Lin Xiao was far from willing, but since no one else voiced opposition, he could only swallow his anger and endure it.
Fine, three days it is. He would wait.
In just three short days, he wanted to see how many people Yun Jin could actually gather.
After all, this was the Qingxiao Pavilion's territory. All it would take was a few covert commands from him, and he was confident everyone would keep far away from the Wushuang Sect.
Even if he could not suppress them forever, at least within these three days, Yun Jin and Wushuang Sect would not be able to stir up any waves.
Lin Xiao's confidence was unshakable.
Yun Jin and Qin Ping exchanged a subtle glance.
Qin Ping gave the faintest of nods.
So far, only the two of them knew about his plan to lead many cultivators from the Imperial dynasties into Wushuang Sect.
This matter would eventually need to be made public, but it had to be revealed at the right moment. And Yun Jin was about to create that moment.
The next morning, Yun Jin personally released a proclamation in the capital:
[Wushuang Sect would be opening a large-scale recruitment. Anyone with a spiritual root could come to try.]
The announcement spread like wildfire from the capital outward.
"Wushuang Sect is recruiting?"
"Heavens! It says they're only recruiting for three days. Can people from outside even make it in time?"
"If those in Canglan Kingdom set out immediately and use flying artifacts, they might just make it. But cultivators from other kingdoms likely won't."
"So this recruitment is really aimed at Canglan Kingdom's people!"
"Sect Master Yun is truly thinking of us!"
"Let's go, let's go!"
"Go where? The recruitment hasn't started yet!"
"Go tell my cousin! If he doesn't set out now, he'll miss it!"
"Right, I need to tell my uncle too!"
Crowds discussed animatedly as they rushed to spread the news to relatives in other cities.
Just as the announcement began to spread, the clear sunny skies abruptly shifted. Dark clouds gathered, heavy with rain, pressing low overhead. The recruitment hadn't even started, yet an ominous feeling already set in.
Ji Wusi and the others were temporarily staying in the palace.
Lin Xiao looked up at the weather and couldn't help feeling gloating delight. This wasn't his doing, but a natural shift in climate. Didn't this just prove that even Heaven itself did not want Wushuang Sect's plans to go smoothly?
As his smug thoughts lingered, the rain poured harder. For powerful cultivators it was no problem, but for mortals and younger cultivators, this was a real obstacle. If the storm continued, the roads would flood and many people would be unable to reach the capital at all.
Yun Jin narrowed her eyes.
The very first recruitment of Wushuang Sect encountering such an accident was vexing indeed.
"Sect Master, this cursed weather is unbearable," rumbled the Lava Dragon. "Why don't I shatter these clouds?"
Yun Jin cast him a look. "Senior, after unleashing Mahayana power twice in a row, how much clarity do you have left?"
The Lava Dragon deflated immediately.
He had three years of lucid time originally. After two battles, half was gone. He truly could not afford to squander his remaining strength.
"Sect Master, perhaps I can ask Master and the others to join forces and hold back the rain with their spiritual power?" Feng Linglong suggested.
At the Mahayana stage, a cultivator's power reached through Heaven and Earth. Briefly altering weather was possible, though it consumed immense spiritual force.
Yun Jin shook her head. "No need."
Of course, Qin Ping and the others could help suppress the weather, but that would be their doing. Though they were about to join Wushuang Sect, the sect had not nurtured them. Outsiders would mock that Wushuang Sect was powerless, forced to rely on others.
"Master," Gao Jingxuan said, "even if the weather is bad, those who truly want to join will strive to make it. Why not treat this as a test?"
Yun Jin smiled faintly. "Sometimes effort alone cannot overcome reality. For those with weaker cultivation, no matter how hard they try, this weather leaves them helpless."
Gao Jingxuan scratched his head and fell silent.
Yun Jin already had her own plan.
Paper and brush appeared before her.
She quickly wrote a single line, then handed it to Gao Jingxuan. "Have this posted everywhere."
He glanced down—and froze.
This… could she really do this?
"Just post it," Yun Jin said with a small smile.
"Yes!" Gao Jingxuan obeyed at once.
With his reputation in Canglan Kingdom and his current role as Yun Jin's spokesman, he roused the entire scholarly circle of the capital into action.
Soon, the new proclamation was copied and posted throughout the city. Cultivators were assigned to maintain order.
The rain mainly hindered travelers coming from afar. For the capital's people, it mattered little, yet they too rushed to read the new notice—and immediately spread it further.
"Wushuang Sect was scheduled to begin recruitment today. However, due to the sudden downpour, for everyone's safety…"
Crowds stiffened in fear.
Would the recruitment be canceled because of the weather?
If that happened, countless people would weep!
The next lines left them dumbstruck.
"For everyone's safety, Wushuang Sect has decided to cancel this rainstorm. Please arrive on time."
"???"
Cancel the rainstorm?
Had they misread?
They rubbed their eyes and checked again. No mistake. It truly said cancel the rainstorm!
Could it be a slip of the brush, mixing up "cancel recruitment" with "cancel rainstorm"?
Whispers erupted across the city.
"Cancel the rainstorm?" In the palace, Ji Wusi chuckled.
Interesting indeed.
He could easily pierce the clouds with a single sword, but knowing Yun Jin's temperament, since she had not asked, he would not interfere.
Clearly, the girl already had her own plan.
Could it be…
His gaze flickered with thought.
Qing Yun laughed softly. "The girl is about to show off again."
"This child does enjoy such displays," Liu Li agreed with a smile.
The three exchanged amused glances, untroubled, sipping tea as the rain poured.
When Lin Xiao heard about Yun Jin's amended proclamation, he sneered mockingly.
But in the next moment, his expression darkened.
Could it be… that Yun Jin really had a way?
This world did hold some methods that were Yun Jin's alone. Because they were unique, he could not guess how far she might go.
As the city buzzed with speculation, it happened.
Fire element surged wildly across the capital.
Yun Jin had made her move.