Living Apart

"Oh My God!!!" She yelled in amazement and walked forward. Indeed, it is the spirit root that she's always heard of—a necessary gift to cultivate.

But then, she stopped and asked with a serious voice. "How was it made? And who made it?" Living with geniuses surrounding her from birth, she's well aware of fake spirit root making. If it was so simple to make, then she would've made some already. It is very well into demonic deeds.

Which type of cultivators were massacred? Was what she meant to ask, but their answers came as a surprise. "It's the mountain's spirits, and all the elders were responsible for making it."

She didn't quite understand what the young disciple said, and looked at Yun Renshu, now Jin Lixing, to explain.

"These mountains and Earth have existed for a very long time." Jin Lixing began. "And there's a reason why the very first sect leader chose to build his sect here. The abundance of spiritual essence and the living beasts and plants existing for thousands of years caught his attention. The more they lived, the more spiritual essence built up inside them, causing them to gain consciousness. It's rumoured that every plant here has some spiritual consciousness, albeit lacking in power."

How old was this sect?

"Since there were many, why not make use of it? Spirit root has the word spirit in it after all, so of course, thousands of spirits must be sacrificed. The elders took the plant's spirits and refined them into this spirit root. Unfortunately, they could only make a four elements spirit root akin to trash after refining for two years. If you don't want it, then you don't have to use it. I'll take care of you."

Shen Yue certainly didn't know that there can be such a way. She shouldn't have hanged out with the murderers and evil old men in the past. They were always on about killing and death.

And no wonder she feels uneasiness when near the forests.

"No, It's good, I'll take it right now."

But then Jin Lixing led her to the council building to face many elders. Shen Yue began to sweat. The familiar faces of these people made her perspire because they were likely to find out her secrets. She might be kicked out any second.

"The elders will help you in absorbing the spirit, and also check on your daintian."

She hurriedly shook her head to refuse and said, "I can do it myself." Which disrespected the elders.

Elder Wu, the law enforcer who was always strict, and followed by someone who thinks highly of himself, Elder Liao gave her a look. Oops. "I don't mean any disrespect. Simply that I am a married woman, so it would be inappropriate for the elders to help me."

"Then what do you suggest?" they asked. "You certainly need help, and there are only two female elders to assist you. You need more than that." Elder Liao said, causing her to ponder.

She wants the spirit root, but at the same time, she can't let them find out…

"And also, cultivation relates to cutting off of any mortal matter. Since you're married in the mortal world, your marriage stays outside of this mountain, understand? But how bold of you to think that we elders retain any mortal desires? Don't be so full of yourself."

This time, Shen Yue had the urge to punch Elder Wu. Fucker, she should've stolen his rules book when she had the chance before. That'll make him crazy for a few minutes.

In the end, she picked the two female elders, Elder Na, Elder Xiu. And then followed by three others, Sect Leader Zang, Elder Kai, and Successor disciple Jin Jiyang. They reached the designated place, and she directly fell to her knees and bowed, her forehead touching the floor.

"Shen Yue? Are you alright?" They asked, but she nodded her head. The tears she's been practicing for, flowed down, causing the five people to worry.

"I have something to say, but I'm afraid the elders and sect leader will punish me." What a show she's putting in. Living in the harem for 8 years really taught her something.

"Of course not. We won't punish you, so tell us whatever's bothering you."

"It is such an unspeakable thing that I dare not say, but please forgive me for everything." In the end, she asked that the two female elders be far away for a while before she could spill the tea.

After everything was done and explained, only determination and pity were left in these three. Jin Jyang, Elder Kai, and Sect leader Zhang quickly went to work.

It took them a whole month to completely move the spirit into her body and a week to do a little test. Everything was alright, but the energy absorption was a bit weak. Nevertheless, it plays out nicely since she can't absorb a sudden surge of energy either way.

Great news also allowed her to look hopefully in the future. Her daintians that had formerly been burned and shattered had begun to regenerate much quicker due to the mountain's spiritual abundance. Everything was working out nicely until she went downstairs into the council room where Jin Lixing (Yun Renshu) was waiting. The two female elders she kicked out were beside him, glaring at her with animosity.

Yun Renshu looked at her straight in the eye, and she can't help but avoid it. He didn't say anything throughout but only led her to their abode. "You're going somewhere again?" Shen Yue asked because he turned away after showing her inside.

"Just like in the palace, we'll be living in different buildings. Rest and cultivate well."

Somehow, Shen Yue felt a bit guilty even if she didn't do anything wrong. Slight anger rose inside her, directed at the two female elders.

But it didn't last long because Yun Wei came visiting her. The change he had gone through was visible to the naked eye. The face he had was more domineering but, at the same time, friendly. His body built improved, and his skin became purer. His eyes were shining brighter, and the aura he's exuding feels more powerful.

She asked what happened during these years, but honestly, the monthly letters she formerly received already explained a lot. He's been cultivating diligently and even encountered many problems. His hang out place was the beast mountain where he fights many animals.

Most of his time is also spent inside the council building. He's not 'completely' part of the sect, but only a guest disciple. He'll be called to discuss matters regarding other sects and the citizens. A few paper works were assigned weekly, but nothing too bothering. People from the other sects started to visit, and their purpose was no other than the princes. If all the princes go to the Hu Tian Sect, then the politics' cultivation side will be monopolized by the Hu Tian sect.

It would cause a significant imbalance in the empire, so he was always bothered by them. Of course, his elder brother would even be more so, since Yun Renshu was the crown prince.

"You'll be going soon?" She asked. The emperor hasn't died yet, but he needs someone to help with the affairs.

"Not until I reach the middle Core." He was now in the peak of the hollow orb, a crucial stage of his cultivation. Leaving the Qi-filled mountain will significantly decrease his success in breaking through. Thus why he must stay until he created his core and stabilize his stage. "Maybe not until another ten years? Or maybe fifteen. Anyways, you don't need to worry about me, worry about yourself with that measly spirit root of yours."

Ptooey! "Disrespectful child."

In the end, he stayed to accompany her in her first stages of cultivation. She was endless in questioning, and she can't seem to cultivate from the very beginning.

'That explains why she didn't cultivate for years and chose to use a borrowed core.

Really, people born in heaven are different.'