Chapter 31: Cultivation of the Immortal in Black | Pt.1
*I added notes for certain words that might get people confused.*
The force of a kick woke Tora. Her body swayed, slamming against the stone floors. The momentum caused her to roll off the edge, tumbling down the stairs. Her arms automatically cover her head from harm.
CRACK!
With each step, she heard cracks. The fall had broken a decent amount of her bones, causing her to lie there, immobile from pain.
"Ugghhh..." Only moans escaped her pale lips.
"I gave you a roof over your head, and yet! Here you are!" The loud shouting from atop the stairs was filled with intimidation. The mighty roar was enough to make her body grow cold from fear. "If it weren't for you being my son's bastard child, I would have killed you already! Count yourself lucky! Someone! Bring this bastard back to his room!"
Tora could hear the sound of clothes rustling. Rough hands grabbed at her mangled body, dragging it harshly back up the flight of stairs.
She felt lightheaded, seeing stars below her feet. She tried her best to remain awakened, daring not to faint amongst the hatred directed at her by those around.
The door was kicked open and her body was sent flying onto a wooden bedframe. The bed was covered in a thin layer of bedding, not enough to soften the stiffness of the wood. The room was dusty and smelled moldy.
Tora couldn't resist the harsh touches of the people that surrounded her. They tore her clothes off and roughly applied medicine before leaving.
She felt nauseous and dizzy from the broken and bruised body. Her groans persisted as she struggled to move.
I'm going to die.
'Do you want to read the novel now?'
Do I look like I can!? You and this crap again! At least put me in better situations when I wake up!
Tora shivered at the cold wind that drifted in through the cracks of the wood. She cursed her zombification for dulling her sense of pain in the previous world.
Fuck me! I had it good as a zombie, didn't I?
'Sorry :('
Forget it.
Her neck strained as she attempted to look at her condition. Something horrifying was between her pale-thin legs.
So she was actually a he...
'A he indeed'
The audacity to disrobe a woman is next level. I guess they don't care since I'm a dude.
Tora felt hopeless. Her body had multiple broken bones that prevented her from moving. She started to doubt whether she could make it out alive the next day.
She didn't know how long she lay aimlessly staring at the dirty ceiling. The sudden creak of a window woke her from her daze.
"
The soft hands of a young girl gently grazed her body. It traced the bruises from her ankle up to her face. The knitted eyebrows and the concentrated look left Tora speechless.
Well...It's not like I could talk right now.
"I'll go and beg Grandpa. You have to be well enough for tomorrow's selection. I don't want to leave for Xingrong Sect alone." The young girl ran off after saying that.
Tora found it odd that she barely reacted to her exposed male counterpart. Even if her body was that of a child, she still found it strange.
The room fell silent again, leaving Tora to gawk at a moldy spot in the left corner of the ceiling.
BANG!
Her heart dropped at the sudden loud noise. The door had been kicked open. A middle-aged man strode in with fierce steps. His eyes slanted as he stared at her.
"Even if it's painful, bear with it." His large palms grasp at her thin wrist and forehead.
Before she could even respond, a bright glow emitted from his hands. Sharp pains shot throughout her body, causing her to jerk up slightly. Her eyes glazed over, glowing the same color as the light.
CRACK!
Her vision switched, giving her a view of the light streams that spread through her body. She watched as the light repaired her broken bones. It was quick, leaving no room for her to breathe amongst the aches.
The pain was unbearable, but she couldn't scream. It felt like large needles drilling into her body, slowly stitching the cracks as if tormenting her. The mattress slowly became damp from their sweat. The horrific act lasted for hours, only stopping when the last bone was amended.
"
What kind of sorcery...? Tora wiggled her wrists and feet, feeling the lightness of a healthy body return to her.
"Pardon me, Young Master." He looked about to leave but stopped. His gaze lingered on her, squinting slightly as he threw a piece of clothing atop her bare body. "The Jaded Fan that you lost was a magical weapon given by the Immortal Lord, Bi Yin. Do you understand why the Patriarch is angry?"
Tora nodded. She kept her head down until he left. What the fuck is a Jaded Fan?
She tried to get dressed. Her fingers fiddled with the outfits in her closet, unsure how to put them on correctly. When she turned back, there was a thick book on her bed.
"Oh God...why?" Her eyes rolled in annoyance at the size of the book. Her hands traced the number of chapters, stopping shortly at the four-digit number.
Tora choked on her saliva at the sheer amount of pages this novel had. "Why would anyone want to read such a long story?" Regardless of her complaints, Tora read the book.
.
.
.
.
The morning came quickly for Tora. Her door was yet again kicked open at the light of dawn. Multiple people came rushing in with basins of water and clothes. They helped her dress and escorted her out to a large hall.
Tora had never worn the color red so brazenly before. Although it was laced with white and black designs, she still felt conscious wearing it.
The area was bustling with excitement. Tora's eyes fixated on the faction of people in white and purple
"A-Yi, you're finally here!" The girl from last night excitedly gestured for Tora to stand beside her.
She wore a light red hanfu with white osmanthus designs on it. Her hair was half up in buns on each side, with dangling flower jewelry. This gave her a gentle and cheerful appearance, catching the gazes of boys in the area.
Tora didn't miss the curious gazes directed towards herself. Her eyes scanned the area, eventually meeting the gaze of those in purple.
"We will be called up there soon. Grandpa already talked with Wei
Tora wasn't sure which one she meant as Wei Xianjun. The three in light purple all had fearsome auras.
Dang it. I'm not familiar with any of these concepts, let alone how to behave in social situations.
"The choosing of disciples will begin! All eligible participants, please step forward in front of the Xianjuns."
