Through the curtain, Ding Ning silently sensed the changes
in the sword within Zhangsun Qianxue's body. When a dark blue flame faintly lit
up in the center of Zhangsun Qianxue's forehead, he knew that from now on, this
sword would no longer cause any harm to her body and she would be much safer in
Changling.
However, this also meant that his realm would be even
further apart from Zhangsun Qianxue's.
As night fell, the curtain of darkness seemed unable to
withstand the weight of winter, and white snowflakes finally fell from the sky,
filling the air with white dots.
A carriage waited quietly at the gate of the White Goat
Cave, and the black cotton cloth covering the carriage gradually turned white.
Ding Ning came out of the gate of the White Goat Cave.
At the gates of the White Goat Cave, the dozen or so White
Goat Cave masters who remained at the school were elated when the group saw the
people and horses of the White Goat Cave appear on the mountain path.
The final results of the sword trial festival had reached
them. The White Goat Cave had secured two of the three winners, and the newly
joined genius, Ding Ning, had performed exceptionally well. This not only
brought glory to all the members of the White Goat Cave, whose faces were now
beaming, but also brought hope to their hearts.
In Changling, an official from the Bureau of Ceremonies walked
nervously along a stone path flanked by tall pine trees on both sides.
In front of him, an elderly imperial censor wearing gray
official robes stood in the middle of the stone path.
“You were too cold to them.”
Li Daoji appeared in front of Ding Ning. He glanced at Xie
Changsheng, Xie Rou, and the others in the distance. Then, he looked at Ding
Ning with his usual indifference. He slowly said, “Don’t misunderstand. I mean,
even if you don’t like Xie Rou’s actions, you don’t need to treat them so
coldly and harshly.”
Ding Ning was silent for a moment.
In the cold wind, the carriage wheels crushed the withered
leaves into even finer pieces, only to leave them scattered across the street
behind them. This carriage, with its cabin draped in thick black cotton cloth,
was speeding towards the connecting station on the outskirts of Changling.
“A pill medicine to increase cultivation… a sword like this…
how many more secrets are you hiding!” Su Qin laughed wildly and sharply.
Ding Ning said calmly, “This has nothing to do with you. The
point is that your sword-wielding hand is now crippled. I can see that you are
naturally left-handed. So, even if you practice the sword with your right hand,
your natural disadvantage will make your sword skills mediocre.”
Zhang Yi, who had not yet fought, anxiously watched the
battle between Ding Ning and Su Qin. When he saw Su Qin channel all the vital energy
in his body, his expression changed drastically.
His feet shifted slightly as he prepared to float towards
them.
Mo Chen subconsciously turned his head towards Ding Ning.
Zhang Yi moved slightly and blocked his view.
Zhang Yi warmly looked at him and then at the Snow Dandelion
Sword. “Your sword is very good, but your cultivation is far below mine. You
can’t possibly be faster than me. Unless you defeat me, your only opponent will
be me.” he said politely.
Mo Chen’s eyebrows raised. He glanced at first at Su Qin,
then at Ding Ning, and nodded. “What you said is correct.”
Mo Chen was slightly taken aback. He seemed to sense something
in Su Qin's smile.
Su Qin turned around, his gaze falling on Mu Liunian and Liu
Yangguang. Then he walked toward Liu Yangguang and smiled as he said, “Please.”
The people on the observation platform were shocked.
Xie Changsheng turned to look at Xie Rou in surprise and
asked, “Sister, what is this sword he is using?”
Ding Ning took a step forward. The remnant sword, with tiny white
flowers flying around it, slashed towards Ye Ming's wrist.
Because Ding Ning had been pushed back a step earlier, his
counterattack was not swift. However, due to his shock, Ye Ming's movements
were even slower.
Di Qingmei was no ordinary person. However, Xue Wangxu's words
gave him, who had been stuck at the doorway to realm seven for several years, a
profound understanding.
His hands continued to tremble. In a low, disbelieving
voice, he asked, “Why do you say such things to me?”
Shi Xia felt that the pure white flower blooming on Ding
Ning's remnant sword possessed an incredibly tragic beauty.
Seeing Ding Ning's composure, he temporarily forgot that he
was being coerced by Su Qin. Gradually, he began to believe that this was a
fair fight.
“Please!”
Night fell over Changling, and the stars shone. White frost formed
around the mountains as if descending from the stars.
