Among these maidservants, only Xiu Qin was at mid-stage Foundation Establishment. The others were all at the early stage. Their aptitudes were average, and they had no powerful backers. Advancing to Foundation Establishment was already a stroke of immense luck. Even after establishing their foundations and receiving guidance from a Nascent Soul cultivator, few had progressed to the mid-stage.
Nevertheless, having served by the side of a Nascent Soul Ancestor for so long, they had witnessed many grand occasions, which broadened their horizons and inflated their sense of self-importance. Mo Tiange's dismissive attitude toward them instantly provoked their anger.
As soon as Xiu Qin finished speaking, Qingqi already had her magical tool out. Xianshu and Daihua, meanwhile, summoned their flying tools and took up strategic positions.
Mo Tiange raised an eyebrow. Judging from their positioning, they had some knowledge of dharma combat—they weren't complete fools. But so what if they weren't fools? Four Foundation Establishment cultivators, and female cultivators with little combat experience at that—she didn't consider them a threat.
The four took their positions but didn't immediately attack. They seemed to be waiting for her.
A smirk tugged at Mo Tiange's lips. With a flick of her left hand, the Flying Sky Shuttle shot toward Xiu Qin in a flash. She herself stepped onto the White Silk Handkerchief and instantly flew away from her original spot.
Seeing her move, the Qin, Qi, Shu, Hua quartet each summoned their magical tools. Some were flower baskets, others were colorful ribbons—all pretty things favored by women.
Although Mo Tiange looked down on them, she had a good habit: no matter the opponent, once a fight started, she would treat it seriously.
The golden light transformed from the Flying Sky Shuttle enveloped Xiu Qin, who raised a jade ruyi scepter. The scepter emitted a radiance that blocked the attack. At the same time, the other three launched their own attacks using various methods.
Mo Tiange didn't even glance their way. With a sweep of her sleeve, she recalled the Flying Sky Shuttle and instantly changed her location again.
From this initial exchange, Mo Tiange had a rough idea of their capabilities. The magical tools in their hands were decent, but their combat experience was indeed lacking. Likely, serving by Dao Lord Jinghe's side meant they never needed to fight, and coupled with the fact that female cultivators generally disliked fighting, their knowledge of dharma combat probably came solely from Dao Lord Jinghe's lectures.
This made things much easier. Since stepping into Kunwu, Mo Tiange had experienced countless life-and-death struggles. First following her Second Uncle, then fighting on her own, the dangers she had faced were beyond what these four could even imagine. Dharma combat wasn't just about cultivation level and magical tools; sometimes, in the space between life and death, it relied on a flash of intuition—which itself was accumulated from endless experience. Opponents without combat experience were the easiest to deal with, because even if they knew what they should do at a given moment, they often couldn't execute it.
After a few probing attacks, Mo Tiange released the Soul-Bewitching Lamp. An experienced cultivator, having seen the Heaven-Treading Ox's reaction when she summoned this lamp earlier, would have recognized it as an illusion-type treasure and simply retreated to a safe distance. Hence, such treasures were of little use against skilled combatants. But these four showed no awareness, still solely focused on their own magical tools.
The Soul-Bewitching Lamp rose into the air, its light blazing brightly. Mo Tiange condensed her qi at her fingertips, guiding that light to shine down slowly.
The Qin, Qi, Shu, Hua quartet instantly felt their vision darken. The surrounding scenery vanished completely, leaving them bewildered and at a loss.
Suddenly, a patch of golden light appeared above Xianshu's head, instantly enveloping her.
"Ah—"
Hearing their companion's scream, the remaining three were startled. Xiu Qin, panicking and flustered, cried out, "You dare kill people?!"
The answer came in the form of Qingqi's scream. Qingqi was locked in combat with a flying sword. Her flower basket had been gaining the upper hand, and she was feeling smug, when several flying needles silently appeared beside her and shot in.
Then it was Daihua's turn. Once again, the Flying Sky Shuttle dealt with Daihua, but this time it formed a square formation, trapping her within.
"Uncle-Master Mo!" Hearing the successive screams of her junior sisters, Xiu Qin couldn't hold back any longer and shouted loudly, "Even if you are the Ancestor's disciple, resorting to killing is going too far!"
As soon as she finished speaking, her vision suddenly brightened.
Mo Tiange hovered in mid-air, a cold smile on her face. "Going too far? You also know I'm Master's disciple, so why did you want my life?"
Underneath such a smile, Xiu Qin felt a chill, but she still replied, "My sisters did not want Uncle-Master's life, we only wanted to…"
"Teach me a lesson, right?" Mo Tiange flicked her sleeve, sending out a strand of tangible spiritual energy that struck Qingqi, Xianshu, and Daihua lying on the ground. The three groaned—they weren't dead.
