Chapter 57: The Condemned of the Frozen Abyss Are Beyond Redemption

The next morning.

Tang Qingxuan, Ling Chen, and Chu Wanqing invited Qin Yue once more to ask where he wished to settle. Qin Yue naturally had no desire to live in the “city,” where it would be inconvenient to act freely. He expressed his wish to reside somewhere quiet, like Elder Yu. The others agreed immediately; places like that were abundant in Zhaoyang Sect. Over the long years, many caves had been opened along the massive spiritual veins.

Ling Chen took out a map for Qin Yue to choose from. He selected a place about a dozen miles from Elder Yu’s residence, planning to visit often for conversation, reading, and learning some true expertise. With the residence chosen, the next matter was the people who would serve him.

If Qin Yue didn’t want to choose personally, he could leave the matter to those in charge. Tang Qingxuan suggested, “Since these people will be by your side, it’s best to select a few yourself, to ensure they suit you.” Qin Yue thought it over and replied, “Yesterday, on my way here, I met a disciple in a tavern who had just been promoted from the outer sect. He seemed to have good character.”

“Which one?” Tang Qingxuan had already forgotten the faces of the two sect disciples from the day before, not having paid them much attention.

“I don’t know his name, but I should recognize him if I see him,” Qin Yue said.

Chu Wanqing spoke up, “This year, there was an outer sect disciple who received a special commendation. I heard the ice lotuses he tended were the finest, and he was specially admitted to the inner sect.”

Tang Qingxuan was surprised. “You’re interested in such matters?”

Chu Wanqing replied, “I happened to hear about it.”

Ling Chen added, “That is quite a coincidence. If he was previously stationed at the Ice Abyss, he’s truly well-suited to serve beside Mr. Qin.”

Tang Qingxuan nodded. “In that case, let’s make a trip to the outer sect. Little brother, you can personally select your companions!”

…

The outer sect of Zhaoyang Sect was over a hundred miles from the main headquarters. Apart from major events, disciples from the outer and inner sects rarely interacted; some outer sect disciples never set foot in the inner sect’s main halls their entire lives.

At this time, on the vast plaza of the outer sect, a large group of young disciples were practicing martial skills. There were at least a thousand, their shouts echoing, creating a grand scene.

Tang Qingxuan had already inquired: the disciples promoted to the inner sect this year had not yet gone through the formal ceremony and were still residing in the outer sect. So they simply came here, allowing Qin Yue to select a few intelligent, sensible youths.

When the flying vessel landed at the edge of the plaza, it attracted many curious glances. The supervising senior brothers and sisters immediately barked, “Focus! What are you looking at?”

“The more important the guests, the better you must present yourselves! Show your best spirit and composure!”

“Looking around like that, you seem lazy and slippery—who would value such useless people?”

As Qin Yue and his group stepped out, they saw Xu Liang and a few others hurrying toward them. Xu Liang already knew he had been chosen by the new guest elder and wondered if it might be the young man from yesterday. After all, Mr. Qin’s name had recently become widely known.

Now, seeing Qin Yue at Tang Qingxuan’s side, he was both astonished and delighted, unable to fathom how such good fortune could befall him.

Guest elders held an exalted position in the sect. Aside from not participating in major decisions, their rights and treatment were nearly equal to those of inner sect elders. Entering the inner sect didn’t guarantee one could become an elder’s disciple; those who didn’t distinguish themselves were still looked down upon—especially someone like Xu Liang, promoted from the outer sect.

Serving at the side of a guest elder brought countless benefits. Most inner sect disciples would be eager for the chance, let alone someone like him.

Even the outer sect steward accompanying him looked on enviously and whispered, “Brother, if there’s anything you need from us in the future, just say the word!”

Xu Liang replied humbly, “Senior brother, you’re too kind.”

“When you’re serving the new guest elder, don’t forget us old friends!”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to visit everyone when I can!”

As they spoke, the group approached and greeted Tang Qingxuan, Ling Chen, and Qin Yue.

Tang Qingxuan regarded Xu Liang with a calm expression and a faintly cool tone, “You are Xu Liang?”

Xu Liang bowed, “I am Xu Liang. Greetings, Senior Sister Tang.”

She continued, “You’re quite fortunate. Yesterday at the tavern, you made a good impression on Mr. Qin, who praised your character. When you serve at his side, do not betray this trust.”

Xu Liang, both fearful and grateful, bowed deeply to Qin Yue. “Thank you for your regard, sir. I will do my utmost in your service.”

He racked his brain, trying to recall what he had said the day before. Something about telling that younger disciple not to think with his lower body all day? Advising him not to disrespect the sect elders?

Qin Yue smiled and nodded, saying little more, and let Xu Liang follow. Then he turned his gaze to the young outer sect disciples still hard at training.

The steward who had come with Xu Liang approached cautiously and asked, “What kind of people is Mr. Qin looking for?”

Qin Yue’s eyes fell upon several figures in the corner, his emotions churning though his face remained serene. “Ask among these disciples: who knows how to cultivate plants? Who excels at hard work?”