Ding Ning lay in a hammock made of vines, but he did not
feel the slightest bit cold. The wind and snow he usually endured at the
Falling Parasol Wine Tavern were far colder than the chill of autumn.
As Nangong Caishu laughed cheerfully, the observation
platform finally recovered from the shock. No one had expected He Zhaoxi, the
strongest of the Green Vine Sword School, to suffer defeat today. And the
person who caused this was none other than Ding Ning.
However, for the people of Changling, today's shock was
destined to be even greater.
There was no time to celebrate, or rather, Ding Ning did not
feel any joy as his gaze remained calm this entire time. He sensed something
and looked towards the forest behind He Zhaoxi.
The pale green mist that had calmed down suddenly swirled
and churned. Su Qin's confident and composed figure slowly emerged from the
mist.
“Spectacular, truly spectacular.”
He smiled as his gaze fell on Nangong Caishu and He Zhaoxi,
whose expressions were displeased. He clapped his hands and praised. “Indeed,
this battle was spectacular, but what was most spectacular was the result. Who
would have thought that the strongest of the Green Vine Sword School, He
Zhaoxi, would be defeated by the Youngest Sect Brother of the White Goat Cave,
who had just joined the sect?”
He Zhaoxi turned and looked directly at Su Qin. He said, “If
I had known this, I would have fought you from the start.”
“What a pity.” Su Qin smiled indifferently and said, “I also
feel a little regretful. Originally, I thought the person fighting you here was
Zhang Yi. That way, I could also deal with the final threat in one go.”
From the moment he emerged from the mist, Nangong Caishu
realized from his gaze that Su Qin harbored no good intentions toward Ding
Ning. Hearing Su Qin's words, she could not help but say coldly, “Is that the
behavior of a gentleman, trying to take advantage of other people's
weaknesses?”
Su Qin glanced at her and said coldly. “A gentleman knows
how to make use of the resources around him. Those skilled in battle exploit
the situation to their advantage. Only the reckless attack an enemy at the peak
of their strength.”
“I know I haven't learned as much as you,” Nangong Caishu
said angrily, “But this isn't a battle between cultivators from different enemy
countries, but rather a trial between members of the same sect.”
“Since we're not on the same side, there's no point in
wasting words,” Ding Ning said calmly.
Su Qin originally wanted to argue further with Nangong
Caishu but was stopped by Ding Ning's words. He was not angry. He smiled
faintly and looked at Ding Ning. “Actually, I admire your personality. However,
it's a shame that we've always been on different sides since the gates of the
White Goat Cave. So every time we meet, we always dislike each other.”
Ding Ning returned the smile and said, “Elder Sect Brother
isn't being hypocritical.”
Su Qin's smile slowly faded. He said, “You took advantage of
your opponent's lack of vital energy, and also used the power of a pill. You
also utilized the resources around you. But what I don't know is, do you have
the confidence to face my sword now?”
“What are you saying?” Suddenly, a hurried voice rang out
through the thin mist. “Disciples of the same sect should support each other.
The White Goat Cave and the Green Vine Sword School are now one, but even among
those cultivating in the same place, people from the same year and different
years, people who cultivate together or not usually, have different levels of
closeness. In a trial like this, one must first face disciples from other Green
Vine Sword Schools, how can you say such things about this Youngest Sect
Brother?”
A figure also rushed out along with the voice.
Su Qin's eyes turned cold, as if they had turned to ice.
Ding Ning's smile remained unchanged. He bowed to the figure
who had rushed out and said, “Eldest Sect Brother, how come you're here too?”
On the observation platform, Xie Changsheng breathed a sigh
of relief. Zhang Yi, who had rushed over, did not seem to have caused any
trouble for Ding Ning.
Xu Heshan, next to him, also relaxed slightly, but his
expression remained solemn. While He Zhaoxi, Nangong Caishu, and Ding Ning had
been fighting for a long time here, the sound barrier formation was still in
effect. That Su Qin and Zhang Yi were able to find their way here meant that He
Zhaoxi's strength was extraordinary and he had created so much noise. The other
disciples of the Green Vine Sword School and the White Goat Cave likely did not
come because they wanted to avoid a disaster. They felt they lacked strength,
so they hid further away.
He felt sorry for He Zhaoxi's defeat here and his inability
to win in the end. But from another perspective, this also shows how difficult
it is for Ding Ning to win against He Zhaoxi.
Zhang Yi glanced at Ding Ning's Disheveled And Blood-Stained
clothes. His eyes filled with regret. With guilt and surprise, he said, “I
didn't expect it to be Youngest Sect Brother, and I was a step too late. From
what Su Qin said, you won?”
