Category: After Contracting a Fishpond, I Fished Up the Venerable Fish Ancestor

this chapter is brought to you by mio
as translator, proofreader and editor!

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“New disciples must go to the Tranquil Heart Hall at mao shi¹ each day to study theoretical cultivation methods. At wu shi, they return to their respective peaks for contemplation and reflection. At shen shi, they begin learning the duties assigned to them. After sunset, they return to their residences to review what they learned throughout the day… This lasts for one month. As for meals, there’s no need to worry. Before achieving grain abstinence, white cranes will deliver three meals a day to you on time.”

Mao shi… 5 a.m.; wu shi… 12 p.m.; shen shi… 3 p.m…

Ning Youli furrowed her brows as she calculated, feeling that this didn’t seem like a schedule fit for a human being. She couldn’t help but look up and ask, “How long do I have to live like this for?”

Pei Jue was taken aback. This was the first time a new disciple had asked such a question. Usually, they would simply nod in agreement, not daring to say another word.

Could it be…?

“Junior Sister, do you regret refusing Peak Master Yin’s offer?”

Ning Youli choked for a moment but patiently replied, “Senior Brother, you’ve misunderstood. I truly only wish to raise fish within the sect for the rest of my life.”

Her ambition indeed wasn’t in raising fish, but since it concerned her life or death, she was very firm in tactfully declining the invitation from the Peak Master of Chongliang Peak, spinning her lies into the truth.

Fortunately, this Peak Master wasn’t a stubborn person. Seeing her firm attitude, she turned and left without looking back.

…Surely she hadn’t offended her, right?

But then, she heard Pei Jue sigh, “This is the first time I’ve seen someone who doesn’t want to advance to the inner sect but instead chooses to stay in the outer sect and do these tasks.”

“Well, now you’ve seen it, Senior Brother,” Ning Youli said calmly, showing no shame at being called unambitious. “No matter where one is, they can still contribute to the sect. Why must one insist on going to the inner sect?”

“…” A moment of silence followed.

Ning Youli wondered if she had said something wrong, but then she saw a hint of shame appear on Pei Jue’s gentle face. “I was narrow-minded,” he said, looking completely convinced by her reasoning.

She couldn’t help but glance at him in surprise.

How easy to fool.

Pei Jue answered her earlier question, “New disciples must cultivate like this for a month in order to memorize the sect rules and foundational cultivation techniques. Outer sect disciples are naturally no exception to this rule either. Even if they cannot focus on cultivation like inner sect disciples, they cannot neglect their cultivation entirely.”

But Ning Youli still had doubts. “But my aptitude is mediocre. Why would Peak Master Yin still want to take me as a disciple?”

Pei Jue sighed softly. “Ice spiritual roots are rare. Peak Master Yin is simply worried that no one will inherit her mantle. Although she already has a direct disciple, having only one, no matter how talented, will always be a cause of concern.”

Ning Youli suddenly understood. She hadn’t expected this Peak Master Yin to be someone who wouldn’t be the type to put all her eggs in one basket. It was just a pity… In the original story’s plot, she ultimately only had one direct disciple, and in the end, that disciple failed to live up to her expectations.

She smiled. “It’s my lack of talent and ambition that has let down Peak Master Yin’s kindness.”

As evening approached, she had already missed today’s cultivation session and would have to wait until tomorrow to join the other disciples.

After listening to Pei Jue explain the daily routine in Clear Balance Sect, she was taken by him to the second pool in Spirit Cloud Pool, located in a depression below the mountaintop.

Here stood a simple yet spacious room, its furnishings prepared just that afternoon. It was to be her home from now on, inscribed with the name “Cloud Abode.” Right beside it lay a vast celestial pool, stretching hundreds of meters long as far as the eye could see. Above her, layers of clouds drifted across a jade-blue sky, while white mist curled around the surroundings. The environment was elegantly serene and cool, a breathtakingly beautiful scene rarely to be seen by ordinary people.

Yet this was merely the smallest of the seventeen celestial pools, assigned to her for practice.

“Rest well. Tomorrow will be the day where you’ll truly be exhausted,” Pei Jue said. “As a newcomer, Junior Sister might find it hard to adjust.”

“Thank you for the reminder, Senior Brother,” Ning Youli replied, though her gaze remained fixed on the pool.