Ling Chen and Tang Qingxuan exchanged pleased glances. Mr. Qin was truly a practical man!

Other guest elders would choose outer sect disciples who were clever, quick, and perceptive—or, all too often, pretty young women. Even if people disapproved, there was little to be said.

But for someone so young to be so reliable—especially after witnessing his skill last night—was nothing short of impressive.

It seemed Zhaoyang Sect had truly found a treasure this time.

The steward swiftly moved off to make inquiries. Soon, a few bold disciples raised their hands and were called forward.

Qin Yue noticed someone in the corner raise a hand, only to be sharply rebuked by the person questioning them.

He didn’t hesitate, pointing that way. “I saw someone raise their hand over there—why are they not being brought out?”

The steward’s face changed instantly. He stammered, glancing at Tang Qingxuan.

She paused, then explained with a light laugh, “You wouldn’t know, little brother. Those are the Ice Abyss outcasts, descendants of criminals from the frozen lands. They’re not suitable to serve by your side.”

“Outcasts? Criminals? Why are they allowed to be outer sect disciples?” Qin Yue asked.

“They’re not truly disciples—just allowed to train alongside. They themselves have done nothing wrong; it was their ancestors who sinned, and their descendants have been bound to the Ice Abyss for generations.”

Tang Qingxuan decided to be frank, knowing he would learn the truth eventually.

Ling Chen spoke with a smile, “Actually, I think those people would be quite suitable for Mr. Qin. They’re all very skilled at cultivation work!”

Chu Wanqing, her clear eyes touched with sympathy, added, “If their worth to the sect is to atone for past sins, then how they atone matters little. Serving at Mr. Qin’s side might give them greater value.”

It was certainly better than being used as living medicine, dying of exhaustion and poison in a few short years, or being treated as sparring fodder and disposable scouts, always at the edge of death.

The young girl’s nature was, at heart, still kind.

Tang Qingxuan considered a moment and found nothing objectionable. There were fewer and fewer Ice Abyss people. This recent “harvest” had prompted some within Zhaoyang Sect to debate whether they should show more compassion to this group—at least improving their material conditions a little.

Otherwise, in a hundred years, they might become extinct, and no one would be left to grow ice lotuses.

According to the latest count, just over seven thousand Ice Abyss people remained. Fortunately, their bloodline was quite unique, and with careful internal management, issues of inbreeding were almost nonexistent. Still, if things continued, their numbers would only dwindle.

Yet the higher-ups rejected such proposals outright. Their reasoning was simple: if they died out, so be it. They would rather have outer sect disciples tend the ice lotuses in future, but would never show mercy to the Ice Abyss people.

“It is ancestral law! The decree of the Immortal Sect!”

Tang Qingxuan herself did not know exactly what crime their ancestors had committed, but she felt genuine sympathy for them.

Compared to the importance of Mr. Qin, these Ice Abyss folk were trivial.

She nodded. “Bring those people over.”

With Tang Qingxuan, Young Master Ling Chen, and Chu Wanqing—who was likely to be chosen as Saintess of the Sect this year—all speaking up, the steward had nothing more to say. He immediately had the few possible lucky Ice Abyss outcasts brought forward.

Just then, a cold male voice rang out, “Ice Abyss outcasts cannot be pardoned! Letting them serve a guest elder breaks the rules!”

Several figures approached from the far side of the plaza. Ling Chen looked up, his expression turning cold.

The leader was tall and handsome, appearing about twenty-five or twenty-six, bearing a striking resemblance to Ling Chen.

When he arrived, he glanced briefly at Qin Yue, then turned to Tang Qingxuan. “Junior sister, this is inappropriate. If the elders hear of it, how will you explain?”

She replied coolly, “I’m accompanying the sect’s new guest elder, Mr. Qin, as he selects his attendants. If there’s any issue, I’ll explain to the elders myself. No need for you to worry, senior brother.”

Qin Yue watched these hostile newcomers in silence, but inwardly, his killing intent surged.

Not all within this sect were wicked, but the attitude toward the Ice Abyss people came from the top.

Ice Abyss outcasts cannot be pardoned?

The man, seeing Tang Qingxuan’s firmness, said indifferently, “As Outer Sect Enforcer, I have the right to supervise the personnel here. I’m not targeting Mr. Qin; anyone but the Ice Abyss outcasts is at his disposal.”

“And if I insist on taking them?” This time, it was not Qin Yue who spoke, but Ling Chen.

“You? Don’t be absurd. As the sect master’s youngest son, showered with resources, yet you’re still stuck at the ninth level of the Art Realm, your microcosm cultivation has stagnated for years. People call you Young Master, but don’t tell me you actually believe you’ll be the next sect master?” the man sneered, showing no respect for this so-called Young Master.

For he, too, was the sect master’s son—Ling Chen’s half-brother.

“And what if I insist as well?” The usually quiet, unassuming Chu Wanqing spoke, her voice soft but unwavering.