Xie Yuan saw Cui Zhi staring intently at him, his face full of eagerness, and immediately understood what he meant.
’He wants to invite me to join the Sword Sect and learn swordsmanship?’
’Just a moment ago, he seemed indifferent when he heard I wasn’t the one seeking to become a disciple...’
’It seems that after the duel, this widely-experienced Steward Cui has changed his opinion of me.’
Xie Yuan fell into a contemplative silence, beginning to think it over.
Without a doubt, the Cloud Mountain Sword Sect was a top-tier cultivation sect, an exceptionally superior platform.
Even though Xie Yuan had seemingly defeated an outstanding disciple from this sect with ease, in the grand scheme of the entire Cloud Mountain Sword Sect, Huang Zifeng was merely a beginner. His age was also quite similar to his own.
But out in the world, in a place like Yunzhao, Huang Zifeng was already an extremely outstanding Martial Artist. A Fourth Training expert who cultivated both internally and externally and possessed a lineage. In Yunzhao County, aside from Shen Longteng, he was invincible. The four major martial arts schools, including the Vajra Sect, wouldn’t be a match for this young disciple even if they joined forces.
It was only because Xie Yuan himself was special and had made tremendous progress recently that he had won so decisively. In fact, back when he had just destroyed the Vajra Sect, before he had spent this period of time with Mu Chaoyun, Xie Yuan would have had a hard time guaranteeing victory against Huang Zifeng.
A person like Huang Zifeng was just getting started in the Cloud Mountain Sword Sect. And any random Outer Sect steward from the Cloud Mountain Sword Sect was a formidable expert at the Qi and Blood Metamorphosis Realm.
Such a sect’s power was unfathomable. It went without saying that it was rich in cultivation techniques, treasures, famous masters, and beneficial friends. The path of the Martial Dao naturally required wealth, companions, techniques, and location. No matter how you looked at it, the Cloud Mountain Sword Sect was top-tier in every aspect. If he could join the Cloud Mountain Sword Sect, Xie Yuan’s growth rate would surely soar once again.
The good thing about the Cloud Mountain Sword Sect was its immense strength, but what made Xie Yuan hesitate was also its immense strength.
The sect was filled with countless experts, and Xie Yuan himself had quite a few secrets. The Golden Bell Shield, the Life-Nourishing Art, the Black Celestial Book, and even his status panel—he had no idea if those mighty cultivators could see through them.
He could talk about these things with Mu Chaoyun, but not necessarily with new sect brothers and a new master he just met. Perhaps it wouldn’t matter if some things were known, but if everything was seen through by the piercing gazes of those Sword Cultivators, he couldn’t predict what would happen.
Although the Cloud Mountain Sword Sect had an excellent reputation, and Sword Cultivators were often aloof and proud, refusing to take advantage of others, the things Xie Yuan possessed were different. Relying on them, he had gone from a mere mountain village woodcutter to a level where he could defeat a top disciple from a major sect in less than a year. If he were to live with them day and night, how could he not arouse suspicion? There was no need to test human nature.
Furthermore, during the three years in the Outer Sect, besides being observed and tested, he probably wouldn’t learn any of the Sword Sect’s core essence. With that, Xie Yuan made up his mind.
Seeing the changing expressions on his face as he was about to speak, Cui Zhi quickly raised a hand to stop him.
"Young Master Xie, take your time to consider it carefully. As the number one sect in Yunzhou and one of the most renowned Sword Dao sects in the Great Li Dynasty, I won’t elaborate on the Cloud Mountain Sword Sect’s strength. Although you would be joining halfway, our sect never asks about one’s origins when accepting new members. As long as you are on the same path, you will have the opportunity to display your talents."
"Mmm, although you are an expert in the Saber Dao, the saber and the sword have their similarities. To have mastered your saber techniques to such a degree at your young age, I believe your talent for the Sword Dao won’t be poor. Young Master Xie, the Cloud Mountain Sword Sect has always cherished talent. Joining our sect would bring you nothing but benefits for your cultivation, with no drawbacks. I have high hopes for you."
’Actually, what I’m an expert in is the axe, which is even more powerful than my saber skills. I wonder if there are any similarities there...’
Seeing how enthusiastic Cui Zhi was, Xie Yuan couldn’t refuse him directly and could only nod earnestly.
