Through the years since her change, she had become a hardcore shut-in. Apparently, she called herself a neet, asking others just to ignore her and live their merry life. I don't disturb you, you don't disturb me. Over the years, she barely had seen the sun. Her skin became as pale as a corpse. If one didn't force her, she wouldn't even come out for weeks. Even worse, she absolutely abhorred work. Forcing her to work was equal to torturing her.

At a glance, her behavior could easily be misinterpreted as being spoiled, super spoiled. People who did not know the whole story would no doubt be appalled. Even the elders, who knew quite well she was suffering from something mysterious, could not help but felt repulsed and disappointed.

Seeing her disgraceful behavior in front of so many, Sect Leader Yun raised his hand, and was about to do it the hard way...

"S-sect Leader, please wait,"

Xiao Lin covered for her. Seeing Sect Leader Yun was about to take drastic measures, she turned to Yun Zhi;

"Young lady, they aren't here to make you work... Lord Ancestor wants to take you somewhere to cure you,"

"But... don't wanna. I'm not sick."

"Don't be like this... Besides, didn't you say you often have nightmares and headaches? After you're cured this time, I'm sure they'll go away,"

"Really?"

"Really,"

"But, it looks like I've to travel far..."

"You can just sleep on the way. You'll be flying anyway, so it'll be a comfy ride! You'll feel the wind in your face. Un, it'll feel great,"

"Uhh..."

Looking at Xiao Lin's excited expression, Yun Zhi felt conflicted. She didn't want to go. However, she wasn't stupid. Even if she protested and threw a tantrum, if her father wanted it bad enough, she couldn't stop it. Seeing the assuring face of Xiao Lin, Yun Zhi sighed.

It was too much work to protest.

Might as well get it done and be over with.

The world truly is unfair. Can't a salted fish be left alone? I just wanna eat and sleep...

"I guess, if I'm sleeping anyway..."

"Good! Then,"

She sent her over to her father, who nodded in appreciation. Yun Chen raised his finger. With that, Yun Zhi floated freely by his side. Just as Xiao Lin had stepped back, she recalled something. Taking out a talisman from her storage ring, she called;

"Sect leader, a moment please?"

Seeing her asking so sincerely, he nodded. Approaching the floating Xiao Lin, she grabbed her hands.

"Young lady, please take this,"

"Ehh... Cleansing talisman? Isn't this yours?"

"I want you to have it... It's qi-rechargeable, so it'll last a long time. Just don't overcharge please,"

"...Lin lin... Isn't this item, you always..."

"A pity I don't have anything worth much... Just consider it a parting gift."

"T-then, I'll also give Lin lin a parting gift. Wait,"

As though thinking something through, she had her eyes entirely on Xiao Lin. Nodding, she recited;

Eyes as clear as the blue sky

Hair as bright as the morning sun

Friends are easy to come by

Yet a true friend is... like a son?

She tried to compose a poem, but it was terrible. It was a jumbled mess, words were all over the place. It was nonsense, at best. She should never attempt to be an artist, ever.

Upon hearing the poem, Lord Ancestor and the Sect Leader, thought the same thing... Her mind is still there. Yun Zhi had always been bright, able to master different fields much quicker than even their top sect disciples. However, she was not perfect. Her interest in poems was deep, yet unfortunately, she had no sense for it.

The fact that she wanted to repay Xiao Lin with her very own poem, proved that... Whatever thing she was inflicted with, she had yet to lose her mind completely...

Not yet.

There's still a trace left.

At the same time, the elders, as well as Xiao Lin, upon hearing the nonsense poem, felt cringed all over. They had heard her no-sense poems multiple times, only smiling forcibly as a kind gesture. Xiao Lin however, grinned.

A sincere grin, replying;

"Terrible poem, young lady... but," Terrible, yup. Still, it was made for me... "I'll take it. No one's taking it from me, I'll treasure it,"

"Alrighty. Take care, Lin lin,"

"You too, young lady..."

"My name,"

"Ah, name...?"

