Chapter 165: Empty-Headed Academic
After Hong Nian Niang left, Yan Ping sat in the darkness and contemplated her decisions as a sect leader. Despite accumulating so much knowledge in the Mystical Qilin Sect, there were still so many fools. When did they start raising empty-headed academics?
For the longest time, she thought the rule to prevent anyone from leaving the sect to rejoin it was the best decision. If they did not interfere with worldly affairs, they would not be muddled by the ugly side of humans and stray from the path of learning.
Yan Ping ensured that those who wanted to leave the mountain understood the cruelties of reality beyond the mountain. They had to undergo a severe test in which she created an illusion with time extension magic, simulating several lifetimes that many less fortunate people experienced. For three whole months, disciples had to live the most miserable lives, from beggars to prostitutes, to understand the world outside and all its misery. Those still determined to leave the Mytical Qilin Sect after that would then be allowed to leave their tokens behind and venture into the world outside, never to return. However, many did not survive the trial and would have their memories erased, opting to remain in the sect for the rest of their lives, often never reaching the same determination to leave it.
Yet, for the first time in centuries, Yan Ping understood that a new level of foolishness existed even in well-learned academics.
Pu Jianming was someone who was remembered. He left quite an impression, not because he was talented but because he had a very altruistic nature. His reason for wanting to leave the Mystical Qilin Sect was unique, and Yan Ping thought he would do well in the world outside after he left.
Yet, here they were. Discussing the name of the traitor from her sect whom she once had higher expectations of. The days when Pu Jianming once dreamed about creating a utopia with his flag barrier formation were now buried deeply into the past. Presently, he was considered a traitor of the murim world by lending his knowledge to the demon cult. She had no idea why he changed his heart or if he was a fool to fall to their sweet lies. However, Yan Ping had no attachments to anyone who had chosen to leave their tokens behind in the Tomb Record room.
The morning came too quickly, and Yan Ping noticed a change in the energy coming from upstairs. Zhao Mingshen must have recovered after taking her antidote pills and advice. The Zhao family had very promising children. Alas, the same could not be said about the researchers from her sect. After expelling Song Geying, Yan Ping’s heart almost fell out of her mouth when Pearl, her secret archivist, reported how Anji was involved in a surgery after an accident. Thankfully, nothing happened to the girl. However, the lack of safety awareness around children made Yan Ping question the common sense these academic fools had.
"Come in," she called out even before the person at her door could knock.
Judging from the sound of those footsteps, it was not a cultivator. This must be Hong Nian Niang’s staff bringing in breakfast. Although Yan Ping did not understand the appeal of romance and why the Vermillion Bird Sect Leader had so many male romantic partners, the male concubine she sent to help Yan Ping transcribe the antidote ingredients was very skilled in household management and social skills.
"Master Lu prepared the dishes for breakfast," the servant explained and placed the dishes in a specific order in front of her. "Please advise if there’s anything else you require. Your guests will arrive in half an hour."
Curt and to the point without the wishy-washy flowery pretence just the way Yan Ping liked with just enough respect. The servant chosen to attend to her was definitely one of Hong Nian Niang’s favourites.