“Then I won’t disturb your rest any longer.” Pei Jue bid her farewell, his figure soon vanishing from sight.

The lingering glow of the setting sun fell upon the water’s surface, casting a warm light that shifted from pink to orange over the crystal-blue pool, its surface dotted with dazzling, shimmering reflections.

So beautiful.

Ning Youli sighed.

But the thought that such a beautiful scene would be destroyed in the future—especially since it would be a project she would pour her heart into—made her heart ache.

[System, proceed with planned development,] Ning Youli decided to begin preparations before starting work. [What is the most pressing issue with the fishpond right now?]

Based on what the system had mentioned earlier, introducing new species wasn’t urgent, but improving the water quality could be included in the plan.

After all, to cultivate fish, one must first cultivate the water.

[Please wait a moment, Host. Initiating scan of ‘Spirit Cloud Pool’…]

[Current optimization survey will be based on signals from aquatic life in the pool, translating signals with over 50% resonance.]

“What does that mean? Speak normally,” Ning Youli said directly to the system, seeing as there was no one else around.

[Meaning: The system will gather opinions from the aquatic life in the pool.]

Ning Youli fell silent. Such an advanced system, yet it still required farming to upgrade?

After a short while, the system returned with a response.

[Host, they say: The water is too murky. It’s uncomfortable.]

Ning Youli paused for a moment, then rolled up her sleeves with determination. “Let’s do it!”

[Do what?]

“Build a filtration system.” Ning Youli recalled that the novel had mentioned that Spirit Cloud Pool had a remarkable feature: it had a waterfall that flowed upwards with immense force—perfect for turning into a water pump.

System: [???]

…

That night, a crane indeed brought her a food box. Opening it, she found simple, bland fare, perfectly suited to the style of a cultivator.

Ning Youli quickly finished her bland dinner and then groomed the crane’s feathers to build rapport with it.

Out of the corner of her eye, something shimmered. She noticed waves of phosphorescent light rippling across the water’s surface, shifting in color and dazzlingly beautiful. Only then did she realize that what she had seen at dusk wasn’t the glow of the setting sun but the light emitted by the creatures within the pool.

All drowsiness vanished.

She threw on her outer robe and stepped outside. Her dwelling was only a hundred meters from the second celestial pool, its surface eerily still. If not for the undulating ripples and rising bubbles, it would have looked like a perfectly smooth mirror.

No wonder Pei Jue had warned her not to wander near the celestial pool at night… Even if the water at the edges wasn’t deep, visibility like this was dangerous.

Ning Youli stepped onto the raised bluestone platform surrounding the pool. Her cloth shoes felt no trace of slipperiness beneath her feet. The platform’s edge was about three feet wide, rough and damp, making it just right for walking. But with no lamps around, only the shifting glow from within the pool illuminated her path, making it seem like just one misstep would plunge her into a bottomless abyss.

Hmm, was this fishpond really ten thousand zhang² deep?

Ning Youli wasn’t afraid of heights, so she deliberately glanced down to take a look.

The water was pitch black, making it hard to tell just how many hidden currents were surging beneath the surface.

[Measurements indicate that this mountain is approximately 3,300 meters high, and the deepest celestial pool is nearly 10,000 meters deep—]

“That high?”

[Of course.] The system’s tone was serious. [The Celestial Pools connect directly underground, linking to lakes and seas beyond, spanning a breadth beyond your imagination.]

Ning Youli pondered and asked, “Then… wouldn’t everything raised in the fishpond escape?”

[There’s a barrier.]

Those three short words clarified everything for Ning Youli. She suddenly thought of a way to increase the fishpond’s species diversity. “In other words—if I break the barrier—”

[Please immediately cease this dangerous line of thought.]

The system’s voice trembled slightly. It had thought raising fish would be a very suitable task for its low-key host, so why were her ideas and methods always so extreme??

“Fine, let’s focus on the filtration system first.”

Ning Youli considered what materials and how wide the pipes should be. She crouched by the pool’s edge, wanting to scoop up some water, but the stone platform was too high. With the night dark and the wind howling, she thought better of it, shook her hands dry, and stood up.

Just then, a crane’s cry echoed from the cliffside. Before Ning Youli could turn, a massive creature leaped from the water. Its enormous silhouette, bathed in moonlight, traced a graceful arc before crashing back down.

