Chapter 66: Those Who Aren't Quick-Witted Shouldn't Join the Demonic Sect
Chapter 66: Those Who Aren't Quick-Witted Shouldn't Join the Demonic Sect
Translator: yikaii Editor: yikaii
When the examiners gave the order, it didn't matter if you were Chi Xu Long or anyone else; you had to stand in line obediently.
Angering the examiners could jeopardize your chance of joining the demonic sect. Despite their notorious reputations outside, could any of them claim to be stronger than the demonic sect itself?
The sect boasted mysterious and powerful leaders, as well as formidable members, whereas they were alone, with the highest among them only reaching the late stage of Foundation Establishment.
The three examiners were unfamiliar faces to everyone present, which made sense since the demonic sect was even more secretive than rogue cultivators and rarely made public appearances.
Despite the trial starting an hour earlier than announced, no one questioned it. This was likely one of the sect's tests: showing up early demonstrated dedication to the sect, and those who arrived just in time didn't deserve to join.
Lu Yang, leisurely sitting with his legs crossed, took out a pen and paper, directing his questions to the first person in line: "Tell us, why do you choose to join the demonic sect, what can you bring to us, what are your plans for yourself, and what are your salary expectations?"
The first person was taken aback by the barrage of questions, not expecting this to be the test for joining the sect. They were expecting questions about their cultivation level, techniques, or misdeeds they had committed.
Seeing the first person unable to respond, Lu Yang, impatiently gesturing with his hand, commented, "What's with the hesitation? If you falter at our questions, what will happen if you're caught by the authorities? Will you spill all the sect's secrets?"
"You're eliminated, go back."
The second person, a former gang leader who had experienced prison multiple times and fought to reclaim his gang and wife from his subordinates after he was betrayed, introduced himself with significant life experience.
"My name is Niu Mang, leader of the Green Dragon Gang. I chose to join our demonic sect seeking better prospects. I find the philosophies of the demonic path and our sect to have much in common. I believe joining the sect will lead to harmonious cooperation. I'll dedicate myself to wrongdoing and work with the sect to achieve greater glory!"
"My plan is to do whatever the sect needs, without complaints. After all, my strength grows with the sect's power!"
"As the sect has provided me with a foundation, I wouldn't dare ask for a salary. It should be me who pays tribute to the sect!"
Niu Mang's passionate response, including waving his fists, showed his determination to overcome challenges and embrace a bright future. It was a speech he was used to giving within his gang.
"You're eliminated, go back."
"Why?" Niu Mang protested, believing his answer was perfect.
Lu Yang sternly rebuked him, highlighting Niu Mang's misunderstanding of the demonic path: "What is the demonic path? It's about selfishness and self-interest. How can someone so dedicated to serving the sect without expecting anything in return be a true practitioner of the demonic path? As a member of the demonic sect, you should be plotting to seize power and instigate internal strife."
"As you said, you would do whatever the sect needs you to do. The sect needs you to leave, so get out!"
Niu Mang left with his head hung low in dejection. Those behind him, having heard the exchange, felt as if their eyes had been opened. So this was the philosophy of the demonic sect. Indeed, these were the examiners, their understanding of the demonic path was profoundly deep.
"Next," called out Meng Jingzhou.
"I'm Chi Xu Long, with a Foundation Establishment cultivation," Chi Xu Long emphasized his cultivation level, hoping to gain the examiners' attention.
"Tell us, what evil deeds have you committed?"
When Chi Xu Long got his turn, he had plenty to say: "Since I was a child, I was taken away and raised by wolves on the mountain. At the age of ten, I killed the wolf that took me with a bone knife and descended the mountain to live. In the mountains, whatever I wanted, I would simply take by force. This habit followed me to the city; whatever I lacked, I would rob. Consequently, the constables chased after me. I kept robbing as they chased. My speed is unmatched; no one can catch up to me. During robberies, I even took hostages and killed a few who stood in my way."
Chi Xu Long spoke with pride, believing that someone with his extensive record of misdeeds certainly qualified for the demonic sect.
