The Ancestor of our Sect Isn’t Acting like an Elder
chapter-49

49 – Xuzhou’s [1] Nangong Family

After a while, Qian Duoduo returned. He was followed by a petite figure.

The first person to be tested is a girl.

Elegant light purple dress, exquisite embroidered shoes, graceful hairstyle – it is a familiar figure. Xue Qilin knew her.

“Huh?” It’s the sister of that pair of siblings? Xue Qilin didn’t expect the first one to be one of the applicants that she paid attention to.

“Why are you surprised? Do you fancy her? Would you like me to propose to her on your behalf?” Xia Xue asked three questions in a row and left Xue Qilin dumbstruck for a while.

“No, that’s not it, this little girl has good aptitude.” Xue Qilin lowered her voice and answered.

Xia Xue kept silent first, and then looked carefully at the girl in purple.

“You’re right.” She agreed with Xue Qilin.

As she probably didn’t want to disturb Xia Xue and Xue Qilin who were talking, the girl in purple waited silently next to the door. But when the two ended their conversation…

“I am Nangong Mingming [2]. Greetings, Elder Xia.” The girl saluted and greeted in a clear and bright voice, all very appropriate.

“Mhm. Please take a seat, Miss Nangong.” Xia Xue pointed at the chair on the other side and said expressionlessly.

The girl nodded, and then walked straight to the chair with elegant steps. The distance between each step is extremely uniform, showing ample education.

Mhm, her family background should be good! Xue Qilin speculated secretly.

Whether her clothes, words, or behavior, they all brimmed with a noble air. This noble air is cultivated from an early age. It isn’t something than can be achieved over a short period of time. However…

This girl is really something! Xue Qilin smiled secretly.

Although she has prepared herself to conceal her inner tsundere [3] mixed with confidence. But unfortunately, she didn’t succeed. After all, the eyes are the window to a person’s soul, and are hard to disguise.

The girl sat on the chair as told. Sitting upright, an appropriate smile on her face, her behavior was very natural. She didn’t look nervous. Perhaps she was nervous, but it didn’t show on her face.

Confident – strong self-confidence and appropriate pride.

Not bad, worth extra points! While Xue Qilin nodded her head inwardly, she caught a faint smile on a corner of Xia Xue’s lips from the corner of her eye. The latter also seems rather satisfied with the girl’s performance.

A confident person has it always easy to win the favor of others.

“A personage from Xuzhou?”

The girl in purple nodded.

“What is your relationship with Chang’an’s Nangong family?” Xia Xue narrowed her eyes, apparently rather mindful of the surname Nangong.

Facing Xia Xue’s sharp eyes, the girl hesitated for a moment, and then answered, “Xuzhou’s Nangong family is a branch family of Chang’an’s main Nangong family.”

“Not directly related?”

“No, and in fact, there is little connection.”

The two confronted each other with their eyes. Xia Xue examined the veracity of the other party’s words, while Nangong Mingming expressed frankness.

“Mhm, I understand.” Xia Xue retracted her gaze first, then opened a notebook that has been prepared on the table beforehand on a blank page, dipped the brush in ink, and wrote a line of words: “Nangong Mingming, family history should be clean, yet has to be checked.”

Unable to suppress her curiosity, Xue Qilin yanked on Xia Xue’s sleeve.

Xia Xue raised her eyebrows and asked softly in a slightly dissatisfied tone, “What’s wrong?”

“Why are you so rigorous in your questioning?” Xue Qilin whispered in Xia Xue’s ear.

“The previous Prime Minister was from the Chang’an’s Nangong family. Two years ago, the Chang’an’s Nangong family was wiped out in a large fire [4], and there were no survivors.”

“That so… an Imperial Court dispute?”

Because of some imperial harem struggle novels she read in her original world, Xue Qilin is very sensitive in this respect.

Xia Xue put on a surprised expression on her face that read “how do you know”.

I seem to have hit the nail on the head. Am I clever or what?! Xue Qilin smiled proudly.

The Fifth Elder of the Merak Temple didn’t pour cold water on Xue Qilin’s complacency, but instead shot Nangong who had an expression of doubt on her face yet remained silent a glance, and then said in a low voice, “Therefore, we have to be careful.”

We have a bad relationship with the Imperial Court to begin with – Xue Qilin mused.

“Miss Nangong, you should have learned martial arts. Have you taken a teacher before?”

“I haven’t, I learned martial arts from my father.”

“Since you have prior experience, the difficulty of your assessment will be increased. Do you have any problems with that?” Putting an expression of indifference, Xia Xue spoke to Nangong Mingming again.