Ding Ning coughed softly and said, “I took advantage of the
situation. If this were a fair fight out there, the outcome would have been
uncertain.”
Hearing those words, He Zhaoxi frowned. “I wasn't taken
advantage of. You've won, and I accept defeat.” he said seriously.
Su Qin's expression grew colder. He stared at Zhang Yi and
spoke slowly. “He Zhaoxi has already lost. If we take care of these two people,
you and I will be the top two in this sword trial festival. Do you really want
to protect them?”
Zhang Yi looked at him strangely. “How can a temporary
victory be as important as the feelings between sect members?” he said
matter-of-factly.
Su Qin sneered. “What if I refuse to listen to you and steal
their tokens here?”
“Then I will do my best to stop you.” Zhang Yi replied
seriously.
At that moment, Ding Ning suddenly interjected. “Eldest Sect
Brother, who is stronger between you and Second Elder Sect Brother?”
Nangong Caishu suddenly wanted to laugh.
First, she found Zhang Yi very interesting, and discovered
that the rumors were not without basis. He was indeed a patient and elegant
man, but a bit talkative. Second, when Ding Ning said “Second Elder Sect
Brother,” he emphasized the word “Second” Thus, the title “Second Elder Sect
Brother” sounded completely wrong.
Zhang Yi also realized that this title was not right. His
expression was awkward and his brows furrowed. However, his figure moved
towards Ding Ning and Nangong Caishu, shielding them behind him.
Su Qin glanced coldly at Ding Ning and Nangong Caishu. Then
he turned and left.
“There are still many enemies, and I don’t want either of us
to lose. But according to the rules of the sword trial festival rules, moving
in groups is not allowed. Zhang Yi, I don’t believe you will be able to protect
them in the next two days.” His cold, threatening voice drifted out of the thin
mist and reached the ears of Zhang Yi, Ding Ning, and the others.
“Younger Sect Brother, you’re venting your selfish anger.
Listen to Eldest Sect Brother’s words; being arrogant and envious of others’
talents are taboos in cultivation!” Zhang Yi shouted worriedly at Su Qin’s
back.
Su Qin’s figure simply disappeared into the mist. No
response was heard.
Ding Ning and Nangong Caishu could not help but
exchange glances.
“Eldest Sect Brother, are you sincere in what you say?” Ding
Ning asked skeptically.
Zhang Yi turned and looked at Ding Ning strangely. “Of
course I am sincere. Youngest Sect Brother, why do you ask this?”
“It seems that Eldest Sect Brother is truly a gentleman,”
Ding Ning said with a smile. “I'm measuring a gentleman's heart by the
pettiness of my own heart. I thought that Eldest Sect Brother was deliberately
angering him.”
Zhang Yi was surprised. “I really hope he can change
himself. Otherwise, his future will be unpredictable. Why would I deliberately
anger him?”
“A person’s maturity can be seen as early as three years
old.” Ding Ning’s eyes showed a hint of emotion. “I'm afraid a person's
personality is difficult to change.”
He Zhaoxi did not want to waste any time, especially after
being defeated and losing some of his prizes. So he had to cherish his time
even more. He looked at the string of tokens hanging from his waist. His eyes
flickered slightly, and he began to remove his robe.
Ding Ning and Zhang Yi fell silent seeing his actions.
“What are you doing?” Ding Ning looked confusedly at He
Zhaoxi who had taken off his outer robe, his upper body exposed.
“Your robe is tattered and you are injured. The night on the
mountain is cold and difficult to endure. It would be inappropriate if the robe
were more badly damaged. In any case, I am going out immediately and will
change clothes outside.” He Zhaoxi threw his outer robe to Ding Ning.
Ding Ning smiled awkwardly. It seemed he was overthinking
things. He Zhaoxi was not a man with strange habits.
“Even if you wanted to give me your clothes, you didn't have
to take them off in front of me. You should have cared that there was a girl
around you.” Nangong Caishu was heard saying, with a slightly displeased tone
as she looked at He Zhaoxi.
He Zhaoxi's face froze slightly. He gently defended himself.
“I thought it would be easier for you to turn around so you wouldn't see,
rather than for me to find a place to take off my clothes. Besides, I don't
want to waste time.”
“Why should I turn around?” Nangong Caishu glanced at him.
“Your body is pleasing to the eyes.”