Meng Jingzhou shook his head: "With the righteous path holding sway nowadays, we of the demonic path must act discreetly. Your style is too ostentatious and will lead to your downfall. Look at yourself, how many people recognize you, and then look at us three. Who knows us? That's the difference!"
"It's not about skulking in the shadows but about strategically lying in wait. It's the wisdom of hiding in plain sight!"
Barbarian Bone curiously looked at Lu Yang and Meng Jingzhou, wondering why they seemed so familiar with the ways of the demonic path.
Taking the advice to heart, Chi Xu Long believed he had oversimplified the demonic path and voluntarily left.
"I am Shen Jin Yi," the white-faced scholar introduced himself with a smile, thinking he had figured out the examiners' approach after the previous exchanges.
Barbarian Bone, noticing the other's scholarly attire and recognizing a fellow Confucian cultivator, eagerly posed a question that had long puzzled him, one not even the four elders could answer: "Since 'niang' and 'ma' both mean 'mother,' can I then refer to 'gu niang' (young lady) as 'gu ma' (aunt)?" (TL Note: I don't even know how to translate this one. The Chinese words are different from english.)
Shen Jin Yi was taken aback, unsure how to respond despite his forty years of life experience.
He had thought the seemingly simple examiner on his left would be easy to deal with, but was unexpectedly struck by a profound question.
Shen Jin Yi didn't outright say he didn't know but instead stated, "I am an assassin, not a scholar."
"An assassin? Have you studied criminal law?" Lu Yang asked with interest.
"I have studied it somewhat," Shen Jin Yi modestly claimed, though in reality, he was well-versed in criminal law, essential knowledge for an assassin to evade legal consequences.
"So, let me ask you, the criminal law defines the crime of intentional homicide as 'intentionally depriving someone of life constitutes this crime.'"
"Does suicide constitute intentional homicide?"
Shen Jin Yi faced another unexpected question.
Seeing Shen Jin Yi unable to answer, Lu Yang waved him off in disappointment: "You can't even answer questions about your area of expertise, go back."
Shen Jin Yi faced the biggest setback of his life within just five minutes.
Are these the questions that a normal person would ask?
"Could it be that only those with unconventional thinking can join the demonic sect?"
...
This selection test for joining the sect was of great importance, so the sect leader wanted to preside over it personally to be at ease.
The sect leader specifically arrived half an hour early to prepare.
On the way to the examination site, the sect leader saw many fierce and evil-looking people leaving one after another, murmuring things like "The interview is really tough," "It's hard to join the demonic sect," "So this is the true essence of the demonic path," "I'll come back in thirty years," as if they had undergone an enlightenment and achieved a great realization.
The sect leader fell into deep thought.
He hadn't arrived yet, so who was overseeing the test?
Then, he saw Lu Yang and his two companions, who were stirring up the scene and making significant decisions.
(End of the chapter)
Author's Note: Thoughts on Going Live
(TL Note: This was written by the author. I don't count this as a real chapter so I will be releasing another chapter later)
Translator: yikaii Editor: yikaii
Before writing this book, I thought of myself as a fairly serious person, with thoughts and ideas not much different from others, lacking any distinctive features. However, as I began writing this book, more and more bizarre ideas started popping into my mind, like techniques for sensing energy and other oddities, which couldn't be suppressed.
Perhaps this is what makes me unique?
With the thought of not wasting my uniqueness, this book came into being, starting with discussions about cheating in front of examiners, climbing Heart Seeking Mountain, Shrinking the Earth into Inches, and the Strength of Ten Bulls Pill...
It brings joy to readers, and I'm happy writing it—a win-win situation.
Some say Lu Yang's maneuvers aren't bold enough. To this, I'd like to say that Lu Yang is still weak; he has the mind for bold maneuvers but not the courage.
Too bold a move would indeed get him hung up and beaten by the eldest senior sister.
This book is about to go live; please, fellow Daoists, support it with your initial subscriptions. It really means a lot to me.
(End of the chapter)