My Husband’s Ascension Ch 12
Chapter 12 Even Less Reason
Zhao Zhao remained unaware of the impending danger.
Having just entered the first floor of the guesthouse, everything seemed fresh and novel to her. Disciples dressed in ink-black and white sect uniforms gathered in small groups—some were inventorying divine artifacts and elixir pils, while others exchanged intelligence about the blessed land. Each of them carried at least one sword at their side, with scabbards of varying designs adorned by distinctive tassels, creating a rather striking sight.
Zhao Zhao recalled that Yao Ling was also destined to become a sword cultivator in the future.
According to Daoist Ming Jue, apart from the ancient spiritual herbs and plants within the blessed lands, there were also rare minerals that could be used for sword forging. If this trip to Langhuan didn’t significantly enhance her cultivation, bringing back a few pieces of ore to forge a sword would still make the journey worthwhile.
"—You must be a cultivator from Cloudculm Abode, right?"
A female disciple who had been observing Zhao Zhao for some time addressed her.
Zhao Zhao snapped out of her thoughts, and the three female disciples behind the speaker also turned their gaze toward her, offering friendly smiles.
The one who had spoken first smiled and introduced herself, "I’m Shan Yu, a sword cultivator of Kunwu. If you don’t mind, would you like to join us when we enter the blessed land later?"
Almost as soon as Shan Yu finished speaking, Zhao Zhao happily agreed.
"Yes, I’d love that!"
Zhao Zhao had been feeling rather out of place standing alone, so having companions was truly the best outcome.
"However, my cultivation is shallow, and I fear I may not be of much help. I hope you all won’t mind."
"No worries! Shan Yu jiejie is one of our sect’s most talented sword cultivators. With her leading, we just need to follow behind and gather the treasures!"
Shan Yu sighed helplessly, "If senior brother and senior sister hear you talking like this, they’ll surely punish you with reflection at Repentance Cliff."
"Oh jiejie, you’ll have to plead for us if that happens!"
The group of girls burst into laughter and cheerful banter. Watching them, Zhao Zhao couldn’t help but curve her lips into a smile.
Suddenly, she thought of her friends back at Yunmeng Pier.
Uncle and Auntie Xie had likely already spread the news of her departure to cultivate into an immortal. They were truly good people—knowing this, they would surely be happy for her.
Zhao Zhao only felt a twinge of regret.
After marrying Xie Lanshu, much of her time had been claimed by him, and she could no longer spend her days attached to her friends as she once did.
Yet even so, Xie Lanshu would still look at her with a rather mournful expression whenever she returned home late.
…
—Don't you want me to spend time with my friends?
He didn’t answer, only gently combed his warm fingers through her damp hair as it floated in the water. Zhao Zhao, lying on the rattan chair, enjoyed the sensation of his fingers massaging her scalp, her gaze drifting through the courtyard’s skylight as she searched for the tianshu* star in the night sky.
(TLN: I kept it as tianshu since it’s our ML’s title, but as a reminder, Alpha Ursae Majoris, or Tianshu (天枢) is the ancient name of Dubhe, the brightest star of Plough.)
—I just... wish to have a little more time with you.
Zhao Zhao didn’t quite understand and replied offhandedly,
—But we’re together every day as it is.
The sound of water trickled softly as he cradled her dark, silk-like hair, allowing the strands to twine around his fingers.
—It’s not enough.
—I want more, much more time with you.
Unaware of the deeper meaning in his words, Zhao Zhao answered with naive innocence,
—Are you bored staying at home? How about I ask my cousin to take you out for social engagements? You could make a few friends.
The youth picked up a soft cloth and wrapped it around her hair. Fearful she might catch a chill, he patiently pressed out every drop of moisture.
—There’s no need.
—I don’t need friends. Not now, and not in the future either.
…
The tightly shut door on the second floor finally opened.
Like everyone else, Zhao Zhao lifted her gaze toward the commotion above.
A figure as pure and graceful as a crane emerged slowly from the doorway. His robes, flowing like clouds, shimmered with an iridescent glow under the sunlight, accentuating noble features that seemed almost celestial—untouched by the mundane world.
Two senior disciples followed him respectfully on either side.
The remaining Kunwu disciples, upon seeing him, all bowed in unison, offering their greetings with reverent voices.
Though worshiped as a Dao Lord by countless cultivators, he remained a man without a friend.
Zhao Zhao lowered her eyes.
But then, things like family, friends, and a wife had always been mere trifles to him, discarded like worn-out shoes. This boundless authority and the admiration of thousands were what he had truly sought all along.
A gaze settled atop Zhao Zhao’s head.
Almost instantly, Dao Lord Tianshu’s eyes locked onto that figure in emerald green amidst the crowd.
Why was she here?
Behind the silk blindfold, his eyes darkened.