"Joining a sect is a major decision. I’ve also been with the Escort Agency for some time. I hope Mr. Cui will allow me to go back and consider it carefully."
"That’s no problem at all. I will be in Yunzhao for the next two days. Just let me know when you’ve made up your mind."
Cui Zhi didn’t mind Xie Yuan’s reservedness in the slightest.
Hailing from a small escort agency, Xie Yuan had managed to defeat a sect disciple of the same realm, and his saber skills had reached such a level. This had completely proven his talent. Not only did Cui Zhi not mind his bit of personality, but even Huang Zifeng had no complaints.
Cui Zhi turned to look at Huang Zifeng, who stood with his head bowed in silence, as if he had turned into a statue. He sighed and walked over, speaking in a heartfelt tone.
"Zifeng, this is the very reason why Senior Brother Lu had me bring you out here. There is always a taller mountain, and the martial world is full of hidden talents. How could you ever know where to find such extraordinary people? Don’t be discouraged. Young Master Xie is exceptionally gifted and cannot be judged by common standards. Even though you lost this time, it doesn’t mean you are a failure."
"Besides, didn’t you say it yourself just now? We Sword Cultivators always press forward, never giving up, as long as we still have a sword in our hands. Or are you saying that because you dropped your sword once, you can never pick it up again? It’s fine if the sword in your hand falls, but if the sword in your heart is gone, now *that* is a true disaster!"
Cui Zhi’s words shook Huang Zifeng. He took a deep breath and nodded forcefully.
"I understand, Master Cui."
He held his Long Sword in a reverse grip and clasped his hands firmly in a salute to Xie Yuan.
"Master Xie, I willingly concede defeat in today’s battle. My earlier words were spoken out of ignorance; I was blind and failed to recognize true greatness. I hope you can forgive me."
Seeing Huang Zifeng’s sincerity, Xie Yuan didn’t take offense.
"It’s nothing, Brother Huang. Your Swordsmanship is brilliant. I also gained some insight today."
Huang Zifeng’s face was filled with shame. His sword was gone in a single move; what insight could Xie Yuan possibly have gained? If not for Xie Yuan’s sincere expression and graceful bearing, he would have thought his opponent was mocking him.
He took another deep breath and continued.
"Today, I have finally learned the meaning of ’there is always someone better, and always a higher mountain.’ But even though you are a high mountain, Brother Xie, as a Martial Artist and a Swordsman, I will never lack the spirit to climb it. Brother Xie, thank you for your lesson today. But next time, I will challenge you again, and I will certainly not let you win so easily!"
After speaking, Huang Zifeng retrieved his Long Sword and left the private room directly, without even sneaking another glance at Lin Zhen.
’It seems I’ve accidentally become the target for this genius Sword Cultivator on his first trip down the mountain? If he doesn’t defeat me, I’m afraid he’ll develop a Heart Demon.’
Cui Zhi shook his head, gave Xie Yuan a friendly clasped-fist salute, and then instructed the Lin family siblings.
"You two, take care of your personal matters in the next two days, and then we’ll depart."
With that, he didn’t linger and left the Chunjiang Building.
Xie Yuan turned back to see the Lin family siblings with their eyes glued on him. He chuckled and said:
"Shall we eat here? It’s the perfect chance to celebrate the two of you passing the first hurdle to enter the Cloud Mountain Sword Sect!"
The brother and sister exchanged a look, both saying with a hint of admiration:
"We’ll do as Master Xie says."
’We only knew Master Xie was strong, but we never knew he was *this* strong... Master Xie is a true prodigy, even better than a disciple from a prestigious sect.’
’The Cloud Mountain Sword Sect is willing to accept us, but Master Xie isn’t. Therefore, becoming Master Xie’s disciple is harder than getting into the Cloud Mountain Sword Sect...’
The two siblings, each lost in their own thoughts, celebrated with Xie Yuan at the Chunjiang Building.
After the celebratory meal, Xie Yuan had Boss Wu pack up a few dishes that Mu Chaoyun liked to eat and leisurely returned to the Escort Agency.
As soon as he entered the courtyard gate, Mu Chaoyun looked up from her desk by the window. Her gaze swept over the food container in Xie Yuan’s hand as she asked:
"In such a good mood? Did those two get in?"
