Crow Immortal
Chapter 39: The Unusual Talent

Two inner sect disciples went to the market district to report Elder Li's matter, while Steward Lu went to inform the sect master.

Steward Wang knelt on the ground, not daring to move a muscle. The other outer sect disciples maintained stern expressions as they closely monitored all the menial disciples present. The menial disciples were all as silent as cicadas in winter—even the eccentric Lu Yun who never wore pants had curled up into a ball, not daring to make a sound.

After a full half hour, the two inner sect disciples returned first to the Spirit Fields. Upon inquiring about Steward Lu's whereabouts, they waited there together.

Not long after, a flower-adorned carriage flew over from the sect's direction and hovered above the Spirit Fields, instantly releasing a rich floral fragrance. A middle-aged woman with half-white hair sat atop the carriage.

Following closely behind was a black cane soaring through the air, carrying a fierce-looking middle-aged man. Both the woman and man wore jade-white elder robes—they were Wangu Valley elders at the late Foundation Establishment realm.

Then came Steward Lu and several other stewards, accompanied by dozens of inner and outer sect disciples.

The two elders and several stewards remained suspended mid-air while the other disciples descended after putting away their magical tools.

"By the sect master's decree!" Steward Lu announced loudly.

The inner sect, outer sect, and menial disciples all bowed to receive the order, except for Steward Wang who remained kneeling. The stewards gave slight bows while awaiting the sect master's command. The two elders showed no particular reaction, simply listening.

"The Spirit Fields area has faced treachery from the Spirit Beast Sect and demonic cultivators from the Demon Blood Sect. Strict management is required. Wang Hui shall be stripped of merits by the Steward Hall and exiled to external guard duty for ten years. The Steward Hall will appoint a new manager for the Spirit Fields."

Steward Wang's body went limp as he collapsed to the ground.

Ten years of external guard duty—outside, the conditions were unpredictable, spiritual energy was scarce, cultivation progress would stagnate, and there might even be life-or-death battles! Would he even survive to return?

Steward Lu continued announcing: "All menial disciples of the Spirit Fields shall line up to be personally inspected by Elder Yan of sect discipline and Elder Wen of sect guardianship!"

"All inner and outer sect disciples, form groups of three under steward supervision to search every stone house and Spirit Field. Any illicit items shall not be overlooked! The cultivation resources of menial disciples must not be disturbed!"

As Steward Lu finished speaking, the menial disciples formed two lines to be inspected one by one by Elder Yan and Elder Wen who had descended to the ground.

Other stewards led blue-robed inner sect disciples and green-robed outer sect disciples to search through the stone houses and Spirit Fields.

Liu Lan, Han Yu, and Sun Kang were called to the front by Steward Lu first.

"Elders Yan and Wen, this female disciple was previously connected to that Zhang Shan from the Spirit Beast Sect, and now she's involved with Li Quan... Please examine her first."

Elder Wen adjusted her half-white hair while remaining seated on her flower-covered carriage, the floral scent overwhelming.

"Oh? Little girl, come here let me see."

With tears in her eyes, Liu Lan carefully approached Elder Wen. After placing a hand on her shoulder, Elder Wen smiled: "I sense our sect's Green Sprout Qi Cultivation Technique—no problems here. What do you say, Elder Yan?"

"If you say there's no problem, then there's no problem," Elder Yan replied coldly. "Also, you're older than me—you should call me Junior Brother Yan."

Elder Wen gave him a flat look, pursed her lips, then turned to Han Yu and Sun Kang.

"These two as well?"

"These two weren't close with Li Quan, but they spoke with him within the past month. That Li Quan was particularly reclusive and didn't get along with others," Steward Lu explained.

"Those who practice demonic techniques naturally have no true friends," Elder Wen remarked. "How could someone reeking of blood all day hide that from close companions?" She beckoned Sun Kang forward and checked his shoulder. "This one's fine too."

