Chapter 27

Although Chen Xiyuan did not know Cheng Suxi’s intentions, he truly was unwilling to leave just like that.

He removed the long sword from his back and solemnly unwrapped the strips of cloth wound around it. Then, with a turn of his wrist, he leaped into the air and began demonstrating a fluid sequence of sword techniques.

Perhaps because his heart was filled with grief and indignation, Chen Xiyuan’s movements were broad and forceful. Although his swordsmanship lacked elegance, every strike seemed to contain the weight of ten thousand jun.

However, in the eyes of high-level cultivators, no matter how refined the sword technique was, it still did not surpass the realm of ordinary swordsmanship. Moreover, Chen Xiyuan’s cultivation was too low, preventing many of the moves from displaying their full power.

“Techniques can compensate for insufficient cultivation, but they cannot replace cultivation. Although this boy possesses considerable insight into swordsmanship, his talent as a cultivator with three spiritual roots means he is destined not to travel very far,” Gong Boyi said regretfully.

Elder Jingming also remarked, “Once all his peers have advanced to Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, or even Nascent Soul while he remains struggling at his original cultivation level, he will understand the importance of talent.”

Although Elder Jingming’s words were unpleasant, they described the common reality of the cultivation world.

Chen Xiyuan’s aptitude was simply too poor. Even if he perfected his swordsmanship, without the ability to advance, he would remain a low-level cultivator his entire life.

Chen Xiyuan, however, no longer cared about any of this.

After completing the sword technique, he silently picked up the cloth strips from the ground and wrapped them around his sword once more.

“Not bad,” Cheng Suxi evaluated.

She then asked, “Are you willing to follow me to Xianmiao Peak?”

Chen Xiyuan froze and stared at Cheng Suxi in disbelief.

“You are willing to accept me?”

“Naturally.”

Cheng Suxi replied calmly, “You are a promising seedling for the path of the sword.”

Excitement appeared on Chen Xiyuan’s face upon receiving such praise. He hurriedly bowed.

“Many thanks, Peak Master!”

Hua Ling did not understand swordsmanship, but if her caretaker said he was good, then he was definitely good.

Moreover, compared with the others, this boy named Chen Xiyuan might have been slightly older, but he appeared honest and [read the original at bailiantales.com]straightforward. One look was enough to tell that he would be easy to bully…

No, easy to get along with.

Hua Ling’s requirements were not high. As long as he cultivated peacefully on Xianmiao Peak, caused no trouble, and never betrayed them, that was enough.

However, the others did not share her opinion.

The famously demanding Peak Master of Xianmiao Peak had actually selected the disciple with the poorest aptitude and mixed spiritual roots. No matter how they looked at it, the decision seemed suspicious.

Even Elder Jingming began examining Chen Xiyuan again, seemingly attempting to discover something unusual about him.

Ignoring everyone’s doubtful expressions, Qin Jian stood and delivered his closing remarks.

“Since all the newly admitted disciples have now been assigned, I ask every Peak Master to care for them properly. Those assigned to the outer sect need not be discouraged. Every year, outer disciples are selected to enter the inner sect. As long as you cultivate diligently, anything is possible.”

“Many thanks for the Sect Master’s guidance.”

The newly admitted disciples replied in unison.

……

After the selection concluded, the Peak Masters departed with their respective new disciples. Cheng Suxi also brought her group back to Xianmiao Peak.

Upon arriving at Canglang Hall, Hua Ling familiarly flew onto the perch specially installed for her and chirped twice, urging her caretaker to hurry inside.

Cheng Suxi found it amusing.

Yunmo had already explained everything that happened earlier. Had Cheng Suxi not suddenly felt compelled to go there today, there was no telling how badly this little ball might have been bullied.

Still, Cheng Suxi had only herself to blame for spoiling her…

Despite sighing over it, Cheng Suxi showed no intention of changing her ways.

She walked directly to the chair beside Hua Ling’s perch and sat down. Looking at the two new disciples before her, she said, “Since you have become disciples of Xianmiao Peak, you must clearly understand both the resources you are entitled to receive and the rules you are required to obey. Yunmo, explain them.”

“Yes.”

Yunmo acknowledged her order before turning toward Luo Yuchen and Chen Xiyuan.

