The judge who left work on time made Qin Wanwan breathe a sigh of relief. She raised her hand and patted her chest: “Luckily, luckily.”
As soon as she turned around, she saw Jian Xingzhi’s sparkling eyes and was startled: “What are you doing?”
“Nothing,” Jian Xingzhi retracted his intense, naked, and burning gaze from the points and returned to his usual demeanor. While helping Nan Feng up, he scanned the surroundings, intending to catch the provocative sword cultivator from earlier and beat him up. However, the other party was extremely clever; before the judges had even left, he had already slipped away in the chaos.
“This bastard, taking advantage of his weakness to act aggressively,” Jian Xingzhi said, then turned to look at Qin Wanwan: “Beicheng, you must not disgrace your Master’s reputation tomorrow. You must win at all costs!”
2000 points!
“Don’t make threats outside like this in the future,” Qin Wanwan said, hearing Jian Xingzhi’s fierce tone. She reminded him: “I’m the one who’s fighting. If you keep acting like this, what if I get beaten to death?”
“How could you possibly be beaten to death?” Jian Xingzhi found Qin Wanwan unreasonable: “You’re my disciple.”
“Even so, I’m not you,” Qin Wanwan said, raising her hand to rub her forehead. “Please spare me, Master.”
“Have some confidence in yourself,” Jian Xingzhi said, seeing Qin Wanwan looking troubled. He confidently praised her, “The people you saw in today’s competition, you could take on ten of them by yourself.”
“Aren’t you exaggerating too much?”
Qin Wanwan couldn’t believe it. Jian Xingzhi turned to look at Nan Feng and Xie Gutang beside them: “You two also agree, right?”
“Of course!”
Nan Feng blindly praised: “Master is the best!”
“I’m not that good.” Qin Wanwan said modestly, “just average.”
“I haven’t truly seen Wanwan’s Sword Intent,” Xie Gutang spoke honestly, “I wouldn’t dare to make any rash judgments.”
These words made Jian Xingzhi fall into deep thought. He then realized that ever since Qin Wanwan started learning from him, she had only fought with him in a proper match. At other times, she was either running away or never had the real opportunity to use her sword.
Jian Xingzhi glanced at Qin Wanwan, who seemed to lack confidence, then turned to Xie Gutang: “Wait, you and her should have a match.”
“Ah?”
“Hmm?”
Both Xie Gutang and Qin Wanwan asked in unison, confused. Jian Xingzhi raised an eyebrow: “You don’t think you’re capable. Xie Gutang is considered one of the top sword cultivators of the younger generation, isn’t he?”
“Thank you.”
Xie Gutang waved his hand, but his expression showed no sign of ‘embarrassment’, as if he were a highly pretentious overachiever.
“If you don’t believe your Master, then fight him yourself, and you’ll know how strong you are. An ordinary sword cultivator at the Nascent Soul stage can’t last more than ten moves against him. As long as you can last for eleven moves,” Jian Xingzhi said, raising his hand and patting Qin Wanwan on the shoulder, “you’ll definitely win.”
Qin Wanwan couldn’t believe it, she glanced at Xie Gutang and he nodded encouragingly.
As they spoke, the group returned to Ning Manor’s courtyard. Jian Xingzhi entered the yard and directly handed a wooden sword to both Qin Wanwan and Xie Gutang. He then tilted his chin towards Xie Gutang and said: “Go ahead, don’t hold back.”
Xie Gutang was used to it. After giving Qin Wanwan a polite salute, he casually raised his hand and pointed the sword towards the ground: “After you.”
The gap between her and Jian Xingzhi’s strength was quite large. If she didn’t use the Jishan techniques, Jian Xingzhi would usually have a significant advantage using only his Sword Intent. She was curious to know what the difference would be between her and an average sword cultivator without using the Jishan techniques.
She took a deep breath, raised her sword, and struck towards Xie Gutang. However, before her sword even reached him, she couldn’t even see how Xie Gutang made his move. His sword twisted and pressed hers down, just as Qin Wanwan tried to turn her sword to counter, Xie Gutang raised his sword and gave it a sharp shake, sending Qin Wanwan flying backwards.
Seeing Qin Wanwan sent flying and crashing to the ground, Jian Xingzhi’s heart skipped a beat. He quickly tried to reassure himself; this was a necessary step for any sword cultivator, there’s nothing to worry about.
But he was afraid that Xie Gutang would not be careful enough, though he was also afraid that asking Xie Gutang to hold back would make Qin Wanwan lose face.
He anxiously crossed his arms and stood there, reminding Qin Wanwan from the side, “He’s been tempering his body for many years. You’ll be at a disadvantage if you try to forcefully clash with him. What did I teach you before? The sword should be as light as a feather, follow the momentum, use softness to overcome strength, and strike with power against power.”
