[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-unorthodox-sword-of-ming":3,"chapter-the-unorthodox-sword-of-ming-the-unorthodox-sword-of-ming-chapter-119":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Unorthodox Sword of Ming",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2337324,4570,"Chapter 119: Quotas","the-unorthodox-sword-of-ming-chapter-119",119,"\u003Cp>He glanced at Pan Yun, who was wiping her eyes alongside Wang Feiyin, and his teeth began to ache—this child looked young, but she turned out to be just as stubborn as Wang Feiyin, truly a handful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he could only say, “Let her enter the academy to study; bestowing the talisman as soon as possible is the best solution. Does Li Mei have any better alternative?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xuan Miao lowered her eyes in thought, then looked at Wang Feiyin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Feiyin tugged her sleeve and gave her a meaningful glance, nodding toward Miao Zhen and Miao He, who stood nearby watching the spectacle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xuan Miao understood at once, raised her eyes, and asked, “How long must she study before receiving the talisman?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zi Fang: “...Li Mei should know there’s no shortcut—pass the exam, and you receive the talisman.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She’s too young to go alone—I’m not comfortable with it. Let Miao Zhen and Miao He go with her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zi Fang turned to look at Miao Zhen and Miao He, who were barely a finger’s height taller than Pan Yun, and fell silent for a long while. “How are their ages any different from hers? How can they look after her?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course they can,” Xuan Miao said without changing expression. “They’ve grown up in the Daoist monastery since childhood—they can cook, grow vegetables, wash clothes. Isn’t that looking after her?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun tugged her sleeve and nodded vigorously, her voice soft but audible to all: “I can’t do any of those things. I’m afraid to go alone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zi Fang didn’t believe it—he’d checked beforehand. This Pan Yun was formerly called Zhang Xiaomei, a peasant girl who’d been sold into servitude. How could she not know how to wash clothes or cook? She was pulling the wool over his eyes!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, Long Hushan doesn’t need people who can cook—we have a cafeteria, for heaven’s sake!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zi Fang’s face turned grim. “Li Mei, Long Hushan Academy has a strict quota—only Daoist disciples over twelve are admitted, and each county has a fixed annual limit. Competition occurs at the prefecture level. How could you possibly expect three spots for Mount Sanqing all at once?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“These three won’t use up any quota,” Xuan Miao said. “This is Long Hushan’s own mistake—you must fix it yourselves. We’re merely cooperating out of goodwill; why should we consume Yushan County’s quota?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old Daoist beside them immediately nodded. “Exactly! Yushan County gets four spots every year. These three clearly don’t qualify—they wouldn’t even get to compete on stage. How could they take up Yushan’s quota?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Frankly, this whole mess is Long Hushan’s fault. They should give us three extra spots.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly. Should we pay the price for their mistake?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zi Fang: “I can only offer one extra—just for Pan Xiao. Li Mei, she entered two or three years earlier than others. With her talent, she’ll receive the talisman two or three years ahead of schedule. Long Hushan not only resolves the oversight caused by that young disciple, but also secretly benefits Mount Sanqing. You must know when to be satisfied.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xuan Miao’s face grew colder, her aura chilling enough to make everyone shiver. Wang Feiyin immediately pulled Pan Yun aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xuan Miao stepped forward, hand on her sword, coldly stating: “I said we’re cooperating out of goodwill. Your offer doesn’t suit me—I won’t accept it. This is your own error. I’ve already accommodated you—now it’s you who should be satisfied!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zi Fang stepped back two paces, his knee hitting the chair behind him. Everyone watched him. His face darkened further; anger flared up instantly. He gripped the soft sword at his waist, hesitating—when Yu Chengzi stepped forward from the crowd. “Brother Zhang, I think Sister Zhang’s concerns are valid. Sister Pan has only just begun her cultivation, knows little of Daoist doctrine, and is still young. Her journey to Long Hushan is indeed worrying.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Though Miao Zhen and Miao He are young too, they’ve grown up on Mount Sanqing. With them to look after her, not only will Brother Wang and Sister Zhang feel at ease, but Sister Pan can cultivate in peace.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Chengzi moved to Zhang Zi Fang’s side and spoke gently: “If you fear Long Hushan will blame you, perhaps we should set this aside for now and seek Master Three’s guidance before deciding?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xuan Miao let out a derisive laugh, her gaze fixed on Zhang Zi Fang with a half-smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zi Fang clenched his sword hilt tightly. Suppressing his anger under Xuan Miao’s mocking stare, he said coldly: “No need. Let all three enter together. But...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stared at Pan Yun. “I must confirm she bears the Divine Seal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun’s heart froze. Divine Seal?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Feiyin yanked her close, grinning. “Of course, of course.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took both her hands. “Which hand?