The Programmer Cultivator

Song Huidong replied, ”The assignment was indeed arranged by Master Yuee, but not because he made a mistake. The order to send him didn’t actually come from Master Yuee.”

Zhang Deming paused for a moment and said, ”Then whose idea was it? Isn’t Junior Brother Ji Ming one of Master Yuee’s Inner Disciples? Besides Master Yuee, who else in the Sect could give him such a hard time?”

Upon hearing this, Song Huidong’s expression grew a little more profound. ”Sometimes, what looks like a grueling task isn’t necessarily a punishment or someone making things difficult. It could be an incredible stroke of Blessed Fortune—a reward.”

Zhang Deming looked at Song Huidong, who had suddenly taken on a wistful air, and was slightly taken aback. He inexplicably sensed a hint of jealousy and asked in surprise, ”What do you mean?”

Song Huidong snapped out of his daze and continued, ”Because the one who wanted Junior Brother Ji to go to the secular world to conduct Spirit Root assessments was Master Gengg—Gengg Cuiling.”

Zhang Deming’s expression flickered. He raised an eyebrow. ”Gengg Cuiling? The current Manager of the Celestial Secret—Strategy Department? The one whose authority is comparable to a Supreme Elder, and the most enigmatic Master of Three Talents in the Sect?”

Song Huidong nodded and said in a low voice, ”They say Master Gengg was the one who personally went to speak with Master Yuee. The fact that she paid him a visit, coupled with Master Yuee making such arrangements after their discussion... My own master says that Junior Brother Ji might have an earth-shattering opportunity on this trip.”

Zhang Deming paused. ’No wonder even someone like Song Huidong is green with envy. Although there was a huge gap in their Cultivation, their statuses were comparable.’

’The other guy had someone protecting him before, and now he has this kind of opportunity, while Song Huidong is stuck here as a manager, bitterly waiting for some chance from the Master of Three Talents that may never come. How could he not be jealous of that contrast?’

The two continued to make idle conversation. Zhang Deming had put effort into this sort of thing and had even polished his Oratory Skill, while Song Huidong was a seasoned old hand himself. Because of this, they got along harmoniously, with no awkward lulls in the conversation.

······

A good part of the day passed. A Disciple suddenly entered the great hall, walked to its center, and bowed to Guan Shouxin, who was on the main seat.

”Ancestor Guan, the scout Disciples for the vanguard procession have made contact with the Bai Shu Sect’s escort team. Should we close in immediately, or should we delay a bit and make them work for it?”

The statue-like Guan Shouxin opened his eyes. Looking at the Disciple, he said, ”Prepare to move in directly. Such petty maneuvers are beneath us. We’ll be a laughingstock if we employ them.”

The Disciple paused. Many of the surrounding Duality Disciples glanced in unison at Guan Shouxin.

Zhang Deming also glanced at him. ’Are you sure you find it unbecoming, and not that you’re just trying to get this over with so you can hurry back to the Sect?’

”This Disciple understands.” After a brief pause, he bowed respectfully and hurriedly turned to leave.

Guan Shouxin looked at the crowd and said, ”Since they’ve arrived, go and get ready. Even if we’re just going through the motions, at least put some energy into it. Don’t drop the ball in the middle of things and embarrass us in front of the Buddhist Sect.”

”As you command, Master!” the twenty-odd Duality Disciples declared, bowing in unison.

The Tai Chi Disciples, who had been waiting outside the hall for a long time, quickly came forward. Each found the Master they were assigned to and led them out of the hall.

Two guide Disciples also approached Zhang Deming and Song Huidong. One came to Zhang Deming’s side and bowed slightly. The older of the two spoke up: ”Master Zhang, Master Song, who from Spirit Nurturing Peak will be responsible for the Crown Ritual this time?”

Song Huidong paused in surprise. ”Isn’t Master Guan leading it?”

The guide Disciple replied, ”Ancestor Guan has already given instructions. He said he’s past the age for seeking the spotlight and wants to leave the chance to shine to us Disciples. He will be responsible for the Pecking Ritual.”

”So that means Spirit Nurturing Peak is still responsible for the Crown and Tail Feather Rituals, as per tradition?” Song Huidong asked.

The guide Disciple nodded. ”Yes, that’s what Master Guan has arranged.”

”In that case, Junior Brother Zhang, you take the Crown Plume, and I’ll handle the Tail Feather,” Song Huidong said.

Zhang Deming hesitated, then said, ”Why don’t I take the Tail Feather instead? I’ve read up on the ceremonial Array Skill, and I’ve been cramming for the last few days, but I’ve never actually performed it. I’m afraid I’ll mess things up when the time comes, and that would be a real problem. It would be a huge embarrassment for the Sect—in front of the Holy Land, no less.”

Song Huidong smiled. ”Don’t worry. An individual can’t really affect the outcome. Besides, there are Disciples specifically assigned to guide you. All you really need to do is supply the Spiritual Power. Well, you might have to lead the group for a moment during the Crown Plume Ritual, but it’s all very simple. It’s not difficult, so you have nothing to worry about.”

”Well... alright, then,” Zhang Deming replied.

Seeing that the two had reached an agreement, the guide Disciple beside him asked, ”So, Master Zhang, you’ll be taking the Crown Plume position?”

Zhang Deming nodded. The Disciple bowed low and said, ”In that case, Master Zhang, please come with me!”

And so, Zhang Deming and the twenty-odd fellow Duality Masters were each led by a guide Disciple out of the great hall and onto a wide, deck-like plaza.

At this moment, all the Tai Chi Disciples were assembled on the plaza, standing in a peculiar formation.

Zhang Deming, along with Yang Guangfu and Qin Shizhong behind him, was led to the very front of the formation. As they drew closer, he discovered circles drawn on the ground where everyone stood.

The circles weren’t large, about a foot in diameter, and each contained a sequence number.

The guide Disciple led Zhang Deming to position number one and said, ”Master Zhang, this is your ceremonial position. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t learned the Ritual Skill. Just follow the rhythm.

Your Crown Plume position includes a step that requires Leadership Skill. If you can’t manage that, you can choose to delegate it downward or entrust its management to our Array Department. All three options are acceptable.”