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“This is the sect’s contract.”
With a tap of his finger, a jade slip slid out from the sleeve of the person before her.
The jade slip, inscribed with faint white characters, was Qingyun Sect’s unique life contract.
Ning Youli focused intently on it and, following the prompt of the disciple beside her, solemnly pressed her blood-stained index finger onto it.
The jade slip began to glow, its surface covered with crackling ice-like patterns.
Ning Youli felt both surprised and fascinated, an urge to step forward and examine it closely rising in her heart. Yet, standing before an expert at the Nascent Soul1, she had no choice but to suppress her curiosity with all her might.
“By signing this contract, you agree to become an outer disciple of Qingyun Sect, belonging to my Lingyun Peak, and in charge of the seventeen spiritual pools at the back mountain. Do you have any objections?” The white-robed cultivator asked solemnly, standing before the mountain gate that was shrouded with mist.
“No objections.” Ning Youli’s smiling eyes sparkled like stars, soft and pleasing. “Thank you, Peak Master.”
“Hmm.” The Peak Master of Lingyun Peak nodded, his gaze settling on Ning Youli carrying a hint of doubt.
He had just reviewed the sect’s records. This girl had indeed taken a spiritual root test at Qingyun Sect two years ago, but due to her poor aptitude, no peak master had chosen her. She herself had shown no interest in staying as an outer disciple, so she was sent home without further commotion.
Now… why had she returned, insisting on finding work at Qingyun Sect?
The Peak Master’s eyes lingered on Ning Youli. The smiling girl was delicate and lovely, her face still carrying a touch of youthfulness yet already hinting at a stunning appearance in the future… However, within her smiling eyes lay an unusual calmness, along with a clarity as sharp as frost.
Yet, looking at her slender, willow-like figure, it seemed inconceivable that she would be involved with a contract for manual labor.
Everyone knew that the tasks in the sect’s back mountains required grueling physical work, mostly undertaken by male cultivators. Tasks included clearing the mountain, transporting materials, digging for materials, and tilling the land. Even fish farming… Although the Heavenly Pool had been under the sect’s jurisdiction for centuries and was considered safe by others, it still housed many immature exotic beasts. Coupled with its vast and considerable area, entrusting it to a girl who appeared exceptionally frail was truly worrying.
Ultimately, he had been unable to resist the girl’s sincere pleas. Moreover, Qingyun Sect had a rule: “Those with spiritual roots who initially declined to join the sect may reconsider within two years and, with the permission of any peak master, start as outer disciples of the sect.” Thus, he had no choice but to agree to let her try first.
Ning Youli noticed the man’s gaze and offered him a gentle smile.
This Peak Master of Lingyun Peak, Xie Lingyun, was much more approachable than she had imagined.
“Once this contract is established, you will become the caretaker of Lingyun Pool… The seventeen pools of Lingyun Pool form an interconnected system, all varying in size. It would be inappropriate to hand them all over to you directly. Start with one pool first. You must fulfill your duties daily without slacking off. Understood?” Fortunately, the pool currently only housed immature spirit beasts, so there was no need for excessive worry for now.
“Understood.” Ning Youli nodded solemnly, though her still-youthful face lacked much persuasiveness, causing the Peak Master of Lingyun Peak to frown once more.
“If you prove unable to shoulder this responsibility, the contract will be voided, and you may seek other opportunities within the sect.”
Ning Youli marveled at Qingyun Sect’s generous benefits and humane approach, accepting the man’s goodwill with respectful humility.
Yet anyone could see she was brimming with confidence.
Xie Lingyun shook his head, his expressionless face appearing somewhat cool and detached. “If I hadn’t happened to encounter you while descending the mountain today, you might have made this trip in vain.”
Ning Youli’s eyes curved into crescents as she said softly, “Thanks to the Peak Master for his hospitality. This disciple will certainly live up to your trust.”
Xie Lingyun fell silent. Though the girl appeared delicate, her temperament was exceptionally resilient. After half an hour of her eloquent persuasion, coupled with her profound understanding of the Qingyun Sect, he could find no reason to refuse.
The silence lasted only a moment before this aloof, immortal-like man sighed lightly. “That would be best.”
…
pls do not share this anywhere or u will always stub ur toe when u walk past a door frame !! this translation has been stolen from mioscorner.com, pls only read there i’m begging u :kneels:
In the end, Ning Youli held the light blue brocade pouch representing her identity as an outer disciple, carefully stored the jade slip that served her as a door lock, and was led to the place she had contracted to manage.
Lingyun Pool.
