Chapter 43: Ladies of Mount Emei

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Mount Emei Maiden Sect.

A mysterious sect in the western part of the continent, northwest to Absolute Aegis. Much of its peculiarity came from its rules and worldview. The sect’s rules were quite strict as the sect had quite a traditional and restricted view of life. The sect had over half a million members, having sway over a territory of about 20 million people, the same as Wang Nan. With so much influence, Mt. Emei Maiden Sect was classified as a Super-sect, albeit on the low end.

What was a sect?

In Dragon Mountain Continent, a sect was an association of people pledging allegiance to each other. In a business sense, it could be termed a company. However, it went way beyond that. It was more like a philosophical or political group, not easy to enter, and even harder to get out. Those in the same sect from the same generation were martial brothers and sisters. Thus, they possessed tighter bonds, ideally speaking. In practice, such an ideal had many limitations. However, among so many sects on the continent, Mt. Emei was famed for the close bonds its members had with each other. The bonds they shared could be said to be stronger than those Imperial Clan members.

And what made Mt. Emei sect, a Super-sect?

To understand this, one must know the classification of sects. This continent had tens of thousands of sects. Most sects here were classified as minor sects. Merely local powers, these small sects possessed members of around a hundred to several thousand or so. As sects grew past ten thousand, they were classified as medium sects if they controlled the fate of tens of thousands. Their influence usually covered several towns and small cities. Usually, the leader of such sects would be someone in Primary Heavenly-Stars stage.

Above these sects, were major sects.

With over fifty-thousand members, most major sects either ruled or had sway over a population ten to twenty times its size. Some controlled small states, but most major sects controlled at least one big city. While some considered themselves independent, the majority were either subordinated or had defense agreements with at least one Super-sect.

Those in power of these major sects were not idiots.

They realized, that having relations based on mutual interest was one of the best kinds of protection they could afford. And for these major sects, no matter how much their sect grew, it could not claim itself to be one of the Super-sects so easily. Not just the amount of members, the numerous population, vast territories, and wealth… The hardest criterion for a major sect to be recognized as a Super-sect was actually...

Ancestor-class cultivators.

When a major sect possessed five Ancestor-class cultivators, only then people would recognize it as a Super-sect. It was unknown exactly where this criterion for ‘five’ came from. However, many agreed that it came from this – the minimal requirement needed to activate a Top-tier formation made by the first Continental Alliance Leader, An Shan.

With such a formation, usually designed as defensive, a sect would be a hard nut to crack. For a clan of a similar level to a Super Sect, many simply called it a Super Clan. A close example of this was Wang Clan, the former sovereign of Wang Nan city and country. With seven Ancestors, they managed to keep a stalemate with twelve Ancestors from White Tigers for three years.

And above these respectable Super Sects and Super Clans, were the Six Imperials and Five Supremes. And even they would not be so foolish as to treat a Super Sect with disrespect, normally.

As for Mount Emei Maiden Sect, it was considered a Super-sect since ten thousand years ago.

As the name suggested, the sect was female-only, tolerating no male as a member. It originated from a cult-like idea and a bitter struggle against a male-dominated kingdom ten thousand years ago. Under the kingdom, girls and women were treated as toys and things. Low-borne sold their girls for survival, while nobles used them as lavish gifts and for political maneuver.

Due to the nature of its origin, Mount Emei Maiden Sect held prejudice when it came to dealing with men. With such a restrained worldview, it was said that the sect would crumble sooner or later. Nevertheless, the sect outlived many of its rivals.

It was one of the Super-sects which survived the great warring era 2000 years ago. The rules it adhered to, used to be stricter. It was not until that era, that the sect experienced a major change. And much later, fifty years ago, it experienced yet another change…

A change necessitated from a great turmoil.

An Shan’s words put them both into a trance.

The Ancestor in front of them was in no way faking his confidence, as though he had seen it as a fact. Shaking her head, Shao Na was the first to be conscious. ‘How did he know, was it obvious?’

She could only guess how An Shan knew.

Mount Emei was very careful in concealing their identity, even using several layers of false identities to be sure. No, the best she could guess would be because of this meeting. For this, Shao Na lamented.

Did they make a mistake, coming here to pay respect?

What repercussion would this entail, should this Ancestor let this simple, yet crucial information be known to others?

