The Journey of Flower

“There are a total of 8000 disciples in Mt Chang Liu. The leader is Zun Shang and he governs the Jue Qing Dian. His senior, Mo Yan, who is also my master presides over matters big and small on the mountain and governs Tan Lan Dian. Zun Shang and my master’s junior’s Shen Xiao Mo is lazier by nature and he governs Xiao Hun Dian. However he seldom concerns himself with the sect’s matters.”

“Oh.” Hua Qian Gu nodded her head while looking around. The main hall was grand and beautiful, tall but empty. Layers of deep purple curtains covered the hall. The floor was laid with the best white jade, so clear that you could see one’s reflection in it. It took a few people to surround each humongous pillar, which bright luminous pearls were affixed to.

As Luo Shi Yi walked in front with his two hands still placed in his two sleeves, he kept thinking to himself. This little girl was dressed so shabbily and she was completely without any foundation in the immortal arts or immortal powers. Furthermore, he could not see anything different about her. Could the Zun Shang have just  picked her up from the mortal realm on whim? By right, out of the 10 immortal training classes, he should place her in the least advanced one. However, she was after personally brought back by Zun Shang and she even had a ling chong ( worm with magical power) with her. In addition he did not know her background. Hence, he could not just settle the matter simply like this. Haish, Zun Shang did not give any specific instructions either. This made things very difficult for him.

Aish, I shall be impartial about this, if not it will be very hard to account to Shi Fu (Master/Teacher).

“Qian Gu, new disciples who have yet to go under a particular teacher are split into ten different immortal training classes. Jia (First), Yi (Second), Bing(Third), Ding (Fourth), Mao (5th), Ji (6th), Geng (7th), Xin( 8th), Ren (9th), Gui (10th) (These are the 10 heavenly stems and are something like the chinese equivalent of roman numerals). The students in the first few classes are mostly recommended by the various sects or they already have very strong foundation in the immortal training or have strong powers themselves. You will probably not be able to catch up. Hence, is it alright if I put you in Class Gui? The people in that class are mostly mortals or people who have just begun their cultivation, hence the progress will be slower and it will be easier for you to catch up.”

“Alright.” Hua Qian Gu nodded her head. She wondered whether Zun Shang would personally teach them.

As she walked along the long corridor, she would meet immortals wearing robes of various colours, some carrying bells, other carrying flowers who would calmly and politely nod and exchange greetings with Luo Shi Yi. Even though each of them were good looking and elegant, compared with Bai Zi Hua, Hua Qian Gu felt that they were very ordinary and her gaze did not linger on them for a second moment.

Suddenly, she recalled that the Gong Yu(Yu is feather, the Gong Yu is the token of the leader of a immortal sect) of the Mt Mao Sect leader was with her.  Since the queen mother was assembling the Mt Mao disciples on her behalf, Yun Ying should know where to find her right? When the time comes, she will return the Gong Yu and the two ancient books to him, and that should settle things. As for other matters, she did not understand anything and had neither the authority nor ability, and hence could not help at all. Nonetheless, she was thankful that she had almost fulfilled most of the things that Priest Qing Xu and Lin Sui Yi had asked her to do.

However, now that she was on Chang Liu Mountain, would Lang Ge Ge be worried if he went to Mt Mao and could not find her? There was also Dong Fang Yu Qing. She wondered whether he had completed what he wanted to do. Furthermore, there was also the Doctor Zhang in the village. Should she find a way to send a letter back and let them  know that she had already found a place to settle down? When she thought about it, she suddenly realised that in this world, she only knew and missed such a small number of people.

As she followed Luo Shi Yi out of the main hall, many people kept staring at her. She lowered her head and saw that her whole body was grubby and dirty and she had even a scythe hanging on her waist. She really looked too much like a country bumpkin and a beggar. She was totally out of place in Mt Chang Liu, where even the air was filled with divine aura and emanated a sense of serenity.

“Oh yes, Qian Gu.”

“Hmm?”