He Zhaoxi's face grew even more frozen. A blush appeared on
his face.
He coughed lightly. He could not think of any response.
After a pause, he turned and took a step to escape into the vine forest.
“They say the lips are like spears that repels ten thousand
swords. Miss Nangong, your words have made me witness this today.” Zhang Yi's
face was slightly tense, unable to relax. Then he began walking in the
direction he came from. He said softly, “According to the rules, we cannot
travel together. Youngest Sect Sister, in the next two days, I may be near you,
but you must be careful.”
As Zhang Yi's figure disappeared into the thin mist, the
sound of something flying through the air was heard. A somewhat warm White Goat
Cave robe flew out of the mist and towards Nangong Caishu.
“Miss Caishu, you and Youngest Sect Brother are helping each
other. Your injuries are more serious than Youngest Sect Brother’s. If you
don't want to give up, I'll give you this outer robe to keep you warm if you
continue fighting. I hope you don't mind.” Due to the formation, the voice was barely
audible.
Nangong Caishu stilled slightly. When she received this
robe, she first felt grateful. Then, when she imagined how Zhang Yi might
quickly take off his robe, shrouded in a thin mist, she could not help but
laugh out loud.
Ding Ning’s lips could not help but curl up. He deliberately
shouted in the direction Zhang Yi was leaving. “Eldest Sect Brother Zhang Yi,
what about you now, half-naked? Many people on the observation platform can
see!”
“Aiya…”
An exclamation sounded, followed by a faint voice. “This is
really… I have to find someone nearby to fight… I need to ask for something to
cover myself…”
Ding Ning imagined the disciples of the Green Vine Sword
School seeing the half-naked Zhang Yi charging out, and he could not help but
burst out laughing.
“You should be careful. I might as well stay close to you.”
“The limits of traveling with others can be large or small…
as long as you don't want to withdraw from this trial, I don't think the
masters of the Green Vine Sword School will force you to be eliminated because
of this, now that He Zhaoxi has been eliminated.” he said softly.
Then Ding Ning’s smile faded. He nodded at Nangong Caishu
and slowly chose a direction.
Nangong Caishu also nodded. She put on Zhang Yi's robe.
Because it was too big, she felt like she was wearing a costume. Even her hands
were hidden within the sleeves. Her wounds ached, but she still felt happy. She
thought, regardless of the outcome this time, she would be very happy.
Notes:
This novel is not my work... I just translated it from a
Chinese web novel written by Wu Zui
“Art is forged into a sword, a thousand chariots cannot stop
it. Fleeing and changing identities, consuming the wind and dew of the
mountains…”
The white figure dashed dozens of feet along the alley in an
instant. As he sang, there was sword light dancing around him like water. The
Changling Guards who had been chasing along the alley were completely unable to
fight back. They were sent flying upon contact, crashing into the roofs of the
shops on both sides of the alley.
In the current Qin Dynasty, there were not many cultivators
who could be described as great rebels.
Such individuals not only possessed astonishing cultivation,
but also the immense ability to destroy a stable dynasty. Born into
distinguished families, most were even prominent figures from fallen dynasties.
He Zhaoxi did not say another word.
Regardless of an opponent's strength and cultivation, some
opponents deserved respect.
He looked at Ding Ning, then raised his sword again and
solemnly said, “Please!”
Ding Ning also raised the Last Flower Remnant Sword and with
a slight smile, said, “Please!”
Ding Ning was pursuing a goal; a goal that the young
geniuses of Changling could not imagine. He also possessed cultivation
experience; ultivation experience they could not comprehend. So, just by
gauging the power of the muffled explosion, he was certain that the one
involved in the battle was definitely the strongest among the trial
participants, He Zhaoxi.
As for the other person, it was definitely one of three
people—Zhang Yi, Su Qin, and Nangong Caishu.
“This kind of test is a bit childish. But since we are all
childish disciples, this kind of trial and competition s very suitable for us.
However, He Zhaoxi is not childish at all.”
A few weak rumbling sounds came from Xie Changsheng’s
stomach, though it was due to hunger. However, he chose to talk with his friend
rather than go to the mountain path to get food.
“He has good fortune.” Gu Xichun spoke slowly from the observation
platform.
It was noon.
Under the gazes of the many spectators on the observation
platform, Ding Ning was the last to enter the area marked by the four pillars
of smoke.
When Ding Ning swung the remnant sword, with a motion as
unattractive as if chopping wood, both sides of the armored lizard's neck split
open. Its body and forelegs slowed, and eventually, the entire head stopped
moving and nearly fell off.