Voice full of concern, she spoke;

“Honorable Ancestor, this… I know it’s not my place to ask but,”

“Cease your worry. Your secret, safe with me.”

“This…”

“My word is my law.”

Saying so decisively, he closed his eyes. Soon after his statement, awkward silence followed suit, but not for long;

“I haven’t met members of Mount Emei for a long time. You two married?”

“Uh, um… yes, Ancestor. However, our husbands already passed away,”

“I see. Was it of old age?”

“Um, Shao Ting’s husband passed away of old age. Mine… during the war, fifty years ago,”

Seeing her hesitation, An Shan pressed no further. He had interest, all because he had a relation with Mount Emei years back. Seeing Shao Na’s saddened look, he sighed.

“My condolences. May the Heaven bless their souls,”

“You are too kind, Ancestor,”

“Un, let the matter rest. I’m interested in your sect, so I wish to ask a few things.”

“Ancestor, please don’t be reserved. Aside from the sect’s secret, it’s fine for us to answer most questions,”

Shao Na lowered her stand for a second, as a show of manner.

An Shan nodded;

“Just wish to confirm, what’s your condition for having a husband?”

“For us? W-well… It’s a bit embarrassing to say… The rules are strict,”

“Just say it. We’re not children here,”

Hearing so, Xiao Mei pouted. Ancestor treated as if she didn’t exist, hmph!

With him urging, Shao Na answered directly;

“Understood. First, it must be based on mutual love, and not political maneuvering. Any of us could have a husband, on the condition that we marry a person who would not interfere in our affairs. Family life, and sect life, we must be able to differentiate clearly, not mix them up. If the husband is a cultivator, they had to make Soul Oath for that. If common people, a simple contract would do. In addition, none of our husbands can reside on Mount Emei. The closest would be in the cities below the mountain. So… not a few of our sisters commute daily,”

“I see. The condition didn’t change, good enough,”

“Ancestor?”

Seeing An Shan’s response, Shao Na felt as if he meant something deeper. Unknown to her, he was reminiscing old times. Back then, Mount Emei Maiden Sect was composed of virgins. Any members who wished strongly for marriage would be crippled and expelled from the sect. They were considered a disgrace, and none of their members were allowed to communicate with them.

An Shan considered such practice barbaric. It was like a cringy drama written by an inexperienced writer... bound for some serious problem.

Stopping the flow of a river with a dam, without letting out its water, would spell disaster sooner or later.

However, all that changed a little over 2000 years ago. No longer were they confined to such a strict and restrictive way of life. Marriage was allowed, on the condition that their love was mutual, and their husband would never interfere in the sect. Anyone who failed to fulfill this agreement would be expelled, and all belongings confiscated. Even Grand Elders and Matriarch, even Ancestors, no exception.

Thus, to be on the safe side…

“Most of you married non-cultivators, from a normal household, correct?”

“Yes, correct. My sister here…”

“I married a simple merchant. I gave him many elixirs suitable for a common person, so he lived a good 88 years,”

Shao Ting answered. Hand on her chest, she bit her lip. Though her late husband was not strong, she was happy being with him. Sadly, as a non-cultivator, he could not live for so long. He didn’t have the proper Spiritual Roots to practice.

“What about your children?”

“…We could take our daughters into the sect, but our sons… If they wish to cultivate, they have to be on their own. Should they enter any sect or clan, we have to denounce our relation. They can’t inherit anything, or gets us involved in any way,”

“Still strict, on that part,”

“Y-yes, but if they wished to meet their mother, it’s possible. We’re not so heartless… Just that, it will be under supervision,”

“At least there’s that,”

An Shan tilted his head on his hand, seemingly tire of it.

Nevertheless, it was far better than what he used to see. Members of Mount Emei Maiden Sect used to be ferocious, much like female tigers. That was because of their pent-up frustration, having no husband to support them. Having basic desire suppressed, they were as if an open sword, ready to cut at a moment’s notice. He remembered some unsheathed their sword simply because of accidents. Sure, you girls are beautiful, but who dared touching your peaches like that?

That was purely accident!

A disturbing incident flashed in his mind. Seeing the two, being so meek, it was as though the previous fierceness was a thing of the past. Perhaps having children also contributed to their stable minds. Most would only have one or two, but it still count. Taking a good look at them, An Shan remembered the incident with Ru-er.

