Holding the Sword to Carry Away Senior Sister (Transmigration) - Chapter 12

In principle, the original host had always been an outer disciple of the Shui Ling Sect and should never have had the chance to see Bai Yueli. Therefore, there shouldn’t have been any memory of the sword in Bai Yueli’s hand.

For a moment, Fu Yan stood staring at Bai Yueli’s figure in the arena, slightly dazed.

It wasn’t until Bai Yueli and Yu Heng exchanged formal bows and Bai Yueli prepared to depart with the Moon-Sway Sword that Fu Yan finally snapped back to reality.

She remembered.

A few days ago, when she was being hunted by that flower-plucking thief in Heiquan Town, she had been saved by a mysterious expert. That person had been holding the exact same sword that was currently in Bai Yueli’s hand.

The reason Fu Yan was so familiar with the sword was simple: that person had used it to flick away and sever her belt.

Fu Yan: “…”

Recalling her experiences in the Chihei Mountains and the gossip she had heard before the match—specifically that Bai Yueli had also visited the Chihei Mountains—everything became clear.

The person who had saved her that day and gifted her a massive opportunity was none other than this Senior Sister, Bai Yueli.

This revelation caught Fu Yan off guard. However, watching Bai Yueli’s retreating back as she left the grounds, she didn’t rush up to ask anything. After all, she had nothing of value to offer to repay the life-saving debt.

Besides, Bai Yueli had likely saved her on a whim; she probably didn’t even remember who Fu Yan was.

By the time she fully regained her composure, the disciples in the arena had mostly dispersed. She didn’t linger and quickly made her exit as well.

Everything was fresh and new for Fu Yan on the inner sect peak. She wandered around aimlessly for a while, familiarizing herself with the various locations before deciding to find a place to rest.

On the mountainside, wooden cottages with small courtyards were visible everywhere. These were the designated rest areas the sect provided for its disciples. There were roughly a thousand cottages on the peak, which was more than enough for the eight hundred or so inner disciples.

Consequently, there were plenty of vacant cottages.

Fu Yan had always preferred quiet, so she walked a bit further and found a relatively secluded cottage—so secluded that she was the only person within a radius of several miles.

The sky was growing dark. Having survived a series of life-and-death battles in the Chihei Mountains and a long journey back to the sect, she was utterly exhausted. In the end, she skipped dinner and fell into a deep sleep almost immediately.

The next day was another clear and sunny morning.

Fu Yan woke up early, feeling completely refreshed after a night’s rest. Since the inner peak had its own dining hall, she headed straight there for breakfast.

“Did you go see the match between Senior Sister Bai and Senior Brother Yu Heng yesterday? I heard they fought to a draw. Is that true?”

“Of course! Looking at the Ranking Tournament this year, that top spot is really up for grabs.”

“True. Senior Sister Bai has held first place for three years straight. Senior Brother Yu Heng definitely isn’t satisfied; he’s going to fight hard for it this time.”

“…”

Even over breakfast, Fu Yan could hear nearby disciples gossiping about yesterday’s match. She didn’t react. After finishing her meal, she headed straight for the Martial Arts Pavilion. Her current strength was too low; she desperately needed to learn new sword techniques.

The inner sect’s Martial Arts Pavilion was two or three times larger than the outer sect’s and looked exceptionally grand. Perhaps because it was still early, there weren’t many people inside the massive building.

The first floor contained “Human Grade – Low Tier” common techniques. To be honest, Fu Yan wasn’t interested in them. Since she had chosen the path of cultivation, she intended to do her best; only great strength could serve as a guarantee for her life.

Therefore, almost as soon as she entered, she headed straight for the second floor. Her behavior, however, stirred up a small wave of discussion.

“Only at the Early Opening Light stage and she’s already running to the second floor? Who is she? I haven’t seen her before,” someone asked, staring at her back.

A person beside them glanced over contemptuously. “Does it even need to be said? She’s definitely a newcomer. Just broke through and already wants to learn Human Grade Middle Tier techniques? Utterly foolish.”

Though the words were sarcastic, they held some truth. For most people, it was better to be steady in cultivation. Middle Tier techniques were not easy to learn; failure wasted time, and if one suffered a “Qi deviation,” it would be the end of them.

Fu Yan heard the mocking voices clearly, but she didn’t care. She turned a deaf ear and continued to the second floor.

The second floor was vast, with row after row of bookshelves. It looked somewhat like a large 21st-century library.