“Please wait here for a moment. The registration ceremony for outer disciples will begin shortly,” said a gentle, unfamiliar young man.
As the Peak Master, Xie Lingyun had many daily affairs to attend to. After giving her a few instructions at the mountain gate, he departed. The one who brought her here was his chief disciple, Pei Jue.
A gentle, kind eldest senior brother—reliable and harmless, with a warm smile that treated all equally, his presence subtle and pervasive.
Naturally, he was also not the final choice for the female lead in the original novel.
When she first saw him, Ning Youli still felt a sense of detachment, as if she were an outsider looking in on the situation.
Due to the tight schedule, the mode of transportation to Lingyun Pool was sword flight. From the moment she stepped onto the sword, Ning Youli fully embraced her integration into this world, observing the entire journey with curiosity and silence. Even after landing, a lingering sense of emptiness remained under her feet.
“You’re not afraid at all.” Pei Jue noticed Ning Youli’s calm expression. Having seen many newly arrived disciples panic, her composure stood out as particularly remarkable. Moreover, this junior sister seemed to have been raised pampered throughout childhood, and with such refined features, he would have expected her to be frightened to tears by now.
It just goes to show that appearances can be deceiving.
“Thank you, Senior Brother,” Ning Youli said with a smile. “To have the fortune of coming to Qingyun Sect, I hardly have time to admire the scenery.”
Her words were neither humble nor arrogant, carrying a touch of familiarity that inevitably fostered goodwill.
Pei Jue’s gaze toward Ning Youli grew even gentler. “Since you call me Senior Brother, I must remind you that the tasks in the back mountain are by no means easy. Why not join the other senior sisters in doing finer, lighter work, like grinding herbs, sorting materials, or smelting?”
Knowing that this person had overheard her conversation with the Peak Master, Ning Youli pursed her lips into a smile. “I’m not suited for those delicate tasks. My family used to make a living selling fish. I love fish, and I also love raising them.”
She fabricated the excuse on the spot.
Pei Jue nodded in understanding, but then noticed Ning Youli staring at him with a somewhat peculiar look. He couldn’t help but ask with a smile, “What is it?”
“Nothing,” Ning Youli smiled again. “I just feel an instant connection with you, Senior Brother, as if I’ve known you forever.”
Who would have thought that the two men she had met so far were both contenders for the future junior sister’s harem… Her luck was truly remarkable.
Upon arriving at Lingyun Pool, perhaps fearing she might grow bored, the young man briefly introduced the pools to her. However, as he spoke, she noticed a faint, almost imperceptible urgency in his expression.
Ning Youli roughly guessed what he was anxious about and feigned consideration as she asked, “Does Senior Brother have urgent matters to attend to?”
Surprised that his distraction had been noticed, Pei Jue paused. “I have a batch of pills I was refining in the furnace earlier, and the time is almost up…”
“Senior Brother should go attend to it,” Ning Youli said politely with a smile. “I’ll be fine here on my own.”
In the novel, this alchemy master would later gift the female lead three life-saving pills, rescuing her from peril multiple times.
Building some goodwill with him certainly wouldn’t hurt.
Sure enough, after some hesitation, the young man agreed. He warned her not to approach the pool casually, assured her he would return soon, and handed her a jade token she could crush to summon him in an emergency before hurrying off.
After Pei Jue left, Ning Youli surveyed her surroundings and slowly let out a sigh.
“So this is where I’ll be scraping by… no, surviving from now on.”
Lingyun Pool was nestled behind Lingyun Peak, so close to the sky it seemed within reach, hidden among swirling clouds. Its waters shimmered like jade, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds above. Walking along the embankment felt like one was treading upon the misty clouds.
Gazing at the otherworldly scenery, Ning Youli couldn’t help but marvel in her heart.
Qingyun Sect, the cultivation sect joined by the male and female leads of the cultivation novel Everyone Loves the Junior Sister, was the most powerful and populous sect in the entire cultivation world. It was also the sect that survived to the end in the final war against the Demon Lord, who sought to annihilate the mortal realm, and emerged victorious as the ultimate winner.
That’s right, among the dozens of sects, large and small, in the cultivation world, nearly all were wiped out in that final conflict. Only Qingyun Sect, under the male lead’s protection, survived intact. Moreover, benefiting from the male lead’s ascension, the sect drew one step closer to attaining the Great Dao2.
As for Everyone Loves the Junior Sister, at its core, it was a cultivation novel centered around a captivating female lead who attracted a harem of male supporting characters willing to fight and kill for her, stirring up waves across the cultivation world. In the end, the male lead won her heart, and the two ascended together, restoring peace to the cultivation realm.
