Liu Zhuang Xian

Lu Xiaochan’s heart was torn in that instant, as if it was being pulled apart, his very soul about to split.

“Xiaochan, why are you crying?”

Shu Wuxi’s knuckles brushed across Lu Xiaochan’s cheek, his brow furrowing.

“I… I was just thinking that when True Lord Lingyuan perished, he must have… must have really wanted to see the Sword Master one last time.”

Shu Wuxi drew Lu Xiaochan into his embrace, patting his back.

Mo Qianqiu sighed. “What good is cultivating for thousands or tens of thousands of years? For two immortal saints, it’s not as precious as the few decades of ‘wishing to be with one’s beloved, growing old together without separation’.”

“So, beneath this deep abyss is the Demon Capital of the Evil God Chaos?”

Lu Xiaochan narrowed his eyes, no wonder he could see the barely perceptible demonic energy.

However, this demonic energy was so deep, spanning tens of thousands of miles, otherwise Lu Xiaochan’s keen eyes would not have seen it so vaguely.

“Yes. To prevent the evil spirits in the Demon Capital from emerging, the first generation Sword Master Yang Cang sealed it. Later, the Xiyuan Sword Master built the Chongluan Palace on this cliff to guard the entrance to the Demon Capital.”

“I see,” Lu Xiaochan nodded.

It seemed Xiyuan was a fortress defending against the demons of the Demon Capital.

“Let’s go, we’re entering.”

Mo Qianqiu raised a light smile, leading the sect’s disciples to enter on their swords.

The entrance to Chongluan Palace was a void space that only those with sufficient cultivation could pass through.

Lu Xiaochan had originally worried about his cultivation level, but unexpectedly passed through with ease.

Mo Qianqiu had brought only six disciples, including Lu Xiaochan and Shu Wuxi, and they all successfully passed through the gate.

Inside Chongluan Palace, rocky walls were everywhere, with tiny streams flowing along the walls – these were the water veins of Xiyuan.

This palace seemed to have gathered the spiritual energy of the entire Xiyuan, with even the water mist carrying a thin layer of spiritual light.

Among the water’s radiance, countless butterflies danced gracefully, creating an incredibly magical scene.

“What are these butterflies?”

Lu Xiaochan extended his finger, and a small butterfly landed on his fingertip.

They had no physical form, but were condensed from spiritual energy.

“Little bumpkin, these are the sword intent remnants of Xiyuan’s successive Sword Master masters,” Mo Qianqiu laughed in response.

“Ah?” Lu Xiaochan tugged at Shu Wuxi’s sleeve, whispering, “Why are the sword intent remnants of Wuyi Jingtian’s successive masters just a vast Sword Sea, while Xiyuan’s are spiritual butterflies?”

“Because the first master of Wuyi Jingtian had ten thousand years of cultivation, and his sword intent remnants were too grand to condense.”

“Oh…”

Lu Xiaochan pondered privately. It seemed that all sects were established after Wuyi Jingtian.

Only Tailing Pavilion and Wuyi Jingtian originated from the ancient primordial times.

He felt a little proud that his sect had such venerable origins.

“What are you feeling smug about? You’re just a descendant of True Lord Lingyuan, not his actual self,” Mo Qianqiu saw through Lu Xiaochan’s thoughts at a glance.

“Hmph, you’re just jealous.”

“Heh,” Mo Qianqiu couldn’t be bothered to engage.

At this moment, the female sect master who had previously mocked Mo Qianqiu passed through the void gate of Chongluan Palace. When she turned back, she discovered that not a single disciple remained by her side.

Mo Qianqiu laughed as he walked past her. “Sect Master Yu, how fortunate.”

“What’s fortunate?” Sect Master Yu turned around, raising her eyebrows at Mo Qianqiu.

“Your sect’s disciples couldn’t pass through the palace gate, so you don’t need to worry about me seducing their souls and cultivating together.”

The female sect master’s expression turned extremely ugly.

“Pavilion Master Mo, you’d better worry about yourself! Xiyuan does not welcome you! If Lord Chunning  sees you, she might want to flay and dismember you!”

Lu Xiaochan observed her spiritual energy and knew she was furious.

But who was this Lord Chunning ?

