Mistveil Town — Song Manor
The sun resurfaced with its brilliant shine, conquering the skies.The last traces of night's darkness slowly faded, relinquishing its reign.
"Yawn…" Ye Kaishan slowly opened his eyes.He sat up on the bed, stretching lazily.
Across the room, Song Yan was already awake, seated in a cross-legged position, meditating.
Song Yan slowly opened her eyes and smiled."Looks like you had a peaceful sleep."
"Well, I've slept enough. So, when does the recruitment competition begin?" Ye Kaishan asked.
"It will start in an hour," Song Yan replied calmly."Honestly, we should have departed earlier… but someone was sleeping soundly." She closed her eyes again, resuming her meditation, though a faint curve tugged at her lips.
"Umm…" Ye Kaishan scratched his head with an awkward smile."Wait a moment, I'll get ready."
To that, Song Yan simply nodded, keeping her eyes closed.
With that, Ye Kaishan's figure vanished from the bed and entered his soul subspace.
Inside the Soul Subspace
The soul subspace is the physical manifestation of both dao companions' souls — the fusion of Ye Kaishan and Song Yan's essences.The stronger the soul, the larger and more refined the subspace.
Here, the world resembled a boundless, silent sea — still waters stretching endlessly beneath a sky of nothingness.
Sitting cross-legged, Ye Kaishan placed his hand on his chin."What should I wear?"
He tilted his head in thought. "If it were back in my world, on the Blue Planet, a black suit or a formal dress would be the best choice…" His mind drifted to memories of his past life.
Lying back on the surface of the endless sea, he closed his eyes as if thinking deeply."But… haa. Surely, I can't wear that here. And besides, I don't even have one."
Suddenly, his eyes lit up."Wait… I remember. Song Yan's father gave me a collection of clothes before."
He rummaged through his pouch. "Ah, here it is."
One by one, he examined the robes."Not this… too flashy. Next.Hmm, this one's too ordinary. Next…Ah—this should be good."
His eyes sparkled as he pulled out a particular robe.He quickly changed into it and examined himself with satisfaction.
"Not bad. It's neither too plain nor too extravagant."
With that, he prepared to return.
Back in Song Manor
Space distorted, and Ye Kaishan stepped back into the bedroom.
"I'm ready. Shall we depart?" he asked.
Song Yan opened her eyes and turned to look at him.
He wore a black robe with intricate patterns on the sleeves. On his waist hung the pouch she had given him. On the right side of his chest was a mark of five stars — four small stars orbiting a large central one. They weren't mere embroidery; they shimmered like real stars, the cyan central star glowing faintly as if illuminating the night.
Song Yan's lips curved gently. "Hmm… not bad."
"Well, it's nothing special—"
"I was talking about your robe," she interrupted.
Ye Kaishan: "<-_-> …"
"It suits you," Song Yan whispered as she rose gracefully from the bed.
"Haa? Did you say something?" Ye Kaishan frowned slightly.
"Nothing…" Song Yan shook her head and reached out, holding his hand. "Let's go."
"Sure."
Ye Kaishan channeled his space laws, and the two disappeared from the bedroom.
Meanwhile…
"Sister, where are you going?"
"I'm… going to work," Jiang An answered hesitantly.
"Isn't it too early? You usually leave much later."
"I…" Jiang An paused, her brows furrowing as if weighed down by something heavy. She clenched the strap of her worn bag tightly. After a long moment, her expression firmed, though her eyes softened when she looked at her younger brother.
"This work is special. If I pass, we won't have to live in this thatched hut anymore."
She pulled him into her embrace, her eyes carrying both gentleness and hidden grief.
"But—"
"No buts." She smiled faintly, masking her sorrow. "There's a meat bun on the table from yesterday. Eat it when you're hungry. I'll be back by evening."
With that, Jiang An turned and walked toward Mistveil Town, her steps dull yet brimming with determination.
...….
She's hiding something… Jiang Mu clenched his fists. There was something different in her hug today.
His worry deepened, but he quietly followed behind her.
Mistveil Town
By the time Jiang An entered the bustling town, the streets were already filled with cultivators. Rogue cultivators, members of small clans, and disciples of minor sects all gathered for the recruitment competition.