“Splash—”

A curtain of water cascaded down, drenching Ning Youli’s face.

“Let’s go. We’ll deal with this tomorrow.” Ning Youli wiped her face calmly and turned toward the faint white shadow near her hut. The crane she used for transport flapped its wings, as if satisfied it no longer needed to make a sound since she was now safe.

The system watched with growing concern. Normally, it would be urging its host to quickly upgrade the system, but seeing her plan something so ambitious, it was immediately filled with a sense of unease.

What if they were discovered?

…

The next day, Ning Youli was awakened by the crane alarm outside her window. Opening her eyes, she saw the silver moon hanging high, stars still twinkling in the night sky.

Instinctively, she pulled the covers over her head, ready to go back to sleep.

[Host, it’s mao shi. Please rise promptly and begin today’s cultivation.]

The system’s reminder completely jolted Ning Youli awake.

Right. Yesterday, she had ascended the mountain and become an outer disciple of Clear Balance Sect…

Ning Youli couldn’t suppress a yawn as she slowly got up. Outside, the crane was already impatient, tapping insistently on the door.

The system observed the girl’s unhurried movements, its data analysis leaving it deeply puzzled. This was a world where her life could be at stake. Did the host not feel even the slightest sense of crisis?

The system reflected on itself—was it because it wasn’t the type of system that erased a host’s existence for failing missions?

Soon, Ning Youli was fully dressed. The outer disciple attire issued by Spirit Cloud Peak was usually a pale cyan color. Compared to inner disciples, the cuffs and waistband were designed more practically, and the patterns shifted from intricate to simple elegance, yet the silk and gauze fabrics remained just as abundant, as if the peak wasn’t at all concerned about the disciples dirtying their clothes while doing their tasks.

Of course, the most important item was the brocade pouch at her waist, which served both as a storage space and an accessory.

Ning Youli planned to head out and take a stroll by the fishpond first, but the crane couldn’t wait any longer. Flapping its wings, it carried her on its back and took off immediately, not even letting her eat a bite of food.

Tranquil Heart Hall.

Contrary to Ning Youli’s expectations, the spacious and bright hall had very few people. She quickly realized that the disciples she had encountered earlier on the testing platform came from various peaks, and now that they were dispersed back to their respective peaks, there really weren’t many left.

Just as Pei Jue had said, all newly admitted disciples had to complete a month of theoretical study first. At the entrance, there was an attendance sheet with her name already recorded. Ning Youli chose a seat in the corner and sat down. As soon as she did, several jade slips appeared on the table.

[These are the Introduction to Qi Guidance Theory, Detailed Explanation of Meridians and Acupoints, and the simplest cultivation method for the Ice Spiritual Root,] the system detected.

Ning Youli glanced around. The others had indeed already placed the jade slips against their foreheads and were reading with their eyes closed.

She followed suit, and sure enough, a cultivation method appeared in her sea of consciousness.

“…”

By the time the spiritual energy around Tranquil Heart Hall began to thin, Xie Lingyun, far away on the main peak, seemed to sense something and glanced in the direction of Spirit Cloud Peak.

…

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:

Unaware of her rapid cultivation progress, Ning Youli endured the monotony of memorizing theories in Tranquil Heart Hall, then endured the meditation and contemplation in her room. When the sun began to set, she finally regained her freedom and rode the crane back to the second celestial pool of Spirit Cloud Pool as quickly as possible.

[Alright, let’s scan Spirit Cloud Pool again.]

Spirit Cloud Pool Water Quality: Medium-high (Can be improved)

Total Species in the Pool: 2022

Rarity of Species in the Pool (decimal hidden): Common 50%, Good 30%, Excellent 18%, Rare 2%, Legendary 0% (Pending Introduction)

Exactly the same as before.

Ning Youli stared at the water’s surface. Perhaps because it was still early, Spirit Cloud Pool was calm and serene, lacking the commotion she had witnessed yesterday evening.

Moreover, the seemingly clear water only remained transparent for a few zhang before becoming murky and seemingly bottomless. Occasionally, a dark shadow would emerge from beneath the aquatic plants, only to merge with another patch of darkness.

Even without looking closely, the word “danger” seemed to jump out at her.