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun looked confused. “What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Never mind. Any hand will do.” Wang Feiyin swiftly rolled up her right sleeve and extended her arm toward Zhang Zi Fang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun’s heart leapt; a faint unease stirred within her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zi Fang lowered his gaze, formed a hand seal, and murmured an incantation. A streak of spiritual light shot from his fingertip and illuminated her arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On her wrist, three inches below the skin, a square mark appeared—golden in color, characters in red. Pan Yun stared, brows furrowed, barely catching the three characters: “San Qing Pan”—then the mark vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone saw the mark. When they looked at Pan Yun again, their eyes betrayed unmistakable envy and jealousy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Feiyin pulled down her sleeve and smiled broadly. “Well? Any problem?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zi Fang’s expression eased slightly. He nodded. “Good. She is indeed a certified disciple of Mount Sanqing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused, then added: “Next April, Mount Sanqing disciples Miao Zhen and Miao He may enter the academy together with Pan Yun.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old Daoist beside him immediately asked: “Won’t this use up Yushan County’s quota?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zi Fang pressed his lips together. “No.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Daoists of Yushan County all exhaled in relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, beaming, they bowed and congratulated Wang Feiyin: “Congratulations, congratulations, Brother Wang! Mount Sanqing has risen another step!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Feiyin beamed back, returning the bow. “Mutual congratulations! Isn’t this also Yushan County’s joy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed it was. Next year, Yushan County would send seven students to Long Hushan Academy. Just thinking of it brought joy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Daoists of Yushan County grew excited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old Daoist, after letting them celebrate a moment, hurriedly said: “Enough, enough. Time’s running out. Let’s draw lots now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Feiyin rolled up his sleeves. “I’ll go first, I’ll go first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone knew his luck was terrible. He insisted on drawing first—no one objected. If anyone else tried, they’d have protested.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before drawing, Wang Feiyin rubbed his hands, muttered “Fusheng Wuliang Tianzun,” silently invoked their mountain deity, blew a breath into his palm, reached into the box, fumbled around, then slowly pulled out a slip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could open it, the old Daoist snatched it away, unfolded it, and shouted: “Bing Three!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bing Three? Sounds decent. Didn’t he usually get Ding Five or worse?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Where’s Bing Three?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the wall corner,” Xuan Qiong pointed to a secluded spot. “There.” Everyone turned. Against the high wall near the front courtyard, a large circle had been drawn. Opposite it stood a camellia tree, its thick trunk and dense branches casting a shadow over half the circle. Without Xuan Qiong’s pointing, no one would’ve noticed the spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, there? Then it’s fine.” Everyone turned back, rubbing their hands. “The unluckiest one’s drawn. Now it’s my turn.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Feiyin: ...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mount Sanqing’s disciples were used to this. Tao Ji and Wang Cong turned and walked straight toward the circle. Outside, they met Tao Yanbai, carrying a large bamboo basket on his back and a bulky bundle in his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had too much to carry—he couldn’t squeeze in, so he stood on tiptoe at the edge, peering in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tao Ji reached out and took the bundle from him. “Come on, let’s set up the stall.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xuan Miao turned to leave. Zhang Zi Fang immediately called out: “Li Mei, Third Aunt sent you a letter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xuan Miao didn’t stop, as if she hadn’t heard, walking straight toward their circle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Feiyin grinned and extended his hand. “Brother Zhang, just give me the letter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zi Fang clenched his teeth inwardly, but seeing Xuan Miao’s retreating back, he handed it over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He dared to confront Wang Feiyin—but dared not provoke Xuan Miao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>!. Read\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun watched it all, memorizing it. Once she confirmed everything was settled, she pulled Miao He and Miao Zhen to chase after Xuan Miao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tao Ji and the others had already spread a large hemp cloth and laid out their wares upon it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun squeezed in with Miao Zhen and Miao He, standing before the stall, helping arrange the items, her eyes wide with wonder. “Third Brother, is the Sanqing Gathering just about setting up stalls?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course not,” he said. “There’s also Daoist exchange—but that has nothing to do with you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun: “Why nothing to do with us?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because your cultivation base is too low, you’re too young, your insights are minimal, and you’ve learned few Daoist methods. Who’d want to exchange with you? Only senior disciples like Master Da are interested in Daoist exchange.” Tao Ji paused. “But you’re naturally clever—Master Da might bring you to listen in.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun immediately began waiting for Wang Feiyin to come find her—but an hour passed and he never showed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xuan Miao glanced at her. “Don’t wait. Go play with Miao Zhen and Miao He.