Ding Ning panted heavily. Limited by cultivation, his arms
began to ache. With the expenditure of his physical energy, he began to feel
exhausted.
For a disciple of a higher rank than Ding Ning to fall into
his hands was not a pleasant experience for Duanmu Lian. However, at this
moment, his expression softened slightly.
Although Ding Ning's performance was outstanding, his
cultivation was limited. Therefore, it was not surprising that his physical
body was clearly weaker than all the disciples of the White Goat Cave and the
Green Vine Sword School. Although he had managed to seize the opportunity and
defeat Yu Lian, an opponent like Yu Lian should be Ding Ning's limit. Among the
remaining disciples of the Green Vine Sword School, there were at least a dozen
who were stronger than Yu Lian. Therefore, regardless of the final outcome, at
least this young man from wine shop would not be able to win in the end.
Gu Xichun and Xu Heshan did not recognize the dark-skinned
young man that Ding Ning was about to meet. From the young man's robes, they
knew that he was from the Green Vine Sword School.
However, all the members of the Green Vine Sword School
recognized this dark-skinned young man: Yu Lian from Liuquan Commandery.
On the other side of the observation platform, a glimmer of excitement
flashed across Gu Xichun's eyes. His gaze was fixed on Ding Ning the entire
time.
The bet at the gate of the Green Vine Sword School was
interrupted by Xie Rou, but he had already said many things. Ding Ning had
reached Energy Refinement in a month. Xie Rou had cut her hair and publicly
sworn an oath. Stories of the events of the past few days would spread
throughout Changling. The more extraordinary Ding Ning's appearance, the more
disgraceful his appearance would be in those stories. A disgraced reputation,
for a cultivator who had not yet officially stepped onto the stage at the
dynasty level, would bring him many disadvantages.
Therefore, when he saw that this year's sword trial festival
was so difficult, and that a trap had finally appeared on Ding Ning’s path, he
was filled with joy. He believed that Ding Ning would not be able to overcome
this obstacle. Ding Ning would be eliminated right at the entrance of the sword
trial valley.
Li Daoji’s demeanor remained unchanged. Seeing the strange
movement in the vine wall next to Ding Ning, he thought to himself, “You're so
confident. You can't let me see you being dragged to the ground, hanging right
at this firs obstacle.”
Ding Ning sensed the movement in the vine wall much earlier
than anyone else.
His mental power could only cover a few feet around him, and
it was just tiny threads floating in the wind. Its range was extremely small
compared to the mental power of cultivators of realm five and above. However,
compared to other cultivators of the same rank, his mental power threads were
much finer.
Zhao Qing, who was not far from him, only sensed something
when the vines were only a few feet away from his back. He had detected the
movement of these vines just as they began to move. The moment he sensed them,
he perceived a stronger wave of power being channeled into a completely
different vine deep in the vine wall.
With his true strength, Ding Ning could attack the vines
that had not finished gathering power with his sword. However, he knew that
doing so would arouse the suspicion of the spectators and bring great trouble
upon himself. So at this moment, he could only mentally recall the many
techniques in the Wildfire Sword Manual before reaching out to grab the hilt of
the Last Flower Sword.
The three vines were only a few feet away from his body now.
This was a reasonable distance. Therefore, he attacked.
The broken sword moved as fast as lightning. Because he was
in realm two, the numerous straight cracks on the sword's body emitted a soft
hum as it filled with physical energy. The seals normally hidden within the
inky green body also lit up. White sparks flowed within the seals and then
surged upwards. Several beautiful jasmine flowers seemed to emerge from the
inky green sword’s body.
Suddenly, sorrow flooded Ding Ning's eyes. He did not
retreat, not even a step. He attacked with his sword as if there was no path behind
him. The sword cast afterimages at his side.
The three green vines were cut off.
Xie Changsheng seemed to have seen something horrifying. His
mouth was wide open, revealing his throat clearly.
Xie Rou's eyes quickly filled with the light of joy.
Waves of gasps of disbelief rang out on the observation
platform.
The smile that had just appeared on Gu Xichun's lips froze
in a terrible manner.
At this moment, the vine wall next to Ding Ning suddenly
shook violently. First, dozens of cracked leaves scattered out. Then, a thick
vine gleaming with metallic light struck Ding Ning's chest like a sword. The
thrust was so powerful that it created visible waves.