“Does this sect have a habit of letting their disciples run wild… Is no one coming to teach?” Ning Youli looked around and found only herself, the crane, and the system in the area. She sighed helplessly.

[Host, you can try using your own spiritual power,] the system reminded her in a timely manner.

Among the various spiritual roots, only the ice spiritual root is most suited for water-related tasks.

“Alright.” Ning Youli thought for a moment, then crouched down directly and reached her hand toward the pool water.

Strangely, the water level at this time was higher than it had been the previous evening, allowing her to touch it as soon as she extended her hand.

Ning Youli held her breath and focused, gathering all the “qi” within her body and condensing it into her fingers, attempting to release it.

Unexpectedly, the flow of spiritual energy was exceptionally smooth. After exhaling a breath, a trail of ice blossoms spread from her fingers toward the distance, quickly forming a thin layer of ice on the water’s surface.

It was large enough for two people to stand on.

Ning Youli roughly estimated it with her eyes, and in her peripheral vision, suddenly caught a glimpse of a snow-white figure.

She turned around warily and was surprised to find that it was actually Xie Lingyun.

In truth, the peak masters in the book were portrayed by the author as incredibly busy, appearing only in relation to the female lead. When not cultivating, they were either on their way to cultivate or managing the peaks they were responsible for during their spare time, leaving them with almost no free time.

Ning Youli instinctively hid her hands behind her back, but it was already too late for her to remove the ice.

Xie Lingyun had clearly noticed the ice as well, his expression shifting slightly. “You…”

“Peak Master.” Ning Youli greeted him politely, cutting him off. “Have you come to teach me how to manage the fishpo—Spirit Cloud Pool?”

A flicker of surprise, as if he were stuck between hesitation and contemplation, appeared in Xie Lingyun’s eyes, before he finally uttered a soft, “Mm.”

Managing Spirit Cloud Pool was not complicated. Since most of the creatures within it were docile and had never caused harm, during the first month of the probationary period, aside from studying theoretical texts related to Spirit Cloud Pool, the practical aspect only required one to conduct inspections twice a day, once in the morning, and once in the evening.

“You can ride a crane to record observations or observe from the stone platform,” Xie Lingyun explained. “However, cranes flying over the water may attract the attention of the celestial pool’s larger creatures, posing the risk of being swallowed. Meanwhile, the stone platform is damp and slippery, creating the risk of slipping and falling.”

He had essentially laid out all the potential risks.

Ning Youli blinked. “How did the previous senior brothers and sisters manage it?”

Xie Lingyun glanced at her. “Simple, they tamed a mount from one of the celestial pools.”

Ning Youli: “…”

What followed was the teaching session. Xie Lingyun meticulously explained the points to pay attention to, but his gaze lingered on Ning Youli for a long time.

He had originally come to see who was absorbing spiritual energy so rapidly. Having traced the source to the young woman before him, he wanted to ask for an explanation but was thwarted by her seemingly oblivious attitude.

Unwilling to enter the inner sect, having undergone changes in aptitude, cultivating at a speed that was astonishing… She had clearly been an ordinary mortal before this, so why had she undergone such a drastic transformation?

It seemed that once the sect leader emerged from seclusion, he would have to request a divination on this matter… 

Ning Youli had long sensed the man’s gaze—it was simply too intense.

…Had she perhaps neglected some sort of sect etiquette earlier?

Unable to resist, she looked back, only to see Xie Lingyun rise abruptly. “That’s enough for today. I will send someone to instruct you later. In a month, this place will be entirely under your responsibility.”

“Alright—”

Before she could finish speaking, the man’s figure had already vanished into the distance.

Ning Youli blinked, utterly perplexed.

However, the meaningful days of learning did not last long. On a rainy morning a few days later, a crane suddenly arrived with a letter.

“This letter… The sect leader’s seclusion ends soon, and no one in the entire sect can afford to be idle. They’re requesting Spirit Cloud Pool to provide the necessary materials, and there will also be a meeting later.”

Ning Youli shook the paper in her hand. She had been pushed into this situation ahead of schedule.

Normally, new outer sect disciples were supposed to undergo a month of theoretical study first, then practice for a month with the celestial pools, and only after confirming there were no issues would they be handed the responsibility of managing all the celestial pools. Finally, they would undergo a month of observation to see if they had the ability to oversee all areas simultaneously.