“I already prepared, and can start at anytime.” The girl in purple clothes nodded and gave her assent. Not being afraid of sudden challenges is a sign of confidence.

“In the first assessment, we will evaluate your ‘qi perception’.”

Qi perception is related to the sensibility to true qi. Without sensibility to true qi, there’s nothing else to talk about.

“There will be true qi blowing towards you. As best as you can, you have to identify from where the true qi is coming. Of course, you can also point out who released it.”

“Okay.” The girl took a deep breath, “I understand.”

Without instructing Xue Qilin to stand by, Xia Xue quietly started the assessment, “Let’s get started, you must sense it carefully.”

Then, suddenly a gust of wind blew in the hall. It was naturally true qi.

A burst of true qi came out of Xia Xue’s sleeve, went around Gong Tianqing, and blew towards the girl from her left.

Although in Xue Qilin’s perception this flow of true qi is “wind”, but for the girl dressed in purple, it should probably feel like a weak flow of air – her tightly knitted eyebrows are evidence of this.

Silence – everyone from the Merak Temple was waiting for the answer.

“From the left… the source is the Fifth Elder or…” Nangong Mingming pointed at Xue Qilin and spoke in an uncertain tone: “… this Senior Disciple Sister.”

“Hmm, all right.” Without telling the other party whether she was right or wrong, Xia Xue wrote in the notebook “Good qi perception” in front of Nangong Mingming’s name.

“Next, you need to answer a question.”

Nangong Mingming nodded, her expression no longer as calm as before.

“You are driving a carriage for the Temple Master along a mountain road. But suddenly, you find a martial arts secret book and a box of jewelry on the edge of a cliff. Would you pick them up?”

What the hell is this question? Xue Qilin’s eyes almost popped out.

Clearly, she’s not the only one who thinks that this question is strange. Although Nangong Mingming tried her best to maintain an appropriate smile on her face, but the jerking of her cheeks still betrayed her.

Xia Xue, Gong Tianqing, and Qian Duoduo are all composed. It doesn’t look like this is a prank.

Nangong Mingming probably realized this, and pondered the question seriously.

When she saw the troubled expression on the other party’s face, Gong Tianqing spoke in a rare fashion: “There is no set solution to this question. Just answer as you want.”

“Thank you, Senior Disciple Sister.” Nangong Mingming expressed her thanks first, and then replied, “I think that I can pick it up after ascertaining that there is no danger.”

If Little Seven sitting in the carriage knew that there is a box of jewelry nearby, she’ll stop right away, and then pick it up and use it to help the Merak Temple with its finances! Idle, Xue Qilin let her imagination run wild.

After Xia Xue got an answer, she made a hmm sound, and then wrote in the notebook: “Has a spirit of adventure, takes responsibility into account, but isn’t thoughtful enough.”

“This is the final test.” Xia Xue put down the brush, and then looked at Qian Duoduo and instructed: “Leave for a moment.”

Qian Duoduo nodded and left quickly.

While Xue Qilin was wondering what was going on…

“Miss Nangong, please undress.” Xia Xue requested.

Xue Qilin suspected that she has heard wrong, but when she saw Nangong Mingming stand up and undressed, she was sure that she hasn’t.

Along with rhythmic rustling sounds, Nangong Mingming’s clothes came off piece by piece.

What’s going on! Xue Qilin finally returned to her senses. She looked at Xia Xue and Gong Tianqing and found that the two didn’t have vulgar expressions. Otherwise, she would have believed that the Merak Temple is actually a brothel, and is hiring girls.

“…” Under Xue Qilin’s unnatural gaze, Nangong Mingming shed all her clothing. Oh, no, there’s still underwear left.

“Qing’er, your turn.”

“Ok, okay.” Gong Tianqing responded, and then stood up and walked up to the half-naked girl. Under Xue Qilin’s surprised gaze, she put her hands on Nangong Mingming, pinching and touching left and right. It looks like Gong Tianqing is ascertaining something.

“Did she hide poison?” Xue Qilin asked a nonsensical question.

“Oy, our Merak Temple’s Young Ancestor not only has a high cultivation base, but also has a rich imagination. Her thoughts fly out of control.”

“Then why is Little Qing touching her all over?”

“Your lack of knowledge raises one’s hackles. You’re no batter than an earthworm in this regard.” Xia Xue carried on with amusement, “This is bone touch, and it serves to examine a person’s physique.”

“Hey hey hey, there’s even such a technique!”

