Deep within the sect, beneath Cangyun Peak, mist swirled around, drifting past the mountain stream, revealing a long, narrow valley.
The valley was barren, devoid of vegetation, with sword energy spiraling upwards, eerily quiet, deterring anyone from approaching.
"This is the Sword Cave!" Lu Changsheng pointed ahead as he spoke.
Ning Yuxin nodded thoughtfully.
Before they could say much, they were interrupted by a series of untimely exclamations from nearby.
All were filled with astonishment, their eyes full of disbelief.
Lu Changsheng sighed helplessly, but there was nothing he could do.
To outsiders, he was famously lazy, having only entered the Sword Cave once in his ten years at the sect.
However, when he entered the Sword Cave, he was already at the seventh level of swordsmanship, initially seeking an opportunity, only to find the place useless to him.
He stayed for a moment and left, never returning since.
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There were even rumors in the sect that he was so frightened during his visit to the Sword Cave that he cried and never dared to return.
Fortunately, despite his poor reputation, he was well-liked, and got along well with others.
The two then entered the Sword Cave.
Lu Changsheng said, "They just like to make a fuss, don't mind them. Now, let's talk about training. First, take a pill before entering the Sword Cave every day, then train for two hours inside. Keep this up for a while, and you should break through to the second level of swordsmanship!"
Ning Yuxin nodded, listening without any doubt, though with some curiosity.
"Senior Brother, you seem very familiar with this. Why are you like this now?"
"Like what?"
"Just..."
Ning Yuxin wanted to say something but felt it inappropriate, given the comments weren't suitable to say to his face.
Lu Changsheng didn't mind, saying, "Junior Sister, everyone has their way of living. You can't expect everyone to be like Senior Brother, wholeheartedly pursuing the Dao!"
"True!"
Ning Yuxin nodded.
For instance, she wasn't initially interested in swordsmanship but got into it to be closer to her idol.
One was in it for spirit stones, the other to get closer to Zhou Qingyu, each with their own goals.
Following Lu Changsheng's instructions, Ning Yuxin took a pill and entered the Sword Cave.
Lu Changsheng occasionally offered guidance, as she was his first client, and providing good service would ensure a steady income of spirit stones.
For two consecutive days, he accompanied Ning Yuxin in honing her sword intent.
Ning Yuxin was pleasantly surprised that what seemed insurmountable to others in swordsmanship was progressing smoothly, with noticeable growth in sword intent over two days.
Seeing no issues, Lu Changsheng returned to Qingyun Peak without saying much.
The pills he crafted helped better sense the presence of sword intent, and enduring the sword energy in the Sword Cave, one would eventually learn through repeated exposure.
However, just as he was humming a tune, leisurely planning how to continue earning Ning Yuxin's spirit stones, someone called out to him.
"Senior Brother Changsheng!"
Turning around, he saw a figure approaching, glaring at him with anger.
It was Luo Qianling.
"Junior Sister Luo, what's the matter?" Lu Changsheng asked.
Luo Qianling said, "Senior Brother, you've been so busy these past two days, you haven't had time to see me!"
"Did I ever look for you?"
Lu Changsheng blurted out, and the girl immediately exploded.
"Lu Changsheng, you've changed. You weren't like this before. Ever since that woman came, you've been cold to me, and now..."
As she spoke, her eyes began to well up, seemingly having heard some rumors.
Lu Changsheng was taken aback, quickly saying, "Junior Sister, if you act like this, people will misunderstand. They might think I did something to you!"
"If you don't explain today, I'll go back and tell my father you bullied me!"
The girl stubbornly huffed, turning her head away, waiting to be coaxed.
But after a while, there was no movement, and when she looked back, Lu Changsheng had already run far away, disappearing into the forest.
"Lu Changsheng!"
Luo Qianling stomped her foot in anger and hurriedly chased after him.
On Qingyun Peak, Lu Changsheng let out a long breath, knowing he couldn't afford to provoke the sect master's beloved daughter.
He was just thinking of finding a place to take a nap and relax.
But a figure appeared in front of him.
"Junior Brother!"
The voice was emotionless.
Ye Tianyi stood before him, looking somewhat displeased.
"Senior Brother, you're out of seclusion!"
"When did you come back?" Ye Tianyi asked.
They had agreed to train together, but when he opened his eyes, Lu Changsheng was already gone.
He was here to hold him accountable.
Lu Changsheng said, "I just got back this morning. Seeing you weren't awake, I came back on my own!"
"Really?" Ye Tianyi was skeptical.
Lu Changsheng nodded earnestly.
"Lu Changsheng, stop right there. If you don't explain today, I'll really go tell my father!"
Luo Qianling had caught up, but upon seeing Ye Tianyi, she immediately fell silent.
"Junior Sister, what's going on?"
"Nothing!"
Luo Qianling shook her head, knowing Ye Tianyi was strict and fearing Lu Changsheng would be punished.
Lu Changsheng also feared his senior brother would drag him off to train, so he quickly said, "Senior Brother, actually, I had a breakthrough, so I came back early to rest for a couple of days before training again!" This story is hosted at novelping dot com.
"Really?"
Lu Changsheng focused his mind, revealing his aura at Spirit Gathering level four.
Ye Tianyi's face broke into a smile.
"Good, at your age, reaching this level is not astonishing, but it's not bad either. Keep working hard, and the future is promising!"
Hearing the praise, Lu Changsheng breathed a sigh of relief, thinking he had two days of peace.
But then Ye Tianyi continued, "Perfect timing, in a few days, the beast tide will hit. According to the rules, those above Spirit Gathering level three are eligible to fight the beast tide. It's a good experience for you, so prepare well!"
Lu Changsheng: "???"
One sentence left him stunned.
"I'll go sign you up!"
Ye Tianyi said as he left.
Hearing this, Luo Qianling looked at Lu Changsheng and said, "You still haven't explained your relationship with that woman. Otherwise, I'll really tell my father!"
Looking at her, Lu Changsheng sighed deeply, feeling like one problem after another was arising.
After some thought, he said, "I have no relationship with her!"
"Then why are you with her every day?"
At this point, Lu Changsheng seemed to make a decision.
"Junior Sister, it seems I have to tell you something!"
"What is it?"
"You might not know, but my master is missing!"
"I know! My father told me a few days ago!" Luo Qianling said.
Lu Changsheng continued, "Actually, it's said he's missing, but in reality, he's been kidnapped!"
"What! Kidnapped?"
"Yes, but this can't be told to others, not even the sect master. I'm helping Ning Yuxin train in swordsmanship, partly to matchmake her with Senior Brother, and partly to earn some spirit stones from her to pay the ransom. I can't just watch my master suffer. Not speaking out is also to maintain the sect's dignity. You know, the sect is my home!"
At this point, he could only lie through his teeth, fearing the girl might cause some trouble otherwise.
Hearing this, Luo Qianling's expression turned serious, full of concern as she asked, "How many spirit stones are still needed?"
"A lot!"
Lu Changsheng replied seriously, hoping to get rid of this junior sister first, so he could justifiably interact with Ning Yuxin later.
However, to his surprise, Luo Qianling said, "I'll go get you some spirit stones!"
"You need a lot, what you have won't be enough, it's still..."
"Don't worry, my father has plenty of spirit stones. I know where they're hidden, I'll steal them for you!"
"What the heck?"
Lu Changsheng was stunned as she ran off, leaving him momentarily at a loss, with a faint pang of guilt in his conscience!