Chapter 596: Jianzong Is Actually Still a Righteous Path

Lin Xuanxuan pondered briefly in her heart, then quickly suppressed those thoughts deep within.

[1] Lin Xuanxuan thought briefly in her heart, then quickly suppressed those thoughts.

Sister Jiu Yu is so powerful—how could she possibly fail to be chosen as sect leader?

[2] Sister Jiuyu is so powerful—how could she possibly fail to become sect leader?

Mm!

[3] Mm!

Exactly!

[4] Exactly!

But if it’s about running for sect leader, combat strength seems to account for only a small part…

[5] But if you’re running for sect leader, combat power seems to make up only a small part…

Lin Xuanxuan stopped overthinking and immediately explained to Chi Jiu Yu about Ye Shijie’s master.

[6] Lin Xuanxuan stopped thinking further and immediately explained to Chi Jiuyu about Ye Shijie’s master.

Although she had little connection with Ye Shijie, she had studied the elder’s “Classic of Destiny Sect Alchemy.”

[7] Though she had little connection with Ye Shijie, she had studied the elder’s “Scripture of the Life Sect’s Elixirs.”

Back then, she’d wondered why it was given such a name—it had nothing to do with the alchemical content…

[8] Back then, she’d wondered why it was named that—it had nothing to do with the elixir text’s content…

Now she finally understood.

[9] Now she understood.

“The ‘Classic of Destiny Sect Alchemy’…” Chi Jiu Yu chuckled upon hearing it.

[10] “The Scripture of the Life Sect’s Elixirs…” Chi Jiuyu chuckled upon hearing it.

Isn’t that one of the names she’d planned to give her soul sword?

[11] Wasn’t that one of the names she’d planned to give her life blade?

Truly, great minds think alike…

[12] Truly, great minds think alike…

Just as she was thinking this, she suddenly paused—she’d just realized something.

[13] As she thought this, she suddenly paused—then realized.

Wait!

[14] Wait!

She didn’t get elected as sect leader!

[15] She didn’t get elected as sect leader!

Thinking of this, Chi Jiu Yu shook her head, a hint of wistfulness in her expression.

[16] Thinking of this, Chi Jiuyu shook her head again, a hint of melancholy in her expression.

Though our aspirations were the same, our outcomes were ultimately different.

[17] Though we shared the same aspiration, the outcomes were always different.

Noticing Chi Jiu Yu’s change in expression, Ye Zhiwei’s eyes flickered with curiosity.

[18] Noticing Chi Jiuyu’s expression, Ye Zhiwei’s eyes flickered with curiosity.

Though she’d come to understand during their chats that Jiu Yu was quite eccentric, this sudden wistfulness seemed utterly random.

[19] Though she’d come to understand Jiuyu-sister was eccentric from their chats, why this sudden melancholy?

Lin Xuanxuan, however, was used to it.

[20] Lin Xuanxuan, however, was used to it.

After all, Sister Jiu Yu often had these inexplicable sighs—she’d long grown accustomed.

[21] After all, Sister Jiuyu often had random, inexplicable sighs—she’d grown accustomed.

Soon after, the three arrived at a park named “Autumn Scenery.”

[22] Soon after, the three arrived at a park named “Autumn Scenery.”

Looking inward from the entrance, golden-yellow leaves had piled thickly on the ground, even covering the benches along the path.

[23] Looking inward from the entrance, yellowed leaves lay thickly on the ground, even covering the benches along the path.

Only a few withered leaves remained clinging to the branches on either side.

[24] Only a few withered leaves clung to the branches on either side.

A cool breeze blew, lending an air of desolation.

[25] A cool breeze blew, deepening the desolation.

Autumn Scenery is one of the “Four Seasons” scenic spots outside the Sword Sect’s outer sect.

[26] Autumn Scenery was one of the “Four Seasons” sights of the Outer Sect of Jianzong.

It was formed by the spiritual resonance of a sword cultivator’s cultivation of the “Four Seasons” sword art.

[27] It was formed when a Jianzong swordsman cultivated his “Four Seasons” sword art, his realm manifesting and permeating the land.

Leaves fall at sunrise, return to branches at sunset.

[28] At sunrise, leaves fall; at sunset, they return to the branches.

It contains an exceptionally refined sword art, freely open to all Sword Sect disciples.

[29] It concealed an extremely refined sword art, which Jianzong made freely available.

Yet over the years, very few have ever comprehended it.

[30] Yet over the years, few had comprehended it.

At that moment, Ye Zhiwei had just stepped into the park with Chi Jiu Yu, her foot landing on the thick carpet of fallen leaves—she froze.

[31] At that moment, Ye Zhiwei stepped into the park behind Chi Jiuyu, her foot landing on the thick layer of fallen leaves—and she froze.

Huh~!

[32] Hoo~!

The autumn wind brushed past, carrying an indescribable aura of desolation.

[33] The autumn wind brushed past, carrying an indescribable aura of desolation.

Each swirling leaf seemed like a sharp blade, slicing the air with a mournful whistling sound!

[34] Each swirling leaf seemed a sharp blade, slicing the air with a mournful hum!

