Healing System

Everyone's staring as if you're some sore thumb—it seems like word is spreading fast, the system remarked. He merely glanced around in response.

Just a couple of minutes ago, everything seemed normal, but soon after, he felt like he was being watched.

It didn't take long for him to figure out that whatever kind of bounty the Shadow Sect had set on his head was definitely lucrative.

Lucrative enough that some even dared to get near him with malice, yet never acted on their intentions.

Michael couldn't wrap his head around it, but he did stand out. Anyone who had gotten a description of a tall guy with golden robes would be able to spot him in no time.

That was why he decided to head quickly into an alleyway with Hu Rong.

Before the rest of the people could catch up to him, he changed his clothing to match Hu Rong's—dark green Daoist robes.

It didn't look that good on him, but maybe that was a good thing—he could get away much easier now.

Exiting from the other side of the alleyway, they were met with the gate of one of the sects he was thinking of joining.

'Cloudflower Sect... sounds interesting.' Michael decided to put off the weird name for now and head inside.

At a glance, there weren't many people gathered, but one thing he found strange was the fact that all the people present were women.

Whether old or young, there wasn't a single man in sight—besides the two of them, of course.

Before they could venture further into the estate, someone wearing a mask and dark purple Daoist robes appeared before them, a sigil of a flower above the clouds embroidered on their clothing.

"Halt! Where do you think you are going?" a feminine voice rang out.

Michael immediately stepped up and spoke politely. "We'd like to learn more about the sect—maybe even join, if possible?"

His voice trailed off in confusion as the more he spoke, the more the woman before him began shaking.

Before long, her angered voice resounded: "You... Are you a eunuch? This is a sect for women only."

Pfft... Yeah, Michael, are you a eunuch?

'...' Michael remained silent before cupping his hands and leaving the estate immediately.

"Hu Rong, you could have told me we were going to a women-only sect."

"Ah... Sorry, Master Mujin, I thought we were going sightseeing," Hu Rong apologized sincerely, causing Michael's brows to furrow.

'Shameless.'

Their next destination was the Plum Blossom Sect—it was actually one he knew of from the books he had read before.

According to the books, it was supposed to be settled on a mountain—hence why its other name was the Mount Hua Sect.

However, as the two neared the sect, they could see conflict without even entering the estate. Outside were people wearing light pink Daoist robes with plum flower embroidery, seemingly messing around with the non-sect members nearby.

Some were even being disruptive in the stalls, throwing food around at one another.

It almost seemed like they were absolute children, but given the length of their beards, it was highly unlikely.

'Are there exceptions? I wonder...' Michael thought, passing by the disruptive disciples of the sect before heading inside the estate.

It seemed livelier—more people were huddled together, either sparring or training in swordsmanship.

But just like before, he could see some people being unruly, looking down on others while the elders in the far-off distance sat and did nothing except watch.

'Looks like a pain in the ass to be a part of,' he concluded, slowly making his way back out.

What was the point in joining a sect that would hinder your progress?

However, as they approached the gates to exit, the disruptive batch from earlier came back in, smug smiles plastered over their faces.

"What's this? Two lost pieces of trash wandering around our sect grounds?"

Michael didn't even want to humor them, so he simply walked past them.

The moment he did, he felt a tug on his shoulder, and upon turning around, saw the annoying smirk of the man grow wider.

"Unless... you want us to help you find your way?" he said, turning to the group beside him. "What do you say, juniors?"

"You're just being ridiculous now," Michael's cold voice rang out as, in the very next moment, he sent out a wave of invisible mana, knocking the annoying group back.

But before they could protest, their eyes landed on nothing—both Michael and Hu Rong had already dashed away.

So far, their sect searching was not going great; however, there were still two more chances.

If it didn't work out, he could always go to another city—perhaps something bigger—and try again.

After all, despite the sect disciples being troublesome, the elders and higher-ups were much stronger than Michael.

Someone stronger to fight each day was certainly a boon, he could grow at an even quicker pace than he already was.

As he was lost in his thoughts, they finally arrived at another sect—the Azure Dragon Sect.

At a glance, it looked normal—not a female-only sect—and the disciples were certainly not idiots like the last.

'Finally, a good sign.' He heaved out a sigh of relief and went inside, looking for any sort of sect elder to talk to.

After a few moments, he finally found one, who was busy overlooking the training of the sect disciples—even actively tutoring them.

However, as his eyes landed on Michael and Hu Rong, he walked over and politely introduced himself. "Greetings, I am Elder Chen. How can I help you two?"

Michael put on a small smile before saying, "We'd like to join this martial sect if possible."

But the response was completely unexpected. "Sorry, our entrance trials ended last week," Elder Chen apologized, continuing, "However, if you are still interested, you could try next year. We would be happy to have you."

"Is there no way to make some room?" Michael asked with furrowed brows. It was finally a sect that didn't seem terrible, yet he couldn't even join it.

"There is not. Our ancestors made the rules so we could follow them—no exceptions," Elder Chen stated in a stern voice.

But as Michael thought all hope was lost, the elder's voice rang out again—this time in a whisper.

"You can try the Golden Dragon Sect. They are our rivals, and their trials should begin in a couple of hours. If you go there, you might be able to join." He leaned in closer and finished with a chuckle. "But don't tell anyone I told you this—I'd get in real trouble. Good luck."

Michael cupped his hands in respect and bowed—it meant they could still join something of equal quality to this sect.

After all, they were rivals.

The two immediately made their way there, with Hu Rong occasionally asking some stupid questions.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"Master Mujin, did you live on a mountain all your life? You are very... uninformed."

He was about to say stupid, wasn't he? Michael's brows twitched as he quickly answered in a proud tone, Read exclusive adventures at empire

"I lived on the highest mountain, young disciple. Do not question me about such matters."

I bet that will haunt you in your sleep. Even for someone trying to sound proud, you still manage to sound stupid.

'It did work, though,' Michael thought as Hu Rong looked on with admiration.

And not long after, they finally arrived—the Golden Dragon Sect was right before them.

However, there was one issue.

'...Why does it look abandoned?'