Chapter 11: Paper and Ink

Huang Longtian didn't know how to get to Central City. In the High Heaven Thundercloud Sect, he only knew Leng Huangnu and his master. The former was out of the question, as he didn't know where she was, leaving his master as the only option. 

He immediately returned to the courtyard. As he entered, he found his master seated serenely, her presence ethereal as ever, her eyes scanning a book in her left hand.

"Master," he said, bowing respectfully. "I need to know about Central City. Specifically, how can I get there from the sect?"

Chu Yuechan placed the book on a table, looking up at him. "You wish to go to Central City? Are you planning to participate in the upcoming auction?"

"Yes, Master," Huang Longtian nodded. "Elder Xie Ping said the Alchemy Pavilion Treasury didn't have the materials I needed, so he suggested I try my luck in Central City."

Chu Yuechan nodded, setting the book aside. "Very well. The Central City is a renowned city in the Eastern Domain, and getting there is straightforward if you know the way. In the Central Area of our sect, there is a teleportation formation site used for major events and important travels."

Huang Longtian looked puzzled. "Central area?"

"Yes," Chu Yuechan said. "The sect is divided into several areas. The Central Area includes the Punishment Pavilion, the Sect-Master's courtyard, and major cultivation sites, as well as the teleportation formation site. 

The Outer Area, where the outer disciples live and where disciple selection occurs, is busy but less prominent. The Alchemy Area, where we are based, and the Formation Area also serve distinct purposes and contribute to the sect's fonctionnement."

Chu Yuechan rose gracefully, motioning for Huang Longtian to follow. "Come, I'll show you the way to the teleportation formation site."

They walked through the Alchemy Area, passing by various disciples who were busy with their tasks. Some noticed them, while others remained focused on their work.

One disciple paused and whispered to a nearby disciple, "Isn't that Pavilion Master Chu? And her new disciple everyone's talking about?"

Another disciple glanced up and nodded, "Yeah, that's them."

A third disciple, eyes wide with admiration, murmured, "It's an honor to see Pavilion Master Chu this close! Even from here, I can see that she's a stunning beauty, even if her face is hidden."

The duo continued walking through the area, their presence sparking whispers and excited glances among the disciples.

"It's really lively here," Huang Longtian remarked, glancing around.

Chu Yuechan nodded. "Alchemy is a very demanding profession. Talent helps, but hard work is essential. If you don't put in the effort, your skills won't improve."

"But, do they always look this stressed?"

Huang Longtian asked, noting someone who looked exhausted.

Even though alchemy is a very demanding profession, one should still practice with moderation. Could they be masochists?

Chu Yuechan's expression twitched behind her veil as she replied, "I conduct monthly alchemy and pill evaluations."

Huang Longtian raised an eyebrow. "Evaluations?"

"Yes," Chu Yuechan continued. "I had the  elders assess both the quality of the pills and the disciples' mastery of alchemy. If they don't meet the standards, they would face severe punishments."

Huang Longtian smiled mischievously at his master. "It looks tough being an alchemist here," Huang Longtian said. "But, I guess it's all worth it in the end?"

"For those who persevere, yes," Chu Yuechan replied, a hint of embarrassment in her voice, though it still sounded cold. 

Chu Yuechan mused. Maybe I should cut back on the frequency of the evaluations. The constant pressure might be too much for the disciples. Balancing high standards with their well-being could be crucial. I wonder if reducing the evaluations would ease their stress without sacrificing their growth?

However, she didn't want to continue the conversation further. She was a little embarrassed.

Huang Longtian felt a sudden force push his body. In an instant, he found himself in a different place. The Spiritual Qi in the air crackled with intensity and purity, making the atmosphere feel charged yet comfortable. The buildings around him were tall and imposing, their sheer scale and intricate designs overshadowing anything he had seen in his previous world.

Huang Longtian knew it was his master's work, so he chose to ignore it. But couldn't you at least give me a hint before doing something like this? He nearly vomited when he landed!

