Chapter 23

“Good! Great! This move, ‘Qingfeng Liuyun,’ is truly wonderful, truly wonderful!”

Further away, out of sight of the Kunwu disciples, an old Taoist in red clapped his hands in admiration. His red robe was rather untidy, and his face wasn’t that old, but he had a small mustache. A small patch on his lips extended to a tuft on his chin, merging with the longer beard on his chin, perfect for stroking while he sighed deeply.

“This is truly like’searching high and low only to find it effortlessly.’” The old Taoist’s eyes gleamed, and he couldn’t help but lean forward. “Wonderful, wonderful!”

Huaiyun frowned slightly.

The master of Baiyu Pavilion had always been quite unrestrained and often acted outrageously. Although Huaiyun had seen such exaggerated behavior many times before and disliked it, he still kept a smile on his face.

“What do you mean by that, Master? It’s just a move called ‘Qingfeng Liuyun,’ powerful indeed, but…”

“You don’t understand; you don’t understand.”

The old Taoist cheerfully interrupted, raising a finger and shaking it.

“Shh, is she going to continue fighting? Let me watch a bit more, just a bit more.”

Huaiyun swallowed the rest of his words, but doubts swirled in his mind.

Baiyu Pavilion produced talisman masters, and among them were great array masters. They used talismans to enter the Dao and understand the Dao, and the path of talismans existed between heaven and earth, in the mountains and rivers, beyond the seven senses.

Some people are born seeing the world as composed of countless lines: mountains and rivers, grass and trees are lines, eaves and ridges are lines, rain and snow, wind and hail are also lines. By following these lines and drawing them with a hand, they create talismans, and connecting these talismans forms arrays.

But most people, throughout their lives, never see these lines nor sense the meaning of talismans between heaven and earth.

This perception is unrelated to one’s level of cultivation or age and cannot be achieved through training.

The seemingly eccentric old Taoist was actually one of the world’s foremost talisman masters—a true array master. People might dare to provoke a sword cultivator, but no one ever dared to court disaster with a talisman master.

A sword cultivator’s strike is swift and deadly.

A talisman master’s anger, a thousand talismans slicing, a fate worse than death.

Baiyu Pavilion had many talisman masters and quite a few array masters, but the old Taoist hadn’t found an apprentice to his liking.

And what did he say earlier… ‘searching high and low only to find it effortlessly,’ it was hard not to think in that direction.

Huaiyun’s eyes deepened with thought, but he spoke differently. “Yi Zui’s cultivation has improved significantly lately, and it seems he’s not far from building his foundation. He is indeed suited for sword cultivation.”

His intention was to account for the old Taoist, as Yi Zui was the son of the old Taoist’s beloved younger sister. If not for Yi Zui’s insistence on learning swordsmanship, Baiyu Pavilion wouldn’t have sent him to Kunwu Mountain Sect, even if he couldn’t grasp the meaning of talismans. Moreover, Yi Zui practiced both talisman and sword cultivation.

Unexpectedly, the old Taoist sneered, showing no regard.

“Tsk, what’s so good about swords? The kid is naive, insisting on sword cultivation. When he grows up, he will understand. Fighting and killing must be done by oneself. It’s boring, boring.”

Master Huaiyun always conceded to the old Taoist. Of course, he was not afraid of him, but because, although Yi Zui’s mother was the old Taoist’s sister, his father was a master uncle of Kunwu Mountain Sect who died in the Eclipse War. It goes without saying that Master Yi is a romantic and suave man, which attracted the Taoist’s sister to elope with him, but he never held the marriage ceremony.Even on the day of the old Taoist sister’s delivery, he was absent because of drunkenness.

Because of this, the old Taoist held the Kunwu Mountain Sect in contempt. If not for Yi Zui being here, the Taoist would probably never set foot in this place.

Yet he had visited recently, and today he was back again, doing nothing but watching a mundane sparring match between disciples. What was his intention?