Then she motioned Han Yu forward. When she pressed his shoulder, she showed surprise: "Your blood energy is unusually vigorous for someone so young. Where did you get such abundant qi and blood?"

Elder Yan immediately frowned: "Blood Refinement Technique?"

Steward Lu was startled, and Sun Kang and Liu Lan jumped in alarm. Han Yu's breathing tightened.

"No," Elder Wen said. "Look at his hair, eyes, and overall aura—this is his own blood energy, definitely not the Blood Refinement Technique. More like he consumed some powerful spiritual medicine that enhanced his qi and blood at a young age."

Elder Yan stepped forward to examine carefully before nodding: "Correct. Demon Blood Sect cultivators use human, demon beast, or even ordinary animal blood as nourishment. A single taste leaves them reeking of blood with reddened eyes and discolored hair—the stronger their cultivation, the worse the stench."

"This disciple's vigorous blood energy comes from spiritual medicine." He asked Han Yu: "What medicine did you take?"

After thinking, Han Yu described the Spirit Blood Vine: "A section of vine with bright red liquid inside. After drinking it, the vine shed like snakeskin..."

Both elders nodded in recognition.

"Indeed, the Spirit Blood Vine can enhance blood energy."

"No issues here. Next."

Han Yu stood with Sun Kang and Liu Lan, all three feeling like they'd narrowly escaped disaster. Even knowing they were innocent, facing the sect's white-robed elders inevitably made them nervous.

Shortly after their inspection, Elder Yan grabbed a menial disciple's arm.

"This one also practices the Blood Refinement Technique and has consumed blood nourishment, though not yet reached the first layer!"

Steward Lu immediately searched the disciple thoroughly before having him restrained.

Elder Wen discovered another, frowning as she asked: "Have you formed a Beast Heart Communion Pact with the Spirit Beast Sect?"

The menial disciple hastily denied it. Elder Wen smiled faintly: "Lying to me isn't very obedient of you."

A flower shot out, shattering the disciple's upper garment to reveal a roaring beast-head tattoo. Steward Lu immediately subdued him, demanding to know where his spirit beast was hidden.

Han Yu and the others watched in shock, never imagining that beneath Wangu Valley's peaceful Spirit Fields—aside from the two recent incidents—there were secretly others practicing foreign techniques.

The fierce-looking Elder Yan couldn't help but say sternly: "Our Wangu Valley has always been peaceable, disliking conflict. We only joined in destroying the Demon Blood Sect because they used our disciples for cultivation."

"Yet now we're seen as easy targets! Treated as if we're nothing!"

Elder Wen sighed: "Elder Yan, don't think that way. Combat was never our sect's strength—herb cultivation and alchemy are."

"Call me Junior Brother Yan," Elder Yan reminded.

Elder Wen's expression turned cold.

"Then let's continue, Elder Yan."

Elder Yan fell silent, no longer correcting her as they continued inspecting the remaining menial disciples.

One by one they passed inspection without further spies being found. The menial disciples' dwellings also showed no abnormalities beyond the two captured infiltrators.

When Lu Yun reached Elder Yan, the elder first studied him intently before asking curiously: "Have you consumed Blazing Sun Grass these past few days? Your cultivation has advanced but your desires seem difficult to control?"

Lu Yun looked confused and shook his head: "I don't think so."

Elder Yan checked his dantian and frowned: "No? Your condition is strange... Wait, why aren't you wearing pants?"

Some stifled laughter as others quietly explained Lu Yun's eccentric habits.

Contrary to expectations, Elders Yan and Wen didn't scold or get angry—they looked at Lu Yun with great interest instead.

Elder Wen said: "This one's an unusual talent. When you join the outer sect, come find me for a proper examination."

Steward Lu and the disciples were astonished that the elders would take notice of Lu Yun. The mocking laughter died away immediately. Even the normally thick-skinned, carefree Lu Yun showed moved expression.