“Haha, if that little flirtatious thing Lord Chunning comes, I’ll tease her properly. That way, I won’t be called a useless playboy for thousands of years, all talk and no action.”

Mo Qianqiu laughed, his improper demeanor oddly charming, making it hard for others to truly dislike him.

Sect Master Yu’s face instantly turned red. “You…”

“Is Sect Master Yu still thinking about me in her heart?” Mo Qianqiu stepped forward.

“Go away!” Sect Master Yu pushed Mo Qianqiu aside and strode away.

It seemed Lord Chunning  was also a female disciple of Xiyuan, with some past romantic entanglement with Mo Qianqiu!

Lu Xiaochan looked at Mo Qianqiu with ill intent.

Mo Qianqiu was about to tap Lu Xiaochan’s head with his sword hilt, but the silent Shu Wuxi raised his hand, blocking Lu Xiaochan’s head and stopping Mo Qianqiu’s sword hilt.

Lu Xiaochan became pleased, deliberately lifting his head and touching Shu Wuxi’s hand.

“Lu Xiaochan, don’t get too proud. Among all immortal sects, who is the most audacious if not you? Your wild ideas have reached the heavens.”

“Thank you, hehe,” Lu Xiaochan asked, “Is Lord Chunning  good-looking?”

“Not at all. Have you heard the saying? Ugly people cause trouble.”

“Oh, you don’t like her, so she must have been chasing after you… Let me guess, she accused you of being disrespectful! She’s a disciple of Xiyuan Jingtian, a woman. Everyone would believe her, not you! Right?” Lu Xiaochan began to weave a story based on old opera scripts.

Mo Qianqiu looked at him, his smile gradually fading.

Lu Xiaochan suddenly realized he might have hit the mark.

“That… you also said ugly people cause trouble…”

“If the entire world said I, Mo Qianqiu, am… unscrupulous and a disgrace to the righteous path, what would I do?”

Lu Xiaochan looked at him, then glanced at Shu Wuxi.

“I don’t know what to do either…” Lu Xiaochan spread his hands.

Mo Qianqiu laughed softly, lowering his eyes.

“Anyway, the ‘entire world’ you mentioned definitely doesn’t include me. I don’t know what you should do, but I know what I will do.”

“Oh? What will you do?”

“I’ll beat those who bullied you until they’re in disarray, begging for mercy!”

Mo Qianqiu turned his face and smiled. “Everyone in Xiyuan, both openly and secretly, doesn’t think I’m a good person. Can you defeat them all?”

Lu Xiaochan laughed again. “I can’t beat them, but I have Brother Wuxi! They rely on their numbers to bully you! So we’ll rely on strength too and cling to Brother Wuxi’s thigh!”

Mo Qianqiu looked at Shu Wuxi, then at Lu Xiaochan, and sighed.

“How nauseating!”

Lu Xiaochan saw Mo Qianqiu had returned to his usual carefree manner and let out a light breath.

“The gate of Chongluan Palace is really interesting,” Lu Xiaochan said with a smile. “Each sect’s masters will definitely bring their most elite disciples. When everyone sits down, they can compare and see who has the most disciples. The more disciples, the stronger the sect.”

Mo Qianqiu turned back with a smile. “Exactly!”

Lu Xiaochan continued. “I looked around, and you brought the most people. Now you must be pleased.”

“Exactly. I love this feeling that they’re jealous to the point of gnashing their teeth, yet unable to defeat me.”

“Stop talking, I want to hit you now.”

The group from Thousand Autumn Pavilion walked forward. The stone-walled palace corridor was about to reach its end, opening up to a broad view.

Standing at the end to welcome them was Xiyuan Sword Master’s Haofu’s junior brother, True Lord Faning.

Faning appeared to be a middle-aged man in his forties, with a gentle and elegant demeanor.

Although he was Haofu’s junior brother, he was far from Haofu’s talent. He had only ignited his elixir core at twenty-something and reached the “entering power” realm at forty-two, with over 1,600 years of cultivation less impressive than his three junior nephews.

This was why Haofu was in closed cultivation, and this junior martial uncle could not become the Sword Master.

However, his seniority was there, and with his never-offending handling style, other sects still respected him.

