Male Inferiority and Female Supremacy in the World of Immortal Cultivation

Chapter 42: 42. Competence is the paramount principle.

Seven-colored rosy clouds shot from the old site of Lanruo Temple atop the mountain, overlapping and illuminating each other, reaching straight into the sky, as if even the clouds above were tinted with color.

Even Fang Zhou, who had seen high-powered colorful spotlights in his previous life, was taken aback by this scene, not to mention the others, who were stunned into silence.

Fang Zhou came back to his senses, and while everyone else was silent, he listened carefully and sure enough, he could faintly hear the sound of Buddha’s voice and Buddhist chant, as if a group of monks were singing in chorus.

This matched exactly with what Monk Hui Neng had described, and she certainly hadn’t bragged about it.

“This phenomenon… this is definitely not just a Magic Artifact, or even a Spiritual Artifact… no, it might even be a Treasure Artifact!”

Han Li watched the scene unfold before her, murmuring to herself, her eyes gradually igniting with passion.

...

It wasn’t just her; other solitary cultivators also began to breathe heavily, their eyes red, as if they were starving wolves seeing fresh meat.

At that moment, Monk Hui Neng also arrived and said to the solitary cultivators, “Amitabha, dear benefactors, the Secret Treasure has appeared. The way to the old site of Lanruo Temple is just behind our temple. Whether you can obtain the Secret Treasure depends on whether you are destined with Buddha.”

Since no one purchased the Buddha’s Blessing Meal, Hui Neng didn’t need to send someone to lead the way, and there was only one path to the old site of Lanruo Temple, so even if it got dark, it was unlikely for one to get lost.

Before Hui Neng could finish speaking, some solitary cultivators could no longer restrain themselves and leaped down from the platform, rushing towards the back door of Lanruo Temple.

The rest followed hurriedly, fearful of falling behind the others by even a single step.

As soon as Monk Hui Neng finished speaking, the Treasure Viewing Platform was completely empty, without a single silhouette in sight.

Watching the solitary cultivators who left eagerly, two young monks whispered to each other.

“Another group rushing to their doom!”

“How many do you think will return this time?”

“At most three. I do hope that man makes it back alive.”

“Hehe, me too!”

Suddenly, the two young monks seemed to sense something and immediately shut their mouths, trembling as they looked behind.

Monk Hui Neng stood right behind them, his plump face sporting a faint smile.

The two young monks started shaking all over.

…

Fang Zhou and Han Li followed closely behind the group of solitary cultivators; seeing them run faster than the others, they passed through the back door of Lanruo Temple and dashed into the dark forest, soon disappearing from sight.

Fang Zhou exclaimed in surprise, “Why are they so excited?”

Even if the Secret Treasure has appeared, there’s no need to act as if they’re rushing to be reincarnated.

While running, Han Li explained to Fang Zhou, “Sir, the rumors were mistaken. It was initially thought that the Secret Treasure in Wild Tomb Ridge was at most a Magic Artifact, but from the phenomena just observed, this Treasure seems to be of quality surpassing a Spiritual Artifact. That’s why they’re so urgent.”

A Spiritual Artifact alone is worthwhile for smaller sects to act on. If it’s of Treasure Artifact quality, even the Major Sects would compete for it.

How could these Qi Refining Realm solitary cultivators not be anxious upon seeing the suspected appearance of a Treasure Artifact.

The saying ‘A man is not guilty until he possesses a jade’ won’t be considered unless there is a jade to be possessed.

Fang Zhou now understood that these solitary cultivators thought they had stumbled upon a great deal. The quality of this newly emerged Secret Treasure was much higher than rumored, hence their impatience. Otherwise, once the news spread and attracted those Major Sects, these little shrimps would have no chance.

Even so, Fang Zhou always felt something was off but couldn’t pinpoint it at the moment.

He and Han Li did not stop their feet and continued to follow the solitary cultivators into the dense forest, along a somewhat unclear mountainous path, rushing towards the old site of Lanruo Temple.

As for Ling Xiaoyue, Fang Zhou knew he did not need to worry about her; she would surely be ahead of everyone.

The distance from Lanruo Temple to the old site was not short. Fang Zhou now sprinted like a swift horse, and after running wildly for half an hour, they finally reached the mountaintop where the old site was located.

There were long stone steps grown over with vines leading straight to the old site of Lanruo Temple.

Fang Zhou and Han Li followed the stone steps and finally arrived at the entrance to the old site of Lanruo Temple.