The entire process was supposed to take three months, but now it had been shortened to less than seven days.

Fortunately, during this time, she had completed her daily inspections flawlessly. When faced with sudden attacks from aggressive fish, she had managed to steer the crane away each time, narrowly avoiding danger and barely passing this ordeal.

The trial had ended abruptly, and now she had obtained full management rights over all seventeen celestial pools of Spirit Cloud Peak, officially becoming the “contractor” of Clear Balance Sect’s largest fishpond.

It was just a pity that… before she could even enjoy the leisurely life of a farmer, orders from above immediately flocked in.

The Peak Master of Spirit Cloud Peak was too busy to handle everything personally and had specifically asked Pei Jue to assist her. However, Pei Jue was also busy refining pills, so he handed her a stack of auxiliary ice talismans and told her to try managing on her own first.

Should she say that it was a relief that she already memorized the appearances of all the species in the celestial pools these past few days?

“Alright, let’s give it a try.”

This was the first time Ning Youli had picked up a net since coming up the mountain. At that moment, the system in her consciousness trembled slightly.

[Please activate the special function bound to the system: Spirit Spring Eye.]

Ning Youli lowered her gaze, and a small line of text slowly appeared in her vision.

Function Description:

The ocean’s bounty is too vast for one basket to hold.

Every netful brings abundant rewards.

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ugh my wordpress editor is being super whack rn, the whole screen is black so i can’t see what i’m editing so if there are any readabiliyt issues or typos, pls lmk asap QAQ

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1. Traditional timekeeping (Ganzhi). Refer to https://www.tumblr.com/chineseartbot/732612805354815488/%E5%8D%81%E4%BA%8C%E6%99%82%E8%BE%B0-12-shichen-24-hours-traditional if you’d like to know more about how it relates to Chinese zodiac as well. ↩︎
2. 1 zhang = 3.33 metres = approx 11 feet ↩︎

this chapter is brought to you by mio
as translator, proofreader and editor!

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The Clear Balance Sect held an entrance ceremony every three years to replenish the ranks of each peak with fresh blood. Every six months, there was a registration and record-checking session to add the names of previously unregistered outer sect disciples and remove those who had given up on cultivation and left the mountain. At the same time, disciples’ seniority was calculated based on this timeline, with the necessary resources distributed accordingly.

Ning Youli had arrived just in time. Had she arrived any later, she would have missed out on a full six months’ worth of seniority. 

At this moment, she sat atop Peak Master Xie’s crane mount, slowly descending. Wispy clouds parted before her, and the blurred scenery grew clearer as the distance grew closer.

“…If you still remember what happened two years ago, you should have some impression of this place.” The person in front turned his head slightly, his voice carried by the wind.

Amidst the clouds and mist, Xie Lingyun’s immortal demeanor seemed even more ethereal and aloof.

“The outer sect disciple registration ceremony is about to begin. Once registered, you will be able to start learning how to manage the duties of Spirit Cloud Pool.”

Ning Youli looked down and realized the platform for the registration ceremony was the same place where the original host had her spiritual roots tested years ago. However, unlike the grand scene in her memory that had been crowded with people, there were only about twenty individuals now, making it quite desolate.

It seemed that no matter how many people regretted their decision and came up the mountain, only a handful of them would gain the approval of a peak master.

Ning Youli couldn’t help but reflect that perhaps all her luck in this lifetime had been used up today.

“I remember.” She weighed her words carefully. “That day, all ten peak masters and the sect leader were present, and there were many people coming to test their spiritual roots. But those selected as personal disciples… seemed to be fewer than ten?”

“Mm,” Xie Lingyun responded. “In recent years, there haven’t been many with talent.”

The corner of Ning Youli’s mouth twitched. To say that right in front of her face… wasn’t that a bit lacking in emotional intelligence?

She looked at the man with a cool, detached demeanor standing before her and thought to herself that this was probably the fundamental reason why he ultimately failed to win the beauty’s heart in the end.

In the female lead’s battlefield of love, wasn’t every man outstanding in their respective fields? Whether it was the male lead, whose cultivation soared to the Nascent Soul stage in just a few years, earning him the title of Sword Venerable, or the Demon Lord with formidable assets who could fight the male lead to a draw, or even Xie Lingyun, the master of Spirit Cloud Peak before her—who formed his Golden Core at a young age, possessed a handsome and refined appearance, a cool and immortal-like temperament, and was a rare, high-level alchemist who made reviving the dead and regenerating flesh no longer just a myth.

