Chapter 4: Laugh at Me, and I’ll Drop Your Sword
“Haven’t you eaten?”
Lin Qingyue was running himself ragged, his vision blurry and his ears ringing from exhaustion. He had only stopped to catch his breath, yet he was immediately met with such biting sarcasm.
He was too drained to even retort. Is this guy really my Eldest Senior Brother? Even if he is, he’s basically a mentor figure—why does he have to be so nasty?
He cursed up a storm internally but didn’t say a word out loud. Ye Jingxian didn’t bother stopping to wait for him, either.
Although the speed of the flying sword had slowed significantly, the fact that Lin Qingyue couldn’t keep up was apparently none of his concern.
Just you wait. The moment I break through to the Nascent Soul stage, the first person I’m beating up is you, you ice block, you zombie-face.
As Lin Qingyue ran up the mountain, he continued his silent tirade. When that time comes, I’ll definitely make you kneel and call me Grandpa.
I’ll put laxatives in your food, swap your salt with sugar—I’ll make you sick to death.
No, that’s useless. I should hide his sword and clean out all his heavenly treasures and spirit stones.
He muttered a curse for every few steps he climbed. When he was more than halfway up, Lin Qingyue suddenly saw a fairy-like woman in red approaching, looking valiant and heroic.
“You must be Junior Brother Lin.”
The woman in red—Wen Hongyu—smiled gently at him. “I am Wen Hongyu, the Second Disciple of Guizang Peak.”
“Qingyue greets Senior Sister Wen.”
Lin Qingyue straightened his posture and performed a proper bow.
Wen Hongyu smiled. “Junior Brother Lin, hop on. Senior Sister will take you back to the peak.”
Lin Qingyue: “Okay.”
Experiencing sword flight for the first time was exhilarating for Lin Qingyue. This is too cool!
He never thought the day would come when sword flight would become a reality, that he could fly around freely like a little bird.
“Senior Sister, when will I be able to fly on a sword by myself?”
He couldn’t wait. He loved this place, and he loved this healthy body.
Lin Qingyue looked at Wen Hongyu, his eyes sparkling. His thirst for knowledge—and flight—was overflowing.
“You can learn sword flight after reaching the Foundation Establishment stage. No need to be so anxious, Junior Brother.”
He was anxious. He was extremely anxious. Sword flight meant convenient travel.
“I must strive to reach Foundation Establishment as soon as possible.”
Hearing this, Wen Hongyu simply smiled faintly. The deeds of this Junior Brother Lin were known throughout the sect; even someone like her had heard rumors of his sharp tongue, meanness, and despicable nature.
But looking at him now, the rumors were evidently false.
In just a short while, the two arrived at Guizang Peak.
Guizang Peak was one of the nine major peaks of the Wanjian Sect. Its sword techniques were mysterious and unpredictable; everyone learned something different.
Learning the sword here sometimes relied entirely on fate.
When selecting a sword technique, beyond talent, spiritual roots, and comprehension, one also needed a bit of luck.
The environment on the peak was pleasant. Guizang Peak had its own Sword Dueling Platform. As soon as they entered, Lin Qingyue saw Ye Jingxian—who had flown back ahead of him—practicing his sword.
Ye Zhanxiu was already waiting. Behind him stood two other people: one holding a tray, the other holding a storage bag.
“Greetings, Shizun.”
Wen Hongyu and Lin Qingyue called out in unison.
Ye Zhanxiu nodded slightly, signaling a disciple to bring the tea. Lin Qingyue knelt and took the tea bowl.
“Shizun, please drink tea.”
Ye Zhanxiu accepted the bowl and took a sip. “Today marks your official apprenticeship. This old man formally accepts you as a disciple.”
After speaking, Ye Zhanxiu picked up the storage bag. “This is a greeting gift from your master. In the future, you must look out for and help your Senior Brothers and Sisters of Guizang Peak.”
He didn’t say much else. With just a few simple instructions, Lin Qingyue’s apprenticeship was successfully completed.
Compared to their simple ceremony, Yun Jinzhou’s side was likely much livelier and grander.
Ye Zhanxiu called Ye Jingxian over to introduce Lin Qingyue to everyone.
“This is your Eldest Senior Brother, Ye Jingxian. You have met before.”
