Chapter 5

The Extraterritorial Nightmares had long been a threat to this world, repeatedly attempting invasion and triggering countless clashes and three large-scale wars.
To protect their homeland, tens of thousands of cultivators had gone to war. Countless had died or been wounded, facing death without regret.
The extraterrestrial battlefield was extraordinarily dangerous. Besides the Extraterritorial Nightmares, there were stellar beasts, void currents, starborne tribulation lightning, and many other unknown dangers. Even cultivators in the realm of Sainthood could fall there.
Cultivators who reached Grand Ascension were called “True Lords,” while those who reached Tribulation Crossing were called “Venerables.”
On the extraterrestrial battlefield, Spirit Transformation was the minimum cultivation requirement. Across the many conflicts and wars, Spirit Transformation cultivators had always been the most numerous on the battlefield and formed the main force resisting the Extraterritorial Nightmares.
Grand Ascension True Lords led Spirit Transformation cultivators into battle, while Tribulation Crossing Venerables served as commanders, directing the overall war.
As for the still-higher realm of Sainthood, cultivators at that level were exceedingly rare. They were held in reserve as trump cards and would not appear lightly unless the very survival of this world was at stake.
For many cultivators, a Tribulation Crossing Venerable was someone they could spend an entire lifetime looking up to and following.
Lan Jueqi leaving Soaring Void Mountain was no small matter.
The most recent war against the extraterrestrial enemy had lasted a thousand years and ended two hundred years ago. Even after the war ended, the major sects and powers still had to send people beyond the heavens to garrison the Twenty-Eight Mansions and clear the battlefield.
Beyond the heavens was far from peaceful. Tribulation Crossing Venerables had to be ready to respond and rush to the battlefield at any time.
Lan Jueqi knew the responsibilities he carried. He did not intend to travel anywhere especially remote, but there was always the possibility that he might encounter an opportunity and venture into some mysterious hidden region. If so, there would still be a risk that no one could find him.
Lan Jueqi muttered inwardly: 【I’ll probably just visit old friends while wandering around, or go somewhere well informed and ask around… The person I like surely can’t be some complete nobody.】
Xie Qingyuan lowered his eyes without moving, apparently deep in thought.
Seated above them, Xie Tai and the other elders had no idea what Lan Jueqi was thinking. What troubled them was who Soaring Void Mountain could send if something happened on the extraterrestrial battlefield in the near future.
Of course Soaring Void Mountain had more than one Tribulation Crossing cultivator, but aside from the younger generation represented by Xie Qingyuan and Lan Jueqi, the others were either old or injured. Their manpower truly was stretched thin.
One elder sighed. “In principle, the next rotation of Tribulation Crossing Venerables on the extraterrestrial battlefield shouldn’t fall to Soaring Void Mountain. Our Young Master is already holding things together at Abyssal Reach Academy, so there’s no reason they should draw more people from us. But the war ended only two hundred years ago. No one dares lower their guard. If Immortal Venerable Radiant Ascendance can find another opportunity to pass his love tribulation, of course that would be good, but…”
He let out a heavy sigh.
Great sects and powers like theirs needed talented people to charge onto the front lines, earn distinguished military achievements, build their reputation, and display their strength. At the same time, they had to bear the enormous risk of losing those talented people to death.
This war had cost Soaring Void Mountain dearly. In particular, the fall of Bian Weichen, a Tribulation Crossing cultivator, had once emboldened the Extraterritorial Nightmares and damaged their side’s morale. If Lan Jueqi and Xie Qingyuan had not later broken through to Tribulation Crossing during the war and dealt the enemy a devastating blow, Soaring Void Mountain might well have lost its place among the top ten sects.
If the extraterrestrial battlefield truly called for Tribulation Crossing Venerables to fight, Soaring Void Mountain absolutely could not refuse.
Otherwise, they would appear hollow inside and unworthy of their place among the top ten sects. They would then lose influence, triggering a chain of consequences.
Soaring Void Mountain was willing to bear its responsibility for protecting this world, but it also needed the corresponding power and status to develop the sect more effectively.
Xie Qingyuan asked, “Whom does Junior Brother plan to visit?”
Lan Jueqi: 【True Lord Frostnight, Ye Wuhen.】
Xie Qingyuan: “True Lord Frostnight, Ye Wuhen.”
Lan Jueqi nodded.
Xie Qingyuan would have known that answer even if he could not hear Lan Jueqi’s thoughts.
