Chapter 060: Selection on the Heavenly Mountain

Lanxin Pavilion is restless; the Western Sea Prefecture is restless; even small countries beyond the borders are unsettled. The only place that remains calm and composed is Tianshan.

Having temporarily saved Liu Qing’s life, the people of Tianshan breathed a sigh of relief and decided not to interfere in the affairs of the court. Although the matter was strange and the Empress Xue’s intentions unclear, the investigation into the cause of the disaster and the origin of the demons gnawed at their minds.

Qian Gui, the Venerable, and Jiu Cang, the Venerable, although reluctant to meddle in worldly affairs, were unwilling to miss such a rare opportunity. Once involved, they would obtain the golden crown and gain free access to the investigation. Yet, with the Celestial Master entering the pass, female disciples were few, and among the male disciples, only Lan Shui and Ji Lin stood out. The choice of a suitable candidate was indeed difficult.

“At the very moment when talent is needed, all these thorny issues emerge, as if to make a spectacle of Tianshan!”

“Then let us not interfere in this matter,” Qian Gui replied serenely, sipping his tea leisurely.

“Not interfere?” Jiu Cang shook his head. “I’d like to ignore it, but this matter involves Tianshan, and Beihua hides many secrets. Tell me, which disciple should I send down the mountain?”

Qian Gui comforted Jiu Cang. “At your age, you still carry the same anxiety. Why not be more composed? Among the female disciples, there are many officials; among the males, two from my branch. I have four apprentices—I can lend you two, isn’t that enough? For affairs of the mortal world, any disciple can resolve them.”

“Lan Shui and Ji Lin can barely manage Tianshan’s own matters—how can they be sent down the mountain? Your female apprentices are treasured by you. The other female officials each have their roles: the Snow Maiden guards the pass, and the Spirit Maiden manages affairs. These are the disciples with deep magical power. The others, though clever, lose much of their power once outside Tianshan. How can one be assured?”

“In truth, you fear they’ll mishandle matters and disgrace Tianshan!”

Jiu Cang sighed and looked at Qian Gui. “Are you not concerned, or do you think that force is neither strange nor formidable?”

Qian Gui smiled calmly, full of confidence. “I understand your worries. But before we decide, we can test the waters. I’ve already sent my apprentice to Qingxuan Valley. If all remains well, you can boldly send someone. In this world, apart from the Flame Halberd, whom else should Tianshan fear?”

Jiu Cang nodded. “You’re right—always thoughtful, resolving doubts in advance. No wonder you’re so calm; you’re always prepared. I overlooked this!”

“Not at all. I simply saw you were busy lately and lent a hand.”

“Good, then help a bit more. Old age has dulled my mind!”

As they joked, Lan Shui suddenly entered, bowing respectfully to the two Venerables.

Jiu Cang, visibly moved, asked urgently, “Lan Shui, rise. How are things?”

“Venerable, Qingxuan Valley is unchanged! The place of suppression is as usual, the seal’s light remains strong, and the Flame Halberd’s body still lies at the valley’s bottom.”

“That’s good. How did you verify it?”

“Master entrusted me with the Celestial Mirror. Standing at a high point, I saw only radiant light; the body was visible through the mirror. The mirror’s power is spent—now I hand it to the two Venerables.”

Qian Gui and Jiu Cang exchanged smiles, took the mirror from Lan Shui, and quietly discussed.

“Lan Shui, issue orders: gather at Zhengjun Pavilion in one hour. I have important instructions.”

“Yes!” Lan Shui replied and withdrew.

“Are you about to select disciples to descend the mountain?” Qian Gui asked.

“Of course. I’ll have disciples investigate, for peace of mind. Qian Gui, do you have a method for selecting talent?”

“All Tianshan disciples are outstanding—let them decide for themselves! If several wish to go, let them compete as the Empress Xue suggested. After all, before entering the palace, one must win the golden crown through a contest.”

“Very well, as you advise.”

Just as Jianrong left Meizhen Palace, she saw Bai Yu, who seemed quite cheerful. Jianrong paused and stopped her.

“Sister, what makes you so happy?”

“Sister, I just learned the Venerable is choosing someone to descend the mountain. Do you wish to go?”

Jianrong smiled wryly and shook her head. “You’re always ahead of the news?”

Bai Yu lowered her head with a smile. “No, no, it was Senior Brother who told me. Do you think it’s a hint?”

“A hint?” Jianrong couldn’t help but laugh, coldly asking, “A hint for what?”

“Ah, never mind, I’ll perform well later. After years of learning music and dance, it’s finally not in vain!”

Jianrong grabbed Bai Yu’s hand, nervously asking, “Wait, have you decided to take part? You wish to leave the mountain?”

“Yes! Why not?” Bai Yu replied, beaming, “If chosen, I can leave with Senior Brother, and we’ll be a pair investigating the truth together. It’s a rare chance!”

Jianrong, unwilling, held Bai Yu tightly and frowned. “You cannot go!”

“Why? Do you wish to go? But I thought you can’t dance?”