Qin Wanwan listened to his words and got back up.
Xie Gutang looked at her disheveled hair and felt a bit embarrassed, nodding slightly: “Sorry.”
Without saying a word, Qin Wanwan charged forward. This time, she feigned a strike and then thrust her sword. As soon as Xie Gutang made a move to counter, she lightly dodged along the tip of his sword. With each move, it was as if her sword was glued to his, following the momentum of his strikes. She would then deflect his force and suddenly concentrate her strength and send a powerful shock back at him at the last moment!
The more precise her movements were in such a small range, the more she needed to control the “degree” of force. Qin Wanwan persisted, exchanging moves back and forth for over ten rounds. However, with the final strike, she was once again sent flying, crashing to the ground.
Hearing the loud ‘clang’ Jian Xingzhi took a deep breath and instructed Nan Feng, “Go get some fruit. I need something to calm my nerves.”
As he said this, he kept reminding himself.
Sword cultivators sparring with each other was completely normal. He shouldn’t overthink it. There was nothing to worry about.
He leaned against the pillar, watching as Qin Wanwan got up again. Her small face was covered in dust. This time, she seemed to be hurt by the blow. There was a fiery look in her eyes as she gripped her sword and charged forward, without saying a word, she launched into an immediate thrust.
Xie Gutang’s eyes lit up when he saw her. He didn’t hold back, but Qin Wanwan quickly figured out his style. As they continued to exchange moves, her responses became increasingly smooth and fluid.
Cuilu was eating melon seeds as she passed by the long corridor. When she saw people fighting in the courtyard, she couldn’t help but step forward and walked up to Jian Xingzhi, casually asking while eating melon seeds: “Are they fighting?”
Jian Xingzhi felt a tightness in his chest, his gaze was fixed on the two sparring: “Mhm.”
“Your disciple’s not bad,” Cuilu commented while watching Qin Wanwan, “She learns quickly, always adjusting her sword with each move.”
“Isn’t that how it should be?” Jian Xingzhi said, pleased by the compliment. He turned to look at Cuilu and added, “Otherwise, why would I take her as my disciple?”
“She’s also quite pretty,” Cuilu remarked with a sigh: “Just like Daoist Monarch Xie; handsome man, beautiful woman. Look at how they’re sparring now. Like the moonlight and the peach blossoms, it’s a feast for the eyes, truly a match made in heaven, a golden lad and a jade maiden.”
Hearing this, Jian Xingzhi stiffened for a moment. Cuilu, completely treating him as an elder, casually asked, “Have you considered finding a Daoist partner for your disciple?”
“Is this something I need to consider?” Jian Xingzhi’s gaze fell on Qin Wanwan: “It depends on whether she likes someone.”
“Daoist partners involve dual cultivation. You’re her Master; how can you let her be reckless?” Cuilu frowned in dissatisfaction. Since Qin Wanwan was the child of her benefactor, she decided to educate Jian Xingzhi: “You should find someone good for her as soon as possible. A good Daoist partner will greatly aid her cultivation, and make her more powerful. Then ascension will be within reach.”
“Good?” Jian Xingzhi scoffed. “What counts as good? Who’s good enough?”
“Take a look at Xie Gutang,” Cuilu said while pointing at him: “I think he’s a good match.”
Jian Xingzhi remained silent. Listening to Cuilu, he understood that this was how things usually worked in the cultivation world.
Daoist partners’ fate are closely linked, and their cultivation can also be affected. A good Daoist partner, with proper dual cultivation, can not only improve one’s cultivation but even reverse one’s constitution.
But for some reason, when he heard these words, he couldn’t shake the discomfort.
He muttered, “She’s still young, her foundation isn’t stable. She should focus on strengthening her foundation first.”
“I’m just reminding you, I’m afraid that you’ve been her Master for too long and would be reluctant to part ways with her.”
“Why would I be reluctant?” Jian Xingzhi asked, feigning calmness: “Either way, even if she gets married, I’m still her Master. What’s the difference?”
“You saying that reminds me,” Cuilu said, suddenly recalling something: “If she truly gets married, you’ll have to be more cautious and avoid her.”
“Why do I need to avoid her?”
Jian Xingzhi furrowed his brow and asked. Seeing that he didn’t understand the ways of the mortal world, Cuilu patiently explained, “You are a man after all. Even though you’re her Master, if you get too close to her, her Daoist partner won’t be happy. Think about her in the long run. It’s like how parents and children are; once a child marries, they become one with their partner. You can’t maintain the same relationship with her as before.”