Xiu Qin let out a cry: "Uncle-Master!" Her voice carried both fear and anger. She was afraid because if anything happened to these three, she, as the leader of the four, would absolutely be held responsible. She was angry because Mo Tiange didn't show the slightest regard for the fact that they were the Ancestor's maidservants!
But Mo Tiange remained unmoved, merely casting a contemptuous glance at her before turning and entering the spirit beast enclosure. "You're no good at acting coy, and you're no good at fighting! With skills like these, stay out of my sight in the future!"
Her words were extremely rude, but Xiu Qin didn't dare utter another syllable. Since becoming the Ancestor's maidservant, no one had ever dared to be so discourteous to her. Even those Core Formation uncles and aunts, out of respect for the Ancestor, treated her politely. It was precisely this politeness that had made her think she had gained some status. Now, with this Uncle-Master Mo bluntly teaching them a lesson, she realized that a maidservant was, after all, just a maidservant…
After carefully inspecting each restraint, placing food and water, cleaning each spirit beast chamber, and finally exiting the spirit beast enclosure, the Qin, Qi, Shu, Hua quartet was already gone. Presumably, they had learned their lesson.
The corner of Mo Tiange's mouth lifted in a mocking smile. This world truly didn't tolerate people who remained submissive forever. Showing forbearance only invited bullying. Only by asserting dominance could one earn some respect. Back in the Cloud Mist Sect, she had no background, no backing, and low cultivation, so she had no choice but to keep her head down. Now, in the Xuanqing Sect, she was the personal disciple of a Nascent Soul Ancestor and possessed a certain level of strength. Why should she show excessive forbearance?
Having taught them a lesson today, these four women should behave themselves now. If the others came to provoke her, she'd just beat them up too.
*Lecture at the hour of Si*—Seeing the next task on her schedule, Mo Tiange felt annoyed.
Logically speaking, as a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, she was indeed qualified to give lectures to Qi Refining disciples. But she cultivated the Hunyuan Dao, which was completely different from the Dao practiced today. How could she explain it to the Xuanqing Sect disciples? Even if she did, it would probably be useless to them, right?
Harboring such doubts, she headed to the main hall of Shangqing Palace.
As soon as she stepped into the hall, she saw the Qin, Qi, Shu, Hua quartet kneeling before Dao Lord Jinghe, while Dao Lord Jinghe himself wore an expression of great delight.
What was going on? Mo Tiange was completely baffled. She walked forward and bowed. "Master!"
"Haha, little disciple, come over here quickly!"
"……" Mo Tiange silently ignored Dao Lord Jinghe's excessively excited smile and silently walked over.
After calling her over, Dao Lord Jinghe ignored her again, turning instead to the Qin, Qi, Shu, Hua quartet. "How badly did she beat you up?"
Hearing this, Mo Tiange understood. So these four women had come to tattle. But judging by Dao Lord Jinghe's expression, their tattling hadn't been very successful.
Xianshu was the one who spoke. She cautiously glanced at Mo Tiange and replied, "Except for Senior Sister Xiu Qin, Uncle-Master Mo knocked all of us unconscious."
Her words weren't exaggerated, but her expression was pitiful and pitifully delicate. After speaking, she shot a resentful glare at Mo Tiange before lowering her head.
Mo Tiange found it utterly ridiculous. She wasn't a man, what use was making such gestures toward her?
Little did she know, this was entirely a habit for Xianshu, stemming from Dao Lord Jinghe's fondness for women's charming side. To please the Ancestor, these maidservants would often put on coquettish, feminine acts to win his favor.
Only this time, not only did Mo Tiange ignore it, even Dao Lord Jinghe paid her no mind. Instead, he laughed heartily and patted Mo Tiange's shoulder. "Excellent! That's more like a disciple of Qin Jinghe! If they don't listen, just beat them up until they're obedient! All that dithering and whining, isn't it annoying?!"
Listening to Dao Lord Jinghe's praise, Mo Tiange didn't even twitch an eyebrow. She dared to act because she was certain this nominal master wouldn't make things difficult for her over some maidservants. Besides, maidservants were always maidservants, while she was a disciple. She didn't need to put on coquettish, feminine acts like the maidservants to curry his favor. If her actions pleased him and her cultivation advanced rapidly, he would naturally protect her. With a master of such flamboyant and murderous temperament, how could her disciple be weak? It was just that these maidservants all seemed quite intelligent, so why would they do something as pointless as tattling?
This, however, was her overestimating them. Xiu Qin, because Mo Tiange had deliberately held back, had witnessed her methods and naturally didn't dare say much. The other three, however, had developed arrogant personalities under Dao Lord Jinghe's wing—how could they swallow this insult?
