Once the external incarnation was too far from the true body, the sensory link between them was severed.
Qin Sang had dared to send the incarnation in alone precisely because it had inherited his true body's memories and could act independently. The only differences were its cultivation and its physical vessel.
Of course, as a precaution, Qin Sang had concealed several critical secrets, such as his true origins and the existence of the jade Buddha.
Plying a bamboo-leaf magic tool, the external incarnation flew over ridges and mountains toward Yanmiao Pavilion.
Yanmiao Pavilion was built deep within Mount Landou on an island in the midst of a lake that stretched for dozens of li. Renowned for its water-attribute arts, the sect was modestly famous in the surrounding region, an advantage also owed in part to its ties with the Landou Sect.
After speeding along for a time, the external incarnation found a quiet spot to regulate his breath, then resumed his journey.
There was still some distance left to reach Yanmiao Pavilion.
Looking toward the edge of his vision, the incarnation saw the mountain peaks thinning out, where faint plumes of watery mist rose—evidently marking the location of the lake.
Right then, mid-flight, he suddenly halted. Standing atop the bamboo-leaf magic tool, he hovered in midair and turned his gaze toward the left.
It was nearing midday, and the bright sun hung high in the sky.
The mountain mists had mostly cleared, leaving the ridges draped in lush greenery. Ancient trees towered toward the heavens as birds and beasts called to one another in harmony, forming a scene brimming with vitality.
Just as Qin Sang looked over, the canopy of an ancient tree in the woods shook violently. A rushing sound broke the air, and a petite figure appeared in his line of sight.
A short-haired young girl was flying toward him on a sword. Judging from her direction, she was likely heading for Yanmiao Pavilion as well.
Their eyes met. The girl froze slightly and promptly checked her sword-light.
*Eighth layer of the Qi Refinement stage...* the external incarnation noted inwardly.
Without needing him to cast a spell, the Heavenly Eye Butterfly saw right through her depth in an instant.
The girl did not appear very old. To possess such high cultivation meant her natural talent had to be quite good, and she was almost certainly on her way to participate in Yanmiao Pavilion's disciple recruitment ceremony.
The external incarnation gave his competitor a deep look, then turned and departed without a word.
Yanmiao Pavilion's recruitment was not conducted through arena tourneys or the bloody slaughters favored by the Yuanzhao Sect; no matter how extraordinary her talent was, it would not affect his chances.
The girl had initially worn a vigilant expression, but seeing the direction in which he was flying, her eyes flickered. She actually took the initiative to catch up, calling out, "Fellow Daoist, please wait..."
Frowning slightly, the external incarnation reined in his escaping light and turned back to face her.
"My name is Fang Ting. How may I address you, Fellow Daoist? Are you on your way to Yanmiao Pavilion's disciple recruitment ceremony as well?"
The short-haired girl hastily caught up on her flying sword, faint blushes rising on her cheeks as she introduced herself. She had large eyes and a bright, radiant smile that revealed two small canine teeth.
"My surname is Zhang, given name Yue," the external incarnation replied amiably, not keeping her at arm's length. Thinking she had a strong chance of being accepted by Yanmiao Pavilion, he figured that forging good ties might prove useful later.
"Is Miss Fang also planning to apprentice herself to Yanmiao Pavilion?"
Fang Ting nodded repeatedly. "Just like you, Brother Zhang, I'm heading to Yanmiao Pavilion's recruitment ceremony! Since fate brought us together along the way, how about we go together? I hear Mount Landou isn't entirely free of danger. To hone their disciples, the Landou Sect never purged the lesser demons in the mountains, and some of those beasts can be quite nasty to deal with."
"Is that so?"
The external incarnation feigned surprise. "I haven't run into a single demon beast on my way here; it seems luck was on my side. Miss Fang, you seem quite familiar with this region."
Fang Ting said modestly, "Not really that familiar. It's just that I live on a small island not far from Landou Island, so I've heard a few rumors. Are you not a cultivator of Landou Island, Brother Zhang?"