Should I also learn it? If I did learn it, won’t I be able to use it as an excuse to touch everywhere? As she imagined the beautiful future, Xue Qilin didn’t realize that she was drooling. Only after Xia Xue reminded her in a disgusted tone did she quickly react and wipe off her saliva.

“Elder Xia, it’s okay.”

Xia Xue nodded, and then stood up and walked to Nangong Mingming’s side.

“Next, I will infuse true qi into your body. The true qi will circulate inside you. Try to control and release it in the most suitable way.”

“I understand.” Nangong Mingming assented, and then Xia Xue put her palm on her shoulder.

Introduction of foreign true qi will inevitably cause a certain degree of discomfort, and the girl from the Nangong family gradually furrowed her eyebrows.

“You can start at any time.” Xia Xue retracted her hand and observed the girl.

Probably because she is trying her best to seize the true qi that didn’t belong to her, the girl closed her eyes, and didn’t respond. Her concentrated look made people unable to bear to bother her.

Time passed by in silence.

She can’t do it? Gradually, Xue Qilin became a little disappointed.

But then… The girl extended her hand hastily, and wind whirled on her palm. It’s a vortex of true qi.

Streams of air spiraled and light distorted. Finally, a sphere of true qi formed in Nangong Mingming’s hand.

Condensed qi form? The expressions of everyone present are surprisingly consistent – astonishment.

“This…” Nangong Mingming seems to be in a state of shock. Apparently, she didn’t expect that her ability would be this great.

At times, surprise is accompanied by panic, especially when holding a power beyond your imagination.

… the true qi sphere flew off.

For some unknown reason, the girl’s hand shook suddenly, and the true qi sphere was thrown high like a ball.

Then, it shot out.

Looking at the true qi sphere, the true qi shell whistling, Xue Qilin was very surprised, surprised at why the other party has shot it towards her.

But the lass didn’t care about the true qi shell moving at a snail’s pace.

I am Heaven Realm expert, after all!

“Really!” Xue Qilin grumbled and pulled back her head, and the true qi shell flew over her head. A wind pressure raised her long hair. Then…

Thud.

“Ouch!”

Two sounds rose almost almost at the same time.

Xue Qilin pressed the back of her head with her hands, and tears sprang up in the corners of her eyes.

She was hit by the true qi shell, she was hit by the true qi shell that bounced off from god knows what.

Xia Xue was stunned at first, and then burst into laughter. Gong Tianqing’s face distorted as she stifled a smile.

“Uh, sorry…” Nangong Mingming apologized sluggishly. Apparently, she still hasn’t extricated herself from the shock.

“It’s okay, it’s okay.” Xia Xue wiped off her tears and waved her hands, “My disciple isn’t that fragile, so don’t mind it, don’t mind it.”

Is there a teacher like that?! With tears in her eyes, Xue Qilin glared at Xia Xue, clearly showing that she is dissatisfied with the other party’s glee.

The thick-skinned Xia Xue ignored Xue Qilin’s accusatory gaze.

“Alright then. Miss Nangong, your assessment is over. You can get dressed and leave.” With that, without caring whether Nangong Mingming heard it or not, Xia Xue went back to her seat and wrote a few words in the notebook – “Good physique, no stagnation of true qi, qi passageways unobstructed.”

She paused a little, and then added the word “admitted.”

“Elder Xia, Senior Disciple Brother Qian, and two Senior Disciple Sisters, thank you for your hard work.” Nangong Mingming bowed, “I will take my leave.”

When Nangong Mingming left, Xue Qilin asked: “She is admitted?”

“Her aptitude is quite good, so why wouldn’t she be admitted?”

“Is it, but isn’t it written here that her family history has to be checked?”

“Is your head empty or what? If we don’t admit her now, then this good seedling will be pouched by others! If we find any problems, it won’t be too late to deal with it later.” Xia Xue rolled her eyes.

In other words, it’s something akin to internship? The wisdom of people from ancient times cannot be underestimated… At the same time, Xue Qilin warned herself not to rely on some more modern knowledge to tease Qi Qiqi in case she sees through it, and fist end up flying.

While Xue Qilin indulged in her thoughts…

“Hello, everyone!” Suddenly, a childish voice sounded, and Xue Qilin looked up.

It turns out that the next candidate has already entered the “examination room”.

Hey, it’s the younger brother. Xue Qilin’s interest was suddenly piqued.

The new candidate is a little boy who looks similar to Nangong Mingming.

The little boy is very beautiful, and is wearing dark purple clothes, which contrast with Nangong Mingming’s light purple dress.