“Pavilion Master Mo of Thousand Autumn Pavilion is here, welcome, welcome,” True Lord Faning glanced at Mo Qianqiu’s entourage and smiled meaningfully, “Only those like Pavilion Master Mo, who are indifferent to fame and fortune, can inadvertently achieve success.”

“True Lord Faning is too kind. In cultivation, the master leads through the door, but individual cultivation determines one’s path. Forced progress yields no sweet fruit.”

Lu Xiaochan listened in a daze, unsure of their meaning.

“Indeed,” True Lord Faning nodded, “Each sect wants to cultivate new talents and strengthen their power, even resorting to forcing growth. Little do they know that cultivation should follow the natural flow of the universe. Forcing progress only breeds obsession, limiting disciples’ cultivation.”

Lu Xiaochan now understood.

Other sect masters always pressured their disciples to advance, but forcibly cultivated progress could not compare to natural growth.

Like Mo Qianqiu’s attitude of “cultivate if you want, or don’t” – his disciples were like wild forest grass, growing robustly compared to other sects’ carefully cultivated saplings.

A grand banquet was held in Chongluan Palace to welcome the visiting guests.

Mo Qianqiu’s seat was particularly far from the main seat.

“Seems Xiyuan really doesn’t welcome you,” Lu Xiaochan leaned in and asked.

Mo Qianqiu said nonchalantly. “Thousand Autumn Pavilion, a sword sect under Dongxu, is never welcomed anywhere.”

Yes, the Dongxu Sword Master had been possessed by the evil god and fallen into the demonic path, a disgrace to Dongxu.

“And True Lord Chunning is Xiyuan Sword Master Haofu’s junior sister,” Mo Qianqiu added another sentence.

Lu Xiaochan almost choked.

Haofu’s junior sister was chasing you, and you didn’t want her? No wonder Xiyuan doesn’t like you!

At this moment, a light bell chime rang, followed by bells from four directions, creating an endless musical sequence.

“An honored guest has arrived. You probably know them,” Mo Qianqiu whispered.

Lu Xiaochan saw a white-robed woman gracefully approaching. Her spiritual energy was pure and thick, her figure elegant, each step bringing a light resonance. Her appearance was exactly like Lianyue Yuan’s.

All guests stood and bowed.

Behind her was Ye Linshuang.

“So she is the Sword Master of Nanli Jingtian – Miaochen Yuan?” Lu Xiaochan sighed.

She was indeed the most beautiful woman Lu Xiaochan had ever seen.

Her beauty wasn’t just from her delicate features, but the feeling she evoked – like twilight on the horizon, warm yet distant.

Ye Linshuang whispered behind Miaochen Yuan. “Master, that one has also arrived.”

Miaochen Yuan looked toward the end of the banquet hall and actually bowed respectfully.

Everyone marveled at Miaochen Yuan’s humility, bowing to these subordinate sects. They also lowered their heads in greeting.

Only Shu Wuxi stood motionless, merely slightly inclining his head.

Lu Xiaochan noticed that Miaochen Yuan’s bow was directed at Shu Wuxi.

After all, in terms of seniority, Shu Wuxi was Miaochen Yuan’s senior.

Arriving next was Tailing Pavilion’s Kunwu.

Kunwu brought few disciples, only Ziqiao. This wasn’t because Tailing Pavilion had few disciples who could pass through the palace gate, but because Kunwu felt showing off in this aspect was meaningless.

Lu Xiaochan also sat down. In front of him were some dishes, not elaborately presented but delicately prepared. The portions were precisely for two people, neither too much nor too little, avoiding waste.

Shu Wuxi sat beside him, and under the table, his hand clasped Lu Xiaochan’s.

Lu Xiaochan knew that since the Immortal-Locking Ribbon was stolen by Lianyue Yuan, Shu Wuxi had been constantly worried about losing him.

He felt as if someone was watching him.

Turning, he looked through the crowd of guests and finally found the person staring at him.

It was the Villa Master of Zhiwu Mountain Villa, Ling Nianwu.

Among all the sect masters, he was the most elegant and handsome.

Lu Xiaochan remembered falling from a teahouse roof and landing directly in his arms.

