Chapter 78: Resonance

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He wondered, how does one get to the Qingcheng Sect? Which way should I go, and how long will it take? If I set out now, will I make it in time?

“You’ll make it. The selection this year has only just begun. If you really want to go, just head east from our Xihe Village, keep going straight to the east. In about half a day’s journey, you’ll be there. The Qingcheng Sect is atop the Eastern Spirit Peak—their main gate is at the foot of the mountain. Once you arrive, you’ll easily spot it,” the old man answered readily, sharing all the information he knew with Lin Hao.

After hearing this, Lin Hao nodded gratefully and looked at the old man. “Thank you so much, truly.”

Grrr...

No sooner had he spoken than his stomach rumbled loudly. Instantly, Lin Hao’s face flushed with embarrassment. He pressed a hand to his abdomen and forced a sheepish smile at the old man.

The old man simply chuckled kindly. “Hungry, aren’t you? Young man, just wait a moment.”

With that, the old man turned and went inside the house. Soon, he returned with several dishes in hand. “As it happens, I was just about to eat myself. Since fate has brought you here, let’s share a meal. Keep this old man company.”

His words eased Lin Hao’s embarrassment. Gazing at the plain but hearty food before him, Lin Hao felt a warmth in his heart. He nodded to the old man and sat down for the meal.

After they finished, the old man tidied up a spare room for Lin Hao.

“This used to be my son’s room. It’s been empty a long time, a little simple perhaps, but I’ll straighten it up for you. You can stay here,” he said, inviting Lin Hao in once everything was ready.

Lin Hao quickly waved his hands, expressing his gratitude. “This is more than enough, thank you. I think the room is just fine.”

The old man left the room after that. Seeing the sorrow in his eyes at the mention of his son, Lin Hao quietly stayed inside, not wishing to touch upon old wounds.

He sat on the bed the old man had made up for him, emptied his mind, and rested.

The next morning, Lin Hao woke to find the old man already up, making breakfast in the courtyard. Feeling a bit embarrassed, he noticed the large pile of unchopped firewood nearby. Lin Hao brightened and went over to help, quickly splitting all the wood with ease—after all, as a cultivator, such a task posed no challenge. Using a touch of spiritual power, the job was finished in an instant.

The old man watched him with a smile. “You’ve really helped me out. Otherwise, these old bones would have taken half the day.”

“Don’t say that. You took me in so warmly—if not for you, I’d have slept outside last night. I’ve troubled you enough as it is,” Lin Hao replied, feeling a little sheepish for imposing further, especially as the old man was now making him breakfast.

After eating, Lin Hao packed up his things and set out.

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The old man saw him to the door, waving him off. Lin Hao nodded in farewell, then took out his Cloud-Swallowing Sword and rode off, flying on his sword.

When the old man returned inside, he found a high-grade spirit stone left on the table. Surprise flashed in his eyes, but then he smiled knowingly and shook his head. It was indeed Lin Hao who had left it. He had found the old man to be especially kind and good-hearted, and since he had troubled him for a night, he felt it only right to leave such a gift. Unlike how he dealt with the city lord and the sect members back in Qingcheng, Lin Hao was never stingy with people like the old man.

After flying for about half a day, Lin Hao arrived at a particularly large city. From afar, he could see the three characters marking the Qingcheng Sect. The entrance was crowded, a sea of people bustling outside the grand gates at the mountain’s foot, with inns and vendors lining the streets—an especially lively scene.

Lin Hao descended slowly and landed on this street. Though he could see the gates of the Qingcheng Sect, he did not rush over, instead choosing to sit at an inn to observe and gather information.

Sitting there, he listened to the idle chatter around him. Nearby, a rogue cultivator remarked, “Do you think we rogue cultivators have any chance in this year’s Qingcheng Sect selection?”

“There absolutely is,” replied a burly man with a big beard. “I heard the person in charge has changed this year. The new overseer is the chief elder’s disciple, and from what I’ve heard, he’s a man of integrity—nothing like previous years. This is a lucky year for us rogue cultivators.”

“Really? That’s wonderful! In the past, no matter how many treasures we offered, most of us were still kicked out in the end. It was so unfair,” the first man said excitedly.

“Exactly...”

Hearing their conversation, Lin Hao’s mind began to turn. By now, he had disguised himself: a black robe, a fake beard, looking the very image of a young rogue cultivator—taking his cues from those around him. He planned to enter the Qingcheng Sect as one of the rogue cultivators.

At first, hearing that rogue cultivators rarely made it in, Lin Hao was worried. But now, learning that this year’s prospects were much better, he grew curious.

Watching the two men chatting away, Lin Hao considered for a moment, then took his wine cup and moved to their table. With a decisive “thud,” he set the cup down, drawing surprised and wary looks from the pair, who immediately reached for their weapons.

“What do you want, brother?” the bearded man asked.

Lin Hao quickly smiled in a friendly way. “Don’t misunderstand. I just found your conversation very interesting. We’re all here hoping to join the Qingcheng Sect, but I know so little. I was hoping to learn something more from you two.”

As he spoke, he poured each of them a cup of wine. The two men exchanged a glance, still suspicious but less tense, and after sniffing and tasting the wine, one of them nodded.

“I see,” said the bearded man.

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“You look like a rogue cultivator yourself, brother,” the other said.

“Yes, I am. My name is Lin Hao. I heard about the annual selection at Qingcheng Sect and thought I’d try my luck. It’s not easy for us rogue cultivators to make progress, as you know,” Lin Hao replied with a look of woe.

His words struck a chord with the other two.

“Oh, Brother Lin Hao, I’m Chen Da, and this is Li Li. We’re both here for the selection too,” the bearded Chen Da introduced them.

After these introductions, the conversation grew more relaxed, and their suspicions of Lin Hao faded. Soon they drank and talked freely, becoming fast friends as the wine flowed.

Chen Da clapped Lin Hao on the shoulder. “You really asked the right people, brother. We’ve been here four days already, and the selection only started yesterday. I happen to know an outer disciple of the Qingcheng Sect and managed to learn a few things.”

“Oh? What news did you hear, senior brother?” Lin Hao asked curiously, refilling their cups.

Pleased by Lin Hao’s attentiveness, Chen Da smiled smugly. “This isn’t common knowledge, but as I said, the person in charge of the selection has changed this year. In the past, rogue cultivators like us were only there to make up numbers—we hardly ever got in. But this year is different. I heard they’re recruiting widely, whether you’re from a sect or not, so it’ll be a fair competition for all.”

“That gives us much better odds. I don’t believe those clan disciples are any better than us!” Chen Da’s tone grew indignant at the mention of those from prominent families.

Lin Hao played along, nodding, “Exactly! Those clan disciples have nothing but their name and family behind them. Brother, you have the skill to put them all to shame.”

His flattery put Chen Da in an excellent mood. He became even more talkative, and Lin Hao soon learned all that he wanted to know.

When the meal was nearly over, Chen Da turned to Lin Hao. “Brother, since we’ve eaten and drunk together today, why not join us to register for the selection? The three of us can stick together, help each other out as fellow rogue cultivators.”

Hearing this, Lin Hao’s eyes lit up. “Are you really willing? I’d be truly honored. I was hoping to team up with you both, but I was afraid I’d be a burden if I asked.”

“Burden? Don’t worry, you’ve got us to watch your back!” Li Li promised, patting his chest.

This was exactly what Lin Hao wanted—a couple of companions, fellow rogue cultivators with clean backgrounds and straightforward personalities. He found both men agreeable, with righteous features and honest eyes. They seemed like worthy friends to make.