“If it’s so uninteresting, why bother watching our disciples test their swords?” Master Huaiyun retorted, no longer backing down on matters concerning sword cultivation.

“Why not just go home early?”

“Go home for what?”

The old Taoist, seemingly oblivious to the sarcasm, waved dismissively.

“I’m not watching the swords. You don’t understand, you don’t understand.”

Master Huaiyun thought to himself, “I don’t understand Kunwu swords? Do you? You’re just a lousy talisman-maker. What do you know about…”

Before he could finish his crude thought, a radiance formed. An obscure disciple from Xiya Tower in the Enlightenment stage broke through on the spot.

The old Taoist laughed heartily, even more pleased. “See, I said it was wonderful, and it truly is wonderful.”

…

Li Shengyi also felt it was wonderful.

Before coming to Kunwu Mountain Sect, Li Shengyi was just an ordinary inner disciple of Xiya Tower in the Enlightenment stage. To say it is ordinary, it is much better than the outer sect disciples who can’t touch the threshold of drawing qi into the body. To say it is special, the Enlightenment stage is really worthless cabbage everywhere in the world of cultivation.

But after his apology, Li Shengyi felt a blockage in his dantian clear up, filling him with clarity and vigor.

Opening his eyes again, he saw that he had transformed from a worthless cabbage into a valuable jade cabbage.

When someone breaks through, the entire Kunwu Mountain Sect naturally senses it, especially those around the trial platform who witnessed the entire process.

When did breaking through become so easy?

Why did this person…break through just by apologizing?

If breaking through were really that simple, they’d be willing to apologize to Yu Si every day!

“The sword has intent, and this intent is your heart’s desire.”

Yu Si nodded at Li Shengyi, who was now in the early Qi refining stage.

“You followed this intent, and when the opportunity came, the breakthrough naturally followed.”

Li Shengyi took a deep breath.

The air he inhaled in the Qi refining stage felt different from the Enlightenment stage. He sensed more subtleties in the world, more vitality in all things, and his once mundane life suddenly felt bright and open.

The young man adjusted his robe, stepped back half a step, and saluted first to Yu Xizhi, then to Yu Si.

“Li Shengyi of Xiya Tower is grateful for the instruction.”

Yu Xizhi, witnessing a breakthrough for the first time, watched the swaying branches, flying cranes, and the briefly frozen, then cascading waterfall in fascination. So breakthroughs really did bring such auspicious signs.

She extended her consciousness, feeling the world’s joy, which lifted her own spirits. Accepting the salute gracefully, she smiled at Li Shengyi. “You’re welcome.”

With that, she casually shook her sword-wielding wrist.

“Now, who was next in line?”

With that sword strike, who would dare speak of her with disdain?

Now, everyone’s thoughts had shifted, and their expressions varied greatly.

Previously, the disciples of Xiya Tower felt utterly outmatched, unable to contend even with Xuanping and Xuanfan, and considering that Master Tan, their tower master, seemed to have a favorable view of this person.

It was fine that they didn’t find the person, but they had been mocking the second senior sister who made meat pies these days. Now, seeing her draw her sword against Li Shengyi, they turned pale with fear.

On the other hand, the disciples of Kunwu Mountain Sect were certain of an impending defeat, expecting it to be disgraceful. None of them wanted to witness such a spectacle, fearing it would bring shame to Kunwu. They thought this second senior sister was acting foolishly and that it would be better for her to spend a decade in the discipline hall of Ziyuan Peak, reducing the burden and embarrassment for their first senior brother.

But now, Teacher Xu and others stood with mouths agape, feeling the scene before them was surreal.

How could a sword strike from an early-stage Qi Refining disciple be so terrifying?

How could it… cause someone to break through?

It must be a coincidence!

Just one sword strike—could every strike have such power?

Moreover, since when did Yu Xizhi possess such sword skills? This was impossible!

The disciples of Kunwu Mountain Sect had varied expressions; some, like Teacher Xu, were in disbelief, others felt their faces burn with shame recalling their earlier words, and some had secret thoughts, believing they too could achieve a breakthrough if they faced that sword.