“You have just arrived and do not know a lot of things. You can take your time to learn, but you must remember that on Mt Chang Liu, there is a strict hierarchy and there are many rules. Since you entered the sect the latest, you must address everyone in the sect as Shi Xiong (The male form of senior) and Shi Jie (Female form of senior). You don’t need to be so particular in front of Xiao Shi Shu ( This means teacher’s junior i.e. Sheng Xiao Mo). However in front of my Shi Fu (Master), you must be extra careful on what you say or do. For people within the sec, you will address the Sect Leader as Zun Shang, my Shi Fu as Shi Zun, and Xiao Shi Shu as Ru Zun, and you must kneel and bow to them when you see them. You cannot leave the mountain or enter the sea as you please. You cannot go up to the three halls either. You are also not to enter the forbidden forest at the back of the mountain. Every night, you will rest at the Hai hour (equivalent to 9Pm -11Pm), and you must wake up at Qin hour( 5-7am ) for morning meditation. The disciples stay in twelve side quarters which are Zi, Yan, Luan, Yi, Wu, Wei, Shen, You, Xu, Hai (12 Earthly Stems something like roman numerals? they represent they are used somewhat like a numbering system with Zi representing the first place and Hai the 12th in the respective order) You will stay in the Hai quarters. The instructor for the Gui class will be Qiao Mu Qing Liu. I will bring you to see him in a while and he will help arrange classes, lodging, food and other matters for you. If you have any further doubts, you can ask him anytime.”

“Oh, this will continue to be the case after I learn officially under a master a year later?”

“Those who have attained immortality do not need sleep or food. However most of those on Mt Chang Liu are still mortals or immortals of lower rank. After you officially go under a master one year later, you will spend most of your time accompanying your teacher. Different teachers have different methods of teaching, discipling and different attitudes towards their disciples.” He silently muttered in his heart- as long as you are not as unlucky to meet someone as strict as his teacher, you will be alright.

“Senior, you must be very incredible to become a disciple of Shi Zun?”

“Actually, I really am not that great. It’s just that I am very reliable and trustworthy in my handling of matters and hence can gain his favour. As some other disciples say behind my back, I know how to suck up.”

Hua Qian Gu just stood dazed there and stopped walking.

Luo Shi Yi turned around and gave her a smile:”Seeing your young age and how innocent you are, since you are here, I need to warn you privately. You have no backing, no powers and no status, hence it is inevitable that you will be bullied. Furthermore, you were brought back personally by Zun Shang and this was witnessed by many disciples. Hence, people will purposely make things difficult for you. If they go overboard, you can seek help from Qing Liu or me. However, the matters of the sect are very busy and we can’t possibly take care of every single matter. Hence most of the time you will have to rely on yourself.”

“Is it so complex……”Hua Qian Gu looked at him with a helpless face.

“Its ok. You will get used to it after awhile.”

As the two of them walked round and round, they reached another huge and luxuriously decorated hall. Suddenly a red cloud floated in front of them.

Hua Qian Gu only saw a blur before her eyes, and before she could even take a close look, she felt someone flick her forehead.

“Huo Xi, you are being mischeivous again.” Luo Shi Yi sighed.

“I am not. Shi Xiong (Senior), I came from very far because I smelt something good and I was afraid that Qing Luo might snatch it first. Hence I quickly made a mark on it!”

That red cloud shifted and took form, transforming into an elegant youth of 17 or 18. His robe was flame-red, with a jade belt at his waist. He had a Gong Hua (flower) at his waist. The flower was as red as blood, while luxuriant, it seemed to reveal a certain arrogance.

Hua Qian Gu felt a slight pain on her forehead and rubbed it. She raised her head to stare at the youth who was floating in mid air.

“You new here? Are you the one who just came back to the mountain with Zun Shang?”

“En. You shouldn’t bully the newcomer. She doesn’t know anything. I am about to bring her to the San Shen Chi. (Pool of Three Lives)”

“She’s so dirty. She should take a good wash.” Huo Xi flew down from mid air. Seeing the faint sparks dancing his feet, Hua Qian Gu could not help but cluck her tongue in surprise.

Huo Xi circled around Hua Qian, his eyes moving quickly, making him seem very flippant. He suddenly leaned towards Luo Shi Yi and whispered something to him.