‘Should I try? Un, as long as I’m careful, it should be fine,’

He gestured for them to come closer. Seeing so, they stepped forward. Stopping a mere two steps before him, they knelt, and again, paid respect. Soon, he nodded;

“Since you pay respect to me, I’ll ask a heavy question. It won’t involve any secret, and I don’t mind any answer. Just do so honestly, can you do that?”

Hearing his strange condition, the two turned to each other before answering. They knew, that the words of a cultivator already reaching Titan-Stars Stage should not be taken lightly. For a few seconds, their eyes communicated. Sensing each other’s agreement, the two nodded at the same time.

“We can. Please ask, Ancestor.”

“The question is simple, can you two, trust me?”

“…We can,”

“We will,”

Shao Na and Shao Ting answered. While their meeting was short, they had a good impression of this Ancestor. He was not arrogant, and it seemed quite clear he harbored no ill desire towards them. As senior elders of their sect, they were sharp. Seeing him, they had this feeling that he was treating them, as one would, older children one did not see for long. In addition, it was them who approached him first, all in order to know him and perhaps, gained his goodwill.

If they could not trust him, they would not approach him in the first place.

“Show me your wrist, you two,”

“Um,”

Without hesitation, they did.

It would be taboo to be so readily trusting to a stranger, a male even. Yet since An Shan asked them such a heavy question prior, they were ready for this. Perhaps the Ancestor wished to check their cultivation, then offered them advice. While they had their Ancestors, having the advice of another should not hurt, yes? If it seemed risky, they could just put it aside.

And as they guessed, An Shan did just that. He sent his will through his hand into their wrist, checking their cultivation one by one. Unknown to them, what An Shan was going to do, was not merely checking…

An Shan widened his eyes a little, then frowned.

‘Hm, as expected… They take good care, their bodies… pure enough.’

As he recalled, Mount Emei’s detoxification technique was among the best in the land. From what he could tell, these ladies detoxified themselves every single day. In addition, they were careful with their diet. It would be very difficult for them to accept any food from just any sellers without knowing their origin and details. This practice was not merely ideological; it was also practical.

The cultivation of Mount Emei required the ladies to be in their purest form. Such a cultivation method was problematic to many people, since it required quite a strong self-restraint. It was against people’s desire, the reason why they practice in the first place. No alcoholic drink, so little meat, and restricted lifestyle... not many cultivators were so ready to accept such conditions.

Two thousand years prior, it was thought that mingling with men would also taint one’s body. However, An Shan recalled how he managed to convince them that such a view… was not entirely wrong, it was just a little bit off.

‘Oh boy, back then…’

It was quite a commotion back then. He was thankful though, for he met his fated one from such an incident. Mount Emei’s members, due to their obsession and cultivation, possessed a pure body. The obvious examples were Shao Na and Shao Ting in front of him. Though they had a veil covering their face, they seemed to be in their 20s. They did not show much skin, but from their hand, one could tell they took great care of themselves. Even though they practiced with weapons, the callous on their palm was smooth and pleasant to touch.

Much like a kitty’s paw.

‘Still… It seemed Mao Gu seeped in,’

The flavor enhancer Mao Gu, one of the things An Shan noticed before, managed to find its way in. However, it was in smaller quantity compared to what he detected in An Hong. Earlier, he could not study it for long due to his sleepiness. However, after scanning through all his Blood Warriors, he concluded that it was a form of neurotoxin – poison for the brain and gut.

This neurotoxin made the brain cells vibrate so much that they perished as time went on. In addition, it also messed up control of cognitive functions including emotional control, qi flow, and the Star Orbiting System, most important in achieving superior cultivation and smoother breakthrough.

In a way, this flavor enhancer was a lowkey drug.

And it was distributed far and wide throughout the continent, and went right under the radar of the Continental Alliance.

After checking their body, he concluded with certainty that what he intended to do, would be safe. Their body's condition was quite similar to cultivators of his former era. Knowing this, he had to try.

“Don’t resist, take it,”

“Ancestor?”

Pure Qi came from An Shan’s hands, flowing down into Shao Na and Shao Ting’s wrists.

=== Chapter 43 ===