Ye Wuhen was Lan Jueqi’s only close friend.
Although Ye Wuhen was only at Grand Ascension, he had accumulated more military achievements than many Tribulation Crossing Venerables. His name was renowned far and wide; he had assassinated several high-ranking Extraterritorial Nightmares that even Tribulation Crossing Venerables found troublesome.
Ye Wuhen belonged to no sect or power. He had remained on the extraterrestrial battlefield as an independent cultivator, commanding no squad and fighting alone. He came and went like a ghost, and very few people had ever seen his true face.
At the mention of Ye Wuhen, one elder immediately sucked in a breath and said, “Ye Wuhen is a madman on the extraterrestrial battlefield, constantly walking the line between life and death. If Immortal Venerable Radiant Ascendance travels and explores with him, the ‘safe’ he talks about is probably not the same thing we mean by ‘safe.’”
Before coming here, Lan Jueqi had already received a message from Ye Wuhen.
His cultivation had likewise reached a bottleneck, so the two of them could go together to a hidden region in search of an opportunity.
Lan Jueqi kept his face stiff while guiltily agreeing in his heart: 【It… seems so?】
Ye Wuhen was an unaffiliated loner with no sect or school, but behind Lan Jueqi stood Soaring Void Mountain, which had raised and taught him and which he regarded as home.
Another white-haired elder pleaded sincerely, “Immortal Venerable Radiant Ascendance, please think carefully. Soaring Void Mountain cannot do without you!”
This elder was only at the Grand Ascension realm and was older than Lan Jueqi. He could be considered someone who had watched Lan Jueqi grow up.
Lan Jueqi felt deeply uncomfortable inside.
For more than seven hundred years, everyone on Soaring Void Mountain had cared for and protected him with unwavering consistency.
Someone like him, who had been personally noticed by a senior and directly accepted into the sect, received treatment entirely different from those who entered through the Abyssal Reach Selection.
Others had to begin as ordinary disciples and climb step by step. After reaching Spirit Transformation, they were required to go to the extraterrestrial battlefield and accumulate a certain amount of merit. After returning, they had to continue cultivating in the sect until they achieved enough to pass an assessment and obtain the status of a true-inheritance disciple before they could study more profound cultivation methods.
After that, even if they reached Grand Ascension and remained in the sect for life, they still might not receive an elder’s position with administrative authority. At most, they might become stewards.
Lan Jueqi, by contrast, had entered directly as a true-inheritance disciple. The sect placed no restrictions on him; he could learn whatever he wanted. Nor did he have to risk entering the extraterrestrial battlefield as soon as he reached Spirit Transformation. He could wait until Grand Ascension.
And as long as he managed to cultivate to Grand Ascension, an elder’s seat was guaranteed.
Unless Lan Jueqi committed some unforgivable offense, the moment he entered the sect he was destined to be bound to it for life and branded with its mark, while the resources and treatment he received would always be the very best.
Lan Jueqi could not simply abandon Soaring Void Mountain.
“That isn’t necessarily the right way to put it. An opportunity is an opportunity—if you don’t come within a hair of death, can it really be called one?” someone said. “Back then, Immortal Venerable Radiant Ascendance broke through in the middle of battle and advanced to Tribulation Crossing. Was that place safe?”
Once one person started, others who shared the same view joined in. “If Immortal Venerable Radiant Ascendance successfully passes his love tribulation, there are only benefits for Soaring Void Mountain and no drawbacks. Besides, how many disciples of Soaring Void Mountain have died on the extraterrestrial battlefield over all these years? Even Tribulation Crossing Venerables have fallen there! In terms of contribution, we’re no worse than anyone else. If something really happens on the extraterrestrial battlefield, what can they do if we simply tell the truth? Are there no people from the other sects and powers who can go?!”
“Exactly! If Immortal Venerable Radiant Ascendance breaks through, that strengthens the entire cultivation world and serves as a real deterrent against the Extraterritorial Nightmares! Would any of the other factions dare say they don’t want Immortal Venerable Radiant Ascendance to reach Sainthood?”
The two sides immediately began arguing.
One faction did not want Soaring Void Mountain to lose face and was even less willing to let Lan Jueqi take risks. They believed that with his comprehension and talent, he would certainly find some other way to pass the love tribulation safely. The other faction believed there could be no renewal without breaking the old; they should trust Lan Jueqi’s abilities and let him do whatever he wanted instead of restricting him.