But Ding Ning did not retreat. Instead, he advanced.
There was no path behind him. Numerous vines sprung out from
the falling leaves behind him. Because he was advancing, he managed to distance
himself from the vines. His Last Flower Sword once again weaved a dense patch
of afterimages. As he moved forward, vine bark flew at his sides like wood
shavings.
The thick vine, which were stronger than him, could not
entangle him.
At the same time, another wave of shocked gasps rang out.
These thick vines suddenly exploded into white silk threads that gently spread
out in front of him.
Ding Ning calmly turned around and swung his sword. He
slashed through the numerous vines that had sprouted from the ground with just
one slash.
With that, the vines ceased to appear before him. He put
away his sword and continued walking forward.
In a hidden corner of the observation platform, Xue Wangxu pulled
out a few strands of hair from his white beard once again.
He had heard from Li Daoji that Ding Ning had a deep
understanding of the Wildfire Sword Manual and had a profound mastery of the
Wildfire Sword. Before this sword trial festival, he had no desire to watch him
practice. At his age, people often entertained themselves by harboring some
anticipation; this way, things seemed more exciting.
Nevertheless, Ding Ning's mastery of the Wildfire Sword
exceeded his expectations!
Li Daoji's expression remained unchanged, but his eyes were
filled with pride. He pondered, “How many disciples here can master these moves
to such a level in such a short time?”
The moment Ding Ning's thick vines, which had been cut into
white silk, exploded, Gu Xichun's face turned from pale to crimson, as if
someone had slapped him. He was far stronger than the other disciples of the
other school on the observation platform, so he knew better than most what had
happened in that brief interval.
Ding Ning used various sword moves to cut through the three
vines, such as chopping, dragging, and flicking. Then he uses more subtle moves
to destroy the tough outer skin of the vines, such as parrying, scratching, and
crushing. This way, the vines were unable to wrap around him. Finally, from the
tip of the vine, he cut with simple horizontal and vertical moves. All his
moves were extremely precise.
In the end, even though he was weaker than the vines, he was
able to easily defeat the vines. The only reason he left such an impression was
because he was proficient in complex sword techniques.
But how was this possible?
Ordinary cultivators would not be able to reach this level
even if they spent one year just practicing it alone.
How could he achieve such mastery in a month!
“This is impossible!”
Many voices of disbelief rang out, as if they were speaking
his mind for him.
Xie Changsheng was one of those shouting.
“It is impossible.”
Xie Rou's face brightened. She glanced at Xie Changsheng and
said seriously, “Unless he's a genius and a freak like some members of the Min
Mountain Sword Sect and the Spirit Void Sword Sect.”
Ding Ning had already walked a few dozen steps.
After leaving the area closest to the entrance, the number
of traps seemed to have decreased. Most of the disciples who were also within
the same distance as him were not immediately ambushed by the vines.
However, a sense of shock still lingered on the observation
platform.
Every year, there were all sorts of geniuses who qualified
as the dozen or so direct disciples of the Min Mountain Sword Sect and the
Spirit Void Sword Sect. This included those who had never touched a sword.
However, when they did, even if it was their first time, the sword would be as
nimble as their own fingers and arms.
However, such people and disciples were few and far between.
Such geniuses were simply legends.
The few dozen individuals selected from the many youths from
across the Qin Dynasty, various vassal territories, and other regions were a
world apart.
Sect disciples like them had to first win the sect
competition before they could represent their sects in the sword trials of the
Min Mountain Sword Sect or the Spirit Void Sword Sect.
Needless to say, these chosen few were not without
advantages. Not only could they use all the resources of these two elite venues
for cultivation, but they were also granted access to many forbidden areas
within the Min Mountain Sword Sect or the Spirit Void Sword Sect.
Even if they were one of the people who managed to win the
sword trials after several rounds of elimination, they would only receive a
brief opportunity to cultivate in the Min Mountain Sword Sect and the Spirit
Void Sword Sect by the grace of the emperor. If they wanted to advance, or
enter the forbidden areas within the Min Mountain Sword Sect or the Spirit Void
Sword Sect, they had to participate in the internal competitions.
Those that could cover this long distance would only be
close to the true direct disciples… so how could the spectating disciples
believe that Ding Ning possessed the same talent as a direct disciple?
Gu Xichun could not believe it, so he searched for an
acceptable excuse.
Li Daoji or Xue Wangxu must have spent a lot of time on Ding
Ning. This Wildfire Sword was complex in form, but it was not one of those
profound sword manuals where the synchronization of physical energy or vital
energy was difficult to comprehend.
