9.Guidance from the Elder of the Outer Sect

After walking for a long time, Xu Shan stopped in a rather magnificent courtyard that was rare to see in the outer sect. Thinking about meeting Elder Cao and the incident that happened two days ago, he couldn't help feeling hesitant.

While he was hesitating, a voice came leisurely from the room. "Xu Shan, if you have something to say, come in. If not, don't wander around in the courtyard."

Xu Shan composed himself, stepped to the door, and said, "Elder Cao, this disciple has something to ask you."

The door opened automatically. Elder Cao, who was in charge of the outer sect, was sitting with his legs crossed, leisurely reading a book in his hand. Sensing Xu Shan's entry, without even looking up, he knocked on the table and said, "Put your hand on it."

Xu Shan took a closer look and saw a round jade plate engraved with runes on the table. It was the array plate used to test the aptitude when one first entered the sect.

Xu Shan walked straight forward and placed his hand on the array plate. As soon as he put his hand on it, Elder Cao said, "All right, take it away. I didn't think it could be you anyway."

Xu Shan withdrew his hand, his eyes full of confusion. "Elder Cao, what... what does this mean?"

"It doesn't mean anything. The sect is re-testing the disciples' aptitudes. Since you're so close, if your aptitude is good, you would have a reaction even without touching it." After saying this, Elder Cao threw the book in his hand onto the table.

As soon as he looked up, he suddenly froze. "Wait... Who are you!?"

"It's me, Xu Shan, Elder. I shaved my beard because my chin was injured..."

"My goodness, you actually look like this... You're really favored by the heavens." Elder Cao twitched the corners of his mouth, then quickly returned to his normal state. "All right, tell me, what do you want from me?"

"I can finish the tasks assigned to me very quickly. I came to ask you, Elder, if there are any other tasks, especially those that would allow me to go down the mountain..." Xu Shan said in a low voice.

Besides the daily chores, there were also some tasks assigned by the person in charge for the outer sect disciples. As for the sect, its influence also covered mortal towns. In this world, demon beasts often appeared, and ordinary beasts were also quite fierce. The sect selected disciples with spiritual roots from among the mortals to cultivate them. Naturally, it also had some obligations to take care of the mortals in some special situations.

For demon beasts above the Foundation Establishment stage, inner sect disciples would usually deal with them. As for the outer sect, sometimes they would deal with some weak demon beasts at the Qi Refining stage and also go to the towns to purchase daily necessities for the outer sect disciples.

Elder Cao glanced at Xu Shan and smiled. "What, are you so eager to leave the sect and go down to see the colorful world?"

"No, this disciple just wants to find something to do." Xu Shan said sincerely, "And I'm also preparing to participate in the final outer sect exam."

Elder Cao nodded and thought for a moment before saying, "Xu Shan, you're quite honest, and you're diligent in cultivation among all the disciples. I've noticed that."

"To be honest, with your aptitude, it's a bit difficult to progress further. It might be better to leave early. There are casualties in the outer sect exam. Of course, the chance of dying is not high, but if you get some hidden injuries, it will be difficult for you to get by among the mortals in the future. You know, among your previous senior brothers and sisters, only two of them passed, and they both had middle-grade spiritual roots."

"I'm not looking down on your low aptitude. I'm a free cultivator by origin. Discovering your own limits early and accepting your fate is not a bad thing. We have to admit the truth that human strength has its limits..."

"Thank you for your concern, Elder, but this disciple has already made up his mind and will never change it."

"Heh." Elder Cao smiled slightly. "All right, then I won't persuade you anymore. It's good to have this kind of determination. There are countless heroes in the world. Even with the worst spiritual root, it's not impossible to make a name for yourself."

Elder Cao was quite good at speaking, and Xu Shan felt warm inside. He nodded repeatedly.

Elder Cao said, "Since you've decided not to change your mind, there's still a little over a month until the outer sect exam. I can take you to the Inner Sect Sutra Pavilion a month before the exam and let you choose the most basic spell for cultivation."

"Elder, you're being so kind..."

"Hey, don't be too touched. This is an old rule. Every time before the exam, disciples at the Great Perfection of the Qi Refining stage are eligible to choose the most basic spell for cultivation." Elder Cao said slowly, "The outer sect exam is extremely difficult. Outer sect disciples only cultivate the basic skills and don't know how to use spiritual power, so they basically can't pass. The fact that you can reach this stage shows that your cultivation aptitude is really not good."

"But cultivation is one thing, and some people's comprehension of spells and their talent for combat are another. As long as you can pass the exam and prove yourself, it means you still have value to the sect."

"I see. But why have I never heard of this before, Elder?" Xu Shan asked curiously.

Elder Cao waved his hand. "First, for outer sect disciples, the basics are everything. We don't want to distract you. Second, we're afraid that if we teach you too early, you might casually pass on the spells to your fellow disciples. Just keep it in mind and don't tell other disciples."

"Yes, this disciple understands!"

"All right then. Didn't you want to go out? I actually have a task for you." Elder Cao said, "There's a Nether Spirit in Litao Town at the foot of the mountain. It has killed many people. I want you to get rid of it."

"Uh...." Xu Shan froze in place and asked tentatively, "Elder, what is a Nether Spirit?"

Elder Cao gave him a sidelong glance. "You don't even know this? It's what mortals usually call a ghost."

"Ah? A ghost!?"

"Don't make a fuss. This thing is rare, but it doesn't have much power. As long as you gather your spiritual power in your eyes, you can see it." Elder Cao explained indifferently, "Nether Spirits are transformed from living beings after their death. Their birth is very accidental, and they only appear at the right time and place."

"They have very low intelligence and only retain some of their previous instincts. Generally, they might push someone's window, blow out candles, or even lie on someone's bed and press on them.

"Some people are naturally sensitive and can feel that they're being pressed on... But it will be okay in a few days. Nether Spirits usually don't survive for long and will dissipate on their own."

Xu Shan asked in surprise, "Then what about all those legends about evil ghosts hurting people? Are they all fake?"

"Nether Spirits also vary in strength. Some are smarter, and it's not impossible for them to hurt people. The one you need to deal with this time might have some abilities." Elder Cao said, "But after all, it's a Nether Spirit. As long as you find it, channel your spiritual power and beat it to death. It won't be more difficult than fighting a small demon beast."

"Then this disciple understands! But how can I prove that I've completed the task?"

Elder Cao rolled his eyes. "What's there to prove? There's no reward. Maybe the Nether Spirit will be gone by the time you get there. Just go and do it. You don't have to tell me when you're done. Just come to me on time a month before the exam."

"Yes! This disciple understands!"

...