Yet, the facts left them disheartened. The Ancestor's reaction not only showed no blame toward this Uncle-Master Mo, but he even seemed to appreciate her!
Ignoring the tearful expressions of these maidservants, Dao Lord Jinghe, in high spirits, jerked his chin at Mo Tiange. "You're a good lass. This Lord is feeling pleased today, so I'll reward you with something, consider it your belated apprenticeship gift—take out all your magical tools and such, let me see what you're lacking."
Hearing this, Mo Tiange's heart leaped with joy. Pills and cultivation methods were fine, she wasn't lacking those, but magical tools and the like—she was just feeling she had too few offensive means! Immediately, she took out all the magical tools and treasures she used for dharma combat.
The White Silk Handkerchief, Soul-Bewitching Lamp, Flying Sky Shuttle, Earth-Treading Ruler, flying needles, and the flying sword given by Senior Brother Xuanyin when she established her foundation. Mo Tiange thought for a moment and said, "Master, I also have a Heaven and Earth Silk Armor and a Spirit-Concealing Jade Pendant on me. Should I take those out too?"
Dao Lord Jinghe didn't answer, instead looking at the items laid out on the table.
First, he picked up the flying sword and examined it—a standard issue for Foundation Establishment disciples. The flying needles were good, excellent for ambushes. Then, seeing the Earth-Treading Ruler and Flying Sky Shuttle, Dao Lord Jinghe's brows knitted together.
That brat! Even though the Earth-Treading Ruler wasn't crafted by him, it bore traces of his refinement. And this Flying Sky Shuttle—clearly a gift he had bestowed upon him after he himself established his foundation. So he had already given it to this girl long ago!
Finally, seeing the Soul-Bewitching Lamp and White Silk Handkerchief, Dao Lord Jinghe's brows furrowed tighter and tighter until they stood straight up. The lamp was fine, not very useful anyway, but this handkerchief… what material was it made from? He actually couldn't tell!
Slamming the items back down, Dao Lord Jinghe exclaimed, "Four magical tools, two treasures, plus whatever armor you just mentioned—and you still think it's not enough? Do you know most Foundation Establishment cultivators only have one or two magical tools? You have treasures and you're still not satisfied! Take them all back, I'm not giving you anything! Insatiable greed, a snake trying to swallow an elephant!" As he spoke, he even turned away and flicked his sleeves.
Mo Tiange was dumbfounded. She had long known this master was nothing like other Nascent Soul cultivators who pretended to be profound and inscrutable, and his temperament was even more mercurial. But this was just too exaggerated! He was the one who had clamored to reward her, so how did it end up with her being insatiably greedy? It wasn't like she had begged for it!
Dao Lord Jinghe shot her a sidelong glance. "Still standing there like an idiot? Hurry up and go do your work!"
Gritting her teeth, Mo Tiange swallowed her anger, collected her things, and turned to leave. Halfway out, she stopped, turned back, and asked, "Master, your disciple was precisely going to ask: regarding lecturing, isn't your disciple still unqualified?"
Hearing this, Dao Lord Jinghe started yelling again. "You're unqualified? You're my disciple and you dare say you're unqualified to lecture Qi Refining cultivators? What a joke!"
"But… your disciple now cultivates the Hunyuan technique, which is different from their Dao!"
"What does being different matter? They can figure it out themselves. I told you to go, so go!"
"……Yes, your disciple takes her leave."
Finding she couldn't get a proper answer, Mo Tiange rubbed her head, walked out of Shangqing Palace, and looked up at the heavens in speechless despair. What sin had she committed in a past life to end up with such a master? He didn't guide her, didn't reward her, was temperamental and erratic—having him was practically the same as not having him!
Lecture, lecture… muttering these two words, Mo Tiange found the Administration Hall.
"Mo… Uncle-Master." The one receiving her was Luo Fengxue, who still seemed unused to the address.
Seeing her expression, Mo Tiange understood and followed her into the main hall.
With no one else around, Luo Fengxue changed her form of address. "Tiange, do you need something?"
Mo Tiange said with a bitter smile, "Master arranged for me to give lectures."
"Oh…" Luo Fengxue suddenly understood. "You've established your foundation now, so being assigned to lecture isn't strange."
"That may be so, but I've never given one…"
"That doesn't matter." Luo Fengxue said. "Since you've established your foundation, you naturally have deeper insights and experiences than Qi Refining disciples. You can talk about anything—what did the Ancestor say?"
"Um… Master wants me to give lectures every day at the hour of Si, for two hours."
"Huh?" Hearing this arrangement, Luo Fengxue was baffled. "What is the Ancestor thinking? Our Xuanqing Sect's lectures for disciples are already considered frequent, held every three days. Even if you were to lecture every day, there's no place to hold them!"