However, he kept his complaints to himself as they continued walking. They soon passed a formidable building, its imposing façade radiating an aura of authority and control. The building stood out, commanding respect from everyone who saw it.

"This is the Punishment Pavilion," Chu Yuechan said, glancing at the imposing building. "It's where those who break the sect's rules are disciplined or imprisoned for serious offenses. The Sect-Master's courtyard is nearby as well."

Huang Longtian glanced at the towering structures, feeling a mix of awe and apprehension. In cultivation novels, those in charge of the Punishment Pavilion were often corrupt, so Huang Longtian couldn't help but feel a twinge of apprehension.

Soon, they arrived at the teleportation formation site. The intricate patterns etched into the ground pulsed with a faint light. As they approached, a few disciples nearby noticed them and began whispering among themselves. Huang Longtian and Chu Yuechan could hear their murmurs.

"Isn't that Huang Longtian, the one who got trashed by Tian Zunzhe?"

"Yeah, I heard he's Chu Yuechan's first ever disciple. He's a Spell Master, but not strong enough to be her disciple."

"What? He's a legendary Spell Master?!"

"So what? Didn't he suffer a crushing defeat against Senior Brother Tian?"

"He's lucky the Pseudo-Holy Son went easy on him because he admires Pavilion Master Chu."

Huang Longtian ignored their comments, focusing on the task at hand. He knew that engaging with their gossip would only waste his energy. 

So that arrogant blond guy's names is Tian Zunzhe, and he's a Pseudo-Holy Son? If there's a Pseudo-Holy Son, there must be a Holy Son too, right? Huang Longtian made a mental note to ask his master later. For now, he had enough of his own issues to focus on. His motto was simple: prioritize yourself before concerning yourself with others.

However, Huang Longtian was surprised to learn he was Chu Yuechan's first disciple. He had expected she would have a long list of disciples. After all, she was a prestigious alchemist; it would make sense if she had two or three disciples.

Chu Yuechan noticed his indifference and nodded in approval. If he couldn't handle this bit of mockery and humiliation, he wasn't cut out for cultivation. After all, the journey was long and arduous; he would face much more hardship in the future if he wanted to become an real expert.

The guards at the teleportation formation were surprised by their appearance. "Pavilion Master Chu, what brings you here?" one of them asked, bowing respectfully.

"I'm here to see off my disciple," Chu Yuechan replied, her voice cold and distant.

The guards exchanged curious glances but chose not to ask any further. "Of course, Pavilion Master. The formation is ready for use."

Huang Longtian turned to Chu Yuechan, bowing deeply. "Thank you, Master."

Chu Yuechan nodded, a rare hint of warmth in her gaze. "There's no need for that. Just return safely." She handed him a crimson ring.

Huang Longtian was nearly moved to tears. He wasn't sure what was inside the red ring, but it couldn't be anything bad, right? Such generosity—should he consider marrying his master to repay the favor?

"Thank you, Master."

Huang Longtian caught the ring and stepped onto the formation. The guards activated the formation.

In an instant, a blinding flash of light engulfed him. Huang Longtian felt a sudden, disorienting pull, as though he were being pulled through a tunnel of shifting colors and swirling energy. 

The air around him crackled with raw power, vibrating against his skin with a faint, electric hum.

The world around him blurred into a dizzying whirl of bright colours, and then, just as abruptly, he was standing in a completely different place, the sensation of movement fading away.

Huang Longtian found himself standing on a strange, obsidian platform. The surface was smooth and cool to the touch, and it seemed to pulse with a faint, eerie glow. 

The air buzzed with bargaining and the chatter of countless cultivators. Towering buildings, each a marvel of architectural prowess, surrounded him.

He paused, taking deep breaths to steady himself, feeling a wave of nausea wash over him. "Damn it!" he thought, cursing under his breath. He had anticipated feeling unwell, but not this intensely. 

Now, all he needed now was to buy some cheap paper and ink.