Ling Nianwu was probably an old acquaintance from when he was still Liche, though he couldn’t remember their past interactions, which was a pity.

Zhiwu Mountain Villa was not low-ranking, and Ling Nianwu’s seat was next to Kunwu’s.

Kunwu even raised a cup to Ling Nianwu, suggesting they were quite familiar.

Lu Xiaochan quickly lowered his head, afraid Kunwu would recognize him.

He had come to Chongluan Palace, and based on Kunwu’s understanding of him, he would certainly guess Lu Xiaochan wasn’t just there to join the excitement. If he knew Lu Xiaochan was coming to obtain the “Earth Listener’s” heart, he would probably be furious.

Everyone stood again as the hosts were about to be seated.

They were Haofu’s three inner disciples.

Their seats were below the main seat, central and facing all guests, but still lower than Miaochen Yuan’s seat.

They clearly respected Miaochen Yuan, the Sword Master of Nanli.

After some pleasantries about thanking guests from all directions and hoping for support regardless of who becomes the Sword Master, Lu Xiaochan just wanted them to finish so he could eat.

Shu Wuxi picked up a fresh fruit, gently cracking its shell without a sound, and offered it to Lu Xiaochan’s mouth.

Lu Xiaochan was delighted – having Brother Wuxi around was the most convenient!

He took a bite and mischievously nudged Shu Wuxi’s fingertip.

The fruit was truly sweet!

Shu Wuxi seemed to enjoy feeding Lu Xiaochan, pushing the fruit into his mouth. Lu Xiaochan bit down but didn’t let go of Shu Wuxi’s finger.

Lu Xiaochan looked at him questioningly, and Shu Wuxi pushed the fruit again.

Lu Xiaochan was displeased – how could he eat if Shu Wuxi didn’t let go?

But Shu Wuxi kept pushing.

Lu Xiaochan, looking at Shu Wuxi’s focused expression, suddenly understood and deliberately licked Shu Wuxi’s fingertip, which made him finally release.

Seeing Shu Wuxi about to peel another fruit, Lu Xiaochan quickly grabbed his hand.

If this continued, everyone would see!

Fortunately, everyone’s attention was on Haofu’s three disciples.

Though they were just speaking, Lu Xiaochan could sense the tension between the three brothers, with subtle jabs in their conversation.

True Lord Faning explained the rules for selecting the Sword Master to everyone present.

Best of three matches, sword formation competition.

Sword sects within Xiyuan interested in the Sword Master position could challenge at the Immortal Inquiry Platform.

Other sword sects receiving challenge letters could also compete at the Immortal Inquiry Platform, with all immortal sects as witnesses.

Lu Xiaochan propped his chin and couldn’t help but ask. “If this is about Xiyuan selecting a Sword Master, why are other sects involved in the competition?”

Lu Xiaochan knew Shu Wuxi definitely wouldn’t understand these rules, and he himself couldn’t be bothered to understand, so he flicked the fruit pit, landing precisely on the back of Mo Qianqiu’s neck.

Mo Qianqiu used a secret sound transmission technique to whisper in Lu Xiaochan’s ear. “Are you thick-skinned?”

Lu Xiaochan looked around, noticing that other Thousand Autumn Pavilion disciples showed no reaction, as if only he had heard it.

This secret technique was truly interesting!

He narrowed his eyes, carefully observing Mo Qianqiu’s spiritual energy circulation, and tried to imitate it, using the secret sound transmission to speak to Mo Qianqiu. “Since you’re my sect master, shouldn’t you teach and guide me?”

Mo Qianqiu picked up his tea, took a sip.

“There are many immortal sects with long-standing grievances. For small matters, it’s not worth mentioning. But for significant unresolved issues, or when someone feels the resolution is unfair, they can settle disputes in a public setting, with everyone as witnesses. Since everything is open, once the winner is determined, they can’t continue fighting privately.”

“So the Immortal Inquiry Platform is where disputes between immortal sects are ultimately resolved?”

“Exactly, you can understand it that way.”

After True Lord Faning finished explaining the next day’s platform competition rules, the three disciples came down to offer wine, expressing gratitude to the distinguished guests.