This was also why Mo Tiange felt Dao Lord Jinghe was deliberately making things difficult for her. Two hours every day? Was she supposed to take on all the lecturing duties for the entire Xuanqing Sect by herself?
"But…" Luo Fengxue's tone shifted. "If you find it troublesome, I can arrange for you to teach the newly admitted junior disciples. That way, it's both easy and fulfills your duty."
Mo Tiange thought about it; that seemed right. She immediately smiled. "Then I'll trouble you. I can't refuse Master's arrangements, and I was just worrying about how to fulfill this duty."
Luo Fengxue smiled, walked to the desk, took out a blank jade slip, recorded something on it, and handed it to her. "If you were to lecture to all Qi Refining disciples, you'd have to go to the Main Peak. Instead of that, go teach the new disciples. Take this to the Meng School on the mountainside; someone will receive you there."
Finally, Luo Fengxue had done something to please her. Mo Tiange breathed a sigh of relief and, following Luo Fengxue's instructions, headed toward the mountainside with the jade slip.
The Xuanqing Sect had three methods of recruiting disciples. One was the same as other major sects: opening the mountain gates every ten years to select those with exceptional Spirit Roots or high abilities from various families or among rogue cultivators. Another was like Mo Tiange's case: recommended by a Foundation Establishment or higher cultivator and admitted after an assessment, though she was actually brought into the sect by a Core Formation cultivator, so she skipped the assessment. The last method was: sect disciples scouted the mortal world for mortals with outstanding Spirit Roots and brought them into the sect. Disciples of this last category often had excellent Spirit Roots and were immediately taken in as disciples by Core Formation cultivators upon entry. Luo Fengxue was like this. In the past, her elder brother had also apprenticed under Perfected One Xuanyin. After he failed in his advancement and passed away, Perfected One Xuanyin went to the mortal world to handle his disciple's affairs and coincidentally discovered Luo Fengxue also had Spirit Roots, so he brought her back to the sect and accepted her as a disciple.
Apart from the third category of disciples who were directly taken in by high-level cultivators, disciples of the other two categories, if below Qi Refining fifth layer, had to start from the Meng School.
Thus, the Meng School was further divided into two types of disciples. One type consisted of children with aptitudes of three Spirit Roots or better, admitted into the sect because their aptitudes were sufficient, with no cultivation requirement. The other type consisted of disciples with mediocre but still somewhat promising aptitudes. These disciples were often descendants of sect cultivators, enjoying relaxed admission conditions.
Arriving at the Meng School, the cultivator in charge greeted her with utmost respect.
"Ancestor Mo, I didn't expect Your Excellency to grace us with your presence. My apologies for the lack of preparation."
Ancestor… Hearing this address, Mo Tiange shuddered. The management of the Meng School was naturally handled by Foundation Establishment cultivators, but the daily staff were all Qi Refining disciples. She was now the personal disciple of a Nascent Soul Ancestor, making her generationally equivalent to a Core Formation Ancestor, so this form of address wasn't incorrect. It was just that she had only recently advanced to Foundation Establishment. Originally, she had been just like these people—a lowly Qi Refining cultivator. Suddenly becoming an 'Ancestor' was too drastic a contrast. Moreover, the one addressing her like this was a white-haired old man, making it even harder for her to adapt.
"No need for such excessive courtesy. The reason for my visit is clearly stated in this jade slip. If there's anything you need me to do, just say so."
"Yes, yes." This Qi Refining cultivator, with his lifespan nearing its end and no hope of advancement, didn't dare show the slightest discourtesy. He remained half-bowed. "Uncle-Master Luo stated in the jade slip that the Ancestor has come to instruct the newly admitted disciples in our Meng School. However, Uncle-Master Luo probably isn't aware that all newly admitted disciples in our Meng School have directly assigned instructors. I'm afraid this…"
Was that so? Mo Tiange was taken aback. "Then just find something for me to do."
"This, this…"
She had already said 'anything,' yet this old man was still hemming and hawing. Mo Tiange felt somewhat displeased. "Is there nothing here I can do?"
The old man shook his head repeatedly. "I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare. Ancestor, to be honest with you, the highest cultivation here is only Qi Refining ninth layer. You could directly instruct all of us, so why bother lecturing to newly admitted disciples…"
Was this being disliked for having too high cultivation? Mo Tiange suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. She just wanted to muddle through this period, why couldn't this old man understand?
"I said anything, understand? If there's really nothing, you can have me sweep the floors, okay?"
"This… this humble one wouldn't dare trouble the Ancestor…"
Mo Tiange was at her wit's end. "Then I'll do nothing, just sit here for two hours, that should be fine, right?"