“Disciples in the Qi Refining realm receive one hundred low-grade spirit stones, ten Spirit-Gathering Pills, and one piece of refined iron each month. Should you require additional resources, you may accept missions from the Administrative Hall on the main peak.”

“The peak will also regularly organize training expeditions. Any items obtained during those expeditions may be distributed among yourselves.”

After explaining the benefits, Yunmo began describing the rules.

“On the seventh and fifteenth days of every month, you must arrive at Xuerong Square before the Chen hour. The Peak Master will establish an altar there and lecture on the Dao. Should you have a reason you cannot attend, inform me one day in advance.”

After Luo Yuchen and Chen Xiyuan indicated that they understood, Yunmo continued, “If you do not understand the scriptures, you may consult any of the instructors on the peak. If you wish to temper your swordsmanship, you may go to the Martial Hall and spar with your senior brothers.”

“If you encounter any difficulties, you may also come directly to me.”

“Many thanks, Senior Brother Yunmo.”

Once Yunmo finished, Cheng Suxi added, “Xianmiao Peak has few disciples, and everyone treats one another as family. Although we do not observe excessive formalities, everyone sees matters clearly. You must carefully consider for yourselves how to conduct yourselves and interact with others.”

Hua Ling chirped in agreement.

Luo Yuchen secretly glanced at the fluffy, round ball and added inwardly:

If they were family, then “Chirp-Chirp” had to be included too.

“Chirp-Chirp” was the name Luo Yuchen had secretly given Hua Ling.

Fortunately, Hua Ling did not know. Otherwise, she would certainly have given him a new hairstyle.

After explaining the basic matters, Cheng Suxi addressed Chen Xiyuan.

“Although your aptitude is not exceptional, there is no need to belittle yourself. Sword cultivators may rely heavily upon cultivation, but what matters most is still the sword in their hands. Have you ever heard of sword intent?”

Chen Xiyuan froze and shook his head.

“Intent refers to a state of understanding. It manifests externally but is nurtured within.”

“Sword intent is the realm reached when a sword cultivator’s understanding of the sword reaches a certain level. A cultivator who comprehends sword intent could lose all their cultivation, use a tree branch as a sword, and still defeat an opponent.”

Hua Ling listened in complete confusion but still supportively chirped.

Seeing her blank little expression, Cheng Suxi found her irresistibly adorable and beckoned to her.

Hua Ling immediately plunged headfirst into her caretaker’s arms.

“There is no need to rush the matter of sword intent. What you must do now is practice your swordsmanship properly.”

Cheng Suxi allowed Hua Ling to stand upon her hand, then held a fruit to her beak.

Watching her eat happily, Cheng Suxi’s voice became slightly gentler when she raised her head again.

Cheng Suxi’s words opened the door to an entirely new world for Chen Xiyuan.

He seemed to understand where his future Dao lay. The resentment and confusion in his heart vanished, replaced by confidence and motivation.

“Many thanks, Peak Master!”

Filled with gratitude, Chen Xiyuan gave Cheng Suxi a solemn bow.

After addressing Chen Xiyuan, Cheng Suxi turned toward Luo Yuchen.

“You possess a single wood spiritual root. Why did you choose Xianmiao Peak?”

Most Xianmiao Peak disciples were sword cultivators.

One reason was that only sword cultivators could endure the bitter cold there. The other was that the environment was unsuitable for casting spells.

Unless they were ice-attributed cultivators like Cheng Suxi, disciples with other single spiritual roots rarely chose Xianmiao Peak.

Luo Yuchen instinctively glanced at a certain little ball happily eating fruit and replied somewhat embarrassedly, “Intuition.”

Back in Qianyuan Hall, although the other Peak Masters had all tried to recruit him, Luo Yuchen could sense that they valued only his talent.

He had even detected a trace of malice from Elder Jingming.

Had “Chirp-Chirp” not been there, Luo Yuchen might have had no choice but to compromise for the sake of preserving his life.

However, he felt too embarrassed to explain all of this, so he merely called it “intuition.”

Author’s Note

Hua Ling: I knew it! I’m the most charming one! Even the male protagonist chose Xianmiao Peak because of me!