As for her, she was merely an insignificant cannon fodder character, mentioned only once in the original novel. During one of the Demon Lord’s attacks on Qingyun Sect, she was unfortunately struck by falling debris and died, becoming one of the thirty-seven ordinary mortals who perished at the foot of the mountain. Her death also served as a crucial reason for the female lead to reject the Demon Lord.
Thus, upon learning she had transmigrated into such a story where innocent bystanders were constantly caught in the crossfire, she packed her belongings overnight and fled to Qingyun Sect.
—The most dangerous place was most often also the safest. As long as she found a good hiding spot when the time came, she was certain she could survive!
Coincidentally, the original owner had attended Qingyun Sect’s selection assembly two years prior. Although she possessed a rare ice spiritual root, unfortunately, her aptitude remained poor. None of the eleven peak masters showed interest in her, especially since there was another ice spiritual root candidate in her cohort who far outshone her. Thus, she missed her chance to join Qingyun Sect.
It wasn’t that no cultivator had reminded her: those with mediocre aptitude could still stay in Qingyun Sect, but only as outer disciples—meaning that such individuals would likely remain as ordinary outer disciples for life. Without a master’s guidance, self-cultivation would yield little progress. At best, they might live a few decades longer than ordinary people, with no further room for advancement.
The original owner was a solitary fisherwoman with no strong desire for cultivation. Upon hearing that her life’s outcome wouldn’t differ much whether she joined the sect or not, she chose to give up and descended the mountain.
Now, she had “changed her mind,” sneaked back, and managed to persuade the peak master who ranked first in being the most amiable in the novel to let her rejoin the sect. According to the original owner’s memory of Qingyun Sect’s rules, her timing was just right.
Thankfully, thankfully… Qingyun Sect’s rules seemed lenient and friendly, claiming that approval from any peak master would suffice. In reality, however, every one of these peak masters was at least at the Nascent Soul stage. Gaining their approval inevitably required a certain degree of both luck and opportunity…
Ning Youli felt somewhat confident. If the plot could be altered by human effort, wasn’t this a sign that she could survive this death-ordeal smoothly?
“System, scan Lingyun Pool,” she murmured.
[Water domain ‘Lingyun Pond’ recorded. Total measured area of the entire body of water is approximately six square kilometers, equivalent to nine thousand mu3. Currently detecting water quality. Please wait, Host…] A metallic, icy voice abruptly sounded, followed by boundless silence.
Upon hearing this number, Ning Youli nearly failed to maintain her composure. “How much did you say?”
[Nine thousand mu, Host.]
Ning Youli subconsciously pinched the brocade pouch hanging at her waist. This contracted scope was truly beyond expectations… Perhaps she’d die of exhaustion before being struck to death.
As if sensing her astonishment, the system added: [Lingyun Peak is the highest peak in Qingyun Sect, and Lingyun Pool is the most extensive natural pool within the sect’s territory. Host is currently in the probationary period and can only practice with a small portion. However, as long as you stay, the entire pool will soon become your fishpond in the future.]
[Also,] it continued, [if the area feels too vast for routine patrols and management, you can cultivate the technique of object-flight or tame a mount yourself.]
“…Let’s discuss that later,” Ning Youli replied. She realized this was a cultivation world, but it was still too hard for her to adjust to such a large gap in information all at once, unable to quite manage a smile.
In her vision, ripples spread across Lingyun Pool like scanning patterns caused by an instrument, accompanied by text such as “Detecting Water Sample Quality” and “Detecting Species Count,” clearly not functions she herself could possess.
The Farming System.
Ever since awakening in this world, this system had existed prominently in her consciousness. She quickly understood its functions and purpose. It integrated with the attributes of the cultivation world, teaching farming, assisting in farming, rewarding farming efforts, offering multifunctional development, and simulated data related to farming.
In short, it was all about “farming.”
And farming wasn’t limited to the narrow sense of agriculture, but rather, encompassed a broader scope that all but covered food, clothing, shelter, and transportation.
Of course, before the system upgraded, more advanced features would remain locked.
Just before accepting the system’s existence, Ning Youli had thought that at worst, she could simply not use it, as farming seemed too challenging for her. Fortunately, besides cultivation, the most basic options also included a choice between fishing and hunting.
…Though it didn’t seem much different, the Qingyun Sect in the novel had a place perfect for raising fish, akin to a celestial realm.
And that very place was Lingyun Pool, where she stood now.