Jian Xingzhi was stunned to mute. Just then, Nan Feng brought over a plate of fruit: “Daoist Monarch, here, have some apples.”
Jian Xingzhi was snapped back to reality by Nan Feng’s call. Feeling somewhat disinterested, he picked up a green apple and took a hard bite. Immediately, he frowned.
“Why is this apple so sour?”
“Maybe…” Nan Feng speculated, “The green apple is not ripe yet?”
Jian Xingzhi was a bit annoyed, but since he had already started eating, he stuck to his usual habit of persevering. He continued to chew through the sour and astringent apple until it was finished.
After finishing the apple, he watched as Qin Wanwan became more absorbed in the fight, her moves becoming increasingly focused. When she finally managed to land the twelfth move against Xie Gutang, it was already late at night. Jian Xingzhi called out to her, “Alright, that’s enough. You still need to fight tomorrow. Rest for now.”
Qin Wanwan looked quite pleased. She bowed to Xie Gutang and said, “Thank you, Daoist Monarch, for sparring with me today.”
“Wanwan’s sword moves are quite innovative. I’ve learned a lot from this,” Xie Gutang replied, returning the gesture: “If there’s time in the future, we can arrange to spar again.”
Just as he finished speaking, Jian Xingzhi heard a ‘ding’ sound in his mind, +5 points were added.
Jian Xingzhi silently glanced at the screen and then pulled Qin Wanwan toward the room: “Alright, hurry up and rest.”
Qin Wanwan was being dragged by Jian Xingzhi as she waved at Xie Gutang. Xie Gutang looked at her dusty little face and smiled softly.
Cuilu stood beside him and glanced at Xie Gutang: “I’ve been watching for a while. My hands are itching a bit.”
Xie Gutang turned in surprise, unable to react in time. Before he could do anything, Cuilu swiftly made her move. Xie Gutang raised his hand to block, but unexpectedly, Cuilu’s palm was far more nimble than a normal person’s. With a quick twist, it slipped past his arm and lightly flicked under his chin.
Xie Gutang froze for a moment, and then heard Cuilu chuckling softly: “Still young.”
After saying that, Cuilu lost interest, withdrew her hand, and turned to leave.
Xie Gutang watched Cuilu’s graceful figure as she walked away. After a moment of contemplation, he raised his hand and repeated the move she had just made. He then began thinking about how to counter it.
Jian Xingzhi dragged Qin Wanwan back to the room and prepared a bath for her. When he stepped out from behind the screen, he saw her still gesturing with her hands, as if practicing her moves. He couldn’t help but chuckle, “Have you started enjoying the fun of sparring?”
Qin Wanwan was a bit embarrassed by Jian Xingzhi’s question. She smiled sheepishly and replied, “Everyone wants to know who wins and who loses.”
“Go take a bath, after you’re done, I’ll apply medicine to you.”
“Mm.”
Qin Wanwan felt a bit excited but still managed to control her impatience and went to take a bath.
After finishing her bath, Qin Wanwan came out to see Jian Xingzhi sitting by the window. As she walked over, drying her hair, he took the medicine and walked to the bedside. He gently pulled her hand over and began applying the medicine.
She hadn’t been seriously injured; it was mostly just the skin on her palms being torn from gripping the sword too tightly during the spar. As Jian Xingzhi lowered his head to apply the ointment, he began advising her about the areas she could improve in her fight with Xie Gutang today.
Qin Wanwan listened, feeling quite happy. She nodded along, and after a while, she cautiously asked, “Master, am I actually pretty strong now?”
“Of course.”
Jian Xingzhi raised an eyebrow: “You were able to last twelve moves against Xie Gutang. That’s pretty impressive.”
“That’s great.” Qin Wanwan, wrapped in a blanket, watched as Jian Xingzhi applied the medicine. She was quite excited: “One day, I’ll definitely defeat Xie Gutang!”
Jian Xingzhi’s movements paused for a moment. After a brief silence, he nodded: “It seems you really like him.”
What kind of logic is this?
Qin Wanwan looked at Jian Xingzhi in confusion.
If wanting to defeat someone meant liking them, then didn’t that mean the man she most liked in the world was Jian Xingzhi himself?
She dreams of stomping on his dog head.
“I think I just like him in general.”
Qin Wanwan sighed, and Jian Xingzhi finished applying the medicine. He gently wiped his hand across her palm, and in an instant, her hand became fair and delicate.
Finished with his duties, Jian Xingzhi stood up and told her: “Have a good rest.”
Qin Wanwan nodded, and Jian Xingzhi walked outside, closing the door behind him.
Back in his own room, Jian Xingzhi couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. After a moment of thought, he decided it would be best to just go to bed.