Ding Ning still moved forward calmly.
Many people on the observation platform focused on Xie Rou
and Gu Xichun. Although they found it hard to believe, they could not help but
wonder—if Ding Ning truly possessed such terrifying talent, Xie Rou's oath must
have formed a special connection between her and Ding Ning. At the same time,
Gu Xichun had underestimated Ding Ning at the mountain gate and felt that he
and Ding Ning were not equals. What would he do?
Feeling the gazes of the people around him, for no apparent
reason, Gu Xichun's emotions became difficult to control. He could not help but
retort, “No matter how nimble the vines are, they can’t match a cultivator’s
sword.”
Xu Heshan’s brow furrowed deeply.
Young people were naturally more spirited.
He felt that Gu Xichun did not understand Ding Ning at all.
It was understandable that he had said what he had said at the gate before
meeting Ding Ning. Gu Xichun was the best disciple of the Shadow Mountain Sword
Cave in the last few decades. He had reached Profound Understanding in a month,
and then needed only three months to reach realm two, Energy Refinement. Of all
the disciples present today, Gu Xichun should be the strongest by a significant
margin.
Xu Heshan thought that Ding Ning had proven his ability,
despite everything, by reaching Energy Refinement in a month, and with the
extraordinary sword skills he had just displayed.
“It's boring for you to say such things.” He could not help
but speak.
He looked at Gu Xichun. “From what Ding Ning has already
displayed, he surpasses most of us present. You underestimate him, and you
underestimate all of us. Besides, you shouldn't have spoken so forcefully. If
he's just as powerful when facing the swords of cultivators, you'll be in even
greater trouble.”
Xu Heshan's words were already extremely harsh. Gu Xichun
could not suppress the slight anger that rose in his heart.
His lips moved slightly but he did not speak.
At this very moment, he and the other spectators saw Ding
Ning and another disciple approaching each other and about to meet.
Ding Ning was about to face the a cultivator’s sword.
Notes:
This novel is not my work... I just translated it from a
Chinese web novel written by Wu Zui
Xie Changsheng took a deep breath. “Can you not always speak
in such a patronizing tone?” he said angrily.
Xie Rou smiled, her face beaming. She stared at Xie
Changsheng defiantly and said, “If you don't want to be patronized by me, at
least surpass my cultivation and beat me.”
The sight of He Zhaoxi sprinting toward him slowly warmed Duanmu
Lian's heart.
The Green Vine Thriving Withering Art that He Zhaoxi had
cultivated was the strongest method in Green Vine Sword School and had special
abilities. In his opinion, other people's understanding of some sword manuals
was not something that the disciples of the Green Vine Sword School and the
White Goat Cave could rival.
Today, this young man, who was outstanding in all areas,
would shine brightly and bring glory to the Green Vine Sword School.
Ding Ning frowned slightly.
Zhangsun Qianxue was right. This Changling was indeed full
of favors and grudges. If one stepped in, they would be entangled in both
favors and grudges. Favors and grudges were already troublesome, and if there
were debts of affection, that would be even more troublesome.
He did not know what to say. Xie Rou looked at him and said,
“I have cut my hair to seal my oath. Many people here have witnessed it; this
is not a joke.”
The Green Vine Sword School prepared a sumptuous banquet beneficial
to cultivation for the disciples who came to watch. The wine was made from the
local Green Bodhisattva Fruit, which can replenish energy and increase
longevity. Rare herbs were added to the grains, which were extremely beneficial
for cultivation. One of the main dishes was Cold Serpent meat.
Cold Serpents were serpents found in cold ponds. These
serpents were extremely rare. It required several cultivators realm six and above
must to work together to kill one. The most valuable parts were the serpent’s
horns and core, followed by the bones and skin. because it contains energy that
was beneficial to the cultivator, was a priceless product. Ordinary sects can
only obtain it through luck.
As the energy sea filled with the formed physical energy,
and as the physical energy began to nourish his body, a refreshing presence
radiated from his body.
It was like an orchid slowly blooming.
At this time in the leek garden, Li Daoji was standing in
front of the grass hut. Although there was no way for him to sense the changes
in Ding Ning's body, he was most familiar with Ding Ning's previous
cultivation. He knew that, prior to this, Ding Ning's cultivation progress had
been very stable…
Hearing Gu Xichun's words, the gates of the Green Vine Sword
School suddenly fell silent.