After the introduction, Ye Jingxian merely gave a glance and stood quietly to the side.
“This is your Second Senior Sister, Wen Hongyu.”
He continued the introductions. “And this is your Third Senior Brother, Cheng Hui, and your Fourth Senior Brother, Luo You.”
The one on the left with the scholarly appearance was Lin Qingyue’s Third Senior Brother; he didn’t look like a sword cultivator at all. The muscular giant on the right was the Fourth Senior Brother.
Looking at that magnificent physique, Lin Qingyue was filled with envy. When will I be able to build muscles like that?
Stared at as if the kid was about to drool, Luo You felt uncomfortable all over.
“Fourth Senior Brother, what kind of sword do you practice?”
“That’s what you’re asking?”
Lin Qingyue was confused. “Well, what else?”
“Ahem, I practice the Wind Frost Slash.”
The name sounded like a technique for Wind-Water or Wind-Ice spiritual roots. Lin Qingyue was a bit disappointed.
Thinking his Junior Brother wanted to see his sword, Luo You didn’t hesitate to draw it. Lin Qingyue was blinded by the flash of the blade.
So much for “Wind Frost Slash”—the emphasis wasn’t on “Wind Frost” but on the “Slash.”
It was a giant broadsword, radiating imposing power. Lin Qingyue’s eyes lit up. I want a sword like that too.
“Shizun, can I learn this kind of domineering sword technique?”
Ye Zhanxiu wanted to advise his youngest disciple not to be so impulsive, but he frowned, unsure how to phrase it.
Cheng Hui, seeing this, smiled with narrowed eyes and spoke up. “Junior Brother Lin, why don’t you give the blade a try?”
Luo You wanted to say something, but in the end, he rubbed his head and agreed.
Since he could hold a sword, Lin Qingyue naturally wouldn’t let the opportunity pass. He took the heavy sword his Fourth Senior Brother handed over.
Clang!
Lin Qingyue collapsed onto the ground in a wretched heap.
Luo You’s eyes went wide, and he hurriedly stepped forward to help him up. “Junior Brother, are you okay? I… I didn’t expect you…” To be so weak!
“Oh my, it seems Junior Brother Lin isn’t suited for practicing the sword,” Cheng Hui remarked casually, squinting his eyes.
Ye Zhanxiu interjected, “He possesses a Heavenly Spirit Root; he is suited for other sword techniques.”
Lin Qingyue, having been humiliated, shot a glare at Cheng Hui. This guy did that on purpose.
They didn’t even know each other, yet he tried to mess with him upon their first meeting. Heh, a petty person. Just you wait.
“It’s okay, it’s just that I’m too weak.”
“It is normal for one who has just begun cultivation,” Ye Zhanxiu comforted him. Unable to find better words, he simply added, “You will become stronger in the future.”
Lin Qingyue eyed the sword in Cheng Hui’s hand, and his eyes darted around mischievously. “What is Third Senior Brother’s sword? It looks so ornate. Shizun, can I see it?”
Cheng Hui frowned. having spoken earlier, he could only hand it over, suppressing his reluctance.
Lin Qingyue took the sword, his eyes full of appreciation and awe.
Clang.
The sword in his hand dropped to the ground once again.
“Oh dear, I’m so sorry.”
Having been sick for so long, Lin Qingyue had learned how to feign illness perfectly. He spoke with guilt, hurriedly bending down as if to help pick it up. “Third Senior Brother, I… I didn’t mean to drop your sword.”
Hehe, I absolutely did it on purpose.
Don’t they say a sword cultivator’s sword is their wife? You dare laugh at me? I’ll drop your wife on the ground.
He didn’t manage to pick up the sword, instead letting out a hiss of pain. Finally, Cheng Hui snatched his sword back, the smile on his face fading significantly.
Wen Hongyu looked worried. “Junior Brother Lin, are you alright?”
Lin Qingyue shook his head and said weakly, “Senior Sister, I’m fine.”
Ye Zhanxiu kept a stern face. This disciple is too eager; I can’t even stop him.
“Cultivation cannot be rushed. If you truly wish to cultivate, your Eldest Senior Brother will accompany you to the Forest of Ten Thousand Sword Tablets the day after tomorrow.”
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