Lan Jueqi drew a sugar jar out of a storage cabinet from across the room, scooped a heaping spoonful into his tea, and sighed gloomily to himself.
【Ah, I knew this would happen…】
Back when he had broken through to Grand Ascension, the elders had already argued themselves hoarse over whether to let him go to the extraterrestrial battlefield.
The higher a cultivator’s realm, the longer their lifespan. A Grand Ascension cultivator could live at least five thousand years.
Lan Jueqi had reached Spirit Transformation before he was a hundred, Grand Ascension at two hundred, and broken through to Tribulation Crossing in the middle of battle at five hundred. He still had an immensely long life ahead of him.
Many elders had believed that because he was talented and hardworking, he should continue cultivating and firmly consolidate his foundation rather than go to the extraterrestrial battlefield. If anything happened to him, Soaring Void Mountain’s many years of cultivation and investment would be wasted. Moreover, Lan Jueqi had been physically weak since childhood and could barely handle weapons such as swords and sabers. A battlefield changed in an instant and was far too dangerous. In any case, Lan Jueqi was right here. The extraterrestrial battlefield would always be there; he could go take a look once the fighting eased. There was no hurry.
Other elders believed that jade would never become a useful vessel without being carved. The extraterrestrial battlefield was dangerous, yes, but Lan Jueqi was already a Grand Ascension True Lord and surely stronger than those at Spirit Transformation. Besides, after all the years Soaring Void Mountain had spent building its position, could they really not arrange a better posting for Lan Jueqi? Xie Qingyuan, who had grown up with him, had volunteered to go. There was no reason Lan Jueqi could not.
One side argued that eggs should never be placed in the same basket: precisely because Xie Qingyuan had gone to the extraterrestrial battlefield, Lan Jueqi should stay behind. The other side argued that if everyone else could go, then of course Lan Jueqi could too, or people would look down on him. Besides, with Xie Qingyuan on the same battlefield, the two martial brothers could look after each other, which would actually be better.
The two sides argued until they were practically glaring cross-eyed at each other. In the end, Bian Weichen made the final decision: Lan Jueqi would remain on Suncrest Peak and cultivate properly, while he himself would lead the disciples of Soaring Void Mountain to the extraterrestrial battlefield.
With Lan Jueqi’s master away, everyone else naturally had to take good care of him. They could not let Bian Weichen return only to find his disciple had made no progress at all.
And so the matter was settled. After that came Bian Weichen’s death in battle, and Lan Jueqi was ordered into action during the crisis and rushed beyond the heavens as reinforcement.
After adding the sugar, Lan Jueqi pushed the tea toward Xie Qingyuan.
Xie Qingyuan accepted the cup and rubbed his fingers along its wall without drinking. He lifted a hand and tapped Lan Jueqi on the forehead. “Every time you come here, you have to wipe out all the sugar, and you even drag me in as your accomplice.”
Lan Jueqi covered his forehead and dodged away. “Not today.”
【I only poured in half a jar!】 Lan Jueqi argued inwardly.
Without changing expression, Xie Qingyuan repeated Lan Jueqi’s inner thought as though he were merely guessing, his tone full of confidence. “If you didn’t finish it, then you only poured in half?”
Lan Jueqi’s eyes widened. “Senior Brother—”
The corner of Xie Qingyuan’s mouth curved upward. He took out the sugar jar again and poured all the remaining sugar into the tea.
The elders were arguing until their faces went red. No one noticed the small movements between the two of them.
Lan Jueqi happily lifted his tea and took a huge gulp.
【Sweet! Delicious! Another cup!】
He set down his teacup, and Xie Qingyuan immediately refilled it.
“Thank you, Senior Brother,” Lan Jueqi said. “You drink too. It’s good.”
“As long as you like it.” Xie Qingyuan smiled and finished his own cup as well.
The elders still had not reached any conclusion. Lan Jueqi wanted to leave but could not politely do so, leaving him with no choice but to sip tea and let his mind wander aimlessly.
【If only Master were here…】
Something stirred inside Xie Qingyuan. “Junior Brother.”
Lan Jueqi immediately came back to himself.
“It’s nothing.” Xie Qingyuan simply did not want Lan Jueqi grieving over Bian Weichen, so he asked, “What do you think?”
“I… I’m fine with anything,” Lan Jueqi answered honestly. “The elders all make good points. Either way is fine with me.”