In the book, Xie Lingyun even refined his own life-bound weapon into a pill to revive the female lead from death, gifting her three hundred years of cultivation. And yet, he still wasn’t one of the most important figures by her side.

Although both were alchemists, his disciple, Pei Jue, being of the same generation as the female lead, was even closer to her than him.

—Not only did their skills overlap, but his incompetence in sweet-talking was also a critical hit.

“There’s no need for anything too formal today,” the man continued. “I will test your spiritual roots once more. After that, you can begin learning about the duties of outer sect disciples.”

Those dark, ink-black eyes of his lowered slightly. “Do what you’re supposed to do, and at the same time, don’t neglect your cultivation.”

Ning Youli naturally agreed. In the Clear Balance Sect, even disciples tasked with sweeping the mountain gates had to cultivate to the late Foundation Establishment stage at the very least, that way, they would at least have the strength to escape if they ever encountered any trouble.

The crane descended slowly, landing on the testing platform.

Ning Youli was the first to scan her surroundings. Among the twenty or so people present, only about a dozen, like her, wore pale blue silk pouches at their waists. The rest were guides sent by the various peaks. Judging by the proficiency of their salutes, they had likely been on the mountain for some time already.

“Peak Master Xie,” these people greeted respectfully.

Xie Lingyun gave a slight nod and, without further ado, walked directly to the area designated for testing spiritual power. “Line up, one at a time.”

The naturally transparent stone pillar would react with the corresponding spiritual root once one infused their spiritual power into it.

Ning Youli craned her neck slightly from the back to watch. The brother in front of her had just infused his spiritual power when purple lightning appeared on the transparent jade, followed by a small green sprout emerging from the withered vines coiled around the stone pillar.

“Dual thunder and wood spiritual roots,” Xie Lingyun verified against the register. “Correct.”

The disciple thanked him and left with the waiting guide.

“Next.”

When it was her turn, Ning Youli placed her hand on the stone pillar but received no response for a long time.

Xie Lingyun: “…”

He looked at the motionless girl and raised an eyebrow. “Why aren’t you infusing your spiritual power?”

Because I thought this was automatic.

Ning Youli grumbled inwardly, then turned to the system for help: [How do I infuse spiritual power?]

As a transmigrator, she hadn’t fully grasped how to use her abilities in the cultivation world.

System: [Hold your breath, focus your mind, and concentrate.]

Ning Youli: [I don’t get it.]

System: […What level does the host want?]

Ning Youli: [Is it not fixed?]

System: [Of course not.]

When a person does not continually cultivate, their spiritual power typically tends to weaken as they age.

Moreover, two years had already passed.

Under normal circumstances, Ning Youli’s spiritual root aptitude would likely have deteriorated from average to very low, with the best-case scenario being no change at all.

The system believed that all humans have a desire to grow stronger, and this host would surely choose to exert the most exceptional aptitude.

Yet Ning Youli replied, “Just keep it as before.”

Survival meant staying low-key—otherwise, how could one survive? If she were to become exceptionally talented, she would only be the nail that stuck out and eventually got hammered down.

The system remained noncommittal.

Why was this host so lacking in ambition? What a miscalculation.

But it still decided to make her slightly less ordinary—for the sake of leveling up.

Thus, when Ning Youli placed her hand on the stone pillar again, the transparent jade condensed into deep blue frost flowers.

At the same time, the Peak Master of Spirit Cloud Peak lifted his gaze, just in time for his eyes to reflect that shimmering blue light.

Compared to the “weak aptitude” recorded in the booklet, the jade now gave the answer—”average.”

Different inclinations, yet they were worlds apart.

If “weak” meant she might never even reach Foundation Establishment in this lifetime, then “average” meant she could at least strive to reach Core Formation.

Was there an error in the previous records?

The man’s brow furrowed. After a pause, he still crossed out the previous record and replaced it with “average.”

Ning Youli, unaware that her spiritual root had been upgraded a tier, waited peacefully to the side for someone to come and fetch her.

Sure enough, the one who came was still Pei Jue.

