Li Qingran stumbled backward as the door slammed shut behind her.
The female cultivators standing guard quickly helped her up.
But Li Qingran was still dazed.
Why had the Young Master of Lingxi Valley suddenly rejected her?
Was it just because her Master was a man?
A soft sigh came from one of the cultivators.
“I’m sorry, sister. You didn’t pass our Young Master’s assessment.”
The female cultivator gently straightened the wrinkles on Li Qingran’s clothes.
Though her tone was apologetic, her actions were firm—leading Li Qingran out of the building.
Lingxi Valley’s Unspoken Rule
Li Qingran didn’t want to miss this opportunity.
Lingxi Valley was her best bet for finding ancient alchemy formulas.
It also specialized in medicine—if she learned well, she could help her Master!
So, she stopped in her tracks and bowed.
“May I know the reason?”
The female cultivator hesitated, glanced around nervously, then pulled Li Qingran into a secluded corner.
“If you were just an ordinary talent, I wouldn’t tell you this… But since you have a single spiritual root, you’re destined for great things. I don’t want you to misunderstand the Young Master.”
She sighed and lowered her voice.
“Our Young Master wasn’t always like this… But Lingxi Valley now strictly forbids any disciple from forming Daoist couples.”
“More importantly, our Young Master… hates men to the core—especially male Masters.”
Li Qingran’s heart clenched.
Master isn’t a bad person!
He’s the best person in the world!
She hurriedly explained, “But my Master is different! He’s not like other men. He would never harm anyone—”
The female cultivator shook her head.
“It doesn’t matter.”
Her expression was filled with helplessness.
“Our Young Master once tested ten thousand men—and they all failed.”
“She suffered severe psychological trauma because of it. Eventually, her disappointment turned into hatred.”
“Lingxi Valley used to simply not accept male disciples. But now… no man is allowed within fifty miles of the sect.”
“Even the most talented male cultivators can only join if they’re… castrated.”
Li Qingran stiffened in shock.
She wanted to argue—to ask for a chance to explain—but the female cultivator stopped her with a wave of her hand.
“There’s no room for negotiation. The Asking Conference is ending soon. You should find another sect while you still have time.”
Then, without another word, the female cultivator turned and walked away, leaving Li Qingran standing alone.
Unwanted Attention
Li Qingran clenched her fists.
She wanted to cry—but she held back.
Her Master had given her so many opportunities. Yet, when it was her turn to repay him, she couldn’t even pass the first step.
As she stood frozen in place, a mocking voice called out:
“Hey! Isn’t this the girl with the single water spirit root?”
Li Qingran turned to see a group of people approaching.
At the front stood a pale-faced scholar.
His face was powder-white, with rouge smeared on his cheeks.
He carried a thin short sword, and his waist was lined with four porcelain bottles—each exuding a strong, intoxicating fragrance.
Even from half a street away, Li Qingran could smell his overpowering perfume.
His every movement was affected, exaggerated—unnatural.
The scholar sized her up with a knowing smirk.
“Oh, so you got kicked out by that crazy woman? Hahahaha!”
He laughed so hard that his powdered face turned gray, as if he were about to faint.
After catching his breath, he grinned and spread his arms.
“Perfect, perfect! Sister, why don’t you join our Yin Yang Sect?”
“We’re just as strong as Lingxi Valley—our reputation is just a little worse.”
He chuckled, his eyes gleaming with greed.
“But tell me, aren’t cultivators meant to seek the Dao? So what if we’re a little corrupt?”
A Dangerous Proposal
Li Qingran’s expression turned cold.
She had heard of Yin Yang Sect before.
It was one of the Three Great Lustful Sects, alongside Hehuan Sect and Jile Zen.
Although not technically evil, their cultivation practices were questionable, and their private lives… debauched.
Even if she didn’t have a Master, she’d never consider joining them!
She politely bowed.
“Thank you for your offer, but I wish to find a sect more suited for water spirit roots.”
The scholar waved dismissively.
“Our Yin Yang Sect also has water-based techniques—yellow-grade and black-grade, take your pick.”
Li Qingran bowed again.
“I already have a Master. I cannot go against his wishes. Please do not make things difficult for me.”
The scholar’s smile vanished.
His eyes darkened as his lips curled in a sneer.
“Hmph. Difficult? I think you’re just being rude.”
He folded his arms and stepped forward menacingly.
“If you have a Master, then call him out!”
“Let’s see if he dares to challenge our Yin Yang Sect!”
Li Qingran bit her lip.
She couldn’t call her Master.
He was busy fighting the great monster—how could she distract him?
But even if she didn’t have her Master, she wasn’t helpless.
Her fingers tightened around the thunder and fire talismans inside her storage bag.
One strike and she could obliterate this fool—
But then what?
She’d be hunted down by the entire Yin Yang Sect.
What do I do?
Her mind raced for a solution.
An Unexpected Savior
Before she could decide, a voice rang out from above.
“Wait.”
A massive black sword slammed into the ground between her and the Yin Yang Sect cultivators with a thunderous boom.
Dust exploded into the air.
A gust of wind followed, carrying the scent of wine and garlic.
Perched lazily on the hilt of the sword was a veiled woman in black robes and pants.
Her legs were casually crossed, and the toe of one boot had a hole in it, revealing half of her foot.
She took a long sip from a gourd, wiped her mouth, then burped.
The wind lifted her veil slightly, revealing sharp eyes and a reckless grin.
“We’ve got our eyes on this girl.”
She hiccupped, wobbling slightly before pointing a finger at the Yin Yang Sect cultivators.
“So you lot…”
“Get. Out.”
