Chapter 24

"In short, you don't need to understand its essence right now—just follow the routine in your cultivation."

"Got it, got it—that's only for big shots to worry about."

"Hmm, I understand."

"Did you report your realm to the school today?"

"I did."

Zhang Yunlu recounted to Xu Xing what she had learned from Yu Ming.

The school's taught method of Foundation Establishment made no mention of the Creation Dao Base, which was expected by Xu Xing; but this "one-time Foundation Establishment treasure, Divine Nourishment" was quite interesting.

As an essential item for forging a Heaven-Born Dao Base, celestial treasures are rare, yet in today's Cultivation Realm, talents abound—even this can now be mass-produced.

Even if its effect is inferior to true celestial treasures, it's still remarkable.

"I'll find the Basic Cai Lian Fa after this."

Xu Xing was naturally intrigued by the method created by Holy Emperor Yuan, but he did not directly ask Zhang Yunlu for it; since the school hadn't made it public, there must be restrictions on students who obtained the Basic Cai Lian Fa—such as prohibiting its external transmission.

To him, it might be a minor matter, but not to Zhang Yunlu.

He raised a finger, and like last time with the Flowing Cloud Sword Art, a wisp of spiritual light sank into Zhang Yunlu's third eye.

"Your total spiritual energy is only average—I'll transmit to you the Nine Qi Cai Lian Fa. But which of the two cultivation methods suits you better, you'll have to judge for yourself in future trials."

Having experienced this before, her dazed state was much shorter; after closing her eyes and carefully reading through it, Zhang Yunlu rose and bowed deeply.

"Thank you, Elder."

She knew clearly that they were merely strangers who had crossed paths.

Though Xu Xing's realm was high and he was a very powerful big shot, who said a big shot must help a junior cultivator?

To treat all this as something owed would be utterly ungrateful.

His realm was too lofty for her to repay now, but she could at least offer thanks.

"No need to be polite."

These siblings really had the same temperament—last night, when Zhang Xiu left, he had also bowed deeply to thank him.

Over long centuries, he had helped many people.

Most initially felt gratitude, but gradually grew accustomed to it, then came to see it as their due, and eventually demanded more—if he refused, they would harbor resentment.

Yet some people, from start to finish, remained true to their hearts, knew when to advance and when to retreat, and understood reason.

That's why even now, he still enjoyed granting opportunities to younger generations.

But how would the Zhang siblings ultimately turn out?

Xu Xing wouldn't watch—but he hoped for the latter.

Before leaving, Zhang Yunlu asked one final question.

"After last night's trial, I've felt a bit off—not only do I feel at ease holding the sword, but when I look at others, I can't help but instinctively assess their vital spots."

And Xu Xing's reply was:

"Just adapt for a while."

Zhang Yunlu's state is a phase every sword cultivator goes through.

Sword cultivators excel in killing and combat—thus, any sword cultivator must use slaughter and blood to sharpen their blade!

Given her current state, will tomorrow's Dueling Test be a fierce, evenly matched battle—or a one-sided massacre from start to finish?

…………

That afternoon, upon returning home, Zhang Yunlu pulled out her favorite book from the past, intending to relax her mind first.

Yet after flipping through several pages, her inner calm remained unattainable—her mind was filled entirely with the sword techniques of the Flowing Cloud Sword Art.

A few minutes later, she closed the book, picked up her sword, and ran to the rooftop.

Coincidentally, a young couple was also on the rooftop; when they saw Zhang Yunlu, they froze.

Zhang Yunlu also paused in surprise.

Mainly because she recognized them—they were from the same school.

Though not in the same class, their classrooms were adjacent, and they often crossed paths; this was extremely awkward.

"…Sorry to disturb you."

After uttering this, Zhang Yunlu quickly turned and descended the stairs, leaving the couple staring at each other.

"Is she…Zhang Yunlu?" The boy had volunteered at a school competition before and remembered her, "And she's carrying a sword—could she be here to practice swordplay?"

"Putting on a show," the girl grumbled, "Never works hard until the Dueling Test is right around the corner."

"It's not that bad—she didn't know anyone was here when she came up."

"How isn't it bad!" The girl's voice rose, "I heard many in her class dislike her—they're planning to teach her a lesson in tomorrow's Dueling Test!"

Is that true?

The boy was curious, but seeing his girlfriend seemed angry, he dropped the question and immediately soothed her.

Once her mood had calmed slightly, he probed indirectly.

After a dramatized account, the boy finally confirmed: yes, it was true—and even some teachers had encouraged it.

!. Read

She's even angered the teachers? Looks like tomorrow's Dueling Test will be entertaining.

The girl eventually noticed something odd and complained: "Why are you always asking about her? Are you…"

The boy quickly interrupted before she could explode.

"I'm just curious whether she'll win tomorrow!"

"Her? Hah!" The girl sneered, "Her classmate Fang Lin has fought on the Starry Battlefield—what does she have to compete with him?"

"Yes, yes, how could she compare to Fang Lin…" The boy chuckled in agreement, but inside, he was thinking.

emm... her temper's a bit bad; maybe she should switch to someone else.

…………

Early the next morning, the school was bustling with activity.

Streams of powerful aura-laced flight beams flew into the school from all corners of the city—these were all the cultivators come to watch the combat trial.

The Third Middle School was the best middle school in Xuanjian City, and its principal was the cultivator with the highest cultivation in the entire city, closest to the Return to Void realm.

So many came to show support—powerful cultivators with names and reputations from within the city.

Among them was Li Fengping; as an inner sect disciple of the Sword Sect, he had been personally invited by the principal to serve as one of today's combat trial judges.

But because his facial injuries had not yet healed, he still wore bandages; everyone assumed he was practicing some special divine art, so no one asked further.

A massive arena floated above the playground; the spectator seats held lower-grade students and some Gao San students' family members.

Zhang Yunlu sat in her classroom, gazing out the window—her viewpoint gave her a full view of the entire arena.

Banners fluttered around the arena; the grayish bricks bore dark stains, seemingly dried blood.

Will I soon be fighting to the death on that arena?

In her mind surfaced the battle from last night's trial against the sword cultivator's phantom—after dying dozens of times, she could now easily defeat a Qi Gathering ninth-layer sword cultivator who mastered the Perfect-Level Flowing Cloud Sword Art.

Will there be stronger people in the school?

Her hand gripping the sword scabbard tightened slightly; a flicker of anticipation rose in her heart.

Her expression caught Fang Chi's gaze from before the podium.

Hmph!

Now you're feeling nervous?

He sneered inwardly, then turned his gaze to the other side—a tall boy, his eyes shimmering with spiritual light, just one step away from Foundation Establishment!

He was Fang Lin!

The student with the highest realm in the entire class, and the only one who had ever fought on the Starry Battlefield!

Fang Lin paid no attention whatsoever to Zhang Yunlu.

Although he knew she had reached Qi Gathering ninth layer, he still didn't care.

Cultivators raised within the school were like sheep grown in a greenhouse—naive and fragile, collapsing at the slightest pressure.

If Fang Chi weren't his uncle, he wouldn't even bother taking her seriously.

Please collect! Please follow!

(End of Chapter)