"Indeed. I was originally a rogue cultivator from Lu Island. When I heard a great sect here was taking in disciples, I hurried over..."
The external incarnation told the truth, not hiding his background.
When Fang Ting inquired about Lu Island's location, she could not help clicking her tongue in awe, admiring his courage to cross the vast ocean over such a distance.
After a brief exchange, the external incarnation agreed to travel together, and the two flew side by side toward Yanmiao Pavilion.
Fang Ting appeared exceedingly pure and innocent, sprinkling her conversation with naive remarks.
Yet the external incarnation knew full well that for a girl to attain such cultivation at her age, she could not possibly be devoid of shrewdness; the innocence she displayed was merely a facade.
Still, as long as she harbored no malice toward him, he did not care.
The two chatted pleasantly, quickly becoming acquainted.
Along the way, they really did encounter a monkey demon at the Mortal Demon stage. Working together, they slew the creature and divided the carcass equally between them. Fang Ting beamed even more delightfully, her eyes crinkling into crescents.
The external incarnation looked down on such meager spoils, but put on a pleased front all the same and pocketed his share.
After that battle, his performance earned him an extra measure of Fang Ting's trust.
"Brother Zhang, you have such high cultivation and excellent swordsmanship at such a young age—you'll definitely be chosen by Yanmiao Pavilion!" Fang Ting offered encouragingly.
The external incarnation slowly shook his head and said in a heavy tone, "My talent isn't good. I merely stumbled upon a fortunate opportunity during my travels, which caused my cultivation to surge forward all at once. But that practically drained my potential dry. I don't even know if I can break through to the tenth layer, let alone achieve Foundation Establishment, so I might not catch the eye of Yanmiao Pavilion. You, Miss Fang, are the one truly blessed with superior talent. Just don't forget me once you enter a great sect."
Blushing slightly, Fang Ting said with some embarrassment, "I don't know if I'll be chosen either... But don't lose heart, Brother Zhang. People often say talent isn't everything. For you to have experienced such a massive breakthrough proves your fortune is flourishing; there will surely be more opportunities in your future."
The external incarnation gave a quiet nod, glancing at Fang Ting impassively.
No matter how deep the girl's calculations were, they could never slip past the eyes of an old monster like him.
Though Fang Ting repeatedly professed her fear of rejection, her expression clearly carried a hint of confidence. He could not tell whether her natural talent was truly extraordinary or if she possessed some other hidden backing.
Flying and chatting across ridges and peaks, they arrived at their destination before they realized it.
A glittering expanse of water shimmered between two mountains. Exchanging a glance, the two quickened their pace and flew past the peaks. The view opened up at once, revealing a boundless lake before their eyes.
Dense water vapor hovered over the heart of the lake, where a sizable island was faintly visible, adorned with what appeared to be pavilions, towers, and lush bamboo groves.
The mist gathered without dispersing, flowing in rhythmic patterns that were clearly not of natural origin.
"That's Yanmiao Pavilion! We're finally here!"
Fang Ting cheered gleefully. Glancing around, she suddenly pointed into the distance and let out a light gasp. "Look, there are people over there!"
The external incarnation saw them as well. Across a wide expanse of bluestone on the lakeshore, several dozen figures were gathered, either sitting or standing, occupied with unknown matters.
Only when the Heavenly Eye Butterfly sent him a mental transmission did he learn that nearly all of them were at the Qi Refinement stage, presumably here for the recruitment ceremony just like the two of them.
Among the crowd sat a single Foundation Establishment cultivator—a man in green robes cross-legged on the highest bluestone, bearing the waist token of a Yanmiao Pavilion disciple.
*Holding a disciple recruitment ceremony out in the wild like this... isn't that a bit too shabby?*
The external incarnation muttered inwardly, called out to Fang Ting, and flew over.
Chapter 876