Luo Shi Yi shook his head, expressing that he did not know. Huo Xi wanted to reach out to take a look at the Heaven’s Droplet hanging on Hua Qian Gu’s neck, however he saw a flash and his fingers were so painful that it was numb.

He pressed his lips together and dejectedly turned around, only to see a small clear worm lying on Hua Qian Gu’s shoulder. It had an angry little face and there were sparks and electricity emitting out of the two feelers on its forehead.

He couldnt believe it. This small little worm actually dared to electrocute him! Huo Xi, wanted to grab it, but Hua Qian Gu quickly stepped back and hid behind Luo Shi Yi.

Luo Shi Yi could not hide his small smile as the corners of his mouth curled up slightly and said “Stop playing. She is called Hua Qian Gu. She will be a student of Gui class. Have you seen Qing Liu?”

“Nope. He comes and goes like a shadow. Hehe. Gu Tou, it will be fun next time. I shall leave first. If you see Qing Luo do not ever say you saw me.” As he said this he disappeared like a gust of wind.

Luo Shi Yi shook his head and continued walking ahead.

“Who was that?” Hua Qian Gu curiously asked.

“That was Huo Xi, Xiao Shi Shu’s disciple. He is very mischievous by nature and even his own teacher can’t take him in hand, or rather can’t be bothered to. The Wu Qing Luo he was talking about also Xiao Shi Shu’s disciple and his Shi Mei (female junior. They are the two biggest headaches in Mt Chang Liu, always causing trouble. However, Xiao Shi Shu is very partial and always shields them. Hence people cannot do anything about them.”

“Shi Zun and Ru Zun both have many disciples?”

“Nope. Shi Fu only took in three disciples including me. Actually I am not the eldest. I heard that my master also took another disciple previously, but he was later chased out of the sect by my master. Currently besides I have two juniors, the Fox of Qing Qiu and Shang Shang Piao. Xiao Shi Shu only has two disciples which are Huo Xi and Wu Qing Luo.”

“Zun Shang doesn’t have any disciples?”

“En.”

“Why?”

“Maybe because he has too many matters and responsibilities.”Luo Shi Yi thought deeply and answered.

Hua Qian Gu did not seem to understand and shook her head saying:”I want to acknowledge Zun Shang as my master!”

Luo Shi Yi got a shock and looked back at her.

He only saw her determinedly proclaim again:”I want to acknowledge Zun Shang as my master!”

He suddenly couldnt help but laugh and he leaned over and whispered to her:”Actually I used to think that way too……”

He rapped Hua Qian Gu’s tilted head.

“Becoming Zun Shang’s disciple is harder than ascending the skies. But just try your best!”

“Zun Shang told me that if one year later, he is satisfied with my performance, he will consider taking me in as his disciple!”

“Really?” Luo Shi Yi suddenly looked like he had eaten a rotten persimmon.  He stared wide eyed and open mouth and did not dare to believe what he heard.

“En! So this year I will definitely work hard!” Hua Qian Gu waved her small fist in the air.

Luo Shi Yi raised his eye brow high. Zun Shang actually said something like that? Hehe, there will be a good show coming up. Otherwise, Mt Chang Liu which was secluded from all worldly affairs will be too boring.

“Right. Shi Xiong (male senior), the clothes worn by Huo Xi Shi Xiong all seem to be of different colours!”

“En,right,after one year, when you confirm the rough direction in your training of the elemenent, you will wear more of the colour that the element you have chosen. For example, yellow for metal, green for wood, white for water, red for fire and black for earth. But there is no strict requirement and it depends on personal preference. However, the Gong Ling ( Token of your rank, Ling is a bell. A bell is the token of a immortal of the lowest rank), Gong Hua (Hua = Flower, token of an immortal) and Gong Yu (Yu=Jade, token of an immortal) will change colour according to changes in your body and your powers.

Hua Qian Gu nodded as she suddenly came to an understanding. No wonder Zun Shang’s feather was white and Huo Xi’s Gong Hua was red. She looked again Luo Shi Yi’s Gong Yu and saw that it was a black kirin (a chinese mythical beast).

“I can get a bell once I get acknowledge a master right?” Hua Qian Gu saw how good looking the kirin was and couldn’t resist the urge to touch it.

