16 Day 15: The Scum Is Fetched (2/2)

Chen Sheng will have more time to find that out. Since now he's going to the Upright Sect.

Upright Land.

The Newfound Sect is located in a wide flatland surrounded by commercial and residential area. The Promising Sect is located in the mountains, but it's still near the commercial and residential area.

But, the Upright Sect is different and really lives up to its name. It is located deep in the mountains and the mountains are as high as the sky (higher than the clouds). Although the Upright Sect is famous, but the other old sect Promising Sect is more famous than it... one other cause is this – the location.

Since the Promising Sect is near the commercial area, of course many will know the sect. But, since the Upright Sect is located deep in the mountains and the only way to go there is to fly... of course only less people will know of its existence.

For other people... they will know it as a legend or myth.

Since, unlike Xi Ling and Fei Yin, Chen Sheng can't fly on his sword, as usual he rode on Xia Di's back. Fei Yin almost dragged him to ride with him but Xi Ling stopped him in time, much to Chen Sheng's relief.

He doesn't wanna ride with a robot. Chen Sheng thought, referring to the silent and serious Fei Yin.

Chen Sheng looked at Xi Ling who's silently riding on his sword. The sleeve of his black robe is fluttering in the cold and chilly wind.

”You want to ask something?” Xi Ling said, noticed Chen Sheng is watching him.

Chen Sheng nodded and bowed. ”Yes.” He answered and looked at Xi Ling.

Fei Yin is just flying silently beside them, occasionally glancing at the two.

”This disciple didn't have the chance to ask earlier. Why did the Upright Sect suddenly take notice of this disciple?” he asked and looked at Xi Ling. ”This disciple has a low level cultivation and he can't cultivate more than that. This is due to the fact that this disciple has a broken soul.” He explained, knowing that Xi Ling also already heard about his soul.

Xi Ling looked at Chen Sheng. Fei Yin is just watching, also curious why did the Upright Sect made the first move to take Chen Sheng.

But Xi Ling didn't answer.

Chen Sheng's brow twitched, but he calmed himself. ”This disciple wants to ask one more thing.” He said and bowed.

Xi Ling glanced at him.

Chen Sheng looked at Xi Ling in the eye. ”Why did Elder Xi called this disciple earlier '-ge' (honorific for elder brother)?” he asked, his face serious. Fei Yin's face turned serious, too, almost forgot this thought.

Xi Ling's face stiffened, then lowered his head. But, since he didn't answer the first question, he was forced to answer the second one.

He cleared his throat. ”You...” Xi Ling said, the paused. Even though he's an elder of the Upright Sect, he's still the same age as Chen Sheng and Fei Yin, though only in appearance. ”... reminded me of a close friend.” He answered, then looked away.

Sadness crossed his eyes.

”... may this disciple ask who might that be?” Chen Sheng asked and respectfully bowed.

But, as expected, Xi Ling never answered.

Upright Sect.

The three flew down on the wide area near a big building.

This seemed like a helipad beside a big mansion. Chen Sheng thought as he went down Xia Di's back.

Xia Di growled and flew away, going to stretch his wings more since it's been a long time he last flew to his heart's content.

Right... long time like 8 years ago...? Chen Sheng thought, remembered the time when he found Xia Di.

He shook his head. Xia Di only goes out if Chen Sheng is in a life and death situation, or in an inconvenient situation (like the time when they're about to go back to the Newfound Land).

Now that he thought about it, Xia Di is a spoiled pet.

The three walked towards the big building. The roofs are tiled and the wooden windows are open. He looked around the serene and calming place.

Clouds are touching their feet and kissing the grasses that's hugging the damp land because of the dew.

Chen Sheng closed his eyes as he took a deep breath, breathing the clean and fresh cool air. After relaxing his muscles, he slowly opened his sharp and almond eyes.

Only to be greeted by two handsome faces staring at him, shocked.

Chen Sheng's forehead knotted and looked at them. ”What?” he asked, puzzled.

The two looked at each other, then him. They shook their head. ”Nothing.” They answered, then continued walking.

Chen Sheng, though still puzzled, followed them.

They entered the big building.

The said building is actually a library. When they went inside, the disciples were shocked and the silence was broken.

Who wouldn't be shocked when an elder, famous to be serious and strict as well as cold, was followed by two disciples, of which from a different sect?

Nonetheless, they bowed. ”Greetings, Elder Xi.” They respectfully said to the untouchable elder of their sect.

Xi Ling ignored them and continued walking, the two following behind him. They continued to bow until the three vanished from their sight.

”Who are they?”

”I recognize the sect logo. They're from the Newfound Sect.”

”Newfound Sect? Isn't that a new sect?”

”Idiot. It's already 15 years old – ” one said.

”That's still new.”

”Why would Elder Xi be with them, anyway?”

”Could it be Elder Xi wants disciples for the first time - ?”

”Impossible! He vowed never to accept a disciple, much less, disciples!”

”Then, why are they here?”

”Maybe they're tired of their sect and want to enter our sect?”

”But... only one of them has the qualification to be a disciple of our sect. The other one...”

The subjects that are following the other subject of the discussion have different expressions. Fei Yin's face is just, as usual, blank. Chen Sheng is looking around, completely relaxed.

Somehow... this place... he thought, his forehead knotted. Brings nostalgia to him...

He immediately shook his head, clearing away the thought. Why would he feel nostalgic from a sect that's completely unrelated to him? Chen Sheng thought. If this isn't just for his current situation, he'd never go here – a place so deep in the mountains the scum Chen Sheng never would've imagine to go to.

No liquor store... no everything... Chen Sheng sighed, only realized just now the implications of his decision. Did I choose wrong - ? he thought.

But before he could answer his own question, they all stopped outside a tall door.

”We're here.” Xi Ling broke the silence that's enveloping them three.

Chen Sheng lifted his head to look, but regretted it the second after he saw the inscriptions and symbols carved in the tall doors. He felt his eyes hurt and his vision blurred.

Everything around him twisted.

He held his head as he took a step back, staggering. ”This...” he muttered, sweat on his forehead as his face went pale.

”Brother Chen...?” Fei Yin called as he looked at him. He immediately caught Chen Sheng's arm when Chen Sheng almost collapsed. ”Brother Chen!” he called and helped Chen Sheng regain his balance, but Chen Sheng's body is shaking. ”Brother Chen. What's wrong?” he asked, worried.

”The pressure inside must've reached him...” Xi Ling answered and his voice died down inside Chen Sheng's mind.

Chen Sheng's ears are ringing and every sound he hears is warped. Damn it. He cursed. This feeling... this... he thought as he gasps for breath.

This isn't because of the pressure. He actually doesn't feel anything right now aside from feeling elated, then dropped, again and again.

This is what happened to him 15 years ago! 15 years ago, when he was pulled from his sci – fi dream towards this fantasy dream!

Is he finally going to wake up from this dream?

The author (and Chen Sheng) has something to say:

Chen Sheng: ... so we're saying goodbye now?

Everybody: it's still just 15 chaps...

Gray Dragon: ... you know that's not it. Stop misleading the readers.

Chen Sheng: ... aren't you the one that's misleading them, not me/us (cast)?

Gray Dragon: ...