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said: “The Daoist methods they exchange are profound and complex. You’re too young to engage with them. If you hear even a word or two and mistake it for truth, you’ll dig yourself into a narrow corner and stray from the true path. Better not to listen at all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun pondered. Seeing she was receptive, Xuan Miao continued: “So at your age, you should focus on fundamentals—build a solid foundation. When you’ve formed your own understanding of the world and touched your own Dao, only then should you begin listening to others’ methods. That might help refine your own Dao and advance your cultivation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun: “I thought the Gathering was about dueling spells and martial arts.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xuan Miao: “Spells and martial arts are merely external skills. In times of peace and prosperity, what’s worth fighting over? Seeking the Great Dao and cultivating inner power is the true path.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tao Ji nodded. “Exactly. Only Long Hushan enjoys those sparring matches and spell contests. Mount Sanqing doesn’t do that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Cong nodded too. “Right.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tao Yanbai nodded along. “Exactly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun, Miao Zhen, and Miao He understood at once and nodded vigorously. “Yes, yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xuan Miao turned and glared at Tao Ji. “Don’t corrupt the children.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tao Ji muttered under his breath: “I didn’t. They’re copying me themselves...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned to glare at Wang Cong and the others. “What are you all learning? We’ve been setting up for an hour and haven’t had a single customer. Don’t you know how to shout out your wares?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Cong stood up, called out over the camellia tree: “Talismans! Talismans! Top-quality talismans from Mount Sanqing! Health talismans, safety talismans, wealth talismans—plus Lei Fu, purification talismans—all available!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A passerby heard and turned, recognizing Wang Cong. “It’s Brother Wang! I’ve been searching for your Mount Sanqing stall everywhere. How’d you end up hiding here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Cong: ... As if they’d chosen to hide here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled brightly and called across the camellia tree: “This spot is quiet, with a gentle breeze—perfect for meditation. Friend, are you here to buy talismans?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, I’d rather buy talismans at Long Hushan. Why come to Mount Sanqing? I’m here for your medicine! Your wound salve is excellent, your Zi Jin Dan, Qi Ling Dan, Yin Shen Dan, and Sheng Xin Dan all work wonders—especially the Sheng Xin Dan. Last time my grandmother had a heart palpitation and collapsed, she took a Sheng Xin Dan and came back to life.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He bowed his way around the camellia tree, ready to greet Wang Cong—then spotted Tao Ji sitting cross-legged in the corner. His eyes lit up. He bypassed Wang Cong entirely and charged straight toward Tao Ji.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Cong had already clasped his hands, barely able to shake them, when the man brushed past him and rushed to the stall, bowing deeply. “I never expected to meet Daoist Tao here! I’m Fang Yuan, humbly paying my respects.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tao Ji returned the bow, sizing him up. “You’re a Daoist too?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled shyly. “I’m a lay follower—I’ve never taken vows or passed the ordination exam. But I revere Daoist teachings. This time, I was brought in by Lin Daochang of the Laozi Temple.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tao Ji nodded. “I see. But if you’re not formally in the Daoist path, why buy Yin Shen Dan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun crouched beside Tao Ji. “Friend, don’t misunderstand. My brother means—if you haven’t studied Daoist methods systematically, buying Yin Shen Dan and other pills won’t help. You need to buy other pills to go with them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miao Zhen and Miao He looked at Pan Yun with admiration. Wang Cong watched her with satisfaction—feeling Mount Sanqing finally had a worthy successor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d shouldered the monastery’s burdens for years. Now someone could share the load.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Yuan was captivated by Pan Yun’s words. “Then what pills should I take with it? How much will my cultivation improve?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun: “Do you have any cultivation base? Any internal cultivation method? Do you even know the purpose of Daoist practice? Do you understand how pills affect the body and advance cultivation?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Yuan shook his head, confused. “But isn’t pill alchemy just about eating pills to cultivate?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun: “Friend, that’s a narrow misunderstanding. It’s a misconception outsiders have about our pill alchemy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said: \"Our cultivation sect does not call itself Dan Dao; it is called Qi Gong Dan Dao, so it is not merely about taking pills—you must also practice Qi Gong. Qi Gong cultivation and Dan Dao complement each other; if you take pills alone, you can only strengthen the body and prolong life, but you cannot achieve the effects of Dao cultivation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lucky number is one ending in 8, screenshot as proof.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2388,"2026-06-20T22:03:57.478Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","15d1a392ac086ddac498bbdeaea7375c0ccb9ea81fabe2d10d68a7f96953c217","the-unorthodox-sword-of-ming-chapter-120","the-unorthodox-sword-of-ming-chapter-118",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-unorthodox-sword-of-ming-cover.jpg"]