Merchants shouted from their stalls, and vendors opened their shops from dawn, eager to profit from the influx of people.
"This is my chance…" Jiang An clenched her fists tightly. If I can pass the test of the secret realm, even without cultivation talent, I might still be accepted as a handyman disciple. Then I could raise my brother in better conditions…
She joined the long line for registration.
After some time—
"What's your name?" the old registrar asked without lifting his head.
"Jiang An," she answered firmly.
"Cultivation level?"
"…I don't have one."
The old man froze. His brows furrowed as he finally looked up, displeasure in his eyes. "Don't have? Are you playing with me?"
"Is there a rule that cultivation is required?" Jiang An asked calmly.
The old man frowned deeply. "There isn't. If someone has talent, they can still be recruited… But you—" His gaze swept her from top to bottom. "You're clearly older than eighteen, yet you still have no cultivation. For you, it's a waste of time."
He sighed, shaking his head. "Even so… if you wish to enter, I won't stop you."
"Yes, please." Jiang An bowed respectfully, her eyes unwavering.
The old man handed her a wooden token. "Take it. Don't lose it."
With that, Jiang An stepped toward the recruitment grounds.
"Youngsters these days… Sigh. Just don't lose your life. "old man muttered under his breath, watching her leave.
"Isn't that place only for cultivators? Why is Sister heading inside?" Jiang Mu muttered as he observed from behind a shop, his face tense.
"Should I go inside? But that place is meant for cultivators... And why are there so many of them here?" He frowned, confusion and worry mixing in his heart.
"Hey, boy! Don't meddle in my business." The shopkeeper's voice suddenly interrupted his thoughts.
"Go on, beggar! You're scaring away my customers!"
Snapping back to reality from the nagging, Jiang Mu clenched his fists. I should follow her. She's been acting strange since morning. Resolute, he decided to trail his sister.
With that, he joined the line. He was just the right age for talent testing, so there was no issue with him entering.
Inside, an old man stood at the entrance of the training grounds. "After entering, head towards the talent-testing platform," the elder instructed, handing him a wooden token.
Now… where should I find my sister? Jiang Mu thought, bewildered as he stepped deeper into the recruitment competition grounds.
He looked around. Cultivators filled the grounds, both men and women, their presence pressing heavily against the air.
"Sister, where are you?" Jiang Mu muttered as he slipped into the crowd, his eyes darting anxiously.
meanwhile, Jiang An stood amidst a cluster of cultivators. Her face was pale, but her gaze remained fixed on the stage ahead.
I'm doing the right thing. As long as I survive through the secret realm, everything will be fine.
Her right hand trembled uncontrollably. She clenched it tightly with her left, trying to suppress the shaking.
"Don't panic… don't panic…" she whispered under her breath, forcing her body to still.
Then, with eyes hardened by resolve, she lifted her chin.
Recruitment Competition Grounds
The place was vast, filled with several platforms. On one, boys and girls were lined up for talent testing. Their ages ranged between nine and twelve.
Spectator stands surrounded the arena, packed with townsfolk eager to watch. From above, one could see the entirety of the recruitment grounds.
Higher up, at the most prestigious section, were special seats reserved for the great sects and noble families. Among them were also the three great families of Mistveil Town.
If a boy displayed exceptional talent, he would be taken in—until his dao partner appeared. From there, negotiations could begin between the boy's chosen female cultivator and the respective sect or clan. This arrangement not only secured cultivation resources but also forged powerful ties.
If a family or sect managed to recruit a boy who would later become the dao partner of a high-ranking female cultivator, their fortunes soared. Such unions meant wealth, influence, and unseen protection.
There were ten of these elevated seats. Eight were already filled—four by women, four by men.
"Where is the Song Clan?" one woman frowned impatiently.
"Even on such an important day, they arrive late."
"They sent the daughter of Matriarch Song Qian to handle this recruitment? A mere youngster—what can we expect?" another woman replied mockingly.
"Well, who cares? If fate favors us, we might still discover outstanding disciples here." A woman in a white robe spoke lightly.
Just then, space itself rippled. The air distorted, and from within the void stepped out Song Yan and Ye Kaishan.
"Were you talking about me?" Song Yan's clear voice rang out, silencing the crowd.