He’s name is Nangong Mingye… Xue Qilin glanced at the information on the registration form and got the boy’s name.

Is this a typical case of the name doesn’t match the person? Looking at the boy, he doesn’t look anything like Ming and Ye [6]. Wouldn’t it be more fitting to call him Ming and Zhou [7]? Yes, Nangong Mingzhou! I am really a genius.

Naturally unaware of the thought that revolved in Xue Qilin’s head, Xia Xue started a Q&A session.

“Are you Nangong Mingming’s… are you Miss Nangong’s younger brother?”

“Older Sister Ming is my sister!” The little boy answered cheerfully.

She doesn’t know if it is a misconception or something, but Xue Qilin feels that the other party’s gaze often falls on her.

It wouldn’t be a case of like attracts like, right?! Even if it is, shouldn’t it be with Qing’er, and not with myself?

Nangong Mingye’s eyes focused on her again. Although Xue Qilin’s mind was in disarray, but she still smiled back calmly.

Is it like sister like brother? Nangong Mingye easily passed the “qi perception” test, and he was no slower than his older sister. And just like his sister, Nangong Mingye’s evaluation was “good”.

Next came the second test.

“If the Temple Master and your mother fell into water at the same time, whom would you save?” Xia Xue asked a question that is hard to answer for countless men.

This is a typical dilemma. No matter how you answer, you can always be criticized.

However, the little boy tilted his head, unconcerned, “I will call for help.”

“Why?” Xia Xue asked in a seldom for her soft tone.

“Because I’m not good at swimming! If I jump in too, I won’t be of any help! Therefore, it’s better to call for help!” Swaying his feet, Nangong Mingye answered with a smile.

How clever! Xue Qilin nodded with a light smile.

“Older Sister, your smile is very beautiful!” Nangong Mingye stared at Xue Qilin.

“Are you talking to me?” Xue Qilin pointed at herself and asked, and Nangong Mingye nodded heavily in reply.

“Hey, you have good eyes!”

Sure enough, it’s hard to overlook a natural beauty! Xue Qilin wrinkled her nose smugly. At the same time, she felt like she has forgotten something.

Did I forget something? She thought about it, but couldn’t think of anything, so she had to ignore it.

In this way, Nangong Mingye easily passed the second test, and then the third test began immediately after.

No one left the hall this time. Because the candidate is just a little child, like a blank piece of paper, so there is nothing to avoid.

Following the procedure, it was finally time for the bone touch test. Qian Duoduo is in charge of it this time. He is very skillful, and he quickly completed the test.

Then, it was Xia Xue’s time again.

As before, Xia Xue put her hand on Nangong Mingye’s shoulder and injected her true qi into him.

“It hurts a bit!” Nangong Mingye shouted in pain.

Xia Xue consoled softly: “Endure it. Aren’t you a man?”

Is this consolation? Xue Qilin was skeptical, but when she thought that it came from Xia Xue’s mouth, she became relieved. Well, you can’t expect too much of her.

After Xia Xue retracted her hand, Nangong Mingye easily controlled the true qi that didn’t belong to him.

Then, an amazing scene took place.

After he guided the true qi outside and formed a sphere, he squeezed it like mud.

If eyes could really fall out, then Xue Qilin’s eyes would have fallen out.

One more outrageous than the other! Xue Qilin thought.

Under everyone’s surprised gazes, the little boy turned the true qi ball into the shape of a heart. He hid the heart-shaped true qi ball behind his back. Holding it with both hands, he walked to wards Xue Qilin shyly.

“Big Sister…” He kicked a non-existent stone, and his cheeks flushed red, looking very adorable.

Xue Qilin blinked her eyes in puzzlement.

“For you!” Nangong Mingye held the “heart” in front of Xue Qilin, and then carried on, “Big Sister, this is my heart! Please take good care of it!”

With that, as if he was too embarrassed, the little boy ran out in a gust of wind.

Does he know that it is rather easy to lose control of true qi? He shouldn’t know. Because if he did it knowingly, Xue Qilin vowed to spank him.

The heart-shaped true qi instantly lost its shape, and then… Boom! It exploded in Xue Qilin’s hands.

[1] – Xuzhou

[2] – Nangong Mingming has the same last name as Nangong Yunyao, the girl from chapter 37 aka prologue of vol. 2

[3] – Tsundere

[4] – From this passage – the Chang’an’s Nangong family was wiped out in a large fire – we can safely assume that the events in chapter 37 took place two years ago

[5] – Ming (冥) means dark or deep and Ye (夜) means night

[6] – Ming (明) means bright and Zhout (昼) means day