This old site of Lanruo Temple was almost identical to the Lanruo Temple where Hui Neng and the others resided, the only difference being its much larger area, nearly several times larger.

Upon arriving, Fang Zhou noted that the entire old site of Lanruo Temple was enveloped in seven-colored rosy clouds, and the sound of Buddha’s voice and Buddhist chant had once again disappeared.

Fang Zhou also noticed a giant tree growing inside the old site of Lanruo Temple. The huge canopy covered the sky and was visible even from outside, which was quite rare.

For some reason, looking at that giant tree, Fang Zhou felt an oppressive heaviness in his heart and a palpitation.

The temple doors of the old site of Lanruo Temple were wide open. When Fang Zhou and Han Li arrived, they saw several solitary cultivators rush straight into the temple and disappear from sight.

Fang Zhou and Han Li didn’t rush in; the two hadn’t forgotten that Ling Xiaoyue mentioned last night, the demon that looked like a ghost was seen running in this direction, it might be inside the old site of Lanruo Temple.

Speak of the devil, just with a whoosh, Ling Xiaoyue popped out of nowhere, landing next to Fang Zhou: “Disciple, why are you so slow? Your master has been waiting for you for a long time.”

Fang Zhou subconsciously wanted to ask her what to do, but he held back just as he was about to speak.

He had agreed to stop relying on Ling Xiaoyue so much, not to turn to her or ask her what to do whenever something came up.

However, before Fang Zhou could speak, Han Li already asked, “Senior Ling, what should we do?”

This wasn’t like her usually quiet and reserved style; she seemed a bit too eager, probably stimulated by the fact that the Secret Treasure might be of Treasure Artifact grade.

Ling Xiaoyue wasn’t in her usual playful and smiling mood, rarely becoming serious: “The Secret Treasure should be inside that huge tree, but that tree is very dangerous, and this old site of Lanruo Temple is treacherous too. One slight error could cost you your life.”

She looked at Fang Zhou: “Your master will go in to check it out, you and her can wait outside. If you want to join in the fun, you can come in, but you’ll be responsible for your own safety.”

Ling Xiaoyue left the choice up to Fang Zhou, just as she had when they first met, giving him the choice to take her as his master.

Perhaps the situation was just like that time, choosing wrong could be very dangerous.

Ling Xiaoyue didn’t wait for Fang Zhou to reply; with a slight tap of her foot, she soared into the air, rapidly flying towards the giant tree inside the site of Lanruo Temple.

A distant voice: “Disciple, be careful not to die, you still owe your master a large sum of money.”

Fang Zhou couldn’t help but roll his eyes, this woman really was a scam, always ditching her disciple at critical moments.

No wonder she could lose that senior sister, who he hasn’t met yet.

Han Li hesitated and looked at Fang Zhou: “Mr. Fang…”

Fang Zhou thought for a moment and said, “How about… you go in, and I wait for you outside?”

He remembered that Han Li came to find the Secret Treasure to eradicate the Jiao Poison from her body, so she must go in.

Fang Zhou himself didn’t need to; after all, he didn’t even want to come in the first place. Since Ling Xiaoyue said it was very dangerous inside, why would he go in and court death?

It’s sensible to be cautious.

Han Li blankly stared at Fang Zhou, then bowed and said: “Understood, if there is danger, sir can go back on your own, no need to wait for me, goodbye.”

After saying that, she turned and ran towards the temple gate.

Fang Zhou waved at Han Li’s departing figure, wishing her success.

A line of text suddenly popped up in front of him.

[Mission triggered—Demon Extermination]

[Eliminate the Mystic Yin Tree Demon]

[Difficulty: Hard]

[Time limit: 48 hours]

[Reward: 8 Manliness Points, 1 Purple Card]

[Failure: Death, soul dispersed]

Damn, is this intentional?!

Fang Zhou couldn’t help but curse inwardly; this system task could not have come at a worse time.

If he stayed outside just watching, with Ling Xiaoyue’s level of leaving gaps, that mission would definitely fail.

Fang Zhou could only shout to Han Li: “Wait a second.”

Han Li immediately stopped and looked back at him.

Fang Zhou caught up and reluctantly said, “Alright, I’ll go in with you.”

Han Li’s eyes seemed to light up as she focused on him.

Fang Zhou thought, what kind of look is that? and quickly explained, “Let me be clear, I’m not going in because I’m worried about your safety, I have some unavoidable reasons for going in.”

Han Li smiled slightly, nodding, “I understand.”

You understand nothing, Sister Han!!

Fang Zhou felt helpless, he was really in a situation—a forced hand, yet no one would believe him.