"That’s right. Miss Mu truly has the eye of a Grandmaster. The Lin family siblings are indeed suited for practicing the sword."
Xie Yuan offered a bit of flattery as he brought the food container into the room and set it down.
"Those two were all alone in the world, so it’s good they’ve found a proper place. Oh, the steward from the Cloud Mountain Sword Sect also asked if I wanted to join. I thought about it, but decided against it."
"Why? The Cloud Mountain Sword Sect isn’t bad. On Cloud Mountain, your cultivation would be much faster than it is here at the Escort Agency."
Mu Chaoyun was a little confused.
Xie Yuan smiled.
"No matter how amazing it is, it’s still just guidance from a Grandmaster. Don’t I already have that here at the Escort Agency? And it’s even a one-on-one private class."
Mu Chaoyun was used to his strange remarks. She was silent for a moment before saying faintly:
"But I won’t be here forever."
Xie Yuan froze for a moment. Looking at Mu Chaoyun, he saw that her fair, almost translucent face, had gradually regained some color over the past few days, her complexion slowly returning to normal.
He too fell silent for a moment, then sighed.
"All good things must come to an end. We should celebrate the fact that Miss Mu has recovered from her injuries."
After this was said, they changed the subject and spoke no more, focusing on their meal.
But for some reason, perhaps the chef at Chunjiang Building had an off day, the meal was utterly tasteless.
Over the next few days, perhaps because she knew she would be leaving soon, Mu Chaoyun became even more serious when guiding Xie Yuan’s training. She would often watch for hours at a time, correcting him meticulously, just like a master laying a foundation for their disciple.
With the guidance of a bona fide Grandmaster, Xie Yuan’s skills advanced by leaps and bounds. His progress had already been fast a few days ago, but now the results were even more pronounced!
[Chopping Wood: (8517/10000)]
[Golden Bell Shield · 3rd Layer: (543/2000)]
[Life-Nourishing Art · 4th Layer: (863/4000)]
[Eight Trigrams Mountain-Shaking Fist · Mastery: (14/2000)]
[Moon-Cutting Axe · Adept: (741/1000)]
[Rushing Wolf Saber Skill · Perfection]
[Celestial Concealment Skill · Entry: (268/1000)]
[Black Celestial Book: (75/100)]
On this day, Xie Yuan looked at the panel before his eyes and nodded with satisfaction.
’Chopping Wood is about to advance. I wonder what I’ll gain when it breaks through again?’
’Golden Bell Shield and the Life-Nourishing Art are also progressing extremely fast. Logically, it should get harder the further I go, so why does my cultivation feel so easy recently, with my progress getting faster and faster? Is training with a beautiful Grandmaster really this efficient?’
Xie Yuan was a little puzzled. He shook his head and continued reading, his spirits lifting.
’The Eight Trigrams Mountain-Shaking Fist broke through again! The power of my fists is now no less than that of a bladed weapon. My strength has increased by quite a lot...’
’Miss Mu is especially proficient in divination and numerology, and her guidance has been incredibly enlightening, allowing me to progress particularly fast. Although she seemed a little curious about this art, she didn’t ask, so I didn’t bother to say more... The Moon-Cutting Axe is progressing slower, since it’s not her area of expertise, but it’s still much faster than training on my own. A breakthrough isn’t far off.’
’And the Black Celestial Book is almost there, too.’
Xie Yuan was extremely satisfied with his rapid progress during this period and was especially looking forward to the cultivation techniques that were about to break through.
’It would be great if Mu Chaoyun could stay in this courtyard forever. With her here, my cultivation feels like it has a turbocharger. Though, even without the boost, I’d still want her to stay here forever. Just watching her brew tea and water the flowers calms the heart.’
"KNOCK KNOCK—"
The door was knocked upon, and a servant’s voice called from outside:
"Master Xie, a letter for you!"
’A letter? Who would send me a letter?’
Stunned, Xie Yuan walked to the door, opened it, and took the envelope from the servant. He opened it and saw familiar, elegant handwriting:
"For the eyes of Master Xie only—"
’Situ Qin?’
Xie Yuan subconsciously glanced at Mu Chaoyun reading a book inside the room and, for some reason, felt a sense of furtiveness. Instead of going back inside, he began reading the letter right there at the courtyard gate.
"Something big has happened recently at the Inspector General’s Office. That account book has taken effect..."