As for Xiya Tower, after a moment of staring at each other, a sudden voice broke the silence.

“Second Senior Sister Yu! Can I get in line too? Is it still possible? Xiang Wen from Xiya Tower, requesting a single strike!”

“I want to get in line too! Mu Li from Xiya Tower!”

“Qiu Xingping from Xiya Tower!”

…

Voices echoed one after another. In the face of a breakthrough opportunity, pride was irrelevant. Who wouldn’t want to break through like Li Shengyi… or at least gain insight into the path to a breakthrough?

Moreover, it was rumored that Tower Master Tan admired Second Senior Sister’s skill in making dumplings and intended to take her as a disciple. In that case, she would be everyone’s second senior sister. Requesting a strike from the future second senior sister was no shame!

Understanding this, the Xiya Tower disciples quickly called out their names and rushed forward, seizing all the life-and-death pledges on the side table. They signed the pledges energetically, and a junior sister meticulously numbered them, ready for Yu Xizhi to call them one by one.

Junior Sister Xia Yiyao, utterly surprised by the turn of events, coughed lightly and blushed.

“Second Senior Sister, that sword strike was truly amazing.”

“Anyone with eyes can see that. There’s no need for you to say it.”

Yi Zui, munching on sunflower seeds he somehow produced, had already accumulated a small pile of shells.

“Little Junior Sister, has anyone taught you that when you compliment someone, it should be sincere?”

Xia Yiyao lowered her gaze slightly.

“Third Senior Brother, am I not sincere?”

Yi Zui smiled faintly, raising an eyebrow. “Do you even have sincerity?”

Xia Yiyao was momentarily stunned, blinking in confusion.

“Third Senior Brother, what are you talking about?”

They stared at each other for a moment before simultaneously looking away, pretending the conversation never happened.

Yi Zui, still dissatisfied, muttered, “Qingfeng Liuyun’ for being impressive? A bunch of idiots! Is it the swordsmanship that’s impressive? The impressive thing is the person wielding it.”

The tightly furrowed brow of Huang Li, who had been crouching cautiously to the side, finally relaxed a little. Ever since he entered the Kunwu Mountain Sect, he had been perplexed as to why the incredibly powerful Little Immortal Yu in his eyes seemed to have such a terrible reputation among others, garnering disdain from everyone.

Cheng Luocen, crouching even closer, overheard the entire conversation between Yi Zui and Xia Yiyao.

Curiously, he glanced at the delicate and charming girl with her sparkling eyes, feeling a peculiar sensation in his heart.

The old man’s remnant soul continued to grumble, “Oh, this little girl is indeed pretty, but looks don’t put food on the table. And she got hurt by sword qi, still stubbornly wielding her sword. So greedy. The second senior sister is much more interesting. That last sword strike she made, did you understand it? Her sword carried the talisman intent, which she learned from that white-clad boy’s guidance when she cut down the Jealousy demon. Stop staring at the girl; did you get the sword technique?”

“I don’t even have a sword. What difference does it make if I understand it or not?”

Cheng Luocen withdrew his gaze, suppressing the odd and abrupt feeling in his heart. He felt an inexplicable attraction to Xia Yiyao but was internally resistant to it, though he couldn’t help but keep looking.

Yet, when he looked, he found it bland and uninteresting. There were plenty of girls who could cry, act spoiled, and be gentle and cautious. But Second Senior Sister, with her sword strike filled with such chilling majesty that it…

What was it?

Cheng Luocen didn’t dare to think further.

“I’ve told you, I know countless ancient secret realms. Once you reach the Qi Refining and Foundation Building stages, the nearest secret realm will open soon. At that time, getting a mere sword will be a piece of cake!”

The old man was unaware of the youth’s thoughts and worries. He sighed again, “It’s a pity you want to join Kunwu. Otherwise, sneaking in as a casual cultivator would be the best way. How else will you compete for a spot to enter the secret realm?”