Nearby, Xu Heshan, Xie Changsheng and the others stopped
talking. Xu Heshan could not help but shake his head. “Even if he has such
ambitions, he does not need to say it publicly just to show off his
extraordinary nature,” he said with slight disdain.
Xu Heshan was somewhat convinced and added softly. “At least
he has that kind of spirit.”
As the yellow leaves fell to the ground, the bright sun
shone down on the stone path in Changling's inner palace.
A man in yellow official robes embroidered with serpents
slowly walked toward the study at the end of the stone path. This man appeared
to be in his thirties, with a radiant face, a broad forehead, and thick lips.
Despite his ordinary build, he exuded a strange aura of strength, an aura of
great perseverance. As he walked slowly, his limbs seemed as strong as iron.
“Xue Wangxu has reached the Mountain Moving Realm?”
In the deepest hall of the Green Vine Sword School, which
was covered in sword marks, Di Qingmei's hands trembled uncontrollably. Half
the tea in his cup spilled before it reached his mouth. For the Headmaster of a
sect, this was a great loss of composure.
His direct disciple, Duanmu Lian, also had an ugly
expression.
Most of the people present had no idea what was happening.
They did not understand why the distant mountain range had suddenly become
clear.
But Duan Zhiqiu and the bald official from the Bureau of
Divinity understood what was happening.
This was the Mountain Moving Realm!
“The Changling gate guards seem to be conducting a routine inspection.”
“If it’s a routine inspection, this carriage belongs to the
White Goat Cave and since it’s carrying me, it should be easy to pass.”
“As long as this inspection has nothing to do with those
military personnel, it’s fine if they find me in your carriage. At most, people
will know I’m in this carriage. I’m not a wanted criminal.”
“No.” Lu Siche lifted his head to look at Prince Li Ling and
made a sincere request. “Let’s wait a little longer..”
Prince Li Ling hesitated for a long time before brushing his
hair and nodding. He knew that Lu Siche was right.
Not far from the exploded tower, under a persimmon tree in a
dark alley, stood a black carriage with its window curtains drawn. A masked man
in a black robes sat inside.
However, unlike his companions who appeared in other places,
this masked man had pale gray hair and was clearly much older.
Jing Mozong shook his head.
The gangs on the streets had more tactics and spies than the
cultivators in the temples and courts. It was more important for them to
remember everyone who made a living on the streets. But none of these people,
such as the cultivator skilled in using seals, the man from the Yan Dynasty,
and even those assassins with the bamboo staffs, were people he had seen
before.
Ding Ning's eyes slowly turned pure white, like the
whiteness of a snowflake.
Just now, his attacker's blow had left him with two broken
ribs and serious internal injuries.
He was well aware that even if he used his true cultivation,
he would not be able to kill this black-robed, masked man.
After all, his opponent was a rare seal master in Changling.
Every sword technique, including flying swords, requires
skillful countermeasures when facing different weapons.
Grabbing, parrying, feinting, stabbing, cutting, dragging,
striking, shaking… all kinds of sword moves. Once one had mastered them, when
facing an attack, they would the most logical movement that could effectively
injure the enemy without hindering subsequent movements.
Autumn had arrived, and the frost on the vines looked more
and more like snow.
In a stone room in the Green Vine Sword School, Nangong
Caishu sat cross-legged with her head slightly bowed.
Invisible primal energies of the universe fluttered around
her, some of it landing on her body and penetrating her clothes and into her
skin.
“Who is that person?”
Inside an elegant study, there were stacks of books on
cultivation on pear wood bookshelves. Some looked damaged and old, but they
were valuable and the only copies in existence.
There was no paper or brush on the table, only an open
ancient book, and a pot of white orchids.
Seeing Li Daoji's long sword slashing against the silver
flying sword, a gleam of ferocity flashed across the face of the man dressed in
a crimson brocade robes. The fingers on his left hand moved, and the tail of
the vibrating silver flying sword vibrated even more intensely.
With a few pops, the air shaken by the vibrating sword exploded.
The silver flying sword seemed on the verge of breaking as
it suddenly slashed at an unimaginable speed, slicing towards Li Daoji's neck.
Ding Ning walked across the swaying rope bridge towards
three grass huts hidden in a crevice.
Before killing Song Shenshu, he had once said to Zhangsun
Qianxue, “Anyone below realm four is the same.”
However, even if he could defeat opponents in a realm above
him, he was afraid he would pay a considerable price.