"This journey to the Blessed Land of Langhuan holds just as many opportunities as there are dangers. There shall be no fighting or killing among fellow cultivators, nor shall teams exceed ten members to avoid relying solely on collective strength." He paused, then added, "Though there are peaceful areas within the blessed land, perilous zones abound. Even among the seven great sects, many cultivators fall in these areas every year—including those with profound cultivation. Once you enter, your life rests solely in your own hands. Those who wish to withdraw may still do so now."
None of the Kunwu disciples below made a sound, though many wore expressions of surprise at his words.
While this was true… Dao Lord Tianshu was never one to speak unnecessarily.
Moreover, though the Dao Lord appeared gentle and kind on the surface, he was exceptionally strict in disciplining disciples. Under normal circumstances, anyone daring to retreat right before any confrontation would be fortunate to escape with their cultivation intact—let alone receive such leniency. What had gotten into him today?
Only Zong Fei and Mu Ling had some inkling of the reason. Their gazes simultaneously turned toward the figure in emerald green amidst the crowd.
She held her head high, her fair face showing neither hesitation nor fear.
A long silence passed.
Not a single voice rose within the guesthouse.
"...Let us depart."
His snow-white robes swept in an arc before settling gracefully.
Beside Zhao Zhao, someone whispered:
"No one backed out, so why does Dao Lord seem… almost displeased?"
"Who knows…"
…
Unable to fly by sword and without a sword of her own, Zhao Zhao followed Shan Yu and the others to the Blessed Land of Langhuan. She had thought they arrived quite early, but upon reaching the site, she found the area outside the blessed land already teeming with cultivators holding Small Sword Pass residency permits.
This was the first time Zhao Zhao learned that the cultivation world also had something like a household registration system.
She glanced around but didn’t see anyone who resembled Shi Lanyan.
She wondered how the other woman planned to infiltrate the crowd and gather information.
"Everyone, please remain patient—"
Zong Fei, the senior disciple of Kunwu, stepped forward and announced in a clear voice, "Once the Blessed Land of Langhuan opens, all of you may enter ahead of the disciples of Kunwu and Mount Ling. The blessed land is vast, and regardless of the order of entry, everyone will have their chance to gain opportunities. There is no need to rush—"
While it was true that the gains in the blessed land had little to do with the order of entry, the crowd was still astonished to hear that they could enter before the disciples of Kunwu.
After recovering from their surprise, the excited cultivators cheered loudly, praising Kunwu’s generosity and righteousness.
Zhao Zhao couldn’t help but feel a twinge of displeasure.
After all, it was their Cloudculm Abode that guarded Small Sword Pass, and the Blessed Land of Langhuan was located within their territory. Yet, somehow, Kunwu had managed to claim both the benefits and the reputation.
As a disciple of Cloudculm Abode, she had to rely on Kunwu’s influence just to get a chance to enter.
…Prosperity and decline never last! Just you wait…
When her two little disciples grow up, she’ll make sure Dao Lord Tianshu witnesses the might of their Cloudculm Abode!
"Miss Immortal, are you feeling nervous?" Shan Yu, observant and considerate, offered gentle reassurance, "The blessed land isn’t as terrifying as it seems. As long as you guard your heart, resist the temptations of the evil within, and avoid greedily venturing into dangerous areas for treasures, you’ll be safe. Most of those who perished in the realm in previous years were victims of their own avarice."
Zhao Zhao nodded, half-understanding, committing Shan Yu’s words firmly to memory.
"By the way, may I ask which path you cultivate, Miss Immortal?"
Zhao Zhao replied with a hint of embarrassment:
"My soul aligns with wood spirit, so I cultivate... the Dao of Divine Farmer."
In the cultivation world, after completing foundation establishment, cultivators determine their suitable path based on the five elements of their soul.
For example, Sword Sects are most suited for a metal-aligned soul.
A fire-aligned soul fits the Ghost Soldier Sect, which focuses on trap formations and combat arrays.
While those with all five elements balanced befit the arts Yin and Yang of the Yin-Yang Sect.
It is possible to forcibly cultivate a path misaligned with one’s soul element, but doing so is inevitably more difficult and makes it harder to fully realize one’s innate talents.
And Zhao Zhao’s soul aligned with wood—there was no path more suitable for her than the Dao of Divine Farmer.
Yet, in truth, the Dao of Divine Farmer held an awkward position in the cultivation world.
This world revered strength and power, and the widely accepted measure of a true powerhouse was one who could triumph in every battle, standing unchallenged at the pinnacle.
Just like the current Dao Lord Tianshu.
It was through his indisputable strength that he challenged the six major immortal sects upon succession, reclaiming many blessed lands and grotto-heavens that had been lost during Kunwu’s decline.
He led disciples in campaigns against the ghost and demon realms, expanding the territories of the cultivation world, thus solidifying his status as the unquestioned Dao Lord in the eyes of all.