She reminded her to call her by name. By that, she meant the nickname Xiao Lin used to call her affectionately when they were children. Xiao Lin had to change the way she addressed her after an elder warned and had her undergo training about the ethics and rules of the sect. Knowing this was a private matter, and it was a goodbye...

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"Take care, Zhi Zhi..."

A tiny bit of tears came out of her eyes. She had just met her again after three months of isolation. On the very day, she had to say goodbye. And... this might even be a long goodbye, one she had never experienced before.

Yet a smile still beamed out of her face, as bright as day. She had to send her with a smile, at least.

After that parting smile, Sect Leader Yun brought Yun Zhi over to his father, the Lord Ancestor. With the ancestor gesturing to the elders, all of them flew into the sky in batches. All flew, to escort the top figures in the sect safely to their destination.

That day, down the Pure Jade Mountain Range, the people in the city and surrounding area were astounded. All eyes toward the sky, they watched in awe and terror... Not knowing what to expect. Was it another war, some disaster, or...?

The sight of over a thousand cultivators from the Jade Qilin Sect flying high in the sky, mesmerized them. These were elites of the elites. The experts in the city sensed that most of them were Yuan Ying experts. Yuan Ying experts were top leaders in a mid-sized clan. To see a thousand of them move in tandem... Moreover, there were even a hundred elders, all Soul Formation experts!

What big move was this? Leaving behind trails of lights as they moved through the zenith, everyone watching... stood in complete bedazzlement.

Shaaa----

Huge waves in the sky.

Cultivators with deep cultivation flew together. Their flight was uniform, as if in a formation. Everywhere they passed, people made a commotion. The sight was more magnificent than seeing dozens of airships passing over. After all, these people all had high cultivation. People of their caliber would not have simple background.

Many surrounding experts pondered whether a huge war would erupt, or an extermination would occur. Their flight did not remain a mystery for long. Their flight path made it obvious that they were heading toward one of the top places in the continent...

The Heavenly Knowledge City.

As the sect did not bother covering it up, the news would soon spread throughout the region. All of them were from Jade Qilin Sect, escorting their leaders to cure their young lady of her ailment.

This news shut many people up.

Especially those, who never wished she would ever be cured.

Soon, they were able to see the city.

A megacity with over a hundred million people, it spanned throughout the wider region. With huge halls and towering pavilions, people kept coming into the city from all over the world. Some braved the most perilous journey to make their pilgrimage to this part of the world, a place known as...

The holy land of knowledge.

Surrounding the megacity were mountains and huge trees, faunas with variant colors. Multiple airships were flying high up the sky close by, and many kept hovering by the air docks, awaiting their turns.

In the city center, in a shape of a gargantuan tree, stood aloof a monstrous library, covering a wide area right in the middle of the city. With its huge one-hundred and fourteen floors, it towered other buildings, making itself known as the very landmark of the city. Millions of people came and went through the library on a daily basis, making it the busiest place in the region.

The people in the city, even in the suburban areas, could always tell where the city center was due to this library. Vibrant natural colors accompanied the lively landmark, aptly called the Tree of Knowledge. The sight of it alone mesmerized many... Still, no matter how close, none could pierce their gaze into the library from the outside. Yet intriguing enough, just like a tree with sparse leaves, the building let sunlight freely passing through... Thus, even at its very bottom, life flourished.

"The Tree of Knowledge..."

"I've heard about it many times, but..."

"Simply heavenly,"

"Quite unbelievable,"

Many of the Honor Guards, the Yuan Ying experts escorting the Lord Ancestor and Sect Leader, committed the view into memory. Though it was a shame, they could not visit the library or the city, not yet. Their destination was the highest mountain facing them, the place where the overlord of the region resided. The city and the library, were both established and reigned by this overlord..

The reclusive, Sacred Star Sect.

