Chapter Twenty-Two: Majesty

Cloud Ling made a sly remark, “I dare not call myself a master, just an ordinary woman who knows a little about spiritual cultivation. But to be called a hero at such a young age—truly rare, truly rare.”

Mo Bai smiled gently. “Since Cloud Ling doesn’t like calling me a hero, just call me lad. It makes little difference, really.” Mo Bai was not one to stand on ceremony; since she disliked being called master, he wouldn’t insist.

Cloud Ling was momentarily stunned. She had intended to be humble, but hadn’t expected Mo Bai’s bluntness. To be known as one of the Six Children of Cloud Sky meant one’s spiritual power was formidable indeed. Jiu Xi, observing from the side, chuckled inwardly—this young uncle seemed to have met his match.

Cloud Ling was about to retort when a deep voice rang out, “I see none of you had Second Brother’s vegetarian porridge this morning—no wonder everyone’s here so early. Though his porridge is delicious, every batch uses such precious ingredients, it’s a waste of silver. Managing the Cloud Sky Sect’s household is no easy task, let me tell you.”

Mo Bai and Wu Luohua turned to see the speaker—a portly man, excessively so, whose meticulousness with money was almost comical. Yet, beside him stood a beautiful matron, dignified and gentle, the very picture of a capable housekeeper.

Jiu Xi approached them and bowed deeply. “Fourth Uncle, you’re here. I didn’t expect Fourth Aunt to have such interest in today’s apprentice selection.”

Cloud Ling sneered, “It’s because an important figure is participating in today’s selection. Though the process lasts seven days, only one disciple is chosen each day to enter Fifth Brother’s tutelage. The competition is fierce; how could Fourth Aunt not attend?”

The matron smiled warmly. “Ling, you jest. My useless nephew could hardly catch Fifth Brother’s eye. I only came because I heard the Cloud Sky Sect has two special guests today. Are these the two?” She looked at Mo Bai and Wu Luohua.

Jiu Xi quickly responded, “Fourth Aunt, it is indeed these two. This is Mo Bai, the great hero, and this is Wu Luohua, Master Wu.”

The matron’s gaze lingered only briefly on Mo Bai before settling on Wu Luohua. Her eyes sparkled, leaving Wu Luohua feeling both delighted and awkward, given her husband’s presence. She was indeed formidable.

Wu Luohua coughed, embarrassed. “Why does Aunt look at me so intently? I feel quite shy.” His cheeks flushed slightly as he spoke.

Everyone was taken aback. The portly man frowned, but the matron laughed, “Aunt—such a familiar address! Tong, what do you think?” She turned to her husband, Cloud Tong.

Cloud Tong, one of the Six Children of Cloud Sky, managed all the sect’s finances—a man of real authority. Though revered by disciples, he was powerless before this woman. He forced a smile. “It’s indeed familiar, indeed.”

The matron frowned slightly. “Doesn’t it sound as if he’s calling me old?”

Cloud Tong was stunned, and quickly said to Wu Luohua, “Lad, you’re not as smooth-talking as your Third Uncle.”

Wu Luohua realized then—his Third Uncle also managed the Wu family’s household. They were kindred spirits. Clever as ever, Wu Luohua grinned, “Sister, it was only a joke.”

Sister, Aunt—the matron laughed, her proud bosom trembling, but failed to notice a young girl’s eyes burning with anger. She strode over, pointed at Wu Luohua, and demanded, “You call her sister—what’s my rank then?”

Wu Luohua was stunned, then saw the voluptuous enchantress. He looked helplessly at Mo Bai, who simply gazed up at the sky. Wu Luohua muttered under his breath, “Fine, you win.” Then smiled, “You’re, of course, our beautiful little sister.”

Chaos—utter chaos. The princess Xin’er’s rank had always been ambiguous, and now with Wu Luohua’s arrival, the Cloud Sky Sect was in disarray. Was Xin’er two generations above, or had the Six Children dropped two ranks? Would the sect leader, Cloud Jin, have to call his own granddaughter ‘little sister’?

“Oh? What’s the lively discussion about?” An elderly, kindly voice sounded, and everyone quickly settled down. The head of the Cloud Sky Sect had arrived, accompanied by Vice Sect Leader, Master Cloud Kong, and Cloud Fa.

“Second Grandpa, why didn’t you cook porridge today?” Xin’er, seeing Cloud Kong, perked up, hopping over and linking arms with him, mischievous yet adorable.

Cloud Kong laughed heartily, “It was to save your Fourth Grandpa a bit of copper.”

Cloud Tong’s face reddened; evidently Second Brother had overheard his complaints. He thought, “Old fool, you wouldn’t know the cost of household affairs. If you ran the house for a month, you’d be in tears.” Though he thought it, he dared not say a word, only chuckled awkwardly to appease.

But Xin’er piped up, “Fourth Grandpa never worries about money—he has a good helper. Isn’t that right, Sister Qishui?” She winked playfully at Wu Luohua.

Sister Qishui! Everyone but Mo Bai broke out in cold sweat. Mo Bai glanced at Wu Luohua as if to say, “How’s that for excitement?”

Wu Luohua replied with an equally expressive look, “Exciting? This is maddening.”

Qishui laughed, “Xin’er is right, indeed right. I, Luo Qishui, am fortunate to have such a lovely little sister.”

So the matron’s surname was Luo!

Everyone was speechless. Had Cloud Fa not coughed, the conversation might never have recovered.

Cloud Fa looked skyward and spoke solemnly, “It’s getting late. Second Brother, shall we begin the first round of assessment?”

Cloud Kong smiled, “Third Brother, you give the orders. Mo Bai, please, this way.” He led Mo Bai to a tea table.

Everyone took their seats, but none of the selecting disciples were present. Mo Bai and Wu Luohua were puzzled, until Cloud Fa announced, “Disciples below the mountain, listen well. Today is the fourth day of the selection. In the previous three days, three disciples have entered Master Cloud Zui’s tutelage: Jiu Nan, Jiu Tong, and Feng Rou. They are your benchmarks. The terrain of Cloud Qi Peak is treacherous, and the mountain is laden with traps and formations. Whether you reach Cloud Qi Platform for the second round depends on your usual training. Those who do not arrive by noon will be eliminated—eliminated disciples cannot compete tomorrow, but may participate on the last day. The ascent begins now.” As Cloud Fa finished, Cloud Qi Peak echoed with a booming resonance—the formations he had mentioned were now activated.

Mo Bai and Wu Luohua realized at last: the first round of the selection was governed by such rules. Cloud Sky Sect truly was one of the Five Great Spiritual Sects, able to deploy such elaborate formations to test disciples—a tremendous expenditure of spiritual power. These formations could not be controlled by mere mortals; surely many spiritual treasures and mediums were employed. For the first time, Mo Bai felt the awe-inspiring power of a formal spiritual sect!