In the plot, because Lingyun Peak was the highest peak, towering into the clouds, its silhouette was usually invisible. It was also the last mountain to be affected by the fight between the Demon Lord and the male lead, so its safety level was self-evident. Plus, it was basically unsupervised, with at most, the occasional progress reports required to be submitted monthly, as well as the required number of fish from the pool to be harvested as needed… This was practically the working environment every working person dreams of!
At this moment, Ning Youli’s soul slowlylay flat4—she had absolutely made the right decision. Even if she did nothing all day and just lay around sunbathing, it was likely that no one would even notice.
[Detection complete.] The system suddenly spoke.
Ning Youli asked with interest, “How is it?”
As her words fell, a panel appeared before her eyes.
Lingyun Pool Water Quality: Medium-High (Can be improved)
Total Species in the Pool: 2022
Rarity of Species in the Pool (decimal places hidden): Common 50%, Good 30%, Excellent 18%, Rare 2%, Legendary 0% (Pending Introduction)
…
Seems quite advanced.
Ning Youli tried tapping the “Encyclopedia” at the bottom, but was reminded that the system was not officially activated yet and the function was unavailable for now.
Before she could ask, the system’s voice sounded again, seeming even more formal than before.
[As the host now possesses land/water with legitimate usage rights, the system will reintroduce its functions and settings.]
[The Farming System can provide the host with tutorials, assistance, and other support. More functions will be unlocked through upgrades, and generous rewards will be distributed based on the host’s level.]
[Upon reaching a certain level, the system will activate crisis warnings to help the host avoid all life-threatening accidents. This is the highest authority and will not be interfered with by any external factors.]
[Does the host wish to officially activate the system and accumulate experience for upgrades? Please answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’]
“Activate, activate, activate,” Ning Youli said. So there was actually a secret trump card.
[Please answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’]
“…Yes. Doesn’t such a rigid program need an upgrade?”
System: […]
This host seemed a bit… inflexible.
“Ding—” A crisp unlocking sound echoed in her consciousness. Ning Youli instantly felt refreshed, as if a boundless wave had poured down from between her eyebrows.
Looking at Lingyun pool again, she could now see countless ethereal “qi5” swirling and hovering over the water’s surface, each with different forms and colors.
She was stunned, momentarily unable to describe the beauty in words, and couldn’t help but gaze at it intently.
The system spoke again:
[Progress has begun. As the saying goes, ‘Sow a single seed in spring, reap ten thousandfold in autumn.’ Based on calculations from the host’s memories, without human intervention, there are only three years left until the novel’s plot begins and only five years until the character’s death. Please use your limited life to create infinite possibilities, devote yourself to loving farming deeply, and achieve fame and success!]
Ning Youli: “…”
What kind of shameless exploitation is this??
my first cultivation novel translation, please bear with me if there are any mistakes! i haven’t read xianxia novels for a long time so if there are any incorrect terms, let me know in the comments!
the novel is about our main character transmigrating into a novel where she’s destined to die. the mc is very pragmatic, she’s bound to a farming system so she’s very lowkey, just aiming to earn money and avoid trouble. our male lead is the venerable fish ancestor who gets fished out of the spiritual pool by mc! i’m always a sucker for male lead initially in beast form later transforming into a human trope so HGLSDKJSDF also iirc there aren’t any major antagonists in this novel so it shouldn’t be too stressful to read! majority of the plot is focused on the slice of life fish farming with romance and plot coming into play later on.
haven’t decided how frequent the updates will be but they’ll probably be weekly and fall on a day where i don’t have existing updates!
please support the author on JJWXC if possible!
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- Stages of Cultivation: Qi Refining – Foundation Establishment – Core Formation (Golden Core) – Nascent Soul – Soul Transformation – Void Integration – Unity – Mahayana. All xianxia novels may have different latter stages, but generally, up to Nascent Soul is fairly accurate. ↩︎
- The Great Dao (大道, Dàdào) is the foundational, formless, and boundless primordial principle in Daoism, acting as the ultimate source, origin, and order of all existence. It is the nameless, natural “Way” of the universe, integrating yin and yang, and precedes all creation. ↩︎
- One mu (亩 or 畝; mǔ) is a Chinese unit of land area, officially standardized as approx 666.67m2. It is commonly used for agricultural land and is often referred to as a “Chinese acre,” though it is smaller than an imperial acre ↩︎
- Lie flat = laying down flat on the ground, slacking off ↩︎
- the circulating life force whose existence and properties are the basis of much Chinese philosophy and medicine. ↩︎