Suddenly, Ye Zhiwei felt countless sword shadows flickering before her eyes; her own sword intent resonated, ringing out with a clear chime.

[35] In a flash, Ye Zhiwei saw countless sword shadows flickering before her—her own sword intent resonated, ringing sharply.

Evening rain drizzles, tempering the sword’s edge.

[36] Evening rain drizzled, tempering the sword’s edge.

The myriad sword shadows converged into one, dividing life and death, silencing the cold cicadas and withering all vegetation.

[37] The myriad sword shadows converged into one, severing life from decay, silencing the cold cicadas and withering all plants.

As the sword shadows swept through, all sounds fell silent under frost-laden skies, plants withered and died!

[38] As the sword shadows swept past, all sounds vanished beneath frosty skies, plants withered!

After a long while, Ye Zhiwei felt the strange visions fade from her eyes, yet a sword technique now flowed within her mind.

[39] Long after, the strange visions faded from her eyes—and a sword art began to flow within her mind.

Each character seemed formed from morning dew, radiating a cold gleam.

[40] Each character seemed formed from morning dew, brimming with cold radiance.

“The Four Seasons Shifting Sword Classic”—Autumn Scenery.

[41] The “Scripture of the Four Seasons’ Shifting Forms”—Autumn Scenery.

“The ‘Four Seasons Shifting Sword Classic’…” Ye Zhiwei murmured the words unconsciously.

[42] “The Scripture of the Four Seasons’ Shifting Forms…” Ye Zhiwei murmured the words unconsciously.

Coming to her senses, she found Chi Jiu Yu watching her with a sly smile.

[43] When she came to, she found Chi Jiuyu watching her with a sly smile.

“Little Ye.”

[44] “Little Ye.”

“Jiu Yu sister.”

[45] “Jiuyu-sister.”

“Don’t bother cultivating this ‘Four Seasons Shifting Sword Classic’—it’s not suited to you.”

[46] “Don’t bother cultivating this Scripture of the Four Seasons’ Shifting Forms—it doesn’t suit you.”

“Huh?”

[47] “Huh?”

Ye Zhiwei was stunned, unsure why Chi Jiu Yu would say that.

[48] Ye Zhiwei blinked, puzzled why Chi Jiuyu would say that.

“You’re a very meticulous, deeply thoughtful person—I recommend you learn the ‘Celestial Net Sword Scripture.’ It’s perfect for you.”

[49] “You’re meticulous and deeply thoughtful—I suggest you learn the ‘Heavenly Net Sword Weave.’ It suits you perfectly.”

Ye Zhiwei’s smile faded slightly:

[50] Ye Zhiwei’s smile faded slightly:

“Jiu Yu sister… why do you say that?”

[51] “Jiuyu-sister… why say that?”

“Well…” Chi Jiu Yu smiled mysteriously, “Since we met, you’ve been observing me constantly. If I’m not mistaken, you’ve been trying to guess what I’m thinking.”

[52] “Well…” Chi Jiuyu smiled mysteriously. “Since we met, you’ve been watching me closely. If I’m not mistaken, you’ve been trying to guess what I’m thinking.”

If it were anyone else, Jiu Yu the Ancestor wouldn’t care a bit.

[53] If it were anyone else, Jiuyu the Ancestor wouldn’t care.

But this is Little Ye’s sister—she couldn’t help paying attention.

[54] But this was Little Ye’s sister—she’d paid attention.

「……」

[55] “…”

Ye Zhiwei remained silent.

[56] Ye Zhiwei stayed silent.

“With your current cultivation level, passing the final round of trials is no problem,” Chi Jiu Yu continued.

[57] “With your current cultivation level, passing the final trial is no problem,” Chi Jiuyu continued.

She’d seen it the moment they met.

[58] She’d known the moment they met.

Little Ye’s sister had already established her Foundation, and not just any Foundation—she’d achieved the Transformation Foundation. Even if the Immortal Sect’s special recruitment difficulty doubled, she’d still pass effortlessly.

[59] Little Ye’s sister had already achieved Foundation Establishment—and even the Nurturing Foundation. Even if the Immortal Sect’s special recruitment doubled in difficulty, she’d pass easily.

“Don’t worry—I won’t judge you because of this,” Chi Jiu Yu patted her shoulder reassuringly. “After witnessing what Little Ye went through, it’s perfectly natural for you to keep some things hidden.”

[60] “Relax—I won’t judge you for this.” Chi Jiuyu patted her shoulder. “You saw what happened to Little Ye—you’d naturally want to hide some things.”

She wasn’t some out-of-touch “Why don’t they eat meat?” kind of fish.

[61] She wasn’t some out-of-touch fish who asked, “Why not eat meat porridge?”

She’d always understood that not everyone has a true Immortal master who fiercely protects them, like she does.

[62] She’d always known not everyone had a True Immortal master who fiercely protected them, like she did.

Most people often face choices they never wanted to make.

[63] Most people often faced choices they never wanted to make.

“Jiu Yu sister, I…”

[64] “Jiuyu-sister, I…”

Through online chats and information from her sister, Ye Zhiwei had always thought of Chi Jiu Yu as “eccentric,” “carefree,” and “clumsy.”

