I, who was turned into a woman by the Jade Maiden Master, want to rebel against the Heavenly Gang.

So, there's definitely something to work out!

Qin Rufeng decided to learn the Yin-Yang Absorption Technique first. There was no other way; after all, he was in the Jade Maiden Sect.

By simultaneously cultivating the "Opening Cauldron Method" and the "Yin-Nourishing Method," one can inadvertently extract Liu Bailian's primordial yin to nourish oneself.

By using the beautiful and powerful Xuanwu Saintess as a furnace, my cultivation will surely advance by leaps and bounds!

Wonderful, it’s really wonderful!

Qin Rufeng had already prepared an excuse for himself. That is, since our Fairy Liu's cultivation level is so high, helping me with a small matter is just a drop in the ocean, and there is no loss at all.

At worst, I can just work hard and be her maid from now on. Even if I work, I still have to be paid, right?

So for the next few days, Qin Rufeng waited for the ginseng mother to bear fruit while cultivating the Jade Cauldron of Joy.

Meanwhile, Liu Bailian, who was in the Emerald Star Pavilion, was also recuperating. Although she was not injured in the battle at the Spirit Observation Platform of Chessboard Mountain, she had been besieged by so many demonic cultivators, and the exertion was considerable.

Therefore, she had absolutely no time to pay attention to Qin Rufeng these days.

While cultivating, Qin Rufeng was also exploring methods of breathing exercises to absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. Cultivators can abstain from grains and consume spiritual energy by eating dew and drinking the wind, but their bodies will not be able to withstand the depletion of spiritual energy.

There's definitely no food in the Xuanwu Land, unlike in the mortal realm. If I can't absorb spiritual energy soon, I'll probably starve to death. That would be the most shameful thing for a transmigrator.

Fortunately, Liu Bailian's Xuanwu Land is located in the "Liuyun Realm" of the Upper Three Realms, where the spiritual energy is far more abundant than that of the "Zhongping Realm" where Qipan Mountain is located.

Qin Rufeng was already able to circulate his Qi through his meridians, so he could absorb some spiritual energy simply by meditating and breathing. Not only was it enough to sustain his life, but he was also gradually accumulating his own spiritual energy.

Besides that, she kept a close eye on the condition of her mother.

Since being fed the Soul-Devouring Silkworm, the Ginseng Mother has undergone a visible change. Fruit has begun to grow on her branches.

Chapter 11 The Game of Becoming an Apprentice

The ginseng mother plant produced seven fruits in total, which looked just like large white radishes. They were growing almost constantly, with a noticeable difference between morning and afternoon growth.

Once it reaches a certain size, it stops growing and grows some fibrous roots all over its body.

According to the description in the "Tree Chapter," the fruit in this state is ready to be picked. However, picking it is not the end; it must be planted in the ground to continue growing for a period of time.

Fortunately, there was a piece of land not far from the thatched cottage. It looked square and neat, and it should have been the herb garden in the past, but now it was overgrown with weeds that were taller than a person.

That's good, it'll be harder to spot what you plant. So Qin Rufeng planted the seven gourd-shaped fruits in the ground.

Several more days passed. One morning, the jade bracelet on Qin Rufeng's wrist suddenly became icy cold. Looking down, she saw that the bracelet was emitting a faint glow.

Liu Bailian had previously instructed that if the jade bracelet glowed coldly, it meant she was calling to him, and he must respond immediately without delay.

Qin Rufeng gently circulated her internal energy, connecting her meridians with the jade bracelet. A moment later, a white lotus jade disc appeared beneath her feet, carrying her into the air.

Oh, so you fly there? Isn't it just teleportation? That's a bit much...

However, the lotus-shaped jade disc was both fast and steady, and soon arrived at the gate of the main hall of the Emerald Star Pavilion. After landing, it automatically transformed back into a jade bracelet.

The towering buildings seemed to be right in front of him, but in reality, it was a case of "looking at a mountain and running to your death." The Cui Xing Pavilion was enormous; Qin Rufeng was exhausted after rushing from the mountain gate to the top floor, and he even got lost several times along the way.

Finally, they arrived at the top-floor meditation hall, where Liu Bailian rested.

The hall was divided into two parts, front and back, separated by a thin, sheer curtain. Two rows of cushions were neatly arranged in front of the curtain.

Liu Bailian sat behind the gauze curtain. The thin gauze was semi-transparent, revealing the outline of Liu Bailian's figure, but it was also hazy and indistinct.

She seemed to be sitting on a futon shaped like a lingzhi mushroom or a ruyi (a traditional Chinese ornament symbolizing good fortune). Her very position made her appear superior.

Qin Rufeng was exhausted and out of breath. But he didn't dare to be negligent in the slightest and quickly stepped forward to pay his respects.

Liu Bailian asked, "Why did you take so long?"

Although her expression couldn't be seen through the gauze curtain, her tone suggested some dissatisfaction.

Qin Rufeng frowned...

Her legs were still trembling from exhaustion. Already full of complaints, Liu Bailian's question only made her angrier.