He rarely dreamed, but he had a nightmare that night.
In his dream, he saw Qin Wanwan wearing a phoenix crown and a crimson bridal gown, slowly walking toward him. He stared at her in a daze. Then he realized with a start that he couldn’t quite make out her face. In truth, he never really focused on what she truly looked like.
But at that moment, he felt that it didn’t matter what she looked like. After all, she was his disciple. He watched as Qin Wanwan walked up to him. Just as he was about to reach out to her, she suddenly kneeled and respectfully lifted a cup of tea and offered it to him: “Master, please have some tea.”
Jian Xingzhi was stunned for a moment, only to see Xie Gutang kneeling beside her, dressed in a groom’s wedding attire, holding up a cup of tea: “Master, please have some tea.”
Jian Xingzhi stared at the two of them blankly. Suddenly, the scene changed, and he found himself wearing tattered clothes. Xie Gutang angrily threw a bundle at his chest, his finger pointing at him aggressively: “Beicheng is my wife. This is my Xie Manor. From now on, she is mine. Even if you’re her Master, you can’t get close to her!”
Jian Xingzhi was wearing patched clothes and holding a bundle, like a beggar, and staring blankly at the gate in front. Qin Wanwan in the gate was held tightly in Xie Gutang’s arms. He then began to beat her, just like when they were sparring during the day, knocking her to the ground over and over again.
The fragile Qin Wanwan was knocked to the ground, crying so hard that she could barely catch her breath. She reached out her hand towards him, desperately calling out, “Master, Master!”
It suddenly began to rain heavily, blurring his vision. He stumbled forward, watching as the big door slammed shut. Then, he collapsed at the door, helplessly banging on it and crying bitterly: “Beicheng! Beicheng, open the door! Xie Gutang, let go of Beicheng! The child really is yours!”
Child?
What the hell?!
This line jolted Jian Xingzhi awake. He panted heavily, feeling his forehead damp with sweat.
He wiped the sweat from his forehead in the darkness and looked at the sky outside.
This dream was too scary. What was that?
He didn’t dare to sleep anymore. He got up quickly, washed up, and walked out with his sword.
It was still before dawn. Xie Gutang just walked out with his sword, and he saw Jian Xingzhi’s dark face. He was quite surprised: “Senior?”
“Oh,” Jian Xingzhi said meaningfully as he saw Xie Gutang, “It’s you.”
“Senior, are you here to practice swordsmanship too?”
Xie Gutang seemed a bit reserved: “If Senior doesn’t mind, how about we have a sparring session?”
Hearing this, a faint smile appeared on Jian Xingzhi’s tired face.
“Okay.”
Qin Wanwan also got up very early that day.
Jian Xingzhi came in early and helped her wash up. Afterward, Qin Wanwan took the initiative to ask, “Master, do I need to spar with Daoist Xie today?”
“No need.”
Jian Xingzhi tightened her sleeves for her: “Today, you have to fight a lot. Don’t go looking for him.”
“Okay.”
Qin Wanwan obediently nodded. Jian Xingzhi looked at his little disciple, who was only as tall as his chin, and couldn’t help but think of how she had cried in his dream last night. A deep sense of worry filled his heart.
Others beat her without holding back, but he couldn’t be at ease. Only by taking action himself could he know just how badly it could turn out.
But he put aside all these worries, after tying the final butterfly knot on Qin Wanwan’s sleeve, he led her out.
When they stepped outside, Qin Wanwan noticed that Xie Gutang’s face was covered in bruises from punches.
She was stunned and couldn’t help but say: “Brother Xie, your face…”
“We had a sparring session this morning, and I realized that Senior is not only skilled with the sword,” Xie Gutang said with a pleased expression, “but also excellent in fist fighting.”
Qin Wanwan looked at Xie Gutang’s face, which was full of the expression “I hit the jackpot,” and fell silent for a moment.
She glanced at Cuilu next to her. Cuilu rolled her eyes at her and raised her hand before lightly knocking her head.
Qin Wanwan instantly understood, no words needed. She had already learned from her many beatings.
Jian Xingzhi and Xie Gutang, these sword cultivators, clearly have some problems with their brains.
She retracted her gaze, climbed into the spirit beast carriage, and arrived at the competition venue before the sun had risen.
The judges arrived on time, just as they were clocking out for work yesterday. After the three judges took their seats, they first announced the list of yesterday’s contestants who had one more match to win in order to secure ten victories: “Number 247, Yan Huo.”
As he spoke, the man who had made the provocative declaration yesterday descended from the sky, landing with impressive force.
The judges looked down and continued reading: “Number 336, Qin Wanwan.”
