The first snowflake of winter fell.
This was hardly a rare occurrence for Mulan Prefecture.
It snowed every winter here; the only difference, perhaps, was that the snow had arrived particularly late this year.
Yet, it fell nonetheless, drifting down slowly from the highest heavens toward the mortal realm, appearing leisurely and unhurried.
Whoosh —
A sharp glint of sword light sliced through the air, severing that first winter snowflake in two before coming to a steady halt in midair.
“Thank you for the match.”
Nan Xi slowly withdrew his longsword and performed a respectful cupped-fist salute toward the white-bearded elder opposite him, who was already frozen in shock.
He then casually returned the sword to the weapon rack.
He had won this trial.
“Brilliant.”
The sound of crisp clapping echoed from the side.
An interviewer wearing a robe embroidered with the words “Tianhe” walked slowly toward the center of the trial grounds.
“As expected of a genius who reached the Golden Core Stage at only twenty-five years old. Such talent is among the best even within our Tianhe Sect.”
“It was merely a bit of luck,” Nan Xi said with a slight nod. “In the trial just now, I only narrowly defeated this senior. If we were to compete again, the outcome would be uncertain.”
“Nonsense, your strength is clear for all to see.” The interviewer chuckled and brushed a stroke of ink onto the scroll in his hand —
[Strength Test] ✓
On the scroll, two other sections had already been marked.
[Talent and Aptitude] ✓
[Spiritual Cultivation] ✓
As for the final section —
[Background Investigation]
The interviewer looked up from the scroll, and his originally kind gaze suddenly became more scrutinizing.
“Please, follow me and take a seat. I have a few more questions I would like to discuss with you, Fellow Daoist Nan Xi.”
With that, he led Nan Xi to a corner of the trial grounds where a long table had already been set up, with two chairs positioned on opposite sides.
“Please, sit.”
“After you, sir.” Nan Xi nodded with a smile and took his seat at the table with an air of composed calm.
“Let us confirm things once more.” The interviewer spread the scroll before him, looking up to observe Nan Xi as he read aloud.
“Nan Xi. Male. Twenty-five years old. A native of Hongze Prefecture, Mulan Prefecture. Studied immortal arts under his father since childhood. After reaching the Foundation Establishment Stage, he entered the Daye Village School in Daye City, Hongze Prefecture, to continue his studies. After graduating, he traveled for many years and has a recorded feat of soloing a Golden Core Stage beast.”
“Is the above information correct?”
“Everything is correct.”
“Good. I would like to confirm a few points regarding your resume.”
“Please, feel free to ask,” Nan Xi said, raising a hand with an elegant and relaxed expression.
“As far as I know, many apprentices of the Daye Village School remain there to serve as teaching elders after graduation. You chose not to stay — was it because your abilities were insufficient?”
Freeze —
Nan Xi’s elegantly raised hand stiffened, and the smile on his face faltered slightly.
Fortunately, he recovered quickly and let out a light cough.
“Ahem… staying at the Daye Village School is indeed a fine choice. However, for the sake of my personal career development, I wished to see the wider world. To be employed by a sect with such a long history and deep foundation as the Tianhe Sect would, I believe, be of immense help to my personal growth.”
“I see.” The interviewer nodded in approval.
“You stated on your resume that you can accept overtime and are willing to be dispatched by the sect at any time. From what I know, many people find this unacceptable. Are you certain you want to keep this option selected?”
“I am certain.”
“Even though we do not provide overtime pay?”
“I am… certain.”
“Even if —”
The interviewer gave Nan Xi a deep, lingering look and let out a long sigh.
“Since ancient times, it has been difficult to balance loyalty and filial piety.”
‘Loyalty and filial piety?!’
He was just here for a job. How did it turn into a matter of loyalty and filial piety?
“The Tianhe Sect does not have weekends or holidays. If something happens to your parents, you might have very little time of your own to return home and accompany them. In fact, the vast majority of the Tianhe Sect’s disciples and elders place the center of their lives within the sect.”
The interviewer continued to drone on, completely ignoring the slight twitch in Nan Xi’s eye.
After a long while, the interviewer finally stopped his description and looked at Nan Xi with a smile.
“Can you accept the conditions mentioned above, Fellow Daoist Nan Xi?”
“This…”
The corners of Nan Xi’s mouth quirked up, squeezing out a slightly strained expression.