The young man summoned an immortal crane and was about to take her away when Xie Lingyun said, “Go wait for me at the Heart Reflecting Hall.”

What was the Heart Reflecting Hall? Ning Youli didn’t know, but Pei Jue did. It was a place of utter tranquility, where disciples reflected on their Dao Heart¹ in silence, and also where important matters were usually discussed.

Why would their master ask them to go there…?

Though puzzled, Pei Jue still nodded.

The Heart Reflecting Hall was very close to Spirit Cloud Pool. Opening the window, one could see the mist-shrouded celestial pools a hundred feet above, with a waterfall cascading down the rock wall beside it, splashing white spray that drenched the nearby rocks in a thick layer of moss.

“Let’s wait here for Master first,” Pei Jue said, pouring two cups of water. “In the meantime, I’ll tell you about the usual tasks required for you to do at Spirit Cloud Pool.”

Ning Youli nodded. “I’ll make sure to listen carefully to Senior Brother’s guidance.”

“No need to be formal,” Pei Jue paused. “Because Spirit Cloud Pool is located at the highest point in the sect, the fish raised here are of higher quality than those in any other pool or stream. There are also many rare species not usually seen, and their medicinal effects in soups or decoctions are even better.”

Ning Youli blinked. “Is it really okay for me to manage a place like this?”

She had only intended to casually take management of a fishpond, never expecting the one assigned to her to seem this impressive.

The lease contract given by the Peak Master was certainly genuine.

Pei Jue smiled. “Originally, there should have been two or three others working alongside you… but Reflected Radiance Pool on the main peak has been especially busy lately, so everyone was transferred there to help. For now, you’ll have to manage here on your own.”

[Spirit Cloud Pool is the most stable celestial pool in the entire Clear Balance Sect. Usually, one or two people are enough to take care of it, and constant attention isn’t necessary. The creatures in other celestial pools require cultivators with the necessary cultivation to suppress them, but Spirit Cloud Pool doesn’t need that.] The system explained in a timely manner.

So it was a job so leisurely I could even drink tea during work hours. Turns out they’re really looking out for me.

Thinking this, Ning Youli revealed a smile with even more genuine sincerity. “It’s fine if I’m alone. I’ll definitely work hard to complete all the tasks assigned by the Peak Master.”

“Even so…”

The more Pei Jue looked at this obedient junior sister, the more he felt she couldn’t handle such rough work. He couldn’t help but say, “The lease contract is flexible. As long as Master agrees, we can assign you to other duties at any time.”

“What kind of other duties?” Ning Youli asked curiously. Could there be a job with better benefits than this?

“Grinding herbs, sorting materials, smelting… and the like.” Pei Jue repeated his earlier suggestion.

“…” Ning Youli chose to remain silent.

Talking too much was also one of the reasons this guy couldn’t win over the female lead in the end.

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:

Not long after, Xie Lingyun also arrived at the Heart Reflecting Hall.

The man lowered his gaze, searching through the records in his hand for Ning Youli’s entry from years past. There were notes from the original recorder, clearly stating: Ning Youli, age twelve, ice spiritual root, weak aptitude, unfavorable for cultivation.

Now, the age had been changed from twelve to fourteen, and her aptitude had also changed, with the fresh ink marks still visible.

Ning Youli couldn’t see the words hidden by the man’s sleeve, but the system projected them for her to see.

[Something feels off…]

Ning Youli keenly sensed something amiss and quickly directed her suspicion toward the system. [What’s going on?]

Her tone was calm and unhurried, as if she were merely asking a simple question.

Even though it had been caught privately altering her aptitude, the system replied very formally: [Improving the host’s aptitude helps with system upgrades and also benefits the host in cultivating for self-defense. This is a reasonable and spontaneous action by this system.]

[I think your real motive is more about the former…] Ning Youli curved her lips into a smile.

The system’s reminder made her realize that gaining some self-defense ability was indeed necessary. If in the future, giant rocks were to fall and she was still unlucky enough not to escape, she would definitely need to have some strength to break through.

For example… smashing through the giant rock with her bare hands?

“Have you encountered any major events in the past two years?” Xie Lingyun’s voice suddenly broke the silence, immediately bringing Ning Youli’s attention  back.

“Major events?” Ning Youli hesitated slightly. Did transmigrating into a book count?