Lu Xiaochan observed carefully, noticing they were most respectful and spoke least when approaching Miaochen Yuan.

Miaochen Yuan, being the highest-ranking cultivator present with the most refined temperament, looked like an old monk in meditation, completely unperturbed.

She only needed to nod and take a sip of wine, and the three disciples wouldn’t dare to encourage her to drink more.

When they approached Kunwu, their conversation became noticeably more verbose.

Kunwu’s smile seemed forced – he clearly disliked such alliance-building banquets but couldn’t avoid attending.

Next was Ling Nianwu.

Surprisingly, among everyone present, aside from Miaochen Yuan, Ling Nianwu was the most elegant and cultured. Even lifting a wine cup was a sight to behold.

Ling Nianwu seemed to know Lu Xiaochan was watching and slightly turned, curving his lips toward Lu Xiaochan’s direction.

Such a beautiful smile.

But too bad, I already have Brother Wuxi!

Shu Wuxi stretched out his hand, covering Lu Xiaochan’s eyes and turning his face toward himself.

Lu Xiaochan giggled, raising his wine cup to toast Shu Wuxi.

Nearby sect masters would generally exchange greetings and chat briefly.

However, Mo Qianqiu was different. From beginning to end, he maintained a lazy posture, leaning sideways, propping his chin with one hand, and squinting while drinking wine intermittently.

Sitting directly opposite him was the master of Muyang Sect, with a female disciple behind him.

That female disciple, seeing Mo Qianqiu’s seemingly half-drunk demeanor, inexplicably blushed.

Among all the sect masters, only Mo Qianqiu was completely without decorum.

Yet this dissolute and unrestrained style was most likely to captivate the souls of those serious female disciples from immortal sects.

As they were talking, True Lord Faning had already led the three disciples to Mo Qianqiu’s table.

Lord Shen Jie and Lord Qing Chuo clearly didn’t regard Mo Qianqiu seriously, casually offering a cup of wine before turning away.

Mo Qianqiu also didn’t care about their attitude, not even bothering to raise his wine cup.

However, Lord Zhao Lan’s attitude differed from his two senior brothers. He raised his wine cup quite solemnly.

Mo Qianqiu was still in his boneless posture, casually picking up his cup to touch Zhao Lan’s before drinking it all in one gulp.

Lord Zhao Lan spoke. “Pavilion Master Mo’s presence at our competition makes this humble one nervous.”

“Why would Lord Zhao Lan be nervous? Looking at your senior brothers’ cultivations, you are most likely to secure the Sword Master position.”

Lord Zhao Lan nodded and smiled. “Pavilion Master, whether I can sit in the Sword Master seat depends not just on cultivation, but also on the support of everyone present. Without everyone’s trust, what’s the point of having the title?”

Mo Qianqiu didn’t respond, just smiled.

Lord Zhao Lan continued. “Pavilion Master Mo is carefree by nature and shouldn’t be interested in this Sword Master competition. This humble one is curious – why did you come to Xiyuan?”

Mo Qianqiu tilted his chin, smiling. “Naturally – to settle old scores, to resolve grievances. Under everyone’s watchful eyes, I want to make my enemy feel utterly humiliated and speechless.”

Lord Zhao Lan looked as if he understood, but Lu Xiaochan felt this person already knew Mo Qianqiu’s intentions very well.

“Then I hope Pavilion Master Mo can achieve his wish.”

After Lord Zhao Lan left, Lu Xiaochan couldn’t help but speak again. “This Lord Zhao Lan seems gentle and speaks slowly, without the arrogant attitude of his two senior brothers – but why do I still feel something’s off?”

“Because everyone looks down on me, Mo Qianqiu, yet he deliberately comes to talk to me – it’s just like the saying, a weasel paying New Year’s respects to a chicken, with no good intentions.”

Lu Xiaochan covered his mouth and laughed.

“So you’re the little chicken, then I’ll be the weasel! Why let outsiders have the advantage?”

Mo Qianqiu hooked his lips. “With your little schemes, you want to be a weasel? Before your tail can even curl up, your fur would be plucked out.”

Lu Xiaochan glanced at Shu Wuxi. He looked quiet, but Lu Xiaochan sensed he was somewhat displeased with his idea of being a weasel.