Chapter 20: The Six-Fold Mirror

Dao Xuan, the Celestial Master, was indeed worthy of being a Nascent Soul cultivator; every gesture exuded an immortal air, and the disciples of Qingyun Sect could not help but be awed by his presence. Even the hushed whispers among them gradually died down.

“My young friends, you are the elite of the younger generation within our Qingyun Sect, your talents and gifts truly outstanding. In the future, the seats of the various branches, the elders, and perhaps even my own position as Sect Leader, may well be taken up by the best among you.”

His voice was warm and affable, and the disciples stirred with excitement. Many faces shone with longing and anticipation; to become a branch master, an elder, or even sect leader—what supreme honor and allure that would be.

Dao Xuan’s gaze swept across the hall, taking in the disciples’ burning enthusiasm. Satisfied, he nodded approvingly. Young people needed such ambition. With a kindly smile, he continued, “Of course, to reach those heights, to ascend to the seats behind me, you must redouble your efforts.”

The disciples answered in unison, “Yes, sir!”

Dao Xuan stroked his long beard and nodded, then spoke solemnly: “Since the founding by our ancestor Qingyunzi, the Qingyun Sect has always been a bastion of justice. Today, we stand as the righteous leader in the world of cultivation…”

He paused, then went on, “In these times, the righteous path prospers, and the demonic arts are in retreat. The world enjoys peace. Yet, the remnants of the demonic path are cruel and cunning, their ambitions undying. In recent years, they have shown signs of stirring once more. At such a time, it falls to us, the righteous, to uphold the way and root out evil. You must devote yourselves to cultivation, strengthen your resolve. As long as we remain strong and self-reliant, the wicked will have no chance to take root.”

The disciples responded loudly, “We will heed the Sect Leader’s teachings!”

Standing among the crowd, Qian Mo shook his head imperceptibly. He did not quite agree with Dao Xuan’s view—this was why he had not wanted to kneel in obeisance earlier. It all seemed so superficial, seeing only the surface and not the essence. Whoever they were, whether they lived or died had nothing to do with him. But if they threatened his Biyou or Lu Xueqi, he would cut them down, righteous or demonic, all the same. As for this “master” of his, he had never yet betrayed a teacher or ancestor; Dao Xuan had better not be the first.

The way of cultivation was said to be divided into immortals and demons, but in Qian Mo’s eyes, the difference was only a matter of thought.

Dao Xuan smiled kindly. “Very good. There is one more matter to announce. To encourage all disciples of Qingyun Sect to strive for the path and dedicate themselves to cultivation, I have discussed with the branch elders and decided that, starting with this Seven Peaks Martial Tournament, the final victor will receive a small reward after each competition.”

“A reward!” Once again, a stir ran through the disciples, save for Qian Mo, for nothing offered could compare to what his system provided—missions always took precedence. Still, rewards from the sect’s highest ranks were bound to be extraordinary.

Dao Xuan saw the expectation on the young faces and smiled. “This time, the prize is the ‘Six Harmonies Mirror.’”

A faint smile played about Qian Mo’s lips. Oh? This was interesting. If he did not need it himself, he could give it to Biyou or Lu Xueqi. The Six Harmonies Mirror was a fine treasure. After the tournament, the younger generation would likely travel the world, where danger was never far away.

By offering the Six Harmonies Mirror as a reward, the elders were not only providing extra protection for the strongest of the younger generation, but also subtly winning their loyalty.

“What is the Six Harmonies Mirror?” Zhang Xiaofan blurted, having never heard of this artifact. He glanced at those nearby, but Tian Ling’er, Du Bishu, and the others also looked baffled. The disciples from other branches seemed equally in the dark.

However, disciples like Qi Hao and Wen Min, who had been around longer, looked visibly moved and excited. This treasure was clearly extraordinary.

Instinctively, Zhang Xiaofan glanced at Qian Mo and noticed his calm expression, quite unlike the others’ excitement. Unable to resist, he sidled closer and whispered, “Qian Mo, what is the Six Harmonies Mirror?”

Qian Mo replied quietly, “The Six Harmonies Mirror is a treasure passed down from the tenth generation ancestor, Master Wufang, of Qingyun Sect. I’ve never seen it myself, only read of it in the notes left by our predecessors. It is a rare and wondrous artifact of Qingyun, immensely powerful and possessing unique properties. If the user’s spiritual power is strong enough, the mirror can reflect any attack, placing its wielder in an invincible position.”

The others listened in disbelief. Du Bishu stammered, “Wouldn’t that make someone invincible in the whole world?”

Qian Mo shrugged. “I don’t know exactly how it works, but if the sect is willing to offer it as a prize, they’re certainly being generous.”

Song Daren nodded, glancing at Dao Xuan. “Indeed, it’s just as Brother Qian says. The Sect Leader and the elders are really putting up a big prize this time!”

The group exchanged odd looks; most seemed to swallow involuntarily. It seemed that even cultivators, faced with rare treasures, could not help but be moved.

Qian Mo noted their expressions. Cultivators were meant to follow their hearts; who could remain indifferent before such a treasure? The fact that he felt nothing did not mean the Six Harmonies Mirror was unimpressive.

In a world where Nascent Soul cultivators were considered great masters, the Six Harmonies Mirror was formidable enough. In his hands, it might even reflect the power of the Immortal Execution Sword. But for disciples at the Foundation Establishment stage, its benefits would be negligible.

For example, if a Foundation Establishment peak disciple used the Six Harmonies Mirror to block a blow from a Nascent Soul master, the result would be disastrous and fatal.

Dao Xuan waited a moment, smiling as the young disciples discussed among themselves. After a while, he spoke: “That is all for now. Go back and rest. Tomorrow morning, the Seven Peaks Martial Tournament will begin.”

The disciples bowed as one. “Yes, Sect Leader.”

Dao Xuan nodded. “You may go.”

The disciples gradually left the Jade Purity Hall, until only the seven branch masters and a dozen elders remained. Dao Xuan turned to the elders and smiled, “Brothers, you should retire early as well. Tomorrow we begin a series of competitions, and I must trouble you for your guidance.”

Some elders were white-haired and deeply lined, others appeared youthfully preserved. At these words, they said no more and quietly filed out.

At last, only the seven branch masters remained in the hall.

Dao Xuan slowly let the kindly smile fade from his face, his gaze sweeping the other six seated in the hall. Calmly, he said, “Now, there are only the seven of us.”

Shang Zhengliang, master of the Morning Sun Peak seated at Dao Xuan’s right, frowned. “Sect Leader, do you have something to discuss with us?”

Dao Xuan nodded, his expression impassive. “Which disciple among the current generation do you believe will emerge as the final victor?” Though he asked, his own mind was already made up.

…

(End of this chapter.)