As for cultivators of the Divine Farmer’s Dao, while skilled in healing and restoration arts, they often lacked combat prowess.
They could support their companions but rarely operated independently.
"That’s perfect! With you joining us, if we encounter any danger, we’ll take the front line. And if we get injured, you can heal us."
"Earlier, someone said we were bringing along deadweight—but this isn’t deadweight at all! It’s like stumbling upon a treasure…"
Zhao Zhao was taken aback.
As soon as the words were spoken, the female disciple was nudged by someone nearby. Realizing her mistake, she quickly fell silent and looked at Zhao Zhao with an apologetic expression.
"Apologies..."
Though slightly surprised, Zhao Zhao understood after a moment’s thought.
These Kunwu disciples were elites chosen from thousands, and it was only natural for them to carry some pride. Moreover, they weren’t obligated to be friendly toward her.
The survival of the fittest was, after all, the fundamental rule of the cultivation world.
"It’s alright." Zhao Zhao shook her head and instead flashed a bright, reassuring smile at the somewhat uneasy group. "Once we’re inside, as long as you all give me a chance to prove myself, I’ll definitely show you that I’m not deadweight!"
Seeing her unbothered expression, the others relaxed and laughed:
"Okay! But are you hoping we’ll get injured?"
"Then you might be disappointed, we’re really strong. You might not even get a chance to show off!"
Clear, cheerful laughter faintly drifted from the usually solemn and orderly procession. The snow-white figure leading the way abruptly halted and glanced back.
Though he had already guessed the source of the laughter the moment he turned, the sight of the bright-smiling young woman surrounded by several female disciples still left him momentarily dazed.
Just like that person.
No matter where she went or what situation she found herself in, she always managed to quickly make friends and lift her spirits.
It was as if she never knew the taste of loneliness, and the smile on her face never faded.
Mu Ling noticed him pausing and followed his gaze toward Zhao Zhao’s direction.
"Master, that female cultivator from Cloudculm Abode… she really can’t be that Miss Xie. Last night, she even tried to set me up on a blind date. Miss Xie would never do something like that—"
"I know."
Dao Lord Tianshu turned away. The silk cloth concealing his eyes made it impossible to discern his thoughts.
Zong Fei cautiously gauged his master’s mood and ventured, "If you’re truly concerned, Master, I could secretly follow them. If it really is Miss Xie, I could ensure her safety."
"Unnecessary." His voice was faint and even, devoid of any excess emotion. "If it really is her, then there's even less reason to save her."
Dao Lord Tianshu raised a hand and touched the barrier before him. At the slightest brush of his fingertips, the barrier trembled like a vast expanse of turbulent blue waves, then shattered into countless floating points of light.
The Blessed Land of Langhuan had opened.
Cultivators from Small Sword Pass streamed in one after another, stirring clouds of dust in their wake.
Yet Dao Lord Tianshu only gazed into the deep, mysterious entrance of the blessed land, his voice soft and measured, "She is born stubborn. Unless she witnesses the brutality of the cultivation world for herself, she will never relent."
Mu Ling pondered for a moment. "What if... she manages to persevere?"
Dao Lord Tianshu was momentarily lost in thought.
He had never considered that possibility.
In his fragmented memories, she was as delicate as a flower that could be blown from the branch by the slightest breeze—crying out in pain at the smallest injury, burrowing into his arms with a smile, demanding to be held.
Such a frail, precious blossom belonged only in the mortal world; the cultivation world held no soil for her to grow.
And yet—
Even so, she had once journeyed alone across countless mountains and rivers to stand before him.
Dao Lord Tianshu fell silent for a long moment before stepping into the blessed land.
"What of it?"
His tone remained unchanged as he repeated, "This is no place for her."
TL Note: For those interested, the idea of a soul’s ‘five elements’ is not completely made up for this novel. Wuxing (五行) is a Chinese model describing how five core energies influence and control each other in everything. More accurate translations are "Five Phases" or "Five Agents," which better capture the idea of dynamic processes, change, and qualitative relationships. I only used ‘elements’ since it’s better suited in this context.
The five agents are not isolated, they interact in two primary cycles:
Inter-promoting (相生): Also called "mother-son," where one element will help another. For example: Wood fuels Fire, Fire creates Ash/Earth, or Earth bears Metal.
Inter-regulating (相克): Also called "grandfather-grandson," is where one element will decrease the amount of another element. For example: Wood parts Earth, Earth absorbs Water, or Water douses Fire.
It’s a pretty complex concept, so I think I’m done trying to explain this confusing thing lol. Please check out the link below if you want a more thorough explanation. All you need to know for this story is that depending on your date of birth, every person will be born with a different balance of each element. And that predominating element (or if it’s all equal) is what the characters in this novel will base their choice of which sect to join and which Dao to cultivate in. There’s sites where you can get your element calculated. While fun, keep in mind most of them aren’t accurate.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wuxing_(Chinese_philosophy)