As one of the top sects on the continent, it had similar power to that of the Jade Qilin Sect. Though it was well-known, it was also regarded as reclusive. This was because contrary to most powers, it kept its inner circle so few that it remained a mystery to everyone. Rumors had it that it only had the Founder as its Sect Master since the beginning, none other. And, the Sect Master so far had one disciple, just one.

Which begs the question, how could the sect function, then?

The sect still had its stewards, powerful cultivators under the command of the Sect Master. The stewards controlled the region through the sect's proxy, and adhered to the principle of freedom within the rule of law. It turned out really well. The major powers under the sect appreciated the fact that their patron sect did little to interfere with their business, if at all. As long as they adhered to the law, the sect would remain quiet most of the time.

The Sacred Star Sect, being the master of the Heavenly Knowledge City, had a similar reputation. It craved knowledge more than any other. Any major power would pay tribute not in material riches or treasures, but with discovery or research findings. The oddball sect came into existence during the same era as the Jade Qilin Sect, and they even shared a common history...

"Huahh-- brrr---"

Sleepy.

And quite cold too.

Yun Zhi, barely managed to wake up, caught sight of the megacity. That huge tree library in the city center especially, was quite special. Even for her, who had lost a lot of interest in the living world, still had that inkling of interest. Soon, the shining mountain caught her eyes.

It had the same vibe and light as that library... Even more so, for the mountaintop. Though it was veiled by the clouds, its shine could not be dimmed. Still, such shine was only visible in her eyes, not in others. She just could see differently...

That mountain... She knew their destination was there. As they flew, her father already briefed her on their destination and purpose. They were heading towards the Sacred Star Sect, where her grandfather's old friend resided.

The Venerable Star Saint.

Founder and Sect Master of the Sacred Star Sect.

A peerless expert even the Old Ancestor dared not offend.

Knowing Yun Zhi could not listen for long, her father explained her situation to her in the simplest way. Her condition was too bizarre, but the saint might be able to help her. However, there were conditions. One of them was to bring her here, and she might need to spend quite some time recovering. Another condition was... Well...

"You'll know when we meet the wise saint,"

"Ehh, why so mysterious, so troublesome,"

Yun Zhi complained in a lazy tone

"You... aii,"

Her father decided to save his breath. Ever since the change began, she became a neet who complained over simple things. She seemed to have lost interest in many things, and disliked putting forth extra effort. It was a complete reversal from her previous attitude, truly frustrating. She used to always put forth the extra mile, shocking every elder responsible for teaching her. But now...

While her current behavior irked him, the father just sighed, knowing well she was not her normal self. Right then, she was being towed in flight by him. Most of the time, she only slept. Even when they were passing through the three majestic long-range teleportation portals, she held not much interest at all. Usually, youngsters would be filled with excitement. After all, long-range teleportation portals were too rare and costly to be used casually. Activating just one would require a huge amount of resources.

Going through the portals was also the reason why they had to fly here by themselves, and not by airships. By going through three teleportation portals, they managed to bring Yun Zhi over within just a week. If they boarded an airship, it might have taken them a month or so. While this region was just next to theirs, the territory of both regions was vast, so it could not be helped. Since Yun Zhi's condition was becoming worse, they had to make it quick.

Time was of the essence.

"Dad... why bother? All this work... so much travel,"

Seeing them all excited as they were about to arrive, Yun Zhi voiced her protest, as if what they were doing was either pointless or not worth it. Hearing so, Yun Chen reprimanded;

"It's all for you, foolish daughter. Stop questioning,"

"Ehh, I never ask for help or anything... besides, I'm just a salted fish..."

"Don't call yourself that!"

"... You know dad, if you're... so worried about the rumors,"

Yun Zhi paused. She might not have her previous liveliness or spirit, but she was no idiot. She knew her condition was being used by others to tarnish the sect's name, bringing much shame to her father and that hot uncle, uh, grandpa?

"Just throw me somewhere far away... I can just all dry up and not disturb anyone... Yeah, just like a proper, salted fi..."

"Stop, saying, that... or I'll get really mad,"

"Uhh, fine..."

