Oh My, How Extra!

Missing Pieces

Author's Note: Here is extra number 2 for the 5th anniversary of OMF. This one is a bit more serious than the previous one and sheds some light on a stretch of the past we haven't heard much of in the main series: Leng Jin Yu's time as a cultivator. In fact, this could be described as the very beginning of his journey to the ascended deity he is going to become so I think it's quite the fitting story to celebrate the day when we started on this journey as well ~

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A decade had passed since the Jian Yi Sect last opened its gates for the people to try and be admitted. Now, the disciples usually stationed at the gates had stepped aside and the majestic doors stood wide open, exposing the path in front.

Leng Jin Yu stood a few steps away, his gaze brushing over the sect grounds he could see from his position. In this year, he was fifteen years old. When it came to people starting on the path to cultivation, this age could be considered old. Most children would be admitted to a sect at the age of five or six, spending their whole life dedicating their time to attaining immortality. As for him, fate seemed to be playing pranks on him.

His family couldn't be considered poor but they were commoners and times were trying. In the end, some children had to be abandoned. One was sent to a monastery, another one to the barracks, and he, the youngest of the bunch, was sent out to make his way to be admitted to a cultivation sect.

At first glance, it seemed like a good choice. The Jian Yi Sect wasn't far away and who didn't know about its splendor? If you became a disciple, you could also gain endless glory and live a good life. But all of that relied on being admitted in the first place.

Leng Jin Yu sighed, straightened up, and walked through the gates. That year, he hadn't made it in time. A young child all alone, it was a wonder if they made it at all. In his case, he had gotten into trouble and despite arriving, he had missed the right time, the gates already having closed again. This time, things would be different.

Leng Jin Yu followed the path. In the distance, other people seeking a place in the sect could be seen. He didn't hastily rush after them. In any case, the Jian Yi Sect was a premier sect and didn't bother about playing games with the ones attempting to join them. No, doing that kind of thing was the mark of a second or maybe third-rank sect, those who loved to put on airs in front of the common people but were not considered to be all that much in the cultivation world.

He had asked around before coming here and the Jian Yi Sect's admission wasn't like that at all. They would check for your aptitude, then have a talk over a cup of tea. It really was an elegant way of admitting disciples. No wonder their reputation outside was stellar, no matter whether you asked common people or cultivators.

Behind him on the path, people were making a ruckus. Leng Jin Yu lightly glanced over his shoulder but it was just a bunch of children rushing ahead as if afraid to not make it in time.

Leng Jin Yu smiled lightly and stepped aside, waiting to let them pass. Anyway, he wasn't in a hurry. After you came in, the Jian Yi Sect wouldn't throw you out. Not until they hadn't ascertained whether you were allowed to become a disciple or not. Since he knew and those children clearly didn't, he didn't mind letting them go first so they could put their worries to rest. As for him, he'd patiently wait his turn.

By the time Leng Jin Yu reached the square at the end of the path, those children had long been seated in the pavilions surrounding the square one by one. He stood to the side, his gaze drifting about.

On his way through the sect, he had looked around as well. What he had heard about the sect during his years on the road was true: It was a place of splendor indeed. But at the same time, it was also a quiet place.