[65] Through online chats and questions to her sister, Ye Zhiwei had only seen Chi Jiuyu as eccentric, carefree, and blunt.

She’d even forgotten that Chi Jiu Yu could easily be considered the top young genius among the Seven Immortal Sects.

[66] She’d even forgotten that Chi Jiuyu was arguably the top young cultivator among the Seven Immortal Sects.

Being seen through so quickly during a brief walk was completely unexpected.

[67] To have her thoughts read so quickly—she never expected it.

“Oh come on! Once it’s out in the open, there’s no need to be shy,” Chi Jiu Yu waved her hand dismissively, appearing utterly calm.

[68] “Oh come on! Just say it out—it’s fine! Why be so shy?” Chi Jiuyu waved her hand, appearing utterly calm.

In truth, she was bursting with triumph inside!

[69] In truth, her heart was bursting with triumph!

Hehe!

[70] Hehe!

Didn’t see that coming, did you?

[71] Didn’t see that coming, did you?

Bow down before my supreme wisdom!

[72] Bow down before my supreme wisdom!

Hahaha!

[73] Hahaha!

While Ye Zhiwei remained silent, Lin Xuanxuan beside her was genuinely astonished.

[74] Unlike Ye Zhiwei’s silence, Lin Xuanxuan was genuinely astonished.

Though she’d always thought Sister Jiu Yu was powerful, she’d assumed “powerful” meant only cultivation strength.

[75] Though she’d always thought Sister Jiuyu powerful, she’d assumed “powerful” meant cultivation level alone.

But judging by today’s performance, Sister Jiu Yu wasn’t just strong in cultivation—she was sharp-minded too.

[76] But today’s display proved Sister Jiuyu wasn’t just strong in cultivation—she was sharp-minded too.

If she wanted to, she could definitely become sect leader!

[77] If she wanted to, she could become sect leader!

Lin Xuanxuan was utterly convinced!

[78] Lin Xuanxuan was utterly certain!

Soon after, the three sat down on a bench by the roadside.

[79] Soon after, the three sat on a bench by the path.

Chi Jiu Yu’s calm expression had vanished, replaced by curiosity.

[80] Chi Jiuyu’s calmness vanished, replaced by curiosity.

“So… do you really like Brother Dog, or are you just teasing him?”

[81] “So do you really like Brother Dog, or are you just teasing him?”

“… ” Ye Zhiwei paused, pursing her lips. “Brother Ruoming is a very simple person.”

[82] “...” Ye Zhiwei fell silent, then pressed her lips. “Brother Ruoming is a very simple person.”

Chi Jiu Yu nodded in agreement.

[83] Chi Jiuyu nodded in agreement.

Brother Dog really is a bit clueless.

[84] Brother Dog really was a bit clueless.

“When I saw Brother Ruoming cry after being beaten by Jiu Yu sister at the Immortal Sect Competition, I was actually happy.”

[85] “When I saw Brother Ruoming cry after being beaten by Jiuyu-sister at the Immortal Sect Tournament, I was actually happy.”

Because of childhood experiences, she despised all Immortal Second-Generation kids.

[86] Because of her childhood, she despised all Immortal Second-Generation.

Jiu Yu was one too, but she was down-to-earth—compared to Zhao Ruoming, the true Immortal Second-Generation, she disliked him far more.

[87] Chi Jiuyu was one too, but she was down-to-earth—compared to Zhao Ruoming, the true Immortal Second-Generation, she hated him more.

“At first, I just wanted to fool him, but then I realized he wasn’t what I thought.”

[88] “At first, I just wanted to fool him—but later I realized he wasn’t what I thought.”

Poor guy.

[89] Poor Brother Dog.

Chi Jiu Yu couldn’t help mentally grumbling.

[90] Chi Jiuyu couldn’t help muttering inwardly.

“So you really like him?”

[91] “So you really like him?”

“I don’t know,” Ye Zhiwei shook her head gently.

[92] “I don’t know.” Ye Zhiwei shook her head lightly.

“Huh?”

[93] “Huh?”

Ye Zhiwei blinked at her: “I’m only seventeen years old.”

[94] Ye Zhiwei blinked at her. “I’m only seventeen this year.”

Chi Jiu Yu: “…”

[95] Chi Jiuyu: “...”

Poor Brother Dog.

[96] Poor Brother Dog.

……

[97] …

……

[98] …

Inner Sect of the Sword Sect, Transmission Hall.

[99] Jianzong’s Inner Sect: the Legacy Hall.

The inner sect version of the Teaching Tower—any Sword Sect disciple seeking to receive the transmission of Mystic, True, or Supreme Laws must pass the corresponding trials here.

[100] It was the Inner Sect version of the Dharma Transmission Tower—any Jianzong disciple seeking transmission of Profound, True, or Supreme Dharma must enter this Hall and pass the corresponding trials.

One hundred contribution points for the registration fee.

No refund will be given, whether or not the trial is passed.

However, due to the high difficulty of the trial and the risk of injury during it, not many people sign up each day.

Inside the Legacy Hall.

Two figures walked side by side, heading deeper into the Legacy Hall.