“Is Junior Sister new to the inner sect?”

Just as Fu Yan was about to start her search, a crisp voice sounded in her ear. She turned to see a figure walking slowly toward her.

“Hello, Junior Sister. I am Zhou Zhenlie, ranked 118th in the inner sect. You can just call me Senior Brother Zhou.” Zhou Zhenlie introduced himself with a beaming smile while sizing Fu Yan up out of the corner of his eye.

Fu Yan was speechless. What a clumsy pick-up line…

“Fu Yan,” she replied curtly.

Zhou Zhenlie was visibly startled, seemingly surprised by her cold attitude. Usually, when people heard his rank was 118th, they would treat him with a measure of respect.

However, he recovered quickly. “It must be Junior Sister’s first time at the inner Martial Arts Pavilion. I happen to have nothing to do, so I can show you around.”

Fu Yan didn’t refuse. If someone volunteered to be a guide, why not? It saved her from searching aimlessly through the sea of manuals.

“Junior Sister Fu, look. These two rows on your left are palm techniques. Further ahead are fist techniques… over there are sword techniques, and directly in front of us are body-refining techniques.” After finishing his introduction, Zhou Zhenlie looked at her. “Junior Sister Fu probably hasn’t practiced a body-refining technique yet, has she? Come, Senior Brother will help you pick one that suits you.”

As he spoke, he started walking forward.

Meanwhile, having heard the direction of the sword techniques, Fu Yan turned and walked straight to the right. When the man in front realized something was wrong and turned back, she was already gone.

Zhou Zhenlie: “…”

For cultivators, sword users typically made up about half the population, so the selection of sword techniques here was the largest. Fu Yan felt a bit dazed after passing just one row.

Green Steel Sword Technique, Scorching Sun Sword Technique… all sorts of techniques, a dazzling variety.

After another loop, her gaze finally landed on a book titled 《Illusionless Sword》. The so-called “Illusionless” meant being trace-less and shadowless; the sword exists where it does not, and all that is perceived is the sword.

“This technique is interesting. This is the one.” After flipping through a few pages, she decided to practice this 《Illusionless Sword》.

At that moment, Zhou Zhenlie popped up from somewhere again, appearing somewhat helpless. “Sigh, Junior Sister Fu, why did you run off here?”

Seeing her holding a sword manual, he smiled. “So Junior Sister is also a sword cultivator? What a coincidence, I am too. While I’m not a grandmaster, I have some insights. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. we can even practice and spar together.”

“No need.” Fu Yan tucked the manual away, having no interest in dealing with him.

Having chosen her sword technique, she went to pick a movement technique. After seeing Bai Yueli’s skills yesterday, she realized the importance of speed; in any battle, having a speed advantage was a massive benefit. Moreover, when you can’t win, a movement technique is vital for escaping.

She soon chose a manual called 《Wind-Shadow Steps》, and finally a manual for refining True Essence called 《Pure Essence Art》. Satisfied, she prepared to leave the pavilion.

“Is Junior Sister Fu not going to pick a body-refining technique?” Zhou Zhenlie, who had been following her, offered some well-meaning advice.

He wasn’t surprised. Many newcomers didn’t understand the importance of body refining, thinking only offensive techniques mattered.

Fu Yan replied bluntly: “No need.”

Having already practiced the Frost Tempering Sutra, she had zero interest in the Shui Ling Sect’s body-refining techniques. However, she didn’t explain. If the sect found out what she had, they would likely force her to hand it over.

She started heading downstairs to leave. This time, Zhou Zhenlie didn’t follow her. He stood still, staring intently at her retreating back.

Another figure stepped out from behind a bookshelf, standing beside him. “It seems Senior Brother Zhou has met his match,” the newcomer said meaningfully. “Our little Junior Sister doesn’t seem to have the slightest interest in you.”

Zhou Zhenlie wasn’t angry. Instead, he chuckled silently. He looked at the person beside him and said dismissively, “What do you know? This kind of conquest is where the fun is. Playing with her… will have a real flavor.”

“Oh?” The other man laughed.

Zhou Zhenlie glanced in the direction Fu Yan had disappeared. He narrowed his eyes, a glint flashing through them. “Just watch. Within seven days.”

The other man remained noncommittal. “Fine. Let’s make it a seven-day bet. If Senior Brother Zhou fails, your True Qi Pills and spirit stones for this month belong to me.”

Zhou Zhenlie snorted coldly. Clearly, he didn’t believe for a second that he would fail.