After a long silence, he took a deep breath and looked up again.
“You must be joking, sir. Both of my parents are in excellent health. The reason I selected the option for dispatch is that I wish to contribute more to the sect during my tenure.”
“Furthermore, even if my parents did encounter an emergency, it is my understanding that given your sect’s very humane annual leave system, I would have ample time to return and care for them.”
“I presume the sect would not refuse such a request?”
Having finished his piece, Nan Xi’s face returned to its previous composure as he calmly met the gaze of the aggressive interviewer.
“Brilliant!”
“Eh?”
“A truly brilliant answer.”
The interviewer could not help but clap repeatedly. He stood up and gripped Nan Xi’s hand tightly, looking like a man who had finally found a great talent.
“Our Tianhe Sect needs talents like you. With Fellow Daoist Nan Xi joining us, it is only a matter of time before the Tianhe Sect becomes the number one sect in Hongze Prefecture, forcing those devils of the Wuxing Sect to bow their heads in submission!”
By the end of his speech, the interviewer’s emotions were laid bare, even using formal honorifics for Nan Xi.
He looked down and quickly checked the final box on the scroll.
“I will arrange for someone to handle your induction procedures immediately. Please wait a moment.”
Faced with such enthusiasm, Nan Xi could only nod with a smile.
The man who had just answered questions so calmly now seemed almost bashful.
…
As if.
The entire performance was an act.
Nan Xi’s true identity was a Sect Leader Candidate of the Wuxing Sect — the arch-rival of the Tianhe Sect within Hongze Prefecture.
That was right; he was from the very “demonic sect” the interviewer had just cursed with such vitriol.
He had forged his resume and applied for the position of elder at the Tianhe Sect specifically to dismantle them from the inside.
He would ensure the Wuxing Sect became the undisputed ruler of Hongze Prefecture, leaving these hypocrites of the Tianhe Sect with no choice but to kneel!
Beyond that, if the opportunity arose, he intended to make the Saintess of the Tianhe Sect — the woman who had always been at odds with him — pay a heavy price.
He wanted her to watch as the sect she loved crumbled at his hands!
Still, he had to admit that this interview had been quite the close call.
The sheer absurdity of the interviewer’s questions had almost caused Nan Xi to lose his cool.
‘That guy is lucky to be alive today.’
That being said, Nan Xi was already planning to find an opportunity to give this interviewer a sound thrashing once he officially entered the sect.
In truth, as long as he didn’t encounter a peak master or the Sect Leader themselves during the interview, Nan Xi was confident he could retreat safely.
After all, tucked inside his inner sleeve were three Brocade Pouches gifted to him by his master.
According to the old man, those three pouches could ensure his survival even against a master at the Deity Transformation Stage.
But it seemed he wouldn’t need them today.
He had successfully infiltrated the Tianhe Sect. Next came the task of rotting them from the core.
At the thought, a faint smile played on Nan Xi’s lips.
To any bystander, however, it merely looked like the joy of a man who had successfully secured a position as an elder of the Tianhe Sect.
“Fellow Daoist Nan Xi!”
“Ah, my apologies. I was momentarily lost in thought,” Nan Xi said with a faint, elegant smile.
“We have completed your induction paperwork. The Tianhe Sect provides housing for every elder. Another elder will guide you there shortly,” the interviewer explained eagerly.
“He will also introduce you to the specifics of living and working within the Tianhe Sect.”
“Thank you for the guidance, Senior.”
“However…” The interviewer’s tone shifted as he glanced at the scroll, looking somewhat hesitant.
“Is something wrong?” Nan Xi’s brow quirked. “If you have more questions, please, do not hesitate to ask.”
Having successfully joined the sect, Nan Xi’s heart, which had been hanging in suspense, was now at ease.
In his composed state, his disguise was flawless. He wasn’t afraid of the interviewer spotting anything suspicious.
He was a Sect Leader Candidate of the Wuxing Sect, after all. The arduous training he had endured was beyond what ordinary people could imagine.
“Err…” The interviewer hesitated for a long time before finally speaking with difficulty. “I just received a voice transmission. Someone wishes to meet with you.”
“And who might that be?”
“The Supreme Elder of our Tianhe Sect.”
…
…
…
Σ(°△°)
‘You just said… who!?’
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