“Even though this depends on your powers, if you become the disciple of the sect leader, getting a bell shouldn’t be a problem.”

“En En.” Hua Qian Gu happily nodded her head.

Luo Shi Yi stole a glance at Tang Bao through the corner of his eye. He couldn’t help but be amused when he saw it lethargically climb back into Hua Qian Gu’s ear for a nap.

“We have reached. This is the San Shen Chi (Pool of Three Lives).”

Lup Shi Yi pointed at three irregularly shaped pools and said “These are the holy waters from each of the three halls. You shall separately wash yourself in each of the pools and get rid of the grime and muck from the mortal realm. The water from Tan Lan Dian washes away greed, the water from Xiao Hun Dian washes away desires and the water from Jue Qing Dian washes away infatuation.

“Oh……” Hua Qian Gu felt a little lost and confused in the fog.

Lup Shi Yi pointed at the clean clothes placed at the side and said “Your change of clothes are here. I will wait for you outside. You come out by yourself in a while.”

“Alright.”

After walking half a step, he hesitated before turning back and saying “There may be varying levels of pain when washing with the water in the different pools. If you cannot tolerate the pain from the water of any pool, don’t force yourself. It is no big deal.”

Hua Qian Gu seemed to understand yet not understand as she nodded her head.

She looked down at the clear and sparkling water in the pool. A few powdery white petals bobbed on the surface as clear water slowly streamed out of the three dragon heads on the wall. This did not seem any different from an ordinary bathing pool.

Afraid that Tang Bao who was still sleeping in her ear would drown, Hua Qian Gu woke Tang Bao up.

“Tang Bao, are you a girl or a boy? Wrong, I mean are you a male or a female? If you are male, you cannot watch me bath! I have to find a piece of clothe to blindfold you.”

Tang Bao did not know what to say.

“I am a demon and I haven’t transformed yet. Hence, even I don’t know whether I am a male or female. Why are you scared? You don’t have anything for me to look at anyway! Hehe, I also want to bathe!” as she said that, Tang Bao jumped into the water and rolled on the water surface swimming in worm-style.

Hua Qian Gu smiled and took off her clothes as she slowly entered the Pool of Greed. She did not feel any discomfort.

Removing greed, desire and infatuation? How fun!

After washing a while, she jumped into the water from Xiao Hun Dian. Still,  it felt like a normal hot spring, comfortable and refreshing. She felt her heart and mind becoming clearer than ever.

Finally it was the water from the Jue Qing Pool. As soon as she put her foot in, she suddenly felt a strange numb sensation spread throug every pore in her body. She quickly retracted her foot.

“What’s wrong? Gu Tou?” Tang Bao was swimming happily in the pool beside her. After washing in the pools, the demonic aura on her body and the aura in the immortal realm were finally blending and she no longer felt any discomfort.

“Nothing much.” Hua Qian Gu felt it was strange and put her foot back into the water. However, this time, she did not feel anything. Maybe she had a cramp?

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As she looked at her reflection in the water, she suddenly noticed that there seemed a red “Huo” (Huo=Fire) word that in the middle of her forehead between her brows. What was going on? No matter how she washed it, she couldn’t get rid of it.

It must be the mark that Huo Xi left on her forehead. How irritating. Why can’t she remove it. She will ask Shi Yi Shi Xiong later.

Lying in the water, between thin,breezy curtains, inhaling the sandalwood increase that was burning in the corner, Hua Qian Gu couldn’t help but doze off drowsily.

Outside, Luo Shi Yi waited so long he was getting impatient. The water from the Pool of Three Lives had the ability to cleanse one’s heart. However, if someone whose desires were too deeply ingrained went into the pools, he would experience suffering beyond words and may even die. Hence many people try to use their powers or avoid the water from a certain pool to escape from this test. However, even immortals are unable to completely empty themselves of greed, anger or infatuation, what more mortals? Hence as long as they are not too persistent in these thoughts and the pain is not too intense and they scrape past this test, he will usually close one eye.

However, after going in, most people will still scream or shout in pain. However, Hua Qian Gu hasn’t made a single sound after so long. Since she is still so young, she shouldn’t have any desires that are too deeply rooted. Could she have fainted from the pain the moment she touched the water?