“No! Listen to my analysis.” Jianrong thought for a moment and spoke seriously to Bai Yu, “Why did Senior Brother reveal the news to you? Did you consider that? I bet he didn’t say he’d go. I think he told you deliberately, perhaps to let you muddy the waters. He doesn’t want Xue Ze to take risks, and this is precisely a risky matter.”

“How do you know this is dangerous?”

“I—” Jianrong hesitated and forced a smile. “It’s my analysis. So, I won’t go, nor do I want you to risk it. Tianshan disciples rarely show themselves before others; entering the palace is one thing, but competing with mortals is humiliating. Do you think Senior Brother will compete? Besides, so much has happened in Beihua, and this call for talent is clearly because they can’t handle things—so…”

Bai Yu fell into doubt, her expression changing repeatedly. “Then, according to your reasoning…”

“One more thing, as far as I know, Tianshan is about to select a deputy Celestial Master. Someone like Senior Brother could act as deputy for He’an, managing Tianshan’s affairs and the male disciples. Similarly, a female disciple will take up a master’s position. Now’s the time to strive for it. To become deputy Celestial Master, paired with Senior Brother—that would be a true match, working side by side.”

“But—”

“No buts!” Jianrong held Bai Yu’s hand. “Trust me for now. I promised to help you, and I will! Everything is in my plan; don’t disrupt it, or you’ll suffer for it!”

Bai Yu was stunned, looking down. “Then, what should I do?”

At Zhengjun Pavilion, Tianshan disciples once gathered in droves, but after the Venerable’s words, “Those without interest may leave,” most departed. Watching the disciples trickle away, Qian Gui and Jiu Cang felt helpless.

“All celestial officials remain!”

At Jiu Cang’s command, Jianrong and Bai Yu froze, exchanging glances.

“Where are you two going? Tianshan has matters—how can you leave first? I don’t intend to send male disciples; the candidates must be chosen from female officials!”

“Venerable, my sister and I are not suited for this, so we wish to yield the opportunity.”

Jiu Cang smiled, looking at Jianrong. “Jianrong, I know you can’t dance. But you shouldn’t take Bai Yu away! Bai Yu is a rare talent in Tianshan—skilled in music, chess, and famed for her dancing, I hear?”

Bai Yu blushed, smiling shyly. “Venerable flatters me; I know only a little.”

“Hahaha, no need for modesty. Today’s matter is clear; the mission is straightforward. Bai Yu, are you willing to accept it?”

Bai Yu hesitated, looking at Jianrong with some nervousness. After a while, she replied softly, “Thank you for your favor, Venerable, but lately my health is poor, and an old leg injury has flared up—I fear I cannot dance well.”

“What injury? Tianshan has countless elixirs—surely it can be cured? Qian Gui is fond of medical arts; let him see you.”

Bai Yu was startled and quickly looked to Jianrong. This time, Jianrong rose to the occasion.

“Venerable, I know my sister’s illness well. Though it doesn’t hinder walking, dancing is another matter. Dancing requires coordination of all limbs, and her body may not manage it. If she disgraces Tianshan or suffers injury, it would be a loss.”

Jiu Cang considered this, nodded, and turned to the three Snow Maidens.

“What are your thoughts?”

“Venerable, the Upper Virtue Snow Maiden is not skilled in dance!”

“I agree—the Middle Tranquility Snow Maiden as well!”

“I concur—the Lower Purity Snow Maiden also!”

Seeing this, Jiu Cang looked helplessly at Qian Gui. “What now? Do you know any multi-talented disciples?”

“Venerable, Jianrong does!” Jianrong smiled, eager to speak.

“Oh?” Jiu Cang smiled and asked with interest, “Let’s hear it.”

“Jianrong believes Sister Xue Ze from the Bamboo Grove is well suited—she is beautiful, talented, and has studied under both the Celestial Master and Venerable for years. Her magical skills and wisdom are surely equal to any celestial official present. Why not entrust the task to her?”

Jiu Cang nodded and smiled, looking to Qian Gui. “Xue Ze is your cherished apprentice—I’ve long heard she’s extraordinary. What do you think?”

“Just as Jianrong, the Spirit Maiden, said—Xue Ze is talented, clever, an excellent dancer, and possesses strong powers. However, she just returned to Tianshan and holds no official post yet. I fear it may not be appropriate.”

Jiu Cang smiled calmly. “Is that so? Don’t be partial!”

Jianrong glanced at Bai Yu, hoping she’d speak up. But Bai Yu, seeing Lan Shui’s stern gaze, dared not step forward and remained silent.

“Venerable, Jianrong has more to say!”

Jianrong gave Bai Yu a look and bravely stepped out, catching Jiu Cang’s attention.

“Speak!”

“Recently, Tianshan has many affairs, and the Celestial Master is absent. It’s time to select talented managers. I believe this idea has long been on your mind, but the difficulty lies in choosing the right candidate. Why not use this event to give opportunities to capable sisters and brothers who lack positions? If they perform well, appointing them to key posts would be fitting and inspire others.”

Jiu Cang thought for a moment, nodded in satisfaction. “You’re always clever and forthright—your suggestion is excellent. Qian Gui, what do you think?”

Qian Gui gave a cold smile. “Let the disciples decide for themselves.”

“Good. If there’s no result by tonight, I’ll choose one myself.”