Chapter 9: Practicing Swordsmanship in the Mortal World! Descending the Mountain!
Whoosh!
The towering boulder, blown by the mountain wind, was transformed into a handful of fine stone dust, which fell softly and returned to the earth.
Such strong penetrating power, such precise control.
This arrow contains a mysterious power that reverses the universe and disrupts the balance of Yin and Yang.
Qian Daobai gripped the longbow in his hand, a satisfied smile curving his lips.
"A fine bow!"
...
Time flows on, and seasons change.
The bamboo forest atop Yunwu Mountain, after experiencing the lushness of spring and summer, has now turned to the desolation of autumn and winter.
In the blink of an eye, a year has passed.
During that year, Qian Renxue devoted almost all her time to practicing swordsmanship.
Her obsession with and knowledge of swordsmanship reached an unprecedented peak after she received that divinely bestowed soul ring, causing her soul power to surge.
As her strength increased, she was able to better appreciate the subtleties of the swordsmanship her master had taught her.
Every day, besides her regular basic training, she would practice her wooden sword again and again in the bamboo forest.
From initially resembling her in appearance, to later capturing her spirit, and now, her every move has developed its own unique charm.
Her sword was as fast as the wind; any fallen leaf that touched the blade within three feet would be pulverized by the invisible sword energy.
Her movements were as nimble as a fairy, darting through the forest like a startled swan, without a single leaf touching her.
The Holy Maiden of the Spirit Hall, who once only had a superficial understanding of swordsmanship, has been completely transformed under Qian Daobai's meticulous guidance for a year, and has truly stepped into the threshold of the Way of the Sword.
...
That night, the moon was bright and the stars were few.
Inside Qianrenxue's bamboo house, the air was thick with moisture.
She had finished a day of rigorous meditation and was now stretching out, soaking in a warm bath.
The hot water washed over her fair shoulders, cleansing away her fatigue and sweat.
"It's been a whole year..."
Qian Renxue stretched out her slender fingers and casually drew ripples on the water's surface. Her beautiful face, flushed white by the steam, was filled with heartfelt joy and satisfaction.
"I did it!"
She finally mastered the basic sword techniques taught by her master and made them her own.
Just then.
Squeak—
The door to the bamboo house was gently pushed open from the outside.
A familiar and steady footstep sounded.
"Qian Renxue, your cultivation today..."
Qian Daobai's voice rang out, but then abruptly stopped.
He stopped talking.
His steps also stopped at the door.
What came into his view was a scene that would make any man's blood boil.
Beside the steaming bathtub, a fair and graceful figure leaned quietly against the wall.
The curves of that silhouette were like a masterpiece of nature, from the slender neck to the delicate shoulder blades, and then to the glittering waist hidden by the water, evoking endless imagination—every part of it exuded a breathtaking allure.
A few strands of her long, wet, jet-black hair draped messily over her smooth shoulders, water droplets dripping from the ends and splashing onto the water's surface, creating small ripples.
"Master?"
Hearing the sound, Qian Renxue turned her head with some confusion.
The girl's face was flushed a delicate pink from the hot water, and her beautiful eyes looked especially moist and charming in the misty steam, carrying a hint of confusion, a hint of bewilderment, and a hint of... barely perceptible shyness.
The air seemed to freeze at that moment.
Qian Daobai's gaze lingered on her face for a moment, as deep and unfathomable as an ancient well, without the slightest ripple.
"fine."
He spoke calmly, his tone no different from usual.
"You take a shower first."
"After you've finished washing, come to my room. I'd like to discuss your upcoming cultivation with you."
After saying that, he turned around naturally without any hesitation and closed the bamboo door behind him.
The sound of footsteps gradually faded into the distance.
Inside the bamboo house, only Qian Renxue remained, along with a bucket of water that was gradually cooling down.
The girl stared blankly at the closed door, the calm, unwavering voice of her master still echoing in her ears.
She slowly lowered her head, looking at her reflection in the water.
My cheeks were burning hot, I didn't know when.
My heart was beating so fast it was almost out of control.
Just now...did Master...see it?
Qian Renxue submerged herself completely in the water, leaving only her eyes visible, her mind in turmoil.
But for some reason, amidst this chaos, there was also a strange emotion that she herself couldn't quite explain...
Something's not right.
Something's not right.
My reaction just now seems...too strange.
Inside the bamboo house, all was quiet.
Qian Renxue's heart was in turmoil.
Something's not right.
She told herself this over and over again.
My master is a towering figure, like a god. I have only the purest respect and worship for him, without the slightest impure thought.
But why did that fleeting glimpse just now cause ripples in my heart?
Qian Renxue took a deep breath and forced herself to stop thinking about it.
She slowly rose from the bathtub, water droplets sliding down her flawless skin, which shimmered with a lustrous glow in the dim candlelight.
She changed into a simple white dress, casually tied up her wet hair, and then pushed open the door and went out.
The cool night breeze dispelled the last traces of heat from her cheeks.
My master's bamboo house was next door, the door was ajar, and light was shining through it.
Qian Renxue stood at the door, hesitated for a moment, and then gently knocked on the door.
"Come in."
Qian Daobai's calm voice came from inside the room.
Qian Renxue pushed open the door and entered. She saw her master sitting cross-legged on a futon. On the low table in front of him, a pot of tea was steaming.
"sit."
Qian Daobai pointed to the futon opposite him.
"Yes, Master."
Qian Renxue sat down as instructed, her eyes lowered, not daring to look into his eyes.
Having spent the past year together, she had grown accustomed to her master's strength and composure.
He was handsome and had an extraordinary temperament, like a celestial being.
His strength is unfathomable; with a casual flick of his finger, he unleashes a sword intent that reaches the heavens and the earth.
He taught her to be patient and meticulous, which led to a complete transformation in her within just one year.
Such a person is like the most dazzling star in the night sky; any woman who sees him would probably find it hard to resist.
It seems... not entirely incomprehensible that I... would have some inappropriate feelings towards him.
The moment the thought crossed her mind, she extinguished it with a vengeance.
"Your sword is complete."
Qian Daobai's voice broke the silence. He picked up the teapot and poured a cup of tea for Qian Renxue.
"Now that you have both the form and the spirit, the path ahead is your own."
Upon hearing this, Qian Renxue's heart stirred, and she raised her head.
"Master means..."
"Although Yunwu Mountain is beautiful, it is ultimately just a small corner of the world."
Qian Daobai pushed the teacup in front of her, his gaze calm as still water.
"Your sword needs to be tempered in the mortal world and honed in battle before it can truly reach the highest level and attain the pinnacle."
"The world below the mountain is your stage."
(End of chapter)