Xie Lingyun glanced at her. “Yes or no?”

“No.” Ning Youli shook her head gently. “Being able to ascend the immortal mountain two years ago was already the most unforgettable event of my life.”

“…” Xie Lingyun pondered for a moment, then turned and asked, “Do you have any thoughts on cultivating the Dao?”

Cultivating the Dao?

“Of course I do.” Ning Youli curved her eyes into a smile, not yet realizing the seriousness of the situation, and boasted, “The Clear Balance Sect is the number one major sect in the cultivation world. Being able to cultivate here is something many people can only dream of.”

“Very good.”

Xie Lingyun said something that surprised Ning Youli, “If you share the same thought, then that’s good.”

The next moment, a flash of white appeared at the doorway, followed by a cool, clear female voice, “Peak Master Xie.”

A woman with a calm and serene expression nodded to Xie Lingyun. She wore a white dress, with a pale blue shawl draped over her arm. Standing there, she resembled Guanyin carved upon an ice lotus throne, completely devoid of desire and emotion.

Ning Youli searched her memory for the woman’s identity: Yin Chongliang, Peak Master of Profound Chill Peak.

Yin Chongliang is a spell cultivator with an ice spiritual root. The ice lotuses she conjured were pervasive, capable of killing without a trace. She is also the most powerful woman in the entire Clear Balance Sect.

Though formidable, she appeared only once in the entire book—when her personal disciple, for the sake of the female lead, chose to sever their master-disciple relationship. Enraged, the woman broke eighteen of her disciple’s ribs and threw him off a cliff.

And that disciple of hers was the one with the ice spiritual root, whose talent surpassed the original host’s two years ago and whom she had personally selected.

Ning Youli inexplicably sensed that the woman’s arrival was related to her.

Because she, too, was… an ice spiritual root.

Watching this woman that was as cold as ice approach her, the chill emanating from her was enough to make one shiver. The woman glanced at her sideways, her gaze sweeping over her, neither gentle nor sharp.

“You, would you be willing to become my disciple?”

Ning Youli finally understood: So, Xie Lingyun’s earlier words to her had a reason behind them?

Now, a spell cultivator at the Grand Ascension realm was extending an olive branch to her.

Two paths lay before her—or rather, if it were anyone else in her place, there would be only one path:

Seize this opportunity, transform from an outer sect disciple directly into an inner sect personal disciple, embark on the proper path of immortality, and strive to rise above others!

The system felt it had inadvertently complicated things. If the host agreed just like that, when would they ever begin farming?

[Host…]

“Your kindness is deeply appreciated, but this disciple’s aspirations lie elsewhere. I hope you will forgive me.”

Before the system could even persuade her, Ning Youli gave her answer, so quickly that the other three people in the room didn’t even have time to react.

After a long pause, Pei Jue hesitantly spoke up, “This is Peak Master Yin of Profound Chill Peak.” His intention was to remind Ning Youli of the significant status of the person before her.

But Ning Youli acted as though she hadn’t heard, speaking with sincere conviction, “This disciple’s aptitude is mediocre, and I have no great ambitions in this path. Since childhood, I’ve only wished for my own fishpond, to labor diligently and find joy in a pastoral life… In this world, nothing matters more than peace, tranquility, stability, and contentment.”

The gazes of those present turned toward the young woman, filled with disbelief.

Did she realize who she had refused?

This was a cultivator at the late Grand Ascension realm, the Peak Master of Profound Chill Peak, just one step away from undergoing the Heavenly Tribulation!

Not interested in this path… Your ambition… Could it truly be just raising fish?

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made the decision to translate sect names/peaks literally! peaks are also typically named after the peak master, i.e. spirit cloud peak (lingyun peak) -> xie lingyun, profound chill peak (chongliang peak) -> yin chongliang.

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1. In xianxia/xuanhuan cultivation fiction, Dao Heart (道心) refers to a cultivator’s inner conviction, spiritual resolve, and alignment with their chosen path (Dao). ↩︎

this chapter is brought to you by mio
as translator, proofreader and editor!

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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??

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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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1. 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. ↩︎
2. 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. ↩︎
3. 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 ↩︎
4. Lie flat = laying down flat on the ground, slacking off ↩︎
5. the circulating life force whose existence and properties are the basis of much Chinese philosophy and medicine. ↩︎