Facing her father's anger, Yun Zhi halted her complaining... uh, reasoning.

Looking at his mumbling daughter by his side, Yun Chen felt guilt. He hated anyone calling her salted fish. Moreover, to hear his own daughter addressing herself as one...

As though a sharp needle had pricked his heart, it hurt so...

It was an empty kind of pain, yet it was clearly... there.

Years ago, when she no longer had any desire to do anything, rumors spread. At the time, he truly felt like his face had been marred. He sought her out with much fury, and scolded her badly for it... as if she was the one at fault.

"Why are you like this?! Do you know what they call you? Salted fish, salted fish! Where am I going to keep my face? Do you know how embarrassed I was? I can't even face the elders!"

"Ehh, salted fish? Um, maybe they're right? Let them say what they want dad... I can't be bothered. Let me be,"

"You... Useless!"

Pak!

...!

His reminiscence grasped his breath.

As if seeing the whole event again in front of his eyes, he pondered...

'Back then... why couldn't I... stay my hand?'

When he slapped her and called her useless, the girl did not protest. She just returned him a silent smile... A smile with that red, bloody cheek of hers, as if agreeing to his insult.

You're right dad, I am useless...

That face, as if giving up entirely, haunted him. Though he didn't use his qi, it was still strong. The cheek swelled bad. Xiao Lin, who was watching at the time, was already in tears. Embarrassed and enraged, he left the two alone. The younger Xiao Lin embraced his daughter, checking on her frantically.

'Why did I do that... Zhi-er...'

He felt guilty about it, but he was too prideful.

He never apologized for that slap and insult. The man knew her condition might not be her fault, it was too strange after all. Yet, he still could not avoid blaming her for a time, but...

Worse than that, he failed to protect her from this vileness, spread by short-sighted people. It was fine if it was just their enemies, but... Even their allies and people in the sect, already left behind manners and values... As if, the whole ordeal they were facing, was a blessing to them.

"Did you hear? The young miss turned into a salted fish!"

"Yeah, but not just any salted fish! A salted fish... with super extra salt!"

"Ah? One you can't swallow at all, and had to throw upright? Huhu,"

"What the hell? A top genius became like that just cause she failed once?"

"You for real? Did she think she's some kind of God, can't even accept failure?"

"It seemed our Jade Qilin Sect had lost its most valuable gem... Aii, a pity!"

"Aiya, truly a pity... aiya..."

Recalling the various vile comments made by his own people, he sighed.

'Vile people,'

Was it envy, or jealousy?

Was it a conspiracy, wanting to tarnish their name further?

Did they feel better, putting salt into the gaping wound of their own sect?

The funny thing was, these people were the very same people who kept praising her back then, when she was performing above others. How many congratulations did he receive from the very same people, for having such an amazing daughter? For having secured the future of the sect?

Such change... When people on top fell flat on the ground, the ones at the bottom stepped on them without hesitation... Why?

'Whatever the reason was, it didn't matter... Zhi-er...'

He failed to protect his daughter from this evil intent circulating around the sect... It even influenced the youngsters in the sect. Even they no longer see her favorably.

'What kind of father am I...'

How will he ever face his wife should they ever meet again? Will she not blame him? Before she left, didn't he vow to protect her, no matter what?

Sighing, he noticed they had passed the city, now within the vicinity of the Sacred Star Sect's mountain gate. As they went closer, the power of the Myriad Star Formation of the sect reigned in on them.

"This... their formation?"

"What a formidable force..."

"Our flight qi... dissipate?"

"Wonderful... wonderful formation!"

The escorts felt it clearly. Even elders in Soul Formation Stage were affected, not to mention those in Yuan Ying. They still had some distance from the gate, but it had shown its power without being tyrannical. Such power, was able to put a strain on their flight without harming them, slowly forcing them to a halt.

When that happened, the Old Ancestor sent his message over, politely informing his friend of his arrival. A reply came, and the restriction came off. He flew up towards the highest peak on the Sacred Star Mountain, while his entourage followed suit.