【Just because I can’t remember who I secretly love right now doesn’t mean I won’t remember later, and nothing on Ye Wuhen’s side is especially urgent. Ahhhhh, someone with decision paralysis really needs another person to help make choices. If only there were a way to have the best of both worlds.】
Xie Qingyuan: “……”
He knew it.
Back then, Lan Jueqi had probably had no definite opinion at all about whether he should go to the battlefield. That was why the elders had managed to seize the issue and argue back and forth endlessly.
“Since Junior Brother has no particular idea, why not consider my side?” Xie Qingyuan lowered his voice and asked, “How about coming to Abyssal Reach with me?”
Lan Jueqi had never considered that option.
The cultivation world placed enormous importance on educating the students of Abyssal Reach Academy. Talent from every faction gathered there, so information traveled quickly. Moreover, taking a position at Abyssal Reach Academy counted as official employment, and the extraterrestrial battlefield would not lightly conscript personnel if doing so would disrupt the academy’s normal operation.
Xie Qingyuan said, “Abyssal Reach Academy happens to be short a disciplinary supervisor. I wouldn’t feel at ease letting anyone else take the position. Would Junior Brother be willing to work a little harder and come help me at Abyssal Reach?”
Lan Jueqi nodded and agreed.
“Good.” Only after receiving Lan Jueqi’s agreement did Xie Qingyuan finally speak up to stop the elders’ argument. “Elders, why not hear me out?”
And just like that, it was decided that Lan Jueqi would go to Abyssal Reach Academy as disciplinary supervisor.
Xie Tai said, “The instructors at Abyssal Reach Academy are also cultivators of profound strength, no weaker than True Lord Frostnight. If Jueqi still wants to explore hidden regions in search of opportunities, he can ask them to accompany him.”
After saying this, he remembered that Lan Jueqi cultivated the Way of Ruthlessness and had the sort of cold, detached temperament that was hopeless at socializing, so he turned to his son, Xie Qingyuan.
Xie Tai said, “Take good care of your junior brother.”
With Xie Qingyuan, the headmaster, arranging things, it would be much easier for Lan Jueqi to organize expeditions wherever he wished to explore.
Naturally, Xie Qingyuan bowed and accepted the instruction.
“As expected of the Young Master. He truly is the future of Soaring Void Mountain! Thorough in his thinking and unmatched in both wisdom and courage.”
Even after the two left the council hall, they could still hear an elder excitedly slapping the table.
“When the Young Master first went to the extraterrestrial battlefield, he could already fight a hundred enemies alone. Once the Ice-Drinking Canon came forth, nothing could stand against him. Only then did others learn that Soaring Void Mountain’s mastery of arms was no weaker than Cloudslayer Sect’s!”
Lan Jueqi walked with his neck held straight while his eyes slid toward the corners to sneak a look at Xie Qingyuan.
Xie Qingyuan’s expression remained calm, and he caught him in the act. “What is it?”
【Senior Brother’s self-possession truly gets better and better.】 Lan Jueqi sighed admiringly in his heart. Even after hearing others praise him like that, Xie Qingyuan did not become excited or carried away.
【Modest and courteous. Just what I’d expect from Senior Brother!】
Xie Qingyuan smiled helplessly. “What are you thinking about now?”
【But Senior Brother really is amazing to begin with. The elders weren’t wrong.】
“Cough, cough, cough…” Xie Qingyuan interrupted Lan Jueqi’s thoughts with a fit of coughing. “Although the disciplinary supervisor at Abyssal Reach does not need to teach classes, the position is responsible for maintaining discipline and supervising academic work. None of that is simple. You’ve never taken a disciple and never taught classes in the sect before. This is a good chance to observe and learn how other people teach students.”
Lan Jueqi nodded. 【Senior Brother really has thought of everything. Going to Abyssal Reach as disciplinary supervisor truly accomplishes several things at once.】
Xie Qingyuan: “……”
He was silent for a moment before continuing, “As for True Lord Frostnight, Senior Brother would like to ask you for a favor. Invite him to teach at the academy.”
Not some obscure nobody… Then let him see the true face of this True Lord Frostnight!
【This… I don’t know whether that fellow will agree to come.】 Lan Jueqi was a little conflicted.
Xie Qingyuan said, “Junior Brother only needs to pass along the invitation. There’s no need to say anything more.”
That was not difficult, so Lan Jueqi agreed.
If Ye Wuhen was willing to teach at the academy, the two of them could still explore hidden regions together during holidays in search of opportunities.