But despite his anger, he couldn't vent it, so he could only say sarcastically, "Although my name is Rufeng, I cannot come and go like the wind. Please forgive me, fairy."

Upon hearing the word "disciple," Liu Bailian sighed softly, seemingly displeased.

Qin Rufeng knew this was because she resolutely refused to acknowledge that she had a master-disciple relationship with him.

Liu Bailian commanded in a cold tone, "Come forward."

Qin Rufeng quickly stepped forward.

Liu Bailian loudly questioned Yi Qiba, "You call yourself a disciple, so why don't you bow to me?"

Qin Rufeng was taken aback. Why was he putting on an act? What did this mean? Did he really intend to take him as a disciple?

If it's about becoming an apprentice, then there's no problem; of course you should become one.

However, Liu Bailian interrupted Qin Rufeng again, "I said before, you're not qualified. Don't you understand your own place?"

Qin Rufeng felt he had been tricked and said disappointedly, "This disciple is dull-witted and does not understand."

Liu Bailian sneered, "Perhaps you should call me... Master."

what?

Qin Rufeng was startled, thinking to himself, does Liu Bailian also have queen-like qualities?

Call him master? Qin Rufeng could not agree.

She thought to herself, "I've transmigrated to a world of cultivation, and even if I don't have any cheat codes to show off and slap people in the face, I don't want to be someone's slave."

If my life is destined to be a tragic one, I might as well die; maybe then I can return to my original world.

It's unclear whether Liu Bailian's use of "calling me master" is proper or not.

But being a slave or a dog is unacceptable...

However, Qin Rufeng didn't want to fall out with Liu Bailian over a single sentence. He decided to test the waters first.

So she bowed respectfully and said, "This disciple does not wish to be a slave."

Liu Bailian remained calm and composed, seemingly not entirely surprised by Qin Rufeng's resistance.

Seeing her reaction, Qin Rufeng continued, "I have gone through countless hardships in order to find an opportunity to join a sect and cultivate the Great Dao."

"I am deeply grateful for the fairy's kindness. Even if my talent is lacking, I am willing to work twice as hard to defy the heavens."

"Oh? You've got some nerve. I'm starting to look at you with new respect," Liu Bailian said coldly. "But by talking back to me like this, are you trying to kill yourself?"

Such a threat is too blatant and doesn't fit Liu Bailian's high-class image.

Qin Rufeng judged that she had no intention of killing him. So he became bolder and said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Even ants try to survive, so of course this disciple also cherishes his life."

"But a person has to have some aspirations and ambitions in their life. Otherwise, so many people wouldn't be willing to dedicate their entire lives to cultivating the Great Dao."

“If it weren’t for the fairy defeating the Blood Shadow Sect, I would probably be dead on the Spirit Appraisal Platform. I spoke carelessly and offended the fairy. The fairy wants to take my life... but I have no complaints.”

Qin Rufeng knew he was dancing on a knife's edge. If Liu Bailian acted out of spite, he could lose his life. But if he didn't demonstrate his determination to become her disciple even at the cost of his life, he certainly wouldn't be able to move her.

After a moment of silence, Liu Bailian lowered her voice and slowly said, "If I made you wish you were dead, would you be willing to submit?"

This put Qin Rufeng in a difficult position, leaving him unsure whether to respond with harsh words or gentle words.

Judging from Liu Bailian's tone, she wasn't angry. But what if she remained firm and Liu Bailian clashed with her? If she softened her stance, all her previous efforts would be in vain.

However, Liu Bailian did not press the matter further, but instead asked earnestly, "Are you truly willing to become my disciple?"

Qin Rufeng answered decisively, "I'm willing!"

Liu Bailian sighed and said, "But you don't understand hierarchy and have no respect for social order."

"I am the Xuanwu Saintess of the Jade Maiden Sect. Below the Sect Master, I am on equal footing with the other three Saints."

“You are a mortal from the lower realm with extremely poor talent. My reluctance to accept you as my disciple is not out of any intention to make things difficult for you.”

"Moreover, you lack manners and don't understand respect and etiquette. Once you join a sect, your life and death are no longer in your own hands. Can you abide by the sect rules? The sect will help you cultivate; are you willing to sacrifice your life for the sect?"

"You aspire to cultivate yourself, yet your talent is mediocre. You wish to become an apprentice, but you are arrogant and disrespectful to your elders. With such a lack of sincerity, it's fortunate you met me... Would you even be alive if it were anyone else?"

In truth, Ru Feng knew very well that Liu Bailian hadn't made things difficult for her. Although this fairy had a slightly tangy personality, she had still taken good care of her.

However, Ru Feng couldn't explain to her that he wasn't from this world. He could only respectfully and slowly say, "This disciple knows his mistake."

Chapter 12 The Fairy's Test

Seeing this, Liu Bailian softened her tone and said, "Your talent is mediocre, and your path of cultivation will be extremely difficult. I will never mistreat you as my maid."