Having heard the old man’s lamentations often over the past few days, Cheng Luocen ignored them and looked directly at Yu Xizhi.

Yu Xizhi was also taken aback by the Xiya Tower disciples’ actions.

Li Shengyi’s breakthrough was due to him overcoming his inner demons, with his spiritual energy naturally accumulating and his mind flowing smoothly with his meridians. What did that have to do with her sword?

The number of Xiya Tower disciples requesting a sword challenge had reached seventy-eight. Why should she altruistically swing her sword seventy-eight times?

Though her mind was full of questions, she didn’t show it on her face. Instead, she offered a different suggestion: “I dueled with Little Master Li because he mocked my brother, which displeased me. What about you all? Did you insult my brother? If not, why should I duel with you? If you want to see ‘Qingfeng Liuyun,’ any Kunwu disciple here can demonstrate it. Why not pick an opponent impromptu?”

The Xiya Tower disciples thought, “That’s not the same. Anyone with eyes can see it’s not about the sword technique, but the person wielding the sword!”

In his desperation, Xiang Wen shouted, “I didn’t insult him, but I can do it now!”

Everyone was shocked, thinking, Xiang Wen, you are so shameless.

Just to break through, you’re willing to insult the senior brother of Kunwu Mountain Sect?

Leave that senior brother to me, and let me insult him!

Yu Si also paused, never expecting things to take such a turn.

Seeing someone about to recklessly start hurling insults, Xuan Ping and Xuan Fan, the leaders among the Xiya Tower disciples, stepped in.

One shouted, “Everyone, shut up!” while the other leapt onto the sword trial platform. When Xuan Ping spoke again, his voice was infused with spiritual energy, which silenced the chaotic din of absurdity.

“Last time, when Little Immortal Yu guided us, I was only in the mid-stage of Qi refining. Now, having fortunately reached the late stage of Qi refining, I humbly ask for her guidance once more!”

The boy with the red mole said it loudly, clasping his fists in respect.

Yu Xizhi responded with an “Oh.”

Instinctively disliking impolite people, she decided to let Xuan Ping’s behavior slide, given his current demeanor.

She simply asked, “Did you insult my brother?”

Xuan Ping froze.

The boy’s face turned red. He had indeed insulted him—many times. In fact, when it came to cursing Yu Si, no one in the entire Xiya Tower had probably cursed as much as the two brothers.

The reason was simple: Kunwu Mountain Sect’s senior brother, Yu Si, was too famous, a towering figure overshadowing his peers. Every time the brothers felt exceptionally talented, remembering that they could never catch up to Yu Si made their previous pride seem like a joke.

Proud young men often exchanged harsh words in private. However, being confronted about it publicly was truly… embarrassing.

Xuan Ping gritted his teeth.

“I… I did.”

Feeling that this admission wasn’t enough, and since he had already confessed, Xuan Ping decided to go all in. “Not only did I curse Senior Brother Yu, but I also cursed you and the entire Kunwu Mountain Sect! Both Xuan Fan and I did!”

“Oh,” responded Yu Xizhi.

She then asked, “Did you insult him a lot?”

Xuan Ping took a deep breath.

“A lot.”

“Then wait a moment.”

Yu Xizhi raised her hand and reached for a small notebook beside the sword case. She opened it, turned to a fresh page, and neatly wrote at the top, “Insulted my brother,” then added the names Xuan Ping and Xuan Fan.

She held the page up to dry the ink, not caring if the opponent saw through the translucent paper.

After carefully completing this task, Yu Xizhi stood up solemnly and said, “Listen well. Insulting me is fine, and it doesn’t matter if you insult Kunwu either—you’re not the only one who does. But if you insult my brother, it’s a crime against heaven and earth.”

She looked displeased at Xuan Ping.

“You’re not worth my time alone. Just like last time, both of you should come at me together.”

Pausing, she added, “But I don’t want to be your whetstone. So if you lose again, remember never to insult my brother or draw your sword against me again.”