Though Yan Jiaojiao's question was phrased as a query, it was, in fact, a demand. Shangguan Yuan naturally understood. Five-elemental physiques were not easily obtained, and he could also comprehend Yan Jiaojiao's desire to fully develop her potential. He was also pleased that she possessed such awareness.
"Of course," Shangguan Yuan nodded. With a sweep of his hand across the table before him, four cultivation manuals appeared, each belonging to one of the other four sects. "You may seek guidance from the sect leaders and grand elders yourself. I will speak with them on your behalf."
Yan Jiaojiao took the manuals and thanked Shangguan Yuan, "Thank you, Sect Leader."
Shangguan Yuan nodded and rose, leaving Lianyun Hall.
Zhou Size, aware of his limited spiritual roots, did not envy Yan Jiaojiao's opportunity. He only wished to diligently study his own sect's techniques and thus would not practice cultivation methods with Yan Jiaojiao. From this point onward, their paths of cultivation would diverge.
After Shangguan Yuan departed, the two emerged from Lianyun Hall together. As they were about to part ways, Zhou Size called out to Yan Jiaojiao. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "From now on, you will be interacting with other sects. Given your proud nature, it would be best to maintain a low profile when dealing with them. There is no need to court disaster at this stage."
Yan Jiaojiao was surprised that Zhou Size would offer her such advice. She was touched by his words. She had indeed not yet let go of her former identity as an ancient ancestor of a thousand years. Although she was now merely a humble disciple with no home, Yan Jiaojiao had never devalued herself. Her willingness to voice dissent and challenge authority stemmed from her past confidence. However, Yan Jiaojiao had forgotten that her current strength was limited. Her previous successes were merely a matter of good fortune. If she continued to act too recklessly and openly express her ideas within the academy, she would undoubtedly face much hardship and trouble. Yan Jiaojiao also knew that she had already offended many people, and with the long years ahead, she truly needed to consider lying low and conserving her strength.
With this realization, Yan Jiaojiao nodded slightly to Zhou Size, "Thank you."
Zhou Size returned her bow and turned to leave.
Having made her decision, Yan Jiaojiao acted immediately, deciding to begin by studying the cultivation methods of the Gold Sect. Yan Jiaojiao could understand the cultivation methods of these sects; especially with her thorough knowledge of the Water Sect's manual, the methods of other sects came to her with ease. However, there were always one or two points she did not fully grasp. Remembering that Shangguan Yuan had already informed the various sects of her intention to seek their guidance, Yan Jiaojiao decided to find someone in the Gold Sect to clarify her doubts.
The Gold Sect was the most prestigious sect in the entire Gunan Academy. Its disciples seemed to be connected to wealth and status, being either rich or noble. Therefore, when Yan Jiaojiao appeared before the Gold Sect's training grounds, the students inside cast various glances her way. However, none were friendly. Even Wen Jinshu looked at Yan Jiaojiao with wariness.
At this moment, Jiang Yiling, the senior disciple of the Gold Sect, heard the news and came to welcome Yan Jiaojiao. Seeing the standoff between Yan Jiaojiao and the students inside and outside the training grounds, he sternly addressed his junior disciples, "Why are you still standing around and staring? Continue your training!"
The disciples lowered their heads in assent and resumed their practice.
"Junior Sister Yan, the sect leaders are occupied. If you do not mind, I will explain the Gold Sect's cultivation methods to you." Jiang Yiling was as gentle as ever, lacking the arrogance of a Gold Sect disciple.
Yan Jiaojiao nodded her thanks, "Senior Brother Jiang is about to become a sect leader. Your guidance will surely lead to twice the results with half the effort."
Jiang Yiling merely smiled and led Yan Jiaojiao to a quiet study hall. Yan Jiaojiao, being naturally intelligent, only needed a little guidance from Jiang Yiling for the obscure points in the cultivation methods to be resolved. Even Jiang Yiling was astonished by Yan Jiaojiao's comprehension. When Yan Jiaojiao was about to leave, Jiang Yiling personally escorted her to the door.
As they were exchanging pleasantries, Yan Jiaojiao saw a familiar figure, long unseen, appear before her. It was none other than Yan Zhengfeng, who was supposed to be in Kunyang City. After several months, Yan Zhengfeng's posture was still vigorous, exuding the solemn authority of a middle-aged man, though a hint of ruthlessness flickered in the corners of his eyes. Accompanying him were Luo Guiyuan and Xu Yantao, with Yan Ruxue and Chen Bingbing following behind them. The group exuded an amiable atmosphere. The two sect leaders even turned back occasionally to praise Yan Ruxue. The display was so elaborate that Yan Jiaojiao knew without a doubt that Yan Zhengfeng, seeing his daughter was not highly regarded in Gunan Academy, had come to personally visit and make arrangements.
Different fates for different people. Though they shared the same father, they received vastly different treatment; this was the disparity. Yan Jiaojiao, though indifferent, could not help but sigh. However, she was now standing at the entrance of the Gold Sect with Jiang Yiling, and it was too late to avoid them. Yan Zhengfeng looked up and saw her standing on the steps. After several months, Yan Jiaojiao was in her developmental phase. The food and lodging at Gunan Academy were much better than at the Yan family, and she had grown an inch taller. Her face had filled out, making her more delicate and lovely. However, her current cold expression made her appear quite aloof. Yan Zhengfeng's smile also vanished from his eyes, replaced by a coldness.
"Yan Jiaojiao." Yan Ruxue also saw her, her smile turning smug. She looked at Yan Jiaojiao and even mockingly called her name, instantly drawing everyone's attention to Yan Jiaojiao. Chen Bingbing, always Yan Ruxue's lackey, immediately chimed in, "You see your uncle and don't pay your respects? He's still your father. Do you really think you can sever ties with your father just like that?" Sect Leader Xu Yantao of the Fire Sect was not privy to these domestic matters. However, upon hearing Chen Bingbing's words, he quickly pieced together the situation and remembered who this familiar female student was. Recalling her previous defiance of the sect leader within the academy, he felt displeased. As for Luo Guiyuan, he already viewed Yan Jiaojiao as a thorn in his side and had only refrained from crushing her due to her status. The atmosphere suddenly became delicate. Jiang Yiling, as an outsider, was extremely uneasy. He first bowed to the two sect leaders and then stepped aside, unsure whether to stay or leave.
On the contrary, Yan Jiaojiao completely disregarded Yan Ruxue and Chen Bingbing. After a slight bow to Jiang Yiling, she said, "Disciple takes her leave." With that, she actually turned and walked away.
Unfortunately, fate was not on her side. Yan Zhengfeng coldly snorted, "Truly uncultured and beyond redemption. All the money spent on you in the past was wasted, raising such an ungrateful wretch!" If she could tolerate words like these, then she wouldn't be Yan Jiaojiao.
"You raised me?" Yan Jiaojiao turned back and sneered. "To do chores for the Yan family? Or to enrich yourselves with my stepmother's wealth?" Yan Zhengfeng was indeed in dire straits at that time, and it was only with Song Zhi's dowry and her family's support that he was able to rise again. Yan Zhengfeng was unwilling to mention this after achieving success. To have it exposed in front of outsiders at this moment enraged him instantly!