“But if you want to become my disciple, you must join a sect. You are too young... You don’t understand the karma that will result from doing so, nor do you know the difficulties that this will involve.”

"People only see the peach blossoms blooming on the branches, defying the snow and cold. But they do not see the wind and frost, the blood and tears! In the end, the fragrance fades and the petals fall, sinking into the rivers and seas, crushed into dust."

"I cherish you and pity you, which is why I am unwilling to take you as my disciple."

Liu Bailian's words were persuasive and sincere. However, Qin Rufeng did not hesitate at all, and said resolutely, "I will never forget your kindness, Fairy. But I... am not afraid of hardship! I am willing to become your disciple and join your sect!"

After a long silence, Liu Bailian sighed and said, "Then come in."

Qin Rufeng then entered the gauze curtain. There he saw Liu Bailian sitting cross-legged on the Ruyi Lotus Platform, her slender feet as delicate as flower stamens.

She rested her chin on her hand, her elbow on the lotus pedestal's floral armrest. She had been reclining on the lotus pedestal, her legs draped over the handle of a lingzhi-shaped ruyi scepter. She only straightened up when Qin Rufeng entered, managing to maintain her sitting posture with difficulty. She looked extremely tired.

The white clothes she wore were not formal attire but rather clothing she wore for home cultivation, making them even lighter and more transparent, revealing her curves in a way that was both visible and hidden... Her fair, smooth, and jade-like body resembled a tender white bud newly sprouting in a lotus pedestal.

Liu Bailian sized up Qin Rufeng and slowly said, "Don't think that just because you've expressed your determination, I'll agree. Your poor talent and spiritual roots are an unchangeable fact."

Then she changed the subject again, saying, "But if I forcefully refuse, you definitely won't be convinced. You'll also feel that I'm bullying you because I'm older than you."

"Therefore, I will teach you a skill."

Qin Rufeng could hardly believe his ears. After a moment of stunned silence, he quickly thanked him.

Liu Bailian said, "Don't thank me yet. I... wasn't moved by your sincerity. I only taught you the technique to discourage you from trying."

"I won't teach you; you'll have to figure it out yourself. When I call you again, I'll test how well you've learned."

"If you satisfy me, I will take you as my apprentice. If not... then give up on the idea, obediently become my maid, and call me master."

"If you agree to this condition, I will teach you this technique."

Qin Rufeng hesitated; this clearly looked like a trap...

Liu Bailian seemed to see through Ru Feng's thoughts and chuckled, saying, "Don't let your little head of yours wander into wild ideas. If I wanted to do something, I would just force myself on you and bend you; I wouldn't bother to deceive you."

"I've given you the opportunity, and I will keep my promise."

"The reason I'm making things so difficult for you is because if you really become my disciple, your status will already be higher than most people in the Jade Maiden Sect. If your strength is insufficient, you will inevitably bring trouble upon yourself."

“You go out and represent the entire sect. If you embarrass yourself and disgrace the sect’s reputation, how am I supposed to explain it to the sect leader?”

"Therefore, I will not compromise on this point!"

"But as I just said, I'm afraid you'll be upset if I refuse directly. So I'll use this method to show you the world of difference between you and the disciples of the Jade Maiden Sect."

"Although it's impossible... if you really pass my test, I will keep my promise and accept you as my apprentice."

"So, are you still willing to accept it?"

"I'm willing!" Qin Rufeng didn't hesitate at all, and didn't even ask what the test was about. Because everything was decided by Liu Bailian alone. No amount of trickery would work; only successful cultivation could truly impress her.

Liu Bailian nodded and asked again, "If you lose, will you admit defeat?"

Qin Rufeng: "I concede."

Liu Bailian: "Will you... obediently call me master?"

No, why can't you forget this?

Qin Rufeng said helplessly, "Yes, I will. If I lose, I will call you master."

"Okay! It's a deal!" Liu Bailian suddenly revealed a bright smile. It was the first time Qin Rufeng had ever seen her smile so happily.

The more I look at this, the more it seems like a trap... A shadow fell over Ru Feng's heart.

Liu Bailian continued, "Since that's the case, then I will teach you the Jade Maiden Sect's unique cultivation method, 'Jade Purity and Ice Clarity'."

"Listen carefully! I don't have anything inferior here. Although Jade Purity and Ice Clarity is only a basic cultivation technique, it is still something that many sects can only dream of. Moreover, it is the foundation for other advanced cultivation techniques. Whether you can learn it or not depends on your comprehension."

Qin Rufeng's mood improved immediately upon hearing this, and he quickly said, "Thank you, fairy."

"Don't rush," Liu Bailian said. "You can't even draw in Qi yet, so you can't learn anything."

Qin Rufeng said, "May I ask, Fairy, how should I guide my Qi into my body? I beg for your guidance."

"I've told you not to rush. In cultivating any technique, haste makes waste," Liu Bailian said with a slight frown. "If you don't change this, you're destined to achieve little."

Qin Rufeng found the words reasonable, so he composed himself and said earnestly, "Thank you for your guidance, Fairy. I understand."