The little girl held her hand, dragging her along to stand directly in front of those in purple. Tora felt awkward at the side glances of the other participants. Her eyes were strictly glued to the golden jade floor, occasionally sneaking glances at the person directly in front of her.
Her gaze didn't go unnoticed by the immortal in purple. He felt slightly amused by the timid reactions of the boy. It contrasted heavily with the excited gazes of the other kids around him.
"Jing Yi." Tora's head jerked up in surprise at the sudden call. The cold gaze watched her closely, taking in every expression that passed through her face.
"AHEM!" The immortal in purple to his right cleared his throat.
"Jing Qinru." With that, the immortal turned around and disappeared. Loud gasps escaped the lips of children and adults.
"
Qinru grinned widely, cupping her hand and thanking the three in purple. "Thank you,
"Quickly now. Shizun hates waiting."
"Yes, Shixiong!" Qinru once again, dragged Tora along with her. The two stopped in front of a few people. "Grandpa, Father, and Mother! Qinru greets and bids you a farewell." She cupped her hands and bent at her waist, greeting the elders. This action was followed by a drop to her knees, kowtowing once, and standing back up.
"Jing Yi greets and bids the Patriarch and Masters a farewell." Tora followed the girl, greeting and bidding them in ceremony. She was sensible enough to call them by their titles instead of a more intimate address like the girl did.
"Yi
"Jing Yi understands."
"Go and greet your Xianjun. I will wait here for good news."
The two left after gaining permission. Tora rolled her eyes at the jealous gazes she received from the others. She simply followed the three in purple to a spacious area.
One of the three took out a talisman. His eyes glowed the same color as the words on the paper, burning it to produce a portal.
"This talisman is expensive and would only be permitted during such events. You will learn how to traverse through spaces in a few years." Seeing their curious gazes, the seniors patiently explain it to them. "Along with you two, there will be three others that will participate in the Tea Ceremony. Shall we?"
Tora and Qinru took the outstretched hands of the seniors and entered into the shimmering portal. Her heart felt light and her body felt woozy. The sensation lasted for a few seconds before ending in a scenery change.
The lush greenery took Tora by surprise. The beautifully carved wooden structures and stones contrasted greatly with the jaded beauty of the Jing Clan.
"Begin the Tea Ceremony." The two were seated behind the other three ahead of them.
"Hao Ran greets Shizun." The first in line approached Wei Xianjun. He got on his knees and poured a cup of tea for himself and the other. Wei Xianjun took a sip, signifying his acceptance of Hao Ran as a disciple. Haoran kowtowed three times, completing the ceremony.
"You may rise."
"Thank you, Shizun!" He moved to the side, sitting down on a cushion.
"Yu Qingyang greets Shizun." The curving of his lips gave him a casual feeling. He seemed to carry himself with ease, compared to everyone else who stood tensely in the presence of a Xianjun.
"Qingyang." Wei Xianshu, contrary to everyone's thoughts, suddenly spoke up after the kowtowing.
"Yes, Shizun?"
"Who do you think should be the youngest amongst you?" The question was out of the blue, startling everyone present. Wei Xianjun, whom everyone knew, was a man of few words. He hated unnecessary interactions but was openly interacting with the new disciple. This drew everyone's attention to Yu Qingyang.
"Hmm? Let me take a good look." He spun around, taking turns eyeing the boy who was sitting next to Qinru and her.
What...?
Tora was baffled at the mere glance this boy gave her compared to the thoughtful gazes he gave the other two.
"Answering Shizun, the boy in red should be the youngest."
"You may rise." Tora noticed the corner of Wei Xianjun's lips slightly turned upwards.
"Thank you, Shizun." He seemed satisfied with the answer, gesturing for the next person to continue.
"Li Weisheng greets Shizun." His beautiful white hair caught Tora's attention. The elegant walk and poised manner reflected his upbringing. The golden laces amidst his white hanfu signified his status. The tone of his voice screamed educated.
"You may rise." He was everything a Master wanted in their disciple, yet Wei Xianjun didn't seem impressed.
"Thank you, Master."
"Jing Qinru greets Shizun!" Her cheerfulness and bright smile illicit fondness from the seniors. Their gaze softened as they stared at the only girl in the group of children.
"You may rise." Qinru got up quickly. Her foot was caught on the hem of her hanfu, causing her to stumble forward and fall pitifully on the floor.
"AH!" She cried in surprise, scrambling to get up with an embarrassed look on her face. The seniors stared at her with eyes filled with endearment. They thought her blunder was cute and didn't mind the act.
"Apologies, Shizun!" She quickly apologized for her mistake, sneaking glances through her cupped hands at Wei Xianjun. To her disappointment, Wei Xianjun wore a darkened and annoyed expression, seemingly uncaring of her blunder.
"Go to your seat."
"Yes...Shizun..." The brightness in her voice faltered and her shoulders slouched pitifully.
"Jing Yi." Tora's heart dropped once again when he suddenly called out to her. She quickly knelt and greeted Wei Xianjun.
"Jing Yi greets Shizun..." She kept her gaze down, unwilling to make eye contact with the other for fear of him noticing her confusion. Her hands quickly poured the tea and served. While he took a sip, she gulped down her tea.
"..." He remained silent after she finished her kowtows. This made her shift uncomfortably under his gaze. "Does my youngest disciple fear me?"
I fear your attention more than anything...
"No..."
"Is that so...?" Her eyes shifted around, unsure of what he wanted from her. "The living quarters next to me are open. Arrange the closet one for Yi-er. The rest can choose as they please."
Fuck.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
YuaLinn
YuaLinn Feel free to correct me on the meanings of Chinese words. My Chinese is not that good, so mistakes might appear.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone