《Becoming a Sage Starts From Condensing the Essence of Time》


 Chapter 1

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    great zhao, lin¡¯an prefecture.


    by the west lake, the white jade railings stretched endlessly in the horizon. it had just rained in spring, and the air was slightly cold with a hint of sweetness.


    the jade-green lake water rippled, stirring the lotus leaves on the water. in the middle of the lake, the red-light flower boats that were decorated had already begun to brew the restlessness of the spring night. there were faint graceful women leaning against the window sill of the boathouse, the autumn waves flowing.


    the literati stepped on the limestone after the rain and recited poems on the banks of the long embankment. from time to time, they stood on their tiptoes and looked at the flower boat, hoping they could see the charming figure in the flower boat without getting on it.


    ¡°sigh, it¡¯s too far away. i can¡¯t see clearly.¡±


    ¡°why don¡¯t we buy a pleasure boat? if we get closer, we might be able to meet the courtesan. we can save a lot of money.¡±


    on the long dike, a young man in green was holding a pot of wine. he took a sip and muttered, ¡°but if i don¡¯t see the courtesan, i don¡¯t have to spend money.¡±


    the young man frowned and refuted himself, ¡°a scholar only enjoys the scent of beauty.¡±


    ¡°forget it. without money, i can¡¯t be romantic. i can¡¯t even pay for the rooms in the inn.¡±


    the young man sighed. being unable to enjoy the joy of freeloading made him very melancholic.


    he raised the wine pot and took a sip at the beautiful scenery of west lake.


    a gentle breeze blew past his face.


    looking at the lively west lake, ripples gradually appeared in the young man¡¯s eyes.


    he had never thought that he would encounter such a ridiculous thing one day. he had transmigrated through a vast space-time to become a scholar who had entered the capital to take the examination.


    the scholar was not poor. he came from a family in chongzhou, and it could even be said that his family was rich. however, he did not know the principle of not revealing his wealth. when he was about to reach the capital, he was robbed. the guards fled, and the scholar was beaten up, causing the transmigrator to appear.


    the young scholar was called an le in both his previous and current life. his name was quite easy to accept. in his previous life, he was an art student who had been admitted to the art academy and had some attainments in painting.


    after arriving at the capital, he was lucky enough to buy some drawing paper and carbon blocks with the taels of silver hidden in his pocket. he sold a few paintings with different styles and earned some silver taels.


    in an le¡¯s memory, there was no dynasty called great zhao in his previous life. however, after inheriting the memories of this body, an le had a hazy understanding of the entire world.


    this world was not ordinary. there were cultivators, gods, and devils. chaos was everywhere.


    along the way to the capital, an le saw that human lives were like grass, and there were bones frozen to death along the way.


    outside, there were foreign races that were eyeing them covetously. they were prepared to head south at any time and destroy great zhao¡¯s territory, completely occupying the central plains.


    the capital of great zhao was originally in the north and had been at odds with the barbarians for 800 years. in the end, the foreign races were powerful, and the emperor of great zhao ordered the entire imperial court to move to the south. he established the capital in lin¡¯an and temporarily avoided them.


    as for great zhao, it had been more than five hundred years since they moved south. the capital city of lin¡¯an was extremely prosperous. the people indulged themselves every night and the thought of going north to take back the lost land in the central plains had long been buried under the life of satisfaction.


    in great zhao, everything else was inferior to cultivation.


    even scholars could not compare to cultivators.


    the imperial examination was even divided into a and b. even if one had outstanding and unparalleled literary talent and could become a capable minister who ruled the world, non-cultivators could only enter list b. only cultivators could enter list a and become the top scholar.


    an le could not cultivate, but if he wanted to live a more dignified life in this era, becoming a scholar on list b was also a way out.


    this was also the reason why an le chose to continue entering the capital and prepare for the imperial examination.


    in fact, an le had another ambition, which was to become a scholar on list a.


    if he could become a scholar on list a, he would truly be able to pass the test and soar into the sky.


    although he had yet to cultivate, he still had hope because he had the confidence of a transmigrator.


    looking at the slightly rippling lake, an le¡¯s pupils dilated, and a translucent light screen appeared before him.


    ¡­


    [name: an le]


    [age qi: 2 wisps]


    [age dao fruit: none]


    ¡­


    it was a very simple light screen. an le had only jumped out three days ago when he stepped into lin¡¯an prefecture.


    after a few attempts, an le realized that he could absorb a gray qi called the age qi through the light screen.


    an le had yet to figure out the function of the gray qi.


    however, there was no doubt that if an le wanted to step into cultivation, he could only place his hopes on this.


    in great zhao, cultivators had noble statuses. as long as they stepped into cultivation, they would be registered by the government and even receive a monthly salary. it was said that the lowest-level cultivator could receive 30 taels of silver.


    thirty taels of silver were enough for an le to live comfortably in lin¡¯an.


    with a hint of envy, an le dispelled the light screen in front of him. a few scholars and flirtatious guests at the side could not help but stir. in the middle of the lake, amidst the clouds, a flower boat lit up with a red light. in the boathouse, the curtain was lifted, and graceful maidservants in light yellow dresses slowly walked out and stood on both sides.


    although they were very far away, these maidservants had graceful figures and were as beautiful as the chiefs of ordinary flower boats. this made many scholars¡¯ hearts flutter.


    this extravagance was very special. according to the original owner¡¯s memories, an le also had some understanding of the ranking of the flower boats. the flower boats on west lake were also divided into levels. the higher the level of the flower boats in the center of the lake, the more honorable the status of the courtesan.


    it was even rumored that the courtesan of the prestigious flower boat in the center of the lake was even a cultivator with extraordinary cultivation!


    how could the scholars not be excited when a female cultivator became a courtesan? that was an additional bonus to their professional charm.


    if he could get close to her, even a hundred poems would not be enough to brag about.


    suddenly, there was an uproar among the scholars by the long dike.


    ¡°fairy yun rou is here!¡±


    ¡°she¡¯s so beautiful. she¡¯s a female sword immortal with peerless beauty!¡±


    ¡°if i can get into fairy yun rou¡¯s boat, my entire life will be worth it. i won¡¯t hesitate to lose my reputation in the spring quarter examinations!¡±


    ¡­


    the scholars and calligraphers chattered non-stop, full of flirtatious words.


    an le raised his wine pot and took a sip. the wine fragrance spread from the corners of his lips and his eyes narrowed with a hint of excitement.


    ¡°finally.¡±


    above the 100-meter sky, there was a dazzling sword light, and a long sword pierced through the sky.


    on the sword was a woman in a white dress. her figure was slender, and her black hair fluttered while mist coiled around the lake. she seemed to have been swept up by the sword qi, and she was peerlessly extraordinary.


    the woman on the sword landed on the boat. the maidservants on both sides bowed with their hands in front of them. however, the woman in white turned around and smiled. her veil covered her mouth and nose, only revealing her eyebrows. it was as if there was an electric current running through them.


    the scholars on the embankment were excited and itched.


    although it was not the first time an le had seen it, he was still stunned. it was mainly because he had seen it with his own eyes. the impact was too strong.


    the role-playing of the female sword immortal was popular in this era. which scholar could withstand such a test?


    in an le¡¯s slightly narrowed eyes, the otherworldly courtesan in white landed on the flower boat. there were actually wisps of gray qi currents around her body like dragons and snakes.


    counting carefully, there were more than ten wisps of gray qi.


    the gray qi was incompatible with the white fog that filled the lake. even though they were far apart, an le could see it clearly. he could even vaguely feel a strong attraction to them.


    an le had been soaking on the bank of the west lake for the past few days because of this cultivator courtesan. the two wisps of age qi in the light screen were obtained from fairy yun rou two days ago.


    the first time an le saw fairy yun rou on the long embankment, he detected the age qi in her body. there were more than ten wisps of age qi, but an le could only obtain one wisp a day.


    hence, an le spent the rest of his days camping by the west lake.


    one wisp a day, he slowly harvested.


    although he did not know the function of the age qi for the time being, it would be a waste not to take advantage of it. it was not wrong to take more.


    in front of him, a faint golden light screen appeared.


    on the screen, the [age qi] column flickered.


    next, an le saw a wisp of gray qi leave the boat in the middle of west lake, it was like a dandelion floating freely in the world.


    the gray qi spanned hundreds of meters across the west lake before lingering around an le¡¯s fingertip.


    however, the strange thing was that this gray qi wrapped around an le¡¯s fingertip and turned golden. it was like a wisp of golden light bursting out of the sand, unable to conceal its brilliance as it seeped into an le¡¯s body.


    in the light screen, another wisp of age qi appeared.


    as for why it turned golden, an le did not understand.


    since he couldn¡¯t figure it out, he didn¡¯t bother.


    successful, an le had a hearty drink.


    with wishful thinking, an le wanted to try to get another wisp of age qi from the top courtesan. however, the screen¡¯s [age qi] column stopped jumping and could not absorb it. it was obvious that the cooldown had started again.


    therefore, an le, who felt a little regretful, was heartless. he no longer lingered and turned around to push away the group of scholars behind him who were so excited that their faces turned red. he carried the wine pot and left.


    however, just as he stepped out of the crowd and took two steps, an le was stunned.


    before his eyes, the golden qi current that he had just absorbed was like a golden incense that curled up and burned.


    then, an le realized that a painting was unfolding in front of him. in the painting, the scene was moving like light.


    it played slowly like a movie.


    what greeted his eyes was a woman¡¯s boudoir.


    the gauze curtain hung down gently, and the rouge was fragrant.


    on the bed in the boudoir, a graceful figure could be vaguely seen.


    upon closer inspection, an le was shocked.


    because this graceful figure¡­


    it was the cultivation courtesan who had crossed the west lake on her sword and boarded the pleasure boat, the female sword immortal!

 Chapter 2

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    an le had never known the use of age qi. although he had tried many times, he had never had a clue.


    in fact, an le was also confused about the [age dao fruit] column on the light screen.


    this time, he absorbed the third wisp of age qi from the top courtesan, fairy yun rou. however, this wisp of age qi was abnormal. it turned golden and automatically burned, bringing about a phenomenon. he could actually see the female sword immortal at such a close distance.


    as the painting unfolded, his entire mind was pulled into it. he observed it from a third-person perspective as if he was watching a movie.


    an le remained silent. in fact, he could not make a sound either.


    inside the boudoir, the fragrance of rouge and pollen wafted through the air.


    fairy yun rou was wearing a thin shirt, revealing her shoulders. her fair skin was as dazzling and eye-catching as snow. further down was her proud and tall figure.


    unlike fairy yun rou, who was riding her sword across the west lake, fairy yun rou¡¯s face was not covered by a veil, revealing a beautiful face.


    it was said that very few people had seen fairy yun rou¡¯s true appearance. even if they spent tens of thousands of taels of silver and obtained a chance to board a flower boat, they would still see the veiled fairy yun rou.


    an le did not expect to see the fairy¡¯s true appearance just like that.


    it felt good to freeload¡­


    he had saved a lot of money.


    of course, an le only took a glance before his gaze was attracted by the green qi currents above her head.


    what kind of position was this?


    inside the room, there seemed to be an invisible qi current surging. the door was clearly closed, but the gauze of the tent seemed to be blown by a hurricane, howling non-stop.


    ¡°she¡¯s cultivating!¡±


    an le immediately made a judgment. this unbelievable posture could only be explained by cultivation.


    could it be that the age qi could allow him to see fairy yun rou¡¯s cultivation process?


    however, other than seeing fairy yun rou¡¯s pleasing face, it did not seem to have any other use.


    after all, he had watched fairy yun rou cultivate, so he couldn¡¯t let her learn cultivation as well.


    an le sighed regretfully in his heart. perhaps it was the effect of the age qi that he had been looking forward to for a long time, but it did not seem to be satisfactory, causing his mood to be very low.


    as he continued to watch fairy yun rou cultivate, the aura in the room grew stronger and stronger. faint blue qi currents appeared out of thin air, converging in fairy yun rou¡¯s palm and seeping in bit by bit.


    it spread all over fairy yun rou¡¯s body, making her look dazzling.


    finally, goddess yun rou opened her eyes. the violent wind in the room suddenly stopped.


    the corners of the fairy¡¯s lips curled up slightly. she stretched her arms and let out an extremely seductive hum.


    ¡°my cultivation has finally broken through the spirit bone realm and stepped into the inner core realm. an 18-year-old inner core expert is rare even in the entire great zhao!¡±


    fairy yun rou was very happy and complacent as she muttered to herself.


    ¡°yun rou, you are the best! one day, you will definitely become the number one female sword immortal of great zhao! charge, charge, charge!¡±


    fairy yun rou clenched her fists and punched repeatedly, full of fighting spirit.


    on this day, fairy yun rou, who had made a breakthrough in her cultivation, was the happiest in the world.


    however, an le was dumbfounded by her silly appearance. it turned out that the extremely cold courtesan, fairy yun rou, had such a cute side to her that no one had ever seen before.


    after seeing fairy yun rou¡¯s innocent appearance, the scene in front of him began to slowly dissipate. in the end, the painting closed.


    the wisp of golden age qi disappeared like a burning incense.


    ¡­


    the noise in the surroundings returned to normal. night fell, and the lights gradually dimmed.


    an le¡¯s eyes regained clarity, but he was recalling what he had seen just now.


    he saw the moment fairy yun rou broke through in her cultivation. she was an 18-year-old inner core expert and was incomparably arrogant. did she see that achievement as a moment of pride?


    in fact, this was indeed something to be proud of. even though an le could not cultivate, he had some understanding of cultivation.


    an 18-year-old inner core expert was enough to look down on the entire great zhao.


    however, why would a prodigy who attained the inner core at the age of 18 become a courtesan on a flower boat? wasn¡¯t this raising the overall standard of the industry and dragging the other courtesans to their deaths?


    although the title of a courtesan sounded good, she was still a prostitute after all. in the eyes of many people, it was a cheap job.


    ¡°perhaps this fairy yun rou¡­ contains a secret that no one knows about.¡±


    ¡°even if it really contains a secret, it¡¯s not something a mortal like me can investigate.¡±


    an le was not too conflicted about her identity. he thought of something and a screen appeared in front of him.


    ¡­


    [name: an le]


    [age qi: 2 wisps]


    [age dao fruit: cultivation genius (0/10)]


    [note: cultivation genius (dao fruit): when cultivating, the speed can be increased by two times. the spiritual energy of heaven and earth can be sensed more easily and the level of comprehension can be increased.]


    ¡­


    his pupils constricted slightly, and the light screen changed. a wisp of age qi had been consumed, and the golden age qi that he had just absorbed had indeed disappeared.


    in the [age dao fruit] column, the words ¡°cultivation genius¡± appeared.


    in other words, he condensed the age dao fruit, cultivation genius, the moment he saw fairy yun rou¡¯s inner core breakthrough.


    looking at the description of the cultivation genius dao fruit, an le was pleasantly surprised.


    he took a deep breath impatiently and closed his eyes slightly. he had indeed sensed something different.


    there was a unique qi current moving between heaven and earth.


    it was the spiritual energy of heaven and earth!


    it was said that the spiritual energy of heaven and earth filled every corner of the world, and only cultivators could sense it.


    those with talent could absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, refine it into their bodies, and step into cultivation.


    those without talent could not even sense it, just like an le in the past.


    he had naturally tested that his body did not have any cultivation talent, so he was arranged by his family to study.


    the original an le was quite talented in studying. he passed the village examination and passed the imperial examination. he came to the capital to participate in the spring quarter examinations and wanted to advance to list b.


    although the scholars on list b were not as good as those on list a, they could still become officials. although they could not become high-ranking officials, nothing was absolute. if they were recognized by a big shot, they still had a chance to climb high and look far.


    but now, an le could sense the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. this meant that he had the talent to cultivate!


    an le¡¯s heart surged as he kept thinking.


    he gradually guessed how to use the light screen.


    the age qi might be recording the moment when a person¡¯s emotions fluctuated violently.


    emotions constantly fluctuated as a person grew up. a person¡¯s life was like a calm river, and the fluctuating emotions were like waves in a river.


    there were highlights, depression, anger, and helplessness. these moments might be recorded by the age qi.


    he, an le, might be able to see these moments through the age qi and condense the age dao fruit.


    ¡°hahaha, no matter what, i, an le, can cultivate now!¡±


    an le couldn¡¯t help but laugh out loud.


    on the embankment of the west lake, there were many people. an le stood in the vast crowd and grinned to vent the excitement and excitement in his heart.


    in this vast world, the people of the world were like mayflies that entrusted themselves to the heavens and the earth, a tiny speck in the vast ocean. but if one was able to cultivate, then one would have the chance to ascend into the heavens and live a carefree and brilliant life.


    he suddenly raised the wine pot and kept pouring wine into his mouth. the wine flowed down his throat and into his chest.


    an le, on the other hand, continued to chuckle as he walked forward.


    the night was dark.


    the green-clothed youth drank his wine and his figure entered the dim light of the lanterns.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    the jug of wine was emptied, and the evening breeze woke an le up from his drunken state.


    he arrived at a bookstore. although an le had the cultivation genius dao fruit and could cultivate, he knew nothing about cultivation and had no way to cultivate.


    therefore, he came to the bookstore.


    the shopkeeper of the bookstore was on the counter, counting something under the light of a lamp. the beads and plates were clattering.


    an le stepped in and immediately attracted the shopkeeper¡¯s attention. ¡°sir, the shop is closed. come back tomorrow to buy books.¡±


    he thought for a moment and said, ¡°shopkeeper, are there any cultivation enlightenment books for sale in the bookstore?¡±


    the shopkeeper was stunned. he raised the lamp in his hand and carefully sized up an le. although he looked like a young man, he was still a little old when it came to cultivation enlightenment.


    ¡°cultivation is taught in various academies. you didn¡¯t cultivate at that time, so you can¡¯t cultivate now.¡±


    the shopkeeper smiled.


    ¡°however, the bookstore sells books. of course, there are cultivation initiation books issued by great zhao. if you want them, i¡¯ll get someone to prepare them. you can come and get them tomorrow.¡±


    when an le heard this, he brushed his green clothes and cupped his hands. ¡°thank you, shopkeeper.¡±


    the shopkeeper held a lantern in one hand and a brush in the other. he chuckled and waved his hand. ¡°sir, you¡¯re too polite.¡±


    however, an le changed the topic and said, ¡°however, i have an urgent need tonight. i wonder if you can sell the book to me now?¡±


    the shopkeeper was stunned. he frowned and was about to refuse.


    however, an le said seriously, ¡°i can pay more.¡±


    the shopkeeper swallowed his words and smiled as he changed his words. ¡°please wait a moment.¡±


    the shopkeeper held the lamp and entered the inner room. after a while, he found a book with a blue cover.


    ¡°¡®enlightenment records of great zhao¡¯s cultivation¡¯. this is the only book related to cultivation that is sold in this shop. it¡¯s issued by the imperial court. it¡¯s very useless to cultivators who have truly stepped into cultivation. if you want it, please pay me two taels of silver,¡± the shopkeeper said.


    two taels of silver for a book. it was not expensive, but it was not cheap either. it should be the increased price for not waiting.


    an le did not bargain. he was anxious to find a way to cultivate, so he poured out two pieces of silver from his money bag without hesitation and handed them to the shopkeeper.


    after weighing it on a small scale, the shopkeeper even returned a few copper coins to an le.


    an le took the books and returned to his room in the inn. he lit the lamp and began to read the books.


    the ¡°enlightenment records of great zhao¡¯s cultivation¡± was actually not created by the great zhao imperial court. instead, it followed the previous imperial court and modified the original foundation of the cultivation enlightenment method.


    the book introduced a cultivation method called the qi drawing breathing technique. it was a very basic cultivation method.


    in addition, there was a set of fist techniques called ¡°zhao zu¡¯s long fist¡±. an le had just seen this domineering reputation and was extremely excited. after flipping through it, he understood that this ¡°zhao zu¡¯s long fist¡± was indeed a martial art created by the founding emperor of the great zhao imperial court. however, it had been edited to the point where only three punches were left. he instantly lost his enthusiasm.


    it could be said that any cultivator of great zhao could at least learn three punches of zhao zu¡¯s long fist.


    just like that, zhao zu¡¯s reputation rose.


    this zhao zu¡¯s long fist could even be considered great zhao¡¯s broadcast gymnastics.


    with the augmentation of the cultivation genius dao fruit, an le read it once under the light. he had more or less comprehended zhao zu¡¯s long fist (enlightenment version).


    an le wasn¡¯t in a hurry to punch. instead, he sat cross-legged on the bed and closed his eyes slightly. he followed the circulation route of the qi drawing breathing technique to sense the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.


    inhale, exhale¡­ at first, an le was still a little rusty. after a few repetitions, an le¡¯s breathing became smoother.


    however, although it was smooth, an le had never been able to capture the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.


    he frowned deeply.


    suddenly, a light screen appeared in front of him, and an le couldn¡¯t help but scan it.


    [name: an le]


    [age qi: 2 wisps]


    [age dao fruit: cultivation genius (0/10 wisps)]


    [cultivation technique: qi drawing breathing technique (0 wisp)]


    ¡­


    an le was stunned for a moment before he was overjoyed.


    on the screen, there was an additional column!


    the function of this light screen could actually continue to be developed!

 Chapter 3

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    there was an additional column on the light screen, which should have appeared after an le mastered the ¡°qi drawing breathing technique¡±.


    however, what made an le even more curious was the 0 wisp notification behind the qi drawing breathing technique.


    there was also a notification (0/10 wisps) behind the cultivation genius dao fruit, but it was different from the breathing technique.


    was this the upper limit of growth?


    using wisps as a unit, could he add spiritual energy? or should he wait to add age qi?


    an le¡¯s heart skipped a beat. with a thought, he added a wisp of age qi to the qi drawing breathing technique column.


    as expected, a thought appeared.


    the light screen changed.


    [cultivation technique: qi drawing breathing technique (1 wisp)]


    in the age qi column, there was only one wisp left.


    ¡®what¡¯s changed?¡¯


    an le frowned slightly, closed his eyes, and began to circulate the breathing technique again.


    just as he closed his eyes, a wisp of gray age qi immediately burned and dissipated in front of him. an image of fairy yun rou, who still looked like a little girl, sitting cross-legged and circulating the breathing technique appeared.


    very quickly, yun rou finished circulating the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. accompanied by yun rou¡¯s cheers, the scene gradually disappeared.


    an le immediately opened his eyes. he, who was originally a little obscure about breathing techniques, immediately mastered it with great familiarity. he even successfully attracted a wisp of heaven and earth spiritual energy and swallowed it into his body, circulating it in his meridians.


    ¡°success!¡±


    he was overjoyed!


    he continued to circulate the technique. in less than a breath or two, another wisp of blue spiritual energy was extracted!


    an le was even more certain of his speculation and understanding of the age qi.


    this was the first time she had absorbed the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. although it was not a very glorious moment for yun rou, it was still a moment worth recording.


    thus, this moment was worth recording and condensed into age qi.


    through this age qi, an le could sense and even replicate yun rou¡¯s cultivation state at all times, allowing him to master the breathing technique with familiarity.


    an le was in high spirits and his eyes were burning.


    when he truly analyzed the function of the age qi, an le¡¯s heart burned with passion. he wished he could immediately rush to the west lake and hug fairy yun rou to take a deep breath!


    in any case, he had only discovered that fairy yun rou had age qi on her, so he would catch her and take her for himself.


    the more age qi¡­ the better!


    calming down the excitement in his heart, an le did not choose to use the other wisp of age qi on the cultivation genius dao fruit. instead, he stood up and began to punch in the room.


    this was the simplified version of zhao zu¡¯s long fist which only had three moves left.


    martial arts were not easy after all. even if there were only three punches, an le did not fight well at the beginning. although he knew how to fight in his head, he changed when he executed it.


    however, with the enhancement of the cultivation genius dao fruit, he could barely fight well after practicing almost three times.


    at the same time, a new column appeared on the screen.


    [skill: zhao zu¡¯s long fist (incomplete) (0 wisp)]


    after some thought, he added the remaining wisp of age qi on zhao zu¡¯s long fist.


    gray age qi burned as a scene appeared in front of him.


    ¡­


    snow was falling.


    little yun rou, who was dressed in cotton clothes, was facing a little boy. it was obvious that the two of them were challenging each other to a duel as if they were fighting on the summit of the forbidden city.


    with an angry shout, little yun rou rushed out and used the familiar zhao zu¡¯s long fist. three consecutive punches made the little boy¡¯s nose bleed. he sat on the ground and cried. little yun rou was like a general who had won a battle. she placed her hands on her hips and raised her head proudly.


    the scene then disappeared.


    an le didn¡¯t know whether to laugh or cry. fairy yun rou used zhao zu¡¯s long fist to beat the little boy until he cried. how could this be included in her highlights?


    however, judging from little yun rou¡¯s expression, she might have been quite pleased with herself at that time.


    after the skill was imbued with a wisp of age qi, an le seemed to have followed little yun rou through the long river of time, displaying the essence and understanding of zhao zu¡¯s long fist.


    he stood up and practiced punching in the room. he went from knowing nothing to mastering it.


    unfortunately, there were only three punches.


    an le was filled with regret. he thought to himself that he had to collect more perfect cultivation methods in the future.


    however, the truly perfect cultivation methods could not be bought casually in the bookstore. they were all gathered between the major cultivation sects or the cultivation forces established by the imperial court.


    of course, some black markets could also buy and sell cultivation manuals, but the price was very high. at the very least, an le, whose rent was now a problem, could forget about it.


    ¡°i¡¯m short of money, i¡¯m still short of money. even if i have a cheat, i can¡¯t do anything without money.¡± an le had a headache.


    a penny can stump a hero.


    however, he quickly thought of something. now that he had absorbed the spiritual energy of heaven and earth and stepped onto the path of cultivation, he wondered if he could register with the government and receive money.


    he had at least 30 taels of silver a month. although it was far from enough to buy real cultivation books, at least it could allow him to rent without a problem.


    he turned his head to look at the sky. the sun had risen in the east, and he was engrossed in cultivation. unknowingly, the night had passed.


    an le did not sleep anymore. after washing up, he planned to go to the government office to see if he could receive money.


    however, before he could leave, there was a knock on the door.


    ¡°young master an, are you there?¡±


    from the sound of it, it was the waiter of the inn.


    ¡°what is it?¡± an le asked in confusion.


    ¡°there is an official looking for you. young master, you should come down.¡±


    the waiter of the inn hurriedly said.


    an le was stunned. an official was looking for him?


    he didn¡¯t do anything bad that violated the laws of great zhao, right¡­ when he came to the capital, most of the time, he would go to the west lake to watch the boats and try to freeload. could it be that freeloading was illegal?


    an le calmly opened the door and left with the waiter.


    in this day and age, the commoners were still a little afraid of officials.


    after learning that the official was looking for an le, the waiter in the inn, who thought that an le had done something wrong, involuntarily distanced himself.


    when they reached the bottom of the inn, there was a dining area with a few tables and benches.


    a burly figure in a constable¡¯s uniform, with a knife at his waist, sat boldly on a bench, drinking a bowl of wine.


    when an le walked down, the constable¡¯s gaze immediately swept over. his burning gaze was like a ball of fire, and an le could even feel a burning sensation.


    this was a sign that his qi blood was strong.


    however, what really made an le stare at the constable was that he actually saw two wisps of age qi lingering on this constable!


    unlike fairy yun rou, who had more than ten wisps on her, this constable only had two wisps.


    why was there such a difference?


    an le pondered for a moment and guessed that it might be because of the difference in cultivation.


    although this constable was a cultivator, his cultivation realm should not be high. on the other hand, fairy yun rou had already condensed an inner core at the age of 18.


    therefore, the higher one¡¯s cultivation level was, the more one could accumulate the records of the age qi?


    the constable stared at an le, his eyes flashing with a strange light. an le had just finished cultivating, and the spiritual energy absorbed from his body vaguely spread out.


    although the fluctuation was not strong, it was still sensed.


    ¡°cultivator?¡± the constable asked in surprise.


    ¡°i had an epiphany. i¡¯ve just absorbed the spiritual energy of heaven and earth and completed my enlightenment.¡± an le cupped his hands and smiled. ¡°may i know why you sent someone to look for me?¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m the constable of lin¡¯an prefecture¡¯s black office, huang xian,¡± the constable said. ¡°unfortunately, young master is a little old. it¡¯s difficult to walk the path of cultivation if you complete the enlightenment at this time.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s not bad to be able to step into the cultivation world. i¡¯m very content,¡± an le said.


    ¡°your mentality isn¡¯t bad. after stepping onto the path of cultivation, you can at least live comfortably. you have already surpassed most ordinary people.¡± constable huang xian nodded with a smile. then, huang xian took out a folded piece of paper from his lapel and slowly opened it.


    there was a black-and-white sketch on the paper. it depicted fairy yun rou, who was wearing a veil. through the light and darkness, although it was black-and-white, it was lifelike. her eyes were especially stunning.


    ¡°you drew this?¡± constable huang xian asked.


    when an le saw this sketch, he couldn¡¯t help but frown. this was the first sketch he had sold since he entered the capital. at that time, due to the novelty of the drawing technique and fairy yun rou¡¯s beautiful name, he had sold it for five taels of silver.


    he did not expect that he would attract an official because of the painting.


    ¡°i passed the chongzhou village examination and came to lin¡¯an to participate in the spring quarter examination next month. on the way, i was robbed by bandits and my money was snatched away. therefore, i could only sell paintings to earn some money and barely survive. i wonder what i did wrong?¡± an le explained.


    constable huang could not help but exclaim when he heard that.


    after all, an le was still young, but he had passed the chongzhou village examination and wanted to participate in the spring quarter examination. not everyone could go to the spring quarter examination, which meant that an le had a good merit.


    now that an le had completed his cultivation enlightenment, he could be considered a cultivator. coupled with his merit, his status was not ordinary.


    therefore, constable huang¡¯s attitude changed as well. he hurriedly cupped his fists and bowed. ¡°young master an, you¡¯ve misunderstood. i¡¯m not here to look for you because you¡¯ve committed a crime.¡±


    ¡°i was entrusted by someone to ask you for a painting.¡±


    ¡°ask for a painting?¡± an le was stunned. while he was shocked, he quietly absorbed a wisp of age qi from constable huang.


    constable huang knew nothing about this.


    he looked at the stunned an le and smiled mysteriously. ¡°the identity of the person who asked me for the painting is indescribably noble.¡±


    ¡°young master an, follow me and you¡¯ll know.¡±

 Chapter 4

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    indescribably noble?


    an le took a deep breath. for constable huang to describe it in such a manner¡­ it was definitely not ordinary.


    but how could his sketch attract such a benefactor to ask for a painting?


    sketching techniques were indeed rare and precious in this era. they used lines to outline the figures. it was very different from the drawing techniques of ink and painting, but it was more realistic.


    however, no matter what, he was just an ordinary artist. how could he be an indescribably noble benefactor who personally asked for a painting?


    there were good and bad things about being chosen by a benefactor. after all, an le knew nothing about the so-called benefactor¡¯s temper.


    if an le had not awakened the light screen that could absorb the age qi, he might have really planned to take a gamble and get to know the benefactor. perhaps his future path would be easier.


    but now, he could awaken the dao fruit by absorbing the age qi and silently grow stronger.


    there was no need to take this risk.


    huang xian understood an le¡¯s fear and thoughts when he saw an le frowning and looking puzzled.


    ¡°young master an, don¡¯t worry. with the benefactor¡¯s status, they won¡¯t make things difficult for young master an. in fact, that benefactor bought young master an¡¯s painting by chance and felt that it was novel, so they asked me to find the painter to invite him to paint.¡±


    ¡°in fact, young master an is not the only artist invited by the benefactor¡­¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s still unknown if young master an will be able to get a spot to paint for the benefactor.¡±


    ¡°however, i can guarantee that this benefactor is kind. even if young master an is not chosen, you will definitely not be in any danger or life-threatening danger. you can even get the carriage fare arranged by the benefactor.¡±


    huang xian said.


    an le immediately perked up. ¡°may i ask constable huang, this fare¡­¡±


    ¡°at least ten taels of silver.¡± huang xian smiled. ¡°if you¡¯re chosen to paint, the labor fee will be at least ten times more than the transportation fee.¡±


    ¡°constable huang, it doesn¡¯t matter if i get to paint or not. i mainly admire the benefactor¡¯s elegance.¡± an le said seriously.


    of course, an le did not only care about money. the main reason was that huang xian had already said so. if an le did not go, it would be embarrassing for huang xian. at that time, even before offending the benefactor, he would first offend huang xian. the gains would not make up for the losses.


    huang xian was the constable of the black office. the black office¡­ was a government office that specialized in managing cultivators. some cultivators who committed crimes were captured by the constables of the black office.


    if he offended such a person, an le would definitely not be able to live in peace in the future.


    now, he could take advantage of the situation. in any case, even if he was not chosen, the other party had promised him enough money.


    ¡°hahaha, young master an, you don¡¯t have to prepare anything. the benefactor has everything you need, so young master an¡­ please.¡±


    huang xian stood up with a saber in one hand and waved the other outside the inn in a sending-off posture.


    an le turned sideways and cupped his hands politely. ¡°constable huang, please go ahead.¡±


    then, the two of them left the inn one after another and stepped onto the lively street of lin¡¯an prefecture.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    the long streets of lin¡¯an were very lively. after the spring rain, the sunlight was clear. the scholars who were hiding at home came out one after another to bathe in the sunlight and breathe the fresh air after the rain. they also bought some trinkets and snacks from the street vendors.


    huang xian did not speak much. after leaving the inn, he brought an le along and stepped on the slightly muddy limestone street. after a while, the number of pedestrians on the road gradually decreased because the place they arrived at was no longer a place that ordinary people could step into.


    an le¡¯s gaze was quickly attracted to a mansion in the distance.


    the mansion was made of limestone walls that stretched endlessly. branches extended between the gray tiles on the walls. the greenery was in a hurry. there was no stone statue in front of the door. instead, there was a stone tablet jade shop. it was dignified with a hint of nobility.


    behind the vermilion door, there was the eight treasures heavy eaves waterdrop heavenly wave pavilion. there was burning incense and smoke curling out.


    ¡°young master an, now you know that i¡¯m not lying, right?¡±


    huang xian looked at an le, who was staring at the mansion in a daze, and teased.


    ¡°this building and this stone tablet jade workshop are the hallmarks. this eight treasures heavy eaves waterdrop heavenly wave pavilion was bestowed by his majesty. it is enshrined with golden books and iron vouchers that can exempt you from the crime of nine deaths! all the civil and military officials in the imperial court have to dismount from their horses and walk past this stone tablet jade workshop. young master an, do you think the heavenly wave lin residence is noble?¡±


    huang xian was filled with respect, but there was also sadness and complicated emotions in his respect.


    ¡°heavenly wave lin residence¡­¡± an le muttered.


    ¡°the entire heavenly wave lin residence is loyal to the court. the founder of the heavenly wave lin residence, old minister lin, was even a peerless cultivator. with a golden saber, he killed the foreign races until they were terrified. he was called invincible lin, and together with the sons of the lin family, they were all extremely talented. they rushed to the battlefield and made a name for themselves.¡±


    ¡°back then, when emperor yuan meng broke through to the saint realm and came with the pressure of an army, the imperial court decided to move the capital south. the old minister held a golden saber to cover the emperor¡¯s retreat and fought eight kings of foreign races. in the end, he killed three kings and died in battle. everyone knows his loyalty and righteousness!¡±


    huang xian took a deep breath, his voice trembling.


    an le glanced sideways. it was obvious that constable huang had a relationship with the lin family.


    huang xian calmed himself down and did not say anything else. he walked to the tightly shut door of the lin residence and knocked on it. the vermilion door slowly opened, and a young girl with a fire stick tied to her waist rushed out.


    ¡°constable huang, have you found that strange artist?¡± the girl asked in surprise.


    ¡°miss zhuifeng, this is the artist you asked me to find, young master an.¡± huang xian pointed at an le, who was standing at the foot of the stairs.


    the young girl named zhuifeng turned around and her eyes lit up when she saw an le¡¯s handsome face.


    an le looked at miss zhuifeng with excitement in his eyes.


    how could the current an le reject this young miss who had more than ten wisps of age qi?


    this girl¡¯s age was almost the same as an le¡¯s first victim, fairy yun rou.


    it could be determined that their cultivation levels were similar.


    ¡°what a handsome artist. i¡¯ve seen a bunch of old men and smelly scholars. this young master is really handsome.¡± the girl grinned.


    ¡°i¡¯m an le, from chongzhou. greetings, miss zhuifeng.¡± an le cupped his hands.


    ¡°if you draw well, we¡¯ll see each other every day.¡± miss zhuifeng pursed her lips and smiled. she raised a finger and hooked it at an le. ¡°i¡¯m just a maidservant in the residence, you don¡¯t have to be so polite. come with me, handsome artist.¡±


    an le was stunned. just a maidservant¡­ had a cultivation level that was not inferior to fairy yun rou?


    were all maidservants so powerful nowadays?


    ¡°young master an, paint well and strive to be chosen. i¡¯ll return to the black office first. miss zhuifeng, if there¡¯s anything else you need me to do, feel free to instruct me. i¡¯ll take my leave first.¡± constable huang smiled and cupped his fists before leaving quickly.


    an le bade constable huang farewell and followed miss zhuifeng into the residence.


    upon entering the manor, an le could see the eight treasures heavy eaves waterdrop heavenly wave pavilion at a close distance. he could even vaguely hear the chanting of scriptures coming from the building, making it even more majestic.


    ¡°young master an¡¯s painting was bought by ninth sister. ninth sister saw that the woman in the painting was lifelike and seemed to be real, so she had an idea and asked young master to paint for her.¡±


    miss zhuifeng said as she led the way.


    ¡°young master an, have you just started cultivating? you can¡¯t even suppress the fluctuations of spiritual energy in your body.¡±


    suddenly, miss zhuifeng took a step back and looked at an le curiously.


    ¡°i just completed the qi drawing enlightenment yesterday,¡± an le said with a smile without any shame. at the same time, he quietly extracted a wisp of age qi from miss zhuifeng.


    gray age qi lingered in front of his eyes and slowly seeped into his body. an le felt that it was a pity. without the golden age qi, it was difficult to condense the dao fruit.


    previously, he had also absorbed three times from fairy yun rou before he could absorb the golden age qi. an le was not in a hurry. if he could not absorb it once, he would just absorb it a few more times.


    however, an le had a reason to stand out among the many painters and stay behind to paint.


    after all, it was not easy to find a high-quality resource these days.


    an le subconsciously wanted to take another puff.


    however, as soon as this thought appeared, the age qi column on the screen jumped again.


    it was actually from miss zhuifeng¡­


    he absorbed another wisp of age qi!

 Chapter 5

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    when the second wisp of age qi was removed from miss zhuifeng¡¯s body, an le¡¯s breathing quickened.


    something was wrong!


    according to his experience, this age qi could only be used once a day against a target.


    he had tested it on fairy yun rou before, but why was he able to pull out a second wisp today?


    was it because of miss zhuifeng or because of an le?


    an le immediately recalled that the only difference between him and fairy yun rou was that he had stepped onto the path of cultivation!


    perhaps¡­ the increase in his cultivation level could increase the number of times he extracted age qi every day?!


    the more age qi there was, the easier it was for an le to become stronger¡­


    they complemented each other.


    with a thought, a light screen popped up.


    [name: an le]


    [age qi: 3 wisps]


    [age dao fruit: cultivation genius (0/10)]


    [cultivation technique: qi drawing breathing technique (1 wisp)]


    [skill: zhao zu¡¯s long fist (incomplete) (1 wisp)]


    ¡­


    on the light screen, there were three wisps of age qi.


    what made an le feel that it was a pity was that the second wisp of age qi extracted from miss zhuifeng was not the golden age qi, so it could not condense into the age dao fruit.


    ¡°just enlightened? that¡¯s too late.¡± miss zhuifeng knew nothing about an le absorbing age qi from her.


    ¡°it¡¯s fine. i¡¯m satisfied to be able to step into cultivation,¡± an le replied with a smile.


    ¡°young master an, you have a good mentality.¡± miss zhuifeng smiled brightly and straightforwardly. ¡°if cultivators of my generation could have such a mentality, there wouldn¡¯t be so many people stuck at the bottleneck. because they couldn¡¯t break through, they took the wrong path and fell into the demonic path, ruining their future and life.¡±


    ¡°cultivation is not without risks.¡±


    miss zhuifeng found an le more and more pleasing to the eye.


    the two of them walked along the limestone road in the lin residence and passed by courtyards and houses.


    when many servants saw miss zhuifeng, they put down the things in their hands and bowed respectfully. although miss zhuifeng was a maidservant, her status in the lin residence was clearly very high.


    miss zhuifeng brought an le to the reception hall. from afar, she could see many people gathered in the hall.


    ¡°young master an, we¡¯re here.¡±


    ¡°you can be considered the last painter. there are now 30 painters gathered in the lin¡¯an prefecture. all of them are quite famous.¡±


    miss zhuifeng pointed at the central hall and smiled at an le.


    ¡°why did you invite so many painters¡­?¡± an le asked curiously.


    miss zhuifeng glanced at an le¡¯s handsome side profile and didn¡¯t hide anything. ¡°you¡¯ll find out soon anyway, so there¡¯s no harm in telling you.¡±


    ¡°the main purpose of inviting the painter this time is to paint for the young masters of the lin residence who are about to set off. the order was given by matriarch. you also know the style of the lin residence. just like the old minister, they are loyal and righteous. once they go to the battlefield, they will gamble on the lin residence¡¯s glory to fight. only by killing the enemy can they exchange for the eight treasures heavy eaves waterdrop heavenly wave pavilion and the stone tablet jade workshop.¡±


    ¡°the old minister died in battle previously. three of the seven young masters of the lin family died in battle. the eldest young master died outside the pass, and the second and third masters didn¡¯t even have bones left. the matriarch¡¯s lifespan was approaching its end, and she became more and more nostalgic. she couldn¡¯t bear to forget the faces of her children and grandchildren who died in battle in the future, so she invited the painter just to leave a memory.¡±


    as miss zhuifeng spoke, her voice became lower and she was in low spirits.


    when an le heard this, he fell silent.


    painting to send them off was just to let the elders in the residence see the painting and remember them. it was not to the extent that even the faces of the sons and descendants would be forgotten by the blurry memories in the future. this loyalty was touching.


    ¡°i will definitely do my best,¡± an le said seriously.


    miss zhuifeng collected her emotions and grinned at an le. ¡°you should stand out from the other painters first.¡±


    ¡°ninth sister was very surprised by your painting technique. that¡¯s why she got constable huang to search for you. don¡¯t disappoint her.¡±


    an le cupped his hands and bowed with a solemn expression.


    then, under miss zhuifeng¡¯s lead, they stepped into the central hall.


    as soon as they entered the hall, many gazes swept over like needles. there were many people in the hall. they all looked like confucian scholars and their ages fluctuated.


    after all, they were all competitors. everyone knew that if the painting could satisfy matriarch yu of the lin mansion, there would be many benefits.


    thus, an le, this new competitor, naturally did not have a good expression on his face.


    as he was the last to arrive, he was near the door.


    after settling an le down, miss zhuifeng entered the hall and sat down beside a beautiful woman. an le glanced over and saw that this woman had a pair of willowy eyebrows. she was as gentle as water and her face was slightly covered in makeup, making her look stunning.


    however, an le only took a glance before he turned his gaze away and scanned the entire hall. his heart was suddenly stirred, and there was only one thought left in his mind¡­


    was this heaven?


    there was too much age qi!


    it even blinded his eyes like a flower.


    especially near the high hall, almost everyone¡¯s bodies were intertwined with age qi. there were at least ten wisps¡­


    there were many, such as the luxuriously dressed noblewoman sitting at the head of the table. her body was wrapped in age qi, and there were probably a hundred wisps.


    an le looked at the noblewoman. with a thought, he absorbed a wisp of age qi with some difficulty. however, he had just extracted the age qi from the noblewoman.


    immediately, the lady looked over with a deep gaze. it was like waves rising from the vast ocean, causing an le to feel immense pressure on his back.


    the noblewoman sitting in the main seat frowned slightly. she felt a little strange. when she met the young man¡¯s gaze, her calm primordial spirit could not help but jump.


    however, the young man¡¯s spiritual energy was weak and his cultivation level was so low that it was unnoticeable. the noblewoman gave up on the idea of investigating and said softly, ¡°painters, do you all know why the lin residence invited everyone here?¡±


    ¡°the young masters of the lin residence are about to set off. i hope that you can draw their faces so that we women can remember them in the residence. when we¡¯re free, we can look at their paintings and miss them.¡±


    ¡°don¡¯t worry, madam hua. we¡¯ll definitely do our best. actually, madam hua can just invite me over. i¡¯ve been painting for dozens of years and have deep insights. there¡¯s no need to go through so much trouble,¡± an old painter said as he stroked his beard.


    madam hua chuckled. ¡°master liu qingyan is a famous painter in lin¡¯an, but this painting for the young masters is of great importance. of course, we have to be more serious.¡±


    ¡°if you draw it well, the lin residence will definitely reward you handsomely.¡±


    madam hua sat upright on the sandalwood chair. she had a beautiful face and curved black eyebrows. her aura was graceful and unfathomable.


    she glanced at the painters and said with a gentle smile, ¡°then, everyone, please move to the heavenly wave water pavilion. i¡¯ve already arranged for people to set up tables and chairs there, as well as the painting materials. there¡¯ll only be one painter chosen. i hope everyone will do their best.¡±


    as soon as she finished speaking, madam hua stood up leisurely and led the way towards the water pavilion with the people from the lin residence.


    the painters followed. seeing that the noblewoman did not pursue the matter, an le exhaled slightly and followed the crowd like a little transparent.


    the water pavilion was located behind the heavenly wave pavilion. it was built next to a large pool in the manor. three sides faced the water, and the fish in the pool were like brocade flowers. opposite the water pavilion was the eight treasures heavy eaves waterdrop heavenly wave pavilion. one could see the magnificence of the heavenly wave pavilion, and the scenery was uniquely good.


    the water pavilion was tidied up and there were 30 tables on it. the tools were all placed on the tables. it was obvious that they had long been prepared.


    all the painters found their desks and sat down. they were either grinding ink, pondering, or stroking paper.


    madam hua sat in the main hall of the water pavilion. from this position, she could see the painters painting on the empty ground.


    suddenly, madam hua raised her eyebrows and saw a young man raising his hand at the end of the table.


    it was the young man who had caused madam hua¡¯s primordial spirit to move slightly earlier.


    ¡°what¡¯s the matter, young master?¡± madam hua said softly. her voice clearly reached an le¡¯s ears from afar.


    when an le heard this, he took a deep breath. ¡°madam, my painting tools are a little different. i need a wooden frame, a few pieces of thick paper, some charcoal, a small knife, and a white steamed bun.¡±


    what kind of weird request was this?


    madam hua was stunned. the painters present also had strange expressions.


    the master named liu qingyan stroked his beard and sneered. ¡°painting with charcoal? unreasonable nonsense! young people only know how to entertain the gallery. how ridiculous.¡±


    how could a piece of charcoal compare to a brush? how could such a painting be good?


    many painters chuckled and shook their heads in disdain.


    an le¡¯s expression did not change.


    in the main hall of the water pavilion, ninth sister lin qingyin slowly stood up. ¡°sister-in-law, i invited this young artist. his painting is indeed different from ordinary people, but it¡¯s precious because it¡¯s realistic. the person in the painting is like a living being on a piece of paper.¡±


    ¡°since it¡¯s an artist hired by qingyin, there¡¯s no harm in trying.¡± madam hua looked at ninth sister dotingly and then sent someone down to prepare.


    after a while, everything an le needed was prepared.


    after madam hua and the others prepared the tools for an le, they picked up the celadon cup on the table and took a sip of warm tea. they said calmly, ¡°since everyone is ready, let¡¯s start painting.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m sitting here. draw me.¡±


    madam hua finished speaking.


    the painters below were all shocked. their faces were flushed, and their hands trembled as they held their pens.


    what kind of status did madam hua have? she was the official wife of the eldest young master of the lin residence. the eldest young master had long been conferred the title of marquis, and madam hua had been personally conferred a first-grade title by the emperor. her status was incomparably noble.


    it was a great honor to paint for madam hua, but it also made the painters feel pressured.


    after pondering for a while, the painters grabbed their brushes, drank their ink, and began to write. they drew lines on the familiar script.


    most painters drew people with brush strokes. it was easy for raw rice paper to diffuse when absorbing water. it was suitable for writing. if it was cooked, it could be used for painting.


    the water pavilion was quiet, and the sound of flowing water was crisp and pleasant.


    the painters placed their brushes on the paper. the sound of the brush tip rubbing against the paper was like a sea of bamboo.


    an le, on the other hand, remained where he was. in addition to the form, the charm was more important when drawing a character. capturing the divine charm was the key to the sublimation of the painting.


    he took a deep breath and slowly raised his head. his gaze landed on the graceful and beautiful noblewoman.


    suddenly, he closed his eyes slightly.


    he might have a better way of observing the divine charm than others.


    he had a thought.


    a wisp of the age qi that he had painstakingly extracted from madam hua appeared in front of him.


    i observe the divine charm through age!


    the age qi was not an ordinary gray age qi. it bloomed with golden light, like a burning incense stick. the scene slowly appeared like water ripples.

 Chapter 6

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    an le was frightened by madam hua¡¯s astonishing aura and did not notice that the wisp of age qi he had absorbed was actually golden.


    this made an le a little surprised. the golden age qi could condense into a dao fruit, which was extremely beneficial!


    the scene in front of him rippled like water, and the scene came into view.


    ¡­


    outside the pavilion, by the ancient path.


    the faint and clear rain sprinkled diagonally in the sky and lingered in the smoke, making people feel misty and sad.


    outside lin¡¯an city, on the ancient road.


    the drizzle was like silk, interweaving endlessly. two figures led a horse and strolled leisurely along the limestone of the official road. it was poetic and artistic, with a unique flavor.


    the woman wore a white dress and had a three-foot-long sword sheathed at her waist. the man beside her had eyebrows that were as sharp as knives and an aura as deep as an abyss. he wore silver armor and a white cloak. he carried a golden spear on his back and a broadsword on his back. he looked domineering as he held the reins of a black horse and walked silently.


    when the lover went to war, his wife sent him off. the spring rain was tainted with the sadness of parting.


    an le watched quietly. from a third person¡¯s point of view, it was like watching a movie.


    that armored man should be the eldest son of the lin family, the titled marquis. his cultivation was extraordinary, and his saber and spear were peerless. he suppressed the foreign races and guarded the frontier fortress of great zhao, blocking the yuan meng army outside the blue wave river.


    at this moment, madam hua was still young. her beautiful face carried the elegance and blurriness that a young girl in her prime should have.


    finally, the two of them walked silently for a long time. no matter how reluctant they were, they finally reached the end.


    ¡°i don¡¯t know when i¡¯ll be back.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ll send you off with a sword dance,¡± madam hua said softly.


    then, she pulled out the long sword at her waist. the blade was thin but sharp like a cicada¡¯s wings. as she waved it, it gently cut through the raindrops. mist bloomed like a flower.


    the man stopped his horse and chuckled. he took out a jade flute from the horse¡¯s backpack and placed it by his lips. the sound of the flute was long and continuous.


    the woman danced with the sword while the man played the flute. this scene was a beautiful painting.


    the man mounted his horse and looked at the white-clothed woman who was dancing on the spot. his legs clamped lightly on the horse¡¯s belly, and the black horse slowly galloped forward. the sound of the flute was endless.


    madam hua continued to dance with the flute. her sword technique became more and more ferocious. the sword light was wanton, slashing the surrounding ground with sword marks.


    it was as if there was an aura of metal and horses that could split mountains and break the waves!


    the man and horse disappeared into the drizzle.


    only then did madam hua stop dancing with her sword and stand with it. her eyes were filled with sorrow and worry as she bid farewell. the corners of her eyes were filled with an imperceptible crystal. it was unknown if it was a drizzle or tears.


    ¡°i hope that my husband will go to the frontier fortress and kill enemies like a war god to protect our people.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ll wait for you at home.¡±


    at this point, the scene dissipated in the golden mist like a hazy painting.


    ¡­


    an le opened his eyes slowly. his eyes were slightly dazed, but he did not forget his main purpose of observing the age qi. madam hua sent her husband off to battle. that sorrow and the charm of her sword dance made an le¡¯s heart surge.


    looking back at madam hua, who was sitting upright in the heavenly wave water pavilion, there was a hint of sadness that could not be erased under her beautiful and graceful face.


    if an le remembered correctly, the eldest young master of the lin residence had never returned from that expedition.


    [obtained age dao fruit: sword dancer (0/10)]


    [note: sword dancer (dao fruit): comprehension can be enhanced for anything related to the sword. when holding the sword, the battle intent will increase by two times, and the strength and speed will increase.]


    in front of him, a notification flashed.


    a wisp of molten gold age qi condensed an age dao fruit.


    however, at this moment, an le, who should be happy, was calm and did not study the newly obtained age dao fruit.


    he closed his eyes slightly. in his mind, there was an image that could not be dispelled.


    the white-robed woman¡¯s face was filled with sorrow and worry as she bid farewell.


    when he opened his eyes again, an le grabbed a carbon strip that had been peeled with a small knife. the end of the carbon strip was cut into a sharp pen tip.


    he placed his palm on the brush and held the charcoal strip with his index finger and thumb like he was holding a flower. the thick paper was spread on the wooden frame, and the thin charcoal tip landed on the white thick paper. the rustling sound suddenly sounded. it was different from painting with a brush. it was quite loud.


    this sound seemed very special in the quiet heavenly wave water pavilion. many painters turned their heads and saw the young painter¡¯s strange painting method. they sneered and immersed themselves in painting again.


    sketching was a very basic method of painting. every artist who learned to draw would first come into contact with sketching. sketching tested the artist¡¯s control over lines, light, darkness, form, and structure. through light, lines, surfaces, and other aspects, they would create realistic drawings.


    character portraits were sketches.


    in his previous life, an le was an art student who was able to successfully get into an art school against a thousand different competitors. his foundation was still there.


    in addition, he used the age qi to observe madam hua¡¯s unique charm.


    at this moment, an le was confident. madam hua¡¯s gaze was deeply engraved in his mind.


    rustle, rustle, rustle¡­


    a rhythmic yet hurried sound resounded out, and it lingered without end.


    an le¡¯s eyes seemed to be glowing. in his creative state, he became very serious and focused.


    from time to time, he would look up and observe madam hua.


    the sharpened charcoal strips were gently rubbed to make it easier to leave marks on the white paper. the lines outlined the facial features and were carefully carved bit by bit.


    an le emphasized madam hua¡¯s eyes the most. in sketches, the eyes were very important because the eyes were the best place to express one¡¯s charm.


    time passed bit by bit, and the heavenly wave water pavilion was still very quiet.


    miss zhuifeng moved closer to ninth sister lin qingyin and leaned against the railing. from time to time, she would poke her head out, wanting to use her outstanding eyesight to look at the painters¡¯ works.


    madam hua, on the other hand, was very calm. she sat on the chair and took out a book on confucianism. she read it seriously and let the painters paint for her. as for what it looked like, she didn¡¯t seem to care at all.


    ¡°ninth sister, shall we go down and take a look?¡±


    miss zhuifeng had a fire stick on her waist and was very curious. of course, she was more concerned about whether an le¡¯s paintings could compare to these famous painters in lin¡¯an prefecture.


    lin qingyin looked at miss zhuifeng helplessly. ¡°alright, alright, i¡¯ll do as you say.¡±


    with that, the two of them stood up.


    ¡°first madam, we want to observe the painters up close.¡± lin qingyin bowed to madam hua.


    madam hua nodded dotingly.


    miss zhuifeng grinned and pulled lin qingyin across the white jade bridge to the field.


    ¡°let¡¯s take a look at master liu qingyan¡¯s painting first.¡± lin qingyin held back lin zhuifeng, who was about to move closer to an le.


    although lin zhuifeng was displeased, she didn¡¯t say anything.


    ¡°actually, we can invite those royal painters with spirit refinement cultivation in the palace. why didn¡¯t the matriarch invite them?¡± lin zhuifeng asked curiously.


    the royal painters in the palace were all true cultivators. their calligraphy and painting skills were top-notch. with the lin family¡¯s reputation, they would definitely be able to invite them.


    ¡°although those people are painters, they all have their own positions. the situation in the imperial court is complicated. every painter has a benefactor behind them. the lin residence has always been neutral and has not been involved in the storm. if we hire an artist, there will be a personal debt incurred. the matriarch is unwilling,¡± lin qingyin said gently.


    the two of them had already arrived at master liu qingyan¡¯s table.


    on the table, the ink stains had yet to dry. on the paper, there was already a noblewoman. the lines were fine, smooth, and not trembling. every strand of hair was outlined perfectly.


    lin qingyin nodded slightly. although the lin residence was a martial arts aristocratic family, she and the young masters in the lin residence had been taught poems and books by scholars in the imperial court since she was young. she had been influenced by them and naturally knew how to appreciate paintings.


    ¡°as expected of master liu qingyan, your drawing is really good.¡± lin qingyin praised.


    ¡°thank you for your praise, miss lin. i¡¯m just trying my best.¡± liu qingyan held a brush in one hand and stroked his beard with the other. his eyes were filled with complacency.


    lin zhuifeng didn¡¯t think much of it. although this painting didn¡¯t look like madam hua¡¯s, it looked good since the ninth sister praised it. however, liu qingyan didn¡¯t look good.


    she was still thinking about that handsome artist, an le.


    she couldn¡¯t wait to pull lin qingyin along. the two of them walked past many painters and arrived at an le¡¯s location.


    that strange painting posture was quite eye-catching.


    lin zhuifeng and lin zhuifeng quietly walked behind an le.


    their gazes fell on the wooden board that had been set up.


    in the next moment, lin qingyin¡¯s pupils shrank. she looked into the painting as if madam hua was looking directly at her. that indescribable sadness spread out like paper, making lin qingyin¡¯s scalp tingle. under her thin clothes, goosebumps rose on her fair arms.


    lin zhuifeng, who was at the side, tightened her grip on the fire stick in her hand and was dumbfounded.


    ¡°heh, the handsome artist is godly. he¡¯s basically copied first madam onto paper. that old man¡¯s painting is tasteless compared to this!¡±


    liu qingyan: ¡°¡­¡±


    lin qingyin: ¡°¡­¡±

 Chapter 7

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    lin zhuifeng had always been a carefree person, and everyone in the lin mansion was used to it.


    however, when she shouted this time, in an instant, all the painters in the entire heavenly wave water pavilion raised their heads in shock with strange expressions.


    such a direct evaluation?!


    it was a little humiliating.


    master liu qingyan¡¯s face was flushed red. his hand that was holding the pen was trembling non-stop.


    lin qingyin recovered from the shock of an le¡¯s painting and hurriedly glared at lin zhuifeng.


    ¡°master liu, don¡¯t be angry. this girl is spouting nonsense.¡±


    lin qingyin gently apologized.


    only then did liu qingyan¡¯s expression ease up a lot, but his lips were still trembling. his paintings had been admired by countless courtesans in the industry, but this was the first time he had been evaluated like this.


    tasteless?!


    what did this woman know about paintings?!


    an le also came back to his senses at this moment. he looked at lin qingyin and lin zhuifeng beside him and cupped his fists.


    ¡°continue drawing. your drawing is too good!¡±


    lin zhuifeng became excited and urged an le to continue drawing.


    of course, she knew that she had said something wrong, but¡­ did it matter?


    if liu qingyan was angry, so be it. what was wrong with her saying the truth?


    lin zhuifeng¡¯s status in the lin residence was different. although she was a maid and had no parents since she was young, she was accepted into the lin residence because of her cultivation talent. she grew up with a few young masters and her ninth sister. she was treated as their own and cultivated with them. her status was very high and no one treated her as a maid.


    this made lin zhuifeng feel more confident. of course, she was more confident because of her cultivation level and the fire stick in her hand.


    lin qingyin no longer paid attention to liu qingyan because she also felt that an le was better at painting.


    she looked at an le with surprise in her eyes.


    an le¡¯s painting was too real.


    if not for the black and white color, lin zhuifeng would have thought that madam hua had been pressed into the painting.


    especially that gaze, that gaze that lin qingyin had memorized deeply!


    during the days when first master went to war, first madam¡¯s eyes were like this. they were filled with sadness and sorrow. her eyes expressed her worry and sorrow about sending her husband to war.


    at this moment, this gaze was like a piece of paper that had evoked lin qingyin¡¯s memories.


    ¡°it¡¯s really good.¡±


    lin qingyin softly murmured.


    in the distance, liu qingyan felt that these words were repeatedly humiliating him, and his expression became even uglier.


    however, he really did not believe that an le, a young artist, could surpass his decades of workmanship by painting with charcoal blocks.


    ¡°this artist was invited by miss lin, so miss lin naturally spoke up for him.¡±


    liu qingyan snorted coldly and began to draw even more seriously.


    an le immersed himself in painting again. the most important thing in realistic sketches was the realism, which was the resemblance. the form had to be similar, and the intent had to be similar.


    the eyes were the window to the soul. once the outline was in place, the highlights, lines, and so on would be grasped well. the charm would be there. it could basically be said that it was not an exaggeration to say that it was a black-and-white photo.


    he picked up the steamed bun and used it as an eraser. he wiped away the excess lines and gently rubbed the pads of his fingers. the lines were rubbed open, forming a gradually changing color.


    an le took a step back and pulled his mind away from the scene of observing the age qi. he was actually a little tired, but there was excitement in his eyes.


    in both his past and present lives, this was the work he was most proud of.


    on the paper, madam hua was sitting in an armchair. she was dressed in luxurious clothes and holding a cup of tea in her hand. her brows were filled with worry. her eyes seemed to have a story. when looking at her, one could vaguely see the back of a man riding his horse and playing the flute on the ancient road under the quiet rain.


    the painting was outlined with lines and was not messy. it was so clear that one could even catch a teardrop hanging on her eyelashes.


    madam hua had unknowingly appeared behind an le.


    the noblewoman stared blankly at the painting.


    the self in this painting reminded her of her melancholy self when she was bidding farewell to her husband.


    ¡°this is me¡ª¡±


    madam hua murmured.


    after a long time, madam hua retracted her gaze and took a deep look at an le. why did this young artist seem to have seen her extremely sad self when she bid farewell to her husband?


    that was obviously impossible.


    judging from this young man¡¯s age, at that time¡­ he had not been born yet.


    in other words, the young man found this emotion in her eyes and drew it out.


    ¡°this kind of painting looks very real. i¡¯m impressed, not bad at all.¡±


    madam hua was not stingy with her praise.


    the heavenly wave water pavilion was in an uproar. many painters had looks of disbelief on their faces. to be praised by madam hua, this painting must be extraordinary.


    many painters walked out from behind the table and moved behind an le. their gazes landed on the painting.


    at this glance, the painters were all silent.


    because¡­ this painting was too realistic!


    it was almost as if he was painting a real person on paper. this style was unprecedented.


    many painters shook their heads and sighed, ashamed of their inferiority.


    the lin residence had invited an artist this time to paint for the young masters who were about to go to war. they wanted to leave behind a painting so that they could take it out to look at the painting in the future. what they wanted was a realistic portrait.


    an le¡¯s painting did this perfectly. in comparison, many artists felt that their paintings were incomparable.


    master liu qingyan had finally finished drawing.


    he walked over in disbelief and his gaze landed on an le¡¯s painting.


    his pupils constricted.


    like the other painters, after a long silence, master liu silently rolled up his proud work.


    ¡°painting with a brush is the traditional painting method of great zhao,¡± said master liu stubbornly.


    ¡°old man, are you as talented as you are stubborn? isn¡¯t painting just drawing on paper? who said that you have to draw with a brush?¡± lin zhuifeng didn¡¯t like his bad habit and retorted directly.


    master liu was stunned. when he saw lin zhuifeng, he recalled how this girl had said that he drew like sh*t.


    ¡°it¡¯s just a dirty trick. it¡¯s not elegant.¡±


    master liu was filled with dissatisfaction. he flicked his sleeves and snorted.


    then, he bade farewell to madam hua. she glanced at master liu indifferently. when the other painters saw that master liu was about to leave, they followed him. madam hua did not ask them to stay. she asked the servants to send the painters off after paying the fare.


    in a short while, all the painters had left the heavenly wave water pavilion. everyone knew who the final candidate was.


    an le¡¯s lifelike painting made them self-aware.


    of course, many self-important artists did not admit that an le¡¯s painting was good. it was just that an le had used an unorthodox method and met the lin residence¡¯s requirements.


    just as master liu had said, painting with a brush was the orthodox way to convince the masses.


    ¡°how should i address you, young master?¡± madam hua looked at an le and asked gently.


    ¡°i¡¯m an le, from chongzhou. i¡¯m here to participate in the spring quarter examination.¡± an le cupped his hands and introduced himself.


    when madam hua heard this, her eyes were filled with surprise. ¡°so you¡¯re a young provincial scholar. no wonder your painting skills are so brilliant. the person in the painting seems to have come alive.¡±


    ¡°young master an, in that case, i might have to trouble you to paint for the young masters of the lin residence.¡±


    an le cupped his fists. ¡°i will do my best.¡±


    madam hua continued to admire the painting and said softly, ¡°this painting is very good. i like it very much. give it to me. i can give you a gift in return.¡±


    ¡°this is not a labor fee for the young masters¡¯ paintings. consider it an exchange between me and young master an.¡±


    an le was stunned. ¡°madam hua, you don¡¯t have to do this. this painting was originally drawn for you. if you like it, you can have it.¡±


    madam hua waved her hand. ¡°young master an, no need to reject. i don¡¯t benefit from others for no reason. this is the rule of the lin residence.¡±


    ¡°silver, gold, anything you want. i think this painting is worth it.¡±


    when an le heard this, his eyes lit up and he stopped being pretentious.


    he thought for a moment, cupped his fists again, and said seriously, ¡°madam hua, i was lucky enough to step foot into cultivation yesterday. however, because i missed out on cultivation, i couldn¡¯t obtain any profound books. it¡¯s difficult for me to continue on the path of cultivation in the future. today, i¡¯d like to use this painting to exchange for a decent cultivation book. if the painting isn¡¯t worth this price, the labor fee for painting for the young masters in the future can be included.¡±


    everyone in the heavenly wave water pavilion was surprised by an le¡¯s words.


    lin zhuifeng and lin qingyin couldn¡¯t help but glance at an le. they didn¡¯t expect this young man to want to continue on the path of cultivation.


    it was indeed too late for an le to complete the enlightenment of cultivation at his age. in the future, cultivation would definitely be difficult and there was not much hope.


    it was better to focus on learning and strive to try to enter list b of the imperial examination.


    madam hua¡¯s gaze landed on an le. naturally, she could capture an le¡¯s pitifully weak spiritual energy.


    it was indeed the initial step of cultivation enlightenment.


    however, madam hua suddenly recalled the moment when she looked into an le¡¯s eyes and her calm primordial spirit jumped.


    this young man¡­


    madam hua smiled gently, waved at an le, and walked towards the main hall of the water pavilion.


    after sitting elegantly on the chair, madam hua asked an le to sit down and ordered someone to pour tea for him.


    ¡°how old is young master an now?¡±


    ¡°do you know the cultivation realms?¡±


    madam hua took a sip of tea and asked softly.


    an le stroked his celadon teacup and said slowly, ¡°i¡¯m already 18 years old. because i buried my head in studying for the imperial examination, i missed out on cultivation. i don¡¯t know the cultivation realms of the world.¡±


    in the quiet heavenly wave water pavilion, the young man¡¯s dao heart was like weeds on flat ground, growing again when the spring wind blew.


    madam hua smiled gently.


    ¡°in that case, i¡¯ll light a green lamp for young master an¡¯s cultivation path.¡±

 Chapter 8

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    the water pavilion was quiet. a gentle breeze stirred the calm surface of the pool, causing ripples.


    madam hua stroked the celadon cup gently.


    ¡°the emergence of cultivators dates back to ten thousand years ago. at that time, qi practitioners were the most prevalent in the world. people called them immortals. later, qi practitioners entered the mortal world to preach the dao and developed into the hundred schools of philosophy.¡±


    ¡°in that era, the hundred schools of philosophy were fighting for supremacy. however, with the appearance of the emperor who swept through the six directions, the four seas, and ruled the world, he used martial arts to reach qi refinement, he unified the languages and literature, and the rules of cultivation were established. from that moment on, cultivation had order and direction.¡±


    madam hua said calmly.


    she was talking about some secrets that an le had never heard of before. she even began to trace the origins of cultivation.


    ¡°of course, in the next few thousand years, the path of cultivation continued to develop and multiply, giving birth to many talented people. however, they were ultimately unable to escape the tempering of time. therefore, cultivation is also a process of pursuing the continuation of life.¡±


    ¡°in today¡¯s world, you should know that great zhao has moved south and the central plains is completely occupied by foreign races north of the blue wave river. currently, the number one expert in the world is the emperor of the yuan meng empire. looking northwest, he shot a heavenly immortal with a bow and shot an arrow that opened the heavenly gate. the immortal was stained with blood.¡±


    the number one expert in the world, emperor yuan meng¡­ it was said that he was a peerless expert who had forced great zhao to move south just by breaking through.


    an le took a deep breath and was extremely shocked.


    ¡°in addition to the number one emperor yuan meng in the world, there was also a wheelchair-bound imperial advisor in dali. he cut open the sky with one finger and attracted the sea of stars beyond the heavens. his charm was peerless. in addition, the father and son of west liang used martial arts to enter the demonic path and infected the huge country. they sacrificed tens of thousands of people to build the skeleton temple alive and refined a demonic saber. they cut down a rain of blood in the human world and exchanged it for the yuan meng empire¡¯s troops to retreat three thousand miles.¡±


    madam hua took a sip of tea and slowly spoke about the strongest in the world.


    just from her words, one could feel the terrifying oppression. even though an le knew that this world was extraordinary, he was still shocked by the strangeness.


    madam hua glanced at an le and chuckled. ¡°of course, great zhao isn¡¯t weak either. peerless generals appear frequently, and there¡¯s even the sacred mountain, the literary department, and the martial temple which are three factions that have experts who have left the world and are independent. this is also one of the reasons why emperor yuan meng doesn¡¯t dare to advance south easily.¡±


    this was the clearest understanding of the cultivation powerhouses in the world that an le had heard so far.


    ¡°young master an, you became a provincial scholar at the age of 18 and participated in the spring quarter examination. now, you¡¯ve even stepped into cultivation. your goal should be to become a scholar on the imperial examination list a, right?¡±


    madam hua took a sip of tea.


    ¡°there¡¯s hope, but my cultivation level is very low after all. i can only do my best.¡± an le said.


    madam hua nodded. ¡°the sacred mountain, the literary department, and the martial temple are like three mountains that stand tall in great zhao. the sacred mountain is extraordinary, and the literary department and the martial temple are constantly competing. they recruit disciples from the list a scholar rankings. only by entering list a can you have the chance to enter the literary department and the martial temple to continue your cultivation.¡±


    this was the first time an le knew. his eyes were filled with splendor, and his heart was indeed filled with ambition.


    ¡°the literary department and the martial temple collect all the cultivation techniques in the world. they are all extraordinary techniques. if young master an wants to cultivate a profound technique, you can only enter one of these two.¡±


    ¡°and this literary department and the martial temple can cover the current cultivation system of great zhao. the literary department can refine the spirit, and the martial temple can temper the body.¡±


    ¡°the literary department¡¯s spirit refinement naturally cultivates the mind. they grasp the mental power. it is divided into the stages of meditation, embryonic breath, shedding mortality, primordial spirit, oblivion, and so on¡­ a powerful mind cultivator can move mountains with a thought, overturn rivers with a thought, and attract thunder from the sky with a thought.¡±


    ¡°however, the path of cultivation is not only about spirit refinement. physique is also very important. the martial temple¡¯s body tempering cultivates the physique. the first five realms are qi blood awakening, spirit bone forging, inner core condensation, mystic intent, and connate realm. as for the realms above this, it¡¯s not beneficial for you to know now.¡±


    madam hua spoke unhurriedly and slowly explained the realms of cultivation to an le. the doubts that lingered in an le¡¯s heart were easily resolved.


    ¡°on the path of cultivation, you can¡¯t only cultivate one path. you have to cultivate spirit refinement and body tempering at the same time. according to your talent, choose your focus. spirit refinement can allow you to eliminate your inner demons and prevent filth from touching your body. body tempering can allow you to be unharmed in front of the lightning tribulation. both are very important.¡±


    when an le heard this, his eyes lit up and his heart surged. he couldn¡¯t help but pick up his teacup and take a big gulp.


    madam hua looked at an le and smiled.


    what she said was actually not profound, nor was it secretive. if an le had stepped into cultivation in his early years, someone would have imparted this knowledge in cultivation.


    therefore, madam hua did not intend to use this information to exchange for an le¡¯s painting that she liked.


    ¡°madam hua, the literary department¡¯s spirit refinement, the martial temple¡¯s body tempering, what about the sacred mountain?¡± an le pondered for a moment and asked curiously.


    ¡°sacred mountain¡­¡± when madam hua heard this, she couldn¡¯t help but moisten her lips.


    ¡°there are sacred teachers on the sacred mountain of the central plains. sacred teachers transcend the world. other than sacred teachers, there are also mountain lords on the sacred mountain. every mountain lord is an extremely talented person. being able to enter the sacred mountain is the wish of countless cultivators in great zhao because those who can enter the sacred mountain represent recognized talent.¡±


    ¡°sacred mountain lords, be it in spirit refinement or body tempering, are all top-notch experts.¡±


    ¡°but since the founding of great zhao, the number of elites who have entered the sacred mountain can be counted on one hand.¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s a saying in the world that sacred mountain is not great zhao¡¯s sacred mountain, but the central plains¡¯ sacred mountain.¡±


    madam hua¡¯s gaze was a little ethereal. she turned her head and looked outside lin¡¯an city. she seemed to see a blurry mountain that was unattainable. it towered into the nine heavens and spanned through the ages.


    an le couldn¡¯t help but look forward to it. however, he was still very self-aware. those who had to enter the sacred mountain had extraordinary talent. if not for the help of the age qi, it would be difficult for him to even cultivate.


    hence, he had no designs on sacred mountain.


    however, he really had the intention of making it into the imperial examination¡¯s list a scholar ranking.


    madam hua retracted her gaze and looked at an le. she seemed to have thought of something and felt that it was a little ridiculous. she shook her head and did not think about it.


    ¡°zhuifeng, young master an is curious about martial arts. show him what a body tempering martial artist is.¡±


    madam hua looked at zhuifeng and said.


    lin zhuifeng grinned and took a step forward without any shyness. the qi blood in her body roared under her skin. her thin body was like a tiger waking up.


    the fire stick at her waist slid into her hand.


    lin zhuifeng looked at an le and smiled. ¡°young master an, watch carefully!¡±


    as soon as she finished speaking, the two ends of the fire stick in lin zhuifeng¡¯s hand extended naturally, turning into a two-meter-long stick. as she pulled out the stick, it emitted a whistling sound, and waves rose as it swung!


    the aura that spread out almost suffocated an le.


    in the end, lin zhuifeng struck the rockery with her rod. the rockery was pierced through like soft tofu.


    lin zhuifeng even playfully flicked the rod, causing it to sway.


    ¡°body tempering martial artists have powerful physiques. their strength and speed far exceed ordinary people. their killing power is extremely strong.¡±


    madam hua chuckled. ¡°as for spirit refinement¡­¡±


    ¡°this is what it looks like.¡±


    madam hua raised a finger and pointed at the large pool in the heavenly wave water pavilion from afar. the water in the pool was actually pulled out invisibly, turning into a water pillar that spewed out, winding in midair like the roar of a python.


    this mystical phenomenon impacted an le¡¯s worldview!


    madam hua retracted her finger, and the python collapsed into a torrential rain. countless water droplets fell into the pool.


    ¡°spirit refinement and body tempering are roughly like this.¡±


    ¡°young master an, do you still have any doubts?¡±


    an le¡¯s mouth went dry. was this spirit refinement?


    it made one¡¯s scalp tingle!


    the martial dao was domineering, and the spirit refinement was ethereal.


    in comparison, his neutered version of zhao zu¡¯s long fist was simply like a joke. it was filled with shame when he used it.


    ¡°thank you for clearing my doubts, madam hua. i¡¯ve broadened my horizons.¡±


    an le calmed himself down and thanked her.


    madam hua shook her head. ¡°these are just simple introductions to cultivation. it¡¯s nothing.¡±


    ¡°i see that you¡¯re very interested in cultivation. how about this? i¡¯ll give you a cultivation manual for spirit refinement and body tempering. how about that?¡±


    when an le heard this, his entire body trembled and he hurriedly stood up. ¡°madam hua, one of my paintings is not worth two precious cultivation manuals¡­¡±


    however, before an le could finish speaking, madam hua raised her hand and two yellow-skinned books appeared on her snow-white palm. the books were surrounded by wisps of spiritual energy. clearly, these books were extraordinary. they were definitely not common goods like the enlightenment version of zhao zu¡¯s long fist.


    ¡°young master an, first of all, your painting has captured my heart and made me recall some things from the past. although it¡¯s sad, i miss it very much. secondly, i¡¯ll give you the cultivation manuals as a form of goodwill. if you can learn the manuals i gave you and become a scholar on the list a rankings, and even have the chance to enter his majesty¡¯s palace and take the hall examination, i¡¯ll be honored and gain a good reputation.¡±


    madam hua smiled and waved her hand, handing two yellow books to an le.


    an le understood. this was what investment meant.


    however, the investment was probably just an additional goal. after all, an le¡¯s cultivation level was too low and he was too old to be enlightened. it was mostly because of the painting that moved madam hua.


    ¡°thank you, madam hua.¡±


    an le dusted his clothes seriously and cupped his hands.


    ¡°spirit refinement and body tempering are not easy. you can¡¯t be too anxious. you¡¯ve been enlightened late, so cultivate calmly. don¡¯t be anxious. in addition, you can use the time when you are painting for the young masters to look for zhuifeng or me to ask questions about cultivation. with someone guiding you on the path of cultivation, you can avoid many detours,¡± madam hua said slowly.


    an le thanked her again. he took the two books excitedly and looked at them.


    the first yellow book was a body tempering secret manual. on the cover was the ¡°five animals body tempering technique¡±!


    the second volume was a cultivation technique for the mind. it was called the ¡°sword waterfall diagram¡±!

 Chapter 9

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    two precious books with bright yellow covers landed in an le¡¯s hands.


    ¡°the ¡®five animals body tempering technique¡¯ is considered a rather high-level technique in the lin residence. after all, you¡¯re not a disciple of the lin residence, so i can¡¯t give you the core body tempering manual of the lin residence, but it¡¯s enough. at least in the first five realms of body tempering, it won¡¯t be much different from a top-notch technique. if you have the opportunity in the future, you can choose a higher technique to replace it.¡±


    madam hua drank her tea and said calmly, ¡°as for the sword waterfall diagram, it¡¯s a top-notch mental cultivation technique for spirit refinement. it¡¯s a personal gift from me to you. if you have any doubts when you cultivate, you can ask me. when i was young, i also cultivated the sword waterfall diagram. although i¡¯ve changed my mental cultivation technique now, i still have some insights.¡±


    ¡°of course, if you don¡¯t have any great opportunities in your life, the sword waterfall diagram will be enough for you to temper your mind.¡±


    madam hua introduced the next two books to an le.


    be it the five animals body tempering technique or the sword waterfall diagram, they were not books that ordinary forces in the outside world could obtain. it could be said that an le had obtained a huge opportunity on this trip to the lin residence!


    the sword waterfall diagram was a mental cultivation technique that madam hua had practiced when she was young, so it was naturally extraordinary.


    an le was overjoyed and felt that this trip was not in vain.


    ¡°alright, go through the books in the water pavilion first. i¡¯ll present your painting to the matriarch. whether you can stay in the lin residence will depend on her.¡±


    madam hua stood up and did not continue chatting with an le.


    an le also stood up and bowed. when he found out that the painting was for the matriarch to observe, he was still a little nervous and uneasy.


    if he could stay in the lin residence, an le would have endless opportunities.


    there were many cultivators in the lin residence. every day, when they went to the lin residence, they could give an le some age qi.


    if the painting was not chosen, even though madam hua said that he could come and ask her about the mental cultivation technique, without a proper identity, it would be embarrassing if an le went to the lin residence every day.


    ¡°ninth sister, zhuifeng, accompany young master an. i¡¯ll go to the heavenly wave pavilion to meet the matriarch.¡± madam hua said.


    lin zhuifeng and lin qingyin nodded.


    madam hua wrapped up an le¡¯s sketch and leisurely walked towards the eight treasures heavy eaves waterdrop heavenly wave pavilion that was emitting smoke.


    ¡°young master an, if you finish drawing for the young masters, can you also draw one for me and ninth sister?¡±


    ¡°we really like your paintings.¡± lin zhuifeng grinned.


    perhaps it was because an le had gained madam hua¡¯s recognition, lin zhuifeng¡¯s attitude became more familiar and friendly.


    ¡°of course,¡± an le agreed with a smile. it was all thanks to lin qingyin¡¯s discerning eyes that he was able to come to the lin residence and obtain this opportunity. he naturally wouldn¡¯t reject it, nor did he have any reason to reject it.


    ¡°thank you very much, young master an. alright, zhuifeng, we won¡¯t disturb young master an¡¯s reading of the books.¡± ninth sister lin qingyin smiled.


    then, she pulled lin zhuifeng out of the main hall and strolled to the side of the pool. she took some steamed bun crumbs and teased the ornamental fish in the pool.


    an le retracted his gaze and took a deep breath to calm himself down.


    he thought for a moment and placed the five animals body tempering technique aside. he took the sword waterfall diagram and slowly opened it.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    eight treasures heavy eaves waterdrop heavenly wave pavilion.


    in the building, the smell of sandalwood lingered, and the smell of burning cigarettes spread from the carved wooden window.


    after madam hua went upstairs, she held the painting and knelt quietly on the futon, silently waiting for the old man in the room to recite the scriptures.


    perhaps sensing madam hua¡¯s arrival, the chanting slowly slowed down.


    ¡°jiebing, have you chosen a painter?¡±


    an old voice came from the room.


    madam hua slowly raised her head, her long eyelashes trembling slightly as she looked into the room. she could see that behind the screen painting the ink mountains and rivers, an old woman with a hunched back turned his head and seemed to look over.


    even through the screen, madam hua could feel that heavy and deep gaze.


    ¡°matriarch, it¡¯s chosen. this is the work of the artist. please take a look.¡± madam hua said softly.


    using her primordial spirit to control an le¡¯s sketch, it floated into the room.


    after the sketch landed behind the screen, the old woman held the sketch and slowly unfolded it.


    the old woman¡¯s figure reflected on the screen froze slightly.


    after a long time, a sigh sounded, ¡°this artist¡­ can actually draw so vividly. this charm is as if he had personally seen the final meeting between you and my son¡­¡±


    ¡°this artist is very special.¡±


    ¡°jiebing, this is enough. let¡¯s choose him.¡±


    the old woman¡¯s voice was gentle.


    madam hua pursed her red lips when she heard that. ¡°thank you, matriarch.¡±


    the painting scroll floated out of the room and landed in hua jiebing¡¯s hand. she stood up, bowed slightly, and was about to turn around and leave.


    ¡°jiebing.¡±


    suddenly, behind the screen in the room, the old woman spoke again.


    madam hua stopped and looked back in confusion. ¡°what instructions do you have?¡±


    the old woman in the room seemed to be silent for a moment before speaking slowly.


    ¡°his majesty has chosen two gifts for the hall examination this time. among them¡­ my son¡¯s golden edge saber, storm calming, is one of them.¡±


    as soon as the old woman finished speaking, madam hua¡¯s delicate body suddenly trembled.


    after a long time, madam hua bowed. ¡°i understand¡­ i¡¯ll control myself.¡±


    with that, madam hua left heavenly wave pavilion.


    after a long time, a sigh came from behind the screen.


    ¡°sigh, i¡¯m really old¡­¡±


    ¡­


    ¡­


    the first thing he saw was a complicated introduction. an le read it silently.


    ¡°the ancient saints observed it in the sky, calculated it in numbers, examined it in ease, pushed it in speed, took it in person, proved it in theory, bent it to its principles, gathered in a group, and taught the people¡­¡±


    after reading the introduction, he continued to flip through it. what he saw was the content of the sword waterfall diagram, having both drawings and words.


    in the first diagram, there was a sword. there were patterns on the sword, and the patterns were intertwined. an le only took a look and felt that the sword seemed to come alive. his temples were slightly throbbing, and he felt as if he was being pricked by needles. it spread in his mind. although it did not hurt, it made him uncomfortable.


    an le looked away and panted slightly after observing the diagram for a moment.


    ¡°the first diagram of the sword waterfall diagram only has one sword. how can it form a waterfall? how sharp is the sword to form a waterfall? how can the mind withstand it? wouldn¡¯t it be riddled with holes by this sword waterfall?¡±


    an le exhaled and closed his eyes to calm himself down.


    then, he opened his eyes and flipped through the pages. as expected, more and more sword diagrams were drawn on the subsequent diagrams. in the end, there were thousands of swords hanging on one diagram, descending like a waterfall from the nine heavens!


    it was too terrifying. it was as if he had been cut into pieces.


    however, if a person¡¯s mind could withstand the impact of such a sword waterfall, how powerful would it be?


    at the thought of this, an le¡¯s heart burned with passion.


    the first realm of spirit refinement was meditation.


    there was also an introduction in the sword waterfall diagram. when one looked at the diagram and entered meditation, one¡¯s mind would be immersed. they would ignore the interference of external objects and enter the state of serenity. at that time, it would create the illusion that their body would become larger and larger, so large that it would fill the world.


    when this phenomenon subsided, his mind was clear and he entered meditation.


    the meditation method of the sword waterfall diagram was to look at the sword waterfall diagram and cut off the five distractions. then, he would sense serenity and enter meditation.


    an le naturally couldn¡¯t do it now. the piercing pain in his mind after looking at the painting made him unable to calm down.


    however, an le did not give up. he flipped back to the first page and continued to observe the sword diagram.


    the water pavilion was quiet and the spring breeze blew gently. the young man sat upright on a sandalwood chair, holding a bright yellow scroll in his hand like a sculpture.


    one breath, two breaths, three breaths¡­


    the longer an le observed the sword diagram, the longer he lasted.


    he even felt like he was about to reach the meditation state.


    ¡°cultivation genius dao fruit¡­ and sword dancer dao fruit?¡±


    an le came to a realization.


    the age dao fruit [sword dancer] could enhance his comprehension of everything related to the sword. the sword waterfall diagram was naturally related to the sword.


    the [cultivation genius] dao fruit increased his speed during cultivation. with the support of the two, an le was quickly approaching meditation.


    however, an le was not satisfied.


    the feeling of being stuck in meditation but unable to do so was very uncomfortable.


    since that was the case, he had an idea.


    a screen of light appeared in front of him.


    ¡­


    [name: an le]


    [age qi: 3 wisps]


    [age dao fruit: cultivation genius (0/10), sword dancer (0/10)]


    [cultivation technique: qi drawing breathing technique (1 wisp), sword waterfall diagram (0 wisp)]


    [skill: zhao zu¡¯s long fist (incomplete) (1 wisp)]


    ¡­


    there were still three wisps of age qi left. previously, he had painstakingly extracted a trace of golden age qi from madam hua. after that, an le could no longer continue to absorb the age qi, even if he had to change partners.


    an le guessed that it had something to do with madam hua¡¯s powerful cultivation.


    however, it was not a big problem. that was not what an le cared about now.


    he planned to use the age qi now, but he did not know which one to choose.


    enhance the sword waterfall diagram? however, the enhancement of age qi only allowed an le to familiarize himself with the operation of the sword waterfall diagram faster.


    it was not that an le did not know how to operate. with the enhancement of the two age dao fruits, he had already mastered the first diagram of the sword waterfall diagram. the problem was that he was stuck at the bottleneck of meditation.


    therefore, an le decided to add all three wisps of age qi to the dao fruit [cultivation genius]. what he lacked now was a little comprehension!


    one wisp, two wisps, three wisps!


    [cultivation genius (3/10)]


    gray age qi burned in spirals, and images flashed past rapidly. there were scenes of constable huang practicing his saber in the rain, as well as lin zhuifeng playing with a stick in the snow. they were all scenes of them mastering martial arts and feeling a sense of accomplishment.


    every time the age qi burned, an le felt that his entire body had undergone an imperceptible transformation.


    he, who was originally stuck at the bottleneck of meditation, naturally broke through the shackles, and a state of serenity appeared.


    in his mind, he seemed to be getting bigger and bigger, so big that even the universe could not hide him!


    the world fell silent.


    in the water pavilion, the youth¡¯s breathing was long and soft.


    the first diagram of the sword waterfall diagram became clearer and clearer in front of him.


    in an le¡¯s mind, his mind floated and seemed to have transformed into a sword light that cut through the serene phenomenon and roamed the world.


    at the heavenly wave pavilion.


    madam hua had just walked out of the door with the painting in her hand when she raised her eyebrows slightly and looked at the middle of the water pavilion through the large pool.


    the young man seemed to be slashing at serenity with his sword¡­


    he entered meditation with a thought.

 Chapter 10

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    he started cultivating at the age of 18. his talent could be said to be very poor.


    a top-notch spirit refinement technique like the sword waterfall diagram was actually a waste to an le because he might not even be able to cultivate the third diagram in this life.


    however, madam hua was wrong.


    as soon as she walked out of the heavenly wave pavilion, she felt the restless breeze in the air. the youth was sitting in the main hall of the water pavilion with his eyes closed. his breathing was long and quiet.


    with madam hua¡¯s spirit refinement cultivation, she could naturally tell that an le had completed meditation!


    the first realm of spirit refinement, meditation¡­


    an le actually mastered it so quickly?


    how long had it been since madam hua arrived at the heavenly wave pavilion? she had only met the matriarch and chatted with her for 45 minutes, and the youth had already reached the meditation realm?


    such talent¡­ was definitely extraordinary!


    even she took half an hour to enter meditation back then.


    ¡°this young man¡­ actually has such talent in the aspect of spirit refinement? has he matured late?¡±


    madam hua¡¯s eyes sparkled as curiosity and love for talent rose in her heart.


    ¡°it¡¯s a pity that he started too late. if he had started earlier¡­ we might have been able to place our hopes on this young man to fight for the top position in the hall examination and win back my husband¡¯s storm calming.¡±


    his majesty used storm calming as a ceremony for the hall examination. this was naturally revealing some obscure intentions to the civil and military officials.


    this storm calming was clearly prepared for the lin residence. if the lin residence wanted to obtain the storm calming, they would definitely not be able to maintain their neutrality. unless¡­ a peerless figure who was equally neutral but could amaze the world in the hall examination appeared.


    however, such a person¡­ was extremely difficult to find.


    madam hua did not place her hopes on someone like him. she had promised the matriarch that she would endure it, but if she could not, she would not bear it. at most¡­ she would return to accompany her master and never set foot in the mortal world again.


    madam hua sighed softly.


    entering meditation in 45 minutes was considered outstanding in the dao of spirit refinement. the ¡°sword waterfall diagram¡± was passed down to an le, so it was not buried.


    of course, meditation was only the beginning. the embryonic breath, shedding mortality, primordial spirit, and other realms after that were all difficult.


    madam hua composed herself and returned to the main hall of the water pavilion.


    after an le exited meditation, he felt that the world seemed to have become clearer, and there seemed to be a power stirring in his body.


    ¡°that¡¯s the power of the mind. young master an has just entered meditation and the mental power is still weak. in the future, you will have to meditate diligently every day to temper your mind. in the future, you will be able to control the mental power and use magical methods.¡± madam hua said softly.


    meditation?


    lin qingyin and lin zhuifeng looked over in surprise. they had only fed the fish for a while and an le had already completed his meditation?


    with such talent, why couldn¡¯t he complete the enlightenment of cultivation previously?


    ¡°young master an, you were toying around before this? why couldn¡¯t you be enlightened if you had the talent to enter meditation in 45 minutes?¡± lin zhuifeng was straightforward and looked at an le strangely.


    an le was at a loss for words. then, he said seriously, ¡°miss zhuifeng, who would treat cultivation enlightenment as a joke? cultivation has to be done as early as possible. the earlier you come into contact with cultivation, the more benefits you will receive.¡±


    ¡°could it be that i deliberately started late for some reason?¡±


    lin zhuifeng agreed with her.


    after all, no one would be stupid enough to delay his progress. in other words, this handsome artist was really talented in spirit refinement. unfortunately, he started too late and fell too far behind others. his achievements were limited.


    lin zhuifeng sighed. she looked at the young man¡¯s handsome face and felt pitiful. why was such a good-looking person so unlucky?


    lin qingyin also noticed it and felt a little regretful.


    ¡°it¡¯s alright. young master an is an 18-year-old scholar. he¡¯s even more talented in studying. in the future, he¡¯ll be able to rise to the top and worry about worldly affairs. he won¡¯t be mediocre in his life.¡± lin qingyin said gently.


    an le smiled and cupped his fists at lin qingyin. ¡°thank you for your blessings, miss ninth.¡±


    lin qingyin covered her mouth and smiled. she nodded quietly.


    zhuifeng and ninth sister could be said to be two extremes. one was carefree and the other was quiet and elegant.


    ¡°alright, young master an is indeed talented in spirit refinement. if you have any questions when you visualize the sword waterfall diagram in the future, you can look for me,¡± madam hua said.


    ¡°thank you, madam hua.¡± an le was overjoyed.


    madam hua¡¯s words made him understand that the matriarch had probably approved of his painting and agreed to let him stay in the lin residence to paint for the young masters.


    ¡°the matriarch appreciates your painting and agrees to let you stay. young master an, let¡¯s talk about the labor fees. in the future, when you paint for the young masters, the fee for each painting will be ten origin spirit coins. what do you think?¡± madam hua asked.


    when an le heard this, his heart trembled and he almost lost control of his expression.


    one origin spirit coin could be exchanged for 10 taels of gold and was worth 300 taels of silver!


    in other words, a painting was worth 3,000 taels of silver?!


    the rich and imposing lin residence!


    ¡°every time you paint for the young masters, your standard must not be too much worse than this painting. i will say this first. ten origin spirit coins are not that easy to obtain,¡± madam hua said indifferently.


    an le cupped his fists and said solemnly, ¡°i will naturally do my best. if it¡¯s not as good as this painting, i won¡¯t take a single cent.¡±


    madam hua¡¯s expression eased. she ordered the maidservant beside her to bring over a money bag. ¡°we¡¯ll give you ten origin spirit coins as a deposit first. young master an can come to the lin residence tomorrow to paint.¡±


    when an le heard this, he looked happy and took the money bag. however, he could hear the crisp sound of coins colliding.


    ¡°thank you, madam.¡± an le was sincerely grateful. he did not have much money and even had to earn money on the spot. now that he had these ten origin spirit coins, he could be considered to have resolved a temporary problem.


    madam hua sat on the chair and sipped her tea. she nodded slightly. ¡°zhuifeng, send young master an off.¡±


    ¡°alright.¡± lin zhuifeng grinned.


    she and an le crossed the small white jade bridge and strolled along the side of the large pool towards the exit of the residence.


    lin qingyin stood quietly for a moment before suddenly looking at madam hua. ¡°first madam, i want to ask young master an for guidance on this sketching method.¡±


    madam hua was stunned. she glanced at ninth sister and said dotingly, ¡°if you want to learn, learn. go and ask young master an.¡±


    after lin qingyin bowed, she quickly chased after an le and lin zhuifeng.


    the heavenly wave water pavilion regained its silence.


    madam hua slowly unfolded the sketch and looked at herself in the painting. her eyes were filled with sadness that matched the person in the painting.


    ¡°husband, your saber¡­ i¡¯ll do my best to retrieve it even if i have to die.¡±


    ¡°husband¡¯s saber will return to heavenly wave pavilion.¡±


    ¡­


    ¡­


    outside the lin residence.


    an le cupped his fists at lin zhuifeng in farewell. miss zhuifeng had a fire stick on her waist and waved her hand.


    ¡°young master an, there¡¯s no need to be so polite. from now on, we¡¯re on the same side. please don¡¯t be reserved. if there¡¯s anything you don¡¯t understand about the five animals body tempering technique, you can ask me. i¡¯ve learned it for a while in the past.¡±


    lin zhuifeng laughed heartily.


    when an le heard this, a smile appeared on his face. ¡°then i¡¯ll have to trouble you in the future. i hope miss zhuifeng won¡¯t find it annoying.¡±


    ¡°no, no. you¡¯re handsome. i won¡¯t find you annoying.¡± lin zhuifeng was very direct.


    was this someone who treated people based on their looks?


    ¡°then i¡¯ll take my leave first.¡±


    an le turned around and was about to leave.


    however, a voice called out from behind him, ¡°young master an, please wait.¡±


    an le was stunned. he turned around in confusion and saw lin qingyin trotting out.


    ¡°what¡¯s the matter, miss ninth?¡± an le asked in confusion.


    ¡°young master an, i am very interested in your sketching technique. can i ask you for guidance and learn this sketching technique?¡± lin qingyin asked.


    an le thought there was something wrong, but it turned out that she wanted to learn how to sketch. that was naturally not a problem.


    sketching was the foundation of painting, so it was not difficult to teach.


    there was a smile in her eyes. ¡°since miss ninth wants to learn, i will naturally teach you seriously. miss ninth, miss zhuifeng, see you tomorrow.¡±


    with that, an le turned around and left elegantly.


    ¡°young master an agreed just like that?¡± lin qingyin looked at an le¡¯s departing figure and was slightly stunned. she did not expect an le to agree so readily.


    ¡°ninth sister, you want to learn sketching, don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re coveting mr. an¡¯s beauty?¡±


    lin zhuifeng¡¯s interest was piqued. she held ninth sister¡¯s slender arm and muttered softly. before ninth sister, whose face had turned red from anger, could flare up, she hurriedly changed his words.


    ¡°this sketch is quite interesting. it looks like the real thing. why don¡¯t i join in the fun tomorrow and learn it together?¡±


    ¡°lin zhuifeng! if you continue to tease me, i¡¯ll tell second uncle and you¡¯ll suffer! as for learning sketching, you¡¯re only interested in martial arts. it¡¯ll be good enough if you can last two hours for poetry, calligraphy, and painting.¡±


    the young girls whispered into each other¡¯s ears and chatted happily as they returned to the residence.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    the lin residence was located deep in the long street, close to the imperial city. there were few people here, and the people passing by were all officials with status.


    the stone tablet jade shop in front of the lin residence was the symbol of the lin residence¡¯s status. all the officials passing by had to get off their horses and walk. this caused fewer and fewer officials to pass by the lin residence.


    an le left the lin residence and stepped on the limestone road. he was in a good mood.


    on the path of cultivation, madam hua lit a green lamp for him and even gave him two books, the five animals body tempering technique and the sword waterfall diagram. his gains could be said to be beyond imagination.


    moreover, other than that, he had also obtained the qualifications to paint for the young masters of the lin residence. it was equivalent to having a stable high-paying job.


    at the very least, he did not have to worry about money while preparing for the examination in lin¡¯an prefecture.


    he could devote himself to reading and cultivation.


    an le walked happily towards the bustling street.


    there was a luxurious carriage parked by the roadside. the horse pulling the carriage had bright brown fur and a broad back. the muscles on its body were extremely obvious. it was an expensive and good horse.


    an le took a look and praised the horse¡¯s elegance in his heart. suddenly, an le looked at the carriage.


    in the window of the carriage carved with beasts, a refined man placed his palm on the silk curtain that covered the sun and looked into an le¡¯s eyes.


    facing an le¡¯s gaze, the man smiled gently and let go. the curtain fell and he looked away.


    an le retracted his gaze and exhaled. he felt that it was a pity.


    in his eyes, this refined man had at least 20 to 30 wisps of age qi. although he could not compare to madam hua, he had more than miss zhuifeng and fairy yun rou.


    unfortunately, his ability to absorb age qi had exhausted all his strength on madam hua. at this moment, it was so weak that it did not move at all. he had to rest for a night to recover. otherwise, an le would definitely take a wisp of it!


    with a sigh, an le did not linger any longer. his figure gradually blurred at the end of the long street and blended into the crowd.


    in the carriage.


    the elegant man was dressed in beautiful clothes and leaned lazily against the wall of the carriage. there was a sandalwood table in front of him with two cups of hot tea on it.


    ¡°what an elegant young man. this young man¡¯s gaze¡­ is so strange and interesting.¡± the man picked up a cup and shook it gently as he muttered.


    then, the man stopped and glanced at the figure sitting opposite him.


    ¡°master liu qingyan, have some tea.¡±

 Chapter 11

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    the figure sitting opposite the man was liu qingyan, the painter who had not been chosen and had left the lin residence.


    at this moment, liu qingyan lowered his head, looking uneasy.


    hearing the man¡¯s words, he hesitated for a moment before reaching out and grabbing the teacup with trembling hands. the tea in the cup almost spilled out. just as it was about to reach his mouth, the man spoke again.


    ¡°you took my five origin spirit coins and said that you would definitely be chosen by the lin residence to paint for the young masters of the lin residence. but now¡­ the one chosen is that youth. you still have the cheek to drink tea in front of me?¡±


    the man drank the tea in his cup and said coldly.


    liu qingyan pouted and froze. he did not know whether to drink the tea or not.


    putting down his teacup, liu qingyan said helplessly, ¡°there was no helping it¡­¡±


    ¡°if it was a normal painting, with my decades of experience, i would naturally be able to easily take it down. however, that young man used an unorthodox painting method and happened to hit madam hua¡¯s weakness. i¡­ am also depressed.¡±


    ¡°i don¡¯t care about that. i only care about the outcome.¡± the man said, ¡°now, i¡¯ll give you two choices. one, you took five origin spirit coins from me but failed to do anything. return 500 now.¡±


    liu qingyan shuddered when he heard that. ¡°how can i take out 500 origin spirit coins?!¡±


    the man finished his tea and placed the cup on the table. he shook his head. ¡°what does it have to do with me whether you can take it out or not? we agreed back then that you would take the money to do the job. if it succeeds, everyone will be happy. if it doesn¡¯t, you will return it double.¡±


    ¡°this isn¡¯t doubling, this is 100 times!¡± liu qingyan¡¯s expression was as uncomfortable as if he had eaten sh*t.


    ¡°i¡¯m just working for someone else. this origin spirit coin was paid by the young master of the qin family¡­ how dare you take it? are you not afraid?¡± the man said calmly.


    when liu qingyan heard this, fear spread throughout his body. for some reason, cold sweat broke out on his forehead.


    the qin residence was the residence of the prime minister of great zhao. everyone in lin¡¯an knew about it.


    liu qingyan had long heard of the young master of the qin residence. he was an unreachable existence!


    since he was unattainable, he naturally could not afford to offend him.


    ¡°young¡­ young master qin¡­ what¡­¡± liu qingyan was so shocked that he could not even speak clearly.


    perhaps he dared to put on airs in the lin residence because they had been loyal for generations and were famous for being easy to talk to. however, in front of the qin residence, he did not dare to act recklessly, especially young master qin. everyone in the lin¡¯an prefecture knew that he was temperamental.


    ¡°there are a lot of things at stake. you don¡¯t need to know.¡±


    ¡°the second choice is that i don¡¯t need you to return the money, but i need you to contribute.¡±


    the man tapped his fingers lightly on the table. the crisp sound echoed in the car, making liu qingyan even more nervous.


    ¡°tell me, if i can do it, i¡¯ll do my best!¡± liu qingyan hurriedly said.


    ¡°you monopolized the painting business of the girls on the pleasure boats and earned a lot of money. i also know that you specially raised many hired thugs to deal with some painters who threatened your business.¡±


    ¡°so ¡­¡±


    ¡°because you weren¡¯t chosen by the lin residence, you were jealous and held a grudge. you sent thugs to break this young painter¡¯s hands and made him unable to paint.¡±


    the sound of his fingertips colliding with the table suddenly stopped.


    the man looked at liu qingyan and said calmly without any fluctuations in his voice.


    it was as if breaking the young man¡¯s hands was as common as breaking two dead branches.


    when liu qingyan heard this, he let out a long breath like a relaxed balloon.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    an le was in a good mood as he walked along the bustling streets. after all, he had gained a lot from this trip.


    when he returned to the inn, the waiter was slightly surprised to see an le. after all, very few people who had been taken away by the constable of the black office had returned in one piece.


    ¡°young master an, are you alright?¡±


    the waiter came over and asked.


    an le smiled. ¡°i¡¯ve done nothing wrong. what can they do to me? prepare some good dishes and wine and send them to my room.¡±


    ¡°alright!¡± the waiter¡¯s face was filled with enthusiasm.


    when he returned to his room, the room in the inn was not big. it was even a little narrow. after all, the money he earned from selling paintings was not enough for him to rent a good spacious room.


    this was lin¡¯an. every inch of soil was worth its weight in gold.


    sitting on the chair, an le poured himself a glass of water and drank it in one gulp. he first took out the money bag that madam hua had given him. the money bag contained ten origin spirit coins.


    he took one out and placed it in his palm. the origin spirit coin was not big and looked a little like a copper coin. however, it had a glass-like color. after entering meditation, an le could even sense some spiritual energy contained in the coin.


    there was a coin inside. an le examined it carefully. it was said that the origin spirit coin contained a special array. every coin marked the sequence and source, making it difficult to forge.


    ten origin spirit coins were worth 3,000 taels of silver. if one became rich in a day, it would be an le.


    the lin residence was indeed a martial arts family. they were indeed extremely rich.


    however, the higher the price, the more it showed how much importance madam hua placed on this painting. an le did not dare to be careless in his subsequent painting.


    putting away the money bag, an le took out two cultivation manuals.


    his gaze landed on the five animals body tempering technique. this body tempering technique was inferior to the sword waterfall diagram in terms of quality, but it was also quite advanced.


    it was all thanks to madam hua¡¯s favor that an le was able to obtain such a technique. the painting was deeply loved by her and she was willing to spend a huge sum to exchange for it.


    an le did not immediately flip through the five animals body tempering technique. instead, he closed his eyes and entered meditation to consolidate his mind.


    stepping into the meditation realm of spirit refinement made an le¡¯s soul seem to strengthen. his entire mind was calm as if he had endless energy, and his mind was much clearer.


    no wonder it was difficult for non-cultivators to enter list a. in comparison, cultivators with spirit refinement were extremely energetic and their brains worked faster. it was easier for them to study and they were more competitive than non-cultivators.


    after meditation, he visualized the sword waterfall diagram. there was only a sword on the first page, but it seemed to be soaring through the sky.


    he visualized a sword that lay across his mind to strengthen his mind and strive to step into the second realm of spirit refinement.


    after a while, there was a knock on the door.


    an le slowly opened his eyes, and there seemed to be a sharp glint in his eyes. it was the aftertaste of visualization.


    when he opened the door, the waiter brought food over.


    there were four good dishes. there was wine and meat.


    the waiter held the table and smiled. ¡°young master an, this meal money¡­¡±


    an le took out an origin spirit coin and handed it to him. ¡°exchange this origin spirit coin for silver taels and deduct the money for the meal.¡±


    origin spirit coin?!


    the waiter was dumbfounded. he looked at the glass-like coin and gasped.


    one coin could be exchanged for 300 taels of silver!


    what did this guest in front of him do?


    yesterday, he could not even afford to pay for the rent. who would have thought that he would take out an origin spirit coin today? what was he selling?


    it had something to do with the constable of the black office?


    the waiter¡¯s heart skipped a beat and he immediately felt reverence. he received the origin spirit coin respectfully and left quickly to exchange it for silver.


    an le closed the door and began to drink and eat. body tempering martial arts cultivated the physique, so he naturally had to eat and drink to have strength.


    just as he finished eating, there was another knock on the door. an le opened the door and saw the innkeeper appear with the waiter.


    ¡°young master an, this is the money you exchanged for with your origin spirit coin.¡± the shopkeeper was broad-minded and fat. he was all smiles, but he respectfully handed the silver taels to an le.


    an le smiled and took it. ¡°thank you, shopkeeper.¡±


    ¡°young master an, if you have any requests, please let me know.¡± the shopkeeper was very polite. in this day and age, those who could take out the origin spirit coin were all high-ranking officials and nobles.


    an le smiled and nodded. the shopkeeper asked the waiter to clean up the dishes, closed the door, and left respectfully.


    after returning to his room, an le¡¯s emotions were calm. money could boost one¡¯s courage and confidence, no matter what world.


    after confirming that no one would disturb him, he took out the five animals body tempering technique.


    an le let out a breath, his eyes shining with anticipation for martial arts.

 Chapter 12

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    flipping open the yellowed book, there seemed to be a breeze.


    ¡°use the form of the five animals to forge the true spirit bone.¡±


    in a simple sentence, it covered the true meaning of the five animals body tempering.


    continuing to flip through the book, an le began to browse through it roughly. not only were there written records in the book, but there were also drawings regarding the forms.


    the five animals body tempering technique was divided into five parts: tiger, deer, bear, ape, and bird. the intent of the five animals was divided into different forms. there were a total of 54 forms, 13 tiger forms, 9 deer forms, 9 bear forms, 10 ape forms, and 13 bird forms.


    there was an introduction in the accompanying picture. in addition, there were also cultivation techniques that resonated and countered each other.


    after looking at the entire picture, every page¡¯s accompanying picture was vividly displaying the animal¡¯s form and divine intent.


    he returned to the first page and began to flip through it. his martial arts foundation was almost zero, so he naturally had to start from scratch.


    the first realm of body tempering was qi blood awakening.


    the blood in the human body circulated all the time. it was the foundation of mankind. the circulation of the blood was driven by an unknown force. this force was the treasure of the human body.


    body tempering qi blood refinement was to increase the power of this qi, allowing one to have supreme strength that could split mountains and rocks, block rivers, and break seas!


    an le was mesmerized. the spirit refinement technique and the body tempering technique were completely different paths, but there was a reason for both of them to be cultivated at the same time. the mental power could naturally push the circulation of qi blood, making it easier to activate qi blood awakening.


    however, in fact, most cultivators sensed the circulation of qi blood after starting their qi blood awakening to temper their minds and enter meditation.


    people called it the internal meditation technique. it was also a more orthodox method to cultivate spirit refinement and body tempering at the same time.


    of course, an le had already successfully entered meditation, so he did not need to take the path of the internal meditation technique. instead, he needed to use the mental power to reverse trigger the qi blood awakening!


    ¡°the tiger¡¯s four limbs are pressed on the ground. the first three pounces extend the long waist, launch a sideway kick to the sky, and return the same way. from the front, throw seven punches each¡­¡±


    an le studied the annotations and referenced the drawings on the other side.


    this was because an le¡¯s [cultivation genius] dao fruit had been enhanced with three wisps of age qi. now, an le¡¯s comprehension ability had improved significantly. even without the additional enhancement of the [sword dancer], it was not difficult for an le to comprehend.


    after studying it, an le remembered it in his heart and began to practice the tiger form of the five animals body tempering technique in the room.


    he lowered his body like a ferocious tiger and landed on all fours. he corrected his posture bit by bit according to the movements in the pattern, making every posture extremely standard.


    an le practiced the thirteen tiger forms one by one. under the enhancement of the cultivation genius dao fruit, his mind was very clear. coupled with the weak sense of mental power produced by meditation, he had a fine adjustment and control over the degree of relaxation of his muscles and the amount of twisting of his arms.


    he could even accurately control the bending of his ten fingers!


    whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh¡­


    as an le practiced the tiger form, he exhaled and inhaled rhythmically. it was similar to breathing exercises, but it was different from the basic breathing exercises bought from the bookstore. it felt like the breathing of a tiger.


    as for his muscles, skin, bones, and other muscles, under the stretching of his movements, there were different degrees of soreness and pain.


    soon, he was drenched in sweat, soaking his clothes.


    an le panted heavily. just as he finished practicing the thirteen tiger forms, he felt the blood flow in his body intensify. it was as if qi had risen in his body, pushing his blood to circulate!


    the room was too narrow. an le continued to practice the tiger form tirelessly, supplemented by the mental power to correct the wrong movements.


    unknowingly, the night had become so dark that five fingers could not be seen.


    however, in the room, an le was panting heavily. his eyes were as bright as the moon.


    after countless times of practice, an le felt an obvious qi current rising in his body, his mind could even control this qi current, pushing his blood to circulate rapidly, giving birth to strength!


    ¡°when qi is born, blood will move!¡±


    ¡°first realm of body tempering, qi blood awakening, success!¡±


    in the darkness, an le chuckled happily. feeling the powerful strength surging out of his body, an le felt that he could fight one-tenth of miss zhuifeng!


    with the enhancement of the dao fruit, an le felt that cultivation was not difficult anymore.


    he lit the lamp.


    the room lit up. an le moved the table and chairs back to their original place and frowned. ¡°the room is too small. i can¡¯t use it properly when practicing. i have to change to a bigger residence.¡±


    ¡°after i return from painting at the lin residence tomorrow, i¡¯ll go to the brokerage to find a bigger courtyard.¡±


    an le got up, fetched some water, took a shower, and washed away his fatigue. he sat cross-legged on the bed, but he did not choose to sleep. instead, he took out a book, held the lamp, and began to read.


    cultivation was indeed important, but the imperial examination was also the most important. it was the key to whether an le could reach the top.


    if one wanted to enter list a and become a scholar, studying was indispensable. one had to be diligent and focused. if one did not answer enough questions and failed, it would be too regretful.


    the night was dark and the candlelight was faint.


    the young man recited the sound of reading, accompanied by the silent night, circling the beam endlessly.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    the next day.


    an le took a nap for two hours before getting up. he practiced the thirteen tiger forms a few times in the small room. his body was sweating, and after he regained his strength, he tidied up briefly and changed into green clothes before leaving.


    on a new day, an le felt refreshed and could begin to absorb the age qi again. he could not wait.


    amidst the greetings of the waiter and the shopkeeper, an le left the inn.


    it was drizzling today. the weather in spring had always been like this, but the spring rain was like oil. it was quite comfortable.


    holding the oil-paper umbrella given by the shopkeeper, an le strolled along the long street. the long street of lin¡¯an prefecture was extremely lively. even the spring rain could not dampen the enthusiasm of pedestrians shopping.


    he stepped on the limestone path and arrived at the shore of west lake.


    the distant mountain¡¯s surface was filled with lush greenery, and there was a pearl in the center of the moon.


    under the spring rain, the west lake was even more lively. the rain was even more poetic. the scholars and calligraphers held oil paper umbrellas and strolled by the embankment. they were either reciting poems or admiring the scenery. they looked at the flower boats that were singing day and night in the lake with fervent anticipation in their eyes. they were looking forward to seeing the beautiful figures in the flower boats.


    an le followed the flow of people and could naturally be categorized as a scholar.


    on the west lake side, he was very familiar with it and found his old spot. in fact, he could choose to go to the lake gazing building. in the past, he did not have money. now that he had ten origin spirit coins, he could afford to go.


    however, there was no need to wait for a moment near the white jade railing on the embankment by the lake.


    a familiar sound of air being torn apart could be heard.


    in the drizzling blue sky, a beautiful woman in a white dress and a veil flew over on a sword.


    the clear sword light cut through the chaotic spring rain.


    it was the number one courtesan on the lake, the female sword immortal, fairy yun rou.


    an le held the oil-paper umbrella and stood there, looking at this beautiful woman through the drizzle.


    why would this 18-year-old woman who had formed an inner core end up like this?


    an le still couldn¡¯t figure it out.


    however, an le was grateful to the female sword immortal. it was precisely because a female sword immortal amazed the west lake that he was able to silently obtain age qi.


    thinking of this, an le¡¯s heart stirred as he absorbed a wisp of age qi from fairy yun rou, who was still riding her sword.


    fairy yun rou covered her face with a veil, her eyelashes fluttered as she swept her gaze across the crowd and met an le¡¯s gaze.


    it wasn¡¯t that she sensed an le stealing from her, but because she realized the hidden qi blood in an le¡¯s body and the concealed power of his mind and soul.


    as a cultivator who had just activated his qi blood awakening, he was a little weak.


    however, the overflowing mental power was rather condensed. clearly, the spirit refinement cultivation technique he cultivated was rather high-level. someone who could possess such a spirit refinement cultivation technique must have an extraordinary status.


    she nodded slightly at an le and landed on the boat. the scholars around an le thought that fairy yun rou was greeting them and could not help but get excited. their voices became louder as they recited poems.


    an le was stunned. he could sense that fairy yun rou was greeting him, but this was the first time the two of them had interacted.


    the corners of an le¡¯s lips curled up into a smile as he nodded in return. at the same time, he quietly extracted another wisp of age qi from the fairy.


    unfortunately, the two wisps of age qi were gray and not gold. they could not condense the dao fruit.


    fairy yun rou did not interact further with an le, she quickly entered the boat and disappeared.


    an le had already gotten what he wanted today and did not stay any longer.


    in fact, there were dozens of flower boats on the west lake. it was not that no cultivators came usually. however, cultivators were not like these scholars who were so bored that they had nothing else to do. they gathered by the embankment and pretended to be cool.


    in the prosperous and extravagant lin¡¯an prefecture, there was a place called the ¡®falling flower pavilion¡¯ that specialized in welcoming cultivators. that was the place where cultivators often visited. many flower boats on the west lake actually belonged to the falling flower pavilion.


    holding an umbrella, an le passed by a long street filled with people and walked towards the lin residence.


    however, after taking a few steps, a shout came from afar.


    puzzled, an le turned around and saw a familiar figure striding over from the crowd.


    he had a saber at his waist and was wearing a black suit.


    this person was the constable of the black office who had brought him to the lin mansion, huang xian.

 Chapter 13

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    ¡°constable huang?¡± an le looked at huang xian, who was rushing over in the spring rain, and was slightly taken aback.


    the other party was in a hurry. it was obvious that he was not here to greet him.


    ¡°young master an, i just went to the inn and didn¡¯t see you. i was informed by the waiter that you were heading towards west lake, so i rushed over to look for you.¡±


    constable huang chuckled.


    as soon as he finished speaking, he cupped his fists and smiled. ¡°congratulations, young master an, for being chosen by the lin residence to paint for those young masters who are about to set off.¡±


    ¡°i was just lucky. with the sketch for madam hua and the matriarch, i had the chance to stay in the lin residence to work.¡±


    ¡°i have to thank constable huang for bringing me into the lin residence.¡±


    an le held the oil-paper umbrella and bowed slightly to thank him.


    ¡°sigh, it¡¯s nothing. miss ninth asked me to look for young master an. i¡¯m just a guide, hahaha.¡±


    constable huang was in a good mood after receiving an le¡¯s thanks.


    ¡°may i know why constable huang is looking for me?¡± an le asked.


    ¡°yes, let¡¯s get down to business. i really have something to ask of young master an. your drawing is named after its authenticity. i would like to ask young master an to make a drawing.¡± constable huang said seriously.


    ¡°drawing?¡± an le was puzzled. ¡°for who?¡±


    constable huang wiped his face and shook off some spring rainwater stains. ¡°young master an, i won¡¯t hide it from you. i invited you to draw a suspect that the black office is pursuing.¡±


    ¡°the suspect doesn¡¯t have a specific appearance, but there are some people who have described him. we want young master an to draw the suspect¡¯s appearance with these descriptions. young master an¡¯s painting is famous for being realistic. perhaps you can reconstruct more of the suspect¡¯s appearance.¡±


    an le could not help but understand. so it was a wanted poster.


    this wasn¡¯t too difficult. the main thing was that even if the drawing was wrong, it wouldn¡¯t have much of an impact because there was no real appearance of the suspect to begin with.


    however, if there were characteristic descriptions, an le was confident that he could draw a 70% to 80% portrait, making it easier for him to be wanted.


    an le didn¡¯t refuse. he was indebted to constable huang, so he agreed to this request.


    ¡°then after i leave the lin residence today, i¡¯ll go straight to the black office to look for constable huang. when the time comes, i¡¯ll just draw.¡± an le said with a smile.


    constable huang was overjoyed to see an le agree so readily. he felt that this young man was a good match.


    ¡°oh? young master an, you have succeeded in qi blood awakening?¡± constable huang noticed the hidden qi blood in an le¡¯s body and couldn¡¯t help but exclaim in shock.


    this was because he remembered an le saying that he had just started cultivating and had stepped into the first realm of body tempering in just a day.


    this talent was a little absurd!


    ¡°yesterday, madam hua gave me a cultivation manual and i used it to step into the first realm.¡±


    an le couldn¡¯t help but smile. the happiness of breaking through would only be greater if shared with someone.


    ¡°from the looks of it, young master an¡¯s enlightenment was just late. you really began cultivating. your talent can be said to be excellent, but it¡¯s a pity that you started late.¡± constable huang felt that it was a pity.


    the two of them chatted for a while more before an le took the last strand of age qi from constable huang.


    constable huang, who had received an le¡¯s promise, was still busy with work, so he bade farewell and left.


    in the lin¡¯an prefecture that was covered in spring rain, amidst the crisscrossing alleys, among the tall buildings with cornices reflecting the sun, people were walking in the mortal world with raincoats and umbrellas.


    an le held the oil-paper umbrella and strode forward.


    stepping on the raindrops, they gradually walked into the depths of the quiet street.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    ¡°an le, from chongzhou. last autumn, he passed the chongzhou village examination. he¡¯s good at poetry and painting. he hasn¡¯t cultivated. his body tempering is untouched. he¡¯s not a cultivator.¡±


    there was a tall restaurant on the side of the long street. it had six corners and heavy eaves. it was decorated with carved beams and paintings. the decoration was luxurious and noble. it was called drunken dragon pavilion.


    there were three famous buildings in lin¡¯an prefecture. they were lake gazing building, falling flower pavilion, and drunken dragon pavilion.


    as the drunken dragon pavilion was close to the depths of the long street and was adjacent to many benefactor¡¯s mansions, its business was quite good, and the people who came and went were all noble. the wine and dishes were all excellent, so the price was also high.


    it was rumored that the drunken dragon pavilion had a background in the palace. they could even drink the fine wine that was available in the palace, rose dew and drunken flowing clouds.


    liu qingyan spent a huge sum of money to book a seat by the window on the third floor of the drunken dragon pavilion. there was a plate of pig head meat on the table, a plate of stir-fried beef, and the palace wine, drunken flowing clouds.


    in front of liu qingyan was a message from an le.


    ¡°this young man is actually a provincial scholar? do they want me to break the hands of a provincial scholar? i¡­¡±


    liu qingyan¡¯s face darkened. he had mixed feelings.


    he originally thought that this young man was just like an ordinary artist and had an ordinary identity. he did not expect him to be a young provincial scholar.


    ¡°fortunately, this child is not a cultivator. it will be much easier.¡±


    ¡°mr. luo also promised me that after i¡¯m done with my dirty work, he¡¯ll arrange for me to leave lin¡¯an prefecture safely. i¡­ have no choice.¡±


    liu qingyan sighed. in the battle for the benefactor, any random wave could make them unable to control themselves.


    this was clearly asking him, liu qingyan, to take the blame, but could he refuse?


    if he refused, he would probably die faster than the youth.


    he picked up the blue-and-white cup and took a sip of the drunken flowing clouds. five taels of silver were gone.


    he picked up two or three pieces of beef and ate them. as he chewed, he looked out of the window.


    from this position, he could see the entrance of jing street.


    if he wanted to go to the lin residence, he had to pass through jing street. the reason why jing street was named jing was because it happened to be located in the street of a high-ranking official¡¯s residence, separated from the bustling main road.


    the commoners and vendors did not dare to enter the quiet street for fear of disturbing the benefactor.


    the nobles rarely went to jing street.


    this road was sparsely populated and was the best place to start.


    ¡°young master an, if you want to blame someone, blame yourself for snatching this old man¡¯s opportunity and disrupting the benefactor¡¯s plan¡­¡±


    ¡°what a pity. these hands can draw good art.¡±


    liu qingyan shook his head. when he thought about how an le¡¯s incredible hands were about to be broken, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a little happy. he drank two cups of drunken flowing clouds in a row.


    as an artist who could monopolize the painting business of the ladies and courtesans on the floating flower boats, liu qingyan naturally had a lot of tricks up his sleeve. other than his excellent painting skills, there was also the fact that he had colluded with sects and raised some thugs.


    many painters who wanted to snatch business from him suffered. they either broke their hands or tied rocks and sank into the lake. no matter how glamorous the city was, there would always be stinky rats walking around. liu qingyan himself was a stinky rat with the identity of a master.


    the benefactor looked for him and asked him to make a choice. should he repay 500 origin spirit coins or break an le¡¯s hands?


    to liu qingyan, there was not much meaning in making a choice.


    of course, it was to return to his old profession and break an le¡¯s hands!


    although he might offend the lin residence because of this, with young master qin protecting him, he could be safe.


    after chewing the beef in his mouth, liu qingyan picked up his wine cup and glanced at the quiet street. in the continuous spring rain, a figure holding an umbrella appeared.


    a green-robed man was holding an oil-paper umbrella. he was like a big flower blooming under the spring rain as he strolled over.


    ¡°after entering the lin residence to paint and getting close to these nobles, the young man has become so smug.¡±


    ¡°but soon, he¡¯s going to be so sad.¡±


    liu qingyan narrowed his eyes and a cold glint flashed across his eyes. he finished the drunken flowing clouds in his cup in one gulp.


    there was a snap.


    he slammed the wine cup on the table and watched the good show on jing street through the drizzle.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    an le held the umbrella, and the oil-like spring rain converged into a thin stream that flowed between the cracks of the limestone.


    the surroundings became quieter and quieter. the pedestrians gradually disappeared, separating them from the noise and clamor. in the depths of jing street were the mansions of the nobles. the nobles liked silence, so the noise could not approach.


    his green clothes fluttered in the wind, and the sides of his sleeves were slightly wet from the spring rain.


    as an le walked, he was thinking about how to distribute the three wisps of age qi that he had just absorbed.


    the cultivation genius dao fruit was enhanced with three wisps, allowing an le¡¯s cultivation talent to increase slightly.


    in addition, the five animals body tempering technique and the sword waterfall diagram could also be enhanced with age qi. an le had never enhanced them before. as for the sword dancer dao fruit, an le had never enhanced it either.


    there were too many things to upgrade.


    this made him sigh softly. the age qi was still too little.


    today, when he entered the lin residence, he had to absorb more age qi.


    however, he could not take advantage of madam hua¡¯s age qi. every time he took advantage of her, it would enter cooldown. it was too wasteful of an opportunity.


    huh?!


    an le, who was immersed in thinking about how to distribute the age qi, was suddenly stunned.


    the mental power he cultivated through meditation made him feel a sense of danger!


    he turned his head abruptly.


    in an uninhabited alley on jing street, three burly men in short coats covered their mouths and noses with various triangular scarves and looked at him with sinister smiles.


    breaking the hand of a weak artist was something that this group of repeat offenders, who were raised by liu qingyan, were very familiar with.


    they liked to listen to the screams of those arrogant scholars.


    ¡°you are an le?¡±


    the leader, a burly man holding a red triangular scarf, asked.


    ¡°someone wants your hands, tactfully reach out and let us break them. that way, you won¡¯t have to suffer a beating.¡±


    as the burly man spoke, he suddenly rushed out of the alley.


    the spring rain was scattered by his body and vaguely covered in a misty human-shaped mist!


    in just a few steps, he rushed to an le¡¯s side.


    he punched out with his huge fist. it was the common zhao zu¡¯s long fist. although he did not have the support of qi blood, he fought well. he looked forward to seeing the young man¡¯s terrified and despairing face under the oil-paper umbrella and the miserable cry that was about to sound.


    and yet.


    under the oil-paper umbrella, the young man¡¯s eyebrows furrowed as he looked at the approaching burly man with a red scarf covering his mouth. he tilted his head.


    five animals ¨C thirteen forms of the tiger!


    his qi blood circulated and his strength was generated!


    there seemed to be the sound of a tiger roaring in the forest!


    the spring rain on the young man¡¯s body exploded into powder!


    the burly man felt that the weak young man in front of him had suddenly turned into a living tiger!

 Chapter 14

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    he was majestic and heroic, and his ferocious aura was not comparable to that of ordinary beasts!


    the young man¡¯s aura suddenly changed from a docile scholar to a living tiger, causing the spring rain that filled the sky to freeze and collapse!


    the burly man with the red scarf covering his mouth instantly felt suffocated!


    he seemed to have heard the roar of a tiger. the king of beasts stood at the top of the forest, looking down at him with his eyebrows raised. his roar was like a thunderclap, making the burly man dizzy.


    the young man¡¯s movements were like a tiger pouncing. he slapped away the fist that he had thrown out and then followed up with a palm strike that smashed into his chest. the huge force made the burly man¡¯s pupils constrict and his chest instantly caved in. the sound of his ribs breaking was like the sound of pearls exploding.


    his entire body suddenly shot back at an even faster speed than when he ran. he fell to the ground, his back rubbing against the ground, pushing away the water accumulated by the spring rain.


    with just one move, he defeated the extremely ferocious burly man and made him fall to the ground, unable to move!


    in the alley, the hideous smiles on the faces of the remaining two burly men disappeared.


    ¡°cultivator?!¡±


    their lips quivered, and their shocked and furious voices exploded like a curtain of spring rain!


    ¡°liu qingyan, that old man, tricked us! didn¡¯t he say that he was just an ordinary young painter? how did he become a cultivator?!¡±


    ¡°you want us to kill a cultivator as ordinary thugs? are you sending us to our deaths?!¡±


    the two burly men were shocked and furious, and a chill of despair enveloped their hearts.


    in the streets, the cries of the red-scarf man lingered. it was very miserable. an le¡¯s tiger form just now circulated his qi blood and strength. his strength erupted more than five times that of an ordinary person!


    he had almost slapped the red-scarf man to death!


    the reason why cultivators had such a respected status was because once they stepped into cultivation, it was a qualitative transformation. their physique and reaction speed had greatly increased. a body tempering martial artist at the qi blood awakening realm had enough strength to beat any ordinary strong man!


    these gang thugs were naturally not cultivators. if they were, they would not have been reduced to thugs. not to mention the subsidies given by the imperial court, just the ability of cultivators to earn money was not enough for them to be reduced to cheap gang thugs.


    an le held the oil-paper umbrella, and the spring rain gradually became more and more rapid. it fell like pearls and jade, jumping on the umbrella. he frowned slightly and stared at the burly men who suddenly panicked in front of him.


    ¡°you want to break the hands of a provincial scholar in broad daylight?¡±


    he was surprised, angry, and a little disappointed.


    this was also the first time he felt that there was actually such filth hidden under this bright and beautiful lin¡¯an prefecture.


    he knew that he had not offended anyone. after coming to lin¡¯an prefecture, other than going to the west lake to watch the female sword immortal courtesan appear in the mortal world, he had been obedient and obeyed the law.


    but why did he still provoke evil intentions?


    did someone pay these people to break his hands?


    breaking his hands was equivalent to severing his future. a cripple had no chance in the imperial examination, and he would no longer be able to draw. his future would be dark!


    who could it be?


    countless doubts flooded over like a tide.


    suppressing the doubts in his heart, an le thought for a moment and slowly walked out with an umbrella towards the two burly men in the alley.


    although the two people in the alley were terrified, they had no way out at this moment.


    when they found out that an le was not only a cultivator but also a provincial scholar, they even had the intention to kill liu qingyan. how could they afford to offend such a person?


    even if they were lucky enough to break an le¡¯s hand, how would they deal with the anger of the imperial court?


    however, these thugs, who were on the verge of death, no longer had the mood to fight with an le. this was a cultivator. even if they risked their lives, their chances of winning were extremely slim. it was better to run away.


    the two burly men fled in different directions. it was up to fate who could escape.


    however, an le did not intend to let any of them off. he quickened his pace and charged forward with the tiger steps of the five animals body tempering. he approached a burly man and suddenly gathered the oil-paper umbrella he was holding. he gently extended it like a rapier and visualized the sword waterfall diagram with his mind. the paper umbrella was like a sword.


    an umbrella was pressed against the burly man¡¯s chest. the force was transmitted, and the burly man¡¯s eyes widened as blood spurted out. his back bulged, and an energy ring exploded. his body flew backward and landed on the ground, raising a mess on the ground.


    after shaking off the water stains, the spring rain fell on an le¡¯s shoulders. the qi blood in an le¡¯s body circulated, and the heat evaporated the rain, causing a faint white mist to appear.


    facing another escapee, he threw out the oil-paper umbrella in his hand.


    in an instant!


    the oil-paper umbrella that whistled out seemed to have transformed into a flying sword. with the enhancement of the sword dancer dao fruit, this oil-paper umbrella carried qi blood force and directly hit the fleeing thug. the tip of the umbrella pierced through the opponent¡¯s flesh and crushed him to the ground.


    three wails rose and fell.


    on this day, an le finally understood the difference between a cultivator and an ordinary martial artist¡­ it was like the distance between an eagle soaring in the nine heavens and an ant in the world.


    an le¡¯s body was drenched by the spring rain. he slowly turned around and looked at the three burly men before asking again.


    ¡°who sent you?¡±


    ¡­


    ¡­


    in the drunken dragon pavilion.


    liu qingyan was dumbfounded. the celadon cup in his hand fell to the table before he could hold it firmly. the expensive drunken flowing clouds in the cup spilled all over the table.


    ¡°cultivator¡­ an le is a cultivator?!¡±


    liu qingyan¡¯s hair stood on end.


    the information given by mr. luo was wrong!


    an le was a cultivator. why didn¡¯t the intelligence report mention such important information?!


    if he knew that an le was a cultivator, he would definitely not dare to send thugs to kill him. wouldn¡¯t that be courting death?!


    or¡­ was this all part of mr. luo¡¯s plan?


    ¡°it¡¯s over. mr. luo has harmed me!¡±


    liu qingyan was extremely sorrowful. he looked at the table full of good food and wine, but he could not eat or drink at all. there was only a dead end in front of him.


    he hurriedly paid for dozens of taels of wine and food and hurriedly went downstairs, planning to leave the drunken dragon pavilion and pack his luggage before running away. although he couldn¡¯t bear to part with the lin¡¯an prefecture that had worked hard for so many years and could allow him to live a relatively good life, his life was still more important!


    however, just as they left the drunken dragon pavilion, a familiar and luxurious carriage stopped at the entrance.


    the curtain was lifted, and on the window of the carriage, a man¡¯s cold face appeared high and mighty.


    ¡°mr. luo, why didn¡¯t you mention that an le is a cultivator?!¡±


    upon seeing mr. luo, liu qingyan felt stifled and blurted out, as if he was questioning him.


    in the carriage, mr. luo¡¯s cold face suddenly bloomed with a smile in the spring rain.


    ¡°you screwed up again.¡±


    ¡°you didn¡¯t complete either mission.¡±


    mr. luo¡¯s smile was like a warm spring day, but liu qingyan felt as cold as if he had fallen into an ice well.


    he thought back to his questioning and wanted to slap himself.


    ¡®who do you think you are? how dare you question mr. luo?!¡¯


    ¡°you sent people to assassinate a provincial scholar with merit, and he¡¯s even a cultivator. once the imperial court condemns you, you won¡¯t be able to escape. take the initiative to turn yourself in. you can even be given a lighter sentence. after all, you¡¯re working for young master qin. he will protect you.¡±


    mr. luo said calmly. then, he let go and the curtain fell.


    was his information wrong?


    actually, there was nothing wrong with it. he had met an le before and realized that he had succeeded in spirit refinement and stepped into meditation, but¡­


    it was just meditation without body tempering. with the mental power that had just entered meditation, if the thugs were to risk everything, an le¡¯s hands would still be broken.


    however, mr. luo did not expect this young man to¡­ start from scratch overnight. without any warning, he opened his qi blood and stepped into the first realm of body tempering.


    achieving qi blood awakening in one night was quite rare, and his talent was also extraordinary.


    he had made a mistake, but it was not a big problem. in fact, mr. luo was even more interested in this young provincial scholar.


    outside the carriage, liu qingyan revealed a hint of joy when he heard this. mr. luo said that young master qin would protect him?


    then it was stable. in lin¡¯an prefecture, wouldn¡¯t it be easy for young master qin¡¯s power to protect him? even if he had been involved in many murder cases previously, young master qin could protect him with just a word.


    ¡°thank you for your guidance, mr. luo. i¡¯ll go to the black office and surrender myself now.¡±


    liu qingyan¡¯s expression was uncertain. after thinking for a moment, he bowed deeply to the carriage.


    the luxurious carriage was silent, no longer paying attention to liu qingyan.


    liu qingyan raised his head. the rain had wet his beard and hair. the corners of his lips quivered. then, he turned around and slowly walked towards the black office. after taking a few steps, he began to run quickly. his speed increased and his direction deviated.


    young master qin would protect him?


    who was he trying to fool?!


    would mr. luo believe this?


    liu qingyan didn¡¯t believe it. he had to escape! if he escaped from lin¡¯an prefecture, he could live by hiding his identity!


    on the long street, the messy old painter ran crazily. the sound of his feet stepping on water kept splashing.


    slap!


    there was a sudden muffled sound.


    the body of the old painter was suddenly decapitated, and his head was thrown high into the air. as blood sprayed out, it interwove with the spring rain, like ink splashing on a mountain.


    the spring rain fell.


    in front of the drunken dragon pavilion.


    the carriage stood still, and the rain-laden breeze blew the curtain slightly. a figure sat in it, and a small sword with blood floating in his palm.


    after a long time, the wheels rolled over the water in the gaps between the green bricks and slowly rode towards jing street.

 Chapter 15

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    an le had never learned how to fight, but fighting was human instinct.


    the five animals body tempering technique allowed him to successfully pass his qi blood awakening and step into the first realm of martial arts. with the enhancement of the sword dancer dao fruit and the umbrella as a sword, he easily defeated the experienced gang thugs.


    for the first time, an le saw the difference between ordinary people and cultivators.


    he also truly understood why there was a saying that all things in the world were pointless and only cultivation was important.


    the three wailing thugs did not continue to persist in the face of an le¡¯s question.


    they were not tough men. they would not insist on keeping liu qingyan¡¯s secret. what was the difference between liu qingyan asking them to break the hands of a cultivator and sending them to their deaths? what obligation did they have to keep it a secret?


    an le picked up the blood-stained oil-paper umbrella and looked indifferently at one of the burly men.


    the burly man looked at an le and endured the pain. ¡°it¡¯s liu qingyan, the painter, liu qingyan!¡±


    ¡°he was jealous of your painting skills and hated you for snatching his chance to paint in the lin residence, so he asked us to break your hands!¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s true! we¡¯re telling the truth! please spare us, sir!¡±


    the three burly men were terrified.


    cultivators were all high and mighty. compared to ordinary people like them who could not cultivate, they were like clouds and mud. at this moment, all they had left was reverence.


    painter liu qingyan?


    an le was stunned. he couldn¡¯t help but think of the painting at the heavenly wave water pavilion yesterday. the old artist whom miss zhuifeng said was sh*t?


    he never expected the artist to be so vicious.


    ¡°just because my painting is better than his and i stole his chance to enter the lin residence to paint, he wants to break my hand?¡±


    an le took a deep breath.


    the spring rain fell on his face and skin, making him feel a little cold.


    liu qingyan was the mastermind, so these thugs were unforgivable.


    an le had never thought of killing them. after all, he was still law-abiding. however, he was familiar with constable huang and could let him capture them.


    attacking the provincial scholar on the streets was enough to send them to jail.


    suddenly, an le looked at the entrance of jing street. the spring rain was dense and the dusk clouds were low.


    timely spring rain made the sky darken, and the day was as bright as dusk.


    at the entrance of jing street, a familiar carriage slowly drove over. a gentle breeze blew, and the curtains of the carriage fluctuated. the carriage was as luxurious as ever. rain dripped down the sides of the carriage like intertwined bead curtains.


    this carriage¡­


    an le remembered that when he left the lin residence that day, he saw this carriage. there was also a man sitting in the carriage. there was a lot of age qi around him, dozens of wisps. he was a huge fat sheep.


    at that time, an le only thought that the other party was a benefactor in a nearby mansion and did not pay much attention to it.


    but now, the appearance of this carriage had a deeper meaning.


    the carriage stopped a hundred feet away from an le. on the shaft of the carriage, a burly coachman wearing a straw cape and a bamboo hat sat upright. he held the reins in his hand, and the extremely handsome horse in his hand was extremely obedient.


    an le¡¯s gaze landed on the coachman. the burly coachman¡¯s body was like a small mountain, and his obscure qi blood was extremely oppressive. the spring rain that fell from the sky distorted the route when it approached the coachman.


    clearly, this coachman¡¯s body tempering cultivation was definitely extremely high.


    in an le¡¯s eyes, this coachman had exactly ten wisps of age qi. he was inferior to miss zhuifeng and fairy yun rou, but in an le¡¯s eyes, he was considered strong.


    most importantly, the luxurious man in the carriage gently lifted a corner of the curtain with his palm. his playful and deep gaze was like the sun rising in the spring rain, shining on an le.


    at that moment, an le felt as if the world had lost its color. the mental power that had just been nurtured in his body through meditation was stagnant, and his qi blood was like a frozen river in the north, unable to circulate at all.


    just by meeting the gaze of the man in the carriage, he felt his heart being gripped by a hand. it began to beat violently, and began to beat continuously. the sound was like a bell that spread to every corner of his body, as if a huge hole would be opened in his heart like a war drum that had been smashed by a mallet if it continued to beat!


    the spring rain slid down an le¡¯s face and condensed like silk from the tip of his chin.


    he closed his eyes and forcefully cut off his gaze. however, the man¡¯s gaze was still like the scorching sun.


    when an le visualized the sword waterfall diagram, a sword descended from the nine heavens and slashed open the blazing light, restoring his mind.


    however, his heart was still beating uncontrollably. it was still beating violently as if it was about to explode out of his chest.


    an le mobilized his mental power to control his body, but it was extremely difficult.


    his legs began to tremble slightly as if he couldn¡¯t help but kneel in the wet alley to make the ground. he bent his back, which symbolized dignity.


    however, an le understood that he could not kneel. once he did, his heart of cultivation might be buried under dust. it would be extremely difficult to sweep away the trauma and progress further.


    on this day, an le understood the two differences.


    the first was the difference between ordinary people and cultivators.


    the other was the gap between powerful cultivators and weak cultivators. the distance between the latter¡­


    it was even more difficult to cross than the former.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    the long flat lake connected to the distant sky, and the misty rain was moist and light.


    heavenly wave water pavilion.


    the spring rain made the scenery of the water pavilion even more beautiful.


    on the surface of the pool, the ripples were round. the poetic and artistic conception was like the whiteness of an artist¡¯s brush after splashing ink.


    in the main hall of the water pavilion, madam hua was lying on her side on the couch. her plump and graceful figure was like a ripe peach, displaying her charm. on the stove, red charcoal was boiling water, and the rising steam was misty and hot.


    madam hua was quietly reading ¡°knowing journey¡± written by a scholar from the academy. there was also a painting on the table. it was a sketch of the past beauty drawn by an le.


    her fair fingers flipped through the yellowed pages. suddenly, madam hua¡¯s fingertips paused and she lowered her eyes.


    ¡°there are not many neutral forces in great zhao. the lin family, the zhong family, and the ye family are the three aristocratic families of generals. however, in the eyes of his majesty, neutrality represents the unknown. the chips formed by the three aristocratic families are too heavy¡­ it¡¯s enough to stir up a storm in the court.¡±


    ¡°now that his majesty¡¯s lifespan is about to end, if he can¡¯t take that peerless step, he will have to make a choice as the heir to the throne. it will be the future of the dynasty. therefore, to his majesty, standing in the middle is¡­ filled with unknown uneasiness and uncontrollable.¡±


    neutral now did not mean neutral in the future. the lin family, the zhong family, and the ye family were like mountains between the temples, enough to break the balance between either side.


    ¡°and with his majesty¡¯s intention, the benefactors from all over began to have thoughts and wanted to probe the attitudes of the three families.¡±


    ¡°now¡­ any tom, dick, or harry dares to show off in front of my lin residence.¡±


    madam hua sighed softly.


    she gently closed the book in her hand and sat up. she put down her small feet from the couch and stepped on the ground.


    with madam hua¡¯s cultivation, she naturally sensed everything that happened on the quiet street.


    at first, she did not plan to make a move because she was surprised to discover that an le had successfully passed his qi blood awakening and stepped into the first realm of body tempering.


    on the other hand, an le was only facing two big shots in the martial arts world, not cultivators. they were no threat to an le.


    therefore, madam hua did not attack and only watched.


    however, when the carriage appeared, the cultivator in the carriage used his power to oppress an le. he wanted to bend an le¡¯s spine and destroy his spirit¡­


    madam hua couldn¡¯t stand it anymore.


    putting aside the painting, madam hua still admired this young man. although he had cultivated too late, he did not feel sorry for himself. his mentality was extremely good, and he even entered meditation using 45 minutes and passed his qi blood awakening overnight.


    madam hua really loved this talent. she naturally did not want the young man she admired to falter just like that. as soon as he stepped onto the path of cultivation, his pride was wiped clean and his dao heart was covered in dust.


    in addition, she also knew that an le was implicated because of the lin residence, so she had a reason to take action.


    most importantly, she could not stand the person in the carriage bullying the weak.


    madam hua got up from the couch and walked to the railing in the main hall. her graceful figure leaned against the railing and watched the spring rain in the sky.


    the spring rain was like oil splashing around.


    the wind blew continuously, causing the boiling hot water in the pot to dissipate.


    she looked at the spring rain that filled the sky.


    madam hua stretched out her sparkling and white palm.


    facing the dusky sky, it was like reaching out to pluck flowers.


    in an instant!


    the spring rain in the sky above the entire heavenly wave water pavilion stopped abruptly, like flowers being plucked one by one.


    ¡°as a great cultivator who has passed the initial five realms, do you feel a sense of accomplishment bullying a young man who has just stepped into cultivation? then i¡¯ll bully you too. let¡¯s see if i can feel any satisfaction.¡±


    madam hua murmured lightly.


    then, she spread her hands.


    she plucked 3,000 droplets of spring rain and scattered sword qi that tore the clouds.


    it was just for the youth¡¯s pride.


    the raindrops that were as solid as ice were all pulled into thin swords in midair. they whistled as they passed the heavenly wave water pavilion and the stone tablet jade workshop.


    at the entrance of jing street, the carriage that was pressing down on the young man¡¯s bent back with boundless might splashed over.


    a corner of the curtain lifted by the carriage suddenly floated up, as if it had been cut off by a sharp blade. it fell weakly on the waterlogged ground, floating on it like duckweed.


    in the carriage, there was a man with a calm expression.


    at this moment, he finally lost his composure.

 Chapter 16

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    ever since the carriage stopped, it had been standing quietly in the spring rain. there was no movement. the coachman on the shaft seemed to have stopped breathing and did not disturb the man in the carriage at all.


    even though the high and mighty man in the carriage used his powerful cultivation and unparalleled mind to suppress this young man who was filled with anticipation and had just stepped into the cultivation world, the coachman was indifferent and unmoved.


    however, when a corner of the curtain of the carriage was suddenly cut off, the corner of the thin curtain fell on the carriage. it was slapped to the ground by the rain and swirled by the water in the gap. the coachman¡¯s pupils suddenly constricted.


    a chill made the coachman, whose qi blood was as hot as a furnace, feel as if he had fallen into an ice cave. even his powerful qi blood could not resist this chill at all.


    then, the coachman suddenly raised his head. the face under the bamboo hat was mercilessly slapped by the spring rain. the shock in his eyes reflected the sword qi that came from the depths of jing street and plucked 3,000 droplets of spring rain.


    it was like a silver waterfall flowing down.


    the coachman did not dare to move. the powerful qi blood nurtured in every inch of his meridians froze at this moment. it could not even flow.


    every sword qi formed by the spring rain contained enough sharpness and power to pierce through him!


    this was an unparalleled technique displayed by a spirit refinement expert who could travel the nine heavens with spring lightning in her hand and split open the dark clouds of the sunset rain!


    slap!


    a wisp of spring rain sword qi lightly swept past his raised face.


    the bamboo hat instantly split into two and exploded to the sides. one could vaguely see that the coachman¡¯s body was trembling imperceptibly. every inch of his skin was covered in goosebumps and coldness.


    ¡­


    in the distance.


    an le, who was trying his best to resist the pressure of the man in the carriage, felt the pressure and restraint on his body dissipate when the first spring rain carried the sword qi over.


    like a mountain shifting, an le¡¯s chest, which was soaked by the rain, heaved up and down slightly. however, his eyes became brighter and brighter, and there was a hint of unwillingness and fierceness in them.


    he was 18 years old this year, but he was standing like a nobody.


    in front of a true cultivator, he was too weak. the self-satisfaction of stepping into cultivation dissipated at this moment.


    the pressure today almost caused his dao heart to be covered in dust, but it aroused the hidden anger and fighting spirit in an le¡¯s heart.


    he wanted to walk higher and further on the path of cultivation step by step.


    ¡­


    in the carriage.


    for the first time, mr. luo¡¯s expression changed. looking at the sword qi formed by the 3,000 droplets of spring rain that swept over like a waterfall, his heart was enveloped in an invisible haze. he restrained the aura on his body and returned his mind to the carriage.


    a wisp of sword qi split the coachman¡¯s bamboo hat and minced the curtain of the carriage as it floated towards the carriage.


    in the carriage, a man sat upright. in front of him was a small sword that was still stained with blood. the small sword kept humming and resounding from jing street, shattering the spring rain around the carriage!


    the man pursed his thin lips and finally extended his palm, colliding the floating small sword with the wisp of sword qi.


    the sword qi dissipated, and the man¡¯s small sword also lost its divine light and fell back into the man¡¯s arms.


    the man tried his best, but he could only negate a wisp of sword qi from the other party!


    there were still thousands of such sword qi!


    the sky in the alley was covered, and 3,000 droplets of spring rain turned into sword waterfalls!


    ¡°lin family¡¯s hua jiebing, heart sword jade guanyin¡­¡±


    the man murmured.


    the next moment, he finally couldn¡¯t take it anymore. facing the sword waterfall that covered the sky above jing street, he couldn¡¯t remain calm and indifferent.


    the roof of the luxurious carriage suddenly exploded, and the man¡¯s figure floated up from it. however, 3,000 droplets of spring raindrops poured over, as if they had turned into a shocking storm that burned black clouds and silver threads!


    the man¡¯s body suddenly fell back into the carriage. his expression was ashen.


    3,000 droplets of spring rain fell.


    every drop of rain was like a sword falling from the sky. the white rain fell on the walls of the carriage like chess pieces. the walls of the carriage shattered inch by inch and landed on the table in the carriage. the table turned into dust.


    however, when the knife-like spring rain fell on the man¡¯s face, it was really like oil and spring rain. it was not sharp at all and even carried a gentleness that nourished everything.


    however, mr. luo, who was sitting on the ground amidst the rain, understood that the other party did not kill him, but planted a seed of fear in his heart.


    the 3,000 droplets of spring rain watered this fear seed and slowly took root.


    the coachman was still sitting on the shaft of the carriage, but the carriage behind him was shattered into pieces. only mr. luo, who was in an extremely sorry state, was sitting on the ground, mixed with mud.


    mr. luo slowly raised his head and looked at an le.


    he did not expect that the lin residence¡¯s hua jiebing¡­ would make such a big move for this youth.


    he oppressed the young man, wanting to make him bend his waist.


    hua jiebing used the spring rain to transform into a sword and planted the seed of fear in his heart.


    this young man had only drawn a painting for hua jiebing. was there a need to be so¡­ doting and protective?!


    mr. luo¡¯s body trembled slightly and his throat choked. he had the urge to cry, but he quickly adjusted his mind and got up from the ground in a sorry state. he looked at an le with a complicated expression.


    then, he looked in the direction of the lin residence and cupped his fists. he bowed deeply like a student bowing to a teacher. ¡°madam, calm down. i went overboard.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s understandable that you¡¯re testing the lin residence when you¡¯re working for qin qianqiu, but bullying a young man who has just stepped into cultivation is a joke even for you. is this what the academy taught you? such shameless actions?¡±


    ¡°get lost.¡±


    an ethereal voice suddenly sounded and lingered in the streets.


    mr. luo cupped his fists and looked at an le with a warm smile. ¡°little brother, i¡¯ve offended you. i wanted to test your limits, but i didn¡¯t expect to make madam unhappy. i hope you won¡¯t take it to heart. i¡¯ll definitely visit you personally to apologize for the mess today.¡±


    an le looked coldly at the man who was apologizing with a warm smile as if everything that had forced him to bend his back was just a joke.


    this apology was insincere.


    an le took a deep breath and a smile appeared on his face. he cupped his fists and bowed to mr. luo.


    ¡°brother luo, right? it¡¯s fine. today, brother luo has let me see a true battle between cultivators and understand that there¡¯s always someone better. i¡¯ll definitely cultivate seriously and learn from madam hua. i hope that i can ask brother luo for guidance in the future and let brother luo¡­ enjoy himself.¡±


    mr. luo¡¯s warm smile froze. what a fearless young man.


    ¡°alright, i¡¯ll wait for you at any time.¡±


    the two of them were full of smiles like flowers as if they were good friends.


    however, under their smiles, there were hidden thoughts.


    an le smiled brightly and took two wisps of age qi from mr. luo.


    although mr. luo¡¯s cultivation level was very strong, an le did not feel like he was unable to continue absorbing the age qi as he did with madam hua.


    after receiving two wisps of age qi, an le¡¯s smile faded a little. he turned to look at the coachman in the distance and nodded in greeting. at the same time, he absorbed two wisps of age qi in a row, not letting any of them off.


    clap, clap, clap!


    there was the sound of someone stepping on the water. at the entrance of jing street in the distance, constables in official uniforms came in line with knives at their waists.


    ¡°mr. luo.¡±


    when the constables arrived, they cupped their fists at mr. luo.


    ¡°capture the two thugs who attacked the provincial scholar of the empire. question the mastermind behind this and avenge my little brother an.¡± mr. luo said calmly.


    ¡°yes sir!¡±


    the constable in the lead shouted. then, the constables drew their sabers and swarmed forward, detaining the three pugilistic thugs who had long been frightened silly by the might of the battle between the divine cultivators.


    an le calmly looked at the constables who were already prepared and did not say anything.


    he nodded at mr. luo, picked up the oil-paper umbrella, and shook off the blood on it. he opened the umbrella and blocked the spring rain before turning around and walking towards the lin residence.


    mr. luo stood quietly in the rain. the rainwater on his body had long evaporated, and his white clothes had returned to being spotless. he looked at an le¡¯s back as he left with an umbrella and narrowed his eyes slightly.


    he could feel that there was a fierce tiger in the young man¡¯s chest, and the spirit in his heart was like a furnace.


    but so what?


    so what if he was angry, hateful, and indignant?


    the difference between luo qingchen and the young man was like the difference between the stars in the sky and the dust on the ground.


    moreover, the young man had been enlightened so late. his foundation had long been set. if he missed the opportunity to build his foundation, it would definitely be difficult for him to advance in the future. that was why he had a fierce tiger in his chest, but the young man did not have the capital to unleash a fierce tiger.


    with a faint smile, mr. luo turned around and walked in another direction outside jing street.


    ¡°mr. luo, what do we do with these thugs?¡±


    the black office constable asked mr. luo about his background respectfully.


    however, mr. luo was not in the mood to respond.


    the coachman walked over with his horse. his face was expressionless, and his voice was hoarse. ¡°attacking a provincial scholar and attacking a cultivator is punishable by death.¡±


    the constable instantly understood.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    after passing through the stone tablet and jade shop that made the influential people revere him, an le arrived at the entrance of the lin residence. he calmed himself down, closed the oil-paper umbrella, shook off the water stains, and knocked on the bronze door knocker.


    this time, an le was very grateful for madam hua¡¯s help. he naturally went to thank madam hua personally.


    the vermilion door opened and lin zhuifeng¡¯s heroic face came into view.


    when lin zhuifeng saw the drenched an le at the door, a fierce look flashed across her eyes. those people who tried to probe the lin residence were getting more and more overboard.


    she also knew about an le¡¯s situation. the moment madam hua made a move, lin zhuifeng sensed it and learned the truth from madam hua. hence, lin zhuifeng¡¯s eyes were filled with resentment. she looked at an le who had been implicated and felt apologetic.


    ¡°young master an, please come in. first madam is waiting for you at the water pavilion.¡±

 Chapter 17

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    in the room, the maidservant of the lin residence had long prepared clean clothes for an le.


    originally, the maidservant wanted to change an le¡¯s clothes, but she was rejected. the room fell into silence. the sound of the rain outside the window was melodious, making the room even quieter.


    an le sat on the chair with a calm expression. this attack at the entrance of jing street was a little unexpected, but it was not that hard to accept.


    as the capital of the current great zhao, lin¡¯an prefecture was intertwined with various factions and benefactors. there were all kinds of entanglements and all kinds of inside information. it was difficult to capture the source.


    ¡°the person who sent people to attack me today was that painter, liu qingyan. however, since i have entered the lin residence, i have a status. coupled with the provincial scholar¡¯s reputation, how can this liu qingyan dare to attack me?¡±


    ¡°therefore, there¡¯s someone behind liu qingyan, and that person is luo qingchen, who was in the carriage today?¡±


    an le poured himself a glass of water and sipped it while deep in thought.


    luo qingchen originally wanted liu qingyan to enter the lin residence as an artist¡­ but he was intercepted by an le?


    behind luo qingchen, there was probably a force standing. the other party¡¯s target¡­ was the lin residence.


    however, since they dared to attack him at the entrance of jing street, their relationship with the lin residence must not be good, or even rebellious.


    this was a dispute between benefactors, and he, an le, was like a mayfly that was accidentally involved and inexplicably affected.


    an le frowned and slowly sorted out a line in his mind. he vaguely captured the truth of some things.


    his slender fingers and well-defined joints tapped lightly on the table. in the dark room, an le slowly exhaled.


    he had a thought.


    a light screen appeared.


    ¡­


    [name: an le]


    [age qi: 6 wisps]


    [age dao fruit: cultivation genius (3/10), sword dancer (0/10)]


    [cultivation technique: sword waterfall diagram (0 wisp), qi drawing breathing technique (1 wisp)]


    [skill: five animals body tempering technique (0 wisp), zhao zu¡¯s long fist (incomplete) (1 wisp)]


    ¡­


    now that he had accumulated six wisps of age qi, he had drawn four wisps from luo qingchen and his coachman. he had just seen lin zhuifeng, so he had gotten two more wisps.


    today, an le truly felt the difference between him and a powerful cultivator. however, an le was not dejected or desperate. instead, his fighting spirit surged.


    just as luo qingchen had said, the young man had a ferocious tiger in his chest, and that ferocious tiger¡­ was an le¡¯s ambition to be powerful.


    age qi was what an le relied on.


    he closed his eyes and began to distribute the age qi, but his mind had just moved.


    a golden light suddenly surged in front of him. golden age qi intertwined like an incense pillar and burned.


    an le could not help but be pleasantly surprised. he did not expect to obtain a wisp of golden age qi.


    the space in front of him rippled like water, and an image appeared.


    ¡­


    it was snowing heavily.


    a white-robed figure walked through the snow. he carried a long and narrow yellow pear wooden box on his back as if he was walking on flat ground.


    this figure was none other than luo qingchen.


    opposite luo qingchen was a cottage. the roof was covered by the heavy snow, as if it was about to collapse.


    in the cottage, a handsome young man could be vaguely seen sitting quietly. water was boiling in the furnace, and hot steam was billowing from the mouth of the furnace. a few tea leaves were floating up and down in the boiling water.


    ¡°i¡¯m luo qingchen from qingzhou. i¡¯m here to challenge all the elites in the world. i¡¯ve nurtured my sword intent and have won all of them so far. my sword intent is abundant. only then would i dare to test the strength of the top scholar.¡±


    luo qingchen¡¯s white clothes were as white as snow. he bowed slightly and said, his voice ethereal, carrying supreme arrogance and fighting spirit.


    on this day, luo qingchen was in high spirits, like a hidden dragon emerging from the abyss, extremely dazzling.


    the sound shook off a few snowflakes on the roof of the cottage, causing rustling sounds like the rustling of bamboo leaves.


    in the cottage, the handsome man turned his head slightly. although he was dressed in plain clothes, he looked noble. he glanced at luo qingchen and shook his head. ¡°your sword intent is not enough.¡±


    ¡°how would you know if you don¡¯t try?¡±


    luo qingchen sat upright on the snowy ground like a floating cloud. he took off the box of yellow pear wooden swords on his back and placed it across his legs as if he were playing a zither.


    he opened the gold-forged lock and opened the wooden box. there were six palm-sized small swords lying in the box. they were three silver and three gray.


    in the cottage, the handsome man no longer paid attention to luo qingchen. the water in the stove boiled, poured into the bowl, and began to make tea.


    the yellow stamens were roasted, and the bowls swirled with dust.


    the man looked at the tea leaves blooming like flowers in the bowl of water and could not help but smile.


    outside the cottage, in the snow.


    luo qingchen, who was dressed in white and blended in with the snow, saw that the man was ignoring him and took the initiative to attack. he released his mental power and blew out a wisp of air. in an instant, the small sword in the box rose into the wind like a dandelion.


    he exhaled again, breathing out sword qi.


    the six small swords drew an arc in the air and shot out, drawing marks on the white snow. they were murderous and carried the coldness of the snowy day as they sped towards the man in cloth clothes who was drinking tea in the cottage.


    this was luo qingchen¡¯s proudest move.


    the silver swords were the main attack, and the gray swords were hidden. they seemed to disappear from the world and fuse with the shadows.


    he blew away the steam in the bowl and took a sip of tea.


    facing the six flying small swords, the man in cloth clothes finally glanced sideways and shook his head gently.


    then, he raised his hand and grabbed.


    the cloth-clothed man easily captured the six small swords and placed them on the table.


    the cloth-clothed man slowly stood up and walked out of the cottage.


    looking at luo qingchen, who was sitting on the snowy ground in disbelief, he was expressionless.


    then, the man raised his hand again and pressed his palm down.


    in an instant.


    luo qingchen felt a majestic mental power crashing down like a mountain.


    that hand seemed to want to crush his spine, make him bend over, make him submit¡­


    luo qingchen had abundant sword intent, but under the terrifying pressure, he was still pressed into the snow. his sword was broken, and his will was covered in dust.


    snowflakes exploded around him and fell from the sky as if it were snowing heavily.


    the man in the cottage retracted his hand, brushed off his clothes, and sat down to drink tea again.


    outside the hall, snowflakes fluttered.


    only luo qingchen¡¯s sorrowful whimpers lingered in the snow, perhaps because his dao heart was covered in dust, or perhaps because his six swords had been detained.


    ¡­


    the scene gradually dissipated, and the blue light was hidden. an le came back to his senses.


    it was still quiet in the room, and the spring rain was falling outside the window.


    an le let out a breath of turbid air. he did not expect that this wisp of age qi was actually hiding such a secret.


    ¡°this luo qingchen failed in his challenge to the man in plain clothes and was oppressed by his power. his dao heart was clouded¡­ therefore, at the entrance of jing street, he also wanted to use his power to oppress me and make me bend over.¡±


    an le pondered for a moment. this luo qingchen¡­ what he had endured before, he wanted others to bear it as well¡­ he must have suffered psychological distortions.


    however, luo qingchen was bullied by madam hua again today, and his heart was probably going to become even more twisted.


    luo qingchen shook his head. this age qi was obviously not because of his smugness, but more because of his dejectedness, which left an extremely deep impression on luo qingchen.


    therefore, it was left behind by the age qi.


    in front of him, blue words appeared.


    [obtained age dao fruit: fearless heart]


    [note: fearless heart (dao fruit): with the fearless heart, you will be fearless. your spine will not bend. you will press forward and cut through the calamity. being fearless can nurture your cultivation.]


    a wisp of molten gold age qi condensed into the fearless heart dao fruit!


    an le¡¯s eyes flashed slightly, and a hint of joy surged in his heart. seeing that luo qingchen¡¯s spine had been crushed and his dao heart was covered in dust, he had instead condensed a fearless heart. this dao fruit condensed from a strange angle¡­ was it the opposite?!


    if luo qingchen knew, he would probably be so angry that it would be difficult for him to think straight.


    an le studied it carefully and realized that the age dao fruit this time was different from the other dao fruits. it seemed that it could not be augmented with age qi.


    however, the effect of the dao fruit fearless heart was extremely good. with the fearless heart in his body, he should have no fear. with the fearless heart, the young man¡¯s back was like a pillar of heaven. no matter how great the pressure was, it could not be broken. moreover, breaking through the calamity could strengthen the fearless heart and nourish his cultivation, causing strength to increase!


    ¡°in that case, luo qingchen oppressing me today will be a stepping stone in my heart. in the future, if i defeat him, bully him, and kill him, i will be able to strengthen my fearless heart and obtain feedback from my cultivation level¡­¡±


    an le was deep in thought.


    after becoming stronger, he had a greater determination and will to defeat luo qingchen.


    he closed his eyes and continued to study the age qi. a wisp of age qi turned into a dao fruit, but the remaining five wisps were no longer molten gold age qi. therefore, an le used all of them on the dao fruit [cultivation genius], increasing it to eight wisps.


    he vaguely felt that his mind seemed to be clearer, and his comprehension of the sword waterfall diagram had deepened.


    clearly, it was a change after the cultivation genius dao fruit was enhanced.


    after doing all this, an le changed into clean clothes. his hair was slightly moist, and his face was jade-like as he left the room.


    the delicate maidservant was already waiting outside the room. when she saw the handsome an le coming out, her eyes were filled with shyness. she carefully led the way and brought an le to the heavenly wave water pavilion.


    the spring rain above the water pavilion returned to normal and landed in the large pool with ripples.


    in the main hall, madam hua was reading a book while lin qingyin and lin zhuifeng were eating pastries.


    an le stepped into the main hall and greeted lin qingyin and lin zhuifeng with a bow. he also obtained two wisps of age qi from lin qingyin.


    lin qingyin¡¯s age qi was not as strong as lin zhuifeng¡¯s, but there were still eight wisps.


    ¡°an le greets madam hua. thank you for your help, madam hua.¡±


    an le cupped his fists and bowed sincerely.


    madam hua put down the book in her hand and looked at an le. she was slightly stunned.


    originally, she thought that an le would be depressed after being oppressed by luo qingchen, and his fighting spirit would dim. she was about to call him over to give him a few words of encouragement and enlighten him.


    however, she did not expect the young man to show no signs of dejectedness and disappointment.


    it was even to the extent that he underwent a transformation. his eyes were bright, his back was like a heavenly pillar, and his aura was robust like a primordial bell!


    there was also a hint of fearlessness!


    he was like a hidden blade that was as sharp as a peerless swordsman who had yet to unsheathe, but once he was unsheathed, no matter what was in front of him, the aura of a sword could cut through the black clouds!


    the young man had a fierce tiger and a fearless heart in his chest!


    madam hua¡¯s eyes flashed with surprise. this young man might be a treasure after all.

 Chapter 18

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    in the heavenly wave water pavilion, a hazy misty rain rose from the huge pond. accompanied by the gentle spring breeze, it was quite comfortable.


    the storm at the entrance of jing street had already subsided. although the three women in the water pavilion had not left the residence, they all knew about the situation.


    madam hua was graceful and elegant. there were no traces of age on her beautiful face, but the deepness in her eyes made her look even more mature and charming.


    she looked at the young man standing in front of her, who had a refined temperament, handsome eyes, and a fearless fighting spirit. the admiration in the corners of her eyes intensified.


    an le¡¯s hair was soaked by the unbridled spring rain. it was still wet, but it could not erase his hidden fighting spirit.


    even lin zhuifeng and lin qingyin saw the difference in an le. it was a change in his temperament.


    ¡°you don¡¯t have to thank me. this time, you were implicated by the lin residence.¡±


    madam hua looked at an le and said seriously, ¡°if you don¡¯t want to paint in the lin residence, you can bring it up now. the ten origin spirit coins and the two books can be considered compensation from the lin residence.¡±


    when an le heard this, he shook his head. ¡°madam, you¡¯re being too serious. since i¡¯ve agreed to paint for the young masters of the lin residence, i naturally won¡¯t back down just because of a little hardship. if that¡¯s the case, how can i cultivate? my thoughts won¡¯t be clear either.¡±


    ¡°i will remember the kindness of giving me the five animals body tempering technique and the sword waterfall diagram. the value of those two cultivation manuals is far beyond a painting. i will definitely repay you in the future.¡±


    an le was also very serious.


    ¡°you don¡¯t resent it? if i hadn¡¯t taken action, even if you didn¡¯t die today, your dao heart would have been covered in dust. your enlightenment was already late. if your dao heart was covered in dust, your cultivation path would have been even more difficult.¡±


    when madam hua heard an le¡¯s words, the corners of her lips curled up in satisfaction, but she continued.


    ¡°resent? of course, i do. although luo qingchen was intimidated by madam¡¯s actions and even messed up his dao heart, that was because of madam¡¯s actions. it was for the sake of the lin residence¡¯s reputation. naturally, i also blame luo qingchen. however, i will naturally seek revenge in the future.¡±


    ¡°a gentleman repays kindness with kindness, but he also repays grievances directly.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m grateful that the lin residence treated me well. luo qingchen looked down on me and even wanted to destroy my cultivation. i naturally have a grudge against him.¡± an le said calmly.


    in the main hall of the water pavilion, the young man¡¯s words were powerful and resounding.


    the young man had a grudge in his heart and didn¡¯t hide it. he didn¡¯t pretend to be magnanimous and forgiving.


    madam hua smiled, her admiration for an le growing. however, as soon as he stepped into cultivation, he said that he wanted to get back at luo qingchen.


    he was very courageous and fearless.


    ¡°do you know who luo qingchen is?¡±


    madam hua personally poured a cup of tea for an le with a faint smile on her beautiful face.


    an le respectfully took the cup of hot tea and took a sip. the fragrance of the tea dispelled the coldness accumulated from the spring rain.


    ¡°luo qingchen, the current prodigy of the luo family in qingzhou. meditation at the age of five, shedding mortality at the age of ten, primordial spirit born in the mind¡¯s niwan palace at the age of eighteen, and oblivion at the age of twenty-five. his body tempering cultivation was not inferior, reaching the connate realm at the age of twenty-six. he came to lin¡¯an and challenged all the elites in the world¡­¡±


    ¡°he challenged two geniuses of the capital and won both battles. he was in the limelight and was personally recruited by the second headmaster of the academy.¡±


    madam hua calmly described luo qingchen¡¯s deeds.


    an le listened attentively. he had to admit that luo qingchen was indeed a genius.


    ¡°however, in the third battle, he felt that he had cultivated enough sword intent, so he went to the flying snow hall to challenge the legendary top scholar, li you¡¯an. he wanted to step on the legendary top scholar and enter the academy with peerless talent.¡±


    ¡°unfortunately, he was defeated by li you¡¯an¡¯s majestic mental power in one move. his dao heart was even covered in dust¡­ he was stagnated in oblivion for more than ten years and wasted his time in the academy. later, he was given the eastern sea heart cleansing pearl by prime minister qin. only then did he wash away the dust of his dao heart and break through the fifth realm¡­¡±


    an le took a deep breath and caught a key piece of information.


    prime minister qin was standing behind luo qingchen!


    the current prime minister of great zhao was extremely powerful!


    no wonder luo qingchen dared to attack him so brazenly at the entrance of jing street. it turned out that he had prime minister qin backing him.


    no matter how ignorant an le was, he knew that the relationship between the lin residence and prime minister qin was not harmonious. it could even be said that there was hatred between them.


    ¡°there¡¯s a huge gap between you and luo qingchen. he¡¯s a cultivator who has surpassed the fifth realm, while you¡¯re just a new cultivator who has just passed qi blood awakening and entered meditation. do you still have the guts to compete with him?¡±


    madam hua asked with a smile.


    with this question, the water pavilion was so quiet that only the sound of the spring rain and falling tiles could be heard.


    lin zhuifeng and lin qingyin also looked over curiously.


    however, an le did not think about it for long. he smiled gently and said, ¡°cultivation cultivates one¡¯s thoughts. if i¡¯m timid and don¡¯t have the courage and willpower to walk towards the tiger mountain, what¡¯s the point of cultivating? why should i bitterly embark on the path of cultivation?¡±


    ¡°moreover, i am still cultivating, so it¡¯s not impossible for me to catch up. today, you¡¯ve covered luo qingchen¡¯s dao heart with dust again. in the future, i, an le, might be able to cause luo qingchen¡¯s dao heart to collapse.¡±


    silence!


    the entire heavenly wave water pavilion was extremely silent, only the sound of boiling water could be heard.


    a moment later, madam hua covered her mouth and chuckled. her laughter became louder and louder.


    ¡°that¡¯s right. the young man is heroic, neither servile nor overbearing, fearless, and unyielding. very good.¡±


    ¡°when cultivating, you should have a fearless heart and be heroic. you dare to challenge immortals in the sky with a sword.¡± madam hua covered her mouth and patted her plump thigh happily.


    it was as if at this moment, something in her heart had been exposed. she felt relieved and enlightened.


    in the water pavilion, an le and lin zhuifeng looked at each other. what was so funny about his words?


    ¡°alright, alright. go. since you chose the lin residence and have no regrets, the lin residence will naturally protect you. from now on, as long as i, hua jiebing, am alive in lin¡¯an, i will protect you and let you cultivate in peace.¡±


    madam hua was still smiling, but her words were serious.


    when an le heard this, he could not help but be moved. madam hua¡¯s words were equivalent to being an le¡¯s guardian. it was only the second time an le and madam hua had met. it was not an exaggeration to say that they had met by chance, but madam hua had first lit a green lamp for him on his cultivation path, and now she was protecting him¡­


    this favor was very heavy.


    ¡°thank you, madam hua. an le will remember your great kindness.¡±


    an le bowed deeply.


    madam hua nodded slightly, then opened the confucian book again and began to read.


    ¡°qingyin, zhuifeng, take young master an to the young masters. i¡¯ll read quietly for a while.¡±


    madam hua leaned against the bed again and looked at the yellowed book.


    an le bade farewell and left the heavenly wave water pavilion with lin zhuifeng and lin qingyin.


    they were shrouded in the misty rain.


    madam hua looked away from the confucian book and muttered, ¡°unfortunately, my days in lin¡¯an are numbered. how far can you go in the meantime?¡±


    ¡­


    ¡­


    in the long corridor, a spring breeze blew over, causing their clothes to flutter.


    ¡°young master an, fourth master has been at the lanke temple for half a year and hasn¡¯t returned. why don¡¯t you draw for him first?¡± lin zhuifeng said with a fire stick on her waist, but she looked at an le curiously.


    ¡°fourth master lin?¡± an le nodded.


    he guessed that by painting for the young masters of the lin residence, their status would naturally go from high to low. fourth master lin should be a benefactor with the same seniority as madam hua.


    in the current lin residence, the matriarch naturally had the highest status. below her should be madam hua and fourth master lin.


    ¡°fourth master¡¯s identity is special¡­ young master an, if you¡¯re painting for fourth master, you should be more careful.¡±


    lin zhuifeng thought for a moment and reminded him.


    an le was stunned and looked puzzled.


    lin qingyin had followed him here to learn painting. seeing that an le seemed to be a little puzzled, she explained, ¡°fourth uncle led the army to fight the golden wolf army of yuan meng empire back then and was defeated and captured. he was placed under house arrest in yuan meng empire for 60 years¡­ he changed his name and took the surname of mu. he was called qingfeng and married a princess of the yuan meng empire. now that he has returned to lin¡¯an, he has naturally been gossiped about¡­¡±


    an le was also shocked.


    he was captured by the yuan meng empire and even married a princess to return to lin¡¯an. this¡­ was a little absurd.


    an le was rather interested in this fourth master lin.


    to be able to marry a princess as a captive in the empire¡¯s camp and even return to great zhao safely¡­ this was the amazing part. there must be something extraordinary about him.


    the three of them walked out of the corridor and held up their oil-paper umbrellas.


    ¡°let¡¯s go to the martial arts hall. the young masters should be practicing martial arts there,¡± lin zhuifeng said.


    however, the three of them quickly stopped in their tracks and looked into the distance with their umbrellas.


    there, in the hazy rain, a thin figure wearing a bamboo hat and a raincoat slowly walked over.


    the raindrops intertwined at the edge of the bamboo hat, forming a bead curtain that fell.


    the figure had a hatchet at his waist. the handle of the hatchet was stained with raindrops. he was wearing a pair of muddy straw shoes. when he stepped on the ground, the soil was washed away by the rain.


    tap, tap¡­


    he raised his straw sandals and stomped down. the sound of his repeated stomps resounded and lingered. the air seemed to have become oppressive and heavy.


    lin qingyin¡¯s face was slightly pale as if she had been caught badmouthing someone. she looked at the figure and couldn¡¯t help but purse her lips.


    ¡°fourth¡­ fourth uncle¡­¡±

 Chapter 19

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    there was a hint of fear in lin qingyin¡¯s voice. accompanied by the cold spring rain, the atmosphere seemed a little cold.


    the man in the bamboo hat and straw cape slowly raised his head, revealing a handsome face under the bamboo hat. he had a high nose bridge, sharp eyebrows, and deep eyes that seemed to contain the boundless starry sky.


    this man was indeed too handsome. even an le, who thought that he was good-looking, lacked the charm that a mature man should have.


    ¡°so it¡¯s qingyin¡­¡±


    fourth master lin¡¯s voice was a little hoarse as he glanced at lin qingyin. with his cultivation level, he could naturally hear lin qingyin¡¯s previous words. however, the man was already used to it and did not care.


    ¡°please forgive me, fourth uncle.¡±


    lin qingyin hurriedly bowed. it was shameful to talk about others behind their backs, and it was even more embarrassing to be caught red-handed.


    ¡°it¡¯s fine. what you said is the truth. since i¡¯m willing to return from the yuan meng imperial capital back to lin¡¯an, i¡¯m naturally prepared to be despised by the world.¡±


    the man smiled gently, appearing rather carefree.


    then, his gaze turned and landed on an le. he was stunned when he first saw an le¡¯s handsome face, as if he had seen his younger self in an le.


    ¡°you¡¯re the painter that sister-in-law personally saved?¡± fourth master lin asked.


    an le held the oil-paper umbrella with one hand and raised the other to his chest. he bowed and said, ¡°greetings, fourth master.¡±


    fourth master lin nodded, and the spring rain curtain in front of his bamboo hat intertwined and fell.


    ¡°the one who attacked was that little fellow called luo qingchen, right? with the qin residence backing him up, he naturally has no fear of the lin residence. back then, seventh brother killed the second young master of the qin residence in the martial arts arena. the grudge that he had formed is still continuing to this day.¡±


    ¡°now that you¡¯re being targeted, it¡¯s better to be careful.¡± fourth master lin said.


    when an le heard this, he could not help but sigh. these people from the lin mansion were indeed kind-hearted.


    ¡°thank you for your reminder, fourth master. i will pay attention. however, since i¡¯ve joined the lin residence, i can¡¯t stay out of it. i have to face both the wind and the rain.¡±


    lin zhuifeng grinned and said, ¡°fourth master, first madam said that as long as she is in lin¡¯an, she will protect young master an.¡±


    fourth master lin¡¯s face under the bamboo hat instantly changed, and he looked at an le in surprise.


    ¡°this is the dao protector¡¯s word.¡±


    ¡°since eldest sister-in-law has said the dao protector¡¯s word, you can naturally be more at ease¡­¡±


    however, fourth master lin also understood the deeper meaning of madam hua¡¯s words.


    ¡°sister-in-law¡¯s words¡­ imply that she wants to leave lin¡¯an. why? is it because the emperor used big brother¡¯s storm calming as a reward for the hall examination?¡±


    fourth master lin frowned, and there was a hint of worry in the depths of his eyes.


    ¡°fourth master, since you¡¯re back, why don¡¯t you let young master an paint for you?¡± lin zhuifeng asked after some thought.


    fourth master lin came back to his senses, and his expression returned to normal. he shook his head gently. ¡°forget it. the imperial court won¡¯t dare to put me in an important position. i¡¯ve even dragged down the lin residence. since i¡¯m not going to battle now, why do i need to leave something for you to remember¡­¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ll talk to the matriarch. go ahead.¡±


    after saying that, fourth master lin didn¡¯t say anything else to everyone. he took a step forward and disappeared into the misty rain, heading towards qingfeng garden.


    an le held the umbrella in one hand and stared at his disappearing figure with the other.


    the age qi on fourth master lin¡¯s body was extraordinary. there were a hundred wisps intertwined and undulating. in terms of quantity, it was perhaps only slightly less than madam hua¡¯s.


    an le thought for a moment and finally couldn¡¯t hold it in. with a thought, the screen¡¯s [age qi] column jumped slightly and absorbed a wisp of age qi from fourth master lin¡¯s body with difficulty.


    unfortunately, the age qi did not flow with gold, which made an le feel a little regretful. he did not continue to absorb the second wisp.


    this was because an le had a premonition that the remaining power of the light screen might not be able to absorb a second wisp from fourth master lin. however, if it were someone else, he might be able to absorb some.


    in fact, if an le could not absorb the molten gold age qi, he would have wasted his opportunity. however, sometimes, if he did not try, how would he know that he would not be able to draw the molten gold age qi and condense the age dao fruit?


    every action had its own rules to follow.


    of course, an le also looked forward to becoming stronger. after becoming stronger, he would be able to absorb age qi and experience more freedom of choice.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    luo qingchen walked on foot in a slightly messy manner, looking a little lost.


    his dao heart was covered in dust once again. the lin residence¡¯s hua jiebing attacked. her mind turned into a sword and sword qi poured down like a waterfall. it was so vast and peerless that it made his entire body tremble. vaguely, he recalled the scene many years ago when the man slapped him to the ground in the snow.


    it was a nightmare that he could not get rid of.


    unknowingly, he arrived at the qin residence.


    as soon as he stepped into the qin residence, many people greeted him respectfully. after all, he, luo qingchen, was now young master qin¡¯s favorite.


    when they arrived at the qin residence¡¯s water pavilion, rain poured down, blurring the scenery of the water pavilion. between the rockery, a quiet stream flowed.


    in the pavilion, a young man in luxurious clothes was reading the chess manual and playing chess.


    the chess pieces that he picked up from time to time landed on the sandalwood chessboard, making a crisp sound that drowned out the patter of the rain.


    ¡°young master.¡±


    luo qingchen stood in the rain and cupped his fists.


    the young man was still playing chess. he did not even turn his head to look. ¡°mister, you fought with hua jiebing? how do you feel?¡±


    ¡°unfathomable. he¡¯s a genius like li you¡¯an.¡± luo qingchen sighed.


    in the past, when he walked out of qingzhou, he was as ambitious as a heavenly immortal. however, when he came to lin¡¯an and was defeated by the legendary top scholar, li you¡¯an, his dao heart was filled with mottled cracks that day.


    he knew that there were many talented people, but he, luo qingchen, was not qualified.


    ¡°hua jiebing is the wife of the sacred mountain¡¯s number one mountain lord and has received the inheritance of the sensory temple. her spirit refinement cultivation is extremely high. however, she is still a little inferior to the legendary top scholar, li you¡¯an. that is a peerless figure who has been evaluated by the sacred teacher.¡±


    the young man stopped playing chess and stood up. he walked to the side of the pavilion and looked at the spring rain that filled the sky.


    ¡°mister¡¯s aura is fluctuating and you are feeling uneasy. go down and rest early. jade guanyin¡¯s heart sword is famous in lin¡¯an. if you don¡¯t get rid of the influence early, i¡¯m afraid it will hinder your breakthrough.¡± the young man said.


    luo qingchen nodded, hesitated, and asked, ¡°that young artist¡­¡±


    ¡°since hua jiebing made a move today, she has made her stance clear. if i send another powerful cultivator to deal with a young man who has just entered the country, i¡¯m afraid hua jiebing won¡¯t hold back anymore. it¡¯s not worth it to kill my powerful subordinates for an eighteen-year-old amateur painter.¡±


    ¡°besides, the spring quarter examination is just around the corner and that young man is a provincial scholar. there¡¯s no need to cause trouble at this juncture. also, the hall examination is about to begin. his majesty is using storm calming as a gift. hua jiebing can¡¯t sit still. there¡¯s no need to provoke her now.¡±


    ¡°we¡¯ll settle everything after the spring quarter examination and the hall examination ends.¡±


    ¡°at that time, this young painter will probably regret entering the lin residence.¡±


    the young man stretched out his hand and picked up a spring rain in the sky. he smiled indifferently.


    luo qingchen frowned slightly. he wanted to say that the young man was a little different from the others. he had passed his qi blood awakening overnight, so his talent might not be as useless as he had imagined.


    however, in the eyes of the current young master, he had been enlightened late. his low cultivation level was not eye-catching and he was no different from a nobody.


    since the young master had already made up his mind, he did not say anything else and left.


    the young man in the pavilion looked at luo qingchen and shook his head.


    ¡°last time, the eastern sea heart cleansing pearl helped you wash away the dao heart dust, but this time, the shadow of the jade guanyin¡¯s heart sword can only be removed by you, luo qingchen.¡±


    ¡°if it can be expelled, there¡¯s still a possibility of improvement.¡±


    ¡°if it can¡¯t be expelled, then¡­ your value will be greatly reduced.¡±


    ¡­


    ¡­


    lin residence, martial arts hall.


    this was the first time an le met the many young masters of the lin residence.


    the atmosphere in the martial arts hall was lively.


    these young masters went into battle bare-chested. they held their spears and danced like dragons. they shouted and roared as if they were on the battlefield to welcome the enemy!


    lin zhuifeng and lin qingyin were not surprised by this scene. it was an le¡¯s first time seeing such a scene, and he was a little shocked.


    after all, among these young masters of the lin residence, the youngest looked to be only seven or eight years old, but he also held a long spear and hummed as he danced.


    ¡°this is the third-generation young master of the lin residence. most of them are in the same generation as me. i¡¯m born ninth among my peers, so i¡¯m also called ninth sister,¡± lin qingyin introduced an le with a smile.


    an le nodded and his eyes lit up. he looked at the young masters in the martial arts hall and saw the age qi lingering around them. although there was not much age qi on each of them, there were many of them.


    with a thought from an le, although he had absorbed the age qi from fourth master lin, the light screen still moved.


    he absorbed a total of four wisps of age qi from the two young masters practicing nearby.


    four wisps of age qi had entered his account, and an le had now accumulated five wisps!


    without hesitation, he used two wisps of the five wisps of age qi on the age dao fruit [cultivation genius], bringing the original eight wisps to ten wisps.


    in an instant, an le felt a wave of clear air burst out from under his feet and surged into his mind, bursting out from the top of his head!


    it was as if he was soaring into the nine heavens!


    everything was clear to him now.


    [dao begets one, one begets two. time flows but the ages remain eternal. the dao fruit has metamorphosed.]


    [cultivation genius has evolved into thousand-year genius.]

 Chapter 20

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    time flowed but the ages remained eternal. the dao fruit had metamorphosed.


    the cultivation genius dao fruit transformed into the thousand-year genius!


    an le opened his eyes and couldn¡¯t help but feel pleasantly surprised. the cultivation genius dao fruit had given him a lot of support, allowing him to quickly comprehend the sword waterfall diagram and enter meditation within 45 minutes.


    it could be said that the cultivation genius dao fruit had raised his talent. now that it had transformed, it had definitely grown in a good direction. with the addition of ten wisps of age qi, it transformed into the thousand-year genius.


    as the name suggested, he could be said to be a genius that only appeared once every thousand years!


    such talent was definitely extraordinary!


    if [cultivation genius] could allow him to step into the fifth realm on the path of cultivation, then [thousand-year genius] might be enough for him to easily break through the barrier of the five realms.


    madam hua had told him that although it was very difficult to cross each realm on the path of cultivation, stepping into the sixth realm at the fifth realm was the most difficult step.


    for someone like luo qingchen, who had walked out of qingzhou with a heroic spirit and was a genius that was hard to come by in a hundred years, he had wasted more than ten years in the fifth realm. although his dao heart was clouded, it was enough to show how difficult it was.


    although he was in the martial arts hall, an le was overjoyed. with a thought, a light screen jumped out.


    ¡­


    [name: an le]


    [age qi: 3 wisps]


    [age dao fruit: thousand-year genius (molten gold age qi 0/2 wisps, 0/100 wisps), sword dancer (0/10 wisps), fearless heart]


    [cultivation technique: sword waterfall diagram (0 wisp), qi drawing breathing technique (1 wisp)]


    [skill: five animals body tempering technique (0 wisp), zhao zu¡¯s long fist (incomplete) (1 wisp)]


    ¡­


    on the light screen, the age dao fruit column changed, and the [thousand-year genius] was included.


    however, what made an le¡¯s eyes narrow slightly was that compared to the evolution conditions of the cultivation genius dao fruit, the conditions of the thousand-year genius dao fruit were even harsher.


    ¡°the molten gold age qi can condense the age dao fruit. the transformation requires two wisps of the molten gold age qi. does this mean that i need to provide two age dao fruits?¡±


    ¡°other than that, it also needs a hundred wisps of gray age qi¡­¡±


    an le muttered as he felt the difficulty.


    however, it was not that easy to become stronger. with the light screen in his hand, an le was already lucky to be able to become stronger in a visible way.


    as for the conditions for the thousand-year genius dao fruit to transform, it was no different from asking him to spend more time collecting age qi to observe the glorious past of the experts in the world. it was not difficult.


    if he obtained a dao fruit that was repetitive or not useful to him, he could use it to evolve and augment another dao fruit instead.


    recently, an le discovered some tricks to extract age qi.


    molten gold age qi was more likely to appear on experts.


    for example, he had absorbed three times from fairy yun rou before drawing the molten gold age qi, but he had only drawn it once from madam hua and luo qingchen.


    of course, the deduction of such a small trick was not completely accurate. just like this time, an le did not extract the molten gold age qi from fourth master lin.


    there was still some luck involved.


    however, the evolution of the dao fruit undoubtedly made an le rather excited and happy.


    he opened his eyes and looked at the young masters of the lin mansion. he felt that they were all extremely handsome.


    ¡°young master an, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    lin qingyin observed an le and realized that he had suddenly closed his eyes. she thought that he was feeling unwell.


    ¡°thank you for your concern, miss qingyin. i¡¯m fine. let¡¯s begin painting for the young master. which young master will come first?¡± an le asked with a smile.


    lin zhuifeng took off the fire stick from her waist and walked into the martial arts hall.


    ¡°everyone, the matriarch has hired an artist to paint for everyone. this artist¡¯s skills are excellent. who wants to go first?¡±


    lin zhuifeng grinned.


    her voice lingered in the hall and was quickly drowned out by the shouts of the many young masters. no one paid attention to her.


    however, lin zhuifeng was not angry at all. instead, the fire stick in her hand began to spin around her wrist like a windmill.


    ¡°since you won¡¯t answer, let¡¯s talk according to strength. those who win against the fire stick in my hand can do it later!¡±


    as soon as she finished speaking, the fire stick in lin zhuifeng¡¯s hand suddenly extended and became stronger. a majestic qi blood burst forth like real flames, setting off a brilliant heat wave!


    it smashed towards one of the young masters.


    a moment later.


    the young master¡¯s face was bruised and swollen. he was on the verge of tears when lin zhuifeng dragged him to an le.


    ¡°young master an, this is eighth young master lin ye, seventh master¡¯s legitimate son. he¡¯s very happy to be the first to be drawn.¡±


    the fire stick returned to lin zhuifeng¡¯s waist and she grinned, revealing her white teeth.


    happy?


    the corners of an le¡¯s mouth twitched. he looked at the eight young masters who were filled with resentment and did not know how to answer.


    the eighth young master looked at an le and pleaded, ¡°sir, please make me look better. these black bruises¡­ have to disappear.¡±


    ¡°eighth young master, don¡¯t worry. i¡¯ve been taught to be professional.¡±


    an le smiled.


    after that, all the drawing tools that lin qingyin had asked someone to prepare were presented.


    as for the eighth young master, he sat on the small stool prepared by lin zhuifeng with a swollen face. there was originally an armchair, but lin zhuifeng made it clear that only those who were willing to be drawn could sit on the armchair. those who were brought here by her could only sit on the small stool.


    an le grabbed a piece of charcoal and sharpened it with a dagger. the thick paper was spread on the wooden frame, and the brush made a rustling sound.


    in the martial arts hall, qi blood was turbulent and blood was boiling.


    outside the house, the spring rain fell like crisp beads.


    the young man held the brush and began to draw the first painting after joining the lin residence.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    in the evening, the spring rain gradually stopped and the sunset clouds dissipated. red light splashed on the world.


    the air was thin and cold, and the wind that blew over brought with it a refreshing feeling.


    an le put away the oil-paper umbrella and left the lin residence with lin zhuifeng, lin qingyin, and the bruised and battered eighth young master lin ye.


    eighth young master lin ye was overjoyed. he thought that after being beaten up by lin zhuifeng, the artist might not be able to draw his handsomeness. however, he did not expect an le to draw so well. not only was the painting realistic, but it was even more handsome!


    it did not take long for lin ye¡¯s initial unwillingness to turn into true acceptance.


    while an le was painting, lin qingyin was also learning from the side. an le also taught her some sketching techniques, such as the posture of holding the brush, the control of light and darkness, the explanation of lines, and so on.


    as he taught, he drew meticulously. therefore, he only drew the eighth young master today.


    however, there was still a lot of time. they had never asked an le to finish painting every young master in a day. what was more important was the quality.


    ¡°young master an, this is your drawing fee for today. ten origin spirit coins.¡±


    a maidservant in embroidered clothes jogged over and smiled as she took out an embroidered purse for an le.


    this was madam hua¡¯s personal maidservant, xi xiang, a broad-minded elder sister.


    ¡°thank you, miss xiang. help me thank madam hua.¡± an le took the money bag and bowed with a smile.


    xi xiang looked at an le¡¯s handsome and polite appearance and could not help but cover her mouth and chuckle. after taking a few more glances, she turned around and returned to the lin residence.


    accompanied by the sunset glow, an le held an umbrella in one hand as he walked on the limestone road of jing street.


    after the evolution of the dao fruit and earning another ten origin spirit coins, an le was in an extremely good mood as he bathed in the cool breeze after the rain.


    even the attack at the entrance of jing street had lessened the impact on his mood.


    in fact, an le could not wait to return to the inn to cultivate and experience the enhancement brought about by the [thousand-year genius] dao fruit.


    however, just as he left jing street, an le saw a familiar face. it was the constable of the black office, huang xian, who was dressed differently from the constables of the black office. he walked over quickly.


    ¡°young master an.¡± huang xian¡¯s expression was solemn.


    the joy on an le¡¯s face gradually disappeared. he remembered that he had promised constable huang to draw a portrait of a criminal.


    ¡°i know about your attack at the entrance of jing street¡­ mr. luo is backed by the qin residence. the qin residence has a blood feud with the lin residence. mr. luo originally planned to bribe liu qingyan to enter the lin residence to paint and use some means to disgust the matriarch, but you stopped him. therefore, you were implicated.¡±


    huang xian explained the whole story clearly.


    an le nodded. without madam hua¡¯s promise, the qin residence would indeed be like a mountain collapsing. it would crush him until he could not breathe or even eat or sleep in peace.


    however, with madam hua¡¯s promise, an le could improve himself in peace.


    ¡°madam hua has already told me that since i¡¯ve joined the lin residence, there¡¯s no reason for me to back down.¡± an le smiled gently.


    looking at the carefree and indifferent an le, huang xian couldn¡¯t help but admire him.


    ¡°by the way, i¡¯ll have to trouble constable huang to capture liu qingyan or inform me of his whereabouts¡­ i¡¯ll repay kindness with kindness and grievances with revenge. liu qingyan hired someone to attack me, so i naturally have to seek justice from him. after all, i¡¯m a provincial scholar.¡± an le cupped his fists and said seriously.


    however, just as he finished speaking, huang xian¡¯s expression became strange.


    ¡°young master an, liu qingyan¡­ is already dead.¡±

 Chapter 21

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    the spring rain stopped, and no more droplets fell. the evening clouds that had just blown away swept over again, covering the sunset that had just scattered on the mortal world.


    even the wind blowing in the air became a little bone-piercing.


    liu qingyan was dead?


    when an le heard this news, he was stunned for a moment and frowned slightly.


    ¡°liu qingyan was beheaded by a sword. he had no strength to resist. his corpse was lying on the long street, and his blood dyed the limestone red.¡±


    constable huang xian sighed.


    he and an le looked at each other. both of them could guess who killed liu qingyan.


    an le nodded, indicating that he knew. if liu qingyan was dead, so be it. if he wasn¡¯t dead, an le might have to seek justice from him.


    ¡°in addition, other than liu qingyan, the three thugs who attacked you are also dead.¡±


    huang xian said, ¡°they were taken away by the black office constables and executed at the entrance of the market.¡±


    an le pursed his lips and was in a daze. his body turned cold.


    it wasn¡¯t that he sympathized with liu qingyan and the three thugs who had died. instead, it was the sadness that surged from the depths of his heart for the fragility of life.


    it turned out that death¡­ could be so simple and casual.


    luo qingchen¡¯s disregard for life might have exceeded his imagination.


    or rather, this was the way of the world. cultivators were high and mighty, looking down on the weak and mortals. to the lives of the weak and mortals, it was like looking at weeds on the roadside. they could be cut off at will.


    an le was naturally considered a weakling now. without the protection of the lin residence, he might have died powerlessly like liu qingyan and the three thugs.


    exhaling, an le¡¯s desire to become stronger grew.


    at the very least, he had to become so strong that luo qingchen, and even the qin residence behind him, would not be able to trample him to death like an ant. only then would he be at ease.


    constable huang clearly saw through an le¡¯s emotions and invited him to a restaurant. of course, it wasn¡¯t a luxurious restaurant like the drunken dragon pavilion.


    they ordered some food and a hot yellow wine. the two of them began to eat and drink.


    after taking a sip of warm yellow wine and a mouthful of pig head meat, huang xian looked at an le and smiled. ¡°young master an¡­ has never killed anyone, right?¡±


    an le took a sip of the yellow wine. the wine was rough, but it tasted good and had some flavor.


    ¡°no, i¡¯ve never killed anyone. i studied since i was young and came to lin¡¯an after being promoted. along the way, i was robbed by bandits and my guards ran away. i was unarmed and powerless to kill the bandits. instead, i was beaten up.¡± an le laughed self-deprecatingly. ¡°that should be the closest i¡¯ve ever been to killing someone. even when i was attacked previously, i never had the intention to kill anyone.¡±


    constable huang toasted an le and nodded. ¡°it¡¯s normal. young master is kind-hearted. if you aren¡¯t forced to the extreme, you naturally won¡¯t have any thoughts of killing anyone. however, young master is now a cultivator and has a bad relationship with the qin residence. perhaps you should change your mindset.¡±


    ¡°kind people will be bullied.¡±


    ¡°cultivation is inseparable from killing.¡±


    huang xian dissuaded him and reminded him.


    an le was deep in thought. even if he didn¡¯t want to, this was how the times were. if he didn¡¯t kill anyone, someone would kill him. he would stop swinging his sword, but others couldn¡¯t wait for the sword to fall faster and faster.


    huang xian had a good impression of an le. after all, he was gentle, refined, and handsome, and had foiled the qin residence¡¯s plot to plant an artist in lin residence.


    this reminder was sincere.


    ¡°young master an¡­ you offending the qin residence has something to do with me. if i hadn¡¯t invited you to the lin residence, you wouldn¡¯t have offended the qin residence. here, let me apologize to you.¡±


    huang xian took a sip of wine and wiped his mouth. he stared at an le and said seriously, ¡°the lin residence can still protect young master an now, but after the hall examination ends, the lin residence will definitely be involved in the storm. at that time, we won¡¯t be able to protect ourselves and might not be able to protect young master an.¡±


    ¡°therefore, if you want to seek your own safety, there¡¯s actually¡­ another way.¡±


    huang xian thought for a moment and said.


    when an le heard this, he raised his glass and drank it in one gulp. ¡°please enlighten me, constable huang.¡±


    ¡°i can¡¯t say for sure. actually, this isn¡¯t a secret. you asked madam hua about cultivation, so you should know that great zhao has three major cultivation factions, right?¡±


    constable huang smiled and waved his hand.


    ¡°spirit refinement literary department, body tempering martial temple, and the transcendent sacred mountain,¡± an le replied.


    ¡°luck has its ups and downs. it has been circulating for a long time and has seen the heavenly secrets. the clouds of the sacred mountain have dispersed and the dust has disappeared. a great general will soar above the purple star.¡±


    huang xian recited, ¡°this is written by a good friend of legendary top scholar li you¡¯an. it describes the image of the sacred mountain.¡±


    ¡°if you enter sacred mountain, you can easily enter the immortal sect.¡±


    ¡°young master an, if you want to protect yourself, you can choose to join the three major factions, be it the literary department, the martial temple, or the sacred mountain.¡±


    ¡°however, both the literary department and the martial temple have prime minister qin¡¯s influence. young master an, you may not die, but you will suffer a little. only by entering the sacred mountain, even if it¡¯s just the sacred mountain guardian, will you be able to make everyone wary.¡± huang xian¡¯s eyes were filled with respect and yearning.


    when an le heard this, he took a sip of wine. ¡°it¡¯s easy for constable huang to say. not to mention the past, just looking at the present, how many people in the great zhao dynasty can enter sacred mountain?¡±


    madam hua told an le about how difficult it was to enter the sacred mountain.


    huang xian looked at an le and smiled. ¡°it¡¯s naturally difficult to enter the sacred mountain and obtain the recognition of a sacred teacher to become a mountain lord. it¡¯s difficult to become a mountain lord unless you have peerless talent, but¡­ if you go to the mountain guardian, the difficulty will be much lower.¡±


    ¡°every year, there will be several cultivators from the great zhao dynasty who will enter the sacred mountain to be the mountain guardian. although the mountain guardian is also very particular about talent, it depends more on the mountain master¡¯s affinity. young master an is rather handsome and eye-catching. although you were enlightened late, you have some talent. if you want to be safe, you can go to the foot of the sacred mountain and fight for the right to be the mountain guardian.¡±


    huang xian laughed.


    an le was stunned. did constable huang mean that¡­ he wanted him to use his looks to conquer sacred mountain¡¯s mountain lord?


    why did it feel so unreliable¡­


    an le shook his head, disinterested. it felt too strange to enter sacred mountain with his appearance.


    he still felt that it was safer to rely on his own abilities to earn a living.


    he could even try his best to see if he could enter the sacred mountain and meet the sacred teacher.


    ¡°besides, let¡¯s talk about it later. constable huang, didn¡¯t you ask me to draw a portrait of the prisoner? describe the prisoner¡¯s appearance and characteristics to me. i¡¯ll go back and draw. i¡¯ll hand it to you tomorrow.¡±


    huang xian stopped talking about this topic and described the prisoner¡¯s appearance to an le.


    ¡°this criminal is a bandit named hu jingang. although he¡¯s a martial artist, he¡¯s proficient in cultivation. his qi blood has been opened to perfection and he¡¯s very ferocious. dozens of families in a village outside lin¡¯an prefecture were slaughtered.¡±


    huang xian put down his wine glass and said with a solemn expression, ¡°he looks ordinary and has hidden in lin¡¯an prefecture. it¡¯s very difficult to find his traces. if there¡¯s a portrait, paste a notice and let the commoners report him. capture him as soon as possible.¡±


    after an le took down the notes, the image of the criminal gradually appeared in his mind.


    ¡°by the way, i still have something to trouble constable huang with. i wonder if you know anyone from the brokerage? i¡¯m staying in that small inn and it¡¯s really inconvenient for me to practice martial arts. i want to find a residence with a courtyard.¡± an le asked.


    when huang xian heard this, he did not find it strange. now that an le was painting for the lin residence, he definitely earned a lot of money. it was normal for him to change to another courtyard.


    ¡°yes, one of my brothers from the black office died in the line of duty. his wife and daughter are leaving lin¡¯an to return to their maternal family. this courtyard is currently being sold, but the price is slightly higher. if young master an is interested, let¡¯s go take a look now.¡±


    huang xian hurriedly said. if he could sell this courtyard, it could be considered as helping his brother who had died in the line of duty.


    ¡°forget it for now. let¡¯s do it tomorrow. i¡¯ll pack my luggage tomorrow and move over together.¡±


    an le smiled. he did not ask how much it would cost. with his current wealth, buying a small courtyard was not a problem.


    ¡°alright, alright. young master an, i¡¯ll thank you first.¡±


    constable huang solemnly poured a cup of cold yellow wine, respectfully picked it up, and drank it in one gulp.


    an le smiled and drank his glass of wine.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    an le returned to the inn and asked the waiter to arrange hot water. after taking a hot shower, he sat cross-legged in the room.


    he took out the sword waterfall diagram and closed his eyes to visualize.


    as a top-notch spirit refinement technique, an le had entered meditation while observing the sword diagram. however, in fact, he could still comprehend and visualize the first diagram for a period of time.


    madam hua told him about the difference in realms, but she did not mention the specific division between each realm. specifically, there were four stages, initial, middle, late, and perfected.


    an le was now in the initial-stage of qi blood awakening and meditation.


    however, in reality, the difference between small realms had a huge impact. cultivation methods, attack techniques, and so on all turned into fluctuations. it was not strange for them to fight across small realms.


    he sat upright on the wooden chair. his breathing was gentle and subtle. he had already entered meditation.


    an le visualized the first sword diagram.


    in the depths of his mind, the mental power wrapped around him like wisps, vaguely forming the appearance of a sharp sword.


    the talent enhanced by the [thousand-year genius] dao fruit was indeed extraordinary.


    an le felt that the speed at which the wisp-like mental power wrapped around him was much faster than when he was in meditation.


    coupled with the enhancement of the sword dancer dao fruit, an le felt as if he was flying in the sky.


    his mental power continued to strengthen his meditation realm.


    after meditating for about four hours, an le opened his eyes. there seemed to be a glimmer of light in the darkness, like a star in the sky casting starlight on the mortal world!


    when he thought of the slight pain in the depths of his mind, an le stopped. cultivation emphasized effort and relaxation. excess was as bad as not enough.


    in the niwan palace in his mind, a blurry small sword embryo condensed from mental power took shape.


    according to an le¡¯s estimation, he had stepped into the middle-stage meditation realm.


    after the spirit refinement training, an le broke free from the meditation state.


    his strengthened mind allowed him to control his body even more carefully. he stretched his muscles and bones, and his qi blood circulated in his meridians.


    an le let out a shaky breath and began to practice the thirteen forms of the tiger of the five animals body tempering technique in the room.


    the wind was strong, and the commotion was like thunder!


    during the battle at the entrance of jing street, an le¡¯s understanding of the tiger form deepened even though his opponent was just an ordinary fighter.


    ¡°the sword waterfall diagram has the enhancement of the sword dancer dao fruit, which increases cultivation. however, the five animals body tempering technique doesn¡¯t have the enhancement of the dao fruit. in that case, i¡¯ll enhance it with age qi.¡±


    an le thought to himself and added the remaining three wisps of age qi into the five animals body tempering technique.


    gray age qi burned, and a scene flashed past his eyes.


    however, when the last wisp of gray age qi burned, an le¡¯s eyes lit up and he began to observe seriously.


    this was because the figure in the wisp of age qi¡­ was using the five animals body tempering technique!

 Chapter 22

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    the age qi turned into incense and burned. an le could see the outstanding scene of the person who originally owned the age qi.


    on the other hand, an le could control his mind to choose whether to fast-forward or not.


    of course, even if he fast-forwarded it, the effect of the age qi would still be the same. however, if he encountered some scenes of the same nature or origin as an le¡¯s cultivation, he could gain insights by watching them seriously and resonating with his emotions.


    for example, this time, the gray age qi burned, and the figure on the screen was using the five animals body tempering technique!


    ¡­


    the torrential rain poured down into the deep mountains.


    the waterfall of the flying current resounded with a rumble, interweaving with the sound of the heavy rain that filled the sky like thunder behind the sunset clouds!


    under the hanging waterfall, a figure stood quietly. it was an incomparably handsome youth. the youth¡¯s figure was slender and not muscular, but standing quietly under the storm and waterfall, he was like a pillar that held up the sky, towering and unfailing!


    the waterfall that was like the milky way poured down from above and smashed into the young man¡¯s back like a silver bottle shattering. however, the young man remained unmoved.


    his breathing was like muffled thunder. in an instant, the youth opened his eyes and boundless qi blood burst forth from his body. he used the tiger form to wave his claws in the waterfall, bend over, and charge forward¡­


    the thirteen tiger forms were vividly displayed by the young man. the boiling qi blood surged under his skin and collided with the water, evaporating into white steam. the steam intertwined and actually vaguely transformed into a vivid tiger that moved and roared under the waterfall!


    the impact of the waterfall was withstood by the youth¡¯s physical body. under such an impact, every tiger form was flawless without any deviation!


    this was the greater mastery of the tiger form!


    in addition to the tiger form, the young man also began to practice other moves against the waterfall. the agility of the deer form, the stability of the bear form, and the craftiness of the ape form¡­


    in the end, the young man began to practice the bird form. his body was like a sharp sword, and his movements were like a hidden sword unsheathed.


    compared to moves like the tiger, deer, bear, or ape, the young man¡¯s bird form was more sluggish and uncoordinated. clearly, the young man had refined the five animals under the waterfall to perfect the bird form and make the five animals technique reach greater mastery!


    the young man was immersed in his rehearsing. he immediately stopped and rehearsed. the waterfall and the rain washed his back red. one could vaguely see the bones under his skin emitting light!


    that was the symbol of the second realm of body tempering, the perfected-stage of the spirit bone!


    suddenly!


    the young man¡¯s hand formed a beak shape and slanted upwards from the bottom of the waterfall. in an instant, a sharp sound drowned out the storm and the roar of the waterfall, as if lightning had appeared behind the clouds!


    at that moment, the bird-like dissonance completely dissipated and interwove with the other moves to the perfected-stage!


    at that moment, there seemed to be the cry of a white crane that rushed into the sky. like an unsheathed sword, it came out of the abyss under the waterfall and pierced through it, slashing down nine feet of the waterfall!


    ¡­


    the scene gradually disappeared.


    an le was mesmerized by the scene. in his mind, the scene seemed to be still rehearsing and playing without stopping.


    he recognized the handsome youth. it was the lin residence¡¯s fourth master lin. the scene should be the scene of fourth master lin when he was young, when the five animals technique had reached the perfected-stage!


    at the last moment, the greater mastery of the bird form was like a white crane turning into a sword and slashing down a waterfall!


    fourth master lin¡¯s heart was filled with joy and pride, so he was captured by time.


    in the dark room, an le breathed in and out. the emotions and state of fourth master lin¡¯s five animals body tempering seemed to be attached to his body.


    his qi blood moved under his skin, and the temperature in the room suddenly rose.


    an le began to punch. after adding three wisps of age qi, the cognition and techniques of the five animals body tempering technique seemed to have become much more familiar. in addition, he had observed fourth master lin¡¯s training.


    the power of the tiger form soared in a straight line as if a ferocious tiger was moving in the house.


    bang!!!


    an le, who had trained to the point of forgetting himself, accidentally affected the chair and it exploded into pieces!


    the lethality of the tiger form increased by more than one level. the qi blood in an le¡¯s body also circulated faster and faster under the practice of the five animals body tempering technique, and his strength increased!


    ordinary body tempering required a medicinal soup to refine the body. the five animals body tempering technique had a professional prescription, but an le had never had the time to buy it.


    however, with the thousand-year genius dao fruit, the enhancement of age qi, and observing the scene of fourth master lin¡¯s perfected-stage five animals body tempering when he was young, it directly pushed his qi blood to rise rapidly!


    it was as if water was boiling in a pot. under the silence, there was also an endless sound of boiling!


    an le continued to practice bear form and bird form. deer form and ape form were too agile and needed space to be used, and it was difficult to do in this small room.


    therefore, he did not practice them.


    the bear form was like hugging a mountain. it was stable but had explosive power. the bird form was as sharp as a sword. with the enhancement of the sword dancer dao fruit, an le¡¯s comprehension of the bird form was even faster. in terms of mastery, it was already comparable to the tiger form!


    an le, who was in high spirits, practiced the five animals until dawn.


    that night, everyone in the inn found it difficult to sleep. however, no one dared to come and talk to an le. after all, such a commotion was like a ferocious beast waiting for an opportunity to feast¡­ who dared to provoke him?


    when the room finally quieted down, the innkeeper knocked on the door nervously.


    ¡°young master an¡­¡±


    when the shopkeeper saw the mess in the room and the broken chairs, his expression became even more nervous.


    this young master an was indeed a cultivator!


    why would a cultivator stay in their dilapidated inn?


    ¡°shopkeeper, i¡¯ve been too focused on my cultivation tonight and disturbed everyone. i¡¯ll move out tomorrow. take these ten taels of silver as compensation for the chair and buy some wine and food for the other guests to apologize.¡±


    an le¡¯s entire body was covered in sweat. the middle-stage qi blood awakening steam made the shopkeeper¡¯s legs go weak.


    after sending the shopkeeper away, an le felt that the matter of changing residences could not be delayed any longer.


    after wiping his sweat with a towel, an le sat cross-legged in meditation for a moment to calm his mind.


    then, he opened his eyes and lit a candle. instead of reading, he took out a drawing board and charcoal pen and began to draw the appearance of the bandit constable huang had described to him.


    rustle, rustle, rustle¡­


    the sound of charcoal rubbing on the white paper was like silk bamboo.


    outside the window, the sun rose from the east. a faint ray of dawn shone from the end of the world.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    after a day of spring rain yesterday, the temperature today had risen a little.


    an le rolled up the drawing and packed his luggage. after settling the room fees with the shopkeeper, he left the inn.


    huang xian came over with his saber in the morning. he was very enthusiastic.


    ¡°brother huang, this is the portrait of the suspect drawn according to the information you described.¡±


    an le handed the three sketches to huang xian. in order to better capture the suspect, an le even rushed to work on a second piece. however, the progress was very fast following the first sketch.


    the increase in his mind power and the familiarity of controlling his body also made the improvement in an le¡¯s drawing skills very obvious.


    huang xian opened one of the paintings and took a look. he looked at the lifelike person in the painting and couldn¡¯t help but sigh. ¡°it¡¯s so real. with this painting, it might be a little different, but as long as there¡¯s a 70 to 80% resemblance, it¡¯s enough to make it difficult for the suspect to hide.¡±


    ¡°thank you, young master an. if we capture this bandit, you will definitely have a share of the credit.¡±


    huang xian cupped his fists and bowed to an le.


    an le smiled and the two of them left together, strolling along the long street where there were not many people.


    ¡°the courtyard is located in imperial ancestral temple alley on qingbo street. it¡¯s an excellent location and is extremely close to the imperial street. my brother spent most of his savings to buy it. it wasn¡¯t easy for him to settle down in lin¡¯an prefecture, but he didn¡¯t expect to encounter a mishap when he was capturing cultivator criminals.¡± huang xian sighed.


    an le nodded. the black office constable was also an extremely high-risk profession. after all, they were facing cultivator suspects.


    the two of them walked for a while and stepped onto qingbo street. they passed by a two-story building with an octagonal peak and heavy eaves. it was carved with beams and was rather majestic. there were even incense offerings curling up inside.


    ¡°this is the imperial ancestral temple. his majesty comes here every year to pay his respects. it¡¯s strictly guarded. there¡¯s a temple attendant guarding it. don¡¯t approach casually¡­¡±


    huang xian introduced and reminded.


    imperial ancestral temple¡­


    an le took a glance and felt a sense of majesty and grandeur. there was even a brilliant aura that was like a blazing sun and a terrifying mental power that lingered around the entire temple.


    even without huang xian¡¯s reminder, an le would not approach easily.


    after walking along the imperial ancestral temple alley for a while, they finally arrived at a courtyard. the courtyard door was open, and a woman was cleaning seriously inside. the entire courtyard was spotless.


    however, an le¡¯s gaze involuntarily landed on the woman.

 Chapter 23

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    in the early morning after the spring rain, the light of dawn shone through the thin clouds, covering the human world with a warm golden veil.


    the madam in the courtyard was wearing rough clothes. her back was facing an le and huang xian, who were at the entrance of the courtyard. she was trimming the flowers and potted plants. the flowers and plants that had been baptized by the spring rain had become even more beautiful and alluring. together with the woman, they were enveloped in the golden veil of the morning sun, making them look a little peaceful.


    an le¡¯s gaze was involuntarily attracted by this woman.


    it was not because of the woman¡¯s beauty, nor was it because the woman¡¯s rough clothes could not hide her proud figure.


    instead, it was because there were strands of age qi on the woman¡¯s body that rose in spirals and coiled endlessly!


    counting carefully, there were more than 20 wisps!


    what did that mean?


    miss zhuifeng of lin mansion and fairy yun rou on the flower boat only had a dozen wisps of age qi, but this woman in imperial ancestral temple alley had more than twenty wisps!


    apart from that, an le also felt that something was different. the age qi was different.


    the woman¡¯s age qi was not only gray, but on the surface of the qi currents, there seemed to be a layer of deep black. it was extremely strange.


    it was like¡­ demon qi!


    an le¡¯s gaze froze.


    demon?


    in this world, other than cultivators, there were also some living beings that were born from the spirits of heaven and earth. they were called demons.


    legend had it that demons had existed since ancient times. there were evil demons who slaughtered living beings, and there were good demons who repaid kindness¡­


    closer, it was said that there was a thousand-year-old snake demon at the bottom of the west lake.


    an le did not expect that the woman in front of him, who lived in an alley so close to the great zhao imperial ancestral temple, could be a demon.


    huang xian did not notice the woman¡¯s abnormality. the difference in cultivation made him feel that this woman was an ordinary person.


    an le remained calm and followed huang xian into the courtyard.


    this courtyard was not a two-sided courtyard. it was just an ordinary one-sided courtyard, but it was enough for an le. the main reason was that the courtyard was big enough to be used when practicing the five animals technique.


    seeing that someone was coming, the woman stopped what she was doing and turned around slowly.


    the woman¡¯s appearance was not considered beautiful, but when paired with her impressive figure, she had a different charm.


    ¡°sister-in-law, this is young master an. he needs to buy a courtyard to live in, so i introduced him to you.¡±


    huang xian smiled when he saw the woman.


    the woman glanced at an le. such a handsome man stunned her for a moment before she bowed and greeted him.


    an le bowed in return.


    ¡°young master an, this¡­ this courtyard will be sold for 600 taels. will young master accept it?¡±


    the woman smiled gently.


    an le observed the courtyard that had been cleaned up and placed with potted plants that made one feel relaxed and happy. he smiled lightly and nodded without bargaining. ¡°sure.¡±


    then, an le took out the money bag and took out two origin spirit coins.


    ¡°two origin spirit coins are exactly 600 taels. madam, keep it well.¡±


    an le handed the coins to the woman.


    the gentle woman took the coins, then took the house deed and an le. she bowed and said, ¡°young master an, this courtyard belongs to you now. the flowers and plants in the courtyard are carefully nurtured by me. they are also living beings of heaven and earth. they have life. i hope you can take good care of them.¡±


    an le smiled and returned the greeting. ¡°don¡¯t worry, madam. when i¡¯m practicing martial arts, i¡¯ll definitely move the flowers and potted plants away.¡±


    when the woman heard this, she smiled at an le.


    huang xian was in a good mood when he saw that the transaction had been completed. to be honest, the opening of the courtyard at 600 taels of silver was a little low. if it was sold at the brokerage, it would definitely not be sold at such a price.


    huang xian only hoped that this orphan and widow could earn more money and live a good life after leaving lin¡¯an.


    ¡°sister-in-law, after leaving lin¡¯an, be careful. the world is not peaceful.¡±


    huang xian looked at the woman and instructed.


    the woman nodded. ¡°after i send nannan back to her family, i¡¯ll visit lin¡¯an again¡­¡±


    huang xian was stunned.


    ¡°constable huang should know that there¡¯s something fishy about my husband¡¯s death¡­ someone wanted him dead. after returning to the capital, i have to seek justice.¡± the woman lowered her head, her long hair falling as she muttered softly.


    huang xian was speechless for a moment. he felt as if there was a huge rock blocking his throat.


    listening to their conversation, an le also sensed that there was something else going on, but it was inconvenient for him to ask. with a thought, he absorbed two wisps of age qi from the woman.


    constable huang only had two wisps of age qi on him. now that he had finished absorbing them, an le could no longer absorb anything.


    two wisps of age qi entered his light screen. an le couldn¡¯t help but be delighted because¡­ he discovered that there was a wisp of molten gold age qi that could gather the dao fruit!


    in the house, a little girl with pigtails ran out. she seemed to be afraid of strangers and hid behind the woman timidly. the woman took the luggage bag that she had already prepared and nodded at an le.


    ¡°young master an, thank you for your generosity.¡±


    the woman replied like she did not realize that she had just been taken advantage of.


    she also knew that this small courtyard could not be sold for 600 taels at all. it was because an le saw that the mother and daughter were pitiful, so he generously gave her money. she really needed silver taels, and she would remember this kindness.


    ¡°madam, you don¡¯t have to thank me. this is a deal. it¡¯s consensual. i wish you a safe journey.¡±


    an le smiled.


    the woman took a deep look at an le. this young master an¡¯s eyes¡­ did he see something?


    however, the woman did not probe further. she carried her luggage with the little girl and took one last look around the small courtyard that might have beautiful memories. she turned around and left, hiding among the crowd on qingbo street and the morning mist.


    ¡°sigh.¡± huang xian sighed.


    ¡°constable huang, is there another story behind this?¡± an le asked. ¡°if it¡¯s inconvenient, you don¡¯t have to tell me.¡±


    huang xian shook his head. ¡°it¡¯s not inconvenient. it¡¯s just the dirty darkness hidden under the prosperity of lin¡¯an prefecture. someone is using power to suppress and bully others.¡±


    ¡°there are so many benefactors in lin¡¯an mansion. benefactors have many special privileges when they do things. some benefactors rely on their special privileges to do whatever they want. it¡¯s annoying to say too much.¡±


    ¡°although the black office manages cultivators, some benefactors can¡¯t be managed and we don¡¯t dare to touch them.¡±


    huang xian was not in a good mood. after saying a few simple words, he bade farewell to an le. ¡°young master an, congratulations on moving to a new residence. i have to go and handle a case now. with young master an¡¯s painting in hand, this suspect will definitely not be able to escape.¡±


    ¡°after i get off work, i¡¯ll bring a pot of aged yellow wine and drink it with young master an.¡±


    an le bowed in return.


    huang xian carried a saber at his waist and looked in the direction where the woman and her daughter had left. he sighed again and seemed to have aged a little. his back bent slightly as he walked away.


    an le closed the courtyard door and placed the backpack in the house. the courtyard was very clean. although the madam was a demon, she lived like an ordinary woman.


    huang xian did not explain the matter of the woman clearly, so an le did not think too much about it.


    with a thought, the wisp of molten gold age qi that had absorbed the woman¡¯s faint flirtatious aura began to turn into golden incense sticks that slowly burned.


    ¡­


    the moonlight was like water, pouring down on the world.


    deep in the mountains, there were old trees.


    there was a tree with intertwined roots growing on an old pine tree on a rock. there was a squirrel sitting cross-legged on a branch.


    under the moonlight, the squirrel bathed, its fluffy tail wagging slightly.


    vaguely, there seemed to be moonlight essence pervading the air. it was being absorbed bit by bit by the squirrel, causing demon qi to glow.


    absorbing the essence of the sun and moon and experiencing the baptism of heaven and earth was the evolution of a demon.


    vigorous demon qi grew, like a black fog that lingered around the squirrel. gradually, the demon qi expanded, like a huge pine cone.


    after a long time, the demon qi began to slowly dissipate. within the black demon qi, a long leg as white as jade slowly stretched out. under the cold moonlight, it was dazzlingly white.


    ¡­


    the scene gradually dissipated, and an le¡¯s mind returned. the molten gold age qi absorbed from the woman actually showed the process of the demon¡¯s transformation.


    it did catch an le off guard.


    the woman was actually a female squirrel demon. after transforming, it was unknown why she married someone else. there might be many stories behind this.


    however, an le did not know about these stories.


    blue words appeared on the screen in front of him.


    [obtained age dao fruit: demon tempering treasure jade]


    [note: demon tempering treasure jade (dao fruit): the treasure jade draws demonic qi. it can draw the demon qi in the jade to help temper the body and strengthen the body like a demon. carrying the treasure jade can weaken the influence of the demon qi.]


    an le took a deep breath and saw a demonic wind suddenly blow in the courtyard. the demon qi was like dark clouds, causing the flowers and grass to sway and dust to fly.


    when the demonic wind and demon qi dissipated, a round pancake-shaped nine-patterned white jade with a tassel gently landed in his palm.


    ¡­


    at the same time.


    in the imperial ancestral temple, a few kilometers away from the small courtyard.


    a long-brow old man in plain clothes was splashing ink and painting on the table.


    suddenly, the old man stopped writing and turned to look at the courtyard in imperial ancestral temple alley. he smiled in surprise.


    ¡°a squirrel demon has just left, and now there¡¯s such a strong demon qi¡­¡±


    ¡°the demons dare to make a nest beside the imperial ancestral temple. they¡¯re not taking me seriously.¡±


    the old man suspended his brush and pushed open the temple door with his hands behind his back.


    he walked unhurriedly towards the small courtyard in the alley.

 Chapter 24

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    an le looked at the piece of white jade in front of him. there were nine gray patterns on the white jade. they were of varying thickness and shallowness. they were neatly arranged on the white jade. perhaps it should not be called white jade, but flower jade.


    ¡°demon tempering treasure jade¡­¡±


    an le muttered to himself. to be honest, he was a little surprised. he did not expect the age dao fruit to be able to produce a physical object.


    this [demon tempering treasure jade] was somewhat similar to a cultivation dharma treasure. furthermore, it was a rather precious support dharma treasure that could help cultivation.


    after an le learned about cultivation from madam hua, he learned much about cultivation. it was like a competition. the higher one went, the stronger the competition.


    competition naturally required killing. killing required weapons. dharma treasures were the weapons of cultivators, but dharma treasures could also be divided into attack and support.


    rubbing the demon tempering treasure jade, the nine gray patterns on the demon jade seemed to contain majestic demon qi. tempering one¡¯s body with demon qi could strengthen one¡¯s body like a demon!


    if demons wanted to transform, they had to experience a hundred years of cultivation. after years of tempering, their demon bodies were naturally tough. although powerful body tempering martial artists were not inferior to greater demons in terms of physical strength, tempering their bodies with demon qi was indeed an efficient cultivation method.


    an le¡¯s interest was piqued. coupled with the fact that the courtyard was empty, he packed up the flowers and potted plants and stood still in the courtyard, planning to practice the tiger form.


    his mind surged into the demon jade, and a gray pattern on the jade was almost boiling and squirming. boundless demon qi overflowed from it!


    qi blood surged under his skin, and an le began to use tiger form.


    as his qi blood circulated, the demon qi that grew seemed to be absorbed by every pore and surged into his skin and meridians. a sharp pain came.


    an le frowned, but he endured the pain and began to practice the tiger form.


    after one round, an le¡¯s body was covered in hot sweat, which was mixed with some blood color!


    an le could clearly feel that his skin and physique had become much stronger.


    was this demon qi tempering the body?!


    an le was a little surprised. the five animals body tempering technique should have been used with medicinal soup for body tempering, which would speed up the refinement of the body.


    but now, under the tempering of demon qi, the effect seemed to be better than the medicinal soup!


    surprised, an le tirelessly continued to cultivate the body tempering technique and practice the bird form.


    bird form and tiger form, an le was currently the best at these two. seeing fourth master lin¡¯s body tempering under the waterfall, an le had gained a lot.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    although the spring rain from yesterday had stopped, there were still puddles of rainwater that had not dried up in the pits on the limestone road in the alley. the fallen leaves that had been knocked down by yesterday¡¯s rain floated on the surface of the puddles and spun slightly.


    ¡°splat!¡± the world reflected by the fallen leaves and water was shattered by the falling cloth shoes.


    water droplets flew up and fell down. the pit rolled into a turbid state. the fallen leaves were carried by the cloth shoes and stuck to the bottom. as they walked, they rustled.


    the old man in plain clothes walked out of the imperial ancestral temple slowly. his long eyebrows fluttered in the wind.


    sensing the demon qi floating in the air, the old man¡¯s expression was indifferent. he quickly followed imperial ancestral temple alley and arrived at the source of the demon qi.


    before the door of the small courtyard was closed, the sound of qi blood boiling could be heard from afar. there was the powerful force of a cultivator¡¯s fist.


    the old man looked into the courtyard and was stunned. ¡°eh? it¡¯s not a demon, but a human.¡±


    ¡°using the five animals as the foundation to guide demon qi to temper the body¡­ it¡¯s very interesting, but demon qi is difficult to guide. this demon qi comes from the jade pendant worn by the youth. it¡¯s quite interesting.¡±


    ¡°compared to nourishing the body with medicinal soup, the efficiency of tempering the body with demon qi is higher.¡±


    the old man wisped his beard and began to admire an le¡¯s five animals body tempering. the more he looked, the brighter his eyes became. towards the end, he even reminisced about his past.


    ¡°the five animals body tempering technique is a body tempering technique stored in the heavenly wave lin residence. with the power of the five animals, it refines the body. although it¡¯s not a top-notch body tempering technique, it¡¯s not bad. this youth¡¯s tiger form and bird form actually have some resemblance to the lin family¡¯s fourth son.¡±


    the old man smiled, a hint of interest appearing in his eyes.


    he had originally come to punish the demons, but he did not expect that the person who had triggered the demon qi was actually a young man. there was no need to beat him up.


    although using demon qi to temper one¡¯s body was rare, it was not unheard of. in the yuan meng empire, some martial arts fanatics even hunted thousand-year-old demons and killed them until they bled. they bathed in the blood of the demons that contained resentment and ruthlessness to temper their bodies. compared to tempering one¡¯s body with demon qi, it was nothing.


    ¡°he cultivates the five animals and his mind has the intent of a sword waterfall¡­ is this young man the one who made the young madam from the lin residence take action at the entrance of jing street yesterday?¡±


    the old man pondered and guessed an le¡¯s identity.


    although yesterday¡¯s clash was only a fleeting one, the jade guanyin flicked her fingers and sent out 3,000 droplets of spring rain to transform into swords. the might was naturally impressive, attracting the attention of many experts.


    in the courtyard, an le, who was practicing his bird form, felt his heart palpitate. his mind was tense as if a pair of deep eyes were spying on him.


    after ending the bird form practice, an le was covered in blood and sweat. that was the evolution of his physique.


    however, he did not have the time to pay attention to it. he looked at the entrance of the courtyard and saw a long-brow old man in plain clothes looking at him with interest.


    the prying feeling in his deep eyes disappeared, and the old man became ordinary. his qi blood, mind, and other powers did not leak out at all, making him look like an ordinary old man.


    however, in an le¡¯s eyes, the old man¡¯s age qi was dense like seaweed, swaying in the wind.


    even madam hua¡¯s age qi was incomparable to this old man!


    an le could not even estimate how many wisps of age qi the old man had!


    a true cultivator expert!


    he was the strongest existence an le had seen so far. madam hua was much inferior.


    an le¡¯s heart skipped a beat. this old man might be the powerful cultivator guarding the imperial ancestral temple that he passed by earlier?


    in the face of such an expert, an le looked at the wisps of age qi that swayed like seaweed on the other party¡¯s body and began to absorb it without hesitation.


    however, after a tiring tug-of-war, an le failed to absorb it.


    he could not even extract a trace of age qi from the old man.


    previously, he had gone through a lot to absorb the age qi from madam hua. now, he tried absorbing the age qi from an existence stronger than madam hua. it was not surprising that he had failed.


    this further confirmed an le¡¯s guess. if he wanted to absorb the age qi from the strong, he had to keep up in terms of cultivation level. otherwise, there would be an awkward situation where he could not extract the age qi.


    ¡°young friend, you just moved here today, right? you don¡¯t look familiar. i also live in the imperial ancestral temple alley. i¡¯m considered a close neighbor to you,¡± the old man said with a smile.


    he narrowed his eyes and looked at an le meaningfully. when an le stared at him just now, his gaze was a little strange. what did this young man see?


    ¡°i¡¯m an le, from chongzhou. when i entered lin¡¯an to participate in the spring quarter examination, i bought this small courtyard to cultivate and study. i¡¯ll have to trouble you.¡±


    an le cupped his fists and bowed respectfully.


    the long-brow old man stopped stroking his beard and understood that an le must have sensed his strength.


    ¡°a cultivator who has just developed his mind and qi blood can actually see through my cultivation level? even the unlucky luo qingchen might not be able to detect my concealment.¡±


    the old man thought about it and felt that an le was more and more interesting.


    it was no wonder that the lin residence¡¯s jade guanyin would help this youth.


    ¡°there¡¯s no need to be so polite. i¡¯m indeed right. you moved to the imperial ancestral temple alley and we¡¯re close neighbors. it¡¯s fate that we met. little fellow, from now on, you can draw the demon qi in the jade to temper your body. just stay in this small courtyard. i¡¯ll help you wipe away the demon qi so that you don¡¯t provoke some unreasonable demon subduing masters in lin¡¯an prefecture and mess up the order.¡±


    the old man laughed.


    when an le heard this, he was shocked¡­


    he really did not expect to hear about the demon subduing masters.


    ¡°thank you, senior.¡± an le bowed respectfully.


    the old man waved his hand. ¡°there¡¯s no need to be so polite. i just don¡¯t want those demon subduing masters to disturb the peace of imperial ancestral temple alley.¡±


    ¡°you practice the five animals and have fourth master lin¡¯s elegance. you also have hua jiebing¡¯s sword waterfall diagram. you should be the artist who entered the lin manor¡­ i have some experience in painting. i can ask you for guidance.¡±


    the old man laughed.


    an le was not surprised that the other party had recognized his identity. such a person was probably on the same level as the lin residence¡¯s matriarch.


    ¡°i don¡¯t dare to give guidance. let¡¯s learn from each other¡­¡±


    an le bowed humbly.


    ¡°hahaha, good. wait here. i just finished a painting in the morning. i¡¯ll go get it now.¡±


    the old man was swift and decisive. he really planned to go back and get the painting.


    however, an le thought for a moment and said, ¡°senior, i have to go to the lin residence to paint for the young masters who are about to go on an expedition. this is a promise i made to the lin residence. i cannot skip it without applying for leave first.¡±


    the old man raised his eyebrows. ¡°aren¡¯t you afraid that i¡¯ll be angry if you reject me now?¡±


    as soon as he finished speaking, a majestic mental power suddenly spread out from the old man¡¯s body. in an instant, it was as if he was born with twilight clouds. lightning roared and the pressure was like a mountain collapsing!


    in the face of the terrifying pressure, an le, who had the blessing of the fearless heart dao fruit, stood upright like a pine tree. he was neither servile nor overbearing as he cupped his fists and said seriously, ¡°words are fickle and untrustworthy, but actions show your intention. wherever there are benefits, there are people. if one acts upon that, one can be called untrustworthy.¡±


    ¡°perhaps it¡¯s beneficial for me to exchange painting skills with you and please you. however, since i¡¯ve already promised the lin residence, i have to do what i have to do.¡±


    when the old man heard this, a strange look flashed across his eyes. the pressure on his body and his powerful mind instantly dissipated.


    the old man smiled in satisfaction and admiration. ¡°you have the courage to remain calm even if a mountain collapses in front of you. little fellow, you have guts. a gentleman keeps his promises. it¡¯s up to you.¡±


    ¡°go, i¡¯ll look for you tonight.¡±


    as soon as he finished speaking, the old man had already turned around and left the courtyard.


    when an le heard this, he immediately smiled and cupped his fists.


    ¡°then after i end work, i¡¯ll buy a pot of old yellow wine and discuss art with you.¡±


    the old man¡¯s plain clothes fluttered, and his cloth shoes stepped on the water and fallen leaves between the limestone slabs. only a faint voice came from the alley.


    ¡°sigh, there¡¯s wine¡­ enjoying paintings with some wine. little guy, that¡¯s very good.¡±

 Chapter 25

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    after watching the old man leave, an le slowly exhaled.


    this old man who walked out of the imperial ancestral temple had a special identity. to be able to be a temple attendant of the imperial ancestral temple, not to mention his cultivation, just his status was not something an le could compare to.


    however, an le still rejected the old man¡¯s idea of exchanging paintings immediately. just as the old man had said, a gentleman keeps his promises. since he had promised the lin residence first, there was no reason for him not to go without applying for leave.


    the old man said that he would help him hide the demon qi that overflowed when he was tempering his body. it was naturally beneficial to an le. hence, an le was rather grateful. otherwise, it would indeed be very troublesome if he really provoked the demon subduing masters.


    there were demons in the world, so there were naturally demon subduing masters. the demon subduing master was a general term, but most of them were cultivators. under the subdivision, daoist priests and monks also had a part-time job of subduing demons.


    there were many stories of demon subduing masters recorded in the unofficial history of the great zhao. many demon subduing masters did not differentiate between good and evil demons. as long as they were demons, they would capture them without distinguishing between right and wrong. if they had something related to demons, they would even provoke a demon subduing master to attack.


    therefore, if the demon qi in an le¡¯s body was leaked and attracted some unreasonable demon subduing masters, it would indeed be very troublesome.


    changing out the green clothes that were stained with the blood from the pores on his body, he looked elegant and handsome in a white robe. he even looked more flirtatious because he was tempered by demon qi.


    the small courtyard was locked. after leaving, an le strolled out of imperial ancestral temple alley.


    passing by the imperial ancestral temple, one could not see the furnishings and appearance of the tightly shut magnificent buildings.


    an le didn¡¯t look at it too much. he retracted his gaze and stepped onto qingbo street, heading in the direction of the benefactor¡¯s mansion, jing street.


    because of the demon jade, he had practiced the five animals for a while more today. he probably did not have time to go to the west lake and take advantage of fairy yun rou. however, there were many young masters in lin residence, so an le could take advantage of them.


    arriving at jing street, an le stepped on the flat limestone on the ground and recalled the attack he had suffered here yesterday and the oppression from luo qingchen. the corners of an le¡¯s lips curled up as he silently kept this matter to himself.


    he passed through the stone tablet and jade shop in front of the lin residence. all the officials who passed by had to dismount and walk. he raised the door knocker and knocked on the door. a maidservant opened the door for him.


    ¡°mr. an is here. please.¡±


    the petite maidservant looked at the increasingly handsome an le and unknowingly blushed. she carefully led the way to the martial arts hall.


    lin qingyin and lin zhuifeng were already waiting at the martial arts hall. when an le arrived in a white robe, due to the hint of flirtatiousness on his face, the two girls took a few more glances at him.


    when an le saw the two girls, he could not help but smile. he took two wisps of age qi from each of them.


    the eighth young master lin ye, who had been conquered by an le yesterday, came over to greet him with a smile. an le also took away two wisps of age qi without hesitation.


    these third-generation young masters of the lin residence, who were of the same generation as ninth sister, generally had seven or eight wisps of age qi on them. lin zhuifeng was slightly higher and had more than ten wisps. lin qingyin was inferior to lin zhuifeng and only had seven wisps.


    if an le did it a few more times, lin qingyin would be sucked dry.


    however, since there were many young masters, an le could still absorb from them for a period of time.


    after extracting age qi from two young masters, including lin qingyin and lin zhuifeng, a total of four people had reached their limit and could no longer be extracted.


    as for the eight wisps, they were all gray age qi.


    the molten gold age qi that could condense the age dao fruit was indeed not so easy to produce.


    the two wisps of age qi that he had extracted from the woman in the morning and the dao transformation fruit only had one wisp left. coupled with the eight wisps that he had obtained, an le¡¯s wealth instantly became abundant.


    an le also estimated that he could only get about ten wisps of age qi a day.


    perhaps he could absorb more when his cultivation level increased to the next realm.


    taking out charcoal strips, sharpening them, and laying out the paper, an le began his task of painting for the young masters in the lin residence today.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    the sun set in the west, and the sky was filled with multicolored light.


    the willows by the side of the long street blew gently in the breeze, bringing a different kind of comfort.


    an le bade farewell to lin zhuifeng and lin qingyin and left the lin residence. he did not get to see madam hua today.


    he strolled along the long street and came to a restaurant. he got a pot of old yellow wine and cut some pig head meat and braised beef.


    carrying wine and vegetables, he bathed in the sunset and walked towards the small courtyard in imperial ancestral temple alley. it was also his temporary home in lin¡¯an prefecture.


    when he returned to the small courtyard, the old locust tree branches in the courtyard were lush and rustling under the wind. an le went to the nearby old well to get water and water the flowers and potted plants. then, he placed a table in the courtyard and placed the dishes.


    under the moonlight, the northern dipper hung low and the southern dipper tilted.


    night fell quietly. the clear moon hung in the sky, and the stars filled the sky.


    footsteps sounded outside the alley. the plain-clothed old man held a framed painting in one hand and placed the other behind his back. he stepped into the courtyard unhurriedly, as if he was an old friend.


    ¡°hahaha, i can smell the fragrance of the wine from afar.¡±


    the old man chuckled and sat on a chair in the courtyard. he looked at the warm old yellow wine on the table and the pig head meat on the plate. the smile on his face became even wider.


    yellow wine and side dishes were naturally nothing to him. even if he could get more immortal wine to drink alone, it had been too long since he had sat with others like this in the imperial ancestral temple. he drank and ate. for a moment, his emotions were complicated.


    an le poured the old man some yellow wine and said with a smile, ¡°this is the yellow wine sold in a restaurant in yanchun on imperial street. my friend and i went there to drink it once and it tastes quite good. i bought a pot for you to try. if you¡¯re interested, you can come often in the future. i¡¯ll prepare a pot of wine to welcome you.¡±


    the old man drank it all in one gulp. he narrowed his small eyes and smacked his lips.


    ¡°it¡¯s good wine. it tastes like the work of a craftsman. good!¡±


    the old man praised and then toasted an le. after three glasses of wine, the old man raised his long eyebrows, took the painting, and slowly opened it.


    ¡°young friend, you must have some real talent to be able to enter the lin residence to be an artist. come, let¡¯s admire the painting.¡±


    the old man laughed.


    the candlelight was faint, illuminating the painting.


    his gaze landed on it. it was a painting of bamboo. the bamboo was painted in one color, and it was very elegant.


    as an le painted, his mind was involuntarily mobilized, as if he was visualizing the sword waterfall diagram.


    however, it was not a meditation visualization. without meditation, just looking at the painting was enough to move one¡¯s mind. it was enough to show how strange this painting was!


    ¡°little friend, is this old man¡¯s bamboo insect diagram alright?¡±


    the old man laughed.


    an le admired it carefully and couldn¡¯t help but praise, ¡°dark bamboo, sparse shadows, flying vividly with color, clear drawings of heavenly bulls and lizards, all of which are engraved in detail, this is the greater mastery of brush and bamboo art! masterpiece!¡±


    when the old man heard an le¡¯s comments, he knew that an le knew how to draw. it was different when people who knew how to draw praised him.


    unlike those who didn¡¯t understand and would only praise it for being a good drawing.


    how could this old man not know that his drawing was good?!


    the old man chuckled. he poured a cup of yellow wine and drank it in one gulp. he felt that the wine had a hint of sweetness.


    an le continued to stare at the painting. his mind seemed to be growing stronger as he looked at the painting.


    ¡°do you feel that your mind is strengthening? we cultivators naturally don¡¯t paint casually. we use our minds to wrap around the painting and make it more meaningful.¡±


    when the old man saw an le¡¯s appearance, he stroked his beard and smiled. he slowly said, ¡°the dao of spirit refinement cultivates the mind. remember the four arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. not only can it cultivate one¡¯s emotions, but it can also strengthen one¡¯s mind. there are many painters in the palace. they focus their minds on paintings and can let one look at them to nourish their mind.¡±


    ¡°many spirit refinement cultivators are proficient in calligraphy and painting. in fact, once a famous person takes action, a painting is comparable to a rare spirit refinement dharma treasure.¡±


    the old man drank and ate to spread some knowledge to an le.


    ¡°this bamboo insect painting of mine is only drawn with ordinary painting techniques. it has not been integrated into my mind, but it is still a little magical. if you look at it, you can nourish your mind.¡±


    an le nodded and was amazed. he looked at the painting and couldn¡¯t bear to part with it.


    the old man smiled and looked at an le. ¡°young friend, you were actually lucky to be able to enter the lin residence to paint. with the lin residence¡¯s status, it¡¯s not difficult to hire a painter from the palace. however, because the power behind the painters in the palace is intertwined, the lin residence has never participated in political competitions. that¡¯s why we came up with such a method of choosing an artist to let you enter the lin residence.¡±


    ¡°however, for your painting to be appreciated by the matriarch, it must have some merits. this old man is looking forward to your painting.¡±


    when an le heard this, he got up and entered the house. he took out a few sketches and handed them to the old man.


    the old man took it and examined it carefully. his eyes flickered with a strange light. ¡°using charcoal as ink, this painting is very realistic. it¡¯s a different path and is worthy of praise.¡±


    ¡°if the subject is a person, it¡¯s indeed more suitable to draw a sketch. no wonder you suppressed many painters in lin¡¯an to enter the lin residence.¡±


    the old man admired an le¡¯s sketches.


    he put down the painting and looked at an le. ¡°but i prefer to paint with wolf hair brush and ink. i wonder if you know anything about it?¡±


    when an le heard this, he immediately understood. the old man was testing him. although the old man admired the sketching technique, he did not like it. if an le only knew how to sketch, today might be the last time the two of them would drink and talk about painting.


    however, an le was not afraid. he smiled and said, ¡°i naturally know a little about painting.¡±


    the old man¡¯s eyes lit up when he heard this.


    an le stood up, picked up the candlelight, and walked into the house. ¡°senior, since you painted a bamboo, i¡¯ll draw a water ink bamboo.¡±


    water ink bamboo¡­ the old man¡¯s eyes flashed with doubt. he picked up a pot of old yellow wine and followed an le into the house.


    in the room, a table was laid out vertically. an le carefully ground the ink and closed his eyes to think.


    the old man poured himself a cup of yellow wine and glanced at an le. he was curious about how the young man was going to draw bamboo.


    painting was rather time-consuming. was an le holding the brush because he was a prideful youth?


    if that was really the case, the old man would be a little disappointed.


    an le did not know what the old man was thinking at this moment. bamboo paintings naturally flashed across his mind, and in the end, the style of a certain bamboo master surged in his heart.


    opening his eyes, he held the brush and dipped the ink. he pointed the brush at white rice paper. he made a few strokes in several directions.


    after the slender bamboo stem appeared on the paper, he turned to a light ink brush. it was the same brush technique, drawing the slender bamboo leaves in an orderly manner as if there was certainty in his actions.


    with ink drawing the leaves, the bamboo plant was born. it was like a sword or a knife. the two wolf hair brushes interchanged with each other. in just a moment, there was a black bamboo stone on the paper.


    the bamboo leaves had the sharpness of a sword. the owner of the thin bamboo carried many bamboo leaves and stood on a boulder. however, they were long and straight, like the spine of a gentleman!


    the ink bamboo stone painting seemed to emit righteousness!


    it lured the mind like the movement of the stars in the sky!


    an le didn¡¯t seem to know that the old man was beside him. he held the brush and wrote on the bamboo.


    ¡°stay tenacious like a bamboo deeply rooted in the rocks¡­¡±


    at some point, the old man had been staring at the painting intently. his action of pouring the wine had already frozen, and the wine flowed out of the cup.

 Chapter 26

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    as an old man who was immersed in painting, he naturally knew about ink painting techniques.


    however, since ancient times, painting bamboo had always been based on workmanship. it was so exquisite that the outline of the lines on a bamboo leaf had to be carefully carved.


    however, who would have thought that bamboo could be drawn in such a carefree and¡­ unruly manner?!


    the leaves were like the blades of a swordsman. the stem was like the backbone of a gentleman!


    although it was not realistic, the layered feeling formed by the interaction between light and dark ink actually made this water ink bamboo stone diagram lifelike. it was as if a breeze had blown past, and the thin bamboo pole swayed slightly, but it still stood proudly and looked otherworldly!


    a new way of drawing bamboo!


    the old man suddenly came back to his senses. he glanced at the old yellow wine that kept flowing out because of his loss of composure, but the old man was filled with satisfaction.


    ¡°what a good water ink bamboo stone painting!¡±


    ¡°this has been a great experience!¡±


    the old man drank the cold yellow wine in one gulp. when the wine entered his throat and stained his beard, it made him feel extremely carefree!


    at this moment, an le had fallen into a strange state.


    outside the window, the stars in the sky shone down like a veil on an le¡¯s body.


    the young man held the brush and stood quietly on the spot. his mind seemed to be boiling.


    at this moment, the mental power refined by the sword waterfall diagram seemed to be reflected with every bamboo leaf in the water ink bamboo stone painting. faint sharp sword intent condensed from the painting!


    with this intent, an le felt his spirit refinement visualization speed increase greatly!


    the [sword dancer] dao fruit played a huge role at this moment. it was as if sword intent had seeped into the painting, allowing an le¡¯s understanding of the [sword waterfall diagram] to take a leap.


    his mind was growing at a very impressive speed!


    in the niwan palace, the blurry small sword began to gradually condense and take shape!


    in the end, with a clang, sword light filled the air!


    on the other hand, an le¡¯s state of mind had also crossed a new realm. his five senses were enhanced, and he could even capture the spiritual energy of heaven and earth without breathing through his nose and mouth.


    embryonic breath meant that one¡¯s mind would return to its origin like an embryo. it meant that one¡¯s mind would not be moved or affected easily. it meant that one¡¯s mind would stabilize.


    the intent of the bamboo stone painting and the intent of the sword waterfall diagram complemented each other, causing an le to use this opportunity to step into the second realm of spirit refinement, embryonic breath!


    after a long time, an le slowly opened his eyes. the power of his strengthened mind circulated, and in the darkness, it was as dazzling as the stars in the sky.


    an le did not expect a painting to have such an effect. no wonder the old man said that some famous paintings were not inferior to dharma treasures. the painter¡¯s work could strengthen one¡¯s mind, so the painting would naturally benefit if one looked at it.


    ¡°between broken rocks striking my root deep, i bite the mountain green and won¡¯t let go. from whichever direction the winds leap, i remain strong, though dealt many a blow.¡±


    ¡°bamboo stone¡­ what a good bamboo stone, what a good bamboo stone!¡±


    the old man¡¯s praise came from the side. an le stepped into the embryonic breath realm with his mind and smiled.


    ¡°thank you for your praise, senior.¡±


    ¡°ink painting techniques aren¡¯t rare, but it¡¯s rare to use ink to draw bamboo without adding a single color.¡±


    ¡°good poem and good painting. young man, you¡¯ve given me a surprise.¡±


    the old man nodded and carefully observed the painting that had yet to dry. his eyes could not help but be filled with admiration.


    ¡°yesterday, you were ambushed at the entrance of jing street. luo qingchen relied on his cultivation to bully you and wanted to bend your back. you never gave in. looking at your painting today, you naturally have the backbone of a gentleman. no wonder you could withstand the pressure without bending down.¡±


    ¡°this poem, this painting is the reflection of your mind. only then can your mind resonate with each other. you¡¯ve just entered meditation and you¡¯ve already formed the embryonic breath.¡±


    the old man stroked his beard and praised an le¡¯s spirit refinement talent.


    in the end, the old man narrowed his eyes as he stared at the words that were signed.


    ¡°these calligraphy characters¡­ are also very strange. they are written with the momentum of moving grass and moving brushes, but they are not moving. there are even hidden drawing techniques in them, making calligraphy as if they were writing orchids¡­ although the style of looking at calligraphy is deliberately arranged, the calligraphy is like a painting. the harmony between calligraphy and painting is unprecedented!¡±


    the old man¡¯s evaluation could be said to be quite high. of course, with the old man¡¯s eyesight, he could also tell that an le¡¯s handwriting was not very skillful. there was still room for improvement.


    however, when he thought about an le¡¯s age, this flaw could be ignored.


    ¡°young friend an, your painting is something. i like it very much¡­¡± the old man stroked his beard and said.


    seeing this, an le immediately understood what the old man meant. ¡°if you like it, i¡¯ll give it to you. it¡¯s a blessing that this painting can be in the hands of those who admire it.¡±


    the old man laughed heartily when he heard that. ¡°young friend an, you¡¯re right. a good painting requires human knowledge. of course, i won¡¯t accept a painting from you for nothing. the sword intent in your bamboo stone painting is self-produced. i¡¯ll personally bring wine tomorrow and¡­ give you a sword. how about that?¡±


    an le¡¯s eyes lit up.


    who was this old man in front of him? how could the sword he gave be ordinary?


    an le would definitely not suffer a loss.


    the old man didn¡¯t continue to talk to an le about anything else. in fact, he couldn¡¯t wait to share the good painting with others. he carefully rolled up the rice paper, bade farewell to an le, and left the small courtyard.


    looking at the old man¡¯s departing figure, an le smiled. after tidying up, he began to sit cross-legged and cultivate his spirit refinement.


    a painting allowed him to step into the embryonic breath realm, but an le was not arrogant.


    recalling the oppression luo qingchen had given him at the entrance of jing street, his current strength was far from enough.


    the young man had a fierce tiger in his chest, calming his restlessness and waiting for an opportunity to lie low.


    he sat in the small courtyard and bathed in the starlight and moonlight. he calmed his mind and consolidated his embryonic breath.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    the night was dark, and thick fog rose up, covering the sky, causing the starlight and moonlight to lose their luster.


    in the streets of lin¡¯an prefecture, hurried footsteps suddenly sounded. a figure wrapped in black quickly fled like a black shadow.


    a moment later, several knife-wielding constables in official uniforms rushed over. qi blood lingered around their bodies, and killing intent surged.


    huang xian¡¯s eyes were cold as he looked at the dark but intersecting alley. he frowned. ¡°hu jingang has already escaped! continue chasing!¡±


    the black office constables under him shouted and ran out to continue the chase.


    huang xian¡¯s expression softened as he exhaled. he took out the painting in his arms and opened it. it was hu jingang, almost identical to the man who had escaped previously.


    ¡°young master an¡¯s painting is really godly.¡±


    ¡°with this painting and the 500 taels of silver reward, as long as hu jingang is still in lin¡¯an prefecture, he will be arrested sooner or later!¡±


    after putting away the painting, huang xian also ran out and hid in the slightly cold spring night.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    in a luxurious mansion.


    dozens of lit candles lit up the room as bright as day.


    luo qingchen wore a thin shirt and sat cross-legged on the bed. the mental power around him surged, and his qi blood was also rolling under his skin like thunder.


    he was trying to use his mental power to cleanse the dust on his dao heart.


    previously, he had been defeated by legendary top scholar li you¡¯an with a slap and his dao heart was covered in dust. prime minister qin had taken the eastern sea heart cleansing pearl to help him wash away the dust on his dao heart. he had also paid the price to join the qin residence and be controlled by them.


    yesterday, he was shocked by hua jiebing¡¯s spring rain sword. that sword intent was planted in his heart like a seed of fear. every time he cultivated, he would feel fear and his dao heart would be covered in dust.


    this was hua jiebing¡¯s act of punishment.


    although luo qingchen was unwilling, his strength was inferior, so he could only endure it.


    boundless mental power surged and whistled like a gale, extinguishing the candles in the hall. the darkness arrived as promised and devoured all light.


    in the darkness, luo qingchen suddenly opened his eyes. he was sweating profusely, and beads of sweat rolled down his face.


    he gasped for breath.


    ¡°no¡­ i still can¡¯t¡­ the sword will is carved in my heart, making me afraid and trembling. every time i cultivate, it will appear like a ghost and disturb my will¡­ with the power of my mind, it¡¯s not enough to erase it.¡±


    luo qingchen propped himself up on the bed with both hands, his hair falling down. he was extremely indignant.


    hua jiebing was indeed powerful. even in lin¡¯an prefecture, where there were countless powerful people, she still had a certain status.


    such an existence had traumatized him too much.


    ¡°just because of a young man who had just entered meditation, hua jiebing planted a seed of fear in my heart so ruthlessly¡­ a woman¡¯s heart is the most poisonous! standing up for the young man was just an excuse. it¡¯s just that because i¡¯m prime minister qin¡¯s man, she used her actions to destroy my dao heart! she destroyed my future!¡±


    ¡°when it comes to power struggles, i¡¯m like a fish in a pond¡­¡±


    luo qingchen closed his eyes. the more he thought about it, the angrier he got. his entire body trembled uncontrollably.


    in his mind, the scene from yesterday lingered endlessly¡­ it was like a nightmare that devoured his heart.


    he saw the swords formed by the 3,000 droplets of spring rain slashing down.


    he saw that the carriage beside him had been reduced to dust by the sword qi.


    in the end, he even saw that the young man¡¯s back was still straight under his pressure!


    the strange thing was that the young man¡¯s determined face even overshadowed hua jiebing¡¯s sword intent. it lingered in his mind and could not be dispelled¡­


    his talent was originally extremely dazzling, but after being covered in dust one after another, he was probably already looked down on by many people. not to mention advancing further, he might even lose his status in the qin residence and his prestige in the literary department.


    this time, he was implicated because of a young man who had just entered meditation.


    this made luo qingchen rather frustrated. that young man¡­ was worthy of interfering in his dao heart?


    ¡°old luo.¡±


    luo qingchen exhaled and called out softly.


    the door opened and a burly figure stepped into the house. it was the coachman who had driven the carriage for him previously.


    ¡°sir.¡±


    the coachman cupped his fists respectfully.


    luo qingchen stood up and wiped the cold sweat off his body with a towel.


    ¡°i told you to observe that young man. how is his situation recently?¡±

 Chapter 27

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    the cold shadow of the moon flows, low on the double-roofed corridor.


    the evening breeze blew away the evening clouds, and the moonlight shone down from the window, covering luo qingchen, who was standing in front of the window.


    the coachman was burly and cupped his fists respectfully.


    ¡°everything is normal for the young man. he just moved out of the inn today and moved to the residence in imperial ancestral temple alley. he goes to the lin residence to paint every day as usual.¡±


    the coachman thought of something and said, ¡°by the way, this young man also made three wanted posters for the black office to help catch criminals.¡±


    luo qingchen, who was leaning against the windowsill, could not help but shake his head when he heard the coachman¡¯s words.


    ¡°this young man is really unaffected. his life is so comfortable¡­ my dao heart is covered in dust because of him. what right does he have to live so comfortably?¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s hard to calm down.¡±


    it was difficult to accept this. there seemed to be a ball of fire burning in his heart.


    the dusted dao heart made him need to vent the emotions in his heart.


    luo qingchen walked to the window with his hands behind his back. looking at the sky covered by the sunset clouds, he said slowly, ¡°old luo, did you just say that he drew for the black office to help arrest the criminals?¡±


    the coachman cupped his fists and said respectfully, ¡°yes, the painting is so realistic. it¡¯s not easy for the criminal to hide. he won¡¯t be able to escape.¡±


    ¡°with hua jiebing protecting him, if i really attack the young man again, she will definitely dare to kill me.¡±


    ¡°it seems like hua jiebing wants to be this young man¡¯s guardian¡­¡±


    ¡°the dignified jade guanyin actually wants to be the guardian of an eighteen-year-old youth who had just completed the enlightenment of cultivation, passed his qi blood awakening, and barely entered meditation¡­¡±


    ¡°i think she really admires this young man.¡±


    luo qingchen raised his hand as if he wanted to pick up the moonlight that had spilled on the windowsill, but there was not much emotion in his eyes.


    ¡°the black office is hunting down all the rogue cultivators in the martial arts world. all of them are extremely vicious. this young man painted for the black office, so it¡¯s reasonable for the criminal to kill the young man because of this, right?¡±


    in the house, the coachman was stunned for a moment.


    ¡°go and make the necessary arrangements. hua jiebing admires this young man so much. perhaps the key to my dao heart being cleansed is this young man.¡±


    luo qingchen waved his hand.


    the coachman cupped his fists and bowed his head. ¡°yes.¡±


    ¡­


    ¡­


    just as an le was immersed in consolidating the embryonic breath realm that he had just broken through, the old man took the painting and left the small courtyard. however, he was excited and happy.


    he did not return to the imperial ancestral temple. the pavilion of the imperial ancestral temple was brightly lit with flames and incense offerings. however, he passed by the entrance of the imperial ancestral temple and stepped onto qingbo street.


    ¡°although young friend an¡¯s painting doesn¡¯t contain much mental power, the precious thing about it is that using ink to draw bamboo is enough to form a style of its own. furthermore, the handwriting on this question also has a unique flavor. it¡¯s strange and upright. it¡¯s not randomly drawn.¡±


    ¡°this kind of painting has to be reviewed by that old fellow from the literary department.¡±


    the old man stood on qingbo street and could not help but smile. then, he walked towards the literary department. his speed became faster and faster, and the limestone under his feet seemed to be compressed and pulled.


    soon, he arrived at the literary department.


    the literary department was also known as the academy. it was built 8,000 years ago. after the emperor, who had united the four seas and forged the cultivation path, established the literary department and the martial temple, he passed away.


    later dynasties continued to support the literary department and the martial temple. countless descendants of wealthy families and prodigies would choose to cultivate in the literary department or the martial temple based on their respective strengths.


    nowadays, most of the high-ranking officials and nobles in the imperial court came from the literary department and the martial temple.


    the old man passed through the white jade stone pavilion of the literary department and went to a remote pavilion with ease. when he arrived in front of the pavilion, he was told by the attendant at the door that there was no one in the pavilion.


    ¡°senior, it has been three days since teacher left the literary department to visit the sixth mountain lord,¡± the attendant said respectfully.


    when the old man heard this, he frowned. ¡°i should have gone straight to the sixth mountain. what a wasted trip.¡±


    as he muttered, smoke rose from under the old man¡¯s feet, and the night seemed to be surrounded by clouds.


    in the next moment, he soared into the sky and left lin¡¯an prefecture.


    the evening clouds were all overflowing with coldness, and the silver man silently rotated the jade plate.


    the sixth mountain.


    it was ranked sixth on the sacred mountain, so it was called the sixth mountain.


    there was a plateau in the mountains, and there was a pavilion on the plateau. as the stars moved, the pavilion seemed to have existed since time immemorial. time and time could not affect it at all.


    the old man landed on the mountain plateau, his plain clothes fluttering in the wind.


    in the pavilion, two figures were playing chess. one of them was an old man in scholarly attire. he had a head of white hair, and time had left ravines on his body.


    the old man was holding a white chess piece and frowning.


    the other person was dressed in white and looked like a young man. he was meticulous and had a solemn expression. there was a huge pine sword case on his back. he sat upright on a carved stone chair in a pavilion, looking a little strange.


    ¡°hahaha! old man, you¡¯re really here!¡±


    as soon as the old man¡¯s feet touched the ground, he immediately laughed to attract attention.


    the two people in the pavilion did not even glance at him.


    ¡°don¡¯t pretend that you didn¡¯t see me! i¡¯m not here to fight with you. i have something good to share!¡±


    the old man was angered by their disregard.


    ¡°zhao huangting, don¡¯t make a fuss. i¡¯m about to win this game of chess against the sixth mountain lord. if you make a fuss, i¡¯ll lose again,¡± the confucian-robed old man said with disdain without even raising his head.


    ¡°bah! old man banshan, don¡¯t push the blame to me!¡±


    the old man immediately retorted angrily. as soon as he arrived, the originally quiet mountain pavilion under the stars and moon became much noisier.


    in the pavilion, the middle-aged man carrying the pine sword case had a calm expression as usual, as if nothing could stir up his heart.


    the old man, zhao huangting, thought for a moment and stepped into the pavilion. he took out the painting and slowly opened it.


    ¡°you all know that i, zhao huangting, am the best at drawing bamboo, but today, i accidentally obtained an ink bamboo stone painting that drew bamboo with ink. take a look.¡±


    the old man raised his chin and said.


    the scroll was unrolled.


    as the breeze blew, there seemed to be the sound of the bamboo sea. it was accompanied by a sonorous sword intent and the tenacity of a gentleman.


    the old man in confucian robes held a white chess piece in his hand and stopped moving.


    sword qi suddenly flowed out of the sword case behind the white-robed middle-aged man. the sword case trembled slightly, and there seemed to be a sword hum.


    a strange look flashed across the eyes of the old man and the middle-aged man in white.


    they turned their heads to the side and looked at the painting that was illuminated by the stars and moonlight.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    the next day.


    the warm spring sun shines on the earth.


    an le slowly opened his eyes from the courtyard. the branches of the old locust tree were luxuriant and swayed gently in the spring breeze, scattering a fresh smell under the morning light.


    after consolidating his mind for a night, the second realm, spirit refinement embryonic breath, was successfully stabilized.


    the originally boiling energy in his mind also calmed down like flowing water.


    he stood up and practiced the five animals in the courtyard. he practiced tiger form, bear form, deer form, ape form, and bird form. his qi blood boiled and his strength carried the wind.


    however, he did not activate the demon qi in the demon tempering treasure jade to temper his body. the main reason was that he was about to go to the lin residence to paint. if he were to temper his body, he would be covered in blood and it would be quite troublesome.


    after the five animals were practiced, an le¡¯s body was like a furnace with hot steam billowing.


    exhaling a mouthful of turbid air, an le¡¯s embryonic breath realm mental power made his aura even more extraordinary.


    holding the imperial examination sage book in his hand, an le read as he walked out of the small courtyard. after eating a bowl of beancurd for breakfast in imperial ancestral temple alley, he read while walking towards the west lake.


    the west lake was sparkling under the morning sun. the ripples on the flower boat were dazzling. an le walked along the long dike of the west lake and read his book. it was actually a different kind of satisfaction and comprehension.


    by the embankment, many scholars and calligraphers had already gathered. they were either reciting poems or talking about flowers and willows, gossiping about the interesting things that had happened recently in lin¡¯an prefecture.


    an le¡¯s strengthened mind even accidentally heard a discussion related to him. it was about the lin residence¡¯s recruitment of artists.


    he smiled and retracted his mind.


    walking by the chatter and willows, he quietly read the sage book.


    a moment later, fairy yun rou flew over on her sword and arrived as promised. an le held a book in his hand as he swept his gaze over and extracted the age qi. after strengthening his mind, he actually absorbed three wisps of age qi from fairy yun rou today.


    from two times a day to three times a day!


    an le¡¯s lips curled up and he was in a good mood.


    fairy yun rou landed on the boat and felt something, she saw the handsome and elegant young cultivator again.


    she had not seen him yesterday, and now he was here again. he was clearly a cultivator, but he was only watching from afar. it was strange.


    fairy yun rou nodded slightly at an le, then turned around and entered the flower boat. an ethereal zither melody floated out, melodious on the west lake, like it was urging the rain.


    after seeing fairy yun rou and extracting from her, an le headed towards lin residence.


    today, he had absorbed three wisps of age qi from fairy yun rou¡¯s body. together with the original eleven wisps, he had fourteen wisps. he was quite rich, and on the way to lin residence, an le was thinking about how to distribute them.


    it was the delicate maidservant who opened the door yesterday. when the maidservant saw an le, her face turned red.


    an le smiled gently. ¡°good morning, miss liu xiang.¡±


    ¡°greetings, young¡­ young master an.¡± the maidservant returned the greeting.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    heavenly wave water pavilion.


    ripples appeared on the surface of the large pond, and a tailed flower carp swayed leisurely in the green pond, creating ripples.


    in the main hall, the morning breeze carried with it the coolness of spring.


    madam hua wore a light shirt and took off her embroidered shoes, revealing her fair feet. she lay on her side on the couch and read the literary department¡¯s great confucian¡¯s ¡°literary words¡±.


    suddenly, madam hua was stunned for a moment. she frowned slightly and spread her mind. she sensed the green-robed youth who had just stepped into the lin residence. he had a rich aura and seemed to have changed completely.


    what?


    madam hua was stunned. there was even a hint of disbelief in her beautiful eyes.


    ¡°the day before yesterday, he entered meditation. today, he reached embryonic breath?¡±


    ¡°could this young man be a spirit refinement genius?!¡±

 Chapter 28

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    madam hua was indeed a little surprised. he had completed the enlightenment of cultivation at the age of 18 and his innate talent was extremely poor. however, how did the young man¡¯s current performance look like his talent was poor?


    the day before yesterday at the heavenly wave water pavilion, he entered meditation.


    when she looked at it again today, he had already formed the embryonic breath.


    the second realm of spirit refinement, embryonic breath, was not so easy to step into. what was needed was the accumulation of the mind. everyone cultivated step by step and refined their mind.


    even hua jiebing, who was known as a spirit refinement genius, had to refine for three days and three nights with the help of her master¡¯s spirit refinement dharma treasure before she could truly complete the embryonic breath!


    it was impossible for an le to have the help of a spirit refinement dharma treasure. how could he do it?


    madam hua was interested.


    ¡°xi xiang, go and invite young master an over.¡±


    sitting up from the bed, madam hua smiled and looked at her personal maidservant, xi xiang, who was standing quietly behind her.


    ¡°yes, ma¡¯am.¡±


    xi xiang was stunned at first, but then she bowed and agreed. without asking further, she walked out of the main hall of the water pavilion and crossed the white jade arch bridge.


    under the guidance of liu xiang, an le passed through the lin residence with ease.


    the spring mountain was warm, and the wind blew. the curtains of the pavilion were dry, and the willows were swaying in the courtyard.


    he saw the chirping of warblers and dancing of swallows, the small bridge, and flowing water.


    the scenery of the lin residence was not limited to the heavenly wave water pavilion. the courtyards and pavilions in the residence were all unique. walking on the limestones, it was as if they were in a small garden. after all, it was the pavilion of the minister¡¯s residence. it was dazzling.


    suddenly, a beautiful woman walked over leisurely from afar. seeing this, liu xiang bowed.


    ¡°young master an, madam invites you to follow me to the heavenly wave water pavilion.¡±


    xi xiang smiled.


    as madam hua¡¯s personal maidservant, her status in the lin residence was second only to the matriarch¡¯s servants, ji ying and lin zhuifeng.


    liu xiang was far inferior to her, so she kept a low profile.


    an le was stunned for a moment before nodding. ¡°then i¡¯ll have to trouble miss xi xiang to lead the way.¡±


    xi xiang covered her mouth and smiled at the handsome, elegant, and polite an le. her eyes moved as she turned around flirtatiously and led the way with her graceful figure.


    after thanking miss liu xiang, an le followed xi xiang to the water pavilion.


    in the main hall of the water pavilion, madam hua was no longer in the mood to study the works of the great confucian. instead, she squatted by the pond and sprinkled fish materials to feed the beautiful flower carp in the pond.


    ¡°you¡¯re here.¡±


    after madam hua sprinkled the last handful of fish in her palm, she stood up leisurely. the spring sun shone down and reflected on this madam¡¯s beautiful face. she was so beautiful that she did not seem like a mortal woman.


    ¡°your spirit refinement has entered the embryonic breath realm?¡± madam hua gently lifted her feet and steadily returned to the flat ground of the main hall from the rockery beside the pool.


    an le was not surprised that madam hua discovered that he had broken through. madam hua¡¯s strength was unfathomable, and she was definitely a powerhouse who had surpassed the first five realms.


    ¡°i had a fortuitous encounter last night. that¡¯s how i broke through.¡±


    an le did not hide anything and said truthfully.


    ¡°oh? how did you break through? is it convenient for you to tell me in detail?¡± madam hua was very interested, and a hint of inquiry appeared in her lively eyes.


    an le smiled and explained, ¡°yesterday, a painting friend came to visit and drew a water ink bamboo stone painting. during the painting process, i comprehended something, or the bamboo painting technique resonated with the sword waterfall diagram, so i established the embryonic breath in one go.¡±


    ¡°painting?¡± madam hua did not expect an le to give such an answer.


    ¡°water ink bamboo stone painting? painting bamboo with ink?¡±


    madam hua was puzzled. she had also studied music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, but in great zhao, very few people drew bamboo with ink. most of them were brushwork.


    ¡°forget it. looks like you¡¯re extremely talented in painting. however, i can tell from your sketches. it¡¯s quite good. however, it¡¯s a coincidence that you comprehended through painting. the path of spirit refinement is still filled with thorns. visualize the sword painting every day and don¡¯t slack off.¡±


    madam hua said sincerely. she had a glimpse of an le¡¯s late-growing talent and did not want him to bury and waste this talent.


    an le¡¯s expression was solemn as he cupped his fists and bowed. ¡°thank you for your guidance, madam. i will definitely remember it.¡±


    ¡°i didn¡¯t expect you to be proficient in ink painting. i want to see you paint on the spot. unfortunately, i have a visitor later. i¡¯ll watch your performance with ink another day.¡± madam hua said regretfully.


    an le smiled. ¡°i come to the lin residence every day. if madam wants to see the painting, i¡¯ll do it again when you return.¡±


    madam hua nodded slightly.


    an le bade farewell and left the heavenly wave water pavilion. he headed towards the martial arts hall to paint for the young masters.


    the heavenly wave water pavilion returned to silence.


    madam hua¡¯s clothes fluttered in the spring breeze.


    ¡°the young man drew bamboo to resonate with the sword waterfall diagram?¡±


    ¡°among the four flowers of plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum, there are tens of millions of painters. however, there are very few people who can truly be called great masters. the four flowers correspond to the four qualities of pride, serene, indifference, and elegance. if you want to resonate with the mind, you have to use these qualities as a guide when painting¡­ can the young man grasp the quality of the bamboo?¡±


    ¡°if the young man is really unique, we might be able to recommend him to great zhao¡¯s bamboo painting master. great zhao only has three people who can be called masters. the three masters of the literary department, deputy prime minister ouyang xiangru, and¡­ that old emperor¡¯s uncle who dared to kill emperor yuan meng with a broken bamboo sword.¡±


    madam hua muttered softly as she ran through great zhao¡¯s bamboo painters in her mind.


    suddenly, xi xiang said respectfully, ¡°madam, the carriage is ready.¡±


    ¡°did you send the visiting request to the ye residence?¡± madam hua asked.


    ¡°i personally sent it over yesterday,¡± xi xiang said seriously. as madam hua¡¯s personal maidservant, she naturally knew why madam hua sent the visiting request to the ye residence.


    as a martial arts aristocratic family like the lin residence, the ye residence had a pivotal position in lin¡¯an.


    news of the hall examination had already spread, and madam hua was about to take action.


    ¡°did madam ye refuse?¡± madam hua asked softly.


    xi xiang paused and said hesitantly, ¡°she didn¡¯t reject it, but¡­ she didn¡¯t agree either.¡±


    madam hua nodded and walked slowly past the white jade railings.


    ¡°if she didn¡¯t refuse, it means she¡¯s agreed. let¡¯s go. don¡¯t let madam ye wait too long.¡±


    ¡­


    ¡­


    the sun left the valley and ascended the coiling woods, dense mist gathered on the thin bamboos.


    the sixth mountain.


    in a nameless pavilion on the field.


    in the pavilion, the three of them sat opposite each other, still savoring the bamboo stone painting by an le. the morning sun shone down from the horizon and landed on the painting, shining brightly.


    ¡°you can see through people by looking at their paintings. the person who made this water ink bamboo stone painting has a fierce tiger in his chest. he deliberately restrained his aura and has the aura of a gentleman. it resonates with the spirit refinement sword intent he has learned. he¡¯s a rare good seedling for sword cultivation.¡±


    the white-robed middle-aged man, who was carrying a wide pine sword case on his back, was taciturn, but he finally commented on the painting.


    an old man in a scholarly robe stroked his beard and nodded. ¡°ink bamboo painting is relatively rare in great zhao, and it¡¯s even rarer for someone to be able to draw a style. the best thing about this painting is not only the bamboo but also poetry and scholarly talent.¡±


    ¡°from whichever direction the winds leap, i remain strong, though dealt many a blow¡­ the painter should have suffered, but he is not afraid of the tribulations. he allows the tribulations to attack him and remains unmoved. the backbone of a gentleman is as straight as a heavenly pillar. the way he writes is strange and free. it looks unruly, but in fact, it has drawn the strengths of a hundred schools of thought and is quite organized.¡±


    ¡°observe the painting, savor the poem, and read the words¡­ it¡¯s enough to see through the nature of an artist. not bad.¡±


    the white-robed man with the pine sword case on his back thought for a moment and said, ¡°it¡¯s just that the mental strength integrated into the painting is a little lacking. otherwise, this painting will be even more valuable. it won¡¯t be worse than some fifth-grade dharma treasures.¡±


    the old man of the imperial ancestral temple, zhao huangting, could not help but laugh loudly. ¡°if all of you think it¡¯s good, then it¡¯s good. as for the weak mental power, that¡¯s because my young friend, who paints, has only entered meditation in his spirit refinement cultivation. with the help of the painting, he has just stepped into the embryonic breath realm¡­¡±


    the expressions of the confucian-robed old man and the white-robed man changed.


    ¡®are you joking, zhao huangting?¡¯


    the painter¡­ was only at the embryonic breath realm?


    zhao huangting smiled and said, ¡°i have an affinity with this young friend. unfortunately, he has offended the qin residence. although he has the protection of the lin residence¡¯s hua jiebing, you also know that the lin residence is about to face a calamity and can¡¯t even protect themselves. i want to find a way out for him.¡±


    ¡°i went to the literary department to look for an old man like you. i wanted to use this painting to let him enter the literary department as a bamboo painter. however, since you¡¯re here at the sixth mountain, mountain lord, can you take a look and see if his painting can enter the sixth mountain and take a spot as a mountain guardian?¡±


    in the early morning, zhao huangting¡¯s words lingered in the ancient pavilion.


    the confucian-robed elder narrowed his eyes and sized up the bamboo stone painting under the sunlight.


    ¡°zhao huangting, you¡¯re wrong. the mountain guardian position is extremely precious. the sixth mountain lord is peerlessly talented. this child is only at the embryonic breath spirit refinement realm. how can he bother the sixth mountain lord? he should enter my literary department¡¯s painting pavilion and impart his painting skills to us and start an ink bamboo painting trend.¡±


    the white-robed man carrying the pine sword case slowly turned his head and looked at the confucian-robed old man.


    ¡°rules can be bent if the painting is good. you¡¯re not the only one in the literary department. if qin lishi comes, you¡¯ll be restrained and he will feel aggrieved entering your literary department.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m different. on the sixth mountain, i have my sword. qin lishi doesn¡¯t dare to come. it¡¯s satisfying.¡±


    in the pavilion.


    zhao huangting was also stunned.


    who would have thought that these two influential figures in great zhao would actually¡­ snatch someone in front of him?!

 Chapter 29

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    an le arrived at the martial arts hall. lin qingyin and lin zhuifeng were already waiting for him, but they were not impatient at all. liu xiang, the maidservant, should have come to tell them that an le had been invited by madam hua.


    ¡°sir.¡±


    upon seeing an le, lin qingyin and lin zhuifeng bowed together.


    now that an le was teaching them how to sketch, lin qingyin treated him with the respect of a disciple. lin zhuifeng had also learned from lin qingyin.


    an le greeted them with a smile and began to prepare the tools to start drawing today.


    lin zhuifeng and lin qingyin followed him to learn drawing. after learning for a while, lin zhuifeng lost interest. she took out her fire stick and pulled the eighth young master to practice martial arts.


    lin qingyin, on the other hand, was a fast learner. a woman¡¯s mind was meticulous and graceful, and she had already gained some insight into the lines and the light and darkness. the only thing she lacked was the composition.


    while an le was painting, he also absorbed the age qi from lin zhuifeng, lin qingyin, and the two lucky young masters who were randomly selected.


    including fairy yun rou, the maximum number of people he could absorb every day was still five, but because of the increase in her spirit refinement cultivation, the number of wisps he absorbed at a time was increased, so he absorbed a total of fifteen wisps of age qi.


    the only regret was that there was no trace of molten gold age qi.


    an le, on the other hand, looked carefree. he was not vexed that he did not draw the molten gold age qi.


    soon, the red glow spread out into the sky and covered the setting sun.


    in the evening, an le bathed in the sunset and left the lin residence. he was relaxed and content as he went to the wine house on imperial street to get a jar of old yellow wine.


    he did not know if the old man in the imperial ancestral temple would come tonight, but it was always right to prepare yellow wine in case of emergencies.


    after getting some wine and cutting up half a catty of pig head meat, he walked towards qingbo street and bumped into someone he knew.


    it was none other than the constable of the black office, huang xian.


    an le smiled as his mind raced. if the seniors in the imperial ancestral temple had not come, he could have drunk to his heart¡¯s content with constable huang.


    however, huang xian had a blade at his waist and a worried look on his face. when he saw an le, he forced a smile. ¡°young master an, have you finished work at the lin residence?¡±


    an le nodded. ¡°constable huang is frowning. could it be that my painting didn¡¯t work?¡±


    constable huang hurriedly waved his hand. ¡°young master an, you¡¯re mistaken. your painting is extremely good. we¡¯ve also grasped hu jingang¡¯s traces. unfortunately, hu jingang is too cunning and we let him escape. we¡¯re pursuing him now. we¡¯ll definitely be able to capture him very quickly.¡±


    an le heaved a sigh of relief.


    it was good that his paintings were useful. as for the escape of the bandit, it was a helpless matter. it could only be said that the constables of the black office still needed to work harder in their business.


    ¡°actually, we¡¯ve already locked down hu jingang¡¯s location. he should have nowhere to escape to, but he suddenly disappeared. it¡¯s really strange. i need to report back to the black office and come back to drink with young master an another day.¡±


    constable huang sighed and cupped his fists.


    originally, he thought that he would be able to easily capture the bandit hu jingang. however, he did not expect that an accident would happen. naturally, he felt regretful.


    an le returned the gesture.


    the two of them passed each other. one went to the black office, and the other returned to imperial ancestral temple alley.


    an le returned to the small courtyard and watered the plants under the sunset. since he had promised the woman, an le would naturally do it. moreover, cultivating flowers and plants was also a matter of tempering one¡¯s emotions.


    he set up a small table and chair in the courtyard, placed old yellow wine and sliced pig head meat. he waited for a while, but the old man in the imperial ancestral temple did not come.


    an le was not in a hurry. he closed his eyes and a light screen appeared.


    ¡­


    [name: an le]


    [age qi: 29 wisps]


    [age dao fruit: thousand-year genius (molten gold age qi 0/2 wisps, 0/100 wisps), sword dancer (0/10), fearless heart, demon tempering treasure jade]


    [cultivation technique: sword waterfall diagram (0 wisp), qi drawing breathing technique (1 wisp)]


    [skill: five animals body tempering technique (3 wisps), zhao zu¡¯s long fist (incomplete) (1 wisp)]


    ¡­


    the accumulation of age qi had already reached 29 wisps, which was quite abundant. an le began to think about how to sort and distribute it.


    first of all, there was naturally no need to add age qi to the ¡°qi drawing breathing technique¡± and the common ¡°zhao zu¡¯s long fist¡±. an le placed his attention on the ¡°sword waterfall diagram¡± and ¡°five animals body tempering technique¡±.


    ¡°the sword waterfall diagram is a top-notch spirit refinement technique passed down by madam hua. with the sword dancer dao fruit complementing it, the speed of improvement is quite fast. although the ¡®five animals body tempering technique¡¯ isn¡¯t top-notch, it contains killing intent besides body tempering. it¡¯s the only killing method i have mastered.¡±


    ¡°therefore, the age qi will first be used on the five animals body tempering technique and the sword dancer dao fruit.¡±


    ¡°the [thousand-year genius] dao fruit requires a hundred wisps of age qi. it also needs to be supplemented with two wisps of molten gold age qi that can transform into dao fruits. therefore, it has a lower priority in upgrading for now.¡±


    ¡°therefore, i¡¯ll first raise the [sword dancer] dao fruit to the next stage. it can assist in the comprehension of the [sword waterfall diagram] and won¡¯t delay the improvement of the five animals body tempering.¡± an le sorted out the distribution of the age qi.


    he did as he said. without any hesitation, he willed it.


    strands of age qi were added to the [sword dancer] dao fruit.


    in front of him, the gray age qi burned like an incense stick, and images appeared bit by bit. there were scenes of fairy yun rou¡¯s sword technique breaking through, lin zhuifeng¡¯s qi blood flourishing, beating up all the young masters of the same generation in lin residence with a fire stick, and so on.


    after ten wisps of age qi were used, an le felt the small sword of consciousness condensed in his niwan palace tremble slightly and emit joy.


    suddenly, it was as if a sword light flashed past his eyes!


    it condensed into words!


    [dao begets one, one begets two. time flows but the ages remain eternal. the dao fruit has metamorphosed.]


    [the sound of the river boils, the sword qi grows, the sword dancer evolves, and the innate swordsman is born.]


    [sword dancer dao fruit has evolved into innate swordsman!]


    [note: innate swordsman (dao fruit): the sword of the world is invincible. when holding a sword, it can resonate with sword qi and increase the sharpness of the sword.]


    what was an innate swordsman?


    a debt of gratitude must be repaid in time. how could it be afraid? when the divine sword rushed into the sky, who would be able to quell injustice?


    to use the sword to raise one¡¯s heart, clear one¡¯s intentions, and achieve great aspirations was to become a swordsman!


    an le took a deep breath and observed his evolved dao fruit.


    [age dao fruit: innate swordsman (molten gold age qi 0/2 wisps, 0/100 wisps)]


    as expected, the conditions for a dao fruit to undergo another evolution were similar to that of a thousand-year genius.


    it would not be so easy to evolve it.


    however, an le did feel something different. his understanding of the sword waterfall diagram seemed to be deeper, and countless sword qi scattered down from the nine heavens. in the niwan palace, the sword qi was as resplendent as the stars!


    an le felt an unparalleled sense of familiarity with the sword.


    the only pity was that up until now, he hadn¡¯t had a sword that belonged to him.


    the evening light shone on the courtyard, and the shadow of the old pagoda tree was pulled long and narrow.


    an le, who was sitting upright with his eyes closed, slowly opened his eyes. he opened his mouth and spat out a sharp breath that seemed to cut through the air.


    he poured himself a glass of yellow wine and drank it.


    then, he stood up and injected a wisp of age qi into the five animals body tempering technique. in the courtyard, under the old locust tree, he trained and practiced the tiger form.


    after practicing once, he would add a wisp of age qi. every time, he would have a different understanding!


    the five animals body tempering became more and more profound, and his control over every detail became more and more exquisite.


    in the deep-slanted pavilion, it was as if flowers were scattered all over his clothes!


    in the small courtyard, under the locust tree, a young man was wearing a multicolored robe and a jade pendant at his waist. the gray patterns on the white jade were boiling and demon qi tempered his body!


    the five animals body tempering technique had a total of 15 wisps of age qi added, but it could still continue to be augmented. it was like a bottomless pit with no upper limit.


    qi blood evaporated as the youth practiced the five animals. force grew in his meridians and constantly pushed his qi blood to flow throughout his body!


    vaguely, his qi blood had already reached the late-stage and was charging towards the perfected-stage.


    the sun was setting in the west, and the world was completely dark.


    the five animals that the youth had practiced had completely stepped into the perfected-stage first realm of body tempering after being augmented with 15 wisps of age qi!


    the clamor in the courtyard gradually stopped, and the starlight scattered behind the sunset clouds and sprinkled on the mortal world.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    when the moon sets, crows cry and frost fills the sky.


    qingbo street, in front of imperial ancestral temple alley.


    a luxurious carriage rolled over the limestone slowly. a burly coachman sat on the shaft. beside the coachman was a thin man in a bamboo hat and a black robe. he held a thick saber and was gently wiping it.


    ¡°will the benefactor keep his word? if i kill this youth in the alley, will he help me leave lin¡¯an prefecture safely?¡±


    under the thin man¡¯s bamboo hat, a voice slowly sounded from his face that was swallowed by the darkness.


    ¡°the benefactor¡¯s words naturally carry great weight. even if you bear many sins of killing, if the benefactor lets you live, you can naturally live.¡±


    the coachman sat on the shaft of the carriage and pulled the reins. he replied expressionlessly.


    ¡°heh, interesting¡­ in the eyes of benefactors, human lives are really mixed. a young man¡¯s life is worth the lives in my hands. that artist¡¯s painting almost made the black office capture me. if not for your help, i might have been captured.¡±


    the man in the bamboo hat jumped down from the carriage and picked up the thick saber.


    ¡°therefore, you came to kill this young man because you wanted to take revenge.¡± the coachman said calmly.


    the man in the bamboo hat looked into the depths of the alley.


    where the starlight could not reach, it was as dark as an abyss.


    the man grinned. with the saber on his shoulders, he slowly took a step forward. boundless qi blood intertwined like a heat wave stirred up by a furnace of wind.


    ¡°i also hate this artist.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m happy to kill him!¡±

 Chapter 30

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    the spring night in lin¡¯an prefecture was not the most pleasant. compared to the summer night, the spring night breeze was a little colder. if one¡¯s body was a little thin, it was easy to catch a cold.


    as the sunset faded into the darkness, the entire qingbo street became quiet.


    there was no curfew in great zhao and the night market was quite prosperous. the lights were bright and gorgeous. however, that was only limited to imperial street and the main street. that was the place where the vendors were willing to endure the cold night wind and set up their stalls.


    qingbo street was a little remote after all. if one set up a night stall here, one could only bitterly swallow the cold wind for the entire night and not earn much money.


    therefore, as soon as night fell, the entire street became quiet.


    the carriage stopped, and the horse neighed slightly, breathing hot air. the coachman sat on the shaft of the carriage. the burly man was wearing a bamboo hat.


    the old bamboo hat was cut in half by madam hua¡¯s spring rain. he had no choice but to change into a new bamboo hat.


    he sat at the shaft of the carriage, and the blood qi in his body was like a surging furnace, hidden and not released. he released his not-so-expert mental power and probed towards the killing field that was about to erupt in imperial ancestral temple alley.


    he needed to ¡°see with his own eyes¡± that the young man was killed. only then would he not make a mistake when reporting.


    however, he believed that this matter was certain.


    the young man had just completed his cultivation enlightenment a few days ago. he had just passed his qi blood awakening and was barely in meditation. such a new cultivator naturally had no resistance against a ruthless character like hu jingang whose hands were stained with blood.


    hu jingang¡¯s qi blood had already reached the perfected-stage. he was not far from using his qi blood as a furnace to forge a spirit bone in his body. there should not be any accidents when facing that young man who was barely cultivating.


    the coachman raised his head and looked at the dark imperial ancestral temple alley. he could not help but think of that day. under the rain of spring, the young man faced the pressure of mr. luo, but he still stood tall and straight, like a pine tree standing alone, but also like a plum blossom.


    the youth¡¯s tenacity was admirable.


    it was common for cultivators to lower their heads and bow in the face of mr. luo¡¯s pressure.


    there was a tiger in the chest and a pride in the heart. it was rare to see someone who could withstand the pressure.


    however, no matter how tough they were, if they were not strong enough, they would still die.


    suddenly, the coachman¡¯s eyes under the bamboo hat narrowed slightly. a gust of wind floated out of the alley with some scorching qi blood.


    ¡°here we go.¡±


    ¡­


    ¡­


    in the courtyard.


    an le had already finished cultivating the five animals body tempering technique and was currently visualizing the sword waterfall diagram. fifteen wisps of age qi were added to the five animals, and an le chose to add the remaining four wisps to the sword waterfall diagram.


    with the enhancement of age qi, an le¡¯s visualization of the sword waterfall diagram became deeper. originally, he could only visualize the first page of the sword waterfall diagram. as his spirit refinement stepped into the embryonic breath realm, he could visualize the second page.


    the second page of the sword waterfall diagram depicted two intertwined swords. the swords in the painting looked ordinary at first glance, but when visualized with one¡¯s mind, they spat out endless sharpness!


    after all, he had just stepped into the embryonic breath realm and still needed to consolidate it. if he were to visualize it easily, he would easily be injured by the sword intent in the sword waterfall diagram.


    after using the age qi, he no longer had this worry. there was no pressure on visualizing the second page.


    the silver moon was like a plate, shining with starlight.


    it sprinkled over the white-robed youth in the courtyard, making the youth¡¯s handsome face look even more extraordinary.


    suddenly, an le, who was visualizing the sword waterfall diagram with his embryonic breath mental power boiling around him, opened his eyes and calmly looked out of the courtyard door.


    it was as if there was a monster hiding in the darkness.


    the sound of grass shoes rubbing against the limestone tiles in the alley slowly approached.


    a scorching qi blood gradually burst out under the perception of an le¡¯s mind.


    the moonlight shone down and revealed a figure. it was a man wearing a bamboo hat. he was thin and not strong. he carried a thick saber on his back and looked rather strange.


    an le glanced at the person who came and did not panic. he continued to sit on the small chair and poured himself a cup of old yellow wine that was cold from the spring night wind.


    after drinking a cup of yellow wine, the fragrance of the wine filled his mouth.


    ¡°it¡¯s said that the cold of spring kills the most innocent. sir, you didn¡¯t drink warm wine at home, but you came into my house with a big blade. i think¡­ you¡¯re here to take my life.¡±


    an le said calmly as he picked up a piece of pig head meat and chewed slowly.


    the figure carrying the saber took off his bamboo hat and casually threw it on the ground. he raised his not-so-fierce face and looked mockingly at the youth eating wine and meat under the moonlight.


    ¡°do you recognize me?¡±


    hu jingang smiled.


    an le took another sip of the yellow wine and glanced at hu jingang with a hint of surprise in his eyes.


    as someone who had drawn hu jingang¡¯s true appearance, how could he not recognize him? he was surprised because hu jingang had actually come to kill him.


    was it because he made the wanted poster?


    ¡°the drawing you made for the black office really made me suffer. i was almost captured. i hated you to the core, so i came to kill you.¡±


    ¡°do you admit it?¡±


    hu jingang put down the saber he was carrying. the qi blood in his body began to surge and strengthen. the aura of perfected-stage qi blood awakening made the cold spring heat up.


    an le sipped his old yellow wine. ¡°are you here to kill me because of the portrait?¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m afraid someone specially instructed you to come and kill me with the saber in your hand. otherwise, how could a rat like you, who was chased by the black office, find my new residence so accurately and kill me openly?¡±


    hu jingang narrowed his eyes. he did not have much of a reaction after being exposed. in his opinion, an le was already a dead man.


    he had just passed his qi blood awakening and had just entered meditation. although he was considered a cultivator, he was no threat to him.


    the tip of hu jingang¡¯s saber arrived and stabbed three inches into the ground. ¡°young man, since you know, why don¡¯t you escape?¡±


    an le put down the wine cup and picked up a chopstick with two fingers.


    he looked at hu jingang calmly and said, ¡°this is my home. why should i escape?¡±


    ¡°how courageous. unfortunately, i prefer it when you reveal fear and despair before your death. killing like this gives me a greater sense of accomplishment.¡± hu jingang laughed loudly. in the next moment, his eyes widened in anger as his qi blood slapped over like waves!


    the large saber that had pierced into the ground in the courtyard was pulled forward brazenly.


    the rocks that were shattered by the thick saber shot out like arrows. hu jingang wrapped his qi blood and followed closely behind, slashing at an le. the powerful and heavy thick saber brought with it a strong wind that whimpered like a ghost!


    an le sat on the chair with a solemn expression. this was the first cultivation battle he had encountered so far.


    previously, at the entrance of jing street, he had faced two ordinary thugs. naturally, it did not count. they were not cultivators and could not give an le any pressure.


    however, an le was not afraid, nor was he timid. there was only excitement and anticipation.


    the tiger in his chest seemed to want to jump out.


    the only threat was that hu jingang held a weapon in his hand. he did not have a weapon in his hand, so he was naturally at a disadvantage in this battle.


    however, in terms of spirit refinement, an le surpassed hu jingang. in fact, this was enough.


    in the face of hu jingang¡¯s saber, an le gently pushed the chopsticks with his two fingers.


    the chopstick bounced up from the table at an extremely fast speed. it was stained with the oil of the pig head meat and turned into a dark trace of light. it tore through the darkness of the cold spring night and stabbed straight at hu jingang¡¯s neck.


    the embryonic breath realm mental power carried the chopsticks and galloped like a sword beam.


    hu jingang¡¯s hair stood on end. he immediately retracted his saber and blocked his throat. the chopsticks stabbed over like flying swords, and the dissipating embryonic breath mental power made hu jingang¡¯s mind tremble!


    ¡°second stage of spirit refinement¡­ embryonic breath?!¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s not right. in the first two realms of spirit refinement, the meditation and embryonic breath realms are weak in killing. after the shedding mortality realm, the mental power is released, and spirit refinement becomes terrifying. this young man is only at the embryonic breath realm. why is he giving me so much pressure?!¡±


    cold sweat instantly broke out on hu jingang¡¯s forehead. if he had not blocked it just now, the chopsticks would have pierced his throat.


    he was a little angry. that benefactor¡­ what kind of intel was this?


    this was called just entering meditation?


    however, hu jingang was ferocious and had experienced hundreds of battles. he was at the perfected-stage qi blood awakening after all. if he got close to a spirit refinement embryonic breath cultivator, he still had a chance!


    with this thought in mind, without hesitation, hu jingang threw out the thick-backed saber in his hand like a hidden weapon. his body stuck to the saber as he darted out and approached an le.


    an le looked at hu jingang, who threw out his saber and pounced over, and a hint of fighting spirit flashed across his eyes.


    ¡°come!¡±


    his body instantly stood up from the chair and dodged the saber.


    then, he left the mountain like a ferocious tiger and pounced forward. it was the tiger form of the five animals body tempering!


    he was majestic and heroic, and his ferocious aura was not comparable to that of ordinary beasts!


    the perfected-stage qi blood in an le¡¯s body burst forth like a flood!


    hu jingang, who had just flown over, felt that the youth had instantly turned into a living tiger. his surging qi blood, which was not inferior to his, surged over, and his heart suddenly sank to the bottom.


    the next moment, a terrifying force smashed into hu jingang¡¯s body. he only felt pain.


    his entire body had a bloody glow on the spring night and was at a loss. he drew an elegant parabola that reflected the stars in the sky above the small courtyard.

 Chapter 31

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    the east wind did not blow away one¡¯s worries, but the spring sun could provoke hatred for a long time.


    on the cold spring night, the fierce collision in the small courtyard seemed to have ended in a breath. the cold wind blew at night as if it attracted long-lasting resentment.


    this resentment naturally came from hu jingang, who was lying on the ground. he hated the benefactor who had asked him to kill the young man and the coachman outside the alley.


    from the moment the young man¡¯s embryonic breath mental power appeared and he flicked his chopsticks like flying swords, his heart had been clouded and he had a bad feeling.


    the error of the information made him furious, but it was not impossible for him to fight an embryonic breath cultivator with perfected-stage qi blood awakening.


    however, when the young man sitting quietly stood up and suddenly transformed into a ferocious tiger, the qi and blood flowing under his skin and meridians were stronger and more majestic than him. hu jingang even had the thought of cursing in his heart.


    what kind of rubbish information was this? it was a scam!


    the young man had perfected-stage qi blood and his aura was like a living tiger. in an instant, hu jingang was defeated. it could be seen that the body tempering technique that the young man had learned was definitely of an extremely high grade. it was definitely not something that what he had learned could compare to.


    spirit refinement, embryonic breath, and body tempering were both perfected-stage qi blood. the other party¡¯s cultivation technique was of a higher grade. what was there to kill?


    with one move, hu jingang was sent flying. his back slid along the ground, but he was experienced after all. he stood up from the ground with a carp flip.


    the young man was charging at him with bird form!


    among the five animals body tempering, the tiger form was fierce, the bear form was stable, the deer form and the ape form were all agile, and the bird form was like a sword. it was most compatible with an le, who had evolved his innate swordsman dao fruit.


    although he did not have a sword in his hand, when he executed the bird form, it was like a sword in his hand!


    the qi blood in hu jingang¡¯s meridians exerted force. before hu jingang could react, an le had already closed in on him with deer form. his sword-like palm struck his chest repeatedly.


    hu jingang was sent flying again and landed heavily on the ground. his skin was badly mutilated, and several of his ribs were broken. the organs protected by his bones seemed to have cracked, and blood seeped out of the corner of his mouth. his expression was dark, and he could no longer resist.


    an le ended the battle with bird form and looked at hu jingang indifferently. the excitement in his heart slowly calmed down.


    the battle could be said to be crushing. with the addition of fifteen wisps of age qi, the might of the five animals¡¯ tiger pounce increased greatly. coupled with the perfected-stage qi blood, the slap was as powerful as a tiger. hu jingang was almost slapped to death.


    coupled with the continuous attacks of the bird form, hu jingang was completely beaten up like a sandbag.


    an le understood that although they were both at the perfected-stage qi blood awakening realm, there was a difference between the two. this difference¡­ came from cultivation techniques.


    it was just like how hu jingang had used the common ¡°zhao zu¡¯s long fist¡± against an le¡¯s ¡°five animals body tempering technique¡± to fight. it was naturally not wrong for him to be beaten up.


    the leaves of the large locust tree rustled under the cold spring night wind.


    an le grabbed the thick saber on the ground that hu jingang had used as a hidden weapon. the saber was rather heavy, but with an le¡¯s current qi blood strength, it was not difficult to grab it.


    ¡°little brother, can you spare my life?¡± hu jingang begged as he bled.


    an le dragged the knife and walked to his side. he looked down at hu jingang who was lying on the ground.


    ¡°reason,¡± an le said.


    ¡°i can give you all my assets. there are a total of 18 origin spirit coins hidden in a secret place. if i live, i can bring them to you,¡± hu jingang endured the pain of his bones breaking and said slowly.


    ¡°only 18 origin spirit coins? poor fellow, each painting i make for the lin residence earns me 10 origin spirit coins.¡±


    an le leaned on his knife and glared at him.


    hu jingang was silent.


    suddenly, his eyes widened in anger. he bit the tip of his tongue and the blood in his body surged. he actually bounced up from the ground and rushed towards an le at lightning speed. he wanted to take advantage of an le¡¯s relaxed state to fight to the death.


    swoosh!


    however, an le¡¯s embryonic breath¡¯s mental power was tense and he was already prepared. he kicked the thick-backed saber and swung it, drawing a star-like arc. a huge head surged into the sky with surging blood qi!


    the blood gradually dyed an le¡¯s white clothes, causing his cold face to tremble slightly.


    this was the first time he had killed someone, but it would never be the last.


    hu jingang¡¯s head fell to the ground, and his body lost its momentum. he fell straight back and lingered in the spring night with a muffled sound.


    blood flowed all over the small courtyard, accompanied by an le¡¯s slight panting. it was filled with killing intent.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    qingbo street was still silent. a few lights were extinguished and they fell asleep.


    there were no pedestrians on the street, not even a cat that liked to walk alone in the dark.


    the carriage stopped quietly. the coachman sat in the carriage and slowly opened his eyes. the wind and waves from the alley carried the pungent smell of blood.


    the coachman¡¯s face under the bamboo hat was hidden in the darkness. his expression and emotions could not be seen.


    when his mental perception entered the small courtyard in the alley, it was swept away by the powerful qi blood of the two of them and could not be observed clearly.


    he had stepped into the inner core in body tempering, but his spirit refinement was only at the embryonic breath.


    the mental power of the embryonic breath realm could barely be seen from the outside, but it was like a ghost. it was afraid of the things of the sun. if it dissipated far away, its control would be weaker and it would be easily dispersed.


    ¡°is he dead?¡±


    the coachman sniffed the scent of blood in the air. was it the young man¡¯s blood?


    he looked at the dark alley that was not favored by the starlight and moonlight.


    the sound of a knife scraping against the ground could be heard in the alley, accompanied by footsteps.


    the coachman slowly straightened his burly body and raised his head slightly. his face under the bamboo hat gradually became clearer as he looked at the alley, welcoming hu jingang¡¯s return.


    if hu jingang killed the youth, he still had to escort hu jingang out of lin¡¯an prefecture. he couldn¡¯t ruin mr. luo¡¯s reputation.


    suddenly, the coachman¡¯s grip on the reins froze, and a look of disbelief flashed across his eyes.


    that was because the person who slowly broke through the darkness in the alley was not hu jingang!


    it was a young man in a blood-stained white robe.


    with one hand holding a knife and the other holding a head that died with remaining grievances.


    drops of ink-like blood dripped from the incision on his head. the young man stepped out of the dense darkness in the alley.


    the western winds were so austere that yellow flowers bloomed everywhere they went!


    at this moment, the young man carried a biting cold killing intent. he was like a three-inch blade that had been unsheathed and emitted a cold light.


    the coachman¡¯s eyes widened slightly under the bamboo hat, and his breathing quickened.


    the young man stood at the entrance of imperial ancestral temple alley with a smile on his lips. his white clothes were stained with blood like red plums as he looked at the familiar burly coachman sitting on the shaft of the gorgeous carriage.


    ¡°as expected¡­¡±


    an le seemed to come to a realization and seemed to be sneering.


    it was indeed not a coincidence that hu jingang came to kill him. this criminal who should have been captured by the black office constables was saved by the so-called benefactor. then, he turned into a benefactor¡¯s knife to kill him.


    for hu jingang to be willing to kill him, he must have made some kind of promise.


    perhaps it was the life of a young provincial scholar like him in exchange for the life of this criminal whose hands were stained with the blood of more than a hundred lives.


    however, this time, the young man used his own strength to kill this criminal and break the saber handed to him by the benefactor. the situation was much better than last time.


    thud.


    the young man threw out the head he was holding. the head flew in a parabola and landed in front of the carriage. it rolled on the ground for a few weeks and hit the wheel hub before stopping.


    the coachman did not even look at the head on the ground. he stared at the youth from afar and saw the mockery and killing intent in the youth¡¯s eyes.


    that day in the spring rain, the young man¡¯s backbone was like bamboo as he stood proudly in the mortal world. even the pressure of mr. luo could not make him bow down. the image once again jumped into the coachman¡¯s mind.


    his constricted pupils slowly relaxed, and a wisp of dense killing intent burst forth from the coachman¡¯s eyes.


    he really wanted to kill this young man now to prevent future troubles.


    however, the coachman did not dare to do so.


    that day, madam hua unleashed 3,000 droplets of spring rain. just one of them shattered his bamboo hat. perhaps shattering his head was just adding another droplet of rain with a flick of her finger.


    it was said that madam hua wanted to be this young man¡¯s dao protector, since she had a dao protector, it would be against the rules for him to bully the weak. if he was beaten and killed, mr. luo would not even seek justice for him.


    an le looked at the burly coachman sitting on the shaft of the carriage, luo qingchen¡¯s coachman, and slowly raised the thick-backed saber in his hand. the qi blood force in his body instantly surged, and his mental power surged. the intent of the ¡°sword waterfall diagram¡± flowed in front of his eyes, and the saber in his hand seemed to have transformed into a sword.


    he suddenly swung his saber at the carriage with a straight posture.


    when the coachman saw the saber whistling over, heat waves surged under his skin. his qi blood circulated like a furnace starting a fire to refine an inner core!


    with a clench of his fingers, he grabbed the saber that an le threw at him and slammed it into the shaft of the carriage. the coachman let out a shaky breath and did not look at the young man.


    the reins whipped and the red date horse raised its hooves to pull the carriage. the wheels mercilessly rolled over the head and slowly disappeared into the dark and quiet night of qingbo street.


    an le watched the carriage leave before turning around and returning to the courtyard.


    after the carriage drove out of qingbo street, the coachman suddenly collapsed on the shaft of the carriage with deep fear in his eyes.


    if he had really killed an le just now, he would have been killed by a sword intent in an instant. the sword intent was present at all times and pressed against his throat. it only dissipated after leaving qingbo street.


    ¡°is that sword intent madam hua of the lin residence? it can only be madam hua¡­ i didn¡¯t expect madam hua to really value this young man so much¡­¡±


    ¡°what mr. luo said is indeed true. i have to go back and report it carefully immediately.¡±


    ¡­


    ¡­


    the cold spring breeze woke him up. it was slightly cold.


    on the quiet clear wave street, a plain-clothed old man stood quietly with a bamboo cane in his hand, squinting in the direction of the carriage.


    ¡°at least you know what¡¯s good for you, coachman. if you bully my young friend with your qi blood inner core, i¡¯ll have to add another head to the ground.¡±


    the old man¡¯s long eyebrows fluttered in the wind. he stroked his beard and slowly walked towards the imperial ancestral temple in the distance.


    in the cold night and spring breeze, an old man chuckled.


    ¡°from whichever direction the winds leap, i remain strong, though dealt many a blow.¡±


    ¡°young friend an wants to reach this realm? tsk, you have a long way to go.¡±

 Chapter 32

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    after returning to the courtyard, an le naturally did not know that an old man with a bamboo cane had appeared on the street. he also did not know that the old man was concerned about his safety and life.


    in the courtyard, hu jingang¡¯s corpse lay quietly on the ground, dripping with blood.


    an le looked at it for a while, but his expression did not change. his heart had also changed from the ups and downs when he first killed someone to being as calm as water.


    he didn¡¯t regret killing. since he had come to this world and stepped into cultivation, just as constable huang had told him, he had to learn how to kill. if he didn¡¯t kill, he would be killed.


    the cultivation world could actually be seen as a different kind of society. cultivators of all sizes were like pearls. all kinds of grudges and grudges were like curtain lines. when the wind blew, troubles would rise and fall like a pearl curtain. the pearls wanted to be quiet, but they could not.


    sitting on the chair, there was still half a pot of old yellow wine left on the table. there were only two or three pairs of chopsticks in the pig head meat. an le took a new pair of chopsticks and placed the candle table on the table. the dim light illuminated the dark courtyard.


    the night was clear and clear, and the moonlight was like silver.


    when the wine is poured, it must be filled to the brim.


    on a spring night, an le ate wine and meat with the stars, candlelight, old pagoda trees, and headless corpses in the courtyard.


    tonight, the old man from the imperial ancestral temple would probably not come. however, with his identity, the sword he promised him would definitely not go unpunished.


    an le was not in a hurry. after eating the wine and meat, he tidied up and carried the candle table back into the house.


    he sat cross-legged on the bed and recalled his battle with hu jingang tonight.


    although this battle was one-sided, it was the first time an le had clashed with a cultivator alone. after a few rounds of review, an le changed his position to hu jingang¡¯s and thought about how to deal with it.


    this review was quite interesting.


    [fearless heart (dao fruit): the dragon fights in the wild. if you win, you will get slightly stronger and more fearless. the dao fruit nurtures itself.]


    a line suddenly appeared on the screen in front of him.


    then, there seemed to be a wave of clear qi spreading out. it swam from the top of his head to his feet and traveled from his palm to his heart meridian.


    an le realized that his qi blood had strengthened a little and seemed to have drilled into his bones. that was the precursor to the forging of the spirit bone.


    his mind, which had just entered the embryonic breath realm, was also stable and difficult to destroy!


    after being slightly stunned, an le reacted. the effect of the dao fruit, fearless heart, could break through calamities and strengthen one¡¯s fearlessness. it could nourish one¡¯s cultivation. this time, hu jingang was considered a minor calamity, so he was slightly stronger and more fearless.


    this slight¡­ was very subtle. his perfected-stage blood qi had been pushed forward a little, and he was one step closer to forging a spirit bone. his mental power had also condensed a little. it was really a little strong. it was comparable to him practicing the five animals more than ten times. it was not bad.


    an le smiled. today¡¯s battle had caused his emotions to fluctuate and he found it difficult to calm down.


    he did not continue practicing the five animals. instead, he began to visualize the sword waterfall diagram. coupled with the dao fruit that had evolved into the innate swordsman, he calmed his mental power.


    on the candle table, flames danced, illuminating the light and darkness in the room.


    the night was long.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    the carriage returned to the secluded courtyard on jing street.


    the burly coachman took off his bamboo hat and got out of the carriage. his legs were a little weak and he almost lost his balance. the threat of the sword intent made him so afraid.


    however, he calmed himself down and walked towards the winding corridor and the courtyard beyond the flowing streams.


    the stars filled the sky, and the silver moon was like a plate.


    in the courtyard, it was cold. a scholarly-robed figure sat in the middle of the courtyard, bathed in the moonlight and starlight. the water in the pond was cut open, and small swords floated in the water. wisps of sword energy intersected and crisscrossed, like a dragon drawing water, pouring down from the top of the figure¡¯s head.


    it wanted to wash away the hazy sword intent that reflected his dao heart.


    with a crisp ding, the small swords floating above the pond were sent flying by a mysterious force, causing water to explode on the surface of the pond.


    the ripples spread and gradually subsided.


    luo qingchen opened his eyes, sweating profusely. pain flashed across his eyes, and then he got up and strolled out of the pavilion, wiping away his sweat.


    ¡°is it over?¡± luo qingchen said lightly.


    the coachman lowered his head, not knowing what to say.


    ¡°failed?¡± luo qingchen raised his eyebrows. seeing the coachman¡¯s expression, he knew that he had failed.


    ¡°isn¡¯t hu jingang at the perfected-stage qi blood awakening realm? coupled with his obstinacy and decisiveness in killing, why can¡¯t he even kill a youth who has just entered cultivation?¡±


    luo qingchen sat on a round chair in the pavilion. the table was also carved and polished from stone. there was a tea tray on it, and a charcoal stove was boiling water at the side, making a whimpering sound.


    he brewed a cup of black tea unhurriedly and picked it up. he blew away the steam from the cup and was about to bring it to his mouth.


    ¡°sir, that youth¡­ has already entered the embryonic breath spirit refinement realm. his qi blood has been raised to the perfected-stage. hu jingang is not his match.¡±


    the coachman said in a deep voice.


    the cup of tea that luo qingchen had yet to drink froze.


    he turned his head and frowned. he stared at the coachman and raised his voice slightly. ¡°his spirit refinement has already entered the embryonic breath realm? his qi blood has also reached the perfected-stage?¡±


    ¡°are you sure?¡±


    the coachman cupped his fists and bowed. ¡°that young man cut off hu jingang¡¯s head and threw it to me. then, he waved his saber at me. his qi blood was displayed and he had indeed reached the perfected-stage. as for his mental power¡­ i can confirm that it¡¯s the embryonic breath since i feel suppressed.¡±


    luo qingchen put down his teacup and narrowed his eyes.


    ¡°spirit refinement genius? no wonder madam hua protected him¡­ this spirit refinement speed is indeed extraordinary.¡±


    ¡°however, it¡¯s also possible that madam hua gave him a spirit refinement dharma treasure. this young man is the provincial scholar who came to lin¡¯an to participate in the spring quarter examination, right? it seems that madam hua wants to use this young man to break through the situation and let the young man enter the list a rankings in the spring quarter examination to participate in the hall examination and have a slim chance of winning storm calming.¡±


    luo qingchen smiled and speculated.


    he had only just started cultivating at the age of 18. how could he achieve meditation and embryonic breath in such a short period of time? he must have had external help.


    three days to reach embryonic breath¡­ he, luo qingchen, was far inferior.


    since an le was favored by madam hua, luo qingchen naturally thought that madam hua was helping an le.


    ¡°let¡¯s continue to keep an eye on him. we can¡¯t touch him for the time being. this is a coincidence. if hu jingang can¡¯t kill him, it will be difficult to find such a good opportunity next time.¡±


    ¡°however, it¡¯s not a big problem. borrowing external forces to cultivate the embryonic breath and forcefully raising his cultivation will ruin his potential. this young man has naturally destroyed his cultivation prospects.¡± luo qingchen said nonchalantly.


    the coachman glanced at luo qingchen and remained silent.


    when the young man threw hu jingang¡¯s head, his confidence, his arrogance, and his willfulness¡­ did not look like he had no future.


    ¡°however, we do have to pay attention to this young man. hua jiebing spent so much effort to improve this child. perhaps she¡¯s gambling now, but i have to go to prime minister qin¡¯s residence and mention it to young master qin. we can deal with the young man and cut off his ambition to enter list a and make the lin residence give up. i believe young master qin is very willing.¡±


    ¡°in this year¡¯s spring quarter examination, all the geniuses nurtured by various factions have been pushed out to participate. it¡¯s a competition on another level. it¡¯s extremely difficult to enter the list a rankings, but the young man is related to the lin residence. it¡¯s definitely not wrong to plan ahead.¡± luo qingchen thought for a moment and said.


    the coachman nodded. sir was still very cautious.


    he also felt that a young man who had just entered meditation and was already at the embryonic breath realm would be too much of a monster if he did not have external help. this young man had only been enlightened at the age of 18. he could not be more talented than mr. luo, right?


    as for whether the young man was a genius or not¡­


    he was just a coachman, so there was no need to care.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    lin¡¯an, ye manor.


    a banquet was in full swing. the lights were brightly lit, and the wine and dishes were overflowing with fragrance.


    however, at the banquet table, there were only women and not a single man.


    the leader was a graceful and elegant woman dressed in luxurious clothes. her smile was very peaceful as if it could melt a winter iceberg.


    beside the woman was the beautiful madam hua.


    madam hua and the luxurious woman were chatting happily when suddenly, madam hua¡¯s brows moved. she seemed to have sensed something and looked in the direction of imperial ancestral temple alley.


    since she said that she wanted to light a green lamp for an le¡¯s cultivation path and protect him, she naturally had her means. if an le encountered danger, she would be able to sense it.


    this perception came and went quickly, which meant that an le might have encountered a battle. however, there was not an expert far beyond his level in the battle, so he did not need her help.


    dao protectors were dao protectors, but they didn¡¯t have to take action to deal with all kinds of difficulties. most of the difficulties had to be overcome by the youth himself. only then could he grow.


    returning to her senses, madam hua picked up her wine cup and drank with the luxurious woman.


    ¡°sister jiebing, i know why you came to look for me. i will naturally help you, but my help is limited. during the hall examination, i can use my title to accompany you to the heavenly profound palace to take a look. but if you want to retrieve your husband¡¯s storm calming, i won¡¯t be able to help much.¡±


    the graceful and smiling woman said gently.


    when madam hua heard this, her eyes flickered. she knew that this was the greatest promise the woman could give.


    madam ye knew why she wanted to enter the heavenly profound palace, but she still made a promise.


    ¡°sister jiebing, actually, if you want to take back storm calming, you should look for elites who can enter list a in the spring quarter examination and help them win in the hall examination. they will be rewarded with storm calming,¡± the graceful madam ye said in confusion.


    madam hua shook her head and sighed. ¡°sister, do you think my lin family can find the help of such a genius? those elites already have forces behind them. if my lin family wants to seek help, we will definitely be controlled by various factions¡­¡±


    ¡°therefore, jiebing is unwilling to rely on any elites.¡±


    madam hua spoke frankly, and madam ye nodded to show that she understood. ¡°then, sister jiebing, have you ever thought of using the lin residence¡¯s power to nurture a handsome talent who can enter list a?¡±


    ¡°sister, you must be joking. although the lin residence is a martial arts aristocratic family, our foundation is far inferior to the literary department and the martial temple. moreover, they need to be able to enter list a and win the championship in the hall examination. talent and cultivation are indispensable. how can the lin residence easily nurture such a talent?¡±


    madam hua smiled bitterly.


    for some reason, just as she finished speaking, a young man¡¯s figure suddenly flashed across her mind.

 Chapter 33

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    madam hua thought of an le, the young artist who had amazed the lin residence with his sketches. he didn¡¯t seek wealth but cultivation. he had been gifted the sword waterfall diagram by her.


    the sword waterfall diagram was rather precious. it was a top-notch spirit refinement technique. if not for the fact that she admired the youth¡¯s tenacity, madam hua might not have given it to him. in her opinion, it was indeed a little late for the youth to cultivate at the age of 18.


    the young man had entered meditation in three-quarters of an hour and formed the embryonic breath in two days, so this spirit refinement talent made her eyes light up.


    however, if a young man who had started late wanted to amaze the world in this spring quarter examination, enter the ranks of the list a, and step into the noble heavenly profound palace, he could only dream.


    hua jiebing could only rely on herself to retrieve storm calming.


    ¡°the matriarch is old and in her twilight years. her cultivation lifespan is coming to an end. she is unwilling to cause trouble at this time. for the sake of the lin residence¡¯s future, she has been tolerating everything.¡±


    ¡°but i, hua jiebing, cultivate an indomitable heart sword. if i feel resentful and can¡¯t vent it, the heart sword will be covered in dust and there will be no hope for me to break through. it¡¯s not my intention.¡±


    ¡°therefore, if i can¡¯t tolerate it, i won¡¯t be able to.¡±


    madam hua exhaled softly and came back to her senses. she smiled and continued to drink and taste the delicacies with madam ye.


    the ye family was also a martial arts aristocratic family. however, unlike the lin residence, the main pillar of the ye family, the founding general, was still alive. even though he was already in his prime, his aura was still very strong. he was a top-notch general in the world. he led an army outside the blue wave river and stopped the yuan meng empire¡¯s iron cavalry. he even repeatedly achieved victories. he was feared and even hated by the yuan meng empire.


    general ye, who was as domineering as a tiger, often shouted these words: cross the river!


    it was said that this general who had risen to prominence had once followed an old general. the old general had fought against the enemy all his life. before he died with hatred, he shouted three times in a row, ¡°cross the river! cross the river! cross the river!¡±


    cross the river to attack the yuan meng empire and reclaim the lost land of the central plains!


    this was the inheritance of will.


    if it was said that old general lin¡¯s decision to protect the rear and stop yuan meng¡¯s army was the preservation of the dynasty, then general ye¡¯s determination to conquer the north was to reignite the dynasty¡¯s revival!


    madam hua admired general ye. he was a hero of his generation. unfortunately, the imperial court did not agree to his aspirations for the northern expedition. general ye submitted the request for the northern expedition 24 times in a row, but they were all suppressed by his majesty, who was sitting high in the heavenly profound palace.


    the intimidation brought by the number one expert in the world, emperor yuan meng, was like a sharp blade hanging above the heads of all the ministers in the dynasty, including the emperor.


    the nobles did not dare to gamble, and the emperor did not dare to gamble.


    with the terrain of the blue wave river, they could block the yuan meng empire¡¯s army. however, once they were defeated and the gap was torn open, the prosperity and wealth of great zhao which had moved south for hundreds of years might face the charge and trample of yuan meng¡¯s cavalry.


    therefore, general ye did not have a good life at the border and was under immense pressure.


    it was for this reason that madam hua felt rather touched that madam ye was willing to help.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    in the distance, the cold mountain rocks slanted, and there was a family in the depths of the white clouds.


    the sixth mountain.


    there was a pavilion on the field.


    the night was lonely, the night wind whistled, and the stars filled the sky.


    the confucian-robed old man and the man with the pine sword case were still playing chess. when the last chess piece was placed, the game was over.


    ¡°it¡¯s time to prepare the mountain opening token and enter lin¡¯an.¡±


    the white-robed man stood up. the huge pine sword case looked a little strange.


    he walked out of the pavilion and looked at the pitch-black mountain under the night sky. his eyes were calm.


    the old man in scholarly attire stood up. in his hand was the water ink bamboo stone painting that an le had drawn. he looked at the man and said with a smile, ¡°mountain lord, are you really going to open the mountain and take this youth with you as the mountain guardian? if i remember correctly, this is mountain lord¡¯s second mountain guardian, right?¡±


    ¡°the opening of the sacred mountain is a major event in the world. it will definitely cause a huge uproar. countless geniuses want to be famous and enter the mountain gate. at that time, the mountain lord will only choose an ordinary youth who drew ink bamboo out of all the geniuses. you¡¯re likely to attract criticism for no reason.¡±


    the confucian-robed elder smiled.


    the man crossed his arms in front of his chest, his expression as calm as the deep night sky. ¡°do you think i¡¯m afraid of criticism?¡±


    ¡°i admired the youth¡¯s paintings and praised the gentlemanly pride contained in the youth¡¯s paintings, so i chose him to be the mountain guardian. who dares to criticize me?¡±


    ¡°if it weren¡¯t for the rules of the sacred mountain, i would have brought this young man into our sect right now to see if his backbone is really as proud as the ink bamboo.¡±


    when the confucian-robed elder heard these domineering and arrogant words, he smiled. ¡°as expected of the sixth mountain lord of sacred mountain. since that¡¯s the case, i won¡¯t dissuade you anymore.¡±


    the man glanced at the old man from the corner of his eyes. ¡°dissuade? you, wang banshan, want to steal from me. you admire that young man with the bamboo painting, don¡¯t you? you want to snatch him from me?¡±


    ¡°your literary department has been getting more and more boring over the years. scholars need to have righteousness. tell me. how many people in your literary department have righteousness now?¡±


    ¡°the martial temple is much more pleasing to the eye than the literary department.¡±


    after the man finished speaking, he did not say anything else. the pine sword case on his back smashed onto the ground with a bang. he placed his palm on it and opened the case an inch.


    endless sword qi spewed out from the cracks of the box.


    the man clenched his five fingers and used his fingers as a brush. his sword qi was ink as he wrote in midair. after writing, the sword qi turned into a book and sent a stream of light flying towards lin¡¯an prefecture.


    this night, lin¡¯an had a sleepless night as sword qi tore through the sky like stars.


    this was because the sixth mountain lord of sacred mountain wrote the mountain opening token:


    three days later, the mountain guardian will be chosen at the foot of the sixth mountain.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    ye residence, water pavilion garden.


    madam hua and madam ye walked into the courtyard. the two of them were both spirit refinement experts. they sensed something and could not help but look up. they saw sword qi cutting through the clouds in the night sky.


    ¡°this is¡­ the sixth mountain lord¡¯s sword qi mountain opening token?!¡±


    madam hua and madam ye were shocked one after another. the tips of their sword qi hung like silver waterfalls.


    the two of them looked at each other. the sixth mountain wanted to choose a mountain guardian?


    why did it come so suddenly?


    ¡°every mountain lord of the sacred mountain is an outstanding talent. the sixth mountain lord is the sixth disciple of the sacred teacher. his sword qi is famous for being domineering. there¡¯s only one mountain guardian on the sixth mountain, right? so, are they going to choose a second mountain guardian?¡±


    madam ye covered her mouth and couldn¡¯t help but be surprised. what was the source of such a huge matter that came out of nowhere?


    ¡°if i remember correctly, when the mountain guardian is chosen, they don¡¯t value cultivation or talent. instead, they rely more on fate¡­ in three days, the usually quiet sixth mountain will probably be filled with people. i wonder who will be the lucky one chosen by mountain guardian.¡±


    madam hua also chuckled. although she had doubts, she did not think too much about it.


    however, perhaps zhuifeng, qingyin, and the young masters in the residence could give the sixth mountain a try. if they could enter the sacred mountain, even if they were only mountain guardians, they would be extremely noble.


    it wasn¡¯t just the ye residence. that night, the entire lin¡¯an prefecture was shaken by the mountain opening token.


    many nobles, prime minister qin¡¯s residence, the literary department¡¯s martial temple, and even the depths of jing street, which represented the most respected palace in great zhao, all had their gazes cast on the sword qi mountain opening token in the starry night.


    the thoughts of the various factions were stirred. some were determined to obtain it, while others were quietly watching the show.


    but what everyone was curious about was, what had caused the sixth mountain lord to suddenly open the mountain?


    ¡­


    ¡­


    the next morning.


    it was drizzling.


    the tremors at night had no effect on an le. he did not know about the sixth mountain opening token.


    after visualizing the sword waterfall diagram overnight, an le felt that his mind had become much stronger. perhaps it was because of the innate swordsman dao fruit that his comprehension of sword-type cultivation techniques had a special enhancement.


    his mind, which had just entered the embryonic breath realm, had long stabilized and was improving at a perceptible level.


    the next realm after embryonic breath was shedding mortality. it was a very important leap in the spirit refinement system. according to the description in the cultivation technique, the most important characteristic of the shedding mortality realm was that one could release their mental power and leave their mortal body to walk the world!


    at the shedding mortality realm, a spirit refinement cultivator could kill alone and invisibly!


    although an le had consolidated his embryonic breath realm, he was still far from reaching shedding mortality. however, this did not stop him from looking forward to it.


    his breath was like a sword, and the gloomy breath that had been hidden in his chest and abdomen for the entire night was spat out. his entire body seemed to have been washed, and his face was radiant.


    an le walked out of the room and into the courtyard.


    when one first heard the sound of spring rain, the old dreams of the city were filled with emotions.


    a night of spring rain came carelessly.


    the air became colder. in the courtyard, hu jingang¡¯s corpse still existed, but the pungent smell of blood lingering in the air was suppressed by the spring rain and slowed down a little.


    glancing at the headless corpse, an le¡¯s expression was calm. one night was enough for him to adjust his mentality.


    he was dressed in white and bathed in the spring rain. accompanied by the old pagoda tree in the courtyard, he began to practice the five animals.


    his blood qi, which had risen to the perfected-stage, rolled like a carriage and rumbled like a bell.


    tiger form, bear form, deer form, ape form, and bird form had all evolved. with the addition of 18 wisps of age qi, his proficiency increased and became more and more charming.


    ¡°not bad. although the five animals body tempering isn¡¯t a top-notch body tempering technique, it¡¯s not easy to cultivate it well. young friend, you¡¯ve already obtained the charm of the five animals at such a young age. your future is promising.¡±


    after an le practiced for a while, when his qi blood calmed down, faint laughter came from outside the small courtyard.


    a wide-sleeved old man in plain clothes entered the courtyard with an oil-paper umbrella, straw sandals, and a broken bamboo sword at his waist.


    ¡°senior.¡± an le was pleasantly surprised to see the old man.


    the old man stroked his beard and smiled, nodding slightly.


    ¡°young friend an, it¡¯s been a day since we last met. how have you been?¡±


    an le cupped his fists and bowed. ¡°yesterday, i got some old yellow wine. senior didn¡¯t come, so it all went into my stomach. today, i¡¯ll buy some more when i get off work.¡±


    the old man waved his hand. ¡°it¡¯s fine. didn¡¯t i agree to give you a sword when i took your painting? therefore, i rushed here early this morning to give you a sword.¡±


    with that said, the old man held the umbrella and smiled as he took off the broken bamboo sword from his waist and handed it to an le.


    under the lonely spring rain, an le looked at the broken bamboo sword that was stained with a few drops of spring rain and fell silent.

 Chapter 34

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    looking at this broken bamboo sword, an le really didn¡¯t know what to say.


    if not for the fact that the old man¡¯s age qi was swaying enchantingly like seaweed and was densely packed, an le would really think that he was making fun of him.


    the spring rain made the small courtyard silent.


    an le took the bamboo sword from the old man. it floated in his hand and was naturally much lighter than a metal sword. the hilt, sword prominence, and blade were all made of bamboo. it looked like a toy bamboo sword that his grandfather had cut with a firewood knife to coax his grandson.


    ¡°why? are you disappointed?¡±


    the old man seemed to notice an le¡¯s shock and laughed mischievously.


    ¡°i dare not decline a gift from an elder.¡± an le held the sword and said, ¡°moreover, a bamboo sword is also a sword. since senior has given me a sword, it¡¯s a gift. how can i show my disappointment because i¡¯m dissatisfied with the gift?¡±


    the old man looked at an le as if he could read an le¡¯s mind. ¡°i know you want a good sword. the quality of this bamboo sword is indeed not good, but it has accompanied me for a long time. i want to find a good owner for my old friend.¡±


    ¡°your water ink bamboo stone painting suits my taste quite well. you can see the proud temperament of a gentleman in the painting. perhaps you will be a good sword-bearer. you can be considered a good owner of this bamboo sword.¡±


    ¡°if you¡¯re really suitable, you¡¯ll naturally discover the good of the bamboo sword.¡±


    the old man retracted his wet sleeves and stared at the bamboo sword. there was a hint of reluctance and even unwillingness in the depths of his eyes.


    an le¡¯s gaze landed on the bamboo sword. it looked ordinary no matter how he looked at it.


    the bamboo sword was 2.7 feet long. it was not considered a long sword, but it still had the posture of a sword. the bamboo sword did not have a sheath or even a sharp edge. it was unknown if it could cut through the skin of a cultivator.


    however, the old man¡¯s words made an le take it seriously. this was not a simple sword, but an entrustment from the old man.


    ¡°i will protect this sword well.¡± an le said solemnly as if he was making an oath.


    when the old man heard this, he immediately stroked his beard and laughed. ¡°you¡¯re so interesting. although it¡¯s a bamboo sword, it¡¯s not delicate and doesn¡¯t need protection. if it should be taken out, slash it. if it should collide, collide. don¡¯t be afraid of damaging the sword.¡±


    ¡°if the number one expert in the world can¡¯t break this broken bamboo sword, what are you afraid of?¡±


    ¡°a sword is a sword. it¡¯s a weapon used for killing. protecting a sword is an insult to the sword.¡±


    the old man looked at an le and lectured.


    when an le heard this, he immediately understood and nodded. his eyes also changed slightly. since the old man had said so, this sword must be extraordinary.


    ¡°this sword is originally nameless. it was created by a green bamboo by chance. it¡¯s named ¡®green mountain¡¯. it¡¯s related to the poem written in your bamboo stone painting. it can be considered fate. green mountain has accompanied me for many years, but to you, it¡¯s a new beginning. you can change the name of the sword.¡± the old man was very carefree.


    ¡°i see how charming the green mountains are, and the green mountains should feel like this when they see me.¡± an le suddenly thought of something and chuckled. ¡°the name of the sword is quite good.¡±


    the old man was stunned. his eyes sparkled as he stroked his beard and laughed.


    then, he stopped talking about swords. he would not choose to take back the sword he had given away.


    looking at an le, the old man smiled and said, ¡°you still have to work at the lin residence, right? remember to apply for leave in three days. i¡¯ll bring you somewhere.¡±


    when an le heard this, he nodded without asking where he needed to go.


    ¡°i¡¯m leaving. i¡¯ll come back tonight to talk to you about the water ink bamboo painting. remember to prepare the dishes and wine. the old yellow wine from the wine shop in yanchun is delicious, but the meat is only so-so. the best shop for beef is in dingya alley. it¡¯s delicious.¡±


    the old man waved his hand and left the small courtyard with an umbrella. he chuckled and said, ¡°i see how charming the green mountains are¡­¡±


    as soon as he left the courtyard, hurried footsteps sounded in imperial ancestral temple alley.


    the constable of the black office, huang xian, was dressed in his official uniform. his body was drenched by the rain as he rushed to the small courtyard. when he saw the plain-clothed old man walking out of the alley, he did not pay much attention to him. after all, the old man did not have any spiritual energy fluctuations. he was just an ordinary person.


    ¡°young master an¡­¡±


    when huang xian saw that the courtyard door was wide open, he quickly stepped in and called out to an le.


    as soon as he entered the courtyard, the first thing he saw was the headless corpse on the ground. the words he shouted immediately froze in his throat.


    ¡°constable huang, you came at the right time. i was just about to look for you.¡±


    an le held a yellow bamboo sword in his hand. when he saw constable huang, he immediately smiled.


    constable huang couldn¡¯t smile. his expression was solemn. ¡°hu jingang?¡±


    an le bathed in the spring rain with a gentle smile on his face. he nodded slightly like an otherworldly immortal.


    ¡°you killed him?¡± constable huang took a deep breath, his tone laced with disbelief.


    an le walked into the house and took a towel to dry his hair. he said, ¡°hu jingang came last night and said that he wanted to kill me because of the wanted portrait i made. he couldn¡¯t handle the pursuit and wanted to kill me.¡±


    ¡°of course, i can¡¯t sit still and wait for death. i can only defend myself and kill him.¡±


    huang xian slowly calmed down. in the morning, the black office received a report from the night watchman that there was a nameless head on qingbo street. after confirming his identity, it was actually the bandit hu jingang. therefore, this case was handed over to the black office.


    huang xian led a team over and realized that they were at the entrance of the imperial ancestral temple alley. he couldn¡¯t help but think of an le and rushed over immediately. in the end, hu jingang was really killed by an le.


    ¡°young master an, it¡¯s good that you¡¯re fine. hu jingang has committed a heinous crime. killing him can be considered punishing evil and promoting good. the black office won¡¯t pursue the matter and will even reward you.¡± huang xian knew that this was the first time an le had killed someone, so he comforted an le.


    an le drew a few sketches for the young masters in the lin residence and obtained a lot of wealth. he did not pay much attention to the bounty. he entered the house and changed into a clean set of white clothes. there was a tattered bamboo sword at his waist. he took out an oil-paper umbrella and was about to go to the lin residence to work.


    ¡°constable huang, hu jingang is a suspect from the black office. get someone to deal with this corpse.¡±


    an le opened the umbrella. raindrops fell and landed on the umbrella with a muffled sound.


    huang xian, who was wearing a bamboo hat, smiled and said, ¡°don¡¯t worry, leave everything to me.¡±


    after a while, he called for someone to deal with hu jingang¡¯s corpse. huang xian did not say anything and only cupped his fists at an le. he thought even more highly of an le.


    although this child had completed his cultivation enlightenment at the age of 18, he was like a hidden dragon that had emerged from the abyss and would bloom with extraordinary splendor!


    ¡°i¡¯ll come back another day to drink and eat with young master an. i¡¯ll personally thank young master an for killing this evil hu jingang.¡±


    huang xian cupped his fists seriously and an le returned the greeting.


    when huang xian and the constables disappeared into the alley, an le locked the courtyard door. with an umbrella, a sword, and a white robe, he walked out of the rainy alley and headed straight for the west side of west lake.


    from afar, one could see his eyebrows knitted together. it was strange that spring did not come with such coldness.


    the misty rain in west lake was decorated with circles of ripples, giving it a unique flavor.


    the scholars waited for a while in the group of guests, but fairy yun rou¡¯s sword did not appear, so they felt regretful.


    he could not get the first wisp of age qi today.


    without seeing fairy yun rou, the misty rainy scenery of west lake became more uninteresting. an le did not stay on the bank of west lake for long, he turned around and went to the lin residence.


    as usual, the maidservant, liu xiang, opened the door every day. looking at an le, who was dressed in snow-white clothes in the spring rain, the young girl¡¯s eyes were filled with yearning.


    ¡°miss liu xiang, please inform madam hua that i have something to discuss with her.¡±


    an le smiled gently.


    liu xiang blushed. ¡°young master an, madam hua said that if you want to find her, you can go to the heavenly wave water pavilion.¡±


    an le nodded. after bidding farewell to liu xiang, he held an umbrella and headed towards the heavenly wave water pavilion. with a bamboo sword at his waist, his white robe fluttered in the wind, making him look even more dashing.


    in the heavenly wave water pavilion, spring rain poured down from the sky like billions of crystalline ice beads that fell to the mortal world.


    it hit the four-cornered black-tiled pavilion, producing a series of crisp sounds.


    in the main hall, the spring breeze in the hall carried a few drops of water vapor from the spring rain. it blew in a misty manner, lifting the gauze skirt under madam hua¡¯s beautiful clothes lying on the bed.


    madam hua would brew tea and read in the main hall of the water pavilion every morning. this had been her habit for many years.


    an le put away the umbrella and entered the main hall of the water pavilion. the tip of the umbrella left a thin trail of rain on the ground.


    madam hua put down the book and looked at the young artist who had come to visit.


    what?


    madam hua was stunned because she could not sense an le¡¯s body tempering qi blood and spirit refinement mental power in her primordial spirit.


    it was as if there was a blurry veil covering an le¡¯s cultivation realm, preventing her from investigating.


    such a situation was truly rare.


    madam hua¡¯s long eyelashes trembled slightly. she shifted her gaze from an le¡¯s handsome face to her waist and saw a tattered and yellow bamboo sword.


    at first glance, madam hua thought that it was just an ordinary bamboo sword.


    however, after observing carefully, her primordial spirit trembled as though he had thought of something.


    a shocked expression appeared on madam hua¡¯s exquisite and elegant face.

 Chapter 35

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    madam hua¡¯s cultivation level was high and her spirit refinement cultivation level was considered extraordinary in the entire great zhao. she was the wife of the first mountain lord of sacred mountain and had the spirit refinement inheritance of sensory temple. her primordial spirit was so powerful that it could travel 1,500 kilometers outside her body and treat sunlight as nothing.


    with such a cultivation level, it was very unbelievable that she could not sense an le¡¯s cultivation level.


    after sizing it up carefully, she realized that the broken bamboo sword that the youth had pinned to his waist released an indistinct sword intent that swam around the youth¡¯s body, blocking the prying of her primordial spirit.


    ¡°this bamboo sword¡­ where did it come from?¡±


    madam hua took a deep breath and frowned slightly. she closed the great confucian book in her hand and her expression turned solemn.


    the bamboo sword looked broken and ordinary, but it contained an indestructible sword qi that was like a mountain that pressed down on the world.


    broken bamboo sword¡­


    madam hua immediately thought of that existence in great zhao.


    a hundred years ago, the old emperor¡¯s uncle had picked up a broken bamboo sword and dared to fight the number one expert in the world, emperor yuan meng, to death!


    but how could the sword of such an expert be worn by an le at his waist?


    ¡°it¡¯s a gift from an elder. the water ink bamboo stone painting that i created was deeply loved by the elder. therefore, he gave this bamboo sword to me. he hopes that i¡¯ll maintain a gentleman¡¯s spirit akin to the bamboo. i can be proud and not bend over for hardships.¡±


    an le placed his palm on the bamboo sword and smiled.


    madam hua glanced at an le. this was a gift from an elder. was this elder the old emperor¡¯s uncle?


    however, madam hua did not ask further. in terms of seniority and cultivation, that old emperor¡¯s uncle was much higher than her.


    after placing the book on the couch, madam hua stood up and put on her embroidered shoes. she looked at an le and asked, ¡°young master an, can i take a look at the sword?¡±


    when an le heard this, he did not refuse, nor was he worried that madam hua would snatch the bamboo sword.


    since madam hua could give him the sword waterfall diagram for a painting, she naturally wouldn¡¯t snatch the bamboo sword for no reason.


    an le took off the bamboo sword at his waist and handed it to madam hua with one hand on the sword and the other on the hilt.


    madam hua stood up and took it solemnly.


    a powerful primordial spirit emerged silently, and a hurricane suddenly blew through the main hall of the water pavilion, causing madam hua¡¯s clothes and black hair to flutter.


    madam hua sized up the broken bamboo sword carefully for a long time before sighing.


    without saying much, she returned the bamboo sword to an le. ¡°this sword is your great opportunity. use your mental power to nurture this sword. although this sword is a bamboo sword, it¡¯s like the backbone of a gentleman. it¡¯s the toughest in the world. no one can break it or destroy it.¡±


    ¡°a gentleman¡¯s pride is unbreakable. as long as his backbone is unbroken, the sword will not break.¡±


    ¡°i hope you can match this sword soon.¡±


    a look of admiration appeared in madam hua¡¯s eyes.


    an le held the bamboo sword. he didn¡¯t have a high cultivation level to look at the essence of the sword, but since even madam hua praised it, this sword must be extraordinary.


    ¡°madam hua, i¡¯m here to ask for leave from you. the senior who gave me the sword will bring me to a place three days later. i¡¯m afraid i won¡¯t be able to come to the lin residence to paint for the young masters for some time.¡±


    an le cupped his fists.


    when madam hua heard this, her eyelashes fluttered and she narrowed her eyes. ¡°three days later? i understand. of course, i¡¯ll allow you to take leave.¡±


    wasn¡¯t it the opening of the sixth mountain three days later?


    from the looks of it, that senior had the intention of nurturing an le. he actually planned to personally bring an le to the sixth mountain to see if he could be chosen by the sixth mountain lord to become a mountain guardian.


    this was an le¡¯s opportunity, so madam hua naturally wouldn¡¯t stop him.


    an le did not expect it to be so easy. the people of the lin residence were indeed good people.


    ¡°thank you for your understanding, madam hua.¡±


    an le thanked her sincerely.


    madam hua¡¯s red lips curled up slightly. ¡°there¡¯s no need to thank me. the young masters wouldn¡¯t have the time to let you paint in three days anyway, so let nature take its course.¡±


    ¡°last night, the sixth mountain of the sacred mountain issued a sword qi mountain opening token. it will open its doors in three days to recruit the mountain guardian. you should know how mysterious and extraordinary the sacred mountain is. cultivators in the central plains are proud to enter the sacred mountain. even if they enter the sacred mountain as the mountain guardian, it¡¯s a good outcome. it makes people scramble for it.¡±


    ¡°that senior most definitely wants you to give it a try.¡±


    madam hua chuckled.


    an le was enlightened. ¡°so the young masters want to give it a try in three days?¡±


    madam hua smiled and nodded.


    an le understood and cupped his fists to bid farewell, but madam hua stopped him.


    ¡°young master an, let¡¯s not paint for the young masters today. how about we paint your ink bamboo in the heavenly wave water pavilion?¡±


    madam hua said softly. she was increasingly curious about an le, who could attract the admiration of the old emperor¡¯s uncle and even give him a bamboo sword.


    upon hearing this, an le could not help but be stunned. however, he stopped in his tracks and cupped his fists. ¡°of course, but i¡¯ll have to trouble miss xi xiang to go to the martial arts hall to inform the young masters, zhuifeng, and miss qingyin.¡±


    madam hua looked at xi xiang. when xi xiang heard this, she bowed slightly to an le and madam hua. she held up the oil-paper umbrella and her graceful figure submerged into the hazy spring rain.


    madam hua ordered the servants to prepare a table for painting, as well as brush, ink, paper, and inkstone.


    outside the water pavilion, the spring rain was blowing, and a cool spring breeze blew.


    madam hua and an le drank tea and chatted, asking about the situation of spirit refinement. if an le had any questions about the sword waterfall diagram, madam hua could give an accurate answer.


    coupled with the enhancement of an le¡¯s [innate swordsman] dao fruit, he could quickly comprehend it and gain a lot.


    an le thought about it. he might not be able to see the young masters today, so he chose to absorb the age qi from madam hua.


    with a thought, the [age qi] column on the screen began to jump.


    instantly, there was a wisp of age qi on madam hua¡¯s body. it swayed and finally escaped, lingering on an le¡¯s fingertips.


    unfortunately, it was a wisp of gray age qi.


    an le was not discouraged. molten gold age qi was not that easy to obtain, so he continued to absorb it with difficulty. after two consecutive tries, he obtained two wisps of age qi.


    he was overjoyed when he realized that one of the two wisps of age qi was actually molten gold age qi.


    he had obtained three wisps of age qi from madam hua. to be able to obtain a wisp of molten gold age qi was already considered extremely lucky. indeed, the stronger one¡¯s cultivation was, the higher the probability of obtaining the molten gold age qi.


    even though an le¡¯s spirit refinement realm had stepped into the embryonic breath realm and his mental power had become much stronger, after absorbing three wisps of age qi consecutively from madam hua¡¯s body, he still could not continue.


    an le was already very satisfied. he was not in a hurry to look at the wisp of molten gold age qi that he had obtained from madam hua.


    that was because, in heavenly wave water pavilion, everything was prepared. the table was laid out, and liu xiang was waiting for an le to write.


    outside the water pavilion, there were two to three oil paper umbrellas moving leisurely like flowers blooming in the misty rain.


    when lin zhuifeng and lin qingyin found out that an le was going to paint at the water pavilion, they came with xi xiang.


    everyone entered the water pavilion in silence.


    an le had a bamboo sword at his waist, rolled up his wide white sleeves, held a brush, and dipped it into ink. he was already splashing ink on the clean rice paper.


    madam hua sat upright on the couch and stretched out her long neck, which was like white jade, to watch the ink grow on the paper.


    there was a hint of curiosity in her eyes.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    the new rains of the spring river reached the west side of the window, and the dark clouds and mountains were far away from the trees.


    the rain in lin¡¯an was misty and clouded.


    a luxurious carriage slowly drove to the white jade stone sign of the literary department and stopped moving forward.


    a burly coachman wearing a bamboo hat and a raincoat took out an oil-paper umbrella and handed it to the young man who lifted the curtain.


    the young man got out of the carriage with an umbrella. his luxurious clothes made him look very noble.


    ¡°i¡¯m going to see second headmaster. i¡¯ll be back soon. wait for me at the stone archway.¡±


    luo qingchen held the umbrella as the spring rain fell like a curtain.


    ¡°yes.¡± the coachman nodded respectfully.


    luo qingchen held an umbrella and strolled in the spring rain with his hands behind his back. he stepped on the limestone steps all the way to the many pavilions of the literary department that were hidden in the misty rain.


    last night, the sixth mountain suddenly issued a mountain opening token, and the sixth mountain lord was about to accept a second mountain guardian. the entire lin¡¯an prefecture was shocked.


    luo qingchen naturally knew.


    he knew very well that ever since his battle with li you¡¯an, he had been defeated in one move and his dao heart was covered in dust. he had lost the qualifications and courage to ascend the sacred mountain to converse with the sacred teacher.


    however, the cultivators of the central plains took pride in entering the sacred mountain. luo qingchen was no exception. he was also somewhat tempted by the recruitment of the mountain guardian by the sixth mountain lord.


    this was also an opportunity for him. if he could enter the sacred mountain, his status and identity would be stabilized. perhaps he would be like a withered tree returning to spring.


    luo qingchen climbed eight hundred steps and walked along the mountain path. the spring rain splashed fine layers of water on the muddy ground. when he arrived in front of a building with white walls and black roof tiles, luo qingchen put away his umbrella and pushed the door open.


    the lobby of the house was crowded with people, and the atmosphere of discussion was lively.


    it was a unique contrast to the cold spring rain outside the house.


    hot water was boiling in the charcoal stove, and there were attendants waiting. when the water boiled, they would make tea and refill the water for the cultivators in the literary department¡¯s pavilion.


    on the main table, two confucian-robed old men sat upright, sipping hot tea. they were facing a painting, chatting and laughing, praising it endlessly.


    when luo qingchen entered and saw the two elders in the hall, he could not help but be stunned.


    he did not expect that two masters would come to the lecture hall today.


    it was rare for second headmaster and third headmaster to gather together.


    he did not say much and walked slowly in the room, planning to find an empty seat to sit.


    the enthusiastic conversation of the surrounding scholars from the literary department entered his ears.


    ¡°this painting is called the water ink bamboo stone painting. it uses ink to draw bamboo. the light ink and scorch ink alternate, and the thin stroke reveals the bamboo stem. it shows the proud quality of a bamboo gentleman. it¡¯s really different!¡±


    ¡°third headmaster came with a painting and asked us to admire it. he wanted us to learn the art of ink painting and bamboo painting. i was shocked when i saw the painting. i¡¯ve never seen an ink bamboo painting before. this painting should be a new style.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s not just a painting. the poem ¡®from whichever direction the winds leap, i remain strong, though dealt many a blow.¡¯ and the quality of the bamboo complement each other. it¡¯s really extraordinary!¡±


    ¡­


    the scholars from the literary department praised and communicated. they had clearly seen the paintings before.


    ¡°excuse me.¡±


    luo qingchen said to the scholars in front of him.


    the scholars hurriedly made way for luo qingchen to pass through and bowed with their hands in front of them.


    luo qingchen returned the greeting and listened to everyone discuss the painting. he couldn¡¯t help but feel curious.


    after luo qingchen passed, the scholars from the literary department continued their conversation.


    ¡°although the mental power contained in the painting is rather weak and more like an artist¡¯s scribble, the sword intent hidden in the bamboo leaves is incomparably harmonious. this painting, poem, calligraphy, and intent are fused together. it can be said to be peerless!¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m really curious. who drew this incredible painting? could it be written by the third headmaster himself?¡±


    ¡°third headmaster¡¯s painting of bamboo is famous for its craftsmanship. the poem and ink bamboo don¡¯t suit the third headmaster¡¯s habits. furthermore, you haven¡¯t seen it. there¡¯s also an inscription on the painting. the painter¡¯s name is an le¡­¡±


    ¡°since it was brought out by the third headmaster, it must be a senior who is very close to the third headmaster.¡±


    ¡°i wonder who mr. an le is?¡±


    ¡­


    the spring rain outside the house was like pearls falling on a jade plate, unable to drown out the fervent discussions in the house.


    luo qingchen¡¯s footsteps suddenly froze.

 Chapter 36

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    the cold spring rain outside the house released a coldness that constantly surrounded and approached.


    it was just like luo qingchen¡¯s current state of mind.


    his footsteps froze. his neck was slightly tilted, and the hair at his temples fell. he frowned, but his eyes were filled with disbelief and even¡­ absurdity.


    ¡°impossible!¡±


    an le?! wasn¡¯t this name¡­ the young artist who had entered the lin residence?


    the young man who braved the spring rain and still stood upright under his pressure!


    how could a young man¡­ be a master painter?!


    his paintings could even be sent to the literary department, attracting the admiration and praise of the two teachers. many scholars of the literary department praised and analyzed it, and they even addressed him as mr. an.


    luo qingchen was slightly dazed. the next moment, his eyes narrowed. ¡°it¡¯s just a painting.¡±


    indeed, it was just a painting. it didn¡¯t mean anything.


    he continued to walk and arrived at an empty seat. he, who should have sat down, thought for a moment and continued to walk forward to the main table.


    ¡°second headmaster, third headmaster.¡±


    luo qingchen bowed respectfully.


    the second headmaster stroked his beard and glanced at luo qingchen. his smile gradually faded. ¡°sword intent lingers on your dao heart and is covered in dust again. your future path is becoming more and more bumpy.¡±


    luo qingchen bowed and said softly, ¡°i believe in myself. i should be able to wear down the dust of this dao heart.¡±


    second headmaster shook his head. ¡°forget it. it¡¯s fine as long as you know what you¡¯re doing. after all, hua jiebing is not li you¡¯an. you do have a chance to wear down her sword intent. if you can successfully wear it down, you can also improve further.¡±


    ¡°master, i have a request. i want to take a look at this ink bamboo painting.¡± luo qingchen said.


    ¡°that¡¯s right. you came late and haven¡¯t seen the painting. take a look.¡±


    when second headmaster heard that, he did not refuse. with a wave of his hand, the scroll on the table immediately flew up. the framed painting scroll rolled down, and a biting cold sword intent seeped out from it!


    luo qingchen¡¯s eyes narrowed as he stared at the painting. the black bamboo stone appeared on the paper.


    there seemed to be a gust of wind, and the bamboo leaves were noisy like a sword waterfall.


    the painting was indeed extraordinary. the ink bamboo was like a gentleman¡¯s proud backbone. regardless of whether it was east, west, north, south, or north, it stood tall in the world!


    this was the young man¡¯s painting?!


    although such a sharp sword intent was not very powerful, it was perfectly integrated into the painting and was unique!


    luo qingchen suddenly thought of how an le had formed the embryonic breath three days after entering meditation. now, it seemed that an le might have used this to refine his spirit refinement and quietly form the embryonic breath!


    it was not as he had guessed. madam hua had not given the young man some spirit refinement dharma treasure to exert external force to help him form the embryonic breath!


    the young man¡­ had the talent for poetry, painting, extraordinary talent in swordsmanship, and the will to not bow down.


    now that he was standing opposite him, the threat¡­ could not be underestimated.


    the confucian-robed third headmaster, wang banshan, looked at luo qingchen¡¯s sword intent that was covered in dust and sensed the sword intent in the painting. he suddenly smiled.


    ¡°luo qingchen, it¡¯s been more than ten years since you entered the academy. back then, you were in high spirits and entered lin¡¯an with astonishing talent. unfortunately, you lost to li you¡¯an and your dao heart was covered in dust. your talent is rare, but your dao heart is indeed a little delicate.¡±


    ¡°this ink bamboo painting contains the tenacious will of a gentleman. it suits you quite well. if you have time, you should learn the bamboo painting technique from the painter, mr. an le. it will be very beneficial to your dao heart.¡±


    as soon as third headmaster finished speaking, luo qingchen¡¯s hands froze in mid-air, and his expression turned rather ugly.


    asking him to learn painting from an le?


    luo qingchen had his own pride. to seek guidance from a young man whom he had once exerted pressure on and oppressed from above?


    was third headmaster deliberately destroying his dao heart?!


    luo qingchen took a deep breath and felt as if his face had been slapped. however, he was facing the third headmaster, a respected scholar of the literary department. he could only swallow his anger.


    ¡°thank you for your teachings, teacher.¡± luo qingchen said calmly.


    third headmaster stroked his beard, looked at luo qingchen, and said calmly, ¡°your heart is not humble enough.¡±


    ¡°since you know my teachings, i happen to have time today. come paint this ink bamboo painting in front of everyone and give everyone a demonstration. analyze the ink bamboo painting method.¡±


    luo qingchen maintained his bowing posture and looked up at third headmaster.


    third headmaster stroked his beard and chuckled.


    after a long silence, luo qingchen said softly, ¡°yes.¡±


    ¡­


    ¡­


    heavenly wave water pavilion.


    the rain became heavier and heavier. billions of spring raindrops poured down and landed on the black tile roof, making a crisp sound.


    the rain fell into the large pool in front of the water pavilion, causing ripples. the ripples mixed together, and it was unknown if it was spring rain or the water in the pool.


    in the hall, an le was painting with all his concentration. the spring breeze and rain could not affect him.


    it was still the same thing, using ink to draw bamboo. the layers of dark ink and light ink overlapped. the thin bamboo main stem was drawn in one breath. when he lifted his brush, it was a bamboo joint. it was simple and clear. then, it was the bamboo leaves. with a pause and a flick, an le fused with the mental power of the embryonic breath realm¡¯s sword waterfall intent. the bamboo leaves were like sword qi that was unsheathed.


    painting bamboo and stone was as smooth as flowing water.


    it was raining cats and dogs outside the house. it was just like lin qingyin and lin zhuifeng¡¯s state of mind. an le was painting bamboo, and the bamboo in the painting seemed to be facing a storm and was still arrogant!


    madam hua had already left the bed. she walked to the table in embroidered shoes and stared at the painting intently.


    a good painting had a soul. madam hua, who was well aware of an le¡¯s encounter, had a special feeling for the bamboo in the painting. the young bamboo, who stood stubbornly on the rock, was just like a young man who had stood upright under luo qingchen¡¯s pressure in the spring rain.


    madam hua observed carefully. the painting contained an le¡¯s mental power, which was not considered powerful. however, at this moment, this mental power actually resonated with her majestic mind.


    her mental power spread out uncontrollably. in an instant, the bamboo forest in the heavenly wave water pavilion swayed gracefully, and the sound of the bamboo waves was just like silk and bamboo.


    an le finished the last stroke in one go and looked up at this strange scene.


    he turned around and saw madam hua¡¯s beautiful face approaching. her eyes seemed to contain stars as if they wanted to suck his mental power into them and make him fall into an endless illusion.


    the [innate swordsman] dao fruit shook, and a sword light seemed to slash an le¡¯s line of sight. he retracted his gaze and exhaled, feeling a lingering fear.


    madam hua¡¯s cultivation was unfathomable.


    madam hua, who was creating the bamboo forest, also sensed it. she retracted her mental power and the surrounding bamboo sea instantly disappeared.


    ¡°not bad.¡±


    looking at an le, who could actually cut through her heart sword, she could not help but praise him.


    this moment of enlightenment actually strengthened madam hua¡¯s mental power. although she did not take an important step, she had clearly improved.


    an le was praised by madam hua, but he smiled and picked up his brush.


    he then wrote on the drawing paper with light strokes.


    although the stone did not say anything, it loved this new bamboo. the bamboo could not say anything, but it loved this foot of the mountain. the young man¡¯s sleeves were full of spring breeze, and he was willing to fight for you. ¨C an le to madam hua.


    when the signature was completed, the wolf hairs were instantly raised, and in an instant, a spring breeze blew through the water pavilion.


    when madam hua saw this, her red lips curved into a smile.


    after receiving the painting from the young man, she was naturally happy. today, she finally saw the ink bamboo that the young man used to conquer that senior. she also vaguely understood why the old man was willing to give the sword to the young man.


    it was because the young man drew bamboo as if he was dancing with a sword.


    there was sword qi in his heart, sword qi under his brush, and sword qi in his painting!


    madam hua¡¯s eyes sparkled.


    she suddenly had an idea. the sixth mountain lord had a sword case with 3,000 swords hidden in it. it was said to contain all the swords in the world.


    could it be that he chose to open the mountain and choose the mountain guardian after viewing the painting?


    or could it be that the sixth mountain lord only opened the mountain for this young man in front of him?


    madam hua fell into deep thought.


    the sudden spring rain suddenly calmed down.


    it was like a gentle beauty with a soft spring breeze, making people feel very comfortable.


    lin qingyin and lin zhuifeng also observed an le¡¯s painting. they felt an indescribable feeling. the young man seemed to have undergone an evolution and had extraordinary confidence.


    lin zhuifeng moved closer to the table and looked at the black bamboo painting. she, who did not have much literary talent, could not help but exclaim, ¡°the painting is awesome!¡±


    there was also admiration in lin qingyin¡¯s eyes, and she couldn¡¯t help but feel a little conflicted. she really wanted to learn this black bamboo drawing technique¡­ but she hadn¡¯t learned how to sketch yet. it made her feel melancholic.


    madam hua returned to her mental power from her thoughts and was in a good mood. her eyes landed on the painting and then swept across an le.


    after the young man finished painting, he was dressed in white with a bamboo sword at his waist. he stood in the main hall with a warm spring breeze on his face, neither arrogant nor rash.


    ¡°you gave me the ink bamboo diagram. as an elder, i naturally can¡¯t accept this painting for nothing. i should have given you a treasure sword, but you already have an elder who gave you a bamboo sword. the other swords are all dim in front of the bamboo sword. they don¡¯t show any sincerity¡­¡±


    madam hua smiled mysteriously at the young man.


    ¡°after thinking about it, i decided to give you a special gift in return.¡±

 Chapter 37

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    the wind in the water pavilion became gentler and gentler as if it was the spring breeze that woke everything up. as it brushed past one¡¯s face, there was a kind of comfort that made one¡¯s pores glow.


    in the main hall, the fragrance of ink was strong.


    a special gift?


    when an le heard madam hua¡¯s mysterious smile, he was confused.


    in fact, he did not ask for anything in return for giving madam hua the ink bamboo painting.


    just madam hua pointing out the path for him on the path of cultivation and illuminating the green lamp was enough for the young man to paint without asking for anything in return.


    however, madam hua was clearly unwilling to accept the young man¡¯s gift for nothing.


    madam hua admired the black bamboo painting on the table. compared to the sketch, this ink painting clearly made her feel happier.


    the reason why madam hua admired the sketch was that an le¡¯s sketch was so lifelike that it captured the sadness and sorrow she had when she parted ways with her husband back then.


    on the other hand, an le¡¯s ink painting was unique. it could even be said to have created an ink bamboo style. there were many people in great zhao who drew bamboo, but there were very few who drew bamboo with ink.


    the main hall of the water pavilion was rather quiet. there was no sound at all, and only the breathing of a few people lingered.


    an le stood on the spot in his white robe and wide sleeves, waiting for madam hua¡¯s so-called special gift. however¡­ after waiting for a moment, madam hua did not move.


    he was puzzled and looked at madam hua in confusion.


    lin zhuifeng and lin qingyin were also confused. they were even curious about the special gift first madam had given an le.


    cultivation dharma technique? or dharma treasure?


    but these were not special.


    madam hua admired the painting and looked up at an le. she couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°what are you looking at? sit down and drink tea. you¡¯ll know in three days.¡±


    ¡°i can¡¯t give you that now.¡±


    when an le heard this, he did not doubt madam hua¡¯s words. he believed that madam hua would not act mysteriously with him.


    three days later, could it be that madam hua¡¯s gift was related to the recruitment of the sixth mountain¡¯s mountain guardian?


    madam wanted to help him become the sixth mountain lord¡¯s mountain guardian?


    an le couldn¡¯t figure it out and stopped thinking about it.


    for the rest of the time, madam hua left an le in the water pavilion to drink tea and discuss paintings.


    miss xi xiang¡¯s figure was graceful, and she was quite good at making tea. her tea skills were pleasing to the eye, making an le¡¯s mind calm down.


    during this period, madam hua explained some of the difficult points in the sword waterfall diagram to an le, as well as some small techniques during the process of visualizing the sword diagram, which benefited an le greatly.


    the spring rain gradually stopped, and the air was filled with a fragrance that had been washed clean.


    the sky gradually darkened, and a faint glow jumped out from behind the sunset clouds, illuminating the sky and sea of clouds.


    an le bade farewell to madam hua and left the lin residence with lin qingyin and lin zhuifeng sending him off.


    he held an oil-paper umbrella in his hand and a broken bamboo sword at his waist. there was a black and white jade pendant hanging on it.


    the young man had a divine disposition, attracting the attention of the pedestrians on the street.


    he strolled along the long street and went to yanchun to get a pot of wine. then, he took a detour to dingya alley. he remembered that the old man of the imperial ancestral temple had once said that the old yellow wine in yanchun was very good, but the meat was not good. if he wanted to eat meat, he had to go to the beef shop in dingya alley.


    therefore, an le went to dingya alley and found the beef shop that the old man from the imperial ancestral temple mentioned. he cut a catty of braised beef and returned to the imperial ancestral temple alley leisurely.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    in the black-and-white buildings of the literary department.


    the rays of light from the spring rain sprinkled down from the clouds and shone on the windowsill, causing the water droplets hanging on the windowsill to emit a seven-colored luster.


    luo qingchen put down the pen in his hand with an ugly expression.


    looking at the water ink bamboo stone painting that he had personally drawn on the table, an embarrassed expression flashed across his eyes.


    the surrounding scholars from the literary department came over and commented on the ink bamboo that luo qingchen had depicted.


    ¡°not bad, as expected of mr. luo. this ink bamboo is 70 to 80% similar.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s a pity that his artistic conception is a little lacking. he doesn¡¯t have the character of a gentleman who stands proudly in the human world and allows him to do whatever he wants¡­¡±


    ¡°no wonder mr. luo¡¯s dao heart is covered in dust. he can¡¯t understand that feeling.¡±


    ¡­


    the scholars from the literary department had sharp eyes. luo qingchen¡¯s drawing was not bad. although his technique was still inferior to an le¡¯s ink bamboo, luo qingchen had already done a good job as it was his first time drawing.


    the skill was on point, but the intent was too different. when an artist painted, the emphasis was on the intent.


    luo qingchen was not a professional painter, so no one pursued the matter. in addition, luo qingchen had lost to li you¡¯an, so his back was bent and his dao heart was covered in dust. there was naturally a gap between him and the gentlemanly integrity revealed in the painting.


    however, knowing was one thing, and saying it during the evaluation was another.


    luo qingchen¡¯s expression was terrifyingly dark. he felt as if his face had been pulled out and he was being whipped continuously.


    of course, what made luo qingchen most uncomfortable was that he actually couldn¡¯t draw an le¡¯s painting. in fact, there was a huge gap between them.


    ¡°master, i¡¯m done with my painting.¡±


    luo qingchen put down his brush and cupped his fists at the two masters sitting on the main table.


    ¡°i have something on at home, so i¡¯ll be leaving first today,¡± luo qingchen said. then, he turned around and left the pavilion in a hurry.


    second headmaster glanced at third headmaster. ¡°why did you drag him out to suffer such humiliation?¡±


    third headmaster stroked his beard and smiled. ¡°you know what i mean. luo qingchen¡¯s talent is not bad, but it¡¯s a pity that his state of mind is not good. it¡¯s easy for him to suffer setbacks. his dao heart is too delicate and will be covered in dust at the drop of a hat. if he can calm his heart and sense the artistic conception in the painting, reflect on himself, and comprehend the tenacity and integrity in it, he might still have a chance to wash away the dust on his dao heart.¡±


    ¡°unfortunately, he didn¡¯t grasp it.¡±


    ¡°after entering prime minister qin¡¯s residence as an advisor, luo qingchen¡¯s cultivation beliefs were no longer pure. what a pity.¡±


    third headmaster sighed softly.


    second headmaster was silent for a moment before saying, ¡°luo qingchen should also know this. therefore, he will go to the foot of the sixth mountain in three days to fight for the mountain guardian spot. if he can enter the sacred mountain, the dust on his dao heart will naturally fade away and become clear and exquisite.¡±


    when third headmaster heard that, he smiled without saying a word.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    luo qingchen walked down the limestone stairs. after a spring rain, the foothills of the literary department were shrouded in smoke, and black-and-white buildings were dotted among them. the clouds were so deep that it was unknown where they were. it was like a paradise.


    the burly coachman sat quietly in the shaft of the carriage. mr. luo said that he would be back in a moment. unknowingly, a long time had passed.


    although he was puzzled, the coachman was not dissatisfied at all.


    in the distance, luo qingchen returned in his luxurious clothes with a gloomy expression. without saying a word, he entered the carriage.


    ¡°to prime minister qin¡¯s residence.¡±


    luo qingchen¡¯s tone was cold and seemed to be mixed with anger.


    ¡°yes.¡±


    the burly coachman was wearing a bamboo hat and there was still spring rain on it. he did not ask anything and only responded before driving the luxurious carriage towards prime minister qin¡¯s residence.


    in the carriage, luo qingchen sat upright with his eyes closed. there seemed to be a string in his heart that was trembling violently.


    the humiliation he suffered today was not inflicted by the youth, but that painting was made by the youth. the contrast in mental state in the painting made luo qingchen feel wronged and indignant.


    the young man had the integrity of a gentleman when he drew bamboo. his pride stood tall in the world, and the world said that luo qingchen did not have this pride and could not draw the charm of ink bamboo¡­


    those words were either unintentional or sarcastic, but they were indeed like silk bamboo messing with his ears, disturbing his heart.


    it was easy for those teachers from the literary department to say. if this young man were to face li you¡¯an, would his dao heart still be as firm as a rock?! would he still have the courage to draw his sword?!


    luo qingchen took a deep breath and exhaled, suppressing his twisted emotions.


    he knew that he had lost his composure.


    images kept lingering in front of him. it was a scene of the young man bathing in the spring rain and straightening his back under his pressure.


    the young man in the picture was very eye-catching.


    even though it wasn¡¯t like the dust that covered his dao heart, it still lingered incessantly, causing him to feel rather displeased in his heart.


    ¡°the sixth mountain will be opened in three days. i have to enter the sacred mountain. my dao heart will naturally wash away the dust and restore my past glory. all the mockery and humiliation will eventually disappear like the clouds after the rain.¡±


    in the luxurious carriage, luo qingchen slowly opened his eyes, and a sharp glint flashed across his eyes.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    as the sun set, dusk fell.


    there were fewer and fewer people on qingbo street.


    an le carried a pot of old yellow wine and the braised beef from dingya alley back to the small courtyard in imperial ancestral temple alley.


    the corpse in the courtyard had long been cleaned up. coupled with the spring rain that had washed over the day, there was no longer any blood.


    the leaves on the old locust tree were stained with the wet spring rain, shining brightly under the light.


    an le took out a small table from the house and placed the old wine and beef on it. two bamboo stools fell facing each other as he waited for the old man from the imperial ancestral temple.


    after waiting for a while, the old man still did not come. an le sat on the bamboo chair and slowly closed his eyes.


    he had a thought.


    today at the heavenly wave water pavilion, the wisp of molten gold age qi that he had absorbed from madam hua suddenly appeared and emitted a golden light.


    an le had already absorbed a wisp of molten gold age qi from madam hua and condensed the age dao fruit [sword dancer].


    this was the first time an le had absorbed a second wisp of molten gold age qi from the same person.


    time was like flowing gold, condensing into an incense pillar. it curled up and burned, and smoke was ethereal.


    there was a scene that was like a stone thrown into a still lake, causing ripples.

 Chapter 38

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    smoke curled up, and the golden years turned into incense pillars that burned gently. it was like every tick of a clock going back, or every quicksand flowing backward in an hourglass.


    a green stone was thrown into the calm lake, causing ripples in the passage of time.


    the scene was like a trembling lake, just like an le¡¯s rising and falling heart.


    as the trembling spread, everything in front of him began to slowly become clear.


    ¡­


    the evening clouds were thick, and white feather-like snow fell from the sky and filled the world.


    auspicious snow was a sign of prosperity.


    on the snowy field, a young girl was dancing with a sword. she was wearing embroidered clothes. although it was snowing, the qi blood in her body surged like a dragon or tiger, dispelling the cold and steaming.


    the woman was none other than madam hua, or rather, the young madam hua.


    the young girl hua jiebing¡¯s beautiful face was flushed with qi blood. her eyes were filled with worry. she held a sword in her hand. the sword was long and slender, like a spring rain falling on the mortal world.


    the name of the sword was spring rain, one of hua jiebing¡¯s swords.


    ¡°i failed again. is this ¡®collapsing sword¡¯ that difficult?¡±


    at this moment, hua jiebing, who was still a young girl, was naive and innocent. she pouted her red lips and suddenly threw her sword. the spring rain sword flew up. the qi blood in hua jiebing¡¯s body circulated like a heat wave as she ran out.


    the snow was blown away. hua jiebing rushed up and the spring rain fell again. the moment it fell, hua jiebing clenched her fist and punched out, hitting the end of the sword hilt with a huge force.


    thud!


    an invisible wave of air exploded slightly. the spring rain whistled out, but it twisted and smashed into the snow, creating a snow gully.


    hua jiebing landed on the ground and frowned.


    another failure made hua jiebing, who was learning swordsmanship for the first time, a little discouraged.


    sitting in the snow, she pouted as if she was angry. after a long time, she raised her head. a strange expression suddenly appeared on her beautiful face. she scanned her surroundings and confirmed that there was no one around.


    the girl got up, patted her butt, and eagerly grabbed her sword, spring rain.


    she took a deep breath and with the help of her mental power, she flew out. the girl ran like a cunning rabbit and jumped up.


    as the spring rain approached, the girl clenched her fists and her qi blood was like a furnace. in an instant, her red lips widened as she shouted.


    ¡°hey! look at my collapsing sword!¡±


    her shout shattered the flying snow that was close to her.


    in an instant, the girl¡¯s fist hit the hilt of the sword, and there was a muffled thunderclap. it was like a thunderclap behind the clouds, deafening!


    the spring rain sword was like a wild dragon emerging from the abyss. it created a white qi current in the snow, it was as if the air had been sliced apart, and it was like the sky was falling apart!


    thud!


    on the snowy field, a five-meter-wide pit suddenly exploded.


    in the pit, the snow had melted. a thin spring rain quietly stabbed into the ground. the sword that had not reached the ground was swaying slightly, emitting scorching heat.


    in the distance, on the snowy ground, the young girl was cheering and smiling as brightly as the warm sun in spring.


    ¡°hey, look at my collapsing sword!¡±


    the girl stepped on the snow and bounced around. as she ran over to pick up the sword, she even made a fist gesture.


    naive and innocent, like a fairy in the snow.


    ¡­


    at this point, the scene began to dissipate until it disappeared.


    an le broke away from the scene of the past and couldn¡¯t calm down for a long time. the corners of his mouth twitched slightly, and his expression was strange.


    this time, an le saw the cute side of madam hua, but this was normal.


    just like before, when he saw the cold fairy yun rou, she clenched her fists and said ¡°charge, charge, charge¡± in a childish manner.


    one could always see some unknown aspects of time.


    the corners of an le¡¯s lips curled up. for some reason, he felt a little amused.


    ¡°hey, look at my collapsing sword!¡±


    an le clenched his fist and tried to wave it forward. at the same time, he shouted something that madam hua had once shouted.


    it was an inexplicable joy.


    if he shouted such words in front of madam hua, who knew what expression madam hua would have on her face on the spot? would she slap him to death?


    the more an le thought about it, the happier he became.


    at the same time, a light screen appeared in front of him.


    [obtained age dao fruit: collapsing sword force (0/10 wisps)]


    [note: collapsing sword force (dao fruit): the combination of qi blood and mental power creates a unique force. it can be augmented on the sword and arm. the power of sword techniques can be increased.]


    his eyes lit up slightly. madam hua had used the collapsing sword and condensed the dao fruit [collapsing sword force]. from the dao fruit¡¯s description, it could be seen that this collapsing sword force was a method of exerting strength and was used for attack.


    what did an le lack the most now?


    the ¡°sword waterfall diagram¡± was a mental power cultivation technique and was considered a visualization technique. after all, it was not an offensive sword technique. although the ¡°five animals body tempering technique¡± contained offensive techniques, it was still considered a body tempering technique.


    there were actually no proper offensive methods.


    the appearance of the collapsing sword force slightly made up for an le¡¯s lack of offensive skills. this was because it could be seen from madam hua¡¯s time frame that the collapsing sword force could be considered a sword technique.


    ¡°i just don¡¯t know if my collapsing sword force will have an additional increase in power when i shout ¡®hey, look at my collapsing sword¡¯.¡±


    an le¡¯s lips curled up as he couldn¡¯t help but think.


    the sun slowly set and hid behind the west mountain. it released the afterglow of the afterglow, illuminating the charm of the spring sun and painting a colorful scene in the human world.


    an le opened his eyes. the old pagoda tree rustled under the spring breeze, bringing with it a different kind of satisfaction.


    after waiting quietly for a while, the old man from the imperial ancestral temple had yet to arrive. an le stood up and began to practice the collapsing sword force under the old locust tree.


    even though he had condensed a dao fruit and could be considered to have grasped the basics, if he wanted to be proficient in it, he still had to rely on himself to try and comprehend it.


    taking off the bamboo sword green mountain that was tied to his waist, an le recalled the way the young lady madam hua used the sword. at that time, madam hua¡¯s cultivation level should not have exceeded the fifth realm. an le could still see some gains.


    after a moment of preparation, he simulated the collapsing sword several times in his heart.


    an le exhaled and suddenly threw the bamboo sword in his hand. he controlled it with the collapsing sword force and his embryonic breath mental power spread out. he controlled green mountain to float slightly in the air, and the qi blood in his body that had reached the perfected-stage qi blood awakening surged out. in the next moment, he clenched his fist and smashed it on the hilt.


    as for the words ¡°hey, look at my collapsing sword¡±, the youth felt a little ashamed and ultimately didn¡¯t say it.


    thud!


    an invisible wave of air exploded between the fist and the hilt of green mountain, causing the locust leaves on the ground in the courtyard to flutter.


    the collapsing sword immediately whistled out. its speed was quite fast, and its momentum was like lightning as it collided with the old locust tree.


    the bamboo sword, green mountain, was inserted into the old pagoda tree¡¯s body. the place where the sword touched the tree trunk emitted a scorching sword qi that was entangled with wisps. the old pagoda tree that was stabbed seemed to tremble, rustling and shaking leaves.


    an le stood quietly on the spot and recalled the way he exerted strength just now. his mental power and qi blood blended together. although it was unfamiliar, it did have a unique force.


    collapsing sword force¡­ it was a very domineering way of exerting force.


    an le pondered. if he enhanced his arm and used the bird form or tiger form, the explosive power could not be underestimated.


    if he faced hu jingang again, the latter might die even more quickly.


    the unfamiliarity of the circulation of the collapsing sword force made an le feel uncomfortable. with a thought, he added the two wisps of gray age qi that he had absorbed from madam hua to the dao fruit¡¯s collapsing sword force.


    in an instant, the gray incense pillar was ignited, and an image appeared.


    the scene was filled with madam hua practicing the collapsing sword force and making some progress.


    accompanied by a demonic shout of ¡°hey, look at my collapsing sword¡±,


    an le¡¯s lips curled into a smile. the next moment, he suddenly opened his eyes and pulled out the green mountain bamboo sword from the old locust tree, preparing to do it again.


    at the entrance of the courtyard, the afterglow of the setting sun shone.


    the old man was dressed in plain clothes and bathed in a red glow. he stood quietly with a bamboo cane in his hand and held a painting in one hand. he did not disturb an le, who was cultivating, and even observed it with interest.


    an le might not have noticed the old man, but even if he did, he was unwilling to waste and divert his mental power.


    the embryonic breath¡¯s mental power flowed as it controlled the bamboo sword green mountain to rise into the sky. the qi blood in its body flowed like a river. an le pounced forward and circulated the tiger form. the collapsing sword force was hidden in the fist sword. it punched out and collided with the hilt of green mountain.


    his boiling blood and mental power clung to the bamboo sword green mountain. the sword quickly shot out like a cannonball, as fast as lightning behind the clouds, ruthlessly stabbing into the trunk of the old locust tree.


    the bamboo sword had no edge, but it was stabbed into the old pagoda tree.


    many of the bark on the old locust tree¡¯s trunk had even exploded from the force.


    the green mountain was still there, and the sun was setting.


    the old man of the imperial ancestral temple stood at the door with his long eyebrows slightly lowered. on his wrinkled face, he looked at the tattered bamboo sword inserted into the old locust tree in a daze. the bamboo sword swayed gently.


    vaguely, the old man seemed to hear the clear and cheerful sword hum of the bamboo sword green mountain.


    he couldn¡¯t help but think of the young man¡¯s words when he first held the bamboo sword. ¡°i see how charming the green mountains are, and the green mountains should feel like this when they see me.¡±


    the old man suddenly chuckled. his smile was like the white snow that covered the mountain when the sun rose.


    the young man and green mountain regretted not meeting sooner.


    the bamboo sword that had accompanied him for three hundred years might have found its new master.


    great.

 Chapter 39

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    the old man from the imperial ancestral temple came over with the painting, and an le stopped practicing the collapsing sword force.


    he pulled out the bamboo sword, green mountain, from the old locust tree bit by bit and placed it at his waist. an le didn¡¯t know if it was an illusion, but he felt that the bamboo sword seemed to be a little easier to hold.


    ¡°the sword has a spirit. it feels hope from you. the spirit buried in the sword will slowly awaken in sequence. green mountain might be quite damaged, but it¡¯s indestructible. you¡¯re still far from controlling green mountain now.¡±


    ¡°the sword is a swordsman¡¯s best companion, but you¡¯re still too inexperienced.¡±


    the old man sat on the bamboo chair and poured a cup of old yellow wine. he drank it in one gulp and smiled.


    an le stroked the green mountain bamboo sword with his palm. he was even more delighted with this broken bamboo sword that did not look good.


    ¡°you started too late and only gained enlightenment at the age of 18. it¡¯s a little regretful. you still have to improve yourself as soon as possible and reach the level where you can control green mountain. don¡¯t let green mountain have any regrets.¡±


    the old man drank his wine and suddenly sighed. a lonely look flashed across his eyes.


    perhaps he had once made green mountain regret so much that he did not want the young man to repeat the same mistake.


    an le smiled. accompanied by the gentle wind and rain, his tone was firm and serious. ¡°green mountain will not leave any regrets.¡±


    since he had come to this world and could come into contact with beautiful cultivation, he naturally did not want to leave any regrets in his life.


    his life in his previous life was short and flashy. it was as if he had been shackled. there was helplessness and ordinariness everywhere. when he was young, he was in the youth palace, school, and home. in elementary school, junior high school, and high school, he became an adult in the blink of an eye. he spent a lot of effort drawing thousands of paintings and entered the art school that he had spent his entire youth in exchange for, but he transmigrated in the end.


    an le felt that he had a lot of regrets during those years. there were regrets that everything he had worked so hard for had gone up in flames, and there were also regrets that he had bid farewell to that era.


    in this world, there were many colors. the beauty of stepping on the path of cultivation to feel the world, the green mountain sword, and the unwillingness to waste their lives. the feeling of regret was too bitter, and they did not want to taste it again.


    an le poured a cup of old yellow wine and drank with the old man.


    the clouds in the sky scattered, and the bright moon was as gentle as water.


    the moonlight shone on the branches of the old pagoda tree and the new leaves nourished by the spring rain, casting mottled leaves.


    he finished the old yellow wine in his cup in one gulp and smiled at the bright moon. ¡°there¡¯s a sequence to learning the dao. what comes first will come first. senior, don¡¯t worry.¡±


    when the old man heard that the young man was determined, the admiration in his eyes intensified. he stroked his beard and laughed loudly.


    then, he stopped talking about cultivation and took out a painting to discuss with the youth.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    in the three months of spring, there were ninety days of rain.


    the rain in spring always came for no reason. it had just stopped a moment ago, and it had only been warm for half a day. then, there were wisps of smoke and fog that scattered the rain in the east wind. it was like the hair of a cow and the curtain of pearls that enveloped the world.


    spring in lin¡¯an prefecture became even more beautiful under the nourishment of the spring rain. the green leaves and tender flowers all over the streets were being nurtured. they walked on the west lake and strolled on the long dike. they also took a nap in the pavilion, and one could see the color of life in their eyes.


    after applying for leave from madam hua, she gave an le three days of leave. she told him to cultivate well at home and nourish his mental power to prepare for the opening of the sixth mountain.


    an le declined, but madam hua said that the young masters had to prepare for the opening of the sixth mountain, so they temporarily stopped painting.


    since that was the case, an le naturally had no reason to refuse.


    he woke up early in the morning and bathed in the spring rain. he was dressed in white and practicing the five animals in the spring rain. his bones and tendons rang at the same time, and his qi blood boiled. his qi blood, which had been pushed to the perfected-stage, actually began to gather and spread into his bones.


    an le knew that he was only a step away from the second realm of body tempering, the spirit bone. perhaps he only needed an opportunity to step into it.


    demon qi constantly spread out from the demon tempering treasure jade. when practicing the five animals, the demon qi followed the skin membrane to temper the body, causing an le¡¯s body to become stronger.


    due to the demon qi, an le¡¯s appearance became even more handsome and elegant, adding a hint of flirtatiousness to it. he was very eye-catching.


    visualizing the sword waterfall, refining the five animals, learning the collapsing sword force¡­


    an le had his own plans for cultivation. of course, studying was very important. when he had time to cultivate, he would squeeze out some time to study. he would read books related to the imperial examination, the works of the great confucian of the literary department, and even some of the best works of famous scholars in this world.


    he believed in the principle of reading to change one¡¯s fate.


    even though he had stepped into cultivation, it did not mean giving up on studying. even an expert like madam hua would be drinking tea and reading in the heavenly wave water pavilion every morning. what right did an le have not to study?


    moreover, the spring quarter examination was around the corner. he could not slack off just because he was cultivating.


    he read and strolled towards west lake, looking at fairy yun rou as usual, who was cold and beautiful but had fallen into the mortal world.


    from the flow of time, he knew that fairy yun rou¡¯s cultivation was not weak, but she was willing to be a courtesan among the flower boats. even though she was the head of the courtesans and was famous for her beauty, it was still a cheap job and did not match fairy yun rou¡¯s status as a cultivator.


    even in falling flower pavilion, the number one brothel in lin¡¯an, although there were mortal women who cultivated, they were only beginners in cultivation and were just a gimmick. it was rare to see a genius like fairy yun rou.


    unfortunately, after wandering around west lake for a while and stepping on the spring rain, fairy yun rou still did not appear. this was the third day since he had last seen her.


    they left west lake and returned to the imperial ancestral temple alley on qingbo street.


    an le set up a table with a teacup on it and a charcoal stove to boil water.


    he brewed a pot of hot tea and sat quietly at the door. facing the old pagoda tree in the courtyard, he began to visualize the sword waterfall diagram. his mind, which had entered the embryonic breath, began to gather.


    with the enhancement of the [thousand-year genius] dao fruit, an le¡¯s cultivation speed was rather fast.


    there was no need to go to the lin residence to work. the only pity was that he could not absorb the age qi.


    if he tried his luck on the streets, he might not be able to meet cultivators. the old man from the imperial ancestral temple had the age qi, and an le could not draw it out for now.


    however, an le was not too regretful. when the sixth mountain was opened, there would definitely be a large number of cultivators gathered. at that time, he would be able to absorb enough.


    the rain came thinly and sparsely, but it could not be more than that.


    he watched the spring rain in front of the door.


    drinking tea, visualizing, calming down.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    three days passed in the blink of an eye.


    the spring rain stopped and came again as if to welcome the opening of the sixth mountain of the sacred mountain today. the rain fell more and more actively.


    an le woke up early. the sky was hazy, and the fine spring rain was like silver threads in the morning light.


    after changing into a clean, wide-sleeved white robe and using demon qi to temper his body for three days, his body tempering cultivation was only one step away from forging the spirit bone. he could break through at any time.


    therefore, an le¡¯s aura became more and more upright, and he was as handsome as jade.


    with green mountain on his waist and the demon tempering treasure jade on him, he opened the oil-paper umbrella and locked the courtyard door. he stepped on the thin limestone path in imperial ancestral temple alley and walked out.


    the alley was rather quiet. peach blossom branches poked out from the high walls on both sides. the pink peach blossoms were cut in half by the spring rain and landed on the limestone. an le stepped on them and stuck them to the soles of his feet, causing them to turn pink.


    today was the opening day of the sixth mountain. the atmosphere in the entire lin¡¯an prefecture seemed to have changed.


    the embryonic breath¡¯s mental power wrapped around his body. he could sense that the spiritual energy in the world seemed to flow faster as the cultivators¡¯ mental state surged.


    just like how the literary department was the holy land in the hearts of all the scholars in the world and the martial temple was the holy land in the hearts of all the martial artists in the world, sacred mountain, as the transcendent power of great zhao and even the entire central plains, was the holy land in the hearts of countless cultivators.


    to be able to enter the sixth mountain, even if it was just to become a mountain guardian, was a leap in status.


    therefore, when the mountain opening token resounded throughout lin¡¯an prefecture, cultivators from all over the central plains, including the surroundings of lin¡¯an prefecture and even the various parts of great zhao, all came to watch the wind. they were either here to try out the dream that many people thought was unattainable or purely to join in the fun.


    an le held the oil-paper umbrella and walked to the entrance of the alley. suddenly, he thought of a serious problem.


    the sixth mountain of sacred mountain was famous, but¡­ he did not know where to go.


    looking at qingbo street which had been cleansed by the spring rain, an le scratched his head and turned to look at the majestic and lofty octagonal building with a pointed roof and two floors.


    in the imperial ancestral temple, the incense offerings were still there, and the first rays of dawn and spring were hazy.


    the old man from the imperial ancestral temple said that he would bring him to the sixth mountain today, but there was still no movement at all.


    when he arrived in front of the imperial ancestral temple, he did not step into the temple. instead, he cupped his fists and bowed from a few meters away.


    ¡°young friend an, don¡¯t be anxious. i¡¯m going to catch up on my sleep. i won¡¯t go with you today. someone will bring you there.¡±


    in the temple, the old man¡¯s lazy laughter floated out.


    an le was stunned.


    amidst the spring wind and rain, the sound of wheels rolling on limestone suddenly came.


    at some point, a luxurious carriage slowly drove over from the end of qingbo street.


    an le stood by the side of the street with an umbrella. a luxurious carriage came straight over and slowly stopped beside him.


    from the window of the carriage, a white hand reached out from behind the curtain and gently lifted the curtain, revealing madam hua¡¯s exquisite and beautiful face that he had not seen for a few days.


    madam hua first nodded slightly in the direction of the imperial ancestral temple. then, her limpid eyes landed on an le and her lips curled up slightly.


    ¡°i¡¯ll bring you to the sixth mountain.¡±


    ¡°young master an, get in the carriage.¡±

 Chapter 40

    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    the streets and alleys were incomparably quiet in the rain. the carriage slowly stopped, and the horses breathed out hot air from their noses. from time to time, they would raise their hooves and gently kick.


    the young man stood beside the carriage with an umbrella. his handsome face was slightly stunned.


    an le did not expect madam hua to personally send him to the sixth mountain.


    madam hua looked at an le and said coldly, ¡°get in the carriage. why are you still standing there?¡±


    an le, who had returned to his senses, smiled gently and bowed to madam hua. then, he put away the umbrella and wanted to sit sideways in the shaft of the carriage.


    ¡°young master, this is my seat. please enter the carriage.¡±


    the old coachman, who was pulling the reins and wearing a bamboo hat and raincoat, was a little speechless as he reminded.


    ¡°come in.¡±


    in the carriage, madam hua¡¯s voice floated over.


    an le was slightly embarrassed. he apologized to the coachman and shook off the water stains on the oil paper umbrella in the drizzle before lifting the curtain and stepping into the carriage.


    compared to the cold spring outside the carriage, there was a carbon stove in the carriage to boil water. the temperature was rather warm, and the spring cold had nowhere to enter.


    in the carriage, madam hua was dressed simply today. she was dressed in plain white clothes and looked like a woman who was out on a leisurely trip. she held a book in her hand and there were some preserved fruits on the table, brewing hot tea.


    of course, madam hua wasn¡¯t the only one in the carriage. lin zhuifeng and lin qingyin were also sitting inside. lin qingyin nodded slightly at an le while lin zhuifeng pursed his lips and held back his laughter.


    ¡°greetings, madam.¡±


    an le was not embarrassed. he entered the carriage and bowed to madam hua. she nodded and gestured for him to sit down.


    the horse¡¯s hooves landed lightly on the stone floor, like the sound of an ancient bell ringing, accompanying the carriage.


    after a moment of silence, an le began to absorb the age qi unceremoniously. he first harvested the age qi from lin zhuifeng and lin qingyin.


    lin zhuifeng had more than ten wisps of age qi on her, which was enough for an le to harvest a few times. however, ninth sister lin qingyin had already been drained dry. after absorbing three wisps, there was no more age qi.


    this was the second cultivator to be sucked dry by an le. the first was the constable of the black office, huang xian, and the second was lin qingyin.


    they were all guides on the path of an le¡¯s cultivation. he was grateful to them.


    after absorbing the normal ones, an le finally targeted madam hua¡¯s age qi.


    at this point, an le¡¯s depleted age qi reached seven wisps again.


    he was not in a hurry to use these seven wisps of age qi because the peace in the carriage was finally broken.


    ¡°young master an, did you think that first madam was the only one in the car, so you didn¡¯t dare to enter?¡±


    lin zhuifeng was wearing a green outfit with a fire stick at her waist.


    an le¡¯s shy and innocent look made lin zhuifeng laugh.


    when an le heard this, he was not embarrassed at all. a smile bloomed on his handsome face like a spring breeze.


    ¡°i never expected young master to head to the sixth mountain with us. do you want to try and see if you can catch the eye of the sixth mountain lord and become the mountain guardian of the sixth mountain?¡±


    lin zhuifeng did not intend to stop. she continued, ¡°however, young master¡¯s cultivation level is indeed a little low. although the mountain guardians are chosen based on their cultivation level and fate, your cultivation level is too low, so the chances of you being selected are even lower.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s fine. just treat it as a chance to see the world.¡± an le smiled.


    lin zhuifeng admired an le¡¯s carefree attitude. of course, she couldn¡¯t rule out the possibility that it was because an le was good-looking. if it was someone else who was uglier, lin zhuifeng would definitely spit out the word ¡®hypocrite¡¯.


    ¡°if young master also wants to charge at this mountain guardian, then we are opponents¡­ first madam, between young master an and me, who do you think is more suitable to be the sixth mountain guardian?¡±


    lin zhuifeng turned to look at madam hua.


    ¡°you¡¯re going to the sixth mountain to watch the show. give up.¡±


    while reading, madam hua looked up and stabbed her heart mercilessly.


    lin zhuifeng was stunned. she puffed up her cheeks and was about to retort.


    ¡°alright, be quiet and nurture your mental power.¡±


    madam hua glanced at lin zhuifeng, who was still chattering non-stop.


    lin zhuifeng immediately shut her mouth and lowered her head. she was not convinced and started to nourish her mental power.


    lin qingyin pursed her lips and smiled. she sat quietly and closed her eyes to rest.


    madam hua held the great confucian¡¯s book, wen de, and looked at an le. after pondering for a moment, she said, ¡°the mountain guardian position looks at the fate of every sacred mountain lord. do you know how to talk to the sacred teacher?¡±


    an le was stunned. unexpectedly, madam hua suddenly changed the topic. he shook his head honestly. ¡°i only know that it¡¯s very difficult to converse with the sacred teacher. even many geniuses can¡¯t do it.¡±


    ¡°did madam talk to the sacred teacher?¡±


    an le was suddenly curious.


    madam hua turned to look out of the window. at some point, the carriage had already left lin¡¯an prefecture and was galloping on the official road that had been awakened by the spring rain and was filled with new grass and young flowers.


    ¡°i¡¯ve never seen the sacred teacher in sensory temple.¡±


    madam hua muttered, then retracted her gaze and looked at an le. ¡°there are three conditions for conversing with the sacred teacher. all three must be met.¡±


    ¡°firstly, to win the hall examination and become the top scholar of the temple. this step is not difficult. since ancient times, the imperial court has changed, and top scholars of both genders have appeared frequently. it¡¯s not rare for top scholars to appear. secondly, to obtain a little sacred token from the mountain lord, that is proof to meet the sacred teacher and converse with him.¡±


    an le was shocked when he heard this. this was the first time he had heard of such secrets.


    ¡°is this the condition set by the sacred teacher?¡± an le was a little curious.


    madam hua shook her head and did not answer immediately. she picked up her teacup and drank a cup of hot tea before saying, ¡°the sacred teacher never set rules.¡±


    ¡°this is the rule set by the first mountain lord.¡±


    lin zhuifeng was no longer in the mood to cultivate her mental power. hearing that even she did not know about it, her eyes widened. ¡°first madam, you only mentioned two conditions. what about the third condition?¡±


    madam hua smiled. ¡°i don¡¯t know about the third condition.¡±


    the carriage suddenly fell silent.


    madam hua didn¡¯t know¡­


    then what was the point of talking for so long?


    ¡°the third condition is that every person who wants to meet a sacred teacher will face a different situation. it might be extremely easy, but it could also be extremely difficult.¡±


    ¡°after completing the first two conditions and ascending the sacred mountain, you will face the last test.¡±


    ¡°most people fail the last test.¡±


    even madam hua couldn¡¯t help but sigh.


    an le took a deep breath, and his heart trembled slightly. countless cultivators had come one after another just to talk to the sacred teacher and enter the sacred mountain, but too many talented people had failed.


    an le could not help but wonder if he would have the chance to meet the sacred teacher and talk to him.


    he did not know, because this was the lifelong goal of many cultivators. perhaps, it would also become an le¡¯s goal.


    however, an le was puzzled. why did madam hua tell him this?


    what did this have to do with the sixth mountain lord choosing the mountain guardian today?


    ¡°we¡¯re here!¡±


    just as an le was deep in thought, lin zhuifeng suddenly shouted excitedly in the car. she leaned over to the window on the other side and lifted the silk curtain. a thin spring rain poured in through the window, bringing with it the coldness of spring.


    through the carriage window, an le caught a glimpse of the tall mountain rising from the ground. the sword pavilion was towering and stood majestically on the ground like a huge sword that had stabbed into the mortal world.


    indistinctly, an le felt that on that tall mountain, there was someone looking at the mortal world. his gaze seemed to cross over the layers of mountains and land on him.


    green mountains desire to talk to the exalted you. they come nonstop in droves like galloping horses.


    hesitant in the misty rain, they yearn to come but stop.


    an le suddenly felt something. the broken bamboo sword on his waist trembled slightly as if an invisible sword intent wanted to rush into the sky from the bamboo sword.


    in the carriage, madam hua pursed her lips and smiled, her eyes shining.


    she raised her hand slightly, and the restless sword will of the broken bamboo sword returned to calmness.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    in the ethereal pavilion, chatting and laughing alone on the thousand peaks.


    the sixth mountain.


    in a pavilion amidst the misty rain.


    a middle-aged man in green clothes stood quietly on the spot. the spring breeze blew over from outside the pavilion with the spring rain beads. his clothes fluttered like blades as they cut through the misty rain.


    there was a pine sword case beside him. he placed one hand on the case like a statue.


    at the foot of the mountain.


    spiritual energy intertwined as qi blood permeated like smoke. mental power dispersed like fog. numerous cultivators gathered at the foot of the mountain. all sorts of competitions had already begun in order to enter the sixth mountain and become the mountain guardian.


    although the sixth mountain had yet to be opened at this moment, the cultivators had formed a tacit understanding. under the invisible conflict, some people left the venue regretfully, while others ascended to the high ground in high spirits and quietly waited for the sixth mountain to be opened.


    the man¡¯s primordial spirit swept across and retracted. the person he wanted to see was not among these people.


    suddenly, he looked up and sensed the sword intent coming from afar.


    he had stored 3,000 swords in his case and was naturally sensitive to sword intent. the young painter that zhao huangting mentioned had arrived.


    the corners of his lips could not help but curl up on his sculpture-like face, making him look stiff but sincere.


    the man patted the sword case and opened it an inch, spitting out two sword lights.


    the sword light circled around the man and slowly moved forward. then, the man tapped his finger lightly.


    the sword light shot out like a rainbow.


    the man raised his hand and put his palms together. two sword lights instantly intertwined. then, the man spread his hands like pulling a curtain.


    in an instant.


    with the sixth mountain as the center, it was as if a sword aura that pierced through the world slashed past. the sky was filled with evening clouds, the spring wind in the mortal world, and the spring rain that filled the sky slowly parted like a curtain!


    ¡°since you¡¯re here, this mountain will open for you.¡±


    ¡°open the mountain!¡±


    as soon as he finished speaking, after the sky was torn apart, the sunset clouds, spring wind, and spring rain revealed a patch of light. the radiance of the sun shone down from the nine heavens.


    it sprinkled down on the mortal world as if paving a golden and resplendent path of sunlight.


    it invited the carriage on the mountain path to go straight to this golden sunny road that led straight to the sixth mountain.

 Chapter 41 - 41 Mountain Opening, Mountain Guardian, The Young Man Ignored Under the Sun

    41 mountain opening, mountain guardian, the young man ignored under the sun


    to most cultivators in lin¡¯an prefecture, the sixth mountain lord¡¯s choice of mountain guardian was definitely a huge matter. although most cultivators found it difficult to grasp this slim opportunity, at least such an opportunity was in front of them. it was equivalent to hope.


    the spring cold brought by the spring rain spread at the foot of the mountain. there were many plants in the mountain, so the chill was even stronger. however, the atmosphere at the foot of the mountain was in full swing. the surging qi blood of the cultivators surged like a furnace rising, dispelling the cold spring.


    the luxurious carriages were parked on the flat ground at the foot of the mountain one after another. the coachmen were wearing bamboo hats and straw raincoats. they sat neatly in the shafts of the carriages and did not dare to look around.


    on the mountain path, a cultivator¡¯s mental power overflowed. he used his movement technique to quickly sweep through the spring rain, splashing mud and spring water as he rushed over.


    although it could not be said to be a hundred boats competing for popularity, it was still considered lively.


    these cultivators all had extraordinary backgrounds. some were disciples of the sects around lin¡¯an prefecture, some were cultivating chivalrous heroes, and some were disciples of aristocratic families who were talented in cultivation in lin¡¯an prefecture.


    for example, the young masters and young ladies of the ye residence, lin residence, planted residence, and other martial aristocratic families, as well as the prime minister, minister, duke, and other descendants of high-ranking officials and nobles, all came in the rain.


    if one could obtain the favor of the sixth mountain lord and enter the sacred mountain, one would naturally reach the heavens in a single step. even one¡¯s family clan would benefit greatly. if one could be related to the sacred mountain, one¡¯s status in the entire great zhao would rise.


    this was the influence of the sacred mountain.


    it was even to the extent that the royal family of great zhao had chosen to send their disciples over. even a portion of the royal family of great zhao had hopes of entering the sacred mountain, even if it was just to become mountain guardian.


    of course, even if he did not manage to enter, it was extremely good for him to come and observe the mountain chieftain¡¯s opening.


    at the foot of the mountain.


    extremely luxurious carriages were gathered together. the carriages flew over the eaves and roofs. at the foot of the misty rain mountain, they were like blooming spring flowers.


    an extremely luxurious carriage was parked beside a peach tree. the peach petals that had been knocked down by the spring rain stuck to the top of the carriage, adding a hint of poetry.


    in the carriage, a charcoal stove was boiling hot water, and there was a high-quality west lake longjing tea on the table. young master qin was dressed in beautiful clothes and sat upright in it. opposite him was luo qingchen, who had changed into a confucian robe.


    ¡°i never expected mr. luo to plan on becoming the mountain guardian. i thought that mr. luo would still persist until he met the sacred teacher.¡±


    young master qin personally brewed a cup of hot longjing tea for luo qingchen, and the green tea leaves floated up and down in the blue and white teacup.


    luo qingchen looked at the tea leaves for a long time and chuckled. ¡°after becoming a mountain guardian, you can still have the chance to meet the sacred teacher. as long as you meet the three conditions set by the first mountain lord, there will be no conflict.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s just that i lost the chance to become the mountain lord.¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s true. there are indeed records of mountain guardians meeting sacred teachers in history. mr. luo, you¡¯re so bold. i¡¯ll replace wine with tea for this toast. i hope mr. luo can get what you want and rise to the top.¡±


    young master qin clapped and smiled. he personally raised his teacup and took a sip.


    as prime minister qin¡¯s advisor, if luo qingchen could really become a mountain guardian, it would be very beneficial to prime minister qin¡¯s residence.


    originally, qin qianqiu was dissatisfied that luo qingchen¡¯s dao heart was covered in dust because of hua jiebing¡¯s sword intent. now that luo qingchen was willing to lower his status and become a mountain guardian, qin qianqiu¡¯s attitude was naturally more fervent.


    ¡°among the many cultivators who came to the sixth mountain this time, mr. luo¡¯s cultivation level can be considered the number one. ye wenxi and ye yinping of the ye family are also here. although their cultivation levels are inferior to mr. luo¡¯s, they are talented. therefore, it¡¯s impossible for them to rush to the mountain guardian. they¡¯re probably here to watch the show.¡±


    ¡°there are only two people that mr. luo has to worry about in terms of cultivation level.¡±


    qin qianqiu sipped his tea and looked at luo qingchen, who was gently caressing a palm-sized short sword.


    luo qingchen raised his eyes slightly, and qin qianqiu continued, ¡°there¡¯s only one person in the zhong family, zhong shunchao. although his mental power hasn¡¯t exceeded the five realms, his body tempering has already exceeded the five realms. his archery skills are superb, and he has to be ranked tenth on the martial temple¡¯s fierce general list.¡±


    the corners of luo qingchen¡¯s lips curled up, unconcerned.


    qin qianqiu tapped his fingers on the table. ¡°second place, ye chong from the ye family. his cultivation level is similar to zhong shunchao¡¯s. he¡¯s also ranked ninth on the martial temple¡¯s fierce general list.¡±


    ¡°the zhong family and the ye family were also worried about the lin family¡¯s situation, so they thought of a mountain guardian to take care of it.¡±


    qin qianqiu chuckled. ¡°the lin residence is in decline now. in terms of talent, the only one who can compete is the maidservant with the fire stick. there¡¯s nothing to be afraid of.¡±


    ¡°therefore, mr. luo has a high chance.¡±


    qin qianqiu¡¯s eyes sparkled. he had high hopes for luo qingchen.


    luo qingchen chuckled and drank his tea.


    suddenly, the two of them turned their heads and looked out of the window.


    ¡°open the mountain!¡±


    a calm voice sounded from the towering green mountain, like lightning flowing behind the clouds.


    the residual sound of the thunder sent out curled up, and the whistling of the wind sounded!


    there seemed to be sword qi rising from the entire foot of the mountain!


    the misty rain on the mountain and the sunset clouds that covered the sky were cut open from the middle and turned into a curtain. it was gently lifted to the sides by someone.


    the brilliant sunlight shone on the gorgeous spring raindrops and sprinkled on the foothills, forming a sunny path with new grass, tender flowers, and peach blossoms. the golden light was resplendent and flowed straight into the distant mountain path and a luxurious carriage that was galloping over.


    many cultivators at the foot of the mountain bathed in the spring rain and stared at the luxurious carriage in the distance in an uproar.


    ¡°the lin residence¡¯s carriage!¡±


    someone recognized this carriage. the carriages in the various noble houses had the corresponding logo.


    the mountain lord opened the mountain and tore through the misty rain. the sunlight shone down from the nine heavens, but it was directly spread on the path where the carriage came from¡­ was it a coincidence?


    many people could not help but fantasize.


    when young master qin saw the lin residence¡¯s carriage, his expression turned cold.


    ¡°unless the astonishing prince consort of the lin family returns from the yuan meng empire, no one in the lin residence can fight for the position of mountain guardian. therefore, this golden light paving the way is just a coincidence. it just so happens that the carriage is on the way to open the mountain.¡± qin qianqiu said coldly.


    luo qingchen looked at the carriage from afar and frowned slightly.


    under the sunlight, the carriage slowly walked to the foot of the mountain, facing the golden new grass and tender flowers and the peach petals that had fallen into the mortal world on the road.


    under everyone¡¯s burning gaze, the curtain was lifted.


    lin zhuifeng walked out with a fire stick on her waist and jumped down.


    countless gazes naturally landed on her. most of the nobles recognized lin zhuifeng from the lin residence, and many people could not help but exhale.


    qin qianqiu also sneered and drank the warm west lake longjing tea, not minding it.


    then, someone alighted from the carriage.


    lin qingyin was gentle and quiet. she lifted her skirt and slowly got out of the car. her picturesque eyes attracted the attention of many young cultivators.


    in the end, a white-robed young man in the carriage slowly alighted with a tattered bamboo sword at his waist.


    the young man was extraordinarily handsome, but at this moment, no one recognized him at all, so no one cared. they all retracted their gazes.


    however, one person was different.


    in the qin residence¡¯s carriage.


    luo qingchen¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly as he looked deeply at the young man¡¯s figure. then, he lowered his eyes slightly and retracted his gaze.


    ¡°he¡¯s just a weakling at the body tempering qi blood awakening and the spirit refinement embryonic breath. he wants to enter the sacred mountain. if i climb the mountain, he will definitely be crushed.¡±


    luo qingchen murmured.


    he looked down at his hand holding the teacup.


    for some reason, the green tea in the cup trembled and rippled.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    an le alighted from the carriage and stood silently beside lin zhuifeng and lin qingyin.


    the resplendent sunlight tore through the clouds and misty rain and happened to sprinkle on his face, making him squint slightly.


    looking around, so many cultivators made him feel emotional and happy.


    in his eyes, age qi was swaying and lingering around the cultivators like seaweed, as if they were waving at him.


    the mountain lord¡¯s words lingered at the foot of the mountain.


    the shining path was like a passageway to the towering green mountain. many cultivators¡¯ hearts surged, but they did not dare to take the first step.


    for a moment, the atmosphere at the foot of the mountain seemed a little quiet and strange.


    the sound of spring rain was like the flowing sand between hourglasses.


    after a long time, someone moved.


    a scorching qi blood spiraled like a flood dragon and swept away the spring rain at the foot of the mountain. a young man in armor carried a black iron bow on his back. he stepped on the spring rain and broke through the rain, stepping onto the sunlight path.


    he followed the golden path to the foot of the mountain, where clouds curled up.


    the young man raised his head and cupped his fists. he opened his mouth and spoke. his voice was like the ringing of an ancient bell that echoed between the mountains.


    ¡°i, zhong shunchao, am willing to be a mountain guardian.¡±


    the majestic qi blood was like a flood dragon that instantly suppressed the wind and rain in the mountains.


    many cultivators who came to the foot of the mountain looked up. some were shocked, some were focused, and some were helpless.


    an le¡¯s eyes flickered. this boldness was indeed terrifying. unfortunately, he had already used up his age qi absorption opportunity today. otherwise, he would definitely absorb from him.


    after zhong shunchao, the calmness seemed to have been broken. another person stepped out. he was also wearing armor and his cloak fluttered behind him. he held a rod-shaped golden tiger head spear diagonally. with a step, he flew out. his qi blood was like a spear beam in the air, suppressing zhong shunchao¡¯s pressure. he stood at the foot of the mountain with the former.


    ¡°ye chong of the ye family is willing to be the mountain guardian.¡± the same voice drowned out the spring breeze and drizzle, like the roar of a tiger in an empty valley, echoing endlessly.


    the two of them stood at the foot of the mountain, making countless cultivators feel as if there were two mountains in their hearts. they wanted to fight for the mountain guardian position, but they did not even have the courage to stand up.


    these were the two experts on the martial temple¡¯s fierce general list!


    in the qin residence¡¯s carriage.


    luo qingchen did not continue to sit upright. the tea in the cup was warm.


    he lifted the curtain and took a step forward. his confucian robe fluttered, and a sword qi silver light surrounded his body. it carried his body and floated from the foot of the mountain.


    his majestic mental power was like a sudden storm, actually suppressing the violent blood qi of the fierce general list expert.


    luo qingchen¡¯s body was surrounded by sword light. he looked up at the pavilion halfway up the mountain and cupped his fists. a confident smile appeared on his lips. 3


    ¡°luo qingchen of qingzhou is willing to be the mountain guardian.¡±

 Chapter 42 - 42 Sword Qi Sends Flowing Light, Bringing the Young Man to the Sky

    42 sword qi sends flowing light, bringing the young man to the sky


    at the foot of the mountain, only the soft sound of spring rain falling on the ground could be heard, as if it wanted to seep into everyone¡¯s hearts.


    luo qingchen of qingzhou was once famous in the capital and dared to challenge the legendary top scholar, li you¡¯an. although he failed the challenge, his deeds were spread in lin¡¯an prefecture. a peerless genius who had broken through the fifth realm in both martial dao and spirit refinement!


    now, he was actually here to fight for the mountain guardian position?!


    for such a figure to compete¡­


    was there any suspense?!


    if the two experts on the fierce general list were like two mountains that lay across the hearts of many cultivators, then luo qingchen¡¯s appearance was like a surging river blocking them. it made those cultivators who wanted to be lucky and were chosen as mountain guardians by the sixth mountain lord lose all thoughts. although it was rumored that the mountain lord did not care about cultivation level when choosing a mountain guardian and placed more importance on affinity, when one¡¯s cultivation level was strong enough and dazzling enough, he would be the only one left in the eyes of the world.


    although affinity was an illusory thing, it was probably because of those talented people. this was because the more dazzling someone was, the more eye-catching they were.


    the more they dazzled, the more they naturally had an affinity with the experts.


    if one didn¡¯t have talent, who would want to be fated with them?


    even zhong shunchao and ye chong looked sideways.


    his martial dao and spirit refinement had both broken through the fifth realm. such an expert was definitely not ordinary. if he came to fight for the position of mountain guardian, he might really be able to get what he wanted.


    luo qingchen¡¯s lips curled into a smile. the white silver sword light lingered around his body, bathing him in the golden light that tore through the sunset clouds. he looked ethereal and otherworldly.


    facing the oppressive aura of zhong shunchao and ye chong, he did not feel anything. with his hands behind his back, he stepped on the sword light and arrived like an otherworldly immortal.


    suddenly, luo qingchen stopped in his tracks. with his hands behind his back, his confucian robe fluttered in the wind. he turned his head and looked into the distance where the golden path extended. there, a luxurious carriage was parked between the mountain roads filled with new grass and young flowers.


    many cultivators followed luo qingchen¡¯s gaze and saw the lin residence¡¯s carriage, as well as the two girls and a young man standing beside the lin residence¡¯s carriage.


    most cultivators knew that luo qingchen was an advisor of prime minister qin¡¯s residence. the conflict between prime minister qin and the lin family was also known to the world. therefore, in the eyes of the cultivators, luo qingchen was definitely looking at the only girl in the lin residence who could compete for the position of mountain guardian, lin zhuifeng.


    lin zhuifeng was quite famous among the younger generation of cultivators in the lin¡¯an prefecture. she had made a name for herself with a fire stick. no one expected that there were not many outstanding young masters and young ladies in the lin residence in this generation. in the end, an adopted girl actually revealed her talent.


    in fact, lin zhuifeng even felt that luo qingchen was looking at her. she narrowed her eyes and placed her palm on the fire stick at her waist, exuding a vicious aura.


    lin zhuifeng did not have a good impression of the people from the qin residence. moreover, luo qingchen was not even half as handsome as young master an. what was he looking at?


    only an le felt luo qingchen¡¯s gaze. even from afar, he could sense the killing intent and coldness that accompanied the spring breeze. even an le did not expect luo qingchen to come for the mountain guardian qualification this time.


    madam hua had described luo qingchen¡¯s talent to him. he was a genius who had broken through the fifth realm in both cultivation paths.


    as for him, he was only at the spirit refinement embryonic breath realm and perfected-stage qi blood awakening. the difference was huge.


    however, an le did not undervalue himself. he had just started slowly. now that he had the [thousand-year genius] dao fruit, he would be able to catch up sooner or later. as someone who grasped the dao, it was not impossible for him to arrive first.


    standing in the spring breeze, an le met luo qingchen¡¯s gaze and smiled.


    luo qingchen looked at the smiling young man in the spring breeze, retracted his gaze, and turned his head to ignore him.


    the mountain path was still hazy in the thick fog and the scenery on the mountain could not be seen clearly. one could vaguely catch peach trees blooming with peach blossoms and smiling in the spring breeze.


    the entire foot of the sixth mountain was silent.


    there were two experts on the martial temple¡¯s fierce general list and a genius who had challenged legendary top scholar li you¡¯an. faced with such a lineup, many cultivators who had rushed over to observe had already given up on the right to compete for the mountain guardian.


    what they were more concerned about now was who among the three of them could match the affinity of the sixth mountain lord on green mountain and enter sacred mountain.


    luo qingchen probably had a better chance.


    according to rumors, the sixth mountain lord was a peerless sword cultivator. he carried a pine sword case on his back. there were 3,000 hidden swords in the case, and he was known to have hidden all the swords in the mortal world.


    luo qingchen also cultivated the sword, so he should be more suitable for the mountain lord.


    zhong shunchao and ye chong were both fierce generals of the martial temple. one was good at bowing, and the other was good at spear. although they had dabbled in sword techniques, there was naturally a gap between them and the professional luo qingchen.


    luo qingchen had a confident smile on his face. with his hands behind his back, sword light that resembled a flood dragon snake lingered around his body.


    he took a step forward and stepped onto the slightly muddy mountain path that had been drenched by the spring rain, but his clean boots were not stained with mud at all.


    luo qingchen took the first step up the mountain.


    then, zhong shunchao and ye chong¡¯s qi blood intertwined, as if ancient war drums were beating. they also walked up the mountain.


    the two of them carried the expectations of the zhong and ye families. they were unwilling to give up until the last moment.


    the cloud-wrapped pine tree was three hundred feet tall, and the smoke was ten thousand times thick!


    the smoke on the foot of the mountain became thicker and thicker, even blurring the figures of the three climbers.


    the figure standing in the pavilion halfway up the mountain, having only said ¡°open the mountain¡±, cut through the spring rain and sunset clouds, and casted a golden light of the sun.


    at this point, there were no more actions or words.


    the people at the foot of the mountain could not guess what the sixth mountain lord was thinking. they could only watch quietly.


    ten thousand ravines of smoke and clouds float out.


    in a pavilion halfway up the mountain, there was a wisp of green clothes.


    the pine sword case stood quietly beside him. the middle-aged man¡¯s eyes were deep. wherever his gaze landed, he could see the scenery under the golden light.


    he naturally heard the shouts of zhong shunchao, ye chong, and luo qingchen.


    however, when he raised his eyes and looked into the distance, half of the mountain¡¯s sea of clouds was disillusioned. he raised his hand and gently waved it forward, and sword qi surged out.


    immediately, the sea of clouds seemed to have come alive. the sword qi turned into ink and outlined an ink bamboo.


    the middle-aged man observed the ink bamboo. the corners of his lips curled up and he closed his eyes slightly. the sword case beside him could not help but tremble slightly. in the next moment, the case opened an inch.


    with a sword hum, sword light darted out from it, and a dark green sword about three feet long floated in front of him. sword qi surged, sweeping up his clothes.


    ¡°there are 3,000 swords in my sword case. there are all kinds of swords in the world. only zhao huangting¡¯s green mountain is not in the case. it¡¯s naturally very good that the young man can draw a wisp of sword qi from green mountain. green mountain revealed his talent, and the ink bamboo showed his backbone.¡±


    ¡°zhao huangting must not have told the young man of the matter we had decided on¡­ since he doesn¡¯t want to climb the mountain, i¡¯ll bring him up directly.¡±


    the middle-aged man¡¯s lips curled up, and a smile appeared on his stiff face.


    in the next moment, he bent his finger and knocked on the dark green sword in front of him.


    the green sword let out a loud cry and turned into a wisp of black light. with a flick of its tail, it was like a black thread that stuck to the mountain path and descended. it was like a line of river tide separating the sky and the ground.


    it divided the smoke and spring rain on the mountain into two and opened up a clear path ahead.


    a sword cry suddenly sounded in the world.


    luo qingchen, who had just taken a step up the mountain, suddenly looked up with a hint of joy on his face.


    ¡°it¡¯s here.¡±


    the corners of his lips curled up, and his confidence bloomed like a flower.


    looking up, he could see that on the mountain peak, the misty rain spread from both sides. a dark green sword with a sword light whistled down.


    beads of sword qi soared up!


    the high quality of this sword tempted luo qingchen.


    the dark green sword stuck to the mountain path all the way down, heading straight for luo qingchen who was standing on the mountain path.


    behind him, zhong shunchao and ye chong¡¯s hearts sank.


    luo qingchen was extremely happy. at this moment, even the dust that hua jiebing had scattered on his dao heart shook off a little.


    facing the dark green sword that was getting closer and closer, the sword qi surrounding his body immediately gathered. he raised his sword fingers and closed them together. sword qi circled and intertwined around his body, solemnly wanting to receive this sword that symbolized the identity of the mountain guardian of sacred mountain.


    however, when the sword was three feet away, luo qingchen¡¯s expression suddenly changed.


    that was because the speed at which the sword tore through the misty rain did not slow down. a sharpness made his scalp tingle. the sword was not coming for him!


    luo qingchen¡¯s eyes narrowed, and a huge wave surged in his heart. impossible!


    who else on green mountain was more suitable for this sword than him, luo qingchen?!


    ¡°this sword belongs to me!¡±


    luo qingchen was even a little embarrassed.


    he stretched out his hand and grabbed the sword.


    the silver sword qi covered his palm and grabbed the dark green sword.


    pfft!


    however, the dark green sword sliced through his sword qi as easily as cutting through the misty rain on the hazy green mountain.


    at the same time, it cut a sword mark on luo qingchen¡¯s palm. blood splattered into the mud, adding a bloody scent to the mountain path after the new rain.


    luo qingchen froze on the spot, his eyes wide open in shock.


    the sword whistled past. zhong shunchao and ye chong were stunned one after another. the two of them also moved to receive the sword, but when they sensed that the sword¡¯s target was not them, the two of them gave up without hesitation. they retreated and turned sideways, allowing the dark green sword to sweep past them. it cut open the mountain path and spread into the peach blossom forest, heading towards the foot of the mountain.


    there was already an uproar at the foot of the mountain.


    it was because when they looked up, they could see that the dense fog and spring rain that filled the mountain had been cut open by a sword.


    it was the sword of the sixth mountain lord, the sword that guided the mountain guardian!


    this meant that whoever held this sword would have the chance to enter sacred mountain and soar towards success!


    in the luxurious carriage of the qin residence, young master qin had already lifted the curtain and stood up. he stood on the shaft and looked at the black sword light with a smile on his lips, watching luo qingchen obtain the sword.


    however, the sword light directly cut open luo qingchen¡¯s palm, and blood dyed the peach blossoms red as it headed down the mountain.


    young master qin¡¯s smile instantly disappeared bit by bit.


    the dark green sword cut through the thick fog and fell to the foot of the mountain, still sticking to the ground.


    along the way, many cultivators were terrified. they turned their bodies to the side to make way for the sword.


    the dark green sword sped along the shining path and finally slowed down slowly, heading towards the luxurious carriage parked beside the new grass and tender flowers.


    in the end, it stopped in front of the carriage, in front of the young man in white with a tattered bamboo sword at his waist.


    lin zhuifeng and lin qingyin were stunned. the cultivators at the foot of the mountain were all stunned.


    after being in a daze, the bamboo sword youth suddenly smiled. he looked at the dark green sword and stretched out his hand.


    a wisp of sword qi emerged from the bamboo sword at his waist. the sword qi spread to the young man¡¯s arm like a snake.


    the young man held his sword, and the snaking sword qi wrapped around the dark green sword.


    in an instant.


    the sword qi emitted a stream of light that carried the young man into the sky and went straight to the green mountain!

 Chapter 46 - Chapter 46: Return, There’s No Wind, Rain, or Sun

    chapter 46: return, there¡¯s no wind, rain, or sun


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    the spring mud made the rain smooth like a mirror, and the dawn tree carried clouds that were as light as a picture.


    the sixth mountain.


    in a pavilion halfway up the mountain.


    the sixth mountain lord, who was dressed in green, placed his palm on the pine sword case beside him. he lowered his eyes and saw through the hazy misty rain and the scenery at the foot of the mountain.


    madam hua also stood in the pavilion. her plain clothes fluttered in the spring breeze, and her eyes were filled with surprise and satisfaction.


    ¡°i once saw an le enter meditation in three-quarters of an hour and attained perfected-stage qi blood awakening in three days. i expected that his talent would definitely be extraordinary. he¡¯s an unpolished jade that matured late. coupled with his proud backbone, he would definitely have some achievements in the future.


    ¡°however, i never expected him to be able to give me such a huge surprise today.¡±


    madam hua¡¯s voice echoed clearly.


    a smile also appeared on the stiff face of the sixth mountain lord in the pavilion. ¡°the test of the little sacred token never depends on the level of cultivation. it depends more on talent, temperament, and opportunity.¡±


    ¡°although the little sacred token is distributed to us mountain lords, every one of them contains an opportunity left behind by the sacred teacher. since it¡¯s an opportunity, it naturally depends on fate.¡±


    ¡°zhong shunchao and ye chong are quite talented, but the two of them have mostly developed murderous temperaments on the battlefield. they are not compatible with me in terms of sword comprehension, so they are not even as good as luo qingchen on the mountain path. however, if they go to third senior brother¡¯s third mountain, they might be able to go further.¡±


    madam hua nodded slightly in agreement with the mountain lord¡¯s words.


    ¡°luo qingchen is talented, but his only flaw is that his dao heart was broken by li you¡¯an back then. over the years, his dao heart has not been firm and has become more and more fragile. this is also unexpected.¡±


    the sixth mountain lord spoke again and commented on luo qingchen.


    ¡°an le used the sword qi of the sixth mountain to temper his spirit bone and visualized the sword waterfall diagram you taught him. he gathered the sword pool in the niwan palace. both advanced at the same time.¡±


    ¡°such talent¡­ it¡¯s so good that it surprised me.¡±


    ¡°the swords in my case are trembling with excitement. he¡¯s a very good successor. unfortunately, he won¡¯t be my mountain guardian anymore.¡±


    the sixth mountain lord¡¯s expression was cold, but beneath his coldness was a sigh.


    madam hua chuckled. she looked through the misty rain and saw an le holding the ink pool sword. she seemed to mutter, ¡°this talent¡­ is indeed surprising. ¡±


    ¡°talent, temperament, and attraction to the sword. all three are in his possession. he truly deserves the little sacred token.¡±


    the sixth mountain lord had a solemn expression.


    he reached out and patted the pine sword case. the huge sword case landed on his back. he took a step out of the pavilion and headed down the mountain.


    madam hua also followed.


    as the young man drew his sword, the sudden rain in the world seemed to have its temper taken away. it suddenly became gentle, like slender cow fur, fluttering and gentle.


    on the mountain path, many cultivators stopped in their tracks and looked up at the youth holding a sword under the peach blossom tree on the 300th step. their expressions were complicated.


    the hope in their hearts dissipated when an le casually passed them.


    competing for the little sacred token tested talent, temperament, and compatibility with the little sacred token.


    in the beginning, an le¡¯s difficulties gave them hope. later on, they understood that an le was only borrowing the sword qi of the sixth mountain to sharpen his qi blood. after breaking through, he displayed his outstanding talent.


    he broke through the restraints and easily drew his sword.


    although zhong shunchao and ye chong were surprised, they were not disappointed. they were here to try their luck in the first place, so it was up to fate.


    they also knew that the sword qi of the sixth mountain was not compatible with them. the possibility of obtaining the sixth mountain¡¯s little sacred token was extremely small.


    luo qingchen¡¯s gaze was stunned as he retracted his foot that could not land. the dust on his dao heart did not expand, or perhaps¡­ it was numb.


    it was also because luo qingchen did not have much confidence in snatching the little sacred token. the dust on his dao heart made him very clear that he was not worthy.


    with a bitter expression, luo qingchen took a deep look at the handsome young man holding a sword under the peach blossom tree.


    then, he turned around and walked down the mountain without looking back.


    he did not want to stay in this sad place for a moment longer.


    he had to go back and think about how to wash away the dust on his dao heart and how to walk his future path.


    the other cultivators took a few more glances at the youth holding a sword under the peach blossoms in the spring breeze, drizzle, and radiance.


    then, they all turned around and went down the mountain. they urgently wanted to know all the news about the young man.


    after today, this child¡­ would definitely become famous in lin¡¯an prefecture!


    an le held the ink pool sword and felt the joyous trembling and sword hum of the sword. he could not help but feel happy.


    after breaking through to the second realm of body tempering, the spirit refinement embryonic breath also condensed the sword pool. he had a huge leap and was getting closer and closer to the third realm, shedding mortality.


    he even obtained this ink pool sword and little sacred token.


    it could be said that he had earned a lot. this trip to the sixth mountain was not in vain.


    holding the ink pool sword, he could sense a wisp of sword qi hidden in the sword. as long as he probed with his mental power, he could sense it carefully.


    that should be one of the conditions for the little sacred token to converse with the sacred teacher.


    the corners of an le¡¯s lips curled up as he caressed the ink pool sword. he had a bright smile on his face and was in a good mood.


    at this moment, it would be great if there was a pot of old yellow wine from the yanchun liquor shop.


    he drank wine, caressed the sword, sang loudly, and went down the mountain.


    the misty rain was faint, and everyone returned intoxicated!


    how satisfying!


    on the mountain path, there was only a graceful girl holding an umbrella standing quietly and watching the dazzling young man in the spring rain.


    the sixth mountain lord, who was carrying the pine sword case, walked down the stone steps with madam hua and arrived beside an le.


    the girl held an umbrella and saw her. she bowed and nodded. ¡°ye wenxi of the


    ye family greets the sixth mountain lord and madam hua.¡±


    the sixth mountain lord nodded with an expressionless face. ¡°you already have the little sacred token and have already entered the little sacred ranking. why did you climb the mountain?¡±


    the young girl, ye wenxi, looked at an le and chuckled. ¡°if there¡¯s a new person on the little sacred ranking, i naturally have to understand the opponent in advance and see if he deserves it.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ll take my leave.¡±


    after the young girl, ye wenxi, finished speaking, she smiled freely and turned to leave with an umbrella.


    an le looked at the girl¡¯s back. he knew that the girl had followed him all the way until the 300th step. the girl was actually qualified to take this little sacred token.


    in an le¡¯s eyes, the age qi on the girl swayed like seaweed. if only¡­


    what?


    an le was suddenly delighted. his qi blood that had entered the second realm of body tempering and the spirit refinement embryonic breath¡¯s new sword pool seemed to have ended the cooldown of the age qi extraction. it could actually be used again.


    without hesitation, an le¡¯s mind stirred and he absorbed the age qi from the girl!


    holding the oil-paper umbrella, the girl who turned around and went down the mountain did not notice at all. she did not know that she had given it to him for nothing.


    three wisps of age qi lingered on his fingertips before diffusing into his body. an le was satisfied. however, with madam hua and the sixth mountain lord by his side, he did not choose to observe the age qi.


    the sixth mountain lord looked at an le, his eyes filled with admiration and pity. ¡°unfortunately, you didn¡¯t enter my sixth mountain¡­ i¡¯m very satisfied with your ink bamboo and your sword dao talent, but it¡¯s indeed a waste of your talent to let you be a mountain guardian.¡±


    ¡°my sixth mountain is open to you. if you have any new paintings, you can share them with me. during the period of climbing the mountain, you can use the sword qi in the mountain to cleanse your body. it¡¯s better than the demon qi jade pendant at your waist.¡± the mountain lord said.


    when an le heard this, he sincerely cupped his hands and bowed. ¡°thank you, mountain lord.¡±


    the sixth mountain lord nodded and said more, ¡°the little sacred token is only the beginning. your cultivation level is indeed a little low. you can only be at the bottom of the little sacred ranking.¡±


    ¡°if you want to obtain the opportunity to speak to the sacred teacher, you have to at least enter the top three of the little sacred ranking.¡± ¡°you¡¯re too weak now. cherish your talent and don¡¯t waste it.¡±


    ¡°one last thing.¡±


    the sixth mountain lord turned around coldly. ¡°i have high hopes for you.¡±


    before an le could react, he had already carried the huge pine sword case up the mountain.


    looking at the rather characterful sixth mountain lord, an le¡¯s expression could not help but soften. he originally thought that rejecting the mountain guardian¡¯s invitation would offend him, but from the looks of it, he had been too narrow-minded.


    madam hua chuckled. ¡°what the mountain lord said is the truth. obtaining the little sacred token is only the beginning. don¡¯t be arrogant.¡±


    an le bowed.


    ¡°go down the mountain and return to lin¡¯an with zhuifeng and ninth sister. i still have something on. i¡¯ll bid you farewell here.¡±


    madam hua stood in the spring breeze and looked at the young man with admiration.


    then, sword light surrounded her body and jumped into the fog on the mountain. she disappeared without a trace and escaped into the depths of the sea of clouds.


    the spring rain stopped, and there seemed to be a setting sun behind the clouds.


    when he reached the foot of the mountain, an le turned around to look at the stone path in the mountain. he was in a sorry state when he first climbed the mountain. he could not help but smile.


    looking back, life had always been in a desolate state. when he returned, there was no wind, rain, or sun.


    an le¡¯s white clothes fluttered, and his back was like an arrogant bamboo. there was green mountain at his waist, and he held the ink pool sword.


    he stepped on the fallen flowers and mud, accompanied by new grass after the rain.


    he walked elegantly towards the lin residence carriage that was parked in the distance.


    the rain stopped, and the sand slipped away. the wind settled the wild cicadas.


    the buildings of the literary department had white walls and black tiles. after the spring rain, the fog was hazy.


    the ordinary straw hut quietly landed inside. the water in the carbon stove under the eaves was still boiling, and hot steam rose.


    the two old men who were playing chess were about to leave.


    after tasting the last mouthful of west lake longjing tea, the old man of the imperial ancestral temple, zhao huangting, stood up and stretched. ¡°let¡¯s end today¡¯s chess game here. we won¡¯t be able to decide on a winner. we¡¯ll talk about it another day.¡±


    the third headmaster was used to zhao huangting¡¯s shamelessness. he chuckled and put the chess pieces back into the box.


    ¡°did it go as you wish?¡± third headmaster asked.


    ¡°his performance is quite good. he might really not let green mountain down.¡±


    zhao huangting was in a good mood and smiled.


    ¡°from today onwards, young friend an¡¯s name will definitely spread throughout lin¡¯an. his paintings, poems, and sword equipment will be praised by others. the true prosperity of lin¡¯an prefecture will open up to him. the riches that corrode his bones and soul will attack like a flood or ferocious beast.


    i hope he can stay true to his heart.¡±


    ¡°the only flaw is that the sixth mountain lord forced me to owe him a favor. he¡¯s evil!¡±


    zhao huangting placed his hands behind his back and walked out of the straw hut, stepping on the muddy path.


    he waved his hand without looking back.


    ¡°i¡¯m leaving. i need to get a pot of old yellow wine from yanchun and cut two catties of braised beef from dingya alley.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s time to go to imperial ancestral temple alley to celebrate for young


    friend an..¡±

 Chapter 48 - Chapter 48: Girl Takes 27 Lives, A Painting Shocks Half of Lin ‘ an

    chapter 48: girl takes 27 lives, a painting shocks half of lin ¡® an


    translator: atlas studios       editor: atlas studios


    a wisp of golden incense pillar curled up and burned. the smoke and fire gathered into a painting, recalling the glorious years of the past.


    like a stone thrown into a mirror lake, the scene fluctuated.


    an le was a little curious about what kind of past this wisp of molten gold age qi could see and what kind of age dao fruit it could gather.


    under the spring rain in the mountains, the young girl who stood quietly behind him with an umbrella and followed him to the 300th step of green mountain, ye wenxi of the ye family¡­ it was rumored that she was also the owner of the little sacred token and a competitor for an le.


    therefore, he was curious.


    it was reasonable to take advantage of competitors to strengthen himself.


    the evening clouds were thick, and white snow flew from the sky.


    it was cold and sinister.


    it landed on the vast land and absorbed the blood, turning it into a blood-red color. it was even more dazzling than the moon and the sun.


    ¡°wenxi, are you afraid?¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m not afraid.¡¯


    ¡°as members of the ye family, it¡¯s our lifelong wish to cross the blue wave river to gallop in our homeland to take back the central plains that belong to us.¡±


    ¡°wenxi knows!¡±


    ¡°go, kill, fight, and become stronger. when you become strong enough, i¡¯ll help you ascend the sacred mountain and ask for a little sacred token. you can ask the sacred teacher if my ye family¡¯s sword and spear can reclaim the central plains.¡±


    ¡°yes!¡±


    the calm conversation carried a hint of surging qi blood as it shattered the snow in the sky.


    a man in armor held a spear in his hand and stood quietly. he lowered his eyes and looked at the young girl like a ferocious tiger watching the young tiger¡¯s first battle.


    the young girl, ye wenxi, was still childish. she dragged a green sword with a firm gaze and stepped on the red snow on the ground. her small body shouted loudly as she jogged forward with her sword.


    lonely and petite.


    she was charging.


    there was a military team formed by 20 to 30 cultivators. their qi blood intertwined like a curtain as they walked over. their eyes were ferocious and filled with killing intent. it was as if they wanted to sweep away the sunset clouds in the sky. the aura of metal and horses was suffocating.


    the girl experienced the initial fear. qi blood surged under her skin and her mental power vented from her niwan palace.


    the sword in her hand emitted tens of millions of sword beams that seeped into the body of the cultivator in the lead. a head flew up, and hot blood splashed onto the snow, melting the coldness.


    the other cultivators rushed over and drowned the young girl, ye wenxi.


    fighting, killing, and constantly becoming stronger.


    the young girl, ye wenxi, seemed to have entered a trance. her eyes became even more emotionless, and there was only killing in front of her.


    she wanted to continuously become stronger, strong enough to inherit the will of the ye family. she wanted to carry the spear and sword of the ye family and let the hooves of the ye family¡¯s warhorse trample across the former central plains!


    the man in armor watched quietly. the spear in his hand pointed out at the right time. an enemy expert who wanted to interfere was directly pierced through the air. as he howled miserably, blood dyed the snow and yellow sand.


    15 minutes, 30 minutes.


    the young girl, ye wenxi, was panting as she stood in the snow with her sword.


    around her, 27 corpses fell.


    she looked up at the armored man.


    at this point, the scene disappeared. the past could not be left behind. time passed without stopping for anyone.


    an le used age qi to see how outstanding the young girl was in time, and his mind could not help but be shocked.


    the scene in this wisp of age qi was different from the scene an le had observed previously.


    there was no sadness and parting, no joy. there was a hint of tragedy and responsibility.


    through the scene, he could feel the girl¡¯s stubbornness and the armored man¡¯s anticipation.


    an le slowly opened his eyes. the night was dark and cold. the spring frost that rose in the middle of the night seemed to have condensed into morning dew in his clothes.


    he couldn¡¯t calm down for a long time. seeing ye wenxi draw her sword and kill people, it was as if he was there himself, and the impact on his mental power was ratner intense.


    however, what surprised an le even more was that a soft girl like ye wenxi had taken 27 lives in half an hour.


    this contrast made an le feel even more vigilant about ye wenxi¡¯s strength and impressive talent.


    madam hua said that ye wenxi was the true prodigy of this generation of the ye family. she could indeed be called a genius. luo qingchen¡¯s tofu dao heart was nothing in comparison.


    this woman would be his opponent on the little sacred ranking¡­


    the cold spring came late at night, and an le immediately felt some pressure.


    [obtained age dao fruit: trance]


    [note: trance (dao fruit): in combat, enter the trance and put your life and death aside. only in battle can your combat techniques, skills, and fighting spirit increase greatly. your combat strength will increase greatly.]


    a wisp of molten gold age qi condensed the dao fruit trance.


    it was somewhat similar to the dao fruit [fearless heart]. they were both dao fruits that could not be augmented with age qi, but the effect was rather effective.


    the fearless heart could allow an le to be fearless. facing pressure, difficulties, and obstacles, he was fearless. he could even obtain the dao fruit¡¯s feedback.


    as for the [trance] dao fruit, it was used in battle. he could activate trance and greatly increase his combat strength.


    in a very strange state, an le recalled the scene of ye wenxi charging alone and killing 27 enemy soldiers.


    it was an unexpected gain. such a dao fruit could not be used usually, but it might have a miraculous effect when needed.


    the night was deep, and before he knew it, it was already dawn.


    an le did not choose to cultivate further. he got up and entered the house. he took out a book, lit the lamp, and began to read.


    another condition to meet the sacred teacher was to become the top scholar in the imperial examination!


    therefore, with the spring quarter examination imminent, he had to study every day.


    prime minister qin¡¯s residence.


    in the long corridor, there were flowing goblets and winding water. although the night was dark, there were still people sitting and talking in the water pavilion.


    young master qin qianqiu sat upright in a pavilion. what was placed in front of him was not tea, but the rare wine, penglai spring, in lin¡¯an prefecture. it was a wine brewed from spiritual fruits of heaven and earth. drinking it could draw spiritual energy from one¡¯s body and strengthen one¡¯s cultivation.


    opposite qin qianqiu, luo qingchen sat quietly. he had not drunk a single drop of wine.


    the atmosphere in the pavilion was a little stiff.


    because qin qianqiu was drinking non-stop and had a cold attitude, he didn¡¯t say much.


    originally, he had great expectations for luo qingchen to become a mountain guardian on the sixth mountain. however, when this anticipation shattered, all that was left was frustration and disappointment.


    luo qingchen could naturally sense this atmosphere, so he did not say much. he was also not qualified to explain anything.


    ¡°mr. luo, that an le¡­ came from chongzhou. he had only cultivated for a few days, but he could suppress you and ascend the sixth mountain to obtain the little sacred token. he even covered your dao heart in dust.¡±


    ¡°there are talents in every generation. your former magnificence is no longer there. you¡¯re completely dejected at the moment.¡±


    qin qianqiu sighed and said, ¡°back then, when you came from qingzhou, you were as dazzling as shining gold. with a sword in hand, you won both battles in


    lin¡¯an. how proud you were.¡±


    ¡°this an le looks so much like the former you.¡±


    ¡°but he has a brighter future than you. he obtained the little sacred token and his paintings were even praised in the literary department. he established the ink bamboo style alone.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s a pity that such a talent didn¡¯t enter my circle. it¡¯s a pity.¡±


    qin qianqiu seemed to be troubled as he suddenly drank a glass of wine.


    luo qingchen turned to look at the prosperous prime minister qin¡¯s water pavilion, his expression much calmer.


    no matter how much qin qianqiu¡¯s words dealt him a blow, he remained calm. perhaps he had gotten used to it after receiving so many blows.


    ¡°qingchen has let down prime minister qin¡¯s many years of nurturing and resources.¡±


    luo qingchen finally raised his cup and took a sip.


    qin qianqiu¡¯s gaze landed on luo qingchen. his pupils seemed to reflect the moonlight, making him look a little cold. ¡°mr. luo, this new guest on the little sacred ranking has a deep relationship with the lin residence. the qin residence and the lin residence are mortal enemies. it would be best if he could enter the qin residence. if not¡­¡±


    killing intent suddenly surged in the water pavilion.


    at first, qin qianqiu didn¡¯t think much of it. he only thought that an le was an 18 -year-old commoner who had just been enlightened. then, the young man stood out and won the little sacred token. now, his value was greatly elevated.


    such a change had only occurred in a few days.


    luo qingchen drank calmly.


    ¡°if he can¡¯t enter the qin residence, i will need you to kill him.¡± qin qianqiu looked at luo qingchen and finally showed enthusiasm again.


    luo qingchen looked at qin qianqiu.


    killing an le? hua jiebing thought highly of this person and he had just obtained a little sacred token along with the sword of the sixth mountain


    lord. was he asking luo qingchen to give up his life in exchange for an le¡¯s?


    ¡°young master, my dao heart is covered in dust. i need to recuperate and cleanse my heart. find someone else for this.¡±


    luo qingchen stood up and shook his head. he stood up, bowed, and bade farewell before turning to leave.


    qin qianqiu sat upright in the pavilion and stared at luo qingchen¡¯s back. ¡°let¡¯s not talk about that eastern sea heart cleansing pearl. just the wealth and cultivation resources that the qin residence has given you over the years, you should show some repayment, right?¡±


    luo qingchen¡¯s back paused for a moment before he pushed through the cold night and left the qin residence.


    after drinking a cup of penglai spring wine that reflected the moonlight, qin qianqiu suddenly sneered.


    the warmth of the dawn dispelled the coldness of the spring day.


    the entire lin¡¯an prefecture began to stir uneasily.


    yesterday, at the foot of the sixth mountain, the white-robed young man climbed the mountain alone with a sword. he plucked an ink pool sword from under the peach tree. the cultivators who were observing the young man obtain the sword sent people to gather all the information about the young man.


    he had been enlightened at the age of 18. in just a few days, he had already reached the spirit refinement embryonic breath realm, and in terms of body tempering, his spirit bone was forged. he had matured late!


    he was also a provincial scholar who had entered lin¡¯an to attend the spring quarter examination.


    what was even more shocking was the young man¡¯s painting. he used a strange sketch to gain the attention of the lin residence and became the painter of the lin family. then, the young man¡¯s water ink bamboo stone painting spread in the literary department.


    the ink bamboo was admired and praised by the two headmasters of the


    literary department and they even personally shared it with the scholars.


    it could be said that he was the creator of the ink bamboo style and could be called a master!


    a painting, a sword, and a young man shocked half of lin¡¯an.


    on this day, the demand for the ink bamboo painting circulated from the literary department in lin¡¯an was insufficient. it was widely circulated, and all the scholars in lin¡¯an were alarmed.


    on this day, master an¡¯s name swept across like a hurricane!


    on this day, an le woke up early. as usual, he read while heading to west lake to watch the female courtesan..

 Chapter 49 - Chapter 49: Other Than Drawing Bamboo, Can Master An Draw Anything Else?

    chapter 49: other than drawing bamboo, can master an draw anything else?


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    the morning breeze blew across his face, bringing with it the unique coolness of spring. after an le ate the beancurd sold by the stall at the entrance of the alley, he walked slowly and bathed in the spring breeze. he read as he headed towards west lake.


    the water was sparkling and clear. the mountain was empty and the rain was strange.


    the west lake on a rainy day and a sunny day were two different sceneries. the sun shone behind the clouds in the sky, illuminating the surface of the lake. it was like golden sand sifting out and rolling in his palms.


    on the embankment, scholars and calligraphers gathered as usual. the flower boats in the lake rippled like young grass, disturbing the softness in the scholars¡¯ and calligraphers¡¯ hearts.


    an le walked to the embankment and looked at the lake water. he was in a good mood.


    he strolled and read, waiting for the arrival of the female sword immortal courtesan on the flower boat in the middle of the lake. however, he had not seen fairy yun rou for the past few days, so he did not know if he could see her today.


    it was a different feeling to come to west lake every day to read or admire the scenery.


    however, the atmosphere by the embankment today was a little different from usual.


    the scholars gathered together and whispered to each other, their eyes filled with gossip.


    ¡°have you heard of master an who obtained the little sacred token on the sixth mountain yesterday?!¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m studying in the literary department. how can i not know master an? his ink bamboo is completely different from the previous hand-drawn bamboo.


    it¡¯s really amazing and dazzling.¡±


    ¡°i was lucky enough to take a look at the ink bamboo copy that was circulated in the literary department. it¡¯s indeed unique.¡±


    the scholars and calligraphers were very talkative and kept calling him master after listening for a while, an le understood that this master an¡­ was actually himself.


    an le, who was in the mood, did not leave either. he gathered by the embankment and listened to the praises of the scholars and ink artists. sometimes, he would even add a sentence and mention some analysis of the ink bamboo painting.


    ¡°brother, have you seen the ink bamboo painting before?¡±


    a scholar was immediately surprised by an le¡¯s sharp comments. he cupped his hands and greeted him.


    an le bowed humbly. ¡°i was lucky enough to see him a few times.¡±


    ¡°oh? brother, are you also studying in the literary department?¡± many scholars asked curiously. after all, they looked unfamiliar with an le. ¡°that¡¯s not it. i¡¯m an artist in the lin residence and paint for the young masters of the lin residence when they¡¯re free.¡±


    an le replied with a smile. he had indeed never been to the literary department.


    many scholars were in high spirits and conversed with an le. he chatted for a while, but fairy yun rou did not appear today, so he bid farewell to them and went to lin manor to work.


    even though he had won the little sacred token and shocked lin¡¯an with his painting,


    all of this did not change much in his life. he would still go to the lin


    residence to work. he still had to study seriously and prepare for the spring quarter examination.


    an le stepped on the limestone road with green mountain and ink pool sword on his waist and disappeared from the long dike.


    many scholars retracted their gazes and felt that an le was an interesting person. they recognized that an le would come to the west lake every day to look at the woman and girl in the flower boat.


    suddenly, a scholar from the literary department shouted in surprise.


    looking in the direction where an le left, his eyes were slightly excited.


    ¡°as far as i know, a while ago, when the lin residence was recruiting painters,


    master an stood out and entered the lin residence to become an artist¡­¡± ¡°do you think this brother just now is master an?¡±


    the scholars were stunned and looked in the direction where an le had left. then, they laughed out loud and felt that this thought was ridiculous. ¡°what kind of person is master an? why would he come to the west lake every day to look at ladies in the flower boat in the lake?¡±


    ¡°master an is such an otherworldly person. how can he be on the same level as


    laughter rose from the embankment.


    an le did not know what had happened by the west lake after he left. even if he knew, he would only smile.


    walking along the bustling street and bathing in the warm spring sun, he stepped onto jing street and crossed the stone tablet jade shop that made all the civil and military officials dismount from their horses. he saw the iconic eight treasures heavy eaves waterdrop heavenly wave pavilion of the lin residence.


    the person who opened the door was still the shy maidservant, liu xiang. seeing the handsome and flirtatious an le, she pursed her lips shyly.


    yesterday, an le suppressed many geniuses on the sixth mountain and obtained the little sacred token. after lin zhuifeng returned to the residence, she started to promote it noisily, so most of the people in the residence knew about an le¡¯s deeds.


    now that she saw an le, liu xiang felt that young master an was as handsome as an immortal from the heavens.


    an le smiled gently and entered the lin residence under liu xiang¡¯s lead.


    originally, an le wanted to meet madam hua and ask about the little sacred ranking. however, liu xiang told an le that madam hua had yet to return to the residence, so an le went straight to the martial arts hall.


    ¡°master an.¡±


    lin zhuifeng and lin qingyin teased an le when they saw him.


    when an le heard this, he couldn¡¯t help but wave his hand. ¡°how can i dare to accept that title?¡±


    in the martial arts hall, the young masters of the lin residence today were all dressed in tight clothes. they looked extremely energetic as if they were about to go out, but they also seemed to be waiting for an le.


    yesterday, they naturally went to the sixth mountain to try their luck and see if they could become the mountain guardian. however, they were surprised to see an le, a familiar painter from lin residence.


    eighth young master lin ye came over eagerly. ¡°master an, you¡¯re finally here. your ink bamboo is now famous in lin¡¯an. not only the literary department, but even many people in the martial temple praised it.¡±


    ¡°we¡¯re going to the martial temple soon to carry out the spring sun martial


    examination. after the martial examination, many of us will go to the blue


    wave river to rebuild the former glory of lin residence.¡±


    ¡°we specially stayed behind to meet master an today.¡±


    the surrounding young masters of the lin residence also smiled.


    an le had become familiar with everyone, and there were fewer unfamiliarities between them. the young masters of the lin residence who looked difficult to get along with were actually quite easy to get along with.


    ¡°i promised madam hua to paint for the young masters. the paintings are not finished yet. there¡¯s still a long time in the future.¡± an le said seriously.


    it was unknown if they would be dead or alive after going to the frontier fortress, but an le hoped that they could return safely.


    everyone chuckled and continued to chat.


    during the conversation, an le absorbed age qi from the young masters.


    each person still provided three wisps, but he could absorb a total of 15 wisps from five people.


    for example, the eighth young master, lin ye, had been completely emptied by an le after this. he no longer had age qi on him.


    the young masters of the lin residence could not afford an le¡¯s suction for long.


    there were a total of 15 wisps of age qi. this time, an le did not hesitate much. he chose to split them into three portions and evenly augment them on the dao fruits that needed them.


    as for the cultivation techniques, the five animals body tempering technique and the sword waterfall diagram had been greatly enhanced previously, so there was no need to augment them for the time being.


    after the enhancement, an le felt his mind tremble slightly, and his body seemed to have changed slightly.


    the improvement was not obvious, but it subtly changed an le.


    the young masters of the lin residence chatted with an le for a while. when it was almost time, they left the lin residence together and headed for the martial temple. lin zhuifeng also had to participate in the martial


    examination, so only ninth sister lin qingyin and an le were left alone.


    of course, it was not entirely true to say that they were alone. in the distance, there were still servants waiting for orders.


    the two of them arrived at the heavenly wave water pavilion and sat in the pavilion.


    a spring breeze blew over, causing the blue water in the pool to ripple.


    ¡°sir, are you still teaching painting today?¡± lin qingyin asked gently.


    an le smiled. ¡°today, i¡¯ll teach you the realistic shadow sketch.¡±


    then, he asked the maidservant, liu xiang, for an apple and placed it on the table that was deliberately piled with folded cloth. he taught lin qingyin about the control of light and darkness and the drawing of cloth.


    lin qingyin studied seriously, and an le taught her seriously.


    the sound of the charcoal brush rustling on the paper was like the chirping of cicadas in summer, bringing peace to the mind.


    suddenly, on the white jade arch bridge of the water pavilion, madam hua¡¯s personal servant, xi xiang, walked over leisurely.


    ¡°young master an, ninth miss.¡±


    xi xiang bowed.


    ¡°madam has just returned with a message. if young master an comes to the residence, you can go and see fourth master. madam has already asked fourth master to inform you about the little sacred ranking.¡±


    when an le heard this, he immediately bowed in return. ¡°help me thank madam for her concern.¡¯


    ¡°sir, go ahead. i can paint alone in the hall. after i¡¯m done, i¡¯ll let you review my work tomorrow.¡± lin qingyin stood up and smiled gently.


    when an le heard this, he no longer hesitated. after nodding, he bowed to lin qingyin and bade farewell before heading towards qingfeng garden with xi xiang.


    before he entered the courtyard, he heard the neighing of a horse outside.


    ¡°fourth master has lived in the yuan meng empire for a long time and has gradually developed his habits. he likes to raise and train horses. i heard that there¡¯s a daoli horse in the fourth master¡¯s courtyard. it runs like black lightning and has a violent temper.¡±


    xi xiang said softly, then knocked on the door of qingfeng garden.


    ¡°fourth master, madam asked me to bring young master an to see you,¡± xi xiang said.


    ¡°enter.¡± a faint voice sounded from the courtyard. the door opened under a mental power.


    the area within qingfeng garden was actually very large. there was also a small grass field. fourth master lin was wearing a confucian shirt and had a table in front of him. there was rice paper spread out on the table.


    fourth master lin frowned and drew for the daoli horse lazily basking in the warm spring sun in the grass field with a gloomy expression.


    seeing an le, fourth master lin nodded slightly and chuckled. ¡°since we parted last time, i have to call you master when we meet again now.¡±


    an le waved his hand. ¡°i don¡¯t dare. fourth master, just call me an le.¡±


    fourth master lin seemed to have thought of something, and his eyes lit up as he looked at an le. ¡°i want to make a painting for my daoli horse, but my painting skills are poor¡­¡±


    ¡°i wonder if master an can draw anything else besides bamboo?¡±

 Chapter 52 - Chapter 52: Arrogance and Prejudice, The Burly Coachman’s Saber

    chapter 52: arrogance and prejudice, the burly coachman¡¯s saber


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    the broken rainbow retracted the colorful clouds of the rain, and a faint clear wave entered the distance.


    at the entrance of yanchun alley.


    the luxurious carriage stopped quietly. the wheels no longer crushed the limestone. the setting sun pulled out a long and winding shadow that reflected on the ground and the wall.


    qin qianqiu was in the carriage.


    an le was outside the carriage.


    qin qianqiu lifted the curtain and looked at the white-robed young man who walked out of the alley. ever since he started paying attention to an le, he naturally knew that the young man would come to yanchun every day to buy a pot of old yellow wine, so he had been waiting here long ago.


    his condescending gaze carried a hint of scrutiny. his powerful mental power spread and intertwined in and out of the car.


    an invisible pressure fell on an let s shoulder like a mountain, just like how luo qingchen wanted an le to bow down in the carriage.


    qin qianqiu¡¯s status far exceeded luo qingchen¡¯s, but his cultivation level was inferior.


    therefore, this oppression was nothing to an le, who was fearless now. he was calm like a breeze.


    the pressure came and went quickly.


    qin qianqiu instantly retracted his mental power pressure, and a hint of admiration appeared on his face.


    ¡°as expected of master an, who can obtain the little sacred token. against the pressure of a mountain, this unchanging spirit is indeed extraordinary.¡± qin qianqiu clapped his hands.


    an le shook his head. ¡°you must be joking, benefactor. it¡¯s just that your mental pressure is still a little lacking to call it a mountain.¡±


    the atmosphere suddenly turned cold. even the warm current from the setting sun could not dispel this coldness.


    qin qianqiu narrowed his eyes in the carriage. ¡°you know me?¡±


    ¡°i don¡¯t know.¡± an le shook his head. ¡°but to be able to ride such a carriage in lin¡¯an prefecture, your status is naturally noble.¡±


    ¡°my name is qin qianqiu. i¡¯m hosting a banquet at the drunken dragon pavilion. i wonder if master an is willing to do me the honor?¡±


    the coldness on qin qianqiu¡¯s face dissipated, and he said with a smile.


    when an le heard qin qianqiu¡¯s name, his expression did not change much.


    even though the other party was the benefactor of the qin residence who was luo qingchen¡¯s backer and had a feud with the lin residence.


    ¡°i¡¯m an le. greetings, young master qin.¡± an le raised his wine and bowed slightly with proper etiquette.


    ¡°it¡¯s not that i don¡¯t want to give you face, but i have a good friend at home who¡¯s waiting for my pot of old wine. if young master qin has something to say, you can tell me now. it¡¯s good that you don¡¯t have to spend money. the food and wine at the drunken dragon pavilion are not cheap.¡±


    qin qianqiu didn¡¯t expect an le to still reject him after he revealed his identity.


    in the entire lin¡¯an, there were very few people who dared to reject his invitation.


    as prime minister qin¡¯s favorite son, qin qianqiu was naturally flattered everywhere.


    the young man¡¯s simple and direct rejection indeed surprised him.


    qin qianqiu felt a little upset, but he only smiled and said, ¡°my qin residence does have an irreconcilable conflict with the lin residence, but it has nothing to do with you. you¡¯ve just become an artist of the lin residence and are only painting for the lin residence. my qin residence has always been more tolerant of talents.¡¯


    ¡°i¡¯ve analyzed master an¡¯s ink bamboo in the literary department before.


    you¡¯re quite creative. i like the pride in paintings very much. in addition, master an entered the little sacred ranking with the little sacred token because you have the ambition to charge into the spring quarter examination this time and want to enter list a.¡±


    ¡°my qin residence can invite some great confucian teachers to guide master an before the spring quarter examination so that master an can relax during the spring quarter examination.¡±


    ¡°in addition, my qin residence can provide master an with three ¡®flawless demon spirit pills¡¯ refined from 500 years of demon qi. they are rather precious and can accelerate the tempering of the body and quickly and flawlessly condense the inner core, allowing master an to be more competitive in the hall examination.¡±


    ¡°this is something the current lin residence can¡¯t give.¡±


    ¡°as for the other benefits, there are even more.¡± qin qianqiu said with a smile.


    an le held the old yellow wine and bathed in the warm sunset. he understood what qin qianqiu meant. he was offering conditions to poach him from the lin residence.


    ¡°i¡¯m sorry, young master qin. i promised to paint for the young masters of the lin residence. now that i haven¡¯t finished painting, there¡¯s naturally no reason for me to leave. moreover, the lin residence helped me a lot when i was insignificant. a drop of water should be repaid with a spring. although i can¡¯t be considered to have risen up now, it¡¯ll be really ungrateful to turn around and leave.¡±


    an le expressed his intentions seriously.


    on the long street, the cold wind wrapped in the setting sun blew against the young man with a straight back, adding a hint of solemnity and silence.


    qin qianqiu¡¯s expression turned cold. ¡°young master an, are you not giving me any face?¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s not that i don¡¯t want to give it to you., but i do have an appointment at home.¡±


    an le smiled and cupped his fists. he raised the old yellow wine and stopped talking to qin qianqiu. with green mountain and ink pool sword at his waist, he strolled towards qingbo street.


    qin qianqiu lowered the curtain expressionlessly as he watched the young man in white leave.


    however, he was not the only one in the carriage.


    opposite qin qianqiu, there was a slender man in blue clothes with dragonfish patterns on his sleeves. he sat upright in an unruly manner with a faint smile on his face. he was holding a wine pot and drinking wine. the spiritual energy in the wine was rich, so it was clearly extraordinary wine.


    ¡°it¡¯s rare. in this huge lin¡¯an prefecture, there¡¯s actually someone who dares to not give brother qin face.¡±


    the man grinned and teased.


    qin qianqiu¡¯s expression was indifferent. ¡°he¡¯s just a brat from the countryside who hasn¡¯t seen the world. the lin family gave him some small benefits and made him loyal. he doesn¡¯t even understand the principle of a good bird choosing a tree to nest in. perhaps he¡¯s a little proud and talented, but in lin¡¯an, where there are rich and powerful people everywhere, it¡¯s difficult for a country boy to have a future.¡±


    qin qianqiu poured himself a glass of wine and drank it. his words were filled with arrogance and prejudice, and he looked down on them.


    luo qingchen walked out of qingzhou, but the family behind him was the number one family in qingzhou. qin qianqiu naturally gave him face, but what was an le?


    ¡°you think you can soar into the sky after obtaining the little sacred token? ridiculous.¡±


    ¡°since ancient times, how many people with little sacred tokens have died before they could even walk halfway?¡±


    qin qianqiu shook his head.


    ¡°brother wang, you¡¯re ranked 18th on the little sacred ranking. if this child wants to advance on the little sacred ranking, he¡¯s destined to challenge you.


    what do you think of him?¡±


    the man drinking smiled. ¡°his body tempering and spirit refinement are both at the second realm. although his back is very straight and his pride is soaring, if we really fight, how many strikes can that pride¡­ withstand?¡±


    ¡°he shouldn¡¯t dare to challenge me for the time being.¡±


    ¡°i hope he comes. unfortunately, he¡¯s too weak now. if he comes to challenge me before breaking through the fourth realm of body tempering and reaching the mystic intent realm, his chances of winning are almost nonexistent. he won¡¯t be so stupid.¡¯


    the man was wang qinhe, who was ranked 18th on the little sacred ranking. the wang family¡¯s old master was the duke of great zhao and was also a noble in lin¡¯an. prime minister qin¡¯s first wife was the legitimate daughter of duke wang, so the wang family and the qin family were considered to be on the same side.


    ¡°brother wang, once your spirit refinement enters the primordial spirit of the fourth realm, you¡¯re confident that you can enter a few more places on the little sacred ranking.¡± qin qianqiu chuckled.


    wang qinhe nodded and said, ¡°of course, i can¡¯t underestimate the enemy either. it¡¯s said that this child has only been enlightened for a few days and has already reached the second realm in both paths of cultivation. his talent is not inferior to luo qingchen back then.¡±


    ¡°perhaps after the imperial examination, he will have the right to challenge me. if i can get rid of such a threat, i should get rid of it as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°the young man now has hua jiebing as his guardian and the little sacred token of the sacred mountain. if we want to touch him, ordinary methods naturally won¡¯t work.¡±


    ¡°just now, my dragon spine saber sensed demon qi. that kid has something related to the demons on him. i can use this to make a fuss.


    as soon as wang qinhe finished speaking, qin qianqiu¡¯s lips curled up. ¡°does this kid have demon qi? i don¡¯t know, i have to investigate carefully.¡±


    ¡°as for his talent, according to the investigation, he really completed the feat of breaking through two realms in a few days. his talent is extraordinary and is a small threat. however, this threat might not exist after today¡­ it would have been fine if he didn¡¯t refuse earlier.¡¯


    ¡°but since he rejected me, he will know that it¡¯s not that easy to reject my invitation.¡±


    ¡°now that hua jiebing isn¡¯t in lin¡¯an, if he really encounters danger, it won¡¯t be easy to quickly protect him. as for the sixth mountain lord¡­ this child refused to become the sixth mountain lord¡¯s mountain guardian. with mountain lord¡¯s temperament, he must be angry. naturally, he won¡¯t take action.¡±


    ¡°of course, we have to give the sacred mountain face,¡± wang qinhe reminded. ¡°i understand the rules.¡± qin qianqiu smiled noncommittally.


    wang qinhe and qin qianqiu finished their wine and said, ¡°then let¡¯s watch a good show and let me see what trump cards my future opponent has.¡±


    on the long street, the wheels of the carriage that had been parked for a long time finally began to spin again.


    it crushed the flat limestone and slowly walked forward.


    after rejecting qin qianqiu, an le didn¡¯t mind.


    the lin residence and the qin residence were destined to stand on opposite sides. just as he had said, madam hua of the lin residence had taught him the dao. a drop of water should be repaid with a spring. an le naturally could not turn against them.


    if that was the case, the so-called pride of an ink bamboo gentleman was a joke.


    to curry favor with the powerful and fight for fame and benefits, what kind of gentleman was he?


    the setting sun was like blood, and the mountain was as before.


    when the last trace of afterglow was covered by green mountain, the world suddenly darkened. the cold wind of the spring night blew gently on the mortal world, bringing a harsh test to the new flowers and young grass.


    an le followed yanchun to dingya alley and bought half a kilogram of beef. he passed through the alley, which had a special charm on a rainy day, and stepped into qingbo street.


    above his head, the moon was hooked and the stars were like rain.


    the young man was dressed in white and had a bamboo sword and an ink sword at his waist. he held yellow wine and beef in his hand and stopped in his tracks, looking straight ahead.


    at the entrance of qingbo street, which was two to three miles away from imperial ancestral temple alley.


    the cold moonlight and the stars in the sky reflected a carriage that an le was quite familiar with.


    on the shaft of the carriage, a burly coachman wearing a bamboo hat and holding a long saber was quietly looking at the white-robed young man who was as handsome as jade under the moonlight and starlight.


    the two of them looked at each other.


    it was just like when the young man was covered in blood and walked out of


    imperial ancestral temple alley with his head. it was as if time had


    intertwined and time had stacked.


    the horse pulling the carriage neighed uneasily and stepped on the limestone.


    the burly coachman, who was wearing a bamboo hat and bathed in starlight, slowly stood up. he stood at the shaft of the carriage and raised his saber to salute the martial world. his expression was solemn, respectful, and solemn.


    ¡°mr. luo¡¯s coachman, zhu shan of qingzhou, begs you to die..¡±

 Chapter 54 - Chapter 54: We Are Both Nobodies, Like Mayflies in This World

    chapter 54: we are both nobodies, like mayflies in this world


    translator: atlas studios       editor: atlas studios


    the ink pool sword in an le¡¯s hand was taken from the sixth mountain. it was personally given to him by the sixth mountain lord. although its grade was not high, it made people not dare to underestimate it.


    as for the other tattered bamboo sword that the youth had pinned to his waist, it was not so eye-catching. what threat could a tattered old bamboo sword pose?


    perhaps it was just an item that the old man in the family had cut for him when he was young and had extraordinary meaning. therefore, it was worn by the young man. it was a symbol of the young man¡¯s dream of traveling the world with a sword.


    zhu shan naturally did not know the origin of the bamboo sword. even qin qianqiu and wang qinhe, who were in the carriage far away, had no impression of this broken bamboo sword.


    they could not associate the broken bamboo sword at the young man¡¯s waist with the centuries-old sword of the legendary figure of the great zhao


    dynasty.


    therefore, when zhu shan released the surging qi blood that had been smelted into a pill, his mental power was locked onto the ink pool sword in an le¡¯s hand, observing and predicting an le¡¯s next move.


    however, zhu shan, who had been locked onto the ink pool sword, suddenly realized that it had disappeared. like a ball of thick ink, it fused into the pitch-black night and disappeared without a trace. it disappeared in front of his eyes and under his mental power!


    a threatening feeling that made his hair stand on end instantly surged into his heart!


    where was the sword?!


    a gust of wind blew, and sharpness appeared out of thin air!


    stars sprinkled down from hundreds of thousands of feet and splashed in front of zhu shan. a sword light appeared from the darkness with starlight.


    the tip of the sword, the body of the sword, the hilt¡­ a complete sword appeared out of thin air and swept over!


    like a black bolt of lightning, it crossed the endless night!


    it was too close!


    only when the sword approached did zhu shan realize that in an instant, the threat of death had spread to every part of his mental power!


    his muscles seemed to have stiffened under the horror of death!


    however, zhu shan did not give up just like that. he wanted sir to leave lin¡¯an safely. how could he be defeated the moment he attacked? then what was the point of him coming here to fight for sir?


    instead, it would put him in a dilemma!


    with a low roar, like the venting of a wild beast at the end of its rope, the perfectly round qi blood inner core in zhu shan¡¯s dantian spun at high speed, squeezing out and pushing out a majestic qi blood force from every corner of his body!


    his burly body and knotted muscles suddenly swelled at this moment. his skin, muscles, and spirit bone exploded with strength and forcefully twisted his body, twisting his knotted muscles like a fried dough twist!


    pfft!! !


    the unexpected ink pool sword passed through zhu shan¡¯s shoulder, bringing with it a spray of blood. it cut open zhu shan¡¯s skin and flesh, accompanied by the sword cry and the sword cry of cutting blood beads, cutting off a corner of the bamboo hat on zhu shan¡¯s head!


    zhu shan¡¯s qi blood burned like flames as his legs stabbed into the limestone, causing the ground to crack. his body spun before stopping.


    the ink pool sword returned to the white-robed youth¡¯s side with a sword light and floated quietly.


    zhu shan panted heavily, beads of sweat rolled down his forehead, and his eyes were bloodshot.


    he was a martial artist at the third realm of body tempering who had his qi blood fused into an inner core. however, he could not use his qi blood advantage at all and was suppressed in the confrontation.


    the ink pool sword was like a poisonous snake in the night.


    ¡°sword control? spirit refinement shedding mortality?!¡±


    zhu shan looked at the young man in disbelief.


    however, an le did not respond to him. since zhu shan had made his decision, he had to be responsible for his own decision.


    an le raised his hand and tapped the ink pool sword lightly. in an instant, a gust of wind blew past, and the ink pool sword disappeared into the night again.


    it was like a top-notch assassin, waiting for the opportunity to kill him in one strike.


    ¡°no, your mind hasn¡¯t entered the shedding mortality realm. it¡¯s at the embryonic breath realm like mine. this isn¡¯t sword control!¡±


    zhu shan took a deep breath, his body began to move again.


    under the skin, every pore seeped out a misty qi blood, turning into an intertwined blood python. it surrounded it at high speed and controlled it with mental power, constantly guarding against the ink pool sword that stabbed out from the darkness.


    zhu shan understood that he had to get close to an le and suppress him with his body tempering cultivation of a higher realm!


    an le¡¯s body tempering cultivation had only broken through to the second realm at the foot of the sixth mountain. once he got close, he had the confidence to kill an le!


    qi blood clung to the broad-faced saber, and zhu shan¡¯s mind was stimulated like a taut string by the ink pool sword hidden in the darkness.


    zhu shan moved. the limestone under his feet exploded, and his body pulled up a blood mist as he charged towards an le.


    an le¡¯s white clothes fluttered as he raised his hand and gently pressed down. his mental power was like a wisp.


    a breeze blew and the sword qi approached!


    in an instant, starlight scattered as the ink pool sword appeared again!


    it was like an artist tapping a drop of ink on a piece of white paper.


    it was extremely crafty as it appeared beside zhu shan¡¯s neck. sharp sword qi spat out and instantly broke through zhu shan¡¯s blood qi.


    the strength of an le¡¯s mind was already infinitely close to the third realm of spirit refinement. this was something zhu shan had not expected. this pressure made him feel cold all over.


    with a furious roar, zhu shan continued to run.


    the smelted inner core qi blood that he intertwined on the surface of his body squeezed out with a bang and transformed into a flood dragon python that roared as it charged towards the ink pool sword.


    it wanted to flush the ink pool sword away!


    however, an le¡¯s mental power surged. the world seemed to be filled with dense thread-like sword qi, like a thread controlling the ink pool sword.


    an le pressed his palm down.


    the ink pool sword trembled and the speed of the stab suddenly increased!


    a clear sword cry burst forth!


    at this moment, the sword cry was like the neigh of a wild horse in the grassland!


    the horse¡¯s hooves landed and exploded the void!


    zhu shan¡¯s pupils constricted. he felt like a pitch-black wild horse was charging at him arrogantly!


    it was so fast that it exceeded his mental power perception.


    the ink pool sword was the sword of painting and calligraphy. an le drew the galloping horse painting and nurtured the sword qi of the ink pool sword, which contained the meaning of galloping!


    the sword qi fused with the painting and actually produced an unprecedented phenomenon!


    zhu shan¡¯s hair stood on end. even with his qi blood inner core cultivation, he could not dodge that strike.


    the qi blood flood dragon python was killed!


    his skin was torn open and blood gushed out!


    however, zhu shan¡¯s eyes were red and he did not care. in his fiery eyes, there was only the young man bathing in starlight in the night!


    ¡°kill!!!¡±


    his neck was pierced by the ink pool sword, his blood vessels were cut, and blood surged!


    however, an le¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly.


    the flesh on zhu shan¡¯s neck was like refined iron that stuck to the ink pool sword!


    boundless strength exploded with a bang. with the ink pool sword stuck in


    zhu shan¡¯s neck, he took a few large strides and shattered the limestone with every step. like a ferocious bear in the forest, he finally approached an le. the pressure of the qi blood inner core realm smashed down like a mountain!


    the broad-faced saber in his hand slashed out fiercely.


    this was a saber move that had fused all his belief, qi blood, fighting spirit, and hope!


    however, a tattered bamboo sword with a splash of blood pierced through the tip of zhu shan¡¯s back. then, with an invincible aura, it shattered a circle of energy ripples that wanted to blow up the clouds!


    collapsing sword force!


    the bamboo sword pierced through his body and shattered zhu shan¡¯s inner core which was refined from qi blood. it also enveloped all of zhu shan¡¯s qi and strength.


    the saber slashed down weakly, but an le gently slapped it away.


    accompanied by a muffled sound, the saber struck an le¡¯s side, leaving a saber mark on the limestone and raising a breeze.


    zhu shan¡¯s burly body had a huge hole in it. he leaned on his saber as blood flowed from his mouth and nose. blood tears flowed from his eyes as he looked at the young man in front of him with a complicated and guilty expression.


    ¡°young master an¡­ please¡­ please forgive zhu shan¡¯s offense.¡±


    an le looked at zhu shan with a hint of sorrow and relief in his eyes.


    ¡°you and i are both nobodies. we¡¯re like mayflies in this world. we can¡¯t control anything. ¡±


    ¡°but in this world, there will always be someone worthy of you risking your life for.¡± an le said.


    ¡°young master an¡­ i¡¯m sorry. i just want sir to live.¡±


    ¡°sir once saved me from danger. now, i want to do my best¡­ to let him return to the place where his dream started.¡±


    ¡°this¡­ is all i can do.¡±


    as zhu shan coughed up blood, he said that he did not blame an le. if he wanted to kill an le, what was there to complain about?


    he was blaming qin qianqiu, the young master of the qin residence who had forced his master to his death. if his master lost his value, he would be abandoned.


    an le did not say anything else. all of this was zhu shan¡¯s choice, but in fact, zhu shan had no choice. qin qianqiu had asked him to kill an le. how could a small fry like him have any choice with the words of such a benefactor?


    the bamboo sword returned and the ink pool sword was slowly drawn out. it also returned to an le¡¯s side. both swords were not stained with blood.


    zhu shan¡¯s body was bathed in blood, his vision began to blur.


    holding his saber, he stood rooted to the ground. the starlight was dazzling, and the moonlight was as cold as frost.


    zhu shan raised his head and looked at the end of the long street.


    in the night, the gray fog was hazy, as if there was no hope ahead.


    in front of him, the past seemed to have appeared like a painting.


    he saw that he had once killed his enemy with a saber and was thrown into the black office¡¯s prison. when there was no hope, sir came like a shooting star and saved him with a smile.


    he had driven the carriage that brought sir to qingzhou to challenge all kinds of talents. he had watched ten battles and saw sir rise. what a genius.


    he saw the carriage leave qingzhou for lin¡¯an and walk past the mountains and rivers. sir touched his sword and sang loudly. he raised his whip and sang along.


    he saw that the man in the carriage was smiling, and so was he on the shaft.


    he saw¡­


    he would never see it again.


    the long journey should be filled with sorrow at the end of spring. the last night was still a dream.


    a regretful sigh came from the burly coachman.


    ¡°sir, zhu shan can¡¯t drive you back to qingzhou.¡±


    in the small estate, there were flowing goblets and winding water.


    a small silver sword floated in front of luo qingchen. his mental power was like the sea, and the sword qi was like frost, washing away the dust on his dao heart.


    suddenly, his heart trembled.


    there seemed to be a sigh wrapped in the cold spring night wind.


    he suddenly opened his eyes, and there was a hint of sadness in his eyes.


    he suddenly stood up and looked in the direction of the long street, clenching his fists.


    the small silver sword wrapped around his body like a snake.


    he soared into the sky and flashed towards the long street in the distance like a madman..

 Chapter 55 - Chapter 55: Severing My Dao Heart Today, Never Pursuing the Great Dao Again

    chapter 55: severing my dao heart today, never pursuing the great dao again


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    a silver sword beam lingered around luo qingchen¡¯s body. his figure escaped


    out of the residence, and his majestic mental power and qi blood intertwined,


    galloping like lightning behind the clouds.


    the burly coachman, zhu shan, accompanied him out of qingzhou. when he was happy, zhu shan was still around. when he was disappointed, zhu shan was still around.


    but this time, zhu shan might really be gone.


    today, he did not see zhu shan. he thought that the coachman was busy with something. usually, when he did not need the service, zhu shan could move freely.


    luo qingchen still remembered that zhu shan had a lover who he met at the falling flower pavilion in lin¡¯an prefecture every seven days.


    he thought that zhu shan was not in the residence and might have gone to find that lover to release his pressure.


    he was a little depressed now and was focused on grinding the dust off his dao heart, so he did not notice this. by the time he reacted, there was already a hint of disappointment in the cold night wind.


    with luo qingchen¡¯s speed, he arrived at the entrance of qingbo street in a flash.


    the sword qi lingered and slowed down. he looked at qin qianqiu, who was playing with a wine cup, and wang qinhe, who was holding the dragon spine saber.


    as if he understood something, luo qingchen¡¯s eyes trembled. he looked into the distance and saw a burly figure holding a saber. he stood in the cold wind and looked in the direction of the long street he was running towards. there was no longer any sound.


    ¡°sir, zhu shan can¡¯t accompany you back to qingzhou.¡±


    the whimpering spring night cold wind seemed to carry the echoing voice.


    luo qingchen only felt his heart sink. the huge lin¡¯an rolled up endless darkness to devour him, depriving him of the last person close to him in lin¡¯an.


    an le stood beside zhu shan in white. he raised his hand and gently closed zhu shan¡¯s eyes.


    seemingly aware of luo qingchen¡¯s arrival, he looked over calmly.


    the burly coachman, zhu shan, also brought a saber to kill him. his goal was to give luo qingchen a chance to leave lin¡¯an prefecture safely.


    from zhu shan, an le also learned that luo qingchen had rejected qin qianqiu¡¯s request and did not want to kill him.


    as for now, what would luo qingchen¡¯s attitude be when he saw zhu shan¡¯s death?


    if luo qingchen really fulfilled qin qianqiu¡¯s wish and wanted to avenge zhu shan, an le was naturally not his match now. however, when he grew up in the future, he would naturally not hold back.


    however, luo qingchen did not attack in anger, nor did he reveal any killing intent. he walked over step by step and arrived beside zhu shan. looking at the burly zhu shan¡¯s corpse, dense sorrow gradually spread out from his eyes.


    ¡°i once said that i wanted you to drive me to qingzhou in glory, but i didn¡¯t do it¡­ ¡±


    a long sigh, mixed with guilt, fatigue, self-blame, and other emotions, came out of luo qingchen¡¯s mouth.


    an le took a few steps back and gave his spot to luo qingchen.


    he remained silent.


    the forest was filled with flowing light and the moon¡¯s shadow was bright. the long street was silent and the night was clear.


    the cold moonlight accompanied by starlight sprinkled on the streets that were filled with the cold wind and the smell of blood. far away from the entrance of qingbo street.


    the luxurious carriage stopped quietly.


    the horses neighed. on the roof of the carriage, two figures stood with cold expressions.


    ¡°the coachman has failed, and luo qingchen is here. i wonder if luo qingchen will attack in anger.¡±


    qin qianqiu finished the spirit wine in his cup. dense spiritual energy bloomed from his throat along with the wine, but there was no enjoyment on his face.


    he did not care about luo qingchen¡¯s arrival at all, nor did he care about the coachman who had just been forced to die by him.


    ¡°the coachman, zhu shan, has the body tempering inner core and the strength of the spirit refinement embryonic breath, but he was almost crushed.¡±


    although the coachman, zhu shan, cultivated body tempering and the spirit refinement cultivation technique at the same level, it was indeed a little surprising to be crushed by someone who was a realm lower.


    qin qianqiu¡¯s talent in cultivation was indeed ordinary. he could not compare to his cousin, qin hua¡¯an, who had relied on his own strength to obtain the little sacred token.


    the young man in front of him, an le, also crushed him, qin qianqiu.


    the frustration brought about by this kind of cultivation genius made qin qianqiu feel inexplicably angry.


    wang qinhe stood on the roof of the car, the dragon spine saber at his waist emitting a cold light. he did not speak for a long time, and the relaxed expression he had at the beginning had long disappeared.


    the battle where an le killed the coachman made him vigilant, and the trump card he displayed terrified him even more.


    ¡°his spirit refinement is not at shedding mortality, but it can control the sword in the air and even pose a huge threat to the body tempering inner


    core¡­ ¡±


    ¡°this technique reminds me of the description of the sword technique left behind by the sacred teacher in the little sacred token.¡± wang qinhe said solemnly.


    ¡°but he only obtained the little sacred token yesterday, and he has already comprehended the secret technique in the little sacred token today¡­ what kind of talent is this?!¡±


    wang qinhe thought about it carefully and could not help but feel a chill in his body and mind.


    was this the terrifying talent of obtaining the little sacred token by himself?!


    wang qinhe had been comprehending the saber technique in the little sacred token, but he had only comprehended a little.


    perhaps soon, an le would be able to challenge him and easily defeat him.


    such a genius was growing too quickly!


    qin qianqiu looked at wang qinhe beside him and could feel the violent fluctuations in his emotions. he frowned slightly. ¡°brother wang¡­ do we need to get rid of this young man in advance?¡±


    wang qinhe¡¯s emotions fluctuated. he closed his eyes to calm himself down. he opened them again and said seriously, ¡°there¡¯s no need.¡±


    ¡°i look forward to him challenging me.¡±


    a look of surprise appeared on qin qianqiu¡¯s face. ¡°aren¡¯t you worried that he will defeat you when he grows up? if he defeats you, he will climb up the rankings.¡±


    wang qinhe took down the dragon spine saber and rubbed the blade that was covered in dragon scales with his palm. he said softly, ¡°stress is the motivation for me to continue improving. isn¡¯t this the meaning of the little sacred ranking?¡±


    ¡°those who can obtain the little sacred token are definitely not ordinary. even if they obtained it with the help of the family¡¯s resources, if their talent is not recognized, the mountain lords will not bestow the little sacred token.¡± ¡°those who obtain the little sacred token are all mediocre!¡±


    ¡°this kind of genius who doesn¡¯t rely on any family resources and enters the little sacred ranking alone¡­¡±


    ¡°if i can defeat him openly, my cultivation will definitely be greatly refined. my martial dao path will be smooth sailing.¡±


    wang qinhe¡¯s eyes flickered with fighting spirit. his palm suddenly swept across the blade, and a low dragon roar seemed to explode on the night street.


    qin qianqiu¡¯s face was full of confusion and disdain. in his opinion, it was best to get rid of threatening enemies as soon as possible. it was useless to talk about morality in the martial world. it was even more ridiculous to sympathize with geniuses.


    wang qinhe was like this, and so was his talented cousin.


    qin qianqiu narrowed his eyes. for the first time, he looked at this young man who had rejected his recruitment seriously because the young man gradually made him feel threatened.


    in the distance, an le was dressed in white. green mountain and ink pool sword floated beside him. as if sensing the gaze coming from the wind, he turned his head and looked over, his mental power drifting with the wind.


    he saw qin qianqiu and wang qinhe standing on the roof of the carriage.


    when wang qinhe saw an le looking over, he grinned. his mental power boiled in his niwan palace, and saber qi immediately erupted from the dragon spine saber, dazzling in the night.


    the dragon spine saber left his hand and was like a long dragon. he controlled it with his saber control technique and charged out from the long street, carrying saber qi as it charged at an le.


    ¡°i¡¯m wang qinhe of the little sacred ranking. hello there.¡±


    wang qinhe stood on the roof of the carriage and laughed.


    the dragon spine saber slashed over with saber qi. it was not mixed with any killing intent, and its target was not an le, but the ground beside him.


    this slash was only to establish his might.


    an le watched calmly as the ink pool sword and green mountain floating around him moved slightly.


    however, a hand brazenly stretched out and grabbed the dragon spine saber. the majestic and boiling saber qi on it was directly obliterated, and the mental power attached to the saber was severed.


    in the distance, wang qinhe¡¯s face darkened. ¡®my saber!¡¯


    the saber qi stirred up waves and whistled. luo qingchen faced zhu shan¡¯s corpse expressionlessly, his heart filled with guilt.


    he did not even look up and only reached out to grab the dragon spine.


    holding the saber, he slowly turned around.


    he glanced at an le. ¡°although you killed zhu shan, i don¡¯t blame you. however, your sword is stained with zhu shan¡¯s blood after all. i won¡¯t forget it. when you reach the fifth realm one day, i¡¯ll definitely come and find you openly and fight to the death.¡±


    ¡°of course, if there¡¯s still a chance.


    when an le heard this, green mountain and ink pool sword landed. he placed the swords on his waist and said calmly, ¡°i¡¯ll wait for you.¡±


    luo qingchen smiled bitterly. ¡°from the moment i accepted prime minister qin¡¯s eastern sea heart cleansing pearl to wash away the dust in my dao heart, my future was lost. in the eyes of many people, i can no longer be called a genius.¡±


    ¡°the dust washed away by external objects can¡¯t be washed clean in the end, leaving only a stinky smell.¡±


    luo qingchen sighed and looked up. the cold moonlight shone on his face that was gradually climbing up the years.


    he was no longer the high-spirited young prodigy from qingzhou.


    his gaze was fixed on qin qianqiu.


    ¡°young master qin, luo qingchen has been working for your family all these years. it can be considered repayment.¡±


    ¡°¡®l¡¯ne eastern sea heart cueansmg pearl once nelpecl me wasn away tne dao heart dust.¡±


    ¡°then i, luo qingchen, will sever my dao heart today and no longer seek the great dao. it doesn¡¯t matter if i win or lose. i just want to feel relief.¡±


    as soon as he finished speaking, luo qingchen raised his hand and a wisp of sword qi gushed out, pouring into his glabella.


    at this moment, everyone on the long street seemed to hear the sound of something shattering.


    his dao heart was illusory, but luo qingchen slashed it with his sword.


    no one knew if he had severed it or not.


    if luo qingchen said that he would, it would happen. no one doubted him.


    ¡°since the debt has been repaid, let¡¯s talk about the other issue.¡±


    luo qingchen¡¯s face was pale, but he was relaxed.


    his hair and confucian robes fluttered in the wind. he slowly took a step forward, and his figure went from walking to running. in the end, he moved like lightning behind the clouds and threw out the dragon spine saber. like a tidal wave in the dark night, he slashed at qin qianqiu with killing intent.


    he swung his saber at the high and mighty young master of the qin residence who had forced his coachman to death.


    the coachman was a small figure. in the eyes of the benefactors, his life was light as a feather.


    however, in the hearts of people, the lives of small figures could also be heavier than mountains!


    an le¡¯s debt had to be settled.


    the debt of qin qianqiu, who forced him, threatened him, and forced his coachman to death, had to be settled too!

 Chapter 56 - Chapter 56: Heroism Lingers, Sword Qi River Blocks the Stars

    chapter 56: heroism lingers, sword qi river blocks the stars


    translator: atlas studios       editor: atlas studios


    the stars were shining brightly at night, and the lone lamp at the rock point had yet to sink.


    the night grew darker, and the wind that blew over seemed to be filled with killing intent.


    a battle between cultivators made the surrounding commoners hide in their houses. they did not dare to light the lamps or speak loudly, afraid that they would disturb the battle and be implicated.


    at the entrance of qingbo street, an le stood on the spot and looked up. he equipped the green mountain and ink pool sword at his waist and was bathed in the cold moonlight and stars. his handsome face added a hint of demonic charm.


    however, at this moment, the entire street¡¯s brilliance was gathered by the confucian-robed man with a saber.


    an le looked at it seriously and admired it.


    luo qingchen raised his sword and slashed at his dao heart. from then on, he did not seek the great dao, but only relief. this was a very shocking boldness.


    the dao heart was the convergence of a person¡¯s belief, spirit, will, and so on in pursuit of the dao. once it was severed, it would not only cut off the heart of the dao, but also the future path of the great dao.


    perhaps, with this slash, luo qingchen¡¯s cultivation would forever stop here and no longer advance.


    an le was amazed by his boldness.


    it was said that when an ordinary man was angry, blood would splash everywhere. however, if a scholar was angry, he would also be carefree and decisive.


    luo qingchen could fly into a rage over the coachman¡¯s death and cut off his dao heart in anger. he had once gone to prime minister qin¡¯s residence to use the eastern sea heart cleansing pearl to cleanse his dao heart. now, he raised his saber and attacked qin qianqiu without any regrets.


    his sense of kindness and resentment were clearly separated!


    he was not blinded by hatred and killed an le with his saber because luo qingchen knew that an le was also a victim. the real instigator was qin qianqiu.


    if he raised his saber at an le, he would fulfill the mastermind¡¯s wish.


    every injustice had its perpetrator, and every debt had its debtor. wherever the long saber went, it was looking for its debtor!


    even though luo qingchen might not be able to survive after swinging his saber this time, this qingzhou genius who had once shaken lin¡¯an prefecture might be renowned in lin¡¯an tonight!


    after severing his dao heart, luo qingchen¡¯s body suddenly shone with the peak brilliance of his previous talent!


    all of this happened too quickly, qin qianqiu was even in a state of confusion. when the sharp saber qi cut through his skin, it brought about the feeling of death.


    only then did qin qianqiu come to a realization. boundless shock, anger, and a trace of fear appeared in his eyes!


    ¡°how dare you!¡±


    ¡°insubordination!¡±


    ¡°luo qingchen, you¡¯re crazy!¡±


    qin qianqiu shouted angrily from the carriage.


    wang qinhe, who was beside him, felt his scalp go numb. luo qingchen¡¯s cultivation level had broken through the fifth realm in both paths. this was not someone he could deal with.


    wang qinhe was depressed. he had only wanted to show off to an le, his future opponent, but he did not expect luo qingchen to grab the dragon spine saber and use it to kill qin qianqiu instead.


    the treasured dragon spine saber seemed to have revived in the hands of a former genius like luo qingchen, and its clanging saber light was extremely sharp!


    it was only a mile away, but luo qingchen was running faster and faster. his sword qi, saber qi, and mental power formed a tornado!


    qin qianqiu¡¯s heart trembled. he did not expect luo qingchen to be so crazy over a coachman!


    dragons went crazy when one touched their reverse scale, but humans also had their taboos.


    in lin¡¯an, the coachman, zhu shan, was the only person close to luo qingchen. now that he was forced to death by qin qianqiu, how could luo qingchen not be angry?!


    ¡°luo qingchen, you¡¯re courting death!¡±


    qin qianqiu¡¯s expression also turned cold. after experiencing the initial shock and fear, all that was left was anger. as for his own safety, he was not too worried.


    after all, he was the young master of the qin residence, prime minister qin¡¯s favorite and precious son.


    although his talent was mediocre, he was naturally protected by the primordial spirit aura of an expert and had many defensive dharma treasures!


    luo qingchen could not threaten him.


    boundless spiritual energy, qi blood, sword qi, and saber qi rumbled. they gathered on qingbo street in the night and rushed out like a furious dragon.


    luo qingchen held the treasured dragon spine saber in his hand and kept approaching like the head of the furious dragon!


    in the distance, an le was overwhelmed with emotions and was also a little shocked. this was luo qingchen¡¯s full strength. his qi blood was blazing and his mental power was majestic. it was definitely not something he could compare to now!


    this night.


    in prime minister qin¡¯s residence, a majestic mental power suddenly revived. with a thought, it seemed to cause the stars to tremble.


    the primordial spirit of a seventh realm spirit refinement expert swept out and instantly crossed.


    ¡°how dare you!¡±


    the primordial spirit trembled and formed a powerful berating divine power!


    however, luo qingchen¡¯s expression did not change. he dragged his saber and continued to charge forward, instantly approaching.


    on the carriage, the qi blood in qin qianqiu¡¯s body also intertwined and burst out. his mental power surged. even though there were many natural treasures piled up, with his talent, he had only reached the fifth realm of body tempering and the third realm of spirit refinement.


    this was already his limit, and also the limit of those with mediocre talent.


    ¡°if a dog bites its master, it will be treated as a vicious dog. it will be beaten to death!¡±


    qin qianqiu maintained the calmness of a superior and shouted coldly. in the next moment, his protective dharma treasure was activated, and the phantom of a golden ancient bell enveloped his body.


    this was the third-grade protective dharma treasure of the lanke temple, the vajra bell!


    at the same time, the primordial spirit of the dao protector expert instantly crossed over and descended. he raised his hand and his mental power turned into a wall.


    however, the dao protector¡¯s primordial spirit suddenly revealed a shocked expression and suddenly raised its head to look at the night sky.


    it was as if an independent figure was standing on the moon. he flicked his finger and a wisp of sword qi sprinkled down, and his mental wall collapsed with a bang.


    ¡°li you¡¯an!¡±


    in prime minister qin¡¯s residence, an incredulous voice rushed into the sky and completely shattered the silence in lin¡¯an¡¯s residence.


    under this shout, all kinds of powerful mental power surged in lin¡¯an residence, as if just a name was enough to cause a tidal wave in lin¡¯an.


    on the long street, luo qingchen was stunned¡­ li you¡¯an?


    however, he quickly came back to his senses and seized this opportunity to suddenly throw out the dragon spine saber. the dragon spine saber crossed like a bolt of lightning and collided with the vajra bell.


    clang¡ª


    in the silent night of lin¡¯an, the ancient bell exploded endlessly!


    the dragon spine saber was sent flying, and the luxurious carriage under qin qianqiu instantly exploded, sending countless wood shavings flying.


    qin qianqiu, who was wrapped in the vajra bell, was sent flying a few meters away and fell to the ground.


    luo qingchen was already approaching. the silver sword light in his hand slashed down with a bang, continuously lashing at qin qianqiu, who was wrapped in the vajra bell.


    every time the vajra bell rang, it meant that qin qianqiu was hit once.


    the third-grade buddhist protective dharma treasure¡­ was indeed expensive, smelly, and hard.


    luo qingchen really couldn¡¯t break it, but it didn¡¯t matter if he couldn¡¯t break it. he just kept lashing at the vajra bell. every time he hit it, qin qianqiu¡¯s face turned paler. that was the impact on his mind when controlling the vajra bell.


    with qin qianqiu¡¯s mental strength at the third level of spirit refinement, it was too difficult to control such a dharma treasure.


    towards the end, luo qingchen even personally rode the ancient bell. his qi blood surged as he punched the bell.


    this might be an unprecedented moment of humiliation for qin qianqiu.


    he was like a dead dog being ridden on. he was pressed to the ground and beaten continuously.


    luo qingchen¡¯s fists were covered in blood. qin qianqiu, who was inside the vajra bell, was also bleeding from his mouth and nose. his mental power was weak. seeing that he could not kill qin qianqiu, who had the defense of a third-grade dharma treasure, he suddenly stood up.


    unsatisfied, he kicked again. after a muffled bell sound, he quickly retreated.


    the mental power of a seventh realm spirit refinement expert fell with a bang, wanting to capture luo qingchen.


    however, the figure standing under the moonlight flicked down another wisp of sword qi, and qin qianqiu¡¯s dao protector¡¯s mental power shattered again.


    luo qingchen took this opportunity to roll up the sword light and quickly retreat.


    on qingbo street, luo qingchen dusted off his clothes and returned to an le¡¯s side. he cupped his fists and bowed to an le. ¡°young master an, see you again.¡±


    ¡°i hope that our promise can be fulfilled.¡± luo qingchen said.


    an le, who was dressed in white, cupped his fists and bowed. he said solemnly, ¡°i¡¯ll wait for you. take care.¡±


    luo qingchen walked to the side of the coachman zhu shan¡¯s corpse and carried the burly corpse on his back. he looked up at the figure who seemed to be standing on the moon with a complicated gaze.


    ¡°thank you.¡± luo qingchen said.


    on the moonlight, legendary top scholar li you¡¯an said indifferently, ¡°look, even a seventh realm spirit refinement cultivator can¡¯t withstand a single sword qi from me. why did you waste more than ten years thinking about it?¡± luo qingchen was speechless. then, he laughed out loud. ¡°i was too obsessed.¡±


    ¡°unfortunately, it¡¯s too late.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ve wasted ten years in lin¡¯an¡­¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s time to go.¡±


    luo qingchen¡¯s laughter shook the long street. at this moment, his thoughts were clear, but it was unknown if it was because he had severed his dao heart or because of li you¡¯an¡¯s words.


    after returning to his roots, the heroism within had not been eliminated!


    luo qingchen leaped up and galloped out of lin¡¯an prefecture.


    the experts of prime minister qin¡¯s residence had already rushed over.


    on the moonlight, li you¡¯an chuckled. ¡°i¡¯m very happy to see you gain the determination to sever your dao heart today. i¡¯ll send you off personally. if you¡¯re willing, you can join my army and start as a soldier. i¡¯ll keep the position of general for you.¡±


    with that, li you¡¯an drew a line.


    the sword qi was like a river tide that stretched across the sky of lin¡¯an prefecture.


    it blocked the starry sky and all the experts who came out of prime minister qin¡¯s residence.


    in prime minister qin¡¯s residence, a powerful mental power surged like stars and sighed faintly. ¡°general li, luo qingchen injured the young master. this is a serious crime. do you really want to protect this person?¡±


    li you¡¯an sat upright behind the sword qi river, his plain clothes like snow.


    ¡°young master qin isn¡¯t dead, right? he just suffered some superficial wounds. over the years, young master qin has killed many people. i¡¯ve also heard about it in the military. if we want to settle the score, young master can¡¯t absolve himself of his sins even if he dies nine times.¡¯


    his indifferent voice was a little ethereal.


    the people from the prime minister¡¯s residence were instantly speechless. they sighed again and did not say anything else.


    there were too many things involved in li you¡¯an¡¯s return to lin¡¯an. at this juncture, they could not afford to offend him.


    the entrance of qingbo street fell silent.


    an le watched luo qingchen leave with a smile.


    he walked to the side of the road, picked up the old yellow wine, picked up the beef wrapped in oil paper, and bathed in the stars and moonlight. he equipped the green mountain and ink pool sword at his waist and walked towards the courtyard.


    as for qin qianqiu, who was wailing in pain from the beating in the distance, and wang qinhe, who silently picked up the dragon spine saber, they did not look at him again.


    stepping on the limestone road, the cold night wind blew gently on his face.


    when he stepped into imperial ancestral temple alley, he stopped in his tracks.


    in front of the courtyard door, two figures were chatting and laughing.


    one of them was the old man from the imperial ancestral temple who held a bamboo staff.


    the other person was li you¡¯an, the legendary top scholar who had just stopped half of lin¡¯an¡¯s experts with sword qi.


    an le looked at the two of them and couldn¡¯t help but weigh the old yellow wine in his hand.


    tonight, this pot of turbid wine was probably not enough..

 Chapter 57 - Chapter 57: The Immortals Laugh That I’ve Grown White Hair

    chapter 57: the immortals laugh that i¡¯ve grown white hair


    translator: atlas studios       editor: atlas studios


    the cold moonlight shone on lin¡¯an. the stars scattered, and the shadows of the figures and trees were mottled.


    luo qingchen carried zhu shan¡¯s corpse and left lin¡¯an prefecture. with li you¡¯an¡¯s sword qi turning into a river tide and stopping many experts, he did not encounter much trouble and directly left the city.


    qin qianqiu wasn¡¯t dead, but after tonight, he was destined to become the laughingstock of the entire lin¡¯an. he was pressed to the ground and beaten up, curled up in the vajra bell like an old turtle.


    this joke would last for a long time and was used by many lin¡¯an nobles as a laughingstock. the higher qin qianqiu¡¯s status was, the longer this laughing stock would last.


    for someone as prideful as qin qianqiu, such an outcome was worse than killing him.


    the experts of prime minister qin¡¯s prefecture rushed out one after another. the official factions like the lin¡¯an prefecture office and the black office also used their troops to leave the city to search.


    lin¡¯an¡¯s night was not quiet at all. it was very noisy.


    however, all of this had nothing to do with an le or the small courtyard in imperial ancestral temple alley.


    with the death of the coachman, zhu shan, and luo qingchen beating up qin qianqiu, the matter had already blown up. qin qianqiu probably wouldn¡¯t dare to attack an le again for the time being.


    the main reason was that not only had hua jiebing returned, but she had also invited legendary top scholar li you¡¯an back¡­


    the news had already spread, and all the nobles in lin¡¯an prefecture knew.


    just now, qin qianqiu had arranged for the expert guarding the city gate of lin¡¯an prefecture to stop hua jiebing. he was berated by li you¡¯an and sent to the blue wave river battlefield. he could not return unless they defeated the enemy.


    this domineering might made many nobles in lin¡¯an prefecture not dare to mess around anymore. everyone knew the purpose of such a legendary figure returning to the capital.


    the spring quarter examination was imminent, so it naturally had something to do with the storm calming in the hall examination.


    the conflict and feud between the lin residence and the qin residence might take a huge turn in the ownership of the storm calming.


    in imperial ancestral temple alley, the courtyard door opened.


    the cold moonlight shone down from the sky of the starry night, passing through the leaves of the old locust tree and scattering mottled shadows on the ground.


    in the middle of the courtyard, there was a square table. on the table was a pot of old yellow wine from yanchun, three wine cups, and a pound of beef.


    the old man of the imperial ancestral temple narrowed his eyes and sat on a chair. he drank wine and ate meat, his long eyebrows fluttering in the night wind.


    li you¡¯an, who was dressed plainly, sat in the chair as he ate beef and drank wine.


    an le was dressed in white and had the green mountain and ink pool sword on his waist. he was only drinking.


    ¡°young friend an, i saw your battle with that coachman just now.¡±


    the old man from the imperial ancestral temple made a cup of wine and put it down. he chuckled and said, ¡°everyone has to pay the price for their choice. the coachman paid the price with his life. although he was unwilling, it¡¯s not that he didn¡¯t kill you, but he was unwilling to not be able to send luo qingchen back to qingzhou.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s good that you didn¡¯t show any compassion and didn¡¯t hold back in battle.¡±


    when an le heard this, he drank the wine in his cup and said, ¡°the coachman was at the third realm of body tempering, and his spirit refinement was at the embryonic breath. his realm was higher than mine, and we know that even a lion uses its full strength to capture a rabbit. my realm was lower than his to begin with, so how could i hold back because of compassion?¡±


    ¡°if i¡¯m killed, the coachman will at most lament. just like how i lamented when he died.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m not even an expert. how can i develop the habit of being conceited?¡±


    an le spoke very solemnly and seriously.


    zhao huangting was stunned for a moment before he laughed.


    li you¡¯an, who had been drinking and eating meat, paused and looked at an le in surprise.


    ¡°well said.¡±


    li you¡¯an wiped the grease from the corner of his mouth and asked, ¡°you comprehended the secret sword technique in the little sacred token?¡±


    an le knew that he should be asking about the technique of controlling the ink pool sword in the air, sword qi draws near.


    without hiding anything, an le nodded and admitted, ¡°i gained some enlightenment yesterday.¡±


    ¡°good, you¡¯re very talented. the opportunities in the little sacred token were left behind by the sacred teacher. there are sword techniques, saber techniques, spear techniques, and so on. everyone sees and comprehends different things.¡±


    ¡°even if it¡¯s the same sword dao, you can still comprehend different techniques.¡±


    li you¡¯an chuckled.


    zhao huangting ate the meat and said, ¡°young friend an, general li was also the holder of the little sacred token back then. moreover, he suppressed that generation and sat upright at the top of the sacred mountain. today, he¡¯s eating your wine and meat. if you have any doubts about sword techniques, don¡¯t stand on ceremony and ask.¡±


    when an le heard this, his eyes lit up. ¡°senior spoke to the sacred teacher¡­¡±


    ¡°i really have a question.¡±


    li you¡¯an smiled without saying anything and gestured for an le to ask.


    an le thought for a moment and did not ask about sword qi draws near.


    instead, he asked a question that he had been holding back for a long time. ¡°emperor yuan meng is known as the number one expert in the world. then¡­


    between the sacred teacher and the yuan emperor, who is stronger?¡±


    the wind blew in the courtyard, and the leaves of the old locust tree rustled against each other. it was quiet.


    zhao huangting narrowed his eyes, and li you¡¯an fell into deep thought.


    the topic of an le was indeed beyond their expectations.


    ¡°no matter how strong emperor yuan meng is, he¡¯s just the number one expert in the mortal world.¡±


    ¡°the sacred teacher is different.


    ¡°as long as the sacred teacher is around, the heavens are the heavens, and the mortal world is the mortal world.¡±


    when an le heard this, he felt that there was a hidden meaning in li you¡¯an¡¯s words. he did not understand the deeper meaning, but he understood the direct meaning.


    emperor yuan meng was the number one expert in the world, but he was still below the heavens. as for the sacred teacher, he had jumped out of this level and was looking at the heavens and the mortal world.


    ¡°i¡¯ve finished the wine and the meat. you¡¯ve also asked your question. i should leave now. i won¡¯t disturb young master an¡¯s opportunity.¡±


    li you¡¯an stood up and brushed off his plain clothes.


    zhao huangting also smiled and stood up. ¡°you¡¯an, let¡¯s change places.¡±


    ¡°young friend an drew a horse for the fourth son of lin in the lin residence today. even from afar, i can smell the ink fragrance of the wild horse in the painting.¡±


    ¡°let¡¯s go find the yuan emperor¡¯s son-in-law and take a look at young friend


    an¡¯s painting.¡±


    zhao huangting greeted him impatiently.


    an le was instantly speechless. how could you smell that?


    li you¡¯an¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°hua jiebing praised the unyielding character of the ink bamboo you drew to me. senior also called it the wild horse frivolity in the brush. i can go and see it for myself.¡±


    an le stood up and cupped his fists at the two of them.


    li you¡¯an placed his hands behind his back, and his long hair fell unruly. he walked to the entrance of the courtyard and looked at an le. ¡°did you name the sword technique you comprehended from the little sacred token?¡±


    when an le heard this, he said, ¡°it¡¯s called ¡®sword qi draws near¡¯.¡±


    the corners of li you¡¯an¡¯s lips curled up, and his mental power immediately filled his body like starlight. a sword qi slowly gathered in the endless starlight.


    ¡°my sword technique is called thousand degrees. this sword is also called thousand degrees.¡±


    li you¡¯an caressed the sword with his palm. the sword was filled with starlight and trembled slightly. ¡°work hard to comprehend sword qi draws near. you¡¯ve only scratched the surface now. when you really grasp it, you¡¯ll have unexpected gains.¡±


    as soon as he finished speaking, li you¡¯an bent his finger and knocked. the famous sword thousand degrees suddenly turned into waning sparks and disappeared.


    then, he strode out of the courtyard.


    the old man from the imperial ancestral temple smiled and glanced at an le. ¡°young friend an, i didn¡¯t expect you to be able to draw horses as well. very good, let¡¯s talk another day.¡±


    an le bowed and sent him to the door. the old man smiled and left. the sound of the bamboo cane hitting the limestone echoed in the night alley and gradually faded away.


    in front of the imperial ancestral temple.


    li you¡¯an stood with his hands behind his back and looked at the brightly lit luxurious and majestic temple.


    the old man walked over with a bamboo cane and smiled. ¡°what do you think of this child?¡±


    li you¡¯an retracted his gaze and said, ¡°his sword talent is outstanding, and his personality is neither servile nor overbearing. from the ink bamboo, you can tell that he¡¯s proud and talented.¡±


    ¡°however, it¡¯s still unknown if he can carry your green mountain.¡±


    the old man smiled, his eyes much deeper. ¡°i can¡¯t break through the realm. when my lifespan is about to end, it¡¯s a blessing to be able to find such a young man to inherit green mountain.¡±


    ¡°the young man once said, ¡®i see how charming green mountain is, green


    mountain should be like this when it sees me.¡¯ how romantic.¡±


    ¡°i don¡¯t regret giving green mountain to him.¡±


    li you¡¯an¡¯s gaze softened. ¡°it¡¯s very romantic.¡±


    then, he frowned slightly. ¡°senior, is there no hope?¡±


    ¡°the great dao is long and the passage of time leaves a mark. if someone as strong as the yuan emperor had not broken through the ten realms, he would only be able to live for 600 years. i once held my sword heroically and knocked on the heaven¡¯s gate. but now, time is passing, and the immortals are laughing at me for growing white hair.¡±


    the old man leaned on his bamboo cane and looked at the imperial ancestral temple with waning lights. he sighed.


    ¡°it¡¯s been more than 500 years since great zhao moved south. too many people in lin¡¯an prefecture are facing the limit of their cultivation. when they¡¯re old, they¡¯re easily afraid of death. the prosperous lin¡¯an prefecture is drowning them in superficial wealth. how many thoughts have been shattered and how much heroism has been buried?¡±


    the old man turned to look at li you¡¯an. ¡°but i can¡¯t accept it. north of the blue wave river is our homeland, but we can only look at the river and miss our homeland. now, in lin¡¯an, too many people¡¯s heroic spirit and ambition have been wiped away by the prosperity. they feel that it¡¯s enough to maintain their current situation.¡±


    ¡°even that person in the heavenly profound hall has aged. he¡¯s forgotten the grievances he suffered when we moved south.¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s no turning back for lin¡¯an.¡±


    ¡°you, li you¡¯an, ye longsheng, and zhong shiji are trying your best to cross the river. i¡¯m very happy. i hope you won¡¯t be blinded by lin¡¯an¡¯s prosperity.¡±


    the old man¡¯s sigh, heartache, and warning made li you¡¯an¡¯s expression solemn as he bowed deeply.


    ¡°i once carried a broken bamboo sword to kill emperor yuan meng, but in that battle, i fought to cover the retreat. it was not straightforward enough. in a few days, i will definitely cross north of the river and seek battle from the yuan


    emperor.¡±


    the old man stroked his long eyebrows and smiled.


    li you¡¯an narrowed his eyes. ¡°that must be¡­ very satisfying.¡±


    the courtyard fell silent.


    there was an empty pot on the table, and the wine was in a mess.


    an le¡¯s mental power fell into an unprecedented silence. he cleared the table and watered the flowers and potted plants.


    then, the courtyard was cleaned up.


    he raised his hand and waved his sword fingers gently. green mountain and ink pool sword whistled out and stabbed into the trunk of the old locust tree, trembling slightly.


    an le stood quietly for a moment. the scene and details of the battle with the burly coachman, zhu shan, appeared in his mind.


    the [fearless heart] dao fruit trembled slightly.


    he exhaled like thunder, and qi blood surged out of his pores under his skin.


    the spirit bone clanged as qi blood surged. an le bathed in the stars and practiced the five animals!


    the misty blood mist turned into ferocious tigers, spirit deers, ferocious bears, cunning apes, sharp cranes¡­


    after a round of body tempering martial arts practice, a sword pool appeared in the niwan palace between an le¡¯s eyebrows, shining with starlight.


    the embryonic breath mental power slowly boiled!


    like a ferocious beast, it charged towards the third level of spirit refinement, shedding mortality!

 Chapter 59 - Chapter 59: Fairy on the Lake, Invitation to Board the Boat

    chapter 59: fairy on the lake, invitation to board the boat


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    spring had already returned. there was no wind or rain.


    the next day, at dawn.


    the warm sun had just risen.


    an le did not sleep the entire night, but he felt extremely energetic. his spirit refinement shedding mortality realm made him energetic.


    after painting for a night, he drew bamboo casually. he used the pride in the bamboo pole and the sharpness of the bamboo leaves to nourish the sword furnace between his eyebrows and gradually calm it down.


    the commotion from yesterday had already ended, and an le was not too affected. luo qingchen left lin¡¯an prefecture with zhu shan¡¯s corpse. whether he was dead or alive had nothing to do with an le, but he remembered luo qingchen¡¯s promise.


    after washing up, an le changed into a green robe. then, he wore the ink pool sword and green mountain and left the courtyard.


    after eating a bowl of beancurd at the entrance of the alley, he read and strolled towards west lake as if he was used to it.


    the spring breeze came, bringing with it the coldness of winter. when they walked to the lake, the fragrant grass was luxuriant and green.


    the color of spring returned to west lake, and the spring water was dyed green.


    along the way to qingbo street, there was a cultivation battle on the street yesterday. now, the pedestrians were in a hurry and there were no traces left.


    he was wearing a green robe with wide sleeves and two swords at his waist. perhaps because of the spirit refinement shedding mortality, he became even more handsome. his eyebrows were deep as he walked on the long street, attracting the attention of passersby.


    in the distance, an acquaintance walked over quickly. it was none other than the constable of the black office, huang xian.


    ¡°young master an.¡±


    huang xian heaved a sigh of relief when he saw an le.


    ¡°last night, there was a dispute between cultivators at the entrance of qingbo street. the young master of prime minister qin was even tortured by the former genius, luo qingchen¡­ i was afraid that young master an would be implicated. from the looks of it, young master is very good.¡±


    huang xian¡¯s expression was clearly much more relaxed. he cupped his fists and smiled.


    when an le heard this, he could sense the concern in the other party¡¯s words.


    he cupped his fists and returned the greeting. ¡°thank you for your concern,


    constable huang. although it was slightly affected, it¡¯s not a big deal.¡±


    huang xian nodded. ¡°young master an, the spring quarter examination is imminent. during this period of time, the security in lin¡¯an prefecture will be much stricter. young master qin will restrain himself a little. young master, you can rest assured.¡±


    ¡°the spring quarter examination is in half a month. i won¡¯t disturb young


    master an anymore. i hope young master an can do well in the spring quarter examination and be ranked on the list a scholar rankings. you¡¯ll get what you want!¡±


    huang xian smiled and exchanged a few pleasantries with an le before leaving with his saber and heading to the black office to work.


    an le also smiled and walked past him, reading as he headed towards west lake.


    the spring quarter examination was approaching, and the atmosphere in the entire lin¡¯an prefecture was indeed very different. among the pedestrians on the streets, there were more scholars studying.


    the scholarly atmosphere in the entire ancient city became stronger.


    he walked to the west lake and took a stroll on the white jade dike. he bathed in the spring breeze and read to calm his mind. the sword furnace between his eyebrows slowly refined sword qi and sensed the essence of the world.


    the west lake¡¯s blue waves rippled, and the flower boat gently rippled. the sound of the zither silk bamboo rose from it.


    the scholars who had talked to an le came again. when they saw an le reading alone, they greeted him from afar. one of them even came to chat.


    ¡°brother, you¡¯ve come to the west lake to admire the flowers again. you¡¯re really leisurely and elegant.¡±


    the person laughed and cupped his fists. ¡°i¡¯m a member of the liu family of


    huating. my given name is yue. it¡¯s fate that we met. may i know your name?¡±


    an le smiled and cupped his fists. ¡°my name is an le. i¡¯m from chongzhou. nice to meet you.¡±


    when the scholar, liu yue, heard this, his expression was still fervent. he smiled and talked to an le about the various charms of the girls on the flower boat.


    suddenly, exclamations came from the lakeside.


    everyone looked over and saw fairy yun rou flying over west lake on her sword and boarding the flower boat.


    fairy yun rou, whom he had not seen for a few days, finally appeared again. for a moment, the scholars and scholars by the lake were all excited.


    ¡°brother, do you know how noble fairy yun rou is on this west lake flower boat? fairy yun rou¡¯s nobleness is definitely extraordinary. we can only see her beautiful figure. even the top cultivator in lin¡¯an¡¯s extremely luxurious falling flower pavilion can¡¯t compare to fairy yun rou.¡±


    ¡°i heard that the force and benefactor behind fairy yun rou are unfathomable!¡± liu yue said in a low voice.


    when an le heard this, he smiled and nodded, not surprised. he also extracted four wisps of age qi from fairy yun rou, whom he had not seen for a few days.


    after reaching spirit refinement shedding mortality, an le¡¯s absorption of age qi from a single target increased by another wisp. as for the number of daily targets, he did not try it for the time being. he could go to the lin residence later and try it on the many young masters.


    four wisps of age qi entered his account, and an le was rather happy.


    after obtaining age qi, an le did not plan to stay long. he bade farewell to liu yue and planned to leave for the lin residence to work.


    scholar liu yue was stunned. he felt that this handsome brother in front of him was quite unique.


    he left after taking a look at fairy yun rou?


    ¡®we¡¯re scholars. how can one look be enough? shouldn¡¯t we take a few more glances?¡¯


    suddenly, in the distance, fairy yun rou stood on a flower boat with a veil on her face. her gaze moved sideways and landed on an le.


    ¡°young master, please wait.¡±


    a faint voice came from the flower boat in the middle of the lake with the sound of the wind.


    that was fairy yun rou¡¯s voice, it came with her mental power.


    ¡°my miss said that her teacher had a good chat with master an, so miss asked me to ask if master an is willing to get on the flower boat.¡±


    the maidservant¡¯s voice was like the cry of an oriole in an empty valley. her words were like a song and were rather mellow.


    an le was stunned, so was liu yue. he immediately felt a numbing sensation on his scalp, not because of fairy yun rou¡¯s maidservant¡¯s invitation, but because of the information revealed by the maidservant¡¯s words.


    master¡­ master an?


    the handsome young man beside him was master an?


    rumor had it that master an, who was good at painting ink bamboo, had the surname an, but he had never mentioned her name.


    it turned out that master an really had the same hobbies as scholars like them.


    ignoring the agitated liu yue, an le frowned. ¡°did i have a good chat with


    fairy yun rou¡¯s teacher?¡±


    who was fairy yun rou¡¯s teacher?


    an le really couldn¡¯t remember who he had chatted with during this period of time. could it be an old man from the imperial ancestral temple?


    shaking his head, an le looked up at fairy yun rou, who was standing on the flower boat. the fairy¡¯s face was covered by a veil, and her bright eyes were like the bright stars in the night sky.


    fairy yun rou nodded slightly and greeted an le.


    an le took a light breath and cupped his fists. ¡°thank you for your invitation,


    miss yun rou, but i have something on today. i¡¯ll visit another day.¡±


    rejected?!


    liu yue, who was beside an le, came back to his senses and was shocked. fairy yun rou¡¯s invitation was something that many scholars dreamed of.


    however, the person who rejected him was master an, who was now famous in half of lin¡¯an. that¡­ was understandable.


    on the flower boat, fairy yun rou smiled peacefully as she transmitted her mental power into an le¡¯s ears amidst the wind.


    ¡°it¡¯s fine. yun rou will wait for master an. after all, master an almost became my junior brother.¡±


    when an le heard this, he was stunned for a moment before his eyes lit up.


    he had once rejected the sixth mountain lord¡¯s invitation to be the mountain guardian. he had also had a good chat with the sixth mountain lord and had been given the ink pool sword.


    could fairy yun rou be the first mountain guardian of the sixth mountain lord?!


    an le looked again and saw that fairy yun rou had already entered the flower boat and was nowhere to be seen. as for his guess, he could only give up for no reason.


    however, an le¡¯s first wisp of age qi was taken from fairy yun rou, and the first wisp of molten gold age qi was also taken from fairy yun rou.


    he was indebted to fairy yun rou in terms of karma. since she had invited him, he would naturally pay her a visit when he was free.


    however, he had to go to the lin residence to work today and did not apply for leave from madam hua, so he rejected the invitation.


    an le did not stay long by west lake. he bade farewell to liu yue, who was beside him.


    liu yue was flattered and hurriedly bowed in return.


    an le smiled and walked past the sea of people with green mountain and ink pool sword by his waist.


    when liu yue looked up, master an, who was famous in lin¡¯an prefecture, had already disappeared without a trace.


    after a spring rain baptism, the spring scenery in lin¡¯an residence was brand new.


    the willows by the road were blowing in the wind. flowers and branches extended out of the wall of the tall courtyard, blooming with the aura of spring.


    an le crossed jing street and arrived at the entrance of the lin residence. the maidservant, liu xiang, who had been waiting for a long time, opened the door.


    ¡°young master an.¡± liu xiang pursed her red lips and looked at an le shyly.


    she knew that an le would come to the lin residence every day and would wait in front of the residence in advance to open the door for young master an. an le smiled and thanked miss liu xiang.


    miss liu xiang bowed and said, ¡°a guest came to the residence today. first madam specially instructed that if young master an comes, she would invite


    young master to the heavenly wave water pavilion to meet the guest.¡±


    when an le heard this, a hint of surprise appeared on his face. he smiled and said, ¡°then please lead the way, miss liu xiang.¡±


    liu xiang covered her mouth and smiled. she led the way in the direction of the heavenly wave water pavilion.


    after arriving at the heavenly wave water pavilion, liu xiang stopped. after an le bowed, he stepped up and crossed the white jade stone bridge to arrive at the main hall of the water pavilion.


    the main hall was extremely lively.


    sitting at the main seat was madam hua. today, madam hua was wearing a purple gauze dress, and her black hair was spread out. she was chatting and laughing with a woman who was equally graceful and noble.


    below him sat a tall and sturdy figure with a straight back. an le had seen him before. it was ye chong from the ye family who had ascended the sixth


    mountain that day.


    ye chong, who was filled with vitality and bravery, seemed to have noticed an le¡¯s gaze and nodded slightly as he cupped his fists.


    an le bowed in return.


    on the other side, lin qingyin and lin zhuifeng were talking to two beautiful figures. an le looked over and saw that one of the beautiful figures was ye


    wenxi, who had bathed in the spring rain and followed him up the mountain.


    the other girl looked a little similar to ye wenxi, but she was more heroic and lively.


    when ye wenxi saw an le, she nodded dignifiedly.


    at the main seat, madam hua, who was chatting happily with madam ye, looked at an le.


    she was stunned when he saw it. shock and surprise appeared in her eyes.


    the sword furnace between his brows released his mental power. this was a spirit refinement shedding mortality phenomenon.


    when did this kid¡­ breakthrough the embryonic breath realm?!

 Chapter 65 - Chapter 65: Savoring the Mortal Life, Green Mountain Once Touched the Immortal Blood

    chapter 65: savoring the mortal life, green mountain once touched the immortal blood


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    the setting sun gradually disappeared, and the darkness was like ink that was dyed. it was like a bright moon and dazzling stars hanging in the night sky. the carriage drove into lin¡¯an prefecture and headed towards the lin residence.


    an le had not returned to imperial ancestral temple alley and had also followed the carriage to lin residence. madam hua had fought for a chance to view the martial chief stone for him. now that he had returned, he naturally had to visit her.


    apart from that, an le also had a question to ask.


    ye wenxi, lin qingyin, and an le alighted from the carriage. the well-rounded maidservant beside madam hua, xi xiang, was all smiles as she brought the three of them to the heavenly wave water pavilion.


    madam ye had already bade farewell and returned to the residence first, leaving madam hua sitting alone in the water pavilion, holding a candle lamp and reading.


    the moonlight and starlight reflected on the large pool, and the shadows of the trees in the water pavilion were mottled. it was quiet and elegant.


    everyone entered the main hall of the water pavilion. after ye wenxi and lin qingyin greeted madam hua, they left one after another.


    after ye wenxi and lin qingyin left, madam hua raised her eyes and swept them over. she looked at the young man covered in moonlight and whose spirit bone was as dazzling as a star god.


    ¡°qi blood has gathered internally. looks like you¡¯ve gained a lot from the martial chief stone.


    madam hua closed the book and chuckled. ¡°did you obtain the martial scripture?¡±


    an le did not hide anything and told her about obtaining the help of the martial chiefs to deduce the five animals.


    ¡°oh? that¡¯s a different opportunity. you entered body tempering by cultivating the five animals. now that you can continue cultivating the five animals, it¡¯s naturally most suitable for you. using the will of the ancient demons to evolve the five animals¡­ the grade of this new five animals is not inferior even if it¡¯s not as good as the martial chief scripture.¡±


    madam hua praised.


    ¡°your shortcomings in body tempering can be considered to have been made up.¡±


    an le cupped his fists and bowed. he said sincerely, ¡°thank you, madam hua, for giving me a chance to view the martial chief stone.¡±


    madam hua smiled and said, ¡°it¡¯s not difficult for you to view the martial chief


    stone. i have a good relationship with madam ye. to her, it¡¯s nothing.¡± ¡°it¡¯s rare for you to obtain an opportunity from the martial chief stone.¡±


    ¡°although this opportunity is thanks to the help of green mountain¡¯s sword qi,


    green mountain now belongs to you. it¡¯s understandable for you to obtain


    green mountain¡¯s help.¡±


    madam hua nodded slightly. ¡°now that your qi blood has gathered, your martial arts cultivation has improved greatly during this trip to the martial


    temple. seize this opportunity to consolidate it and break through to the body tempering inner core realm.¡±


    ¡°the spring quarter examination is in half a month. it¡¯s very beneficial for you to be able to step into the inner core before the spring quarter examination. if you¡¯re free in this half a month, come to the lin residence to paint. if you¡¯re not free, study hard and prepare for the spring quarter examination.¡±


    when an le heard this, he first thanked madam hua for the leave. then, he thought for a moment and mentioned, ¡°madam hua, i heard from madam ye today about the hall examination contest for storm calming¡­¡±


    in the water pavilion, a gentle breeze blew.


    madam hua raised her head and her beautiful eyes landed on an le. she shook her head gently. ¡°just do your best in the spring quarter examination. don¡¯t be too burdened. although you have the little sacred token and have to become the top scholar to meet the sacred teacher, your cultivation level is still shallow. the chances of the spring quarter examination this time are not high, but you can wait for the spring quarter examination in the future.¡±


    ¡°as for the hall examination, you don¡¯t have to think too much about it. it has nothing to do with you.¡±


    as soon as madam hua finished speaking, the water pavilion fell silent.


    an le did not ask further.


    just as an le had always believed, a drop of water should be repaid with a spring. madam hua had helped him a lot on the path of cultivation. if he had the chance to help madam hua, an le would naturally do his best.


    ¡°consolidate your gains from observing the stone this time. go back. i¡¯m tired.¡± madam hua said softly.


    an le did not disturb her further. he bowed and bade farewell before leaving the lin residence with xi xiang.


    under the spring night, the heavenly wave water pavilion was quiet and cold. the large pool reflected the starlight and moonlight in the sky, and a corner of the octagonal heavy eaves of the waterdrop heavenly wave pavilion was vaguely revealed.


    madam hua exhaled softly. the closer the spring quarter examination was, the closer she was to leaving lin¡¯an.


    the starlight suddenly fell with the white dew, shooting back at the cold light of the northern dipper.


    the moonlight shone on the stone tablet archway of the lin residence, creating a cold diagonal shadow.


    an le turned around and looked at the heavenly wave pavilion that had jumped out of the lin residence. then, he turned around and left jing street.


    although it was already late today, he still went to yanchun as usual. the tavern in the alley was still open for business. customers came and went, and it was quite lively.


    the shopkeeper of the tavern was a middle-aged woman who still had a charm. time had added a few wrinkles to her face. when she saw an le step into the tavern, the female shopkeeper had a deep impression of this extraordinarily handsome young man.


    she could not help but ask with a smile, ¡°sir, the usual order?¡±


    an le smiled gently and nodded. ¡°a pot of old yellow wine.¡±


    the female shopkeeper personally poured wine for an le and opened the lid. bamboo scooped the wine and a strong fragrance spread.


    an le took the old yellow wine that the female shopkeeper had prepared and paid before leaving.


    the female shopkeeper behind him looked at him for a long time. when a guest called for the wine to be served, she cursed as she poured the wine.


    an le carried a pot of wine and smelled the laughter in the tavern behind him. he bathed in the starlight and left.


    a pot of wine and a stack of meat.


    people came and went, leaving others behind.


    it was the life of the mortal world.


    after leaving the alley, yanchun stepped straight onto qingbo street and headed for the imperial ancestral temple alley.


    qingbo street was very cold at night, and the liveliness was all on imperial street.


    an le was dressed in green clothes and had green mountain and ink pool sword on his waist. he carried a pot of old wine and walked slowly. he bathed in the cold wind of the spring night and felt a little calm.


    the qi blood in his body surged secretly, causing him to not feel cold at all. his body, which had been tempered by the green mountain sword qi and the martial chief stone¡¯s qi blood, contained boundless power and vitality.


    suddenly, an le stopped and looked up. at the entrance of qingbo street, a figure stood quietly. the moonlight and starlight were all on him, and he was refreshed. he was independent and looked like an immortal who did not belong to the mortal world.


    even an le was surprised by the other party¡¯s handsomeness and otherworldliness.


    the long street was quiet, leaving only the two of them looking at each other from afar.


    an le knew that the other party was here to look for him. otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have waited at the entrance of qingbo street.


    however, what puzzled an le was when he provoked such a person.


    ¡°are you an le?¡±


    there was a gentle smile on his face that made people feel like they were bathing in a spring breeze. the man¡¯s dark eyes looked over curiously.


    ¡°i¡¯m an le. may i ask who you are¡­¡± an le cupped his fists and bowed.


    the man¡¯s hair fell loosely. he raised his eyes slightly and cupped his fists. ¡°my surname is zhao, and my name is xianyou. you can call me zhao jiu.¡± eh? zhao xianyou?


    an le was stunned. the number one on the little sacred ranking, zhao xianyou?


    when fourth master lin gave the little sacred ranking to him, he had once asked who zhao xianyou was. fourth master lin said that he was the ninth


    prince of great zhao, the peerless figure who attracted immortals to leave the heavenly gate when he was born and the old celestial master of true martial shrine rode a crane down to bless him.


    an le frowned slightly as if he could not understand why such an existence wanted to see him.


    could it be that he wanted to rope him in?


    zhao xianyou looked at an le and shifted his gaze. when he saw the green mountain and ink pool sword on an le¡¯s waist, his gaze shifted again and landed on the pot of old yellow wine in an le¡¯s hand.


    ¡°wine?¡± zhao xianyou asked despite knowing the answer.


    an le brought up the old yellow wine. ¡°it¡¯s the old yellow wine of a small tavern in yanchun. it¡¯s common wine. i¡¯m afraid your highness isn¡¯t used to it.¡±


    ¡°just call me zhao jiu. don¡¯t call me your highness,¡± zhao xianyou said softly.


    then, he asked, ¡°can i have a drink?¡±


    an le was speechless. he looked at the other party¡¯s blinking eyes and his otherworldly temperament dissipated a little.


    ¡°of course.


    ¡°if you don¡¯t mind, we can sit in the small courtyard.¡±


    ¡°i wonder if my old friend is still around today.¡± an le smiled and walked towards qingbo street.


    when he passed by zhao xianyou, the latter naturally walked side by side with an le.


    dressed in a green robe and bathed in the moonlight, the two of them strolled into imperial ancestral temple alley.


    when he passed by the dim imperial ancestral temple, zhao xianyou stopped and bent his back slightly. then, he followed an le into the imperial ancestral temple alley.


    there was no one waiting at the entrance of the small courtyard. an le understood that the old man from the imperial ancestral temple would probably not come to freeload tonight.


    he unlocked the door and pushed it open. the creaking sound broke the silence of the courtyard. the old locust trees in the courtyard cast mottled shadows that rustled in the spring breeze at night.


    ¡°young master jiu, please.¡± an le said.


    zhao xianyou was stunned. he narrowed his eyes as if he liked this form of address.


    an le brought out a small table, a small chair, and two cups.


    zhao xianyou didn¡¯t mind and sat opposite an le on a small chair.


    after heating up the old yellow wine, he took out a cup and poured it for zhao xianyou. the two of them raised their cups and drank silently.


    zhao xianyou drank it all in one gulp. his eyes lit up slightly as he smacked his lips. ¡°although there¡¯s no spiritual energy in the wine, it has a special taste. i¡¯ve never drunk it before. it has a different taste.


    ¡°maybe it¡¯s the taste of the mortal world?¡± an le looked at the immortal-like zhao xianyou and said jokingly.


    zhao xianyou was stunned. then, he pursed his lips and smiled. ¡°i have to drink another cup.¡±


    an le didn¡¯t say anything else and poured the wine.


    another cup, one cup after another. how many cups were drunk?


    the pot of old yellow wine was quickly finished. an le only drank two to three cups. the rest fell into zhao xianyou¡¯s stomach.


    ¡°although the wine is ordinary, the more i drink it, the more delicious it tastes.¡± zhao xianyou narrowed his eyes and recalled the taste.


    an le only felt that this ninth prince, who was known as an immortal who had descended to the mortal world, was really interesting. ¡°i buy a pot of old yellow wine every day. if you like it, you can come to my small courtyard to sit when you¡¯re free.¡±


    zhao xianyou stood up and his hair fluttered in the wind. ¡°you said that. i¡¯ll remember it.¡±


    ¡°this wine has to be matched with the sauced beef in dingya alley. it tastes better,¡± an le said.


    zhao xianyou chuckled and looked up at the moon. then, he looked at an le and cupped his fists. ¡°can i take a look at green mountain?¡±


    ¡°someone once said that i¡¯m not worthy of green mountain. i was unconvinced. today, i saw young master an wearing green mountain on his waist and was curious, so i came to take a look.¡±


    an le sat on the chair and looked at zhao xianyou, who was bathed in the moonlight.


    he did not reject the other party¡¯s request and gently patted the green mountain at his waist.


    sword qi draws near!


    the broken bamboo sword green mountain suddenly shot out, turning into a ray of light that tore through the night and stabbed towards zhao xianyou.


    zhao xianyou placed one hand behind his back and raised the other. his five fingers were like divine spears that pierced through the sky as he grabbed at green mountain.


    however, just as his five fingers were about to grab the broken bamboo sword, he vaguely saw drops of blood dripping from the surface of the broken bamboo sword.


    every drop of blood seemed to come from the same source as him!


    like a hook, his five fingers turned into a finger and gently knocked on green mountain.


    with a crisp sword hum, green mountain swept out diagonally and stabbed into the trunk of the old locust tree in the courtyard. the sword body and hilt trembled slightly.


    zhao xianyou¡¯s brows were filled with disappointment, but he also felt relieved that his doubts had been resolved.


    he suddenly understood why his old uncle said that he was not worthy of this sword.


    it was all because¡­


    the bamboo sword green mountain had once knocked on the heavenly gate and got stained with the immortal¡¯s blood..

 Chapter 66 - Chapter 66: Body Tempering, Spirit Refinement, Reading, Meeting the Demon Lady Again

    chapter 66: body tempering, spirit refinement, reading, meeting the demon lady again


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    the night was boundless, and the stars were like flying shuttles.


    it was as dark as ink, and the moonlight was thin and cold.


    in the small courtyard, the quiet ninth prince, zhao xianyou, had already left.


    an le sat quietly on the small chair with a contemplative expression on his face, as if he was thinking about the ninth prince¡¯s motive for looking for him. was it really as simple as drinking?


    just as qin qianqiu had once tried to recruit him, an le originally thought that this ninth prince would also recruit him as an advisor. unexpectedly, the other party seemed to be just here to drink and observe green mountain.


    perhaps the other party knew that green mountain had released sword qi in front of the martial chief stone. that was why the other party had come to visit green mountain. seeing that green mountain was not suitable, he did not force it and did not snatch it.


    an le admired the ninth prince¡¯s carefree attitude and elegance.


    although his otherworldly temperament seemed to be very difficult to approach, after drinking a cup of yellow wine, they were still chatting happily.


    in this world, having one more friend was better than having one more enemy.


    an le stood up and cleaned up the mess. he moved the flowers and potted plants to a corner and stood in the courtyard. he swiped his sword at the ink pool sword at his waist. the ink pool sword swept out and stabbed into the old locust tree.


    now, there were two sword pits on the old locust tree. one belonged to the ink pool sword, and the other belonged to green mountain. it could be considered that when he was practicing the five animals, the two swords had a place to settle down.


    an le did not make additional holes. after all, he was afraid of stabbing the old locust tree to death.


    standing in the middle of the courtyard, an le took a deep breath. with a thought, a light screen appeared in front of him.


    [name: an le]


    [age qi: o wisps]


    [age dao fruit: thousand-year genius (molten gold age qi 0/2 wisps, 25/100 wisps), innate swordsman (3/100 wisps), collapsing sword force (5/10 wisps), trance, fearless heart, demon tempering treasure jade]


    [cultivation technique: sword waterfall diagram (1 wisp), qi drawing breathing technique (1 wisp)]


    [skill: ancient demon five animals scripture (21 wisps), zhao zu¡¯s long fist (incomplete) (1 wisp)]


    his eyes sparkled as his gaze landed on the skill column. the original five animals body tempering had been replaced by the ancient demon five


    animals scripture. furthermore, the augmented age qi had not changed.


    this allowed an le to accept the replacement of this technique without any obstacles.


    in the quiet courtyard, an le closed his eyes, and the qi blood on his skin began to surge!


    the demon tempering treasure jade on his waist suddenly emitted an extremely dense demon qi. the demon qi rose and wrapped around an le¡¯s body.


    under the tempering of demon qi, an le played the role of refining the five animals!


    the moment he opened his eyes, the entire small courtyard seemed to tremble slightly. as he practiced the tiger form, the scene of the ancient demon tiger appeared in front of him. slapping, pouncing, charging, smashing, and other tiger form movements became even more ferocious!


    as the demon qi refined, an le¡¯s blood qi circulated faster, surging like a river.


    his skin, meridians, and spirit bone were all enduring a huge tempering.


    vague heat waves spread from an le¡¯s body, steaming up the cold spring night!


    qi blood surged and seemed to form a vibrant demon tiger. its sharp teeth were like two sharp knives that could tear everything apart!


    as it roared, it shook off ten thousand feet of stars!


    the spirit bone emitted an explosive sound as its five fingers curled slightly. as it struck out, the qi currents seemed to be shattered, and qi blood condensed into the phantom of the demon tiger, carrying a power that shook one¡¯s mental power.


    on his body, qi blood intertwined to form a faint scripture circulation, augmented by the ancient demon tiger phenomenon.


    the demon tempering treasure jade trembled violently as the demon qi was continuously extracted. the demon qi patterns on it began to disappear one after another.


    this time, the demon five animals¡¯ practice used more demon qi than the previous times combined.


    with the enhancement of the [thousand-year genius] dao fruit, an le felt that his comprehension of the ancient demon five animals had deepened, and the scriptures on his body gradually became clearer.


    during the practice of the ancient demon five animals, his heart meridians were pumping. as they spewed out, the force was like a flood. his qi blood was constantly washed away, and the essence seeped out of his spirit bone. it was mixed with his qi blood and gathered in his dantian.


    his dantian was like a furnace, and his qi blood was like boiling fire. as his qi blood surged, it gradually condensed.


    as long as he continued to refine it, the dense blood qi would condense into a core. it meant that an le had stepped into the third realm of body tempering, the inner core condensation!


    for a moment, an le¡¯s fighting spirit was high. he wore the starry moonlight and cultivated continuously.


    in the center of the sword furnace, there was a sonorous sound. his dantian was like a furnace, and his qi blood surged!


    qingbo street, imperial ancestral temple.


    the door opened.


    zhao huangting stood with a bamboo cane in his hand. opposite him was zhao xianyou, who was dressed in luxurious clothes and had loose hair.


    perhaps because the knot in his heart had been resolved, zhao xianyou came to see zhao huangting and said a lot.


    he cupped his fists and floated into the mortal world, disappearing into the night.


    zhao huangting retracted his gaze with a strange expression. he did not expect zhao xianyou to be with an le and drink the old yellow wine with him.


    ¡°however, that¡¯s good too. a high and mighty immortal will become heartless or even heartless after being immortal for a long time. only by making one or two good friends and savoring the life of the mortal world can one maintain one¡¯s original heart and not be destroyed.¡±


    zhao huangting said calmly, his long eyebrows blowing in the night wind.


    suddenly, he thought of something. he looked at zhao xianyou¡¯s direction and let out a long sigh.


    ¡°the so-called mortal immortal is just a pitiful person.¡±


    retracting his gaze, zhao huangting narrowed his eyes and looked into imperial ancestral temple alley.


    ¡°good lord, he¡¯s gained a lot from taking a look at the martial chief stone. is this still the five animals body tempering technique? changing the mortal beasts of the five animals to ancient peerless ferocious demon beasts¡­ this group of martial temple martial artists really knows how to play. even thousand-year-old demons will cry when they see it!¡±


    ¡°if this ancient demon five animals cultivation technique is placed in the


    demon race¡¯s kun peng mountain, it will probably be considered a top-notch


    body tempering cultivation technique.¡±


    zhao huangting stroked his beard and suddenly raised his hand. sword qi flew like starlight and intertwined above the small courtyard. with the sword qi as ink, it was like a painting scroll.


    he completely suppressed the movements of an le¡¯s ancient demon five animals.


    he wanted to prevent such a commotion from attracting the attention of some experts and disturbing his peace.


    the spring rain was like a young girl¡¯s emotions. it was unpredictable. after three consecutive days of drizzle, it finally cleared up for another three days.


    six days passed in the blink of an eye.


    an le was still practicing the ancient demon five animals scripture in the small courtyard. strictly speaking, this was his first time cultivating in seclusion. as madam hua had given him a break, it was fine if he did not go to the lin residence to paint.


    therefore, for the past few days, an le had stayed in the small courtyard and used the demon qi in the demon tempering treasure jade to temper his body. he practiced the ancient demon five animals to temper his body and wanted to break through to the body tempering inner core realm!


    the entire day was arranged. he woke up in the morning to practice the five animals. even though the spring rain was pattering, he did not stop and bathed in the spring rain to practice martial arts.


    in the evening, he drank old yellow wine with the old man of the imperial ancestral temple or zhao xianyou who occasionally came to freeload. after taking a wisp of age qi, he began to sit cross-legged and visualize the sword waterfall diagram. he refined his shedding mortality mental power. sometimes, he painted to tidy his mental state, and sometimes, he comprehended sword qi draws near.


    when night fell, he held the candlelight and sat upright in front of the window. accompanied by the spring rain or the bright moon and starlight, he read for four hours. he flipped through the necessary books like ¡°literary words¡± and ¡°spring autumn¡± to prepare for the imperial examination¡¯s spring quarter examination.


    body tempering, spirit refinement, and reading. these were his tasks for the moment.


    although it had not been long since an le broke through to the second realm of


    body tempering to forge the spirit bone, an le had obtained the green mountain sword qi and the martial chief stone¡¯s qi blood to cleanse his body and make up for his original flaw.


    with the enhancement of the thousand-year genius dao fruit, an le¡¯s comprehension and talent improved rapidly!


    his dantian was like a furnace, refining qi blood and the essence of his body, making it as thick as glue. there was a faint sign of condensation. he was only a step away from forming a core.


    it could be said that an le could step into the third realm of body tempering at any time.


    another day of spring rain.


    the morning breeze blew over with a cold intent. an le came to the center of the courtyard, his qi blood surging as he practiced the ancient demon five animals. the scriptures on his body were faintly discernible.


    however, an le did not practice for long this morning. he retracted his qi blood and changed into a clean white robe. he took out the green mountain and ink pool sword from the old locust tree.


    an le opened the oil-paper umbrella and left the small courtyard.


    it was not that an le did not want to go into seclusion, but the spring quarter examination was imminent. as an imperial examination candidate who had entered lin¡¯an to take the examination, an le had to register at the gong hall today and receive his examination pass.


    if one did not have an examination pass, they would not be able to enter the examination hall of the gong hall and would lose the chance to participate in the spring quarter examination.


    there was another reason. an le had been in seclusion to cultivate body


    tempering for the past few days. other than coming into contact with zhao xianyou, who occasionally came to freeload wine, and drawing eight wisps of age qi from him, there was no more age qi.


    none of the eight wisps of age qi drawn from zhao xianyou¡¯s body were molten gold age qi. this made an le intuitively feel that his luck was bad. or could it be that zhao xianyou was too immortal and did not have any experiences?


    during this process, an le also tried to obtain age qi from the old man of the imperial ancestral temple, but he failed. this old senior¡¯s cultivation was still unfathomable.


    today, an le planned to make a trip to the lin residence after receiving the examination token. he would replenish some age qi while painting.


    after leaving the small courtyard, he walked in the imperial ancestral temple alley. stepping on the moist limestone, rain fell from the sky and dripped onto the umbrella, making a crisp sound.


    suddenly, an le stopped in his tracks. the demon tempering treasure jade at his waist trembled slightly. he sensed something and raised the umbrella curtain slightly to look up.


    at the entrance of imperial ancestral temple alley, a woman wearing rough clothes that could not hide her impressive figure was slowly walking towards the alley with an oil-paper umbrella.


    the demon tempering treasure jade that had been squeezed dry by an le at her waist kept absorbing wisps of demon qi from the woman.


    an le was slightly stunned because he realized that this woman was the squirrel demoness who had sold him the small courtyard back then.


    the woman also saw the white-robed young man walking out of the alley. she raised the umbrella curtain and took a look.


    the ancient demon phenomenon that an le emitted on the surface of his body¡­


    it made the woman¡¯s plump legs start to tremble uncontrollably..

 Chapter 67 - Chapter 67: Prejudice Is Like Evil Demons, Young Man

    chapter 67: prejudice is like evil demons, young man


    stepping into the third realm of body tempering


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    the woman had never thought that a person could change so much.


    she vaguely remembered the handsome young man who had appeared in the small courtyard under the lead of the constable of the black office, huang xian. at that time, the young man had just stepped into cultivation and his aura was as weak as a firefly.


    now that she looked at it again, the qi blood on the young man¡¯s body was so majestic that it was like boiling mountain flames. his mental power was like a divine sword that had just been unsheathed, faintly revealing a cold sword qi.


    although she was unable to determine the exact cultivation level, this oppressive pressure meant that the young man¡¯s cultivation level was no longer the same as before.


    what made the woman tremble the most was the ancient demon phenomenon on the young man¡¯s body. his qi blood was hazy and steaming, making the woman feel as if she was looking at an ancient ferocious demon tiger standing on the mountain peak and roaring at the immortals in the sky.


    the pressure from the depths of her bloodline almost made the woman unable to stabilize her body.


    facing the ancient demon tiger, how could the squirrel demon woman, who had only cultivated for hundreds of years, withstand its pressure? it was already not bad that she did not kneel down.


    although demons had transformed, they still retained some of their beast nature. the pressure released by powerful demons naturally suppressed weak demons. that was why there was a situation where tigers roared in the forest and hundreds of beasts fled.


    an le looked at the woman¡¯s trembling legs and was a little stunned. he didn¡¯t do anything.


    the spring rain fell and gathered at the edge of the umbrella, forming a bead curtain that carried the hazy and poetic aura unique to the alley.


    it was a beautiful thing for an acquaintance to meet, but this acquaintance¡¯s attitude was really strange.


    however, after some thought, an le understood that the woman was a squirrel demon. perhaps she was afraid of the remnant ancient demon pressure of his ancient demon five animals.


    ¡°why did madam return to lin¡¯an?¡± an le held the oil-paper umbrella and changed the topic with a smile to divert the woman¡¯s pressure.


    the woman held the umbrella and looked at an le in fear. she even became a little careful. ¡°young master an, i¡¯ve been back in lin¡¯an for a few days. i want to come to the small courtyard where i used to live with my husband for one last look.¡±


    ¡°i haven¡¯t gone out yet. in that case, i¡¯ll go back and accompany madam to take a look.¡±


    an le had a warm smile on his face. as he spoke, he quietly absorbed four wisps of age qi from the woman.


    the two of them walked towards imperial ancestral temple alley. perhaps it was because an le¡¯s ancient demon pressure was too strong, the woman was not willing to approach him.


    an le also knew that he had to walk in front and distance himself from the woman.


    the demon tempering treasure jade that an le had emptied at his waist trembled slightly and continuously absorbed demon qi from the woman, gradually recovering the demon patterns on it.


    the woman entered the courtyard and stood there with an umbrella for a long time. her eyes were filled with reluctance and memories.


    she did not enter the house. she only walked slowly in the courtyard and touched the potted plants that an le had taken good care of. when she passed by the old locust tree, she was stunned for a moment when she saw the sword hole with the sharp sword qi left on it. however, she did not pay much attention to it. it might not be a bad thing for the sword qi to stay in the old locust tree.


    ¡°young master an, thank you for taking care of the small courtyard so well.¡± the woman looked at an le with gratitude in her eyes.


    an le smiled. ¡°this is my first property in lin¡¯an. i feel at ease staying in the small courtyard. wherever i feel at ease, it¡¯s my home, so i naturally won¡¯t destroy it casually.¡±


    ¡°your heart is at ease. it¡¯s your home¡­ you said it so well,¡± the woman muttered. then, her eyes lit up.


    ¡°young master an, i have a question. may i ask young master for guidance?¡±


    an le smiled. ¡°madam, please ask. i¡¯m willing to do my best to clear your doubts.¡±


    the woman reached out and caught a drop of spring rain. the raindrops bloomed in her palm. ¡°young master, someone once told me that i should be kind, but there are prejudices everywhere in this world. they come from status, personality, and even race. many prejudices are even more terrifying than evil demons. what should i do in the face of this?¡±


    when an le heard this, he pondered for a moment and said slowly, ¡°people only look at things from their own perspective. they tend to favor themselves. with the thoughts of others, prejudice naturally arises.¡±


    ¡°submissiveness will only fuel prejudice and become nourishment for its growth. ¡±


    ¡°i think that if prejudice is like an evil demon, you should kill this demon and the world will naturally be clear.¡±


    an le said, ¡°madam, this is my own opinion. if you feel that it¡¯s inappropriate, you can just treat it as a joke.¡±


    the woman fell into deep thought. after a long time, she bowed to an le. ¡°thank you for clearing my doubts, young master.¡±


    an le waved his hand and smiled warmly.


    the two of them did not stay in the small courtyard for long. after the woman stared in nostalgia, she left with determination.


    he watched the woman¡¯s back disappear into the limestone rain alley with an umbrella.


    although an le knew that the woman might have a story in her mind, he did not ask.


    the prejudice in the world was like a mountain. it was even more terrifying than evil demons. how could it be easily killed?


    an le, who had read many books, had once read the ¡°demon theory¡± written by the great confucian of the literary department. there was a mention in it that ¡°demons are divided into good and evil. evil demons eat humans. one can smell their stench from a thousand feet away. good demons help people, and one can¡¯t distinguish their aura when they get close.¡±


    it meant that demons were divided into good and evil. evil demons ate humans, and the demon qi on their bodies was ferocious and smelly. one could tell that they were evil demons from a thousand feet away. good demons helped people, and demon qi mixed with human qi. it was difficult to distinguish between demons and humans in front of them.


    however, in the human world, everyone was afraid of demons. most of them did not differentiate between good and bad. if you were a demon, there would be strange gazes everywhere.


    there were demon subduing masters who specialized in killing demons. even good demons who had not done evil were born to be sinful as long as they were demons.


    perhaps this was the problem with the prejudice that the woman encountered.


    after locking the door again, an le walked out of the alley with an umbrella. the woman was no longer there.


    he came to the beancurd stall that was set up in the rain and sat under the narrow stall. he watched as people came and went on qingbo street. he ate a bowl of hot beancurd and savored the atmosphere of the mortal world.


    after eating, an le walked with an umbrella and arrived at the west lake. the


    spring quarter examination was approaching, and scholars from all over the great zhao dynasty surged into lin¡¯an, causing more people to visit the west lake.


    even though it was spring rain, the scholars and calligraphers became poetic and recited poems by the lake.


    an le arrived with an umbrella.


    liu yue¡¯s eyes lit up when he saw an le. he walked over quickly and greeted him.


    an le originally wanted to meet fairy yun rou, but he had been in seclusion for the past few days and did not come to west lake.


    while chatting with liu yue, an le waited for fairy yun rou¡¯s arrival. after waiting for a while, he felt a little regretful that she did not come.


    without waiting any longer, he turned around and walked towards gong hall.


    scholar liu yue saw this and followed.


    ¡°master an, are you going to gong hall to register and collect your examination pass? let¡¯s go together.¡±


    liu yue smiled.


    an le did not refuse.


    the gong hall was originally under the jurisdiction of the ministry of rites and merged into the literary department. it was under the jurisdiction of the


    literary department, and the address of the gong hall was also set within the literary department.


    the smoke condensed into a mist and sprinkled across the east wind.


    this was the first time an le had stepped into the literary department. black and white buildings dotted the hazy foothills.


    following the stream of scholars, they arrived at gong hall in the literary institute. there was already a long queue outside the courtyard, waiting to register and receive the examination pass.


    liu yue chatted with an le along the way, but he was not afraid of an le¡¯s identity.


    the line of people moved slowly.


    a moment later, it was finally an le¡¯s turn.


    the person in charge of registration was an old confucian scholar from the literary department. he did not even raise his head as he said indifferently, ¡°name, origin.¡±


    ¡°an le, from chongzhou¡¯s anfu county.¡± an le said warmly.


    the old scholar who was holding a pen and registering suddenly thought of something and raised his head.


    ¡°you¡¯re mr¡­ an le?¡±


    the old confucian scholar¡¯s eyes were filled with admiration for an le¡¯s youth.


    ¡°i have the chance to observe your ink bamboo and ink horse. ink painting for bamboo and horse is really unique!¡±


    the old scholar stood up and cupped his hands.


    an le smiled, but he did not know how to respond to other people¡¯s flattery. he could only cup his fists and bow.


    the old scholar¡¯s attitude naturally caused a commotion among the scholars queuing behind him.


    this young man was the famous master an in lin¡¯an?!


    after an le received the examination token, he did not stay for long. after bidding farewell to liu yue, he held an umbrella and disappeared into the spring rain under the burning gazes of many scholars.


    liu yue also attracted a lot of attention.


    after an le left, the old scholar¡¯s face returned to its cold and business-like appearance.


    prime minister qin¡¯s residence.


    in the small pond of the water pavilion, ripples appeared on the blue waves.


    between the rockery, a quiet stream flowed slowly.


    qin qianqiu sat upright in a pavilion. opposite him was an old man in luxurious clothes. the old man¡¯s face was thin, and his eyes were sharp.


    ¡°have you recovered from your injuries?¡±


    the old man took a sip of tea and placed a piece on the chessboard.


    qin qianqiu also placed his piece down and said respectfully, ¡°my injuries are fine, but i¡¯ve lost face. it¡¯s not good for me to go out again.¡±


    the old man stroked his beard and smiled. ¡°luo qingchen can¡¯t be killed. with li you¡¯an protecting him, after this person buried the coachman¡¯s corpse, he fled all the way to the battlefield of the blue wave river and entered the military camp.¡±


    ¡°i can¡¯t reach into the military camp for the time being. that¡¯s the territory of those martial artists from the martial temple.¡±


    resentment and anger flashed across qin qianqiu¡¯s face, but he quickly suppressed it.


    ¡°it¡¯s normal to be upset. this matter should be a lesson to you. don¡¯t underestimate any of your opponents,¡± the old man said again. ¡°since you¡¯ve made a move, if you can kill them, kill them with lightning speed. if you don¡¯t want to cause blood all over your body, don¡¯t give them a chance to counterattack. at the end of the road, the other party will bite off a few pieces of your flesh even if they die.¡±


    qin qianqiu nodded solemnly.


    ¡°the spring quarter examination is coming soon. i have to discuss the details with many great confucians of the literary department. there have been many things going on recently, so i can¡¯t come back often to see you and teach you. take care and think more.¡±


    the old man stood up and brushed the spring rain off his body. after saying this, he turned around and left along the long corridor.


    qin qianqiu stood up and bowed respectfully.


    after the old man disappeared, he faced the jade wave pavilion pool and let out a shaky breath.


    ¡°after this incident, i¡¯m afraid i¡¯ve disappointed father very much¡­ however, there¡¯s still a chance to make up for it. the spring quarter examination is imminent. the lin residence places its hopes on that young man, an le, and wants him to try to break out of the situation in the hall examination. in that case, i¡¯ll think of a way to take the lin residence¡¯s chess piece and make them have no hope at all.¡±


    ¡°hua jiebing used her absolute strength to protect him. in addition, there¡¯s li you¡¯an. it¡¯s really not easy to touch him. however, even if we can¡¯t kill that young man, we can destroy him¡­¡±


    qin qianqiu stood in the water pavilion with his hands behind his back. he looked at the koi in the pool and couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    as his father had said, there were many other ways to destroy a person than to kill him.


    in particular, there were many ways to destroy a famous scholar¡¯s reputation.


    an le took the examination token and did not return to imperial ancestral temple alley immediately. instead, he went to lin residence.


    the person who opened the door was liu xiang. after not seeing an le for a long time, liu xiang¡¯s eyes sparkled and a little surprise appeared on her pretty face.


    liu xiang told an le that madam hua and the young masters were not in the residence. the young masters had gone to the martial temple, so she, a


    maidservant, naturally did not know where madam hua went.


    therefore, an le did not stay in the lin residence for long. he turned around and left.


    he went to yanchun to get two pots of old yellow wine and went to ding ya alley to cut two catties of beef.


    an le stepped on the limestone and walked to the imperial ancestral temple with the peach blossoms cut off by the spring rain. he raised the old yellow wine and shouted. then, he returned to his small courtyard and waited for his old friend to come.


    he sat under the door and admired the spring rain in the courtyard.


    an le augmented the age qi he had obtained today on the [thousand-year genius] dao fruit.


    perhaps what he lacked was this bit of encouragement.


    in an instant, the dantian rumbled like a furnace.


    the spiritual energy of heaven and earth suddenly approached.


    his qi blood, mental power, spiritual energy, and physical essence were guided by an invisible force in his dantian and slowly condensed into an inner core!

 Chapter 71 - Chapter 71: Do You Know? Drink a Cup of Spring Wine (1)

    chapter 71: do you know? drink a cup of spring wine (1)


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    the white crane tore through the spring rain and flapped its wings, flying to the literary department in the human world. it was obtained by the headmaster.


    the news it brought was the change in the little sacred ranking.


    wang qinhe, 19th.


    an le, 18th.


    unexpectedly, such a sudden change happened. wang qinhe, who was at the fourth level of body tempering and the third level of spirit refinement, was actually overtaken¡­


    although the reason given was that an le, who was originally ranked 19th on the little sacred ranking, had broken through in body tempering and spirit refinement¡­ but,wasn¡¯t there still a huge gap in body tempering?


    the change and dissemination of the little sacred ranking had always been handled by the literary department, so it was the same this time.


    with the white crane as evidence, it brought about the attitude of the first mountain and also evidence of the change in the little sacred ranking.


    even though everyone had thousands of questions in their hearts, they could not deny the change in the rankings.


    the literary department, the martial temple, the lin residence, the ye residence, prime minister qin¡¯s residence, and even the huge palace in the depths of jing street had all obtained the yellow book of the little sacred ranking after the change.


    everyone¡¯s expressions were strange.


    it was not that such a situation had never happened before, but most people who were suppressed in the rankings would not be convinced. no one was willing to admit that they were inferior, let alone someone with the little sacred token..


    those who held the little sacred token all had the hope of conversing with the sacred teachers. they naturally had high hopes for themselves and were very confident. therefore, they would not be willing to fall behind.


    of course, most of the time, there would not be a change in the little sacred ranking. unless the geniuses on the rankings made a major breakthrough, there might be changes to stimulate the people on the rankings to challenge each other.


    therefore, everyone knew that with wang qinhe¡¯s temper, he would definitely be unable to calm down and challenge an le overnight.


    many people thought about it and went out with umbrellas, wanting to watch a good show.


    qingbo street, in front of imperial ancestral temple alley.


    the rainy alley was dark, and the black tiles on the eaves on both sides sprinkled down beads of droplets.


    the small courtyard in the alley was also quiet. the old locust tree silently supported its branches and leaves. among the two tree holes on the trunk, ink pool sword was still inserted. however, an le had made a straightforward painting in the house. a book-scented ink aura curled out and was absorbed by ink pool sword.


    in the room, the old man of the imperial ancestral temple held a candle in his hand. his hair was white like snow. he looked at the window in a daze, and a heroic qi that he was familiar with and yearned for rose from his body.


    accompanied by the sword cries of green mountain, the past could not help but appear in front of him.


    when he was young, he was extremely talented and was the strongest in the royal family. he traveled the world alone and entered the martial world with a sword.


    he had once held the sword and sparred with the buddha child at lanke temple, using the sword to meditate.


    he had once walked to the celestial master residence and knocked on the door ot the residence with his sword. he asked the little celestial master to spar about the dao until dawn.


    he had once barged into the kun peng mountain and chatted with the demons and flirted with the female demons.


    those years made him sigh when he recalled them now.


    in the blink of an eye, five hundred years had passed. the heroic qi of the past was now categorized as gray hair.


    from the young man, he could vaguely see his youthful appearance. he felt a lump in his throat. the past floated in his heart, making him feel sentimental.


    at this moment, when he looked at the young man, his eyes became even gentler. perhaps, other than being surprised to see his painting, he had given it to the young man because he saw a shadow of himself in the young man?


    ¡°no¡­ he¡¯s him, and i¡¯m me. everyone¡¯s lives are different. my life hasn¡¯t ended yet¡­ there¡¯s still something to do.¡±


    ¡°time is unforgiving. do you know that there¡¯s white hair at your temples? do you know? drink a cup of spring wine and stop dwelling on it.¡±


    the old man suddenly laughed, no longer dispirited.


    an le also woke up. his eyes were clear, as if a vigorous heroic qi was washing over his body. the youth¡¯s confidence and heroic qi exceeded before.


    this change puzzled the old man. then, he thought of the clear bamboo painting and saw the signature on it.


    the bamboo in his chest was not the bamboo in his eyes, and the bamboo in his hand was not the bamboo in his heart¡­ a young man producing heroic qi with a painting?


    what did he comprehend?


    the old man became more and more uncertain about an le¡¯s talent.


    with such intelligence, he shouldn¡¯t have only started cultivating at the age of 18¡­ he had wasted his initial-stage years and missed the prime opportunity to build his foundation.


    ¡°young friend an, have you comprehended something?¡±


    the old man held the lamp and smiled.


    an le smiled warmly and looked at the old man with white hair. he suddenly felt a little dazed. in the molten gold age, the old man was still a young man. he dared to challenge the number one in the world with a bamboo sword.


    and now, such a heroic qi person who had once soared into the sky had already aged, it was a pity that it had happened in vain.


    time might be the most hurtful power in the world.


    ¡°i have indeed comprehended something.¡± an le cupped his fists and bowed slightly to the old man. this bow was to thank the old man for his help in condensing the dao fruit [heroic qi attraction] with his molten gold age qi. the old man looked at an le and vaguely felt that the young man¡¯s attitude seemed to have changed. however, he did not mind.


    ¡°in this world, can¡¯t an expert like senior obtain longevity?¡± an le suddenly asked curiouslv.


    the old man stopped stroking his beard and his eyes were filled with emotion. ¡°longevity..


    ¡°difficult, it¡¯s too difficult. when one cultivates to the sixth realm, they can extend their lifespan to 300 years. then, one realm can increase their lifespan by 100 years, and the ninth realm expert can live for 600 years. however, how many people in the human world can step into the ninth realm? if they step into the tenth realm, they can continue to extend their lifespan, but they also have a lifespan limit¡­ longevity is just an illusory goal.¡±


    the old man sighed.


    when an le heard this, he could feel the helplessness in the old man¡¯s words.


    however, the helplessness in the old man¡¯s eyes quickly disappeared. his gaze landed on an le and he said earnestly, ¡°cultivators like us don¡¯t seek longevity as our goal. instead, we should aim to become stronger. when you become strong enough and surpass the world, longevity will come..¡±

 Chapter 72 - Chapter 72: Do You Know? Drink a Cup of Spring Wine (2)

    chapter 72: do you know? drink a cup of spring wine (2)


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    when an le heard this, he nodded solemnly.


    suddenly, the old man walked to the window with the lamp in his hand. outside the window, he could see the spring rain in the courtyard, but he could vaguely hear footsteps.


    his boots raised and landed, crushing the water on the ground. the sound of saber qi clanged like a bell in the night, and the sound wave came from qingbo


    street.


    ¡°this saber qi is from duke wang.¡±


    the old man raised his long eyebrows in surprise.


    then, as if he thought of something, his expression could not help but become strange. he looked at an le with a hint of interest.


    ¡°you might have been promoted on the little sacred ranking.¡±


    the old man said.


    an le, on the other hand, looked confused. he had not done anything. he had yet to challenge wang qinhe, who was ranked 18th. how did he get promoted? ¡°this time, it¡¯s not you challenging wang qinhe, but him challenging you.¡±


    the old man¡¯s face was flushed as he spoke with a smile, looking like he was watching a show.


    an le¡¯s expression returned to calm, and he had some thoughts. it was probably because he had broken through to the third realm of body tempering that the little sacred ranking had changed.


    ¡°it¡¯s rare for the little sacred ranking to change, but if the first mountain lord of the first mountain thinks that your combat strength is higher, it¡¯s nothing strange for him to raise your ranking.¡±


    ¡°most of the time, there won¡¯t be any shifts. however, those who fell in rank are naturally unconvinced. it¡¯s very common for them to issue a challenge overnight. there are also people who directly flipped and regained their ranking. after all, combat experience, combat techniques, and so on have a lot of impact. they can¡¯t be counted.¡±


    the old man smiled and said, ¡°he was originally waiting for you, a newcomer on the rankings, to challenge him, but in the end, his ranking actually fell behind you. he naturally feels embarrassed, can¡¯t sit still, and his pride does not allow it.¡±


    an le was enlightened.


    on qingbo street, billions of drops of spring rain fell from the sky and landed on the ground. they were suddenly cut into mist by the saber qi.


    a figure walked over with a saber. he was dressed in luxurious clothes and had a solemn expression.


    step by step, he stepped into qingbo street from the direction of jing street. on the cold spring night, there was only the sound of rain falling on the long street. the man¡¯s footsteps crushed everything and echoed.


    wang qinhe was depressed. in fact, anyone would be depressed.


    the little sacred ranking automatically changed, ranking a young man who had only been on the rankings for a few days above him. moreover, the young man¡¯s cultivation level was inferior to his, and he was a major realm behind him in body tempering.


    however, such a person could suppress him. if this wasn¡¯t humiliation, what was?


    those who dared to hold the little sacred token were all mediocre. he, wang qinhe, was naturally not mediocre. he also had a sense of pride.


    he stopped on the long street and looked at the empty imperial ancestral temple alley. the alley was extremely dark, and wang qinhe¡¯s heart suddenly calmed down.


    he pulled out the dragon spine saber and pressed the tip of the saber against the ground. there seemed to be a saber cry echoing, as if he was listening to a dragon¡¯s roar.


    wang qinhe bathed in the spring rain. the rain instantly drenched his clothes and gathered into threads that dripped down his chin.


    he took out the little sacred ranking¡¯s yellow book and wrapped it with his mental power before knocking it with his finger.


    in an instant, the yellow book broke through the rain and galloped towards the small courtyard in imperial ancestral temple alley. its shedding mortality mental power arrived on an object.


    in the courtyard.


    an le stood in front of the window and looked at the mind of the yellow book of the little sacred ranking that was rushing over. his expression did not change and he did not exert any pressure.


    they were both at the third realm of spirit refinement, shedding mortality, so an le was naturally fearless.


    the sword furnace in the niwan palace trembled slightly. a mouthful of sword qi spewed out and shattered the other party¡¯s mind that was attached to the yellow book. he reached out to take the yellow book and flipped to the end. indeed, he saw that his ranking had increased by one place and he had already reached the 18th place.


    the spring quarter examination was imminent, but there was actually such an improvement. an le was quite happy.


    on qingbo street.


    sensing that his mental power had been shattered, wang qinhe¡¯s expression remained unchanged. he leaned on his saber in the rainy night and his qi


    blood surged. his fighting spirit rose steadily as he opened his mouth to fight.


    ¡°wang qinhe, ranked 19th on the little sacred ranking, has fallen one place. he can¡¯t calm down. i¡¯ve specially come to challenge you tonight. young master an, are you willing to accept the challenge?¡±


    wang qinhe¡¯s fighting spirit boiled even more. his voice exploded and lingered on the long street and rain alley.


    he had once said that he wanted to wait for an le to challenge him openly. he wanted to experience what it was like to be a genius who obtained the little sacred token with his own strength.


    however, since there was a change now, it was the same if he came to challenge.


    around qingbo street, there were faint waves of mental power probing over. they were curious and wanted to see if an le had the guts to accept this challenge.


    of course, an le could refuse, but he only had one chance.


    this challenge was definitely unavoidable. those ranked last on the little sacred ranking challenged the first place. after rejecting once, they could challenge again three days later. at that time, they could not refuse anymore.


    once the challenge was accepted, there would definitely be a victory or defeat. victory or defeat had a huge impact on the holder of the little sacred token.


    not only was it an impact on his mental state, but it was also an impact on his belief.


    the shaking sound was like a cold spring breeze, shaking the leaves of the old locust tree in the silent courtyard.


    the old man held the lamp and stood at the side. he looked at an le curiously, not knowing if an le would accept it.


    an le closed the yellow book, but there was no pressure on his face.


    a heroic qi even surged in his heart. since he was above wang qinhe in the rankings, what was there to fear?


    just now, when he was observing the molten gold age, he saw the old man from the imperial ancestral temple holding the bamboo sword, slashing with green mountain three times against emperor yuan meng. his heroic qi soared into the sky.


    how could an le retreat?


    in fact, an le was looking forward to this battle. he wanted to use this battle to nurture the heroic qi in his heart.


    he had just obtained the dao fruit [heroic qi attraction] and was naturally unwilling to retreat.


    it was not that he had never fought across realms before. luo qingchen¡¯s coachman, zhu shan, was a realm higher than him in the body tempering realm back then, but an le still fought against him and won..

 Chapter 73 - Chapter 73: Do You Know? Drink a Cup of Spring Wine (3)

    chapter 73: do you know? drink a cup of spring wine (3)


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    wang qinhe was far more talented than the coachman, zhu shan, in terms of cultivation techniques. but so what?


    an le slowly closed his eyes. the scene of the old man from the imperial ancestral temple carrying green mountain and fighting emperor yuan meng appeared again. his heroic qi rushed into the sky, as if it had broken through the scene!


    at that time, emperor yuan meng had already stepped into the tenth realm and was the number one expert in the world. zhao huangting was naturally inferior, but he was still unparalleled in courage. he was not afraid and raised his sword to fight!


    today, an le was naturally unwilling to retreat.


    although he could not compare to the one who challenged emperor yuan meng with a sword, he was still considered a genius in cross-realm battles!


    it could also raise his heroic qi!


    when he opened his eyes again, battle intent surged in an le¡¯s eyes. he turned to look at the old man from the imperial ancestral temple beside him and cupped his fists. ¡°i¡¯ll be back soon. when i return, i¡¯ll drink the remaining yellow wine with you.¡±


    the old man of the imperial ancestral temple stroked his beard and smiled. ¡°go. i¡¯ll heat up some good wine and leave a mouthful for you.¡±


    an le could not help but smile.


    ¡°the little sacred token will naturally protect your life. don¡¯t show mercy when you attack. treat it as a life-and-death battle. it should be like that in the first place.¡± the old man admired the painting again and his leisurely voice floated over.


    an le agreed and walked out of the courtyard. he opened the oil-paper umbrella and rain fell on the umbrella, splashing water like fog.


    with a thought, the ink pool sword stabbed into the old locust tree trembled slightly. it left the tree hole and suddenly rushed over, tying itself to his waist.


    holding an umbrella, an le strolled along the dark and lonely raining alley. he sensed the blazing and vigorous blood qi and fighting spirit surging over from qingbo street.


    the ferocious tiger hidden in the young man¡¯s heart seemed to have raised its head at this moment, revealing its fangs and sharp claws.


    on qingbo street, wang qinhe bathed in the spring rain and stood with his sword.


    in the dark rain around them, mental power and pairs of eyes looked at the dark entrance of imperial ancestral temple alley.


    a young man in green walked out leisurely.


    at his waist were a bamboo sword and an ink sword.


    his devilish and handsome face was like an immortal descending to the mortal world, and his eyes were charming.


    ¡°let¡¯s go to west lake and fight. don¡¯t disturb the neighbors.¡± an le said softly. the sharp saber qi around wang qinhe suddenly trembled. his gaze was sharp as he stared at an le. he vaguely felt that the young man seemed to be very different from the last time they met.


    more confident, more heroic, more domineering¡­


    third level of body tempering¡­ could he be so confident in himself?


    ¡°alright,¡± wang qinhe replied in a low voice.


    the two of them strolled in the rain like old friends and walked along qingbo street towards west lake.


    the misty clouds and water were misty by themselves, and the light from the ping mountains reached low.


    ripples appeared on west lake on a rainy night.


    on the flower boats, the lanterns were lit up. there were orioles and swallows, and the faint sound of zither silk bamboo could be heard.


    wang qinhe and an le walked to the lake.


    however, they did not stop at all. the two of them stepped onto the lake as if they were walking on flat ground.


    the two of them walked on the lake. they were 100 feet apart and looked at each other.


    wang qinhe held the dragon spine saber diagonally. qi blood seeped out from under his skin. before the spring rain fell, it evaporated.


    ¡°you should have been the one to challenge me on the little sacred ranking. now, you and i have changed positions.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m not convinced,¡± said wang qinhe.


    an le was no longer holding an umbrella. the oil-paper umbrella was placed on the long dike by the lake.


    at this moment, he was bathing in the spring rain. the ink pool sword at his waist let out a sword cry and floated up, hiding in the night and spring rain.


    ¡°if you¡¯re not convinced, i¡¯ll beat you until you¡¯re convinced.¡± an le said.


    however, before he could finish speaking, wang qinhe had already moved. he ran quickly and instantly closed the distance of 100 feet.


    bang! bang! bang! bang!


    a series of ripples exploded on the surface of the lake!


    wang qinhe had watched the battle between an le and the saber-wielding coachman, zhu shan. he knew that an le¡¯s sword technique, which he had comprehended from the little sacred token, was godly.


    however, the flaw was body tempering cultivation.


    wang qinhe naturally would not make the same mistake as zhu shan. moreover, he was not zhu shan!


    he quickly closed in and used his body tempering advantage!


    however, in the next moment, wang qinhe, who was ten feet away from an le, was about to swing his saber when his pupils suddenly constricted!


    an le assumed the tiger form and struck out his palm. his green clothes fluttered, and his qi blood was like a furnace. it was as if blood-colored scriptures were faintly discernible between his skin.


    boundless demon qi, blood qi, spiritual energy, and force gathered and dissipated at the same time!


    the handsome and elegant green-robed youth suddenly turned into an ancient ferocious demon tiger that fell from the sky with a roar!


    the ancient demon five animals appeared for the first time in battle and bared its fangs to the world!


    wang qinhe suddenly lost his composure!


    what¡­ what kind of five animals were these?!


    the saber that had yet to be swung was pressed back by an le and smashed down with the tiger form.


    wang qinhe felt an extremely terrifying force pressing down on him. with some confusion and disbelief, he spat out a mouthful of blood.


    thud!


    a loud explosion erupted on the lake!


    his entire body was smashed into the bottom of the lake!

 Chapter 74 - Chapter 74: Challenge Ends Amidst the Flowing Water,

    chapter 74: challenge ends amidst the flowing water,


    the young man steps on the waves to kill the flood dragon (1)


    translator: atlas studios       editor: atlas studios


    lin residence, heavenly wave water pavilion.


    in the large pool, spring rain sprinkled down, creating circles. accompanied by the cold spring breeze, it attracted a little cold.


    madam hua returned to the lin residence and lay on the couch to rest. xi xiang held a candle lamp at the side, and the light slowly illuminated the scenery in the main hall of the water pavilion, allowing madam hua to leisurely read the great confucian¡¯s book, demon theory.


    suddenly, madam hua¡¯s long eyelashes trembled slightly. she looked up outside the water pavilion and saw the billions of spring rain falling from the sky. her exquisite face revealed a hint of surprise.


    ¡°wang qinhe from the duke wang residence challenged an le with the dragon spine saber!¡± madam hua muttered.


    she was indeed a little surprised and stunned.


    if she remembered correctly, an le¡¯s body tempering cultivation was two major realms lower than wang qinhe¡¯s. could it be that an le¡¯s body tempering had successfully broken through to the third realm in the past few days and condensed an inner core?!


    his speed was indeed a little shocking.


    madam hua¡¯s eyes lit up. she got up from the couch, put on a thin shirt, and walked to the corridor.


    with a thought, a figure wearing a bamboo hat and a firewood saber at his waist strolled over from qingfeng garden.


    ¡°sister-in-law, this is the little sacred ranking released by the white crane of the first mountain.¡±


    fourth master lin handed the yellow book in his hand to madam hua.


    madam hua flipped through it with a smile in her eyes.


    ¡°that¡¯s right. he caused the little sacred ranking to promote his rank at the third realm of body tempering. clearly, an le¡¯s inner core condensation is of excellent quality.¡±


    ¡°the battle of the little sacred ranking is quite eye-catching. let¡¯s go take a look.¡±


    madam hua smiled.


    when fourth master lin thought of an le, a smile appeared on his cold and handsome face.


    the two of them looked in the direction of west lake and their primordial spirits leaped out.


    the sixth mountain.


    in a pavilion halfway up the mountain.


    li you¡¯an and the sixth mountain lord were having a conversation. the two of them had not met for a long time, but the they were good friends. li you¡¯an¡¯s return to lin¡¯an was naturally welcomed by his good friend, the sixth mountain lord.


    ¡°that young man¡¯s name on the little sacred ranking has risen and welcomed the first challenge. if he can win, he will definitely become famous in lin¡¯an from today onwards, just like luo qingchen back then.¡±


    li you¡¯an chuckled and placed the white piece down.


    the sixth mountain lord stared at the chess game solemnly. compared to the legendary top scholar, li you¡¯an, there was a huge difference in his chess skills. therefore, he had to be 120% focused in every game.


    however, he did not care about li you¡¯an¡¯s words. ¡°that young man will definitely win. ¡±


    ¡°oh? why are you so sure, mountain lord?¡± li you¡¯an asked with a smile.


    the sixth mountain lord did not even raise his head, but he was filled with confidence. ¡°just because he obtained the ink pool sword from me.¡±


    li you¡¯an shook his head when he heard that. this sixth mountain lord was still boasting as usual.


    the two of them stopped talking. in between placing their pieces, their mental power looked at the west lake from afar.


    at this moment, figures had already appeared around west lake.


    he stood in the spring rain and looked at the battle of the little sacred ranking on west lake.


    although it was only a battle between the last two on the little sacred ranking, the young man had just entered the little sacred ranking and had already caused the rankings to change. he naturally attracted the attention of countless people.


    many people also wanted to see what ability this young man had to suppress wang qinhe with his body tempering cultivation, which was a realm lower. ye wenxi and ye yinping stood by the west lake¡¯s long dike with umbrellas.


    zhong shunchao carried a black iron bow on his back with a solemn expression. not far from him was ye chong from the ye family.


    zhao xianyou sat upright on a tree in the mountain range beside the west lake. the spring breeze and rain did not affect him, making him look otherworldly.


    qin qianqiu walked out of the carriage with a cold expression and quietly stood on the white jade dike to watch the battle in the lake.


    fairy yun rou sat on a small boat and watched the battle on the lake quietly and curiously.


    from the moment wang qinhe could not calm down and emitted a majestic battle intent, this battle attracted the attention of everyone. many geniuses on the little sacred ranking released their mental power to quietly watch the battle.


    in the darkness, there were even experts watching the battle with their mental power.


    a huge battle suddenly broke out on the lake. wang qinhe raised his saber and approached an le¡¯s side, wanting to suppress him with his body tempering physique that was a realm higher.


    however, everyone saw west lake under the rainy night.


    demon qi wreaked havoc as the phantom of an ancient ferocious demon tiger appeared. it occupied the huge lake and roared at the stars.


    waves of white water exploded on the lake.


    it happened to be connected to the floating water that wang qinhe was running over at high speed.


    a few patches of blood appeared in the lake. wang qinhe, who had been smashed into the lake, fell into a daze. ancient demon five animals¡­ this was the first time he had heard of this.


    he knew that the body tempering technique that an le cultivated was the five animals body tempering technique. it was not bad, but it was not top-notch.


    however, at this moment, the body tempering technique displayed by an le seemed to be the martial chief¡¯s martial technique.


    ¡°that day¡­ you were the one who provoked the martial chief stone to release qi blood smoke in the martial temple!¡±


    wang qinhe had a guess in his heart and opened his eyes in the lake.


    a sense of danger suddenly arose in his heart!


    the lake water was suddenly cut open silently, as if a drop of ink had scattered, bringing with it a sharp cutting!


    pfft!


    wang qinhe twisted his body, but some of his hair was still cut off. the silent ink sword came back again!


    in the lake, wang qinhe¡¯s eyes widened in anger. he was naturally unwilling to be so passive. after all, he was at the fourth realm of body tempering, mystic intent. even after suffering an le¡¯s ancient demon tiger form, he could still fight.


    circulating his inner core, a mystic intent burst forth and he kicked out of the lake, causing the water current to explode!


    he waved the dragon spine saber in his hand, and the water current that exploded was suddenly wrapped by the saber qi. like a white dragon emerging from the water, it pounced at an le!


    an le knocked with his finger.


    the sword hum was clear, like ink splashing in front of him. the sword qi produced a phenomenon. ink bamboo rose from the ground one by one and stood proudly. wang qinhe¡¯s move was blocked cleanly.


    his cold eyes looked at wang qinhe through ink bamboo and spring rain without much emotion..

 Chapter 75 - Chapter 75: Challenge Ends Amidst the Flowing Water,

    chapter 75: challenge ends amidst the flowing water,


    the young man steps on the waves to kill the flood dragon (2)


    translator: atlas studios       editor: atlas studios


    if an le remembered correctly, this wang qinhe¡­ seemed to have stood together with qin qianqiu back then, right?


    an le naturally did not like qin qianqiu. he hated qin qianqiu even more when he threatened zhu shan to kill him. therefore, he no longer had any good feelings for wang qinhe and did not show any mercy.


    in this battle, an le wanted to nurture his heroic qi and was unwilling to drag it out.


    after all, there was still his old friend warming wine in the small courtyard for him to return.


    with a push of his five fingers, the ink pool sword silently swept out. its speed was extremely fast, and the shedding mortality mental power that he had refined revealed its extraordinary might at this moment!


    then, demon qi surged in his body again, and his qi blood was like lightning.


    with a step, the ancient demon deer phenomenon became hazy.


    an le instantly swept out, and a streak of white appeared on the surface of the lake.


    wang qinhe, who had just left the lake, pushed the dragon spine saber in his hand. at this moment, the martial arts realm of the mystic intent was undoubtedly revealed.


    body tempering mystic intent, his qi blood, strength, and explosive power were all stronger than an le¡¯s!


    even if an le¡¯s body tempering technique was superior to his, wang qinhe still had a chance!


    ¡°dragon¡¯s fury!¡±


    the dragon spine saber light was like an angry dragon, and the dragon¡¯s profound intent bloomed at this moment.


    an le suddenly saw a divine dragon roaring angrily at him.


    however, an le¡¯s mental power was extremely resilient. the sword furnace between his brows clanged, and his eyes were clear.


    using the ancient demon deer form to close the distance, an le¡¯s demonic face was extremely cold. the green mountain at his waist floated away and spun at high speed.


    green mountain was by the side, facing the saber qi flood dragon.


    at this moment, the young man¡¯s heroic spirit surged and bathed his body. in the dao fruit [heroic qi attraction], heroic qi intertwined with his body.


    his palm pushed the hilt of green mountain, and the bamboo sword shot out. in an instant, it pierced through the saber qi flood dragon created by wang qinhe with the mystic intent!


    stepping on the waves to kill the flood dragon!


    ¡°a broken bamboo sword dares to attack my dragon!¡± wang qinhe said coldly.


    the dragon spine saber in his hand shone brightly as he raised it without hesitation and slashed at the bamboo sword that pierced through the saber qi flood dragon.


    he did not recognize green mountain, so he was naturally fearless!


    however, some of the many experts watching the battle around seemed to have recognized this sword. their auras revealed shock as they looked at wang qinhe, who was swinging his saber at green mountain, and sighed sadly.


    when the saber slashed at green mountain, wang qinhe felt that he was not slashing at a tattered yellow bamboo sword, but a mountain that was pressing down.


    the dragon spine saber wailed and a small crack appeared on the saber, causing it to fly out of his hand.


    the green mountain collapse sword¡¯s momentum did not decrease. it pierced through wang qinhe¡¯s chest, leaving a huge hole. blood and flesh splattered everywhere!


    at the same time, an le approached with the ancient demon ape form.


    the demon tiger roared, the demon ape hissed, and the ferocious bear roared¡­


    the majestic physique refined by the ancient demon five animals raised its attack and landed on wang qinhe like a violent storm.


    wang qinhe¡¯s body was beaten so badly that he could not even fall.


    the spring rain pattered.


    the young man on the lake beat people up like a painting.


    the sword furnace between his brows clanged as sword qi surged from the ground around him. under the control of his shedding mortality mental power, every drop of water that exploded in the lake and every spring rain that fell from the sky were tainted with sword qi at this moment, and their momentum was like a sword waterfall!


    sword qi draws near!


    with a clench of his five fingers, countless sword qi slashed.


    at this moment, wang qinhe was instantly drowned by the sword qi. with a bang, a blood mist exploded in midair!


    since the old man said that a challenge should be treated with life-and-death battles, an le naturally did not show any mercy.


    after this move, the suspense was gone.


    a ball of white light suddenly flickered in the air. the little sacred token in wang qinhe¡¯s hand emitted a light, as if time had reversed, making his injuries disappear.


    wang qinhe landed on the lake and floated, looking at the sky in confusion.


    he suddenly understood why luo qingchen¡¯s dao heart was so fragile¡­


    it turned out that the feeling of being crushed was really¡­ very uncomfortable.


    in this battle, after being attacked by an le¡¯s ancient demon five animals, he was completely at a disadvantage. even if he kept counterattacking, he was only struggling at the end of his rope.


    that young man had been suppressing him from the beginning to the end.


    the spring rain pattered, and the surface of the west lake suddenly became quiet.


    the ink pool sword and green mountain had been around for at least a year.


    they were hung on the waist of a green-robed youth. his qi blood was restrained, and the ancient demon phenomenon had long disappeared. he returned to his elegant youth state.


    without looking at wang qinhe, who was lying on the lake and doubting his life, an le left the lake on foot, stepped onto the long embankment, and picked up the oil-paper umbrella.


    the qi blood in his body circulated, evaporating the water droplets and holding up the oil-paper umbrella.


    the young man carried two swords at his waist and slowly left under countless mental power and gazes.


    spring mist and ripples, willows rustling the dike rain.


    amidst the sound of flowing water, there was nothing to do. a pot of yellow wine and a furnace of incense.


    a battle on the little sacred ranking was just a busybody for the young man.


    he stepped on the water and splashed two feet. the young man was dressed in green and had a sword. he brushed his clothes after settling the matter.


    how carefree.


    west lake.


    ye wenxi revealed a virtuous smile. she could vaguely see the young man walking towards the top three of the little sacred ranking like an awakened tiger.


    ¡°so cool.¡± ye yinping pursed her lips and looked at lin zhuifeng as she brushed her clothes. for some reason, she felt like she had been infected by lin zhuifeng.


    ¡°this wang qinhe is so weak. a crushing battle is completely boring. i thought there would be an evenly matched battle,¡± ye yinping pouted and said after being infatuated for a while.


    ¡°young master an is a little stronger. he crossed realms to fight and won with a crushing attitude. it¡¯s surprising but yet not surprising.¡±


    ye wenxi held an umbrella and led her sister towards the ye residence.


    ¡°because this is the difference between a genius who obtained the little sacred token by himself and a genius who borrowed the family¡¯s strength to obtain the little sacred token.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s like cloud and mud.¡±


    ¡°sister, do you think wang qinhe¡¯s dao heart will be covered in dust like luo qingchen¡¯s?¡±


    ¡°i don¡¯t think so. after all, wang qinhe came to challenge an le because he was unwilling and unable to calm down. in fact¡­ he doesn¡¯t have the confidence to win. it should be fine if he loses. moreover, a tofu dao heart like luo qingchen¡¯s¡­ is rare.¡±


    ¡°shall i challenge wang qinhe too?¡±


    ¡°we have to act like ladies. don¡¯t go bullying people.¡±


    ¡°oh. ¡±


    the conversation between the two women was gradually washed away by the sound of the spring rain.


    the rain fell on the roof of the carriage, creating a misty fog.


    qin qianqiu¡¯s face was cold as he looked at wang qinhe, who had been crushed and defeated. a wave of frustration kept rolling in his heart.


    seeing how smug the young man was, he could not help but feel depressed. he could not help but think of the day he asked zhu shan to kill an le, only to provoke luo qingchen¡¯s beating.


    the memories of that day seeped into his bones. the humiliation of that night was engraved in his heart.


    he wanted to settle scores with luo qingchen. as for an le, this young man¡­


    he could not bear to see him do well either!


    ¡°was this young man the one who attracted the martial chief stone¡¯s qi blood smoke that day at the martial temple?¡±


    ¡°demon qi soared into the sky. is this child¡¯s body tempering technique related to the demons?¡±


    qin qianqiu thought coldly for a moment before entering the carriage.


    the wheels crushed the water on the ground, but wang qinhe, who was floating on the surface of west lake and doubting his life, did not appear.


    lin residence, heavenly wave water pavilion.


    returning to their bodies, madam hua and fourth master lin looked at each other and smiled. a look of gratification could not help but appear on their faces.


    ¡°the ancient demon five animals deduced by the martial chief stone with the help of generations of martial chiefs seem to be of a higher grade than i imagined. the young man has his own opportunities¡­¡±


    madam hua smiled.


    fourth master lin touched the firewood saber at his waist and praised, ¡°this child is a genius. his future is promising.¡±


    ¡°the more talented he is, the more i can¡¯t let him be involved in this storm.¡±


    madam hua said softly, ¡°however, it¡¯s alright. with that old senior protecting him, the storm naturally won¡¯t touch him.¡±


    fourth master lin stroked the firewood saber and nodded.


    suddenly, the two of them looked at the distant octagonal heavy eaves, waterdrop heavenly wave pavilion.


    vaguely, they could see matriarch yu¡¯s old figure holding a dragon-headed walking stick on the heavenly wave tower waving at them.


    the two of them looked at each other and left the water pavilion one after another, ascending the heavenly wave pavilion.


    in imperial ancestral temple alley, spring water dripped from the eaves.


    the heroic qi in an le¡¯s heart surged, he nurtured his heroic qi in this battle, allowing his mental state to undergo an extraordinary evolution.


    in the past, although an le was very confident, he lacked the heroic qi and domineering aura that a genius should have. this battle made him feel heroic qi and refreshed.


    he strolled through the long and lonely rainy alley.


    in the small courtyard, the lights were dim.


    under the door, the old man held a lamp. the warm yellow wine was emitting a strong fragrance.


    there was a green-robed man with green mountain at his waist, carrying the heroic qi of a splendid battle¡­


    looking at the young man who was strolling back, the old man stroked his beard and smiled. under the dim lights, his eyes were blurry. it was as if he could see his younger self walking over..

 Chapter 76 - Chapter 76: Top Scholar’s Legend, Imperial Ancestral

    chapter 76: top scholar¡¯s legend, imperial ancestral


    temple¡¯s old man imparts the lyrical three swords (1)


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    when he returned from thousands of miles away, his face became less and less beautiful. when he smiled, there was still the fragrance of plum blossoms.


    an le held the oil-paper umbrella and returned to the courtyard, his heart calm.


    although he had defeated the former 18th place of the little sacred ranking, wang qinhe, in a crushing manner, he did not feel proud.


    the spring rain pattered down in the alley and echoed in the courtyard. it was quite crisp and sobering.


    with a flick of his finger, the ink pool sword and green mountain rushed out and stabbed into the tree hole of the old locust tree with familiarity and precision. they did not hurt the other bark of the old locust tree at all, causing the leaves of the old locust tree to tremble slightly.


    an le put away the oil-paper umbrella, drained the water, and placed it aside.


    ¡°i¡¯m back.¡±


    the old man chuckled and poured a cup of warm old yellow wine. he pushed it on the table and pushed it to an le¡¯s seat.


    an le sat on the small chair and drank it all in one gulp, dispelling the cold in his body.


    ¡°how do you feel? wang qinhe was able to receive duke wang residence¡¯s help and exchange a large amount of resources for the little sacred token. he¡¯s quite talented. did you gain anything from this battle?¡±


    the old man poured himself a cup and drank. he admired the night sky and the spring rain and asked.


    an le took a sip of wine and held the wine cup. after thinking for a moment, he said solemnly, ¡°wang qinhe underestimated me.¡±


    ¡°he¡¯s a major realm higher than me in the body tempering realm and has stepped into the fourth realm, mystic intent. however, he didn¡¯t use the advantage of body tempering and was too careless. he was suppressed by my


    ancient demon tiger form and lost the initiative.¡±


    an le looked back at the battle scene and analyzed.


    the old man stroked his long white eyebrows and listened with a smile.


    ¡°since i was promoted on the little sacred ranking, it means that even sacred mountain admits that i¡¯m not inferior to him in terms of raw strength. however, he didn¡¯t go all out against me and even held back.¡±


    ¡°this is the main reason for his defeat. in the end, he used the martial mystic intent to release the saber qi flood dragon python. it was extremely powerful. if he suppressed me with the will of the mystic intent the moment he approached me, i might have to spend some effort.¡±


    after saying that, an le chuckled. ¡°you have to give it your all when swinging your saber at an opponent you¡¯re not confident against. otherwise, you might not have the chance to swing your saber a second time.¡±


    the old man nodded in admiration. ¡°it seems that you¡¯ve seen through it. of course, it¡¯s also because wang qinhe doesn¡¯t have the confidence to defeat you. if he had that belief, it would be difficult for you to fight this battle unless you have a bigger trump card.¡±


    an le nodded solemnly. indeed, although he had won tonight¡¯s battle easily, in fact, breaking through wang qinhe¡¯s saber qi, flood dragon python, and the martial mystic intent had already exhausted the mental strength accumulated in the sword furnace.


    coupled with the fact that the ancient demon five animals had succeeded in the beginning, he was able to press forward step by step and suppress wang qinhe until he could not breathe. in the end, he won.


    however, no matter how cautious wang qinhe was, if he continued to delay, with his martial arts physique at the fourth realm of body tempering and the interference of the martial mystic intent, an le might really collapse.


    at that time, an le might have to use the power in the dao fruit [heroic qi attraction].


    the old man poured a glass of wine for an le and the two of them drank it. the rain in the courtyard pattered, causing the leaves of the old locust tree to sway.


    ¡°other than that, do you feel anything else?¡± the old man asked meaningfully.


    an le was stunned. he played with the wine cup and frowned in thought.


    the old man did not keep him in suspense and pointed at the raindrops that fell from the sky.


    ¡°do you feel the increase in your confidence and the growth of belief after winning this battle?¡±


    ¡°for example, when water drops onto a stone, a single drop might not be much, but if tens of millions or trillions of drops land on a single drop, it will shatter the sky and crush the earth.¡±


    ¡°you surpassed wang qinhe and accumulated a belief in victory. as you fight more and more, your belief will become stronger.¡±


    ¡°where does heroic qi come from? it comes from the heart, and heroic qi is not blind. it requires strength, battle results, and trump cards as confidence. a valiant army that has won a hundred battles dares to charge into an army ten times their size and crush the other party into pieces precisely because of the heroic qi and belief brought about by victory.¡±


    the old man looked at an le with anticipation in his eyes. perhaps it was because he saw his old self in the young man today, so high-spirited that the old man could not help but want to guide and pass on his legacy.


    he was the old imperial uncle. however, ever since great zhao moved south 500 years ago, he had drawn a line with the royal family and had long lost all interest in them.


    the benefactor sitting in the heavenly profound palace had once wanted him to pass on the sword technique inheritance of green mountain to the descendants of the royal family.


    however, he was rejected by zhao huangting. the old man had never married in his life and had no descendants. his inheritance only depended on fate.


    when fate arrived, it would naturally be passed on.


    now, this green-robed youth in front of him was zhao huangting¡¯s fate.


    grinning, the old man looked at an le. ¡°victory in every battle is a way to nurture invincible belief and heroic qi. the purpose of the little sacred ranking¡¯s existence is actually to nurture your belief in victory. wherever your belief is, a path will open.¡±


    when an le heard this, he fell into deep thought.


    when he defeated wang qinhe, an le indeed had a heroic mentality surging in his heart. at that moment, confidence surged in his heart, and the tiger in his heart roared.


    perhaps this was the change in belief brought about by victory.


    ¡°back then, li you¡¯an took this path. do you know why he was called the legendary top scholar¡­?¡± the old man drank a cup of old yellow wine and said.


    an le shook his head. he indeed knew very little about legendary top scholar li you¡¯an¡¯s deeds, and he had not obtained any age qi.


    perhaps he could find an opportunity to obtain the age qi of this legendary top scholar and see if he could observe his molten gold age..

 Chapter 77 - Chapter 77: Top Scholar’s Legend, Imperial Ancestral

    chapter 77: top scholar¡¯s legend, imperial ancestral


    temple¡¯s old man imparts the lyrical three swords (2)


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    ¡°back then, when li you¡¯an entered the little sacred ranking, his ranking was better than yours, but not much better. however, from the day he entered the rankings, he began to challenge the geniuses on the little sacred ranking.¡±


    ¡°he fought once every seven days with unstoppable force. other than the spring quarter examination, the rest of the time, he was either challenging or on the way.¡±


    ¡°he won every battle and nurtured an invincible aura. he accumulated a mouthful of righteous qi and became the top scholar of the spring quarter examination and the hall examination!¡±


    ¡°after becoming the top scorer, he challenged the top of the little sacred ranking after another seven days and won. the clouds of the sacred mountain opened for him and he climbed the mountain to converse with the sacred


    teacher.¡±


    the old man said with a smile. even he sighed.


    ¡°do you think it can be called a legend?¡±


    when an le heard this, he couldn¡¯t help but yearn for it. the legendary top scholar could indeed be called a legend. it was simply like a cheat life. it was really¡­ amazing.


    ¡°luo qingchen, who entered lin¡¯an back then, took this path. unfortunately¡­ luo qingchen¡¯s tofu dao heart is top-notch in the world. it¡¯s very rare.¡± the old man couldn¡¯t help but smile at the mention of luo qingchen.


    ¡°and this is not the most legendary. after li you¡¯an became the top scholar and conversed with the sacred teacher, he gave up lin¡¯an¡¯s wealth and went to the blue wave river battlefield. starting from a centurion, he relied on killing enemies to obtain military merits. in just a year, he became a deputy general.¡±


    ¡°he once led a hundred people and dared to cross the river and enter the main camp of the yuan meng army. he captured the other party¡¯s main general alive and safely crossed the river to return. he¡¯s really domineering.¡±


    the old man stroked his long eyebrows, his words filled with emotions.


    ¡°fighting 3,000 miles with one body, once stopping a million experts with one sword¡­ this is heroic qi!¡± an le exclaimed in admiration.


    when the old man heard this, he thought about it carefully and could not help but clap. ¡°well said.¡±


    the two of them poured wine and drank. the warm old yellow wine had already turned cold, but there was not much left.


    ¡°i¡¯m telling you about li you¡¯an today to let you understand the importance of belief. next, i have hope for you. i hope that you can also be invincible and bring the spirit and boldness of winning consecutively to the top of the little sacred ranking, the spring quarter examination!¡± the old man¡¯s eyes sparkled as he said.


    an le took a deep breath with a solemn expression, even though this request was indeed very difficult.


    not to mention the others, just zhao jiu, also called prince zhao xianyou, who was ranked first on the little sacred ranking, was a monster. he was known as the mortal immortal. his body tempering cultivation had already broken through the fifth realm and stepped into the sixth realm. no one in the younger generation could compare to him.


    however, an le did not give up like this. he raised his head like a tiger and was filled with heroic qi!


    the old man stroked his beard and smiled. he raised his hand and waved at green mountain, which was inserted into the old locust tree.


    green mountain trembled slightly and instantly left the tree hole, landing in the old man¡¯s hand.


    ¡°i find you very pleasing to the eye, so i¡¯ll teach you three moves. i hope you can comprehend them and make up for the gap in the sword technique profundity. it can also be considered as passing down my sword technique legacy.¡±


    the old man slowly stood up.


    he entered the courtyard with his sword in hand, bathed in the cold spring rain, and began to slowly dance with his sword.


    ¡°i named these three sword moves bamboo branch, fragrant grass, and youth travel respectively. young friend an, don¡¯t tease me about the pretentious name of my sword technique. it was chosen by a beautiful woman who named them after lyrics. you¡¯re still young and won¡¯t understand such things.¡±


    ¡°hahaha, young friend, watch.¡±


    the old man laughed heartily and danced with green mountain.


    the courtyard was filled with spring rain. it hung upside down in the sky and did not fall into the mortal world.


    an le had already stood up. after bowing, he observed seriously.


    at this moment, the [thousand-year genius] dao fruit and the [innate swordsman] dao fruit seemed to emit an unprecedented aura.


    an le¡¯s pupils reflected every move and move the old man made with green mountain.


    that night, the old man danced freely with his sword like a young man, causing the spring rain in the sky to fall on the mortal world.


    that night, an le comprehended the lyrical three swords and saw a romantic scene.


    on the night of the spring rain, the battle for the little sacred ranking on the west lake came to an end.


    the young master of the duke wang residence, wang qinhe, was also known as a genius. he held the little sacred token and was once famous in lin¡¯an.


    however, such a genius was defeated by master an, who was famous for painting ink bamboo.


    most people were not familiar with an le, a newcomer on the little sacred ranking however, at the mention of master an, everyone in lin¡¯an residence came to a realization. that ink bamboo had attracted the praise of the headmaster and caused turmoil in the literary department. the scholars all had some understanding of it.


    therefore, after the spring rain stopped for the entire night, before the dawn light was clear, this news spread throughout lin¡¯an.


    master an was not only an ink bamboo master, but he was also a cultivation genius. he accepted the challenge of the young master of the duke wang residence, wang qinhe, on the west lake and defeated the other party forcefully, causing wang qinhe¡¯s mentality to collapse. he lay dead on the lake for the entire night.


    some people said that wang qinhe might be like the genius luo qingchen back then, whose dao heart was covered in dust!


    this matter instantly became the topic of gossip for many dignitaries in lin¡¯an prefecture. it was comparable to the interesting news of qin qianqiu being beaten up by luo qingchen a few days ago and hiding in the vajra bell like a coward.


    wang qinhe and qin qianqiu had become lin¡¯an¡¯s laughingstock.


    prime minister qin¡¯s residence.


    after the rain, the cold still lingered, and the sorrow of spring turned into melancholy.


    water pavilion pavilion.


    the atmosphere was cold and silent.


    the two of them, who had not slept the entire night, sat upright among them.


    they looked at each other and could see the awkwardness in each other¡¯s eyes.


    the duke wang residence and prime minister qin¡¯s residence were in-laws, so qin qianqiu and wang qinhe had a good relationship. they were like brothers, but this time, the two brothers became jokes at the same time.


    wang qinhe touched his nose. ¡°don¡¯t look at me. my jokes sound better than yours. it¡¯s just that i couldn¡¯t calm down and challenged him. i was beaten up like a drowning dog.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s a little better than you being ridden like a turtle..¡±

 Chapter 78 - Chapter 78: Top Scholar’s Legend, Imperial Ancestral

    chapter 78: top scholar¡¯s legend, imperial ancestral


    temple¡¯s old man imparts the lyrical three swords (3)


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    wang qinhe was going all out to save his reputation.


    qin qianqiu smiled. surprisingly, he didn¡¯t get angry. he just pushed the tea that he had brewed to wang qinhe.


    ¡°so, are you willing to accept it now?¡± qin qianqiu asked.


    ¡°i¡¯m convinced.¡± wang qinhe shrugged. his answer was beyond qin qianqiu¡¯s expectations.


    ¡°that kid¡¯s talent is indeed monstrous enough. he must have been the one who provoked the martial temple¡¯s martial chief stone that day. this child has obtained a top-notch martial scripture and made up for the flaw in body tempering. he will only become harder and harder to deal with.¡± wang qinhe said seriously.


    ¡°these people who relied on their talent to obtain the little sacred token¡­ are indeed monsters. your elder brother, qin hua¡¯an, ye wenxi, and the ninth prince are all freaks! f*ck!¡±


    the more wang qinhe spoke, the more agitated he became. there were so many freaks. why couldn¡¯t it be him?


    qin qianqiu looked at wang qinhe silently. when wang qinhe lamented that others were freaks, how could qin qianqiu not envy wang qinhe¡¯s talent?


    it was the same for everyone and everything in the world. when you envy others, you don¡¯t know that i envy you too.


    ¡°regarding an le, don¡¯t you feel that the demon qi on his body is too dense?¡± qin qianqiu asked.


    wang qinhe glanced at him. ¡°that demon qi is a phenomenon simulated by qi blood. it¡¯s related to the martial arts scripture he practices. it should be a rare inheritance within the martial chief stone.


    qin qianqiu shook his head. ¡°i only saw the dense demon qi¡­¡±


    wang qinhe frowned. ¡°what are you trying to do? the spring quarter examination is imminent. don¡¯t cause trouble¡­ although that kid is close to the lin residence, li you¡¯an is in lin¡¯an now. you can¡¯t afford to offend this legendary top scholar.¡±


    ¡°i naturally don¡¯t dare to act rashly now, but this child has such demon qi. i only need to reveal it to some stubborn and crazy demon subduing masters¡­¡± qin qianqiu¡¯s eyes flickered as he took a sip of the fragrant tea.


    wang qinhe raised his eyebrows, then shook his head seriously. ¡°demon subduing masters? those demon subduing masters are not good people. they¡¯re very dirty. i advise you to interact less with them.¡±


    qin qianqiu smiled. ¡°with my status, i naturally won¡¯t interact with them. i¡¯m just the one who spread the news.¡±


    when they reached the side of the pool, qin qianqiu sprinkled a handful of bait.


    it caused the koi in the pool to fight for it and bloom into a beautiful scene.


    the spring after the rain was even more beautiful.


    in the small courtyard, the old man had already left.


    an le, on the other hand, sat under the door with a clean wine pot beside him.


    green mountain had already stabbed back into the old locust tree¡¯s body. everything seemed quiet and secluded. the sweetness of the rain in the air made an le come back to his senses slightly.


    last night, when he watched the old man dance the sword and imparted the lyrical three swords, he had indeed comprehended something.


    in terms of sword techniques, an le only had sword qi draws near. it was actually more of a mental power sword technique.


    an le had never practiced actual combat sword techniques. last night, the old man had taught him and made up for this shortcoming. the sword technique inheritance represented the old man¡¯s recognition and deep trust in him.


    standing up, an le closed his eyes and exhaled.


    a light screen suddenly appeared in front of him, and blue words flashed past.


    [fearless heart (dao fruit): the dragon fights in the wild. if you win, you will get stronger and more fearless. the dao fruit nurtures itself.]


    a clear feeling surged up from his feet and swam through his skin, meridians, inner core, and mental power.


    an le felt that his blood qi had become much stronger. his inner core realm that had just broken through had completely stabilized, and the luster of his inner core had become even brighter.


    the sword furnace between his brows was filled with sword qi and became much stronger!


    according to the division of realms, the current spirit refinement shedding mortality had even surpassed the early-stage and stepped into the middle-stage.


    a smile appeared on an le¡¯s lips. to him, battle was indeed the best way to stabilize his realm and increase his strength.


    after tidying up the remains on the table, an le came to the courtyard and grabbed green mountain to start practicing his sword technique. the sword technique he used was one of the lyrical three swords that the old man had taught him, the bamboo branch.


    the old man had once said that he liked and was good at drawing bamboo. perhaps it was because of this that the sword technique was called bamboo branch.


    he just didn¡¯t know who the beauty the old man was talking about was¡­


    hmm, maybe it¡¯s three beauties¡­ a beauty for each name?


    when senior was young, he was also a playboy.


    an le chuckled.


    after practicing the sword, an le played with the ancient demon five animals


    for a while. then, he ended his morning practice and changed into a clean white robe. his sword was green mountain and ink pool sword. he held a great confucian book, literary words, and left the small courtyard as he read.


    as usual, he ate a bowl of beancurd at the entrance of the alley and went to west lake. he met liu yue, who was waiting, and the two of them chatted for a while.


    liu yue had never cultivated and was just a simple scholar. therefore, he did not know much about the battle of the little sacred ranking last night. he only chatted with an le, talked about literature, ink, and calligraphy, and talked about fireworks.


    last night, an le seemed to have caught a glimpse of fairy yun rou on west lake. only then did he remember their previous agreement and planned to come. however, after waiting for a while, he did not see any trace of the fairy. it seemed that the fairy did not plan to appear today. as expected, she was someone who toyed with the mortal world and skipped work very openly.


    thinking of how fairy yun rou seemed to be the sixth mountain lord¡¯s mountain guardian, an le had heard from the elder that the sword case on the sixth mountain lord¡¯s back hid all three thousand swords of the mortal world and cultivated the mortal world sword intent.


    perhaps fairy yun rou wanted to comprehend the mortal world by entering it first?


    after bidding farewell to liu yue, an le headed towards the lin residence.


    the door of the lin residence was opened by the maidservant, liu xiang, who was still waiting every day. when she saw an le, liu xiang¡¯s eyes lit up, as if there were stars in the sky.


    ¡°young master an¡­ good morning!¡±


    liu xiang looked at the handsome and demonic an le and pursed her lips.


    the news of an le defeating wang qinhe last night had already spread. as a martial arts aristocratic family, how could the lin residence not know? even servants like them had heard about it. of course, it was lin zhuifeng who kept saying that young master an was amazing. then, everyone knew that young master an was amazing.


    an le smiled gently. ¡°miss liu xiang, good morning.¡±


    miss liu xiang¡¯s pretty face instantly flushed red as she hurriedly led the way.


    ¡°isn¡¯t madam hua in the residence?¡± an le asked.


    ¡°first madam went out early in the morning. she¡¯s been very busy recently and returned very late. she left the residence early in the morning,¡± liu xiang replied.


    an le nodded to show that he understood.


    the two of them went straight to the martial arts hall.


    he saw lin zhuifeng, lin qingyin, and some young masters of the lin


    residence.


    it had been a long time since he had taken age qi. when an le saw these young masters, he was immediately touched and revealed a gentle and approachable smile.


    an le, who had upgraded from three times a day to four times a day, was full of confidence.


    hence, he took four wisps from each of the five young masters and officially emptied them.


    then, he began to paint for the young masters. lin qingyin obediently studied behind.


    lin zhuifeng had a fire stick on her waist and could not stop staring at an le. she loved to keep a close eye on beautiful things.


    in the evening, an le finished painting and teaching lin qingyin. he bade farewell and was about to leave.


    before they left the residence, a slender woman stood quietly in the distance. she was ji ying, matriarch yu¡¯s personal maidservant.


    when ji ying saw an le, she bowed leisurely and smiled respectfully. ¡°young master an, are you free?¡±


    ¡°the matriarch invites you..¡±

 Chapter 86 - Chapter 86: Holding Two Swords in the Spring Quarter

    chapter 86: holding two swords in the spring quarter


    examination hall, a discussion on the northern expedition (2)


    translator: atlas studios       editor: atlas studios


    this surveillance officer was a cultivator. his shout contained mental power, vaguely forming a might. if not for cultivators or those with weak mental power, they would probably lose their mind after being shouted at.


    however, an le¡¯s mental power was already at the shedding mortality realm, so it naturally did not affect him at all.


    faced with the surveillance officer¡¯s question, an le bent his finger and knocked on the ink pool sword. the ink pool sword swept up, and a faint intent burst forth.


    ¡°this contains the little sacred token. it has some privileges and i can enter with a sword. i don¡¯t have to bow to officials either.¡± an le said calmly.


    the surveillance officer instantly retracted his mental power. facing the ink pool sword which had released its aura, he instantly thought of the famous master an in lin¡¯an.


    after all, the matter of wang qinhe challenging master an and being crushed was still a joke.


    ¡°so it¡¯s master an. then i¡¯m sorry for being rude. you can naturally enter with your sword.¡±


    the surveillance officer cupped his fists and bowed.


    ink pool sword returned to his waist, and an le bowed in return. the surveillance officer routinely searched an le¡¯s luggage to prevent cheating and some small items on him. he immediately let him in and ordered someone to personally bring an le to the examination hall registered on the examination card.


    this scene naturally caused the confucian scholars in the line to be shocked and in an uproar.


    ¡°master an.¡±


    that overly young provincial scholar was actually master an, who was famous in lin¡¯an and was the ink bamboo and galloping horse painter?


    or was it someone on the little sacred ranking?


    even liu yue was shocked. he knew that master an was a cultivator, but he did not expect such a prestigious cultivator to be able to enter the examination hall with a sword¡­


    as for provincial scholar xu, who had just completed the search and was still collecting the messy luggage, his expression immediately turned ugly. he secretly regretted missing the opportunity to curry favor.


    that was master an!


    however, this examinee surnamed xu quickly restrained his emotions, and a glint flashed in his eyes. when he entered list b, he would be introduced by liu yue. he would naturally be able to build a relationship again.


    as for the spring quarter examination questions this time, he was very confident!


    after an le bade farewell to liu yue, he followed the soldiers sent by the surveillance officer to the examination hall.


    the individual small rooms arranged according to the number on the examination card were called numbered rooms.


    over the past few days, the examinees had been answering questions and eating there.


    only when all the spring quarter examination questions were answered could they see any other candidates.


    fortunately, the literary department occupied a large enough area and had enough buildings to arrange more than 3,000 candidates¡¯ numbered rooms.


    an le sat quietly in the numbered room and looked at the scenery outside.


    the environment of the literary department was quite good. it was a spring rain baptism, and the winding path was quiet. there were peach blossom trees blooming with spring peaches along the path, and some apricot flowers were blooming beautifully to welcome spring.


    the light rain pattered on the black tiles of the numbered room, making a crisp sound. it was rather quiet.


    an le slowly closed his eyes and waited for the exam to begin.


    between the peach forest and apricot trees in the literary department, one could see a thatched cottage.


    the spring rain was blown by the spring wind, slanting and scattering. under the thatched eaves, someone was brewing tea. the carbon stove was boiling water, and the rising steam was like curling clouds that surged up.


    third headmaster wang banshan¡¯s straw hut had an important guest today, so he made tea to welcome him.


    the person was dressed in extremely luxurious clothes. his face was solemn, and his gray beard was gently stroked. there was a hint of sharpness in his eyes as he quietly waited for the third headmaster¡¯s tea.


    he seemed to be very patient and was not in a hurry at all, even though the


    spring quarter examination in the literary department was about to begin.


    ¡°does the headmaster have anyone in mind for the spring quarter


    examination this time?¡±


    after a long time, when the third headmaster pushed an ordinary cup of tea in front of him, the person picked it up and took a sip.


    ¡°prime minister qin, you¡¯re being too serious. the disciples of the literary department are all my students. i naturally think highly of them participating in the spring quarter examination.¡± the third headmaster held the hot tea with both hands and chuckled.


    ¡°there are differences in knowledge, and it¡¯s all about the students. everyone has someone they choose to believe in and someone they think highly of in their hearts. third headmaster is also a human, so how can he be fair and not be biased?¡±


    qin lishi smiled faintly, but there was a hidden meaning in his words.


    third headmaster wang banshan had a lazy look on his face. he glanced at qin lishi and said, ¡°since prime minister qin has said so, i¡¯ll be straightforward. that master an, whose name shocked lin¡¯an, has impressed me. i think he has what it takes to top the hall examination.¡±


    as soon as he said this, the atmosphere instantly became colder and more solemn.


    the smile on qin lishi¡¯s face disappeared. his slender eyes seemed to be cold as he stared at the third headmaster.


    ¡°third headmaster, this master an seems to have a deep relationship with the


    lin residence.¡±


    the third headmaster took a sip of hot tea. ¡°i don¡¯t care about background, but only talent. ink bamboo shows his character and determination. this child is indeed not bad.¡±


    ¡°just because he¡¯s good at painting doesn¡¯t mean that he¡¯s good at learning. the


    spring quarter examination¡¯s imperial examination isn¡¯t about painting.¡± qin lishi shook his head. ¡°headmaster thinks highly of an artist. what will the scholars on the literary department¡¯s literary music ranking think?¡± he stood up and stopped drinking tea.


    he had already gotten the answer he wanted from the third headmaster.


    qin lishi naturally lost interest in drinking tea.


    he really couldn¡¯t admire the famous master an in lin¡¯an.


    qin lishi naturally looked down on the person whom hua jiebing admired.


    ¡°take care, prime minister qin. i won¡¯t send you off.¡±


    the third headmaster chuckled.


    qin lishi slammed into the spring rain with his hands behind his back. his figure gradually blurred into the mountain fog..

 Chapter 97 - Chapter 97: Bamboo Painting to Seek the Dao, Primordial Spirit Forms on Its Own (1)

    chapter 97: bamboo painting to seek the dao, primordial spirit forms on its own (1)


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    as a treasure land of the literary department, the heart questioning forest was quite famous in lin¡¯an residence. the secluded heart questioning forest in front of the literary monument even attracted many spirit refinement cultivators.


    however, most of the time, the heart questioning forest was in a secretive state. only confucian scholars who performed outstandingly in the literary department¡¯s examinations and left their names on the literary music ranking were qualified to step into the heart questioning forest and cleanse their mental power.


    it was rumored that the heart questioning forest had existed since the founding of the literary department ten thousand years ago. a sacred confucian of the literary department discussed the dao here and subtly influenced every bamboo leaf in the bamboo forest.


    therefore, even the officials of the ministry of rites were shocked when the literary department used the heart questioning forest as the cultivation test standard for the spring quarter examination.


    when they learned that the three headmasters of the literary department had made this decision at the same time, they were even more puzzled. could it be that the three headmasters were really biased towards the confucian scholars on the literary music ranking?


    most of the confucian scholars on the literary music rankings had walked through the heart questioning forest. with experience, they would have a clearer and clearer plan of the walking route.


    however, even if the headmasters were biased, they did not dare to say anything.


    for a moment, the officials of the ministry of rites had complicated expressions. they could only silently observe outside the heart questioning forest.


    to their surprise, the first person to enter the forest was not the many confucian scholars on the literary music ranking. instead, it was a handsome young man in white with a straight back.


    ¡°this must be master an¡­ he alarmed lin¡¯an with his ink bamboo. i didn¡¯t expect him to come to the heart questioning forest today. i wonder if he can have a new impact on the concept of ink bamboo painting.¡±


    an official from the ministry of rites naturally recognized an le and could not help but speak.


    an le¡¯s ink bamboo was quite famous, but the real reason why he was famous and well-known was because he had beaten up wang qinhe on a rainy night in west lake.


    second headmaster pang ji stroked his beard and narrowed his eyes. he was a little curious and expectant as if he hoped that this young man could surprise him.


    on the other side, the dumbfounded confucian scholars of the literary music ranking also came back to their senses with ugly expressions.


    a gentle breeze blew over, causing the bamboo sea to ripple.


    a confucian scholar from the literary music ranking felt that his limelight had been stolen. he could not help but say bitterly, ¡°this master an is really¡­ very rash. the bamboo branches in the heart questioning forest are dark. if you¡¯re not careful, your mental power will be lost. if you don¡¯t figure out the path to enter outside the forest, you¡¯ll plunge into it. i¡¯m afraid you won¡¯t be able to walk far.


    ¡°after entering the heart questioning forest, i¡¯ll first use my mental power to observe the patterns of the bamboo path in the forest and find a path from the surging bamboo sea to the literary monument. before entering the forest, i¡¯ll use my mental power to observe it. it¡¯s equivalent to playing chess with the ancient sages in the forest.¡±


    ¡°master an was born as a provincial scholar after all. why can¡¯t he even see through this?¡±


    perhaps because someone had taken the lead, the confucian scholars on the literary music ranking spoke one after another. the sourness in their words made han shi, who was carrying a saber on his back, pinch his nose.


    ¡°why are you so jealous? perhaps master an can reach the literary monument without any obstacles. it¡¯s your rule to observe before entering the forest. it¡¯s your common sense. why are you imposing it on master an?¡±


    han shi retorted bluntly. he had a bad temper to begin with, and he was most annoyed by these sour confucian scholars.


    although an le was also a scholar, he was not a scholar from the literary department. he had once caused martial chief stone to muster the qi blood smoke and used the little sacred token to defeat wang qinhe on the west lake.


    such a powerful, combative, and bold scholar was the target of han shi¡¯s respect.


    just like general li you¡¯an!


    the more han shi spoke, the angrier they became. facing the glares of the confucian scholars on the literary music ranking, he glared back angrily like an angry lion.


    he ignored these people and carried his saber on his back. he followed an le angrily and entered the heart questioning forest.


    in less than five breaths, han shi walked out angrily and looked at the group of people staring at him outside. he slapped his head and glared back at the confucian scholars. ¡°who the f*ck pulled me out?!¡±


    vulgar and barbaric!


    he was indeed a person from the martial temple!


    many confucian scholars on the literary music ranking sneered.


    the second headmaster chuckled and said, ¡°calm down and enter the forest again. otherwise, you¡¯ll walk out very quickly. at that time, you¡¯ll walk further and further away from the literary monument.¡±


    han shi still respected the second headmaster. he cupped his fists and bowed. steam spewed from his nose as he suppressed the anger in his heart. he began to mutter and closed his eyes to calm down.


    the confucian scholars on the literary music ranking sneered and continued to study the route of the heart questioning forest while waiting to watch an le¡¯s show.


    it would be interesting if master an, who was famous in lin¡¯an, embarrassed himself in the heart questioning forest.


    the heart questioning forest of the literary department opened, and a faint clear aura rushed into the sky. many powerful spirit refinement cultivators¡¯ primordial spirits moved and sensed something.


    there was a thatched cottage in the path.


    in the straw hut, two old men were sitting opposite each other and playing chess. the black and white chess pieces seemed to contain yin and yang. between the chess pieces, there seemed to be a faint light bursting out.


    first headmaster zhu huoxi and third headmaster wang banshan were playing chess.


    ¡°the young man triggered the literary monument. i wonder if he can walk to the monument. it should be possible. i wonder if he can condense literary courage by looking at the literary monument.¡±


    zhu huoxi chuckled and placed a white stone.


    wang banshan stared at the chessboard, sweating profusely. his eyes were serious and solemn as if he had met his match.


    he picked up the black piece and hesitated for a long time..

 Chapter 98 - Chapter 98: Bamboo Painting to Seek the Dao, Primordial Spirit Forms on Its Own (2)

    chapter 98: bamboo painting to seek the dao, primordial spirit forms on its own (2)


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    first headmaster zhu huoxi shook his head imperceptibly and was speechless in his heart. this wang banshan¡¯s chess skills¡­ were still as bad as ever.


    ¡°literary courage depends on fate. an le dared to make such a majestic denunciation of the north expedition. a mere literary courage is nothing to him. i wonder if he can draw out the righteous qi to strengthen himself.¡± ¡°the literary department has been developing for ten thousand years. now, there are really fewer and fewer righteous people in the department.¡± wang banshan said softly.


    he narrowed his eyes and placed a piece down, but as soon as he placed it, he regretted it and wanted to pick it up.


    zhu huoxi shook his head and quickly placed a white piece down.


    ¡°you¡¯re the third headmaster of the literary department. you can¡¯t cheat when playing chess.¡± first headmaster zhu huoxi chuckled.


    ¡°righteousness is rare to begin with. it¡¯s the same in all dynasties. the more prosperous the royal court is, the more rotten it will be. it will wear down the will of scholars. now that great zhao has moved south for 500 years and is extremely prosperous, lin¡¯an is too tempting.¡±


    ¡°how can a scholar uphold the righteousness in his heart and gather it?¡±


    ¡°to gather the righteousness, not only does one have to have quality, but they also have to have knowledge that matches them. nowadays, scholars are obsessed with prosperity. if they don¡¯t study, how can they be righteous?¡± zhu huoxi sighed softly. ¡°the prosperity and decline of the temple began from here.¡±


    third headmaster wang banshan did not mind. ¡°when the confucian scholars of the literary department are involved with the nobles of the temple, this is destined. this is their choice. we old bones express our thoughts. they can¡¯t force us to listen or not. it¡¯s enough to ensure that the literary department continues to be passed down.¡±


    ¡°you¡¯re really carefree,¡± zhu huoxi said.


    wang banshan shook his head. ¡°it¡¯s not that i¡¯m carefree. when i see too much disappointment, i don¡¯t hold any hope.¡±


    ¡°as for whether an le can attract righteousness, it¡¯s actually up to him. let¡¯s see if he attracts it or not. this young man was given green mountain by zhao huangting and is worthy of it. it¡¯s naturally not a problem for him to attract righteousness.¡±


    whether he attracted righteousness or not depended on whether an le was willing..


    wang banshan¡¯s words stunned zhu huoxi. did he really think so highly of this young man.


    an le had long sensed ink pool sword¡¯s restlessness. he had always suppressed it with his mental power and there was no chaos.


    however, as soon as he released his mental power, the ink pool sword flashed out and entered the secluded bamboo forest.


    an le was really helpless about this, like a horse that had escaped its leash.


    he was really looking forward to the heart questioning forest. it was a treasure land for spirit refinement. his current spirit refinement had stepped into shedding mortality and he had visualized the sword waterfall during the spring quarter examination. his mental power was only a little away from the perfected-stage.


    perhaps the heart questioning forest could help him reach the perfected-stage today?


    his white clothes fluttered as he stepped into the bamboo forest. his figure hid in the secluded bamboo. when he looked back, he could not see any traces of his path behind him, as if it had been erased.


    looking around, there were only bamboo branches swaying gently. the jade-green aura was like the air that had been baptized after rain, making one feel relaxed and happy.


    vaguely, the sound of the ink pool sword flying in the bamboo sea could be heard. the sword rubbed against the gently fluttering bamboo leaves and made a soft sand sound.


    there was no path in front of him, only countless green bamboos growing horizontally.


    walking in the bamboo forest, he stepped on soft withered bamboo leaves.


    it was as if the aura of time was rising and constantly surging through an le. the withering of every bamboo leaf represented the passage of time.


    the layers of bamboo leaves on the ground might have experienced a long time and turned into spring mud to protect new bamboo.


    the spine of the azure dragon was cold, and the tip of the phoenix¡¯s tail was on the leaf plate.


    listening to the sound of the bamboo sea, an le walked slowly. the sword furnace in the niwan palace between his eyebrows appeared unprecedentedly quiet.


    in this calmness, his mental power seemed to be forged with a light hammer. it slowly refined and became more and more condensed.


    the ink bamboo left and returned, galloping through the bamboo forest.


    an le placed his hands behind his back and walked to a bamboo with green mountain on his waist. he admired this bamboo. in fact, there were countless bamboos like this in heart questioning forest.


    he had drawn ink bamboo before, so he was actually not unfamiliar with bamboo. he knew how to transport ink, draw leaves, and express the tenacious and unyielding temperament of bamboo.


    but in fact, this was the first time he had seriously calmed down and observed the bamboo.


    his ink bamboo was mostly based on the painting impression and brush technique of the ink bamboo masters in his previous life.


    however, an le had always felt that something was missing.


    in the heart questioning forest, an le stared at a bamboo for a long time.


    outside, the literary music ranking confucian scholars who had used their mental power to observe the heart questioning forest and formulated the route moved. all of them stepped into the heart questioning forest and began to slowly advance.


    the routes they had planned were all feasible paths after experiencing the treks and verification of their predecessors. therefore, they firmly believed that as long as they continued along the path of their predecessors, they would definitely be able to walk out of the heart questioning forest and step in front of the literary monument.


    although the path taken by the predecessors was covered by withered bamboo leaves, what they had to do was use their mental power to break through the bamboo leaves that covered the path and dig out the path.


    this process was the process of baptizing and strengthening one¡¯s mental power. it was the wonder of the heart questioning forest.


    one confucian scholar after another from the literary music ranking stepped into the heart questioning forest.


    the other candidates also stepped in. even han shi calmed down and made a path plan outside the heart questioning forest. then, he stepped in and followed the predetermined path.


    second headmaster pang ji watched quietly as the calm on his face gradually deepened.

 Chapter 99 - Chapter 99: Bamboo Painting to Seek the Dao, Primordial Spirit Forms on Its Own (3)

    chapter 99: bamboo painting to seek the dao, primordial spirit forms on its own (3)


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    the second headmaster raised his hand and flicked his sleeve.


    the heart questioning forest became transparent. the figures of every examinee who entered the forest became extremely obvious. their positions became extremely clear.


    ¡°huh? master an has only walked so far?¡±


    ¡°did he lose his way? if that¡¯s the case, it¡¯s a pity¡­


    ¡°master an is good at being an ink bamboo. don¡¯t lose your direction for the bamboo in this secluded bamboo forest. that would be a joke.¡±


    when the officials of the ministry of rites saw an le standing motionless in front of a bamboo, they were all surprised.


    they thought that an le should have walked far away, but they did not expect him to still be not far from the forest. he had even been surpassed by many confucian scholars who had just entered the forest.


    the second headmaster looked at an le. his gaze became more and more solemn, and a hint of doubt appeared in his eyes.


    under the thatched cottage.


    the chess pieces landed on the chessboard with crisp sounds.


    third headmaster wang banshan narrowed his eyes. ¡°it¡¯s starting. they¡¯ve entered the heart questioning forest.¡±


    first headmaster zhu huoxi chuckled. ¡°that¡¯s right. guess how long it will take for this child to leave the forest?¡±


    looking at the chess piece that zhu huoxi had almost finished, wang banshan threw the chess piece in his hand back into the chess box. he stretched and chuckled. ¡°first headmaster, chess is too boring. why don¡¯t we write down our guesses on paper and see who gets it right?¡±


    zhu huoxi stroked his beard and nodded with a smile, fulfilling the requirements of this lousy chess basket.


    the two of them got up and entered the house. they wrote down the answers on paper and folded them before returning to the chessboard.


    an le stared at the bamboo in front of him for a long time. it was an old bamboo with a few stripes on it as if it was left behind by time.


    he reached out and touched it. it was extremely cold. the bamboo branch swayed slightly and immediately shook off the bamboo leaves.


    the bamboo seemed to be shy.


    at this moment, an le was surprised. he seemed to have a different impression of bamboo.


    bamboo also had a soul.


    at this moment, he did not look for any path out of the forest, nor did he pursue the path left behind by his predecessors.


    he began to observe the bamboos one by one, observing their expressions and temperament.


    the ink bamboo he had once drawn was less lively and more inflexible. it was also different from real bamboo.


    an le wanted to truly master the ink bamboo painting.


    this would be the ink bamboo that belonged solely to an le.


    the forest was quiet. a breeze blew past, and the silence was broken, producing the sound of raging waves.


    unknowingly, the warm sun was setting.


    the sun was still setting, and the cold chimes filled the empty forest.


    the examinees participating in the heart questioning forest all began to hesitate after experiencing the initial journey. although they had planned their mental power route before entering the forest, they would really enter the forest and start to get lost after walking a long distance according to the established route.


    after getting lost, they could only use their mental power to search for the path ahead in a chaotic manner. in the end, they lingered on the spot.


    no one walked out of the heart questioning forest.


    an le was still at the same bamboo. after observing the bamboo for so long, he had also gained something and was very confident in the spirituality of the bamboo.


    he touched the bamboo sword green mountain at his waist. green mountain was very comfortable.


    an le smiled and stopped picking bamboo. he stood up and pulled out a long figure through the sunset sprinkled by the bamboo leaves.


    he raised his hand and knocked gently in the air.


    swoosh!


    ink pool sword, which had been crazy in the heart questioning forest for a day, broke through the secret bamboo and galloped over, surrounding an le.


    an le grabbed the ink pool sword and started to splash ink in the air.


    it was as if heaven and earth were paper and the ink pool sword was a brush, forming an ink bamboo.


    outside the dark bamboo forest.


    the officials of the ministry of rites were all energized. the second headmaster also narrowed his eyes and looked at the young man who had been standing quietly not far from the entrance of the heart questioning forest for the entire day.


    the white-robed young man had a bright smile on his lips as he drew in the air with his sword.


    his mental power surged like a waterfall and fused into the painting in front of him.


    at this moment, the mind in the sword furnace between an le¡¯s eyebrows had officially stepped into the perfected-stage!


    vaguely, in the sword furnace, his mental power even surged and a blurry figure gathered on the sword embryo.


    his perfected-stage mental power caused the primordial spirit to appear on its own!


    although it was blurry, it meant that an le¡¯s spirit refinement had already touched the threshold of the fourth realm, primordial spirit!


    when his primordial spirit condensed and could come out of his body, he would officially step into the primordial spirit realm!


    outside the bamboo forest.


    the officials of the ministry of rites were incomparably shocked. looking at the young man painting with sword qi mental power in the air, they could not help but take a deep breath.


    ¡°is this master an¡¯s ink bamboo? it seems¡­ to have become more agile.


    although it¡¯s drawn, it¡¯s realistic and detailed. it¡¯s indeed extraordinary!¡± many officials praised.


    the second headmaster narrowed his eyes and let out a long breath in his heart. his eyes were filled with admiration as he looked at the ink bamboo.


    at this moment, he was no longer worried that an le would not be able to leave the heart questioning forest.


    qingbo street, imperial ancestral temple.


    zhao huangting, who was laying out paper and painting in the temple, suddenly paused. his ears moved as if he could hear the sound of leaves hitting through the forest.


    the ink bamboo painting hanging on the wall in the room began to tremble.


    he hurriedly put down his pen and quickly walked to the window. he looked in the direction of the literary department and narrowed his eyes. he saw a clear aura soaring into the sky from the literary department.


    zhao huangting pinched his long eyebrows and laughed.


    with a thought, his extremely powerful primordial spirit left his body. under the setting sun, he seemed to be stepping on a myriad of rays of light and floating towards the literary department.


    zhao huangting was not the only one in the sky above the literary department.


    li you¡¯an¡¯s primordial spirit also arrived with his hands behind his back. madam hua¡¯s primordial spirit also floated in the air. in addition, a few primordial spirits of experts from lin¡¯an prefecture flew over.


    zhao huangting¡¯s primordial spirit looked at the heart questioning forest. an le was holding a sword and making ink bamboo, but this ink bamboo had a subtle change compared to the original.


    originally, the ink bamboo was a work created by an le. it had some flaws in the carving of the bamboo image. today, an le made up for this flaw. it was even as if he was a completely different person from the person who had drawn the ink bamboo previously.


    at this moment, the ink bamboo was the ink bamboo that truly belonged to an


    while li you¡¯an and zhao huangting were paying attention to the ink bamboo, only madam hua sensed an le¡¯s mind and actually stepped into the perfected-stage shedding mortality realm. vaguely, a primordial spirit phantom appeared.


    madam hua¡¯s red lips parted slightly and she couldn¡¯t help but gasp.


    an le seemed to be even more talented than her in spirit refinement!


    under the setting sun, in the heart questioning forest.


    after an le finished making the ink bamboo, he spat out a ball of energy in his heart, causing the bamboo forest to sway. it strengthened his mind, which had stepped into the perfected-stage shedding mortality realm, making his eyes bright and energetic.


    after drawing the bamboo that belonged to an le, he felt carefree. as he laughed freely, he put the ink pool sword on his waist. an le no longer stood on the spot and strode forward.


    he did not plan any path with his mental power, nor did he search for a path.


    with just a step, the bamboo branches in front of him moved away and opened a brand new path!


    it was an le¡¯s own path.


    it was the same for painting bamboo, traveling, and cultivation.


    half an hour later, a white-robed figure walked out of the bamboo forest with two swords at his waist.


    he walked to the pavilion that was enveloped by the literary monument.


    at this moment, the stars and moon were right at the top, and the monument was still shining brightly.


    in the thatched cottage.


    the carbon stove boiled water.


    first headmaster zhu huoxi and third headmaster wang banshan looked at each other. the two of them spread out the folded papers in their palms.


    the time they guessed were written on them.


    fifteen minutes.


    it had only been over seven minutes since an le used his sword qi to paint the ink bamboo and walked out of the forest.


    under the thatched eaves, the moonlight was cold.


    the two of them looked at each other and smiled bitterly..

 Chapter 106 - Chapter 106: Dao Fruit Evolution, Eternal Prodigy, People Want to See You Fall (1)

    chapter 106: dao fruit evolution, eternal prodigy, people want to see you fall (1)


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    the sun was high in the sky, and the smoke was condensed. it was clear today.


    in the early morning of late spring, the frost had yet to dissipate, bringing with it the cold current that continued to burrow into the seams of his clothes, making one¡¯s mind involuntarily tremble.


    an le was leaning against the window sill reading. the candlelight had long burned out, leaving only a few wisps of smoke.


    even though the spring quarter examination had ended, an le still followed his old habits. after body tempering and spirit refinement ended, he quietly read the book and studied and pondered the thoughts that the great confucian wanted to express in the book.


    the book ¡°demon theory¡± was very interesting. it talked about a lot of things. apart from some popular knowledge about demons and humans, it also told many stories about demons.


    there were both good and evil demons. there was a kind of thinking among them. although there were differences between humans and demons, sometimes, the human heart was even more terrifying than demons.


    most of the protagonists of the stories were good demons. some stories even praised the act of good demons helping people.


    there wasn¡¯t much of a description of the evil demons, but their words were intense and filled with indignation. after all, evil demons bewitched the hearts of people, harmed living beings, and ate the five organs. they were truly detestable and hated.


    an le read it with relish. the scholar who wrote the book ¡°demon theory¡± was a great confucian named ning chen. it was said that he had a story with demons that could not be explained in detail. much of the content in the book was personal experience.


    as a cultivator who had obtained the demon tempering treasure jade and used demon qi to temper his body, an le was still quite interested in demons.


    perhaps it was because the squirrel demon woman had left a good impression on him, but the good demons were not vicious and evil. they were also as polite as humans.


    some demons had more etiquette and kindness than humans. some people had darker hearts than evil demons.


    closing the book and looking at the blue sky, an le was in a good mood. he got up and walked to the courtyard.


    after the spring quarter examination ended, although the rankings had yet to be released, most people began to relax.


    an le maintained his daily cultivation habits as usual.


    body tempering, spirit refinement, and reading. these were his tasks every day.


    he cultivated calmly just so that he could reach the peak of cultivation one day and see the best scenery in the world.


    in the courtyard, the branches of the old locust tree had a new green color and were tainted with spring dew. a breeze blew past, causing crystals to fall and be covered in mist.


    the green mountain and ink pool sword that were inserted into the old locust tree seemed to tremble with the breeze, and sword cries lingered like bamboo.


    although it had been inserted into the tree hole, the old locust tree was more and more lively. its leaves were even sharp.


    green mountain and ink pool sword were both extraordinary swords. ink pool sword had been infected by the ink qi during the spring quarter examination and could already be considered a half-step fifth-grade sword. as for green mountain, its grade was already high. now that it was enhanced by righteousness, it became even more mysterious.


    although he did not know its grade, it was definitely extraordinary.


    the old locust tree was in pain and happy after obtaining the sword qi of two extraordinary swords.


    in the courtyard, an le began to practice the ancient demon five animals scripture. this martial scripture, which had been deduced by generations of martial chiefs, was imperceptibly improving an le¡¯s physique and body.


    the ancient demon phenomenon was fusing into his flesh and aura bit by bit.


    during normal days, he would appear righteous like an elegant scholar. once he activated his aura, he would be like a peerless ferocious beast, majestic and ferocious.


    this kind of contrast would often catch the opponent off guard.


    after cultivating the ancient demon five animals for a while, the demon qi of the demon tempering treasure jade at his waist had already been completely absorbed. an le was also a little vexed, not knowing where to replenish the demon qi in the jade.


    it was unknown where madam squirrel had gone, but there was no trace of her. the demon tempering treasure jade could only absorb and replenish the demon qi when it approached the demons.


    in fact, the body tempering effect of the demon tempering treasure jade was already becoming weaker and weaker. with the enhancement of an le¡¯s physique and the righteous sword qi, the demon tempering treasure jade seemed a little useless to him.


    the effect of body tempering was inferior to the righteous sword qi, and it also needed time to replenish demon qi, which was quite troublesome.


    an le plucked green mountain and practiced the bamboo branch and fragrant grass sword technique moves. this was a set of sword technique moves. it was not just one move. when the sword rose, there was light and shadow.


    compared to sword qi draws near, which was an ethereal secret sword technique controlled by mental power, the lyrical three swords of the bamboo branch, fragrant grass, and youth travel were more orthodox, but they all contained the essence of a sword.


    the power of that sword¡¯s essence was definitely not ordinary. it could be used as a killing move.


    an le had yet to comprehend it and was slowly pondering.


    sword qi draws near also required time to comprehend.


    the spring quarter examination had just ended and the rankings had yet to be released. an le was not in a hurry, so he practiced his sword techniques in the courtyard, read books, visualized the sword waterfall, and spent time nurturing the righteous sword qi.


    after obtaining the righteous sword qi, an le had to study even more seriously every day. righteousness originated from knowledge and temperament, and studying was the simplest way to nurture it.


    just like the ancient people said, there was treasure in the book, there was gold in the book, and there was righteousness in the book.


    training the five animals, practicing the sword, and reading books to nurture righteousness had become an le¡¯s daily task.


    after absorbing 18 wisps of age qi on the literary monument, an le augmented them all on the [thousand-year genius] dao fruit. up until now, the age qi augmented by the [thousand-year genius] dao fruit had finally reached 100 wisps and reached the perfected-stage.


    however, if he wanted to upgrade the [thousand-year genius] dao fruit to the next level, an le still needed to add two molten gold age qi, which meant that he needed to consume two dao fruits.


    now, other than the thousand-year genius dao fruit, an le also had the six age dao fruits, innate swordsman, collapsing sword force, trance, fearless heart, demon tempering treasure jade, and heroic qi attraction..

 Chapter 107 - Chapter 107: Dao Fruit Evolution, Eternal Prodigy, People Want to See You Fall (2)

    chapter 107: dao fruit evolution, eternal prodigy, people want to see you fall (2)


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    among them, the innate swordsman definitely could not be consumed. it had a huge enhancement on sword techniques. an le¡¯s mastery of the righteous sword qi was greatly related to the subtle influence of the innate swordsman and the enhancement of the [fearless heart].


    to an le, the priority of these two was definitely higher than [trance], [collapsing sword force], and [demon tempering treasure jade].


    needless to say, [heroic qi attraction] nurtured his own heroic qi. coupled with the fearless heart, he dared to kill the heavenly immortal with his sword.


    heroic qi was an indispensable quality for a swordsman.


    as a dao fruit that could be upgraded with age qi, the collapsing sword force had high potential. an le was unwilling to give it up.


    therefore, the only things that could be consumed were [trance] and [demon tempering treasure jade].


    on green mountain, an le stood quietly under the old locust tree and fell into deep thought.


    a dao fruit like [trance] would let him enter a trance state when fighting and forget fear. only battle intent could increase one¡¯s strength. it actually overlapped with the effect of [fearless heart].


    ¡°therefore, i¡¯ll give up [trance] and [demon tempering treasure jade]¡­ to upgrade my other dao fruit.¡±


    after thinking for a long time, an le finally made a decision.


    molten gold age qi was rare, and an le could really feel it now. perhaps for a few consecutive days, even if he plucked 20 wisps of years a day, he would not obtain a wisp of molten gold age qi.


    however, since he had already made up his mind, he would not change it.


    with a thought, a light screen appeared. a faint light flickered with an imperceptible color.


    he let out a long breath and used [trance] and [demon tempering treasure jade] on [thousand-year genius] with nervousness.


    buzz¡­


    with a faint sound, it was as if an incense pillar had been ignited. golden smoke curled up, and the demon tempering treasure jade at his waist turned into golden smoke and dissipated.


    the two age dao fruits turned into golden-colored age qi again.


    in an instant, an le felt a clear qi spread out from his feet. it surged into the sword furnace between his brows through his skin, meridians, spirit bone, and inner core before gushing out from the top of his head.


    it was as it an le was connected to heaven and earth.


    [dao begets one, one begets two. time flows but the ages remain eternal. the


    dao fruit has metamorphosed.]


    [thousand-year genius has evolved into eternal prodigy]


    eternal prodigy!


    an le narrowed his eyes and his heart trembled slightly, but he quickly calmed down. he knew that the dao fruit could not be evaluated through just the name.


    for example, before the original thousand-year genius was augmented with age qi, the help and benefits it provided were limited. however, the more age qi it was augmented with, the more obvious the increase in talent was.


    after completely augmenting the age qi, he would be a true thousand-year genius.


    as the name suggested, [eternal prodigy] had also taken this path. the effect of the dao fruit that had just evolved might only be slightly better than the max-level [thousand-year genius]. if he wanted to achieve the true level of [eternal prodigy], he might have to add age qi.


    [age dao fruit: eternal prodigy (molten gold age qi 0/10 wisps, 0/1,000 wisps)¡­]


    an le¡¯s gaze landed on the light screen. in the age dao fruit column, he immediately felt speechless when he saw the evolution conditions.


    putting aside a thousand wisps of age qi, just the conditions of ten wisps of molten gold age qi were enough to give an le a headache.


    the age qi was still alright. if he found enough cultivators, he could slowly harvest enough. however, the molten gold age qi was something that could only be chanced upon by luck. even if he really obtained one and transformed it into a dao fruit, it would always be difficult for him to part with it.


    closing his eyes slightly, an le calmed his mind and soothed his emotions. he knew that he was a little agitated.


    the cultivation path was long and long. as long as he continued, he would be able to gather everything he wanted sooner or later.


    therefore, the anxiety and urgency now were actually quite unreasonable.


    his mind was incomparably clear. with a thought, the sword waterfall


    diagram appeared. with the huge increase in talent and comprehension of the eternal prodigy, an le felt that many of his previous obstructions had been instantly broken through and he had different comprehensions.


    his memories became outstanding, and he seemed to be able to dig out the subtle things in his mind.


    an le opened his eyes and raised his hand to wave at ink pool sword. he pulled it out without hesitation.


    he raised his hand and placed his sword finger on the ink pool sword. the sword qi draws near technique contained in the little sacred token in the ink pool was immediately analyzed and comprehended by an le again.


    in the entire small courtyard, sword qi clanged.


    crash! crash!


    the clanging sound of the chains resounded in the dark prison of lin¡¯an prefecture. the stench filled the air and was nauseating.


    after liu yue was ruthlessly thrown into prison by the officials two days ago, he was in a daze and was extremely confused.


    when the official who delivered the food placed the simple food down, liu yue suddenly came to a realization. the strength that came from nowhere rushed to the prison frame. he pressed his head against the gap and shouted, ¡°i was wronged. i was wronged!¡±


    ¡°i didn¡¯t cheat. i¡¯m a descendant of the liu family in huating. i¡¯ve studied hard since i was young and read a lot of books. how could i cheat in the spring


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    quarter examination?!¡±


    liu yue roared, and the veins on his neck popped out.


    from the joy of ascending the pavilion to drinking wine a few days ago to the great sorrow of sitting in a cage today, the ups and downs of his life were like a heavy hammer that smashed him until he almost coughed up blood. however, he couldn¡¯t sit still and wait for death. if this crime was really confirmed, then even if he wasn¡¯t beheaded, he would lose hope in the future!


    at this moment, liu yue¡¯s heart palpitated with fear.


    the official in uniform glanced at him coldly with disdain in his eyes. that was disdain for cheating confucian scholars. cheaters naturally had the lowest morals and were despised..

 Chapter 108 - Chapter 108: Dao Fruit Evolution, Eternal Prodigy, People Want to See You Fall (3)

    chapter 108: dao fruit evolution, eternal prodigy, people want to see you fall (3)


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    ¡°what are you shouting for? we¡¯re here on prime minister qin¡¯s orders to capture you. not only you, but also your accomplices!¡±


    ¡°that xu shun used his status as a descendant of the xu family to bribe the left


    assistant minister of the ministry of rites, lord xu you, with a hundred origin


    spirit coins and learned of the examination question in advance. as his accomplice, how wronged can you be?¡±


    ¡°stay here properly and don¡¯t shout. if you really cheat in the spring quarter examination, you won¡¯t have many days to live. eat your fill and save your strength. it¡¯ll be easier when you enter the netherworld.¡± the official said


    liu yue¡¯s entire body was cold and he trembled as if he had been struck by lightning.


    xu shun¡­ xu shun was indeed distantly related to the left assistant minister of the ministry of rites, lord xu you. in fact, after liu yue arrived in lin¡¯an, he even accompanied xu shun to visit.


    however, at that time, lord xu you was still not the main examiner of the spring quarter examination. who knew that the minister of rites would be removed from the position of the main examiner of the spring quarter examination and replaced by lord xu you?


    liu yue¡¯s entire body went numb. he had definitely never cheated, but xu shun might have!


    he had been implicated by xu shun!


    ¡°no! i¡¯ve never cheated. it¡¯s not me! i, liu yue, am open and aboveboard. i have my own talent. i answered those questions myself!¡±


    liu yue roared in fear and anger. he kept knocking on the cell door, but the official ignored him and had long left. nine out of ten people who were imprisoned complained about their injustice. was there a point in listening to them?


    yesterday, he had tasted the extravagance and prosperity of lin¡¯an prefecture. today, he had fallen into a filthy prison and seen the darkness of lin¡¯an.


    liu yue sat on the hay with a numb feeling in his heart. he felt that the path ahead was dim and incomparably despairing.


    he really hated xu shun to death.


    prime minister qin¡¯s residence.


    the flowing water and the jade pool pavilion revealed the scenery.


    in a pavilion in the pavilion, two people were playing chess under the pavilion. they were qin qianqiu and wang qinhe, who had become the laughingstock of lin¡¯an prefecture recently.


    during this period of time, they had been carrying jokes one after another, causing the relationship between the two of them to become deeper.


    after being crushed and defeated by an le, wang qinhe had been dispirited for a few days. during this period of time, he had gotten over it. after all, he was not like luo qingchen, who had a tofu dao heart. he recovered very quickly and had a passable mentality.


    ¡°prime minister qin returned to the qin residence yesterday. why is the atmosphere in the residence so tense? shouldn¡¯t he be free after the spring quarter examination?¡± wang qinhe asked curiously.


    when he entered the qin residence today, he felt that the atmosphere in the residence had changed.


    ¡°could it be that ye wenxi challenged your brother, qin hua¡¯an?¡±


    qin hua¡¯an was currently ranked third on the little sacred ranking which was also the most insecure position.


    after the spring quarter examination ended, the hall examination would be held soon. at that time, the top scholar of this imperial examination would be born. as qin qianqiu¡¯s half-brother, if qin hua¡¯an could win first place in the hall examination, not only would he humiliate the lin residence, but he might also have a chance to talk to the sacred teacher. this naturally made prime minister qin pay attention.


    during this period of time, no matter how much prime minister qin liked qin qianqiu, he diverted a lot of his attention to qin hua¡¯an.


    ¡°of course not. my brother is extremely talented and overflowing with talent. there¡¯s naturally no need to worry.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s just that a few days ago, someone reported that someone had cheated in the spring quarter examination. father was furious and ordered people to investigate thoroughly. he really found some clues, so he was so angry that he didn¡¯t sleep the entire night.¡± qin qianqiu said slowly.


    ¡°cheating in the spring quarter examination? no wonder prime minister qin is furious. as the official in charge of the spring quarter examination this time, if there¡¯s cheating involved, it¡¯s equivalent to damaging prime minister qin¡¯s prestige and saying that prime minister qin¡¯s control is not strict.¡±


    wang qinhe was instantly shocked. cheating in the imperial examination was definitely not a small matter. it would even alarm his majesty in the heavenly profound palace.


    ¡°they¡¯ve found out that a provincial scholar called xu shun is a distant relative of the left assistant minister of the ministry of rites, xu you. he came to lin¡¯an and visited xu you. that was when he leaked the question.¡±


    ¡°if this matter was done covertly, how could it be reported?¡±


    wang qinhe was puzzled.


    ¡°that xu shun is on good terms with someone. he¡¯s called liu yue. this person is talented in literature and is good at painting mountains and rivers. he¡¯s majestic and has a poetic talent. he has a good reputation as a great scholar in huating. these two people drank at the drunken dragon pavilion yesterday.


    perhaps they were drunk, but they actually shouted that the top scholar of the list b ranking list would be theirs. the two of them would even be invited to the imperial court to be officials and climb to the top.¡±


    qin qianqiu placed the chessboard down, rolled up his sleeves, and picked up the west lake longjing tea to drink.


    wang qinhe raised his eyebrows. ¡°it¡¯s not a big deal for a scholar to say a few words after getting drunk¡­¡±


    a smile appeared on qin qianqiu¡¯s lips. ¡°coincidentally, yesterday, the confucian scholars on the literary music ranking of the literary department were all drinking to drown their sorrows. they were unhappy and depressed that an le had left them in the dust in the heart examining forest. these two people also said that they were related to an le and could support each other in the court in the future¡­ the confucian scholars on the literary music ranking reported them in a fit of anger.¡±


    ¡°as a genius of huating, liu yue can understandably say such arrogant words.


    but who is that xu shun?¡±


    ¡°in the name of suspecting the three of them of cheating, i reported them to father. in his anger, father ordered a thorough investigation and really found out about xu shun¡­¡±


    ¡°the person xu shun bribed wasn¡¯t xu you, but xu you¡¯s servant. however,


    father was furious and implicated him. xu you can only admit his bad luck.¡±


    ¡°what i¡¯m concerned about is that¡­ an le is involved.¡±


    qin qianqiu put down his teacup, his eyes shining.


    ¡°an le is on good terms with liu yue and travels to west lake every day. many people have seen it with their own eyes. therefore, an le might be involved in this spring quarter examination cheating situation and be considered a cheater.¡±


    qin qianqiu smiled.


    wang qinhe was stunned. then, he rolled his eyes. ¡°how is that possible?! an le is extremely talented and his painting and calligraphy are top-notch. he¡¯s famous in lin¡¯an. how can he cheat? why would he cheat?!¡±


    qin qianqiu looked at wang qinhe quietly. ¡°we¡¯ll just add fuel to the fire.


    coupled with the testimony of the confucian scholars on the literary music ranking, it¡¯ll be said that he cheated. how can he prove his innocence? he does have supreme talent, but perhaps he wants to firmly enter the hall examination? the matters of scholars are illusory. it¡¯s impossible to explain clearly. if you want to frame someone, there¡¯s no need to hesitate.¡±


    ¡°no matter how talented you are, a group of scholars say that you cheated, so you can¡¯t defend yourself. the spring quarter examination won¡¯t open another round for them. even if he proves that he didn¡¯t cheat, who cares? people in the world like to see geniuses collapse and fall into prison. your reputation is already stinky, and it even affects your mind. the rest is not important.¡±


    qin qianqiu held a chess piece and gently placed it on the chessboard.


    he pushed in wang qinhe¡¯s direction, making a slightly ear-piercing friction sound.


    wang qinhe looked at the chess piece that was pushed over and could not help but be silent.


    imperial ancestral temple alley, small courtyard.


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    an le was sitting under the old locust tree in the courtyard, his mental power overflowing around him. the ink pool sword was placed horizontally between his knees, and he was comprehending the secret technique contained in the little sacred token, sword qi draws near.


    suddenly, an le¡¯s eyes moved slightly and he ended his comprehension. he frowned and slowly opened his eyes.


    hurried footsteps came from the alley, and a figure ran quickly.


    soon, he appeared in front of an le.


    an le looked at the person who came and could not help but be stunned. this was because the derson who came was none other than the constable of the black office, huang xian, whom he had not seen for a long time..

 Chapter 122 - Chapter 122: I… Can Be a Legend Myself! (1)

    chapter 122: i¡­ can be a legend myself! (1)


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    the wind on the shore is clear, and the clouds in the water tower are bright and clear.


    on the shore of the west lake, the willow trees were green. the spring breeze blew, lifting the confucian shirt and white clothes of the stroller.


    an le and first headmaster strolled along the embankment of west lake, admiring the scenery of west lake in the spring morning light. it was very comfortable and natural.


    flower boats dotted the lake, and there were countless scholars on the embankment, waiting for fairy yun rou to appear on the flower boat.


    an le did not come to west lake to see fairy yun rou, but to find a quiet place to chat with first headmaster.


    however, an le had underestimated his popularity. along the way, many scholars would bow and greet him as ¡°master an.¡±


    their tone was filled with respect, and their eyes were filled with admiration.


    yesterday, in front of prime minister qin¡¯s residence, he set up a table and composed a poem to prove his innocence. his name had long been spread throughout lin¡¯an. not to mention the classic bamboo sea sword qi painting that countless painters regarded highly, just an le¡¯s righteous temperament and unyielding nature had attracted the admiration of many people.


    that was prime minister qin. he had a high status in lin¡¯an prefecture. which scholar would dare to do such a thing?


    prime minister qin said that he had cheated. if it were any other scholar, they would probably have fallen into the dali temple¡¯s prison and cried out miserably, waiting for a chance to redeem themselves.


    however, master an did not do so. instead, he took the initiative to strike. in front of prime minister qin¡¯s residence, he splashed ink, painted bamboo, and pointed his sword at the prime minister¡¯s residence, displaying an impressive demeanor. he even attracted the righteousness of the literary department. it simply made the scholars excited and worshiped him in their hearts.


    this was the pride of a scholar. this was the unyielding quality that scholars should have.


    what made many scholars the most excited was that an le had slapped prime minister qin¡¯s face with such fanfare. the latter could only endure it without saying a word. this was what an le was even more admirable about.


    to be able to retreat unscathed after acting cool was the style that many scholars and calligraphers yearned for!


    an le and the first headmaster rented a small boat and rowed on the west lake to talk.


    the two of them talked a lot. the first headmaster was knowledgeable, and an le had learned a lot from him. the first headmaster even explained to an le the views and concepts he had researched on ideology.


    an le listened quietly and expressed his opinions from time to time. the two of them chatted happily. the old man and the young man rowed the boat, but they were different.


    however, the first headmaster finally made his intentions clear.


    ¡°young master an, since you¡¯ve extradited the righteousness in the literary


    monument to support yourself, it means that you¡¯re very fated with the literary department. the literary department needs a talented young man like you.¡±


    ¡°therefore, my main reason for coming today is to invite you to the literary department.¡±


    first headmaster zhu huoxi stroked his beard and smiled.


    ¡°originally, i wanted the third headmaster to invite you because he was on good terms with zhao huangting and was responsible for spreading the ink bamboo and galloping horse paintings. he had a very good impression of you, but he rejected it and said that he was too ashamed to invite you to join the literary department. the reason why you were involved in the fraud case this time has a lot to do with the jealousy of the confucian scholars on the literary department¡¯s literary music ranking.¡±


    ¡°i can only embarrass myself and invite young master an personally.¡± after saying that, the first headmaster stood up and bowed to an le.


    ¡°this bow is to apologize to young master an on behalf of the confucian scholars in the literary department.¡±


    an le hurriedly stood up and helped the first headmaster up.


    however, an le was unwilling to accept this apology. ¡°headmaster, you¡¯re an elder. you shouldn¡¯t be the one apologizing. it¡¯s those who reported me for cheating because they were jealous and didn¡¯t have any evidence.¡±


    ¡°besides, even if they come to apologize, i won¡¯t accept it.¡±


    ¡°if i hadn¡¯t mobilized the righteousness in front of the prime minister¡¯s residence this time and couldn¡¯t show my elegance, would i have been thrown into the dali temple¡¯s prison and allowed those rumors to affect me? in the end, i would have been labeled as an imperial examination cheater who couldn¡¯t clear my name?¡±


    ¡°even if a few months or even a few years passed and the crimes were cleared, i would have been wasted away in the prison. my fighting spirit and literary flair would have been worn away. i would not be able to compose anything anymore. how can these be brushed off with an apology?¡±


    an le shook his head.


    he did not have a good impression of the confucian scholars in the literary department. they were scheming, jealous, arrogant, and clingy to the rich and powerful. he did not have any interest in them.


    ¡°headmaster, my good friend liu yue is still in prison. i hope you can clear his name.¡±


    an le cupped his fists.


    when first headmaster zhu huoxi heard this, he nodded.


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    ¡°liu yue of huating is indeed a little talented. i¡¯ve looked at his essays and paintings. however, he¡¯s different from you because xu shun did cheat, and he has a good relationship with xu shun. they visited xu you together. on the paper, the last north expedition answer is also different from yours and xu shun¡¯s opinion. therefore, we still need to investigate carefully to confirm if he did not cheat.¡±


    ¡°however, don¡¯t worry. i¡¯ll interfere in this investigation and ensure that he won¡¯t be wronged or tortured. if he really didn¡¯t cheat, i¡¯m willing to personally take him in as a student and help him wash away the dirty rumors in the world to prove his innocence.¡±


    when an le heard this, he could not help but be happy. he was happy for liu yue and cupped his fists again.


    the first headmaster was willing to take liu yue in as his student. after liu yue came out, the rumors in the streets would no longer pollute him.


    if the headmaster was willing to take him in as a student, how could he be a cheater in the imperial examination?

 Chapter 123 - Chapter 123: I… Can Be a Legend Myself! (2)

    chapter 123: i¡­ can be a legend myself! (2)


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    ¡°thank you, headmaster. however, i won¡¯t enter the literary department. righteousness fills the world. the human world is filled with knowledge. i don¡¯t have to enter the literary department.¡±


    an le rejected the first headmaster¡¯s invitation.


    the first headmaster was not surprised and continued, ¡°what if i invite you to be a teacher in the literary department?¡±


    an le was stunned for a moment, but he still shook his head and said, ¡°that¡¯s even more impossible. if i enter the literary department as a teacher, i¡¯m afraid i¡¯ll be even more envied. those confucian scholars on the literary music ranking will definitely be unhappy. i have to spend effort to convince them before i can teach them. it¡¯s really troublesome. moreover, i want to nurture the righteous sword qi. i¡¯m afraid that i won¡¯t be able to maintain my purity after seeing too much¡­ causing the sword qi to be blind.¡±


    ¡°in that case, it¡¯s good for them and me if i don¡¯t enter the literary department.¡±


    when the first headmaster heard this. he sighed softlv.


    seeing this, an le thought for a moment and said, ¡°headmaster, there¡¯s something i don¡¯t know if i should say. the literary department is a holy land for scholars. it¡¯s a place for learning. if you get too involved with the rich and powerful, you¡¯ll lose your original intention.¡±


    ¡°without your original intention, knowledge is not so pure. it¡¯s naturally even harder to nurture the talent that can trigger the righteous qi in the literary monument.¡±


    when the first headmaster heard an le¡¯s words and looked at the sparkling lake, he fell silent for a moment.


    the small boat docked.


    an le stepped onto the bank and cupped his fists at first headmaster. ¡°headmaster, i still have to go to the lin residence to work and paint for the young masters of the lin residence. i¡¯ll take my leave first.¡±


    the first headmaster smiled and nodded, not asking him to stay any longer.


    he knew that an le had already made his decision.


    an le turned around and left. he had two swords on his waist and his white clothes were wide sleeves. like a spring breeze, he disappeared from the long dike of west lake.


    not long after an le disappeared, a stream of clear qi rolled and the small boat rippled slightly. an old man in a confucian robe had appeared at some point in time and sat in the seat where an le had sat. he looked at the first


    headmaster.


    ¡°i told you, right? it¡¯s impossible for an le to enter the literary department.


    his words are very straightforward, but they¡¯re also very right. the literary


    department is in a mess now. all kinds of parties are involved in the imperial court¡¯s strife. all kinds of sides are trying to cling to the influential. in order to gain a foothold in the court in the future, they have all long lost their original intention to study.¡±


    ¡°if an le really enters the literary department, the righteous sword qi might not be easy to nurture. if the filthy environment breaks the righteous sword qi, the gains will not make up for the losses.¡±


    ¡°look at the literary department now. the literary music ranking is useless. how many years has it been since there was a confucian scholar who triggered the righteousness?¡±


    ¡°the dao of sacred confucianism is simply a joke.¡±


    the third headmaster flicked his finger, and ripples immediately appeared in the lake, causing the small boat to ripple faintly.


    ¡°therefore, i said that the literary department needs change, and so does the imperial court.¡±


    an le left west lake and headed towards jing street.


    passing the familiar stone monument archway, he knocked on the lin residence¡¯s door. miss liu xiang still opened the door. looking at the young man outside, liu xiang¡¯s eyes were as bright as stars in the sky.


    ¡°young master an!¡±


    liu xiang was extremely excited and admired him even more. the actions of the young man in front of her yesterday were simply unbelievable.


    this time, without lin zhuifeng making a fuss, everyone knew about an le¡¯s deeds.


    everyone in lin¡¯an knew about the grudge between the lin residence and prime minister qin¡¯s residence.


    therefore, an le extradited righteousness in front of prime minister qin¡¯s residence and ruthlessly slapped prime minister qin¡¯s face. to everyone in the lin residence, it was very satisfying.


    ¡°good morning, miss liu xiang.¡±


    an le smiled gently and stepped into the residence. as he walked forward, everyone in the lin residence bowed and greeted an le when they saw him. the atmosphere was warm and filled with reverence and admiration.


    he smiled in response.


    in the distance, xi xiang slowly walked over and looked at an le with a gentle and bright smile. ¡°young master an, madam hua is waiting for you at the heavenly wave water pavilion.¡±


    an le was not surprised. after slapping prime minister qin¡¯s face yesterday, he left directly and went to the west lake to listen to music to break through and condense his primordial spirit. he did not explain it to madam hua, so he naturally had to meet her at this moment.


    therefore, he followed xi xiang to the heavenly wave water pavilion.


    a gentle breeze blew. in the water pavilion pool, carp were swimming elegantly like blooming flowers.


    in the main hall, madam hua was sitting on the couch and reading. when she saw an le coming over, she closed the book and smiled. she nodded. ¡°you¡¯re here.¡±


    an le cupped his fists and bowed to madam hua.


    madam hua glanced at an le. there seemed to be an invisible sword intent sweeping through the hall. it was the sword intent of the heart sword.


    a strange look and shock quickly appeared in madam hua¡¯s eyes. ¡°the primordial spirit has taken shape?!¡±


    the fourth level of spirit refinement¡­ primordial spirit!


    if she remembered correctly, not long before the spring quarter examination, an le had just reached the shedding mortality realm of spirit refinement!


    why had he already condensed a primordial spirit now¡­ was it because his thoughts were cleared yesterday in front of prime minister qin¡¯s residence? after refining his mental power, he stepped into the fourth realm of spirit refinement and condensed a primordial spirit?


    although green mountain had concealed his cultivation, madam hua could sense a little because the heart sword was related to the sword waterfall diagram that an le cultivated.


    ¡°yes, i just condensed my primordial spirit yesterday. my mental power is still unstable, but it¡¯s not a big problem. i¡¯ll be able to stabilize it after visualizing and cultivating it for a night or two.¡±


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    an le smiled.


    after all, although she was called a spirit refinement genius, it was impossible for her to condense her primordial spirit at the fourth realm as quickly as an


    ¡°not bad.¡±


    madam hua suppressed the shock in her heart and tried her best to maintain her composure.


    she forcefully maintained the image of an expert that she had maintained in front of an le for a long time..

 Chapter 124 - Chapter 124: I… Can Be a Legend Myself! (3)

    chapter 124: i¡­ can be a legend myself! (3)


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    after pouring a cup of tea for an le, madam hua looked at him. ¡°after yesterday, your name has completely spread in lin¡¯an, but it also means that you¡¯ve completely offended prime minister qin.¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s no other way. if i hadn¡¯t used lightning-fast methods to prove my innocence, what awaited me would have been eternal damnation. after all, rumors spread faster the human can run.¡±


    an le took a sip of west lake longjing tea and said with a smile, his expression relaxed.


    the condensation of his primordial spirit increased an le¡¯s confidence.


    ¡°that¡¯s right. it¡¯s indeed not easy to deal with the imperial examination¡¯s fraud accusation. i didn¡¯t think of a better solution back then.¡± madam hua nodded and didn¡¯t hide her conflict back then.


    ¡°as for completely offending prime minister qin¡­ i don¡¯t care about this. let¡¯s not talk about the north expedition test for the spring quarter examination. i already oppose prime minister qin¡¯s opinion on the expedition, so i have to stand on the opposite side in the end. just his son, qin qianqiu, has a lot of estrangement with me. he didn¡¯t even hesitate to kill me. there¡¯s no peace talk between me and prime minister qin¡¯s residence.¡±


    an le drank his tea and said calmly. he had a clear understanding of the situation.


    suddenly, an le looked up at madam hua. ¡°madam hua, i once said that a drop of water should be repaid with a spring¡­¡±


    ¡°now that the spring quarter examination has ended, i¡¯m quite confident in my results. when the rankings are released in a few days, i should be able to firmly enter the top of the list a scholar rankings and obtain the qualifications for the hall examination.¡±


    ¡°in the past, i didn¡¯t have the right to ask madam hua about the storm calming in the hall examination. but now, i¡¯ve condensed my primordial spirit and feel that i have a chance to compete in the hall examination.¡±


    ¡°i wonder if madam hua is willing to give me this chance?¡±


    as soon as an le finished speaking, the entire heavenly wave water pavilion fell silent.


    only the sound of boiling water could be heard.


    xi xiang, who was standing quietly at the side, narrowed her eyes and did not dare to breathe loudly.


    madam hua held the teacup and maintained the posture of drinking tea. after a long time, her long eyelashes trembled slightly. her gaze swept over and landed on an le, looking at this high-spirited young man with sparkling eyes.


    ¡°you want to help the lin family obtain this storm calming?¡± madam hua asked.


    she guessed why an le asked this. it was because an le was worried that madam hua had another plan. if he went to fight for the storm calming, he would disrupt her arrangements.


    an le nodded.


    madam hua put down her teacup, shook her head, and chuckled. ¡°actually, you don¡¯t have to give yourself too much pressure, nor do you have to enter this vortex.¡±


    ¡°if it¡¯s just to repay my kindness, then forget it. i¡¯ve only given you a cultivation technique. the one who really shone on the path of cultivation is you.¡±


    ¡°in addition, although you¡¯ve condensed your primordial spirit and stepped into the fourth realm of the spirit refinement realm, there¡¯s not much hope of you competing for storm calming in the hall examination.¡±


    ¡°there are many geniuses in this year¡¯s hall examination. they all want to compete for the top scholar position and get a chance to talk to the sacred teacher. therefore, if you want to compete for the storm calming, the opponents you need to face are all extremely powerful.¡±


    ¡°the top six of the little sacred ranking are all powerful opponents that are basically difficult for you to defeat with your current strength. for example, the prodigy of the sima family, sima pudu, who is ranked sixth on the little sacred ranking¡¯s literary music ranking. although he is only at the fourth realm of body tempering, he is at the peak of the fifth realm of spirit refinement. he is only a short distance away from breaking through to the sixth realm.¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s also the fifth on the little sacred ranking, the wang family¡¯s qilin son. he¡¯s at the fourth realm of spirit refinement and the peak of the fifth realm of body tempering. his talent is extraordinary, and he¡¯s also holding his breath to fight for the top scholar.¡±


    ¡°as for wenxi, there¡¯s no need for me to introduce her. above her is qin lishi¡¯s son, qin hua¡¯an. his body tempering and spirit refinement are both at the peak of the fifth realm¡­


    ¡°the ninth prince and the second prince, who are ranked first and second, won¡¯t participate in the spring quarter examination because of their special identities. it won¡¯t affect the competition for the top scholar. however¡­ even without them, with your current third realm body tempering and initial fourth realm spirit refinement cultivation, there¡¯s not much hope.¡± madam hua said softly.


    ¡°these are the geniuses on the little sacred ranking. most of them were elected to participate in the hall examination. there are also some cultivators who participated in the spring quarter examination with their strength and obtained the qualifications to participate in the hall examination. they can¡¯t be underestimated either. they are all hopes nurtured by various factions. they are all people who have entered the fifth realm. to you, the pressure is huge.¡±


    ¡°therefore, in my opinion, there¡¯s not much hope of you becoming the top scholar in this spring quarter examination. you can wait for the next spring quarter examination. at that time, with your cultivation speed, you will definitely be able to become the top scholar.¡±


    madam hua persuaded gently.


    she thought highly of an le¡¯s talent, but there was not much time left in this hall examination. no matter how good an le¡¯s talent was, it was difficult for him to soar.


    in the water pavilion, a gentle breeze blew, causing an le¡¯s white clothes to flutter gently.


    an le finished the tea in his cup and smiled lightly. ¡°how do you know it won¡¯t work if you don¡¯t try?¡±


    ¡°senior once told me about general you¡¯an¡¯s deeds. back then, general you¡¯an¡¯s ranking on the little sacred ranking was not much better than mine, but he challenged the geniuses on the rankings all the way. one battle every seven days, no matter rain or shine¡­ he won every battle and nurtured an invincible aura. he accumulated a mouthful of righteous qi and became the top scholar in the spring quarter examination.¡±


    ¡°people call him the legendary top scholar. when i heard that, i was really excited and yearned for it endlessly. therefore, i¡¯m willing to give it a try now. even if i¡¯m not fighting for the storm calming for the lin residence, i¡¯m also fighting for a bright future for myself. just like back at the sixth mountain, i gave up the mountain guardian spot and chose to fight for the little sacred token.¡± an le said.


    his eyes lit up slightly, and heroic qi surged from his body.


    the [heroic qi attraction] dao fruit trembled slightly at this moment as if it was fluctuating because of the youth¡¯s heroic spirit.


    the green mountain at his waist trembled slightly, and the ink pool sword let out a clear sword cry, echoing the young man¡¯s heroic mental state.


    ¡°you¡¯re different from him. he can fight every seven days to nurture his invincible aura, but your time is tighter than his. besides, li you¡¯an is a legend¡­¡±


    madam hua looked at the heroic qi surging young man, her eyes trembling as she stammered.


    ¡°madam, legends are forged. if general you¡¯an can become a legend, then i¡­


    can become a legend myself!¡±


    the young man was in high spirits, the righteous sword qi mixed with the soaring heroism of heroic qi attraction instantly surged in the heavenly wave water pavilion, raising a storm.


    it was like how the great roc rose with the wind one day and soared 90,000 miles!


    at this moment, the young man¡¯s aura was like a great roc rising in the wind. as he spread his wings, he continuously shattered the clouds and rushed into the nine heavens!


    he had listened to legends before, but he was not afraid of them.


    he was willing to personally create a legend!


    even if he failed on this path and ended up with his bones shattered, he was fearless.


    the brilliant will to face the sun melted all the snow in the mountains!


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    ¡°madam, help me.¡±


    madam hua¡¯s heart trembled as she looked at the arrogant, heroic qi-filled young man with aspirations like the sun. her eyes could not help but be a little dazed.


    then, a smile appeared on her lips. she could not help but look forward to it.


    ¡°i¡¯m still in lin¡¯an, so i¡¯ll protect you on the way.¡±


    ¡°go, nurture your invincible aura and accumulate righteous sword qi to create a legend that belongs to you..¡±

 Chapter 128 - Chapter 128: The Young Man Challenges the Nomad Flute, Fight the Whole of Lin’an (1)

    chapter 128: the young man challenges the nomad flute, fight the whole of lin¡¯an (1)


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    as the wine and dance were accompanied by hundreds of falling flowers, the shadow of the golden hairpin fell into the silver lamp.


    the dance in falling flower pavilion was peaceful and beautiful.


    an le held the old yellow wine in his hand. his white clothes and wide sleeves were filled with the spring breeze, and his cool hair was draped over his shoulders. he looked at the falling flower pavilion under the starry night sky. he had naturally heard of this most famous place in lin¡¯an prefecture, but he had never stepped foot in it.


    the flower boat on the west lake was also a place of fireworks, but compared to the falling flower pavilion, it paled in comparison. be it extravagant or luxurious, it was far inferior.


    if not for fairy yun rou¡¯s presence on the west lake flower boat, it would not have attracted so many scholars.


    the biggest difference between the falling flower pavilion and the many flower boats on west lake was that cultivators came and went in the falling


    flower pavilion. basically, cultivators would choose the falling flower pavilion instead of the flower boats on west lake.


    this huge falling flower pavilion seemed to be a miniature of the prosperity that was like a dream after the great zhao dynasty moved south. it eroded one¡¯s bones and soul, grinding one¡¯s ambition.


    the 15th place on the little sacred ranking was taken by ximen qiuhua. he was a rather unconventional genius on the little sacred ranking. he was at the fourth realm of both spirit refinement and body tempering, but he was only 22 years old.


    unlike wang qinhe, ye wenxi, sima pudu, and the other geniuses, ximen qiuhua did not have any noble background. in fact, his status was a little lowly. he was birthed by a dancer in the falling flower pavilion.


    he grew up in the falling flower pavilion and later revealed his talent. he was chosen by the existence behind the scenes of the falling flower pavilion. other than his lowly status, he obtained the qualifications to study and participate in the imperial examination.


    however, ximen qiuhua went to the literary department to study. he only went there a few times and never went again. this was because even though his lowly status had been removed, he still could not mingle with the students of the literary department.


    those confucian scholars from the literary department who often roamed the flower pavilion all knew ximen qiuhua¡¯s identity and mocked him. they were ashamed to study with him.


    in the end, ximen qiuhua returned to the falling flower pavilion and studied hard. because he had been nurtured in the falling flower pavilion since he was young, he had mastered good zither skills, brewed good tea, and was even good at playing a good flute.


    in fact, in the falling flower pavilion, his position was comparable to many courtesans. this was because the people came to look for ximen qiuhua not because of his beauty or their peculiar hobby, but because they admired his zither skills, tea skills, and flute music alone.


    of course, no one dared to act recklessly because the person behind ximen qiuhua was the existence in charge of the falling flower pavilion. it was rumored that their status and power were unimaginable.


    an le smiled and recalled the information in madam hua¡¯s letter.


    ximen qiuhua¡¯s image gradually appeared in his mind.


    brushing off his white clothes, an le stepped into the falling flower pavilion.


    a crescent moon shot into the room, brushing the spring wind into the curtain.


    in front of the falling flower pavilion, many scholars and cultivators paid attention to the handsome youth who was slowly walking over with a pot of old yellow wine and two swords at his waist.


    master an¡¯s name was definitely extraordinary in lin¡¯an now. there were 3,000 poems recited in front of prime minister qin¡¯s residence and the extradition of the righteous had long become an unforgettable scene for countless people.


    therefore, when an le appeared, many cultivators in front of the falling flower pavilion stopped in their tracks, especially some confucian scholars on the literary music ranking of the literary department. their drunkenness was instantly swept away by the rain and wind. they widened their eyes and stared


    at the youth.


    ¡°master an.¡±


    many cultivators had fervent gazes as they greeted an le. however, they also secretly sized up the youth. master an, who was filled with heroism, had also come to the falling flower pavilion to seek pleasure?


    however, it was rumored that master an went to the west lake to view the flower boats and did not come to the flower pavilion. could it be that¡­ he had changed his taste?


    unlike the confucian scholars of the literary department, many scholars did not have much conflict with an le. they greeted him with admiration and the intention to get close to him.


    an le smiled and bowed. he returned the greetings one by one and stepped into the beautiful falling flower pavilion.


    a fragrant wind blew over. several graceful figures approached quickly. before they approached, they slowed down and bowed.


    ¡°greetings, master an.¡±


    the words spoken in unison were soft and charming, making an le¡¯s expression turn serious.


    the graceful figures moved aside one after another. an old but graceful woman who still retained her youthful beauty slowly walked over, looked at an le, and bowed.


    ¡°i¡¯ve long heard of master an¡¯s name. seeing master an come to my falling flower pavilion today, the falling flower pavilion is really honored. look at my sisters, their eyes are almost watery.¡±


    the woman pinched a round fan with chrysanthemums drawn on it. although her words were exaggerated, her posture was elegant and carried the gracefulness of a noblewoman.


    ¡°master an, go upstairs first. i¡¯ve prepared the best room for you, and you can choose from our younger sisters. i heard that master an¡¯s painting skills are unique. our falling flower pavilion also has younger sisters who are good at painting. i hope master an can give us some pointers.¡±


    the woman smiled like a peach blossom and said softly.


    an le smiled and looked at the woman in front of him. the woman looked ordinary, but the age qi lingered on her body. she was probably at the third realm.


    he cupped his fists and said, ¡°sister, i came to the flower pavilion to look for someone. please pass on the message that the 16th on the little sacred ranking, an le, has come to challenge him.¡±


    the smile on the woman¡¯s face froze.


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    the surrounding scholars and scholars, as well as many cultivators who were watching, fell silent when they heard an le¡¯s words.


    this was a challenge with the title of the little sacred ranking?


    challenge who?


    it was naturally the genius of the falling flower pavilion¡¯s little sacred ranking, ximen qiuhua.


    ¡°this¡­ this master an, it¡¯s really boring to fight in a beautiful place like the falling flower pavilion. why don¡¯t i let miss tianxiang chat with master an? she likes master an¡¯s ink bamboo so much that she can draw it every day..¡±

 Chapter 129 - Chapter 129: The Young Man Challenges the Nomad Flute, Fight the Whole of Lin ‘an (2)

    chapter 129: the young man challenges the nomad flute, fight the whole of lin ¡®an (2)


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    the woman¡¯s smile returned.


    however, an le was still smiling. he raised his head and looked past the red lanterns hanging on the railing of the high floor of the pavilion. there, a man in plain clothes stood upright and looked down at an le.


    ¡°aunt xuan, please let master an come up.¡±


    the man spoke, his voice drifting over.


    the smile on aunt xuan¡¯s face remained. she sighed softly and turned to an le.


    ¡°young master an, please.¡±


    there was less enthusiasm in her words.


    an le followed the woman called aunt xuan all the way up the ladder. the falling flower pavilion immediately became a little quiet. many gazes followed


    an le and aunt xuan¡¯s movements.


    at this moment, many people¡¯s hearts were already in turmoil. after the change in the little sacred ranking today, an le jumped from 18th place to 16th place.


    initially, everyone was still shocked by an le¡¯s breakthrough. however, they did not expect an le to challenge ximen qiuhua, who was ranked 15th, as soon as night fell!


    ximen qiuhua¡¯s body tempering and spirit refinement were both at the fourth realm. although an le¡¯s spirit refinement had broken through to the fourth realm, his body tempering was still only at the third realm!


    they were both geniuses. did an le want to cross realms to fight?


    ximen qiuhua was different from wang qinhe. he had really relied on his talent to obtain the little sacred token. the only reason why he was ranked 15th was because his cultivation level was a little weak. he had just broken through to the fourth realm.


    his experience was not a secret in the falling flower pavilion. his zither and tea skills had long attracted the attention of many dignitaries.


    however, because of his background, ximen qiuhua¡¯s cultivation started a little late and fell too far behind. therefore, although he obtained the little sacred token with his own strength, it was difficult for him to have a good ranking in terms of cultivation.


    on this point, many people felt that an le and ximen qiuhua were somewhat similar.


    on the fifth level of the falling flower pavilion, the door was pushed open, and a little sandalwood fragrance floated out. this level was rather quiet and lacked the smell of rouge and powder, as if it was a place to pay respects to buddha, not a place for fireworks.


    an le stepped into the house and the door could not help but be closed by aunt xuan. in an instant, it was completely isolated from the outside world, and there was no more noise.


    it was really interesting to obtain silence in a noisy place like the falling flower pavilion.


    an le entered the room in white and saw a handsome man in plain clothes sitting by the tea table.


    ¡°young master an, please.¡±


    when ximen qiuhua saw an le and knew that the latter was here to challenge him, he did not look too surprised.


    an le sat on a chair several feet away from him.


    ximen qiuhua took off the boiling hot water on the carbon stove and picked a few tea leaves to drop into the green porcelain cup. he then soaked them in hot water and spread the tea leaves inside. beside the ebony tea table, there was a charred-tailed yellow pear wood zither. the strings on it emitted a flickering silver light under the light of the small oil lamp beside the table.


    a cup of hot tea was wrapped in mental power and floated towards an le.


    an le took it. the green tea in the smooth and warm teacup was crystal clear and its color was extremely tempting. after playing with the teacup for a while, an le finished it in one gulp.


    the rich fragrance of tea burst out of his mouth, completely releasing the taste of the tea leaves and the spiritual energy contained in them.


    the tea skills that were pleasing to the eye, the control of temperature, and the control of time were extremely precise.


    ¡°young master an is challenging me? if i remember correctly, young master has only risen to 16th place today, right? shouldn¡¯t you consolidate your strength before challenging me?¡± ximen qiuhua looked at an le and asked gently.


    ¡°i don¡¯t have much time left. i have to hurry.¡± an le put down his teacup and replied softly.


    the two of them did not look like opponents who were about to fight to the death on the little sacred ranking. they were more like old friends who had been drinking tea and chatting for many years.


    ¡°there¡¯s not much time¡­¡± ximen qiuhua seemed to be puzzled. he played with the tea set on the tea table and thought of something. he suddenly raised his head and stared at an le.


    ¡°could it be that¡­ young master an wants to challenge all the way up and replicate the legendary rise of general you¡¯an back then?¡± ximen qiuhua asked in surprise.


    an le did not answer him. he raised his hand, and as his mental power spread, the ink pool sword swept out.


    the slightly trembling ink pool sword emitted a sword cry. in an instant, dense sword qi intertwined in the room.


    ¡°my cultivation level is weak to begin with, but fortunately, my talent is not bad. battle is excellent nourishment for me to increase my strength. i¡¯ll nurture battle with battle. perhaps i can show some sharpness during the hall examination and make those rats who are spying on me, and want to scheme against and harm me, feel fear.¡±


    ¡°in this world, background is very important, but one¡¯s strength is the true capital to be arrogant.¡±


    ¡°i want to make myself stronger. i also want to climb high and look into the distance. i will stand at the top and look down on all the mountains.¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s so much trouble in lin¡¯an that i can¡¯t avoid it in time. if i want to be involved, i¡¯ll form a vortex of my own.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ll nurture my invincible aura, challenge the little sacred ranking, and fight the whole of lin¡¯an.¡± an le said softly.


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    his voice was not loud, but it was filled with sonorousness, causing ximen qiuxian, who was sitting behind the tea table, to narrow his eyes slightly.


    fight the whole of lin¡¯an!


    what an arrogant young man, what a domineering ambition. his brilliant fighting spirit was like the sun hanging high in the sky, making ximen qiuhua¡¯s heart tremble slightly, but he could not help but admire him.


    it was too difficult to walk the path of legendary top scholar li you¡¯an¡¯s undefeated legend. the courage required was too great. even a verbal declaration was enough to scare too many people away.


    as for the young man in front of him, with the cultivation of the third realm of body tempering and the fourth realm of spirit refinement, he raised the sword in his hand and wanted to walk the legendary path of the legendary top scholar again. he wanted to challenge the little sacred ranking and fight the whole of lin¡¯an..

 Chapter 130 - Chapter 130: The Young Man Challenges the Nomad Flute, Fight the Whole of Lin ‘an (3)

    chapter 130: the young man challenges the nomad flute, fight the whole of lin ¡®an (3)


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    taking a deep breath, admiration appeared in ximen qiuhua¡¯s eyes.


    he naturally had all the information about an le. he came from a small family in chongzhou and did not even cultivate when he entered lin¡¯an. however, he received madam hua¡¯s help in the lin residence. in just a month, he rose like a hidden dragon emerging from the abyss.


    the current an le was somewhat of a legend already.


    today, an le came to challenge him, ximen qiuhua, to create an even greater legend.


    sensing the ink pool sword¡¯s sword qi that lingered in the room, mental power surged out of ximen qiuhua¡¯s body.


    he stared at an le, and there seemed to be a ball of flames burning in the depths of his pupils. it was battle intent.


    ¡°young master an is so bold. in that case, i¡¯ll accompany you on this path today.¡± ximen qiuhua said.


    however, he stood up and walked to the vermilion-carved wooden window. he pushed it open and looked at an le. ¡°this house was rented to me by the falling flower pavilion. it¡¯s a good place to taste tea, play the zither, and blow the flute. it can¡¯t be destroyed during a fight. therefore, young master an, can you follow me to the top to fight?¡±


    the ink pool sword floated to his side and an le smiled. ¡°okay.¡±


    ximen qiuhua bowed elegantly. although he had not entered the literary department, his bearing was more elegant than any confucian scholar an le had seen.


    he waved his hand, and the zither on the table floated over. he carried it on his back, and a long jade flute with a red tassel on the wall also landed in his hand.


    with a surge of mental power, ximen qiuhua left the room, followed by an le. the two of them left the room and floated up like they were stepping on the moon. they ascended the roof and stepped on the hexagonal eaves and black tiles. they landed on the top of the falling flower pavilion and stood opposite each other on both sides of the roof.


    the cold spring night wind blew over, fluttering their clothes.


    the sky¡¯s pure color was spotless, and the moon was bright above.


    the huge silver disc hung above the two of them. the moonlight was like a veil that shone on the top of the falling flower pavilion.


    ximen qiuhua took down the charred-tailed yellow pear wood zither. one leg was independent, and the other leg was crossed horizontally. the zither landed on his leg. he looked at an le and chuckled. ¡°young master an, please.¡±


    the ink pool sword poured into the clouds and fell again. it hung by an le¡¯s side. an le took a sip of old yellow wine and placed the wine pot on the roof. in the next moment, he knocked gently on the ink pool sword floating in front of him.


    in an instant!


    at the top of the falling flower pavilion, sword qi filled the universe!


    the news that master an came to challenge ximen qiuhua of the falling flower pavilion spread instantly, especially when everyone looked over.


    it could be seen that on the top of the falling flower pavilion, two figures stood opposite each other and their auras collided.


    many people surged out of their mental power or rushed out of their houses. they landed on the roofs and looked into the distance.


    the battle of the little sacred ranking would attract the attention of most cultivators in lin¡¯an prefecture. after all, there were no mediocre people who could be on the little sacred ranking.


    among the people fighting this time, there was the famous an le.


    many people did not understand why an le, who had just entered the 16th place on the little sacred ranking, was in a hurry to challenge the 15th place. why did he not leave any room for himself to consolidate his cultivation?


    however, some people could tell that it was extraordinary.


    primordial spirits rose into the sky and stood in the air, looking at the battle between the two outstanding juniors in the falling flower pavilion.


    ye wenxi, ye yinping, qin hua¡¯an, sima pudu, and the others on the little sacred ranking spread their primordial spirits to observe.


    li you¡¯an, zhao huangting, madam hua, and the other famous experts also watched curiously.


    when the sword qi filled the universe, it meant that this challenge had begun.


    compared to the time when wang qinhe challenged an le, this battle was an le¡¯s counterattack against someone of a higher rank.


    the two of them were serious and did not relax or neglect each other.


    under the moonlight, the two pairs of eyes looked at each other. their eyes were refined, and their eyes were heroic qi. only the two of them were left in their eyes.


    the two of them were outstanding figures among their peers. those who could enter the little sacred ranking were extraordinary people. therefore, neither of them was willing to admit defeat easily and had the intention to suppress the other.


    an le wanted to defeat ximen qiuhua and nurture an invincible aura as the beginning of his conquest in lin¡¯an. this battle was extremely important to him. if he lost in the first round, it would definitely be a huge blow. not to mention nurturing an invincible aura, even his spirit would be weakened.


    ximen qiuhua¡¯s battle intent was also abundant. an le wanted to step on him to nurture an invincible aura, so ximen qiuhua naturally would not let him succeed easily. going all out was the greatest respect for an le, and also respect for an le walking this difficult legendary path!


    with a hook of his fingers, the zither music sounded. an invisible aura had already arisen and fused into his mental power.


    like a small snake dragging qi currents, it quickly darted out and shot towards an le like an arrow.


    the green mountain was raised gently and tapped on the small qi current snake that was rushing over. the small snake disintegrated, and an le¡¯s aura surged. he gently pressed down with his sword fingers, sword qi draws near!


    the sharp spring breeze suddenly transformed into a sharp sword qi that suddenly slashed down like a straight line.


    ximen qiuhua¡¯s body floated to the side, a strand of hair was cut off and landed on the zither. he was knocked up by the sound of the zither again and flew into the air.


    the zither music came wave after wave. the zither music seemed to have transformed into a wild beast that surged out with momentum.


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    his mental power surged, and a primordial spirit appeared in the niwan palace between ximen qiuhua¡¯s brows.


    the corners of his lips curled up slightly, and the sound of the zither floated up.


    around an le were ferocious beasts formed by the zither music. there was even sharpness mixed in. the zither music trembled and emitted a murderous aura.


    the qi blood on an le¡¯s body fluctuated, and an ancient demon phenomenon suddenly appeared. it was like the roar of an ancient demon tiger, suppressing every zither music beast.


    the zither music exploded and turned into dense threads of qi. the source of those threads was at ximen qiuhua¡¯s fingertips. he plucked the zither music and broke a zither string.

 Chapter 131 - Chapter 131: The Young Man Challenges the Nomad Flute, Fight the Whole of Lin ‘an (4)

    chapter 131: the young man challenges the nomad flute, fight the whole of lin ¡®an (4)


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    ¡°shang.¡±


    ximen qiuhua spat out another breath, and the zither music changed again and again, like water flowing from a high mountain, it turned into a tidal wave that surged rapidly!


    countless threads slashed down like countless sword qi.


    an le finally moved. he raised green mountain in his hand and sword qi appeared. he handed it forward and bamboo branches appeared from afar. as they swayed, they disturbed countless threads.


    taking a step forward, he stared at the zither music aura that stretched like a river. as an le waved green mountain, righteous sword qi surged out, brilliant and imposing, firm belief, unstoppable!


    the primordial spirit mental power in an le¡¯s glabella was also released. when his spirit refinement stepped into the fourth realm, he already had an extraordinary bearing. the phantom of the sword waterfall appeared as if an invisible storm was pouring down, and the rain contained sword qi!


    an le crushed the zither notes step by step. with every step he took, heroic qi surged on his body, his battle intent surged, and his aura increased!


    there were only thirty steps between him and ximen qiuhua, but it was filled with dense zither sounds and fluttering zither threads. every thread of zither thread carried the sharpness of cutting off a head.


    an le used the bamboo branch sword technique to roughly slash out a path.


    the battle between the two was divided into two types: the battle on mental power and the battle of techniques.


    sword qi draws near carried the ink pool sword into the darkness and brought with it a fatal attack at any time. ximen qiuhua used the zither music to seal the surroundings and was vigilant of the location of sword qi draws near, not giving an le a chance. this was a battle of mental power.


    the clash of techniques was the overlapping and changing of the zither notes. the killing intent brought about was all cut off by an le¡¯s bamboo branch sword technique.


    ximen qiuhua¡¯s head swayed gently, his left and right hands were playing the zither strings. his face was slightly pale, and his mental power was beginning to overdraft.


    ¡°jiao!¡±


    ximen qiuhua¡¯s gaze focused, and his hands suddenly pressed down. the zither music seemed to have stopped in an instant, but at the next moment, ximen qiuhua¡¯s slender fingers continuously slapped the zither.


    ¡°the daughter of cai composed the eighteen songs of the nomad flute in the past.¡±


    this was the eighteen songs of a nomad flute!


    bang! bang! bang! bang!


    on the roof, the black tiles exploded, and 18 pieces of broken black tiles rose. in an instant, the zither music turned into a furious sandstorm of flowing water!


    an le held the green mountain sword and changed form again. he advanced with the youth travel sword technique. the young man¡¯s spirit soared into the sky and slashed through the endless yellow sand!


    the mental power of the two spirit refinement cultivators collided, causing a storm to surge in all directions, and black tiles flew everywhere.


    the young man challenged the nomad flute with his invincible aura!


    within 30 steps, sword qi swept out, and the righteous sword qi slashed down.


    ximen qiuhua¡¯s face was pale, his mental power could not hold on anymore. after using the first three notes, it was difficult for him to accumulate more


    strength.


    the more an le fought, the more he surged, his aura overlapped as he approached ximen qiuhua.


    ximen qiuhua¡¯s eyes shone brightly, his battle intent was like a rainbow, and his hair fluttered in the wind, but he did not retreat. he hooked his fingers and pulled the zither strings, like a full moon, the bow was like a bolt of lightning!


    this scholar who was full of confucian aura also lived in the falling flower pavilion.


    at this moment, it was as if he had transformed into a sharpshooter who was killing the enemy!


    the jade flute floated up and rested on the strings.


    the zither was the string, and the flute was the arrow.


    his music became a killing weapon!


    he wanted to kill this young man in front of him who had the momentum of a mountain!


    bang!


    suddenly, there was an explosion. before ximen qiuhua, who had condensed his mental power, could react, a broken black tile was suddenly filled with sword qi and slashed at the zither. the zither shattered and exploded!


    sword qi draws near was effective on everything in the world!


    ximen qiuhua spat out a mouthful of blood, his aura became chaotic, and he could no longer gather his strength. his pupils constricted, and the thick night suddenly turned into a ball of ink. the ink pulled out thin threads, like a completely black string¡­


    it brushed past his neck, bringing with it a drop of dark red blood.


    ximen qiuhua¡¯s aura suddenly collapsed and he fell two steps on the roof. an


    le, who had slashed the long zither notes and zither threads with green mountain, came over without any obstruction. he pushed out a sword and pierced through ximen qiuhua¡¯s chest before pulling it out again, bringing with it a puff of blood.


    at this moment, the zither music disappeared and the sword qi dissipated.


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    only the two people standing on the roof looked at each other.


    one person¡¯s eyes were filled with regret, but they also had the joy of fighting a good battle.


    the invincibility in one person¡¯s eyes had just been formed. his brilliant fighting spirit was like the sun, like a roc riding the wind!


    it was as if at this moment, the invincible aura on his body surged like a wave and pointed his sword at the entire city.


    fight the whole of lin¡¯an!

 Chapter 142 - Chapter 142: Today, I’ll Show Everyone My Anger (1)

    chapter 142: today, i¡¯ll show everyone my anger (1)


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    in the three months of spring, there were ninety days of rain.


    a spring rain fell after the clouds, giving the entire west lake a scenery that was very different from the sunny day.


    at this moment, the spring rain that filled the sky seemed to have stopped for a moment.


    many people looked at the west lake and the endless white jade dike that stretched to the side. it could be seen that on the long dike, a white aura rushed up like a strong white python. it vaguely had the posture of a dragon and roared at the human world.


    however, what was even more shocking and dazzling was the extremely dazzling red color on the white dike.


    many scholars¡¯ faces turned pale. they looked at master an, who had cut off the monk¡¯s head in the navy blue monk robe, in fear. he stepped on a black sword and soared into the sky, like a peerless sword immortal rising into the sky!


    from the moment the carriage stopped, the monk getting out of the carriage and releasing his killing intent, to being killed by an le and having his head cut off, everything happened in a flash.


    it was a battle between cultivators. it was so fast that many people did not react. they could not even see the details of the battle clearly.


    many scholars knew that an le had won. he had cut off the monk¡¯s head with a sword and established the victory.


    however, many scholars and calligraphers also thought that this was murder¡­


    master an had killed someone!


    many people admired and admired master an, who was now famous. however, when it came to killing people in public, many scholars and calligraphers were afraid.


    they didn¡¯t know about the world of martial arts. they only knew that a


    famous person like master an might ruin his future if he killed someone in lin¡¯an prefecture.


    on the flower boat in the center of west lake, fairy yun rou stood there with a zither on her back. she looked at the battle on the long dike and her heart could not help but surge.


    monk fakong was at the fifth level of body tempering. he had comprehended the mystic intent and stepped into the connate realm. his physique was enhanced by the connate body, and his strength was peerless. his aura was endless and extremely domineering.


    however, he was actually killed by an le in a fair battle!


    fairy yun rou, who had witnessed this battle with her own eyes, knew very well how domineering an le¡¯s combat strength was. that godly sword technique, coupled with the enhancement of the righteous sword qi, and lastly¡­ waving the sword like playing the zither.


    almost seizing the instant opportunity, he used his lightning-fast technique to capitalize on this opportunity and turn it into victory.


    ¡°killing with music¡­ young master an also knows the dao of music?¡± fairy yun rou¡¯s eyes shone brightly.


    she, who was proficient in the zither, naturally saw through an le¡¯s final breakthrough point that changed the situation. he used his primordial spirit to play the sword, causing the ink pool sword¡¯s sword cry to turn into a murderous sound wave that exploded like buried gunpowder.


    although monk fakong had a fifth-realm physical body, he still could not withstand this sudden explosion. therefore, after three consecutive explosions, his palm, arm, and half of his body exploded.


    at this point, the situation was over. even if monk fakong was at the fifth realm of body tempering, half of his body had been blown up, so his combat strength had naturally decreased greatly. without a doubt, he had been killed by an le.


    this battle was too exciting. the game between the techniques of the two sides, the battle between the primordial spirits, and the hiding of their trump cards were all satisfying.


    after an le killed monk fakong in one battle, a majestic invincible aura suddenly appeared from his body. a third-realm body tempering inner core had killed a fifth-realm connate expert!


    what kind of great victory was this? what kind of bold counterattack!


    to an le, who had nurtured an invincible aura, this victory would definitely bring a huge condensation and improvement to his invincible aura!


    but what puzzled fairy yun rou was¡­


    stepping on the ink pool sword, he rode his sword and rose into the sky. holding the blood-stained green mountain in his hand, his white clothes and wide sleeves fluttered as he walked towards the hexagonal heavy-brimmed pagoda, the lake gazing building. what was young master an trying to do?


    she wasn¡¯t the only one who was puzzled. many cultivators and scholars who had watched the battle on the long dike were puzzled.


    some people thought that an le wanted to escape from punishment, while others thought that an le wanted to turn himself in.


    however, some people felt that the killing intent on an let s body condensed, as if¡­ he wanted to continue killing!


    an le was prepared to kill the next person!


    but who was he going to kill?!


    on lake gazing building¡­ there was someone an le wanted to kill!


    the spring rain was fine, and the entire lin¡¯an seemed to be enveloped in a murderous aura. ripples appeared on the west lake, and the smell of blood spread out like a huge net, spreading throughout this beautiful place.


    an le stepped on the ink pool sword and rode it up. this was his first time riding a sword. at the shedding mortality realm, he could release his mental power and fly on a sword.


    however, he had never tried and practiced this technique in lin¡¯an prefecture before.


    today, an le had killed monk fakong. his aura surged and his invincible aura gathered. at this moment, his confidence was incomparably high.


    his hair fluttered, and his white clothes fluttered. his handsome face welcomed the slap of the spring rain. the rolling qi blood in his body evaporated the spring rain, forming a mist that covered his body.


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    an le stared at the lake gazing building. there, he saw a familiar figure leaning against the wall.


    it was as if scenes flashed past in front of him.


    when he first saw qin qianqiu, he sat high in the carriage and lifted the curtain. his eyes were high and mighty as if he was looking down at an ant crawling on the ground with difficulty but showing some talent. with disdain and charity, he recruited him.


    after that, qin qianqiu forced zhu shan to kill him, forcing him to risk his life to kill an le. he was even prepared to exchange his life with an le¡¯s.


    at that time, qin qianqiu still treated an le as an ant that could be easily erased. however, due to the rules of the lin residence, he had no choice but to let a small figure like zhu shan kill him. however, qin qianqiu did not take an le seriously. he felt that an le would definitely die under his plan..

 Chapter 143 - Chapter 143: Today, I’ll Show Everyone My Anger (2)

    chapter 143: today, i¡¯ll show everyone my anger (2)


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    then, there was the imperial examination fraud case. qin qianqiu wanted an le¡¯s reputation to be ruined. he wanted an le to have no chance of getting up again and become a joke in lin¡¯an prefecture. in the end, when an le fell to the bottom, he would hand over a sword at the right time and end an le¡¯s life.


    however, when all of this failed, qin qianqiu arranged another method. this time, he invited a demon subduing master, a genius at the fifth realm of body tempering.


    he wanted to break an le¡¯s invincible aura and cut off an le¡¯s legendary path. he wanted an le¡¯s spirit to be damaged and his future would be bleak. he wanted an le to be consigned to eternal damnation.


    it was obvious and almost certain that a fifth-stage body tempering cultivator would kill a third-stage body tempering cultivator.


    qin qianqiu hated an le to the core.


    scene after scene flashed before an le¡¯s eyes. he stepped on the ink pool sword and held the green mountain sword as he rose into the air.


    every time an le encountered something, if he was not careful, he would be consigned to eternal damnation and be completely smashed to the bottom of the valley.


    however, qin qianqiu didn¡¯t have to pay any price.


    again and again, this had to stop!


    he had to pay the price!


    without a price, it would only fuel the other party¡¯s arrogance and sprinkle dust on his own heart.


    an le stepped on his sword and hovered above west lake. the killing intent in his heart gradually condensed. invincible aura, righteous sword qi, and killing intent¡­


    the wind and waves interwove and caused the spring rain falling from the sky to tilt.


    the sword qi spread and rose higher and higher. the green mountain in his hand trembled slightly, emitting a low sword cry that was completely different from the ink pool sword.


    green mountain was a bamboo sword, and the sword hum was low, like the sound of silk bamboo. the bamboo sword should be silent, but at this moment, the trembling sword hum meant that green mountain had sensed an le¡¯s mental state and understood an le¡¯s killing intent, so it hummed.


    the killing intent flowed like a river, and green mountain could not hide it!


    the ink pool sword shook and shattered the raindrops that filled the sky as if it were tearing apart the rain. an le¡¯s white clothes and wide sleeves were filled with the spring breeze and killing intent. he rode his sword and flew towards the lake gazing building.


    they were getting closer and closer!


    green mountain pointed his sword at qin qianqiu, who was in disbelief in the lake gazing building.


    a cold sword light rose, and killing intent filled the world!


    a gentleman repaid his grievances directly!


    today, he would act like a courageous young man!


    on lake gazing building.


    there was silence. qin qianqiu leaned against the railing and gripped the wooden handguard tightly with both hands. the hand guard had caved in.


    his eyes were filled with disbelief, madness, and anger!


    ¡°why?! why can¡¯t i kill him?!¡±


    ¡°fakong is at the fifth realm of body tempering. he produced connate qi and has unparalleled strength. his combat strength far exceeds the third realm, but why did he still lose!¡±


    ¡°why is this kid so lucky?!¡±


    qin qianqiu was furious. the spring rain slanted in and sprinkled on the lacquered wooden handguard, soaking it instantly. as qin qianqiu slapped it angrily, it raised misty water.


    he stayed in the lake gazing building and chose the best place to admire an let s death as if he were admiring the spring rain in west lake!


    in his opinion, it was impossible for monk fakong, the demon subduing master who cost him 1,000 origin spirit coins and three demon spirit pills, to lose!


    monk fakong was definitely not a weakling. he had the inheritance of the


    lotus flower temple and was one of the disciples of the holy monk of the


    lotus flower temple, duhai. the dharmic techniques he cultivated were all top-notch and were definitely different from ximen qiuhua of the falling flower pavilion!


    however, he still lost. he even died extremely miserably. his body was exploded and he died without a complete corpse.


    as for using an le¡¯s killing of monk fakong on the streets to arrest him?


    it was useless. not to mention that monk fakong was not clean to begin with, just an le himself had gathered an invincible aura. if he came to challenge him now, he had to be prepared to die.


    back then, when legendary top scholar li you¡¯an gathered an invincible aura and created a legend, there were also people who came to fight because they were unconvinced. in the end, they also died.


    in that battle, many cultivators who were unconvinced died.


    in the end, it gave rise to li you¡¯an, the legendary top scholar!


    therefore, it was very difficult to arrest an le via monk fakong¡¯s death.


    an le had the lin residence behind him. it was basically impossible to drag an le down with such a crime and make him fall into prison.


    that was why qin qianqiu was a little disheartened.


    facing a true genius, he felt rather powerless. such a genius had not stood on his side and he had yet to crush him to death as soon as possible. now, he had to pay a thousand times the price to deal with him.


    suddenly, qin qianqiu felt a sharpness in the air. his pupils constricted involuntarily. he looked up and saw the white-robed figure riding a sword.


    an le!


    he was here!


    qin qianqiu¡¯s hair stood on end. the trauma of his mental power was damaged by an le¡¯s righteous sword qi in prime minister qin¡¯s residence, and it enveloped his heart again.


    he quickly retracted his hand and staggered back into the building from the railing. his back hit the chair, causing the table and chairs to tilt and collapse.


    in the building, wang qinhe¡¯s expression changed slightly.


    his mind was at shedding mortality, so he naturally sensed the killing intent that was like a violent storm.


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    after an le killed monk fakong, killing intent rose in his heart. he still wanted to kill!


    ink pool sword carried an le¡¯s figure and floated above the lake gazing building. through the railing, he saw qin qianqiu, who still had lingering fear in his eyes.


    an le took a step forward and landed on the observation platform of lake gazing restaurant. the ink pool sword and green mountain were accompanied by soft cries, causing the murderous aura on an le¡¯s body to become even sharper.


    the clear sound of footsteps echoed in the quiet floor of lake gazing.


    qi blood circulated and evaporated the last drop of spring rain on his body. an le looked at qin qianqiu and said indifferently, ¡°young master qin, we meet again.. do you know that after the first and second attempts, there cannot be a third?¡±

 Chapter 144 - Chapter 144: Today, I’ll Show Everyone My Anger (3)

    chapter 144: today, i¡¯ll show everyone my anger (3)


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    ¡°you coerced zhu shan to kill me. you added fuel to the fire during the imperial examination¡¯s fraud case and wanted to ruin me. today, you spent a lot of money to hire a demon subduing master to kill me¡­ you targeted me three times, so i¡¯ll return it to you once. is that okay?¡±


    as soon as he finished speaking, clanging sword qi instantly filled the entire level of the lake gazing building.


    the ink pool sword let out a soft cry and turned into a straight black line.


    ¡°clang¡ª¡±


    the protective dharma treasure of lanke temple, the vajra bell, appeared. the


    ink pool sword slashed fiercely on it, and the powerful power emitted by sword qi draws near knocked qin qianqiu far away and smashed a table and chair into pieces.


    qin qianqiu fell to the ground with a look of horror on his face.


    today, an le really wanted to kill him!


    ¡°young master an, please calm down!¡±


    wang qinhe had no choice but to step forward. ¡°calm down. don¡¯t be too rash.


    qin qianqiu is prime minister qin¡¯s favorite son. you can¡¯t kill him.¡±


    an le¡¯s wide sleeves fluttered in the wind as he glanced at wang qinhe. he still had some impression of wang qinhe. back then, because his ranking had been surpassed, he had come to challenge him, who was at the bottom of the little sacred ranking.


    ¡°so, because of his noble status, he¡¯s allowed to attack me time and time again, and i want to fight back once, but i can¡¯t?¡±


    ¡°there are countless people in lin¡¯an prefecture. if everyone doesn¡¯t like me and wants to kill me, should i split my head into hundreds of pieces and let them cut me to their hearts¡¯ content?¡±


    an le carried an invincible aura that had just killed monk fakong, who was at the fifth realm of body tempering. coupled with the righteous sword qi surging from his body, he questioned wang qinhe at this moment. his voice thundered behind him, causing wang qinhe¡¯s mental power to tremble and his eardrums to hurt.


    wang qinhe¡¯s face turned pale. he opened his mouth but could not say anything to refute. ¡°but if you kill qin qianqiu, you will definitely be hated by prime minister oin. from then on, there will be no place for you in lin¡¯an or even great zhao!¡±


    an le turned his head and looked at wang qinhe. ¡°are you threatening me?¡±


    the invincible aura pressed down like a mountain. wang qinhe felt his shoulders become incomparably heavy. he raised the dragon spine saber and said solemnly, ¡°it¡¯s not a threat. it¡¯s just a piece of advice. today, you killed


    monk fakong of the fifth realm and gathered a solid and heavy invincible aura. you will definitely have a bright future! there¡¯s no need to bury a bright future for this! ¡±


    an le shook his head. ¡°it¡¯s precisely because i¡¯m gathering this invincible aura that i want to kill him. after targeting me time and time again, i¡¯ve had enough. if this anger isn¡¯t resolved well, my future path will be difficult to walk on¡­¡±


    ¡°even if i encounter a storm after killing him, i have no regrets. today, i won¡¯t weigh the pros and cons. i only want my thoughts to be clear and follow my heart.¡±


    wang qinhe¡¯s expression changed drastically.


    was an le really determined to kill qin qianqiu?


    wang qinhe exhaled and said solemnly, ¡°young master an¡­ young master qin is not only backed by prime minister qin but also the eldest prince!¡±


    ¡°if you calm down today, you will offend prime minister qin and the eldest prince!¡±


    an le shook his head. ¡°be it prime minister qin or the eldest prince, they¡¯re nothing to me.¡±


    ¡°everyone knows that when an ordinary butcher is pushed into a corner, blood will splatter everywhere.¡±


    ¡°but you high and mighty people don¡¯t think that ordinary people dare to be angry.¡±


    ¡°today, i¡¯ll show everyone my anger.¡±


    as soon as he finished speaking, an le bent his finger and knocked. the ink pool sword flashed through the air and slashed at qin qianqiu, who had just gotten up from the ground. he was still covered in the light of the lanke


    temple¡¯s vajra bell.


    clang¡ª


    another crisp sound rang out. qin qianqiu, who had just gotten up, was sent flying again. he rolled a few meters away, causing the level of the lake gazing building to be in a mess.


    ¡°don¡¯t worry, an le can¡¯t kill me. luo qingchen, who is at the sixth realm of both cultivation paths, was so angry that day that he couldn¡¯t break through the defense of my vajra bell.¡±


    ¡°it will only take a moment for someone to save me.¡±


    qin qianqiu fell to the ground and laughed.


    the righteous sword qi could indeed cut off qin qianqiu¡¯s mental power, but that was when he had a dark and evil mental power. his mental power had already been cut off. although there was a shadow in his heart, he knew that an le couldn¡¯t kill him with this!


    with the protection of lanke temple¡¯s dharma treasure, the vajra bell, he would at most be beaten up by an le like a turtle. he would not die, and an le could not kill him!


    wang qinhe¡¯s face twitched. at this juncture, qin qianqiu was still provoking an le?


    ¡®this young man¡­ might be able to kill you!¡¯


    the broken bamboo sword in his hand was a mysterious sword that had shattered his dragon spine saber!


    it was not impossible to pierce through the vajra bell¡¯s defense!


    wang qinhe took a step forward and opened his mouth to say something. however, an le pointed gently and the ink pool sword flew over. wang qinhe¡¯s expression trembled and he waved his dragon spine saber to stop it.


    however, as soon as he touched the ink pool sword, a huge force and sword qi poured into his body. wang qinhe opened his mouth and spat out blood. he flew out and fell to the ground, rolling a few times.


    the dragon spine saber slid far away, and wang qinhe fell to the ground, his eyes in a daze¡­


    was the difference already so great?!


    a few days ago, wang qinhe could still hold his saber and fight an le on the west lake. at least¡­ he could still exchange a few moves.


    now, he collapsed at the slightest touch.


    this was a prodigy who had ascended the little sacred ranking alone and wanted to gather an invincible aura to walk the legendary path!


    at this moment, wang qinhe suddenly understood luo qingchen¡¯s tofu dao heart.


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    his mind¡­ was really a little broken now.


    wang qinhe did not have a turtle shell!


    an le held the green mountain sword and walked slowly step by step.


    under the control of his mental power, the ink pool sword kept whipping qin qianqiu, who was hiding in the vajra bell, with the method of sword qi draws


    near..

 Chapter 145 - Chapter 145: Today, I’ll Show Everyone My Anger (4)

    Chapter 145: Today, I¡¯ll Show Everyone My Anger (4)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    ¡°Clang, clang, clang¡ª¡±


    Crisp sounds kept ringing out.


    Qin Qianqiu, who was hiding in the ancient bell, was filled with discomfort. The sound of the bell made his face turn pale, making his mind, which had fallen to the Embryonic Breath Realm, even more unbearable.


    As long as he blocked it, an expert from Prime Minister Qin¡¯s Residence would save him!


    However, after waiting for a long time and resisting more than ten hits from An Le¡¯s Ink Pool Sword, blood flowed out of his mouth and nose. Qin Qianqiu discovered that the reinforcements from Prime Minister Qin¡¯s Residence had yet to arrive, and his Dao Protector, the Spirit Refinement expert, had yet to cross the river to save him!


    What exactly happened?


    At this moment, in the sky above Prime Minister Qin¡¯s Residence.


    An old man in plain clothes had white hair and white eyebrows that fluttered. He held a bamboo staff and was bathed in the spring rain. He sat cross-legged and floated in the air with a smile on his face.


    ¡°This little fellow wants to gather an invincible aura and walk the legendary path. He must not be aggrieved at all. Everyone, let him calm down today.¡± The old man chuckled.


    Powerful Primordial Spirits surged in Prime Minister Qin¡¯s Residence.


    There were angry roars and shouts. The mental power surged like waves in the vast sea.


    However, the old man only gently picked up the bamboo staff and waved it in front of him. It was as if a sword qi river descended. All the mental powers stopped and grunted repeatedly.


    A bamboo staff suppressed many Spirit Refinement experts in Prime Minister Qin¡¯s Residence, preventing them from leaving.


    The old man stretched and smiled faintly. ¡°Qin Qianqiu, that good-for-nothing son of Qin Lishi¡¯s, can¡¯t gain the protection of any experts at all. Do you think you can break through my seal?¡± ¡°I¡¯m just old, not crippled.¡±


    Outside the Lake Gazing Building.


    Li You¡¯an was dressed in green and sat cross-legged in the void. There was a Thousand Degrees Sword shining with starlight on his leg. Opposite him, Primordial Spirit figures floated one after another.


    These Primordial Spirits were all extremely powerful and had entered the seventh realm. They were all pseudo-fourth-grade and fourth-grade civil officials in Prime Minister Qin¡¯s faction.


    At this moment, because An Le wanted to kill Qin Qianqiu, they actually stood up one after another. These people were all of extraordinary status. When they found out that the Spirit Refinement experts in Prime Minister Qin¡¯s residence could not help, they crossed over to save him.


    At this moment, if they could save Qin Qianqiu and gain some attention in front of Prime Minister Qin, their future paths would definitely be smooth.


    ¡°Everyone, stop. You don¡¯t want to end up with your Primordial Spirit being severed by me, right?¡±


    ¡°The young man learned from my invincible path, but he was schemed against.


    I naturally have to help him appease his spirit.¡±


    ¡°I, Li You¡¯an, hope to see someone more legendary than me.¡± Li You¡¯an slowly opened his eyes.


    Endless starlight rose, as if night had descended in an instant.


    A sword condensed from starlight slashed through the spring rain.


    The Primordial Spirits of the civil officials stopped. They wanted to gain favor from Prime Minister Qin, but they were unwilling to lose the Primordial Spirits they had painstakingly condensed.


    No one had expected Li You¡¯an and Zhao Huangting to protect An Le.


    They thought that Hua Jiebing from the Lin Residence would protect him, but these civil servants were not afraid and dared to charge forward.


    After all, the conflict between the Lin Residence and Prime Minister Qin¡¯s Residence had long been ingrained and could erupt at any moment. It was only at the right time that it erupted.


    However, Li You¡¯an and Zhao Huangting¡­ were both legendary figures.


    It made them habitually cower.


    Moreover, they did not think that An Le could kill Qin Qianqiu. At most, he would beat Qin Qianqiu up like Luo Qingchen. With the protection of the third-grade Dharma treasure of Lanke Temple, the Vajra Bell, he would not be able to break Qin Qianqiu¡¯s defense unless he entered the seventh realm.


    When Prime Minister Qin returned from the palace, there would naturally be an explanation for this matter.


    In the Lake Gazing Building.


    Qin Qianqiu finally panicked. When An Le raised the tattered bamboo sword that had cut off Monk Fakong¡¯s head and pressed it against the Vajra Bell, Qin Qianqiu¡¯s heart inexplicably beat wildly.


    ¡°An Le! I¡¯m Prime Minister Qin¡¯s favorite son. I¡¯m the Eldest Prince¡¯s capable subordinate¡­¡±


    Qin Qianqiu said in a low voice.


    His voice was weak and filled with fear.


    Why¡­ why wasn¡¯t help here yet?


    An Le looked at Qin Qianqiu and said, ¡°I don¡¯t have any prominent status¡­ I¡¯m just a scholar who wants to be at ease.¡±


    Green Mountain buzzed!


    An Le slapped the hilt of Green Mountain and the Collapsing Sword Force burst forth, colliding fiercely with Vajra Bell!


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    There was a crisp sound, accompanied by a sharp cutting sound.


    Green Mountain¡¯s sword intent rushed towards the bull, and the young man¡¯s heroic qi soared into the sky!


    With the enhancement of Heroic Qi Attraction, the Vajra Bell was instantly pierced by Green Mountain!


    A sword pierced through the ancient bell.


    Qin Qianqiu, who was hiding in the ancient bell, was nailed to the ground!

 Chapter 157 - Chapter 157: Grasping Green Mountain and the Sword Qj,

    Chapter 157: Grasping Green Mountain and the Sword Qj,


    Emperor Yuan Meng Wants to Point the Bow at the Sacred Teacher (1)


    Translator: Atlas Studios       Editor: Atlas Studios


    Beads of sword qi soared into the sky, and the Green Mountain and white clouds were silent.


    A wisp of sword qi suddenly burst out from the precipice and poured into the clouds. It was like a resplendent beam of light that had torn open a hole in the clouds in the sky.


    Under the pine tree, Li You¡¯an¡¯s Confucian shirt fluttered in the mountain wind. He stared at the sword qi that soared into the sky in a daze.


    He originally thought that An Le was going to fail. After all, he had sat in front of the cliff for a day and a night without any movement. Didn¡¯t this mean that he had failed in his comprehension?


    Of course, Li You¡¯an did not find it strange that An Le had failed in his comprehension. It was normal for him to fail in his comprehension of the sword qi left behind by the Sacred Teacher. After all, many geniuses he had brought over the years had failed in the same manner.


    Although Li You¡¯an was very curious about the Future Sword Qi left behind by the Sacred Teacher and whether it could really see the future, he had no other choice since he was not fated to see it.


    Just as the Sacred Teacher had said, when fate arrived, one could naturally comprehend it.


    Today, Li You¡¯an actually discovered a turbulent sword qi on An Le.


    The Primordial Spirit could actually enter the precipice?


    These were all things that Li You¡¯an had not realized before. Previously, he had used his comprehension to observe the sword qi paintings on the cliff and mastered the two sword qi passed down by the Sacred Teacher.


    ¡°The future can¡¯t be seen because it hasn¡¯t happened yet. It¡¯s filled with haziness. Anything is possible.¡±


    ¡°Those who can see into the future must possess some special characteristics.¡± ¡°Perhaps this child is the fated person that the Sacred Teacher mentioned?¡±


    Li You¡¯an¡¯s Confucian shirt was stained with the water vapor on the mountain peak, but his eyes became brighter and brighter. The disappointment and helplessness from before were swept away, and there was a hint of excitement and anticipation.


    An Le looked at the incomparably smooth precipice. At first, it looked like there was nothing, and he couldn¡¯t sense anything.


    For him, who had silently looked at the bamboo in the Heart Examining Forest and comprehended the bamboo in his chest, it was not difficult for him to stare at a cliff.


    However, after looking at it for less than half a day, An Le felt that an ink bamboo painting seemed to have appeared on the cliff. The ink bamboo painting drawn by the sword qi was actually identical to the ink bamboo he had drawn.


    An Le was shocked. He hadn¡¯t painted on this cliff, so how could there be a painting?


    He carefully observed the painting. From the tip of the brush to the joy of splashing ink and the pauses in the painting leaves, they were exactly the same as his brush technique.


    Even the most powerful artist in the world could not imitate such a similar painting, as if he had painted it in the future.


    After figuring this out, An Le felt his mental power tremble uncontrollably. In the Niwan Palace, the Sword Furnace clanged, and a sword qi in the precipice seemed to be attracting the Heart Sword in his Niwan Palace.


    His Primordial Spirit involuntarily flew out of Niwan Palace and floated towards the cliff.


    The Primordial Spirit was like An Le¡¯s second body. What he saw and touched was the same as his own body.


    The moment he touched the cliff, his Primordial Spirit seeped into it.


    In front of An Le¡¯s eyes, there was only whiteness, as if it had been pressed into rice paper. From three-dimensional to two-dimensional, everything was white, as if he was standing in an endless snowfield. The sky and the ground were covered in snow.


    An Le was very calm. His Primordial Spirit sat cross-legged and used the Sword Waterfall Diagram as the foundation to stabilize his mental power so that his Primordial Spirit would not collapse from the endless whiteness.


    Suddenly, in the endless whiteness, a sword qi quickly flashed past.


    Like a gust of wind, it was invisible and traceless.


    An Le looked over and could not capture the disappearing sword qi at all, but he knew that this sword qi was the Future Sword Qi that Li You¡¯an had mentioned.


    The Sacred Teacher left three wisps of sword qi in the precipice, containing the past, present, and future.


    Li You¡¯an comprehended the Past Sword and the Present Sword. There was only the remaining Future Sword that he could not comprehend. He could not comprehend it, so he gave this opportunity away. He brought many people to try to comprehend it, but they all failed.


    The future could not be seen because the future was still unknown. Nothing had happened.


    Even a monster like Li You¡¯an, who had seen the existence of a Sacred Teacher, could not master the Future Sword Qi.


    Now that An Le¡¯s mental power had entered the precipice, he could sense this wisp of sword qi, but could he control it?


    Was he qualified to master it?


    Was the future ethereal and unfathomable something that mortals could see?


    An Le asked in his heart.


    He could see the light screen, and the light screen could see the Age Qi, but the


    Age Qi¡­ represented the past.


    He did not know if he could grasp the future.


    However, gradually, An Le¡¯s eyes became firm. The invincible aura condensed on his body seemed to appear around his Primordial Spirit at this moment, turning into a white python that coiled around it. It faced the white world and slowly opened its mouth.


    He wanted to walk the path of invincibility and create a miracle that was even more legendary than the legend created by Li You¡¯an. Then, this miracle would start by controlling the Future Sword Qi.


    A wave of confidence surged in his heart.


    He began to stare at the white world, wanting to see the invisible sword qi.


    Although he could sense the sword qi constantly scurrying in front of him, he could not capture it.


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    Suddenly, An Le recalled the ink bamboo painting before entering the cliff. The


    Future Sword Qi captured the scenes of the future. Could the ink bamboo painting be a painting he had made in the future?


    The mental power in his Primordial Spirit began to be released bit by bit. In the white world, it was like a ball of thick ink.


    The thick ink was dyed. Under the pull of his mental power, it was as if an artist was painting with ink.


    An Le suddenly realized that a wisp of sword qi had begun to guide his mind. It was like the tip of a brush on a piece of white paper..

 Chapter 160 - Chapter 160: Green Mountain Future Visualization

    Chapter 160: Green Mountain Future Visualization


    Diagram, Spring Quarter Examination List A Results (1)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    ¡®Green mountains desire to talk to the exalted you. They come nonstop in droves like galloping horses.¡¯


    Li You¡¯an and the six Mountain Lords looked at the white-robed young man sitting in front of the cliff and holding the bamboo sword, Green Mountain. They could feel a unique aura bursting out of the young man¡¯s body and constantly surging.


    The invincible aura¡¯s white python which had grown much stronger was entrenched. It vaguely had the appearance of a dragon that was about to transform into a hidden dragon that was about to leave the abyss and show its fangs to the mortal world.


    Not only that, but the moment the youth held the sword, their mental power surged faintly, as if they were affected by an inexplicable power.


    On the young man¡¯s body, he could vaguely see a towering Green Mountain. The Green Mountain tore through the clouds and the world like a peerlessly sharp sword.


    With their Spirit Refinement cultivation, it was impossible for them to be affected by the phenomenon. However, at this moment, they could not help but observe this phenomenon.


    The Sixth Mountain Lord¡¯s gaze suddenly became fanatical as he stared fixedly at Green Mountain. This sword that he dreamed of but could not obtain.


    Although it was only a tattered bamboo sword, in the eyes of the Sixth Mountain Lord, it was the highest-grade sword in the world. Even the immortal swords in the Sword Lake in Shu might not be comparable to it!


    ¡°There are secrets hidden in Green Mountain. Unfortunately, Green Mountain doesn¡¯t favor me.


    The Sixth Mountain Lord shook his head and sighed.


    He was very interested in the bamboo sword, Green Mountain, but the sword had a spirit. If it did not favor him, it did not belong to him. Even if he really obtained it, he would not be able to study the secret of Green Mountain. In that case, there was no need to force it.


    The other Mountain Lords seemed to be rather interested.


    The First Mountain Lord, who was lying on the back of the immortal crane, had a sage-like aura. He calculated with his fingers and a strange expression appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°This child trapped the Future Sword Qi left behind by the Sacred Teacher in the bamboo sword. To master the Future Sword Qi in this way is really¡­


    whimsical.¡±


    ¡°However, it¡¯s also because this sword is special. Ordinary swords might not be able to withstand the Future Sword Qi. Even a first-grade sword will find it very difficult.¡±


    ¡°This sword hasn¡¯t been sharpened yet. Although the bamboo sword has no edge, the bamboo sword can also be sharpened¡­ After it¡¯s sharpened, I¡¯m afraid it will have even more dazzling power.¡± The First Mountain Lord chuckled.


    ¡°It¡¯s indeed not sharpened.¡±


    ¡°In this world, perhaps only the Sword Pool Lake of the Shu Sword Pool Palace can let Green Mountain open its sword edge. However, the Sword Pool Lake is the holy land of the Shu Sword Pool Palace. It¡¯s extremely difficult to use the Sword Pool Lake to sharpen its sword edge.¡±


    ¡°Zhao Huangting once went to Shu in high spirits and wanted to use the Sword


    Pool Lake to gain enlightenment. Although he consecutively defeated three Sword Servants of the Sword Pool Palace, he was finally stopped by the old fellow known as the Sword Sage of Shu, the Palace Lord of the Sword Pool Palace. He had no choice but to leave the Sword Pool Lake and failed to gain enlightenment for Green Mountain.¡±


    The Sixth Mountain Lord said regretfully.


    ¡°After Great Zhao moved south, Zhao Huangting never went to Shu again, nor did he try to give Green Mountain an edge.¡±


    When the First Mountain Lord heard this, he could not help but raise his eyebrows. ¡°The Shu Sword Pool Palace is a sword-forging family that has been passed down for nearly ten thousand years. There are a lot of stubborn old bones. It¡¯s difficult to enter its sacred ground, the Sword Pool Lake.¡± Everyone chatted for a while and watched as the young man¡¯s aura gradually gathered.


    Li You¡¯an¡¯s eyes lit up. At this moment, his mind was focused on the future he had seen on the precipice.


    Perhaps only he and An Le saw this scene. Even the six Mountain Lords did not know.


    Thus, Li You¡¯an¡¯s eyes burned with anticipation for An Le. The person who controlled the Future Sword Qi might have the possibility of changing the future.


    Although the future he saw was tragic, there was hope for change now.


    ¡°I¡¯ve comprehended the past and present of the three sword qi left behind by the Sacred Teacher. Only the future is difficult to grasp. Now that the Future


    Sword Qi is also controlled by someone, the three sword qi left behind by the


    Sacred Teacher have all been taken.¡±


    Li You¡¯an said softly, ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s time to talk to the Sacred Teacher again.¡±


    The First Mountain Lord could not help but laugh. ¡°That¡¯s true. This Future Sword Qi has never been controlled by anyone. All these years, no one has been able to reach the level of conversing with Teacher.¡±


    ¡°Now that the Future Sword Qi is controlled by someone, it¡¯s time for the next person to speak to Teacher.¡±


    ¡°Who could it be? Could it be this little fellow?¡±


    The few Mountain Lords and Li You¡¯an¡¯s gazes landed on An Le.


    However, it was still too early to say anything.


    No one could be sure who could talk to the Sacred Teacher until the last moment.


    ¡°If he can¡¯t become the top scholar in this Hall Examination, he can only wait for the next Spring Quarter Examination. However, with his invincible aura, he won¡¯t have another chance. Therefore, it¡¯s really hard to say.¡± The First Mountain Lord said.


    This conversation with the Sacred Teacher would definitely be very grand. This was because it might also confirm the opening of the Seventh Mountain and the position of the Seventh Mountain Lord.


    Opening the Sacred Mountain again was extremely meaningful to the entire world.


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    The Yuan Meng Empire would even participate in the event this time.


    The current Yuan Meng Empire occupied the Central Plains and absorbed the dragon vein of the world. With the irrigation of the dragon vein, prodigies appeared in large numbers. There was even Emperor Yuan Meng, who was the number one in the world, who looked down on all the cultivators in the world. Countless Yuan Meng prodigies saw Emperor Yuan Meng as an example and soared to success.


    Once the Seventh Mountain was opened, the prodigies of the Yuan Meng Empire would definitely covet it.


    Even the six Mountain Lords didn¡¯t know if the Seventh Mountain Lord would be a person from Yuan Meng.


    The Sacred Mountain was not Great Zhao¡¯s Sacred Mountain, but the Central Plains¡¯ Sacred Mountain. For example, not all of the six Mountain Lords were from Great Zhao. The first Mountain Lord was a descendant of the destroyed previous dynasty and had nothing to do with Great Zhao..

 Chapter 161 - Chapter 161: Green Mountain Future Visualization

    Chapter 161: Green Mountain Future Visualization


    Diagram, Spring Quarter Examination List A Results (2)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The mountain breeze blew. The night was dark and the starlight was endless.


    An Le, who had been sitting cross-legged in front of the cliff for a long time, finally opened his eyes and slowly stood up.


    The cold night wind blew over from the mountain. The leaves of many ancient trees in the forest slowly rubbed against each other, emitting a faint sound of sand. An Le¡¯s white clothes fluttered, and he held the ordinary Green Mountain in his hand, his eyes still filled with excitement.


    Because he controlled the Future Sword Qi, the increasingly powerful and majestic invincible aura, coupled with the enhancement of the righteous sword qi, made him look a little independent of the world.


    The Future Sword Qi was hidden in Green Mountain. Using Green Mountain to suppress the future, An Le could slowly comprehend the Future Sword Qi in the future. He could even completely control the Future Sword Qi and burst out with the magical and world-shaking power of the sword qi.


    He subconsciously looked at Li You¡¯an and was stunned. This was because six figures had appeared in the originally empty Pine Helping Mountain. Among them was the familiar Sixth Mountain Lord.


    ¡°Greetings, Mountain Lord and the various seniors.¡±


    An Le put the Ink Pool Sword and Green Mountain on his waist and cupped his fists at the six of them.


    He didn¡¯t recognize the others, but that didn¡¯t stop him from knowing how powerful these people were. After all, other than the old man who rode the crane and the Sixth Mountain Lord, the others had descended using their Primordial Spirit¡¯s split soul. The powerful mental power aura made An Le tremble.


    ¡°These are the six Mountain Lords of the Sacred Mountain.


    Li You¡¯an suppressed his worries about the future he had seen previously. Now that An Le controlled Future Sword Qi, it gave him hope, so there was no need to put his worries on his face.


    Six Mountain Lords?


    An Le¡¯s pupils constricted when he heard this. He could not help but be shocked. The Mountain Lord of Sacred Mountain¡­ Every one of them was a legendary figure because those who could become the Mountain Lord of Sacred Mountain were all students of the Sacred Teacher.


    Previously, he had seen the Sixth Mountain Lord at the Sixth Mountain, but he did not expect to see all of them today.


    An Le cupped his fists and bowed again, showing sufficient respect to the Mountain Lords.


    ¡°To be able to control Teacher¡¯s Future Sword Qi means that you¡¯re very talented and are quite fated with Teacher. Work hard and you might have a chance to become our Little Junior Brother.¡±


    The figure of a graceful woman smiled.


    Because it was her Primordial Spirit, her voice carried the echo of the quiet cry of the empty valley.


    A Primordial Spirit figure in a fluttering robe also said, ¡°Teacher¡¯s past, present, and future sword qi possess unimaginable power. Although You¡¯an has comprehended the past and present, the only thing he has truly grasped is the Present Sword Qi. With the help of his Thousand Degrees, he can do whatever he wants in the Blue Wave River battlefield.¡¯


    ¡°Even the few Heavenly Wolves under Emperor Yuan Meng can¡¯t kill You¡¯an.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, although you have just grasped the Future Sword Qi, if you have the chance, you can ask You¡¯an for guidance on the Past and Present Sword Qi. If you can really master Teacher¡¯s three sword qi, you can naturally be carefree and arrogant in this world.¡±


    Many Mountain Lords could not help but laugh when they heard this. The atmosphere was very harmonious.


    A smile appeared on Li You¡¯an¡¯s lips. ¡°If there¡¯s a chance, I¡¯ll naturally impart it to him. However, An Le has just grasped Future Sword Qi, so there¡¯s no hurry between the Past and Present Sword Qi. When he truly comprehends Future Sword Qi and can use it, it won¡¯t be too late to learn.¡±


    ¡°Otherwise, you¡¯ll only bite off more than you can chew.¡±


    When An Le heard this, he nodded solemnly. He naturally understood this logic.


    Then, the Mountain Lords chatted with An Le for a while before leaving one after another. Their Primordial Spirits dissipated like the wind. The First Mountain Lord left on his crane, and the Sixth Mountain Lord left on his sword.


    The Pine Helping Mountain returned to calm. However, this time, An Le did not know that the commotion he had caused had already swept through the entire world.


    There were experts from the Yuan Meng Empire, West Liang, and Dali who sensed it. There were also experts from the True Martial Shrine, Celestial Master Residence, and the three Buddhist monasteries who were alerted.


    Of course, these experts did not know that the person who controlled the Future Sword Qi would be such a young man.


    They mostly thought that the person in control of this Future Sword Qi was Great Zhao¡¯s Legendary Top Scholar, Li You¡¯an.


    After the six Mountain Lords left, Li You¡¯an and An Le did not stay on for long. This Pine Helping Mountain had already completed its mission and could not become the Seventh Mountain. From now on, only Li You¡¯an would occasionally come. In fact, no one would care about it from now on.


    The two of them flew away from this unknown mountain and returned to the bustling and dream-like Lin¡¯an Prefecture.


    Prime Minister Qin¡¯s Residence.


    A plain mourning robe and sorrowful emotions filled the interior and exterior of this extremely noble residence.


    White and black cloth hung. Monks from Lanke Temple were even invited to chant sutras and pay respects to Buddha to exorcise the soul.


    In the pavilion of the Water Pavilion, the place where Qin Qianqiu often enjoyed was also hung with plain mourning clothes and black cloth. An old figure sat in the pavilion and looked at the fish in the small pool in a daze.


    After a long time, a handsome figure in black mourning clothes slowly walked over, stepped into the pavilion, and stood beside the old man.


    Qin Lishi glanced at Qin Hua¡¯an, who was standing quietly beside him. There were not many emotions in his eyes.


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    ¡°Your brother¡¯s dead.¡±


    Qin Lishi¡¯s voice was hoarse.


    ¡°I know you don¡¯t like Qianqiu, and the two of you don¡¯t have a good relationship, but he¡¯s still like you, with my blood flowing through him.¡±


    Qin Lishi threw some bait into the pool, causing the fish in the pool to bloom like brocade flowers.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen your talent. Qianqiu¡¯s talent was far inferior to yours, so I didn¡¯t have much hope for him. I only hope that he could live well. However, he was unwilling to waste his time. He knew that his talent was inferior to yours, so he needed to do more. He joined the Eldest Prince¡¯s faction and wanted to obtain a reputation and strength comparable to yours through the Eldest Prince¡¯s recognition..¡±

 Chapter 162 - Chapter 162: Green Mountain Future Visualization

    Chapter 162: Green Mountain Future Visualization


    Diagram, Spring Quarter Examination List A Results (3)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Qin Lishi said softly. He had never said these words to Qin Hua¡¯an usually.


    He strictly supervised his extremely talented son¡¯s cultivation.


    ¡°Your elder brother was talented, but unfortunately, he died early. Your younger brother¡¯s talent was poor, but he¡¯s also dead now.¡±


    ¡°Now, I, Qin Lishi, only have you as my son.¡±


    Qin Lishi sighed.


    Qin Hua¡¯an didn¡¯t know what to say. ¡°Do you need me to do anything?¡±


    He really didn¡¯t have much feelings for Qin Qianqiu. He wasn¡¯t favored in the Qin Residence to begin with. The child of a maidservant wasn¡¯t presentable at all. If not for his dazzling talent, the entire Lin¡¯an might not have known that Prime Minister Qin had a son called Qin Hua¡¯an.


    Qin Lishi turned to look at Qin Hua¡¯an and smiled gently. ¡°Don¡¯t learn from your brother. An Le has too much to rely on in Lin¡¯an now. If you can¡¯t kill him once, you¡¯ll alert the enemy. If you want to kill him, you have to find the best opportunity to completely crush him.¡±


    ¡°This day won¡¯t be long. His help is temporary, and he himself is too weak.¡±


    ¡°Moreover, the Fakong he killed is the disciple of Holy Monk Duhai of the Lotus Flower Temple. The Buddhist Sect is the most protective¡­ An Le¡¯s karma has been sealed.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, don¡¯t casually attack him.¡±


    Qin Lishi¡¯s rare gentleness made Qin Hua¡¯an¡¯s cold face feel flattered.


    In so many years, this was the second time his father had been so gentle. The first time was when he found out about his shocking cultivation talent.


    ¡°This child entered the Hall Examination and you also received a recommendation to participate in the Hall Examination. He¡¯s also on the Little Sacred Ranking like you. He wants to amaze everyone in the Hall Examination and compete with you for the right to talk to the Sacred Teacher.¡±


    ¡°I hope you can suppress him ruthlessly in the Hall Examination and crush him! Injure him severely and cause his condition to decline. I want you to guarantee that it¡¯s impossible for him to enter the top three.¡±


    Qin Lishi gradually became solemn.


    Qin Lishi¡¯s words made Qin Hua¡¯an¡¯s eyes turn solemn. Completely defeat An Le in the Hall Examination and severely injure him.


    As long as An Le did not enter the top three, he would not be pardoned by His Majesty. The laws of Great Zhao would naturally be placed on him.


    At that time, his father would be able to avenge his dead brother.


    This request was not too much, nor did it exceed Oin Hua¡¯an¡¯s expectations.


    No matter how bad his relationship with Qin Qianqiu was, they were still blood-related. Qin Qianqiu was his half-brother, so it was only right for him to work hard to avenge him.


    ¡°Father, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll do my best in the Hall Examination. An Le¡­ I¡¯ll also completely defeat him.¡±


    ¡°Invincible aura¡­ He can¡¯t gather it in front of me.¡±


    Qin Hua¡¯an said calmly.


    His calmness was filled with confidence.


    The third on the Little Sacred Ranking was suppressed by the two princes of Great Zhao. There was no need to say much about Zhao Xianyou. He was an immortal in the human world and mortals could not compare to him.


    The second prince, Zhao Pei, was known as the reincarnation of Ancestor Zhao. His talent was peerless.


    He was not aggrieved to be below the two of them.


    Qin Hua¡¯an¡¯s talent was definitely extraordinary. He had relied on his talent to obtain all of this without borrowing any resources from the Qin Residence.


    Being able to enter the Little Sacred Ranking was also due to the Little Sacred Token that he had obtained with his own ability.


    The current Qin Hua¡¯an was at the peak of the fifth level of Body Tempering and the peak of the fifth level of Spirit Refinement. Coupled with his comprehension of the secret technique passed down by the Sacred Teacher in the Little Sacred Token,


    he believed that he would be the top scholar of this Spring Quarter Examination.


    Qin Lishi could feel the confidence in Qin Hua¡¯an. He had never been too anxious about this son of his since he was young because what Qin Hua¡¯an did was always very perfect.


    Qin Hua¡¯an looked at the koi fish rolling in the water. The gorgeous koi fish that were like flowers and flames made his eyes gradually glow.


    He was now his father¡¯s only son.


    His father¡¯s gaze was now focused on him.


    He wanted to become the top scholar. He wanted to talk to the Sacred Teacher.


    He would definitely become his father¡¯s true pride.


    When they returned to Lin¡¯an Prefecture, it was already late at night.


    Li You¡¯an separated from him, and An Le returned to the small courtyard in Imperial Ancestral Temple Alley.


    After inserting the Ink Pool Sword into the cave of the old locust tree that he had not seen for a long time, An Le sat cross-legged under the old locust tree and took the bamboo sword, Green Mountain. He bathed in the starlight that broke through the sunset clouds and scattered on the mortal world. His mental power surged and spread into Green Mountain.


    The moment his mental power sank, An Le saw the incomparably majestic Green Mountain.


    He stood at the foot of the mountain and could see an incomparably majestic sword qi that was translucent. It soared up like a divine dragon that occupied a mountain and coiled around Green Mountain.


    The sword qi was unprecedentedly powerful. In front of Green Mountain, An Le seemed to become incomparably small.


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    The wisp-like sword qi was like a storm blowing over from a majestic mountain peak. It attacked his mind like a baptism and refinement.


    An Le observed the Future Sword Qi. He knew that he had only taken this Future Sword Qi out of the cliff and used Green Mountain to suppress it. If he wanted to truly master this Future Sword Qi and turn it into something that belonged to him, the road ahead was long.


    However, An Le¡¯s heart was a little fervent. The heroic qi in his heart, the young man¡¯s spirit, and the invincible aura that he condensed made him not retreat at all.


    He was even filled with fighting spirit and wanted to conquer this divine dragon that occupied Green Mountain.


    He stared at Green Mountain and the sword qi, constantly looking..

 Chapter 163 - Chapter 163: Green Mountain Future Visualization

    Chapter 163: Green Mountain Future Visualization


    Diagram, Spring Quarter Examination List A Results (4)


    Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios


    Suddenly, he had the illusion of visualization.


    An Le suddenly shuddered. The Spirit Refinement cultivation method he had always cultivated was the Sword Waterfall Diagram that Madam Hua had taught him. As a top-notch Spirit Refinement cultivation method, An Le would gain something every time he visualized the Sword Waterfall Diagram.


    However, compared to visualizing Green Mountain and Future Sword Qi, visualizing the Sword Waterfall Diagram seemed to be much inferior.


    He could completely use visualization of this Green Mountain and the Future Sword Qi occupying it to refine his mental power!


    Looking at the Green Mountain Future Sword Qi as a Visualization Diagram, it was definitely stronger than the Sword Waterfall.


    In the end, the Sword Waterfall was only an illusion on paper, but Future Sword Qi and Green Mountain were right in front of An Le.


    An Le visualized carefully as his mental power continued to strengthen.


    After a night of visualization, An Le¡¯s mental power left the Bamboo Sword Green Mountain. The sword qi in the Niwan Palace clanged, and the Heart Sword embryo seemed to have a different meaning.


    The Primordial Spirit that had just condensed was much stronger now. The Primordial Spirit¡¯s figure was condensed like a real person. It could be seen how huge the condensed mind was.


    The sky was clear, and the light of dawn shone on the small courtyard.


    An Le stood up, picked up Green Mountain, and began to dance the Lyrical Three Swords in the courtyard.


    After practicing his sword techniques, he inserted Green Mountain into the old locust tree cave and began to practice the Ancient Demon Five Animals.


    On the long dike of West Lake, he had killed Monk Duhai¡¯s disciple, Fakong. The other party could be considered the first fifth-realm cultivator An Le had killed.


    Although he was only at the fifth realm of Body Tempering and his Spirit Refinement was still at the fourth realm, it had to be said that An Le felt some pressure from the other party¡¯s strength.


    In the end, An Le won and killed the other party, strengthening his invincible aura and nurturing his mental power.


    Under the feedback of the clear qi of the [Fearless Heart] Dao Fruit, his Body Tempering cultivation broke through to the fourth realm in one go and gave birth to the Martial Mystic Intent.


    An Le¡¯s Inner Core hung in his dantian like a scorching sun. The spiraling Qi Blood lingered around his Inner Core and was ethereal.


    In his Inner Core, there seemed to be the roar of an ancient demon tiger, the roar of a ferocious bear, and the neighing of a demon ape.


    His Martial Dao Mystic Intent was formed by fusing with the phenomenon of the Ancient Demon Five Animals.


    The current him had divine strength surging and Qi Blood surging once he attacked. The ancient demon phenomenon formed by itself could even condense into Mystic Intent and condense Qi Blood to carry out long-distance killing.


    It greatly increased the lethality of Body Tempering martial arts!


    Coupled with the Five Killer Tunes, An Le felt that his combat strength had definitely increased by more than one level. If he encountered Monk Fakong again, he could even easily crush him.


    An Le was in a good mood. He entered the inner room and changed into a clean set of clothes. He equipped Green Mountain and Ink Pool Sword, took a book, and read as he left the small courtyard.


    He walked out of Imperial Ancestral Temple Alley and stepped onto the shore of West Lake under the gazes of many scholars, who were either frightened, fanatical, or avoiding suspicion.


    Monk Fakong¡¯s corpse had long been taken away by the Black Office. Everything in West Lake returned to its usual calm and beauty.


    On the lake, a small boat floated quietly.


    On the boat, Fairy Yun Rou was playing the zither, as if she had seen An Le, her eyes under the veil smiled gently.


    An Le was dressed in snow-white clothes, his wide sleeves filled with a cool breeze. He lit the lake water and stepped on the lake to board the boat. He quietly listened to Fairy Yun Rou¡¯s zither music on the boat and listened to the tune to nurture the rhythm of the Five Killer Tunes while reading to prepare for the Hall Examination.


    The waters of the West Lake were endless.


    Time passed peacefully.


    However, this quiet scene caused an uproar among many scholars and ink merchants on the long dike. However, everyone was envious and jealous, but they did not dare to speak loudly, afraid that they would disturb Master An, who was quietly reading on the boat.


    Master An was not only good at painting, but he was also good at killing people.


    One day, he killed the ferocious monk and disregarded Prime Minister Qin¡¯s might to kill the young master of the Qin Residence¡­


    Master An¡¯s fierce reputation also spread in Lin¡¯an¡¯s residence.


    This was a ruthless person that no one dared to offend easilv.


    After listening to the music, An Le bade farewell to Fairy Yun Rou and left West Lake. He walked towards Jing Street and arrived at Lin Residence. As usual, he came to Lin Residence to work and paint.


    After entering the Lin Residence, Miss Xi Xiang brought him to the Heavenly Wave Water Pavilion.


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    However, just as he arrived at the Heavenly Wave Water Pavilion, he chatted with Madam Hua, who was wearing a black gauze dress and lying on the couch lazily reading.


    Outside the Water Pavilion, Lin Zhuifeng¡¯s loud voice resounded like a loudspeaker, echoing in half of the Lin Residence.


    ¡°It¡¯s out! Two days after the announcement of List B, the name list for the


    Spring Quarter Examination¡¯s List A is finally out!¡±


    ¡°Awesome, awesome!¡± ¡°Master An, you¡¯re listed! ¡°

 Chapter 164 - Chapter 164: Prime Minister Qin’s Open Scheme, The Hall

    Chapter 164: Prime Minister Qin¡¯s Open Scheme, The Hall


    Examination Is Pushed Forward, Sister, He Is Really So Fast! (1)


    Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios


    Lin Zhuifeng¡¯s carefree voice resounded throughout the Lin Residence and instantly broke the inherent silence.


    An Le, who had just stepped into the Water Pavilion, was about to exchange a few pleasantries with Madam Hua when he saw Lin Zhuifeng, who had a fire stick on her waist and was holding Lin Qingyin¡¯s hand, jumping around like an ape in the forest.


    The two maidservants, Xi Xiang and Liu Xiang, were already extremely curious. They looked at Lin Zhuifeng inquisitively.


    Liu Xiang¡¯s small eyes sparkled like stars. ¡°Young Master An is on the list now? Who¡¯s on List A Scholar Ranking?¡±


    Even a maidservant of the Lin Residence like Liu Xiang knew the ranking of the Spring Quarter Examination Imperial Examination quite well.


    The Spring Quarter Examination Imperial Examination was divided into List A and List B. List B results were announced two days ago.


    At the top of List B was the scholar called Liu Yue. He was the pitiful scholar who had been imprisoned in the Dali Temple prison with An Le in the Spring Quarter Examination fraud case.


    Initially, everyone thought that Liu Yue would never have the chance to enter List B. However, they did not expect him to be ranked first on List B.


    That day, the entire Lin¡¯an Prefecture was in an uproar. Many scholars were also extremely emotional. Being able to be ranked first on List B meant that Liu Yue had not cheated after investigating.


    Otherwise, Prime Minister Qin would not have let Liu Yue be ranked first on


    List B. After Liu Yue reached the top of List B, someone in the Literary Department, First Headmaster Zhu Huoxi, would take Liu Yue in as a student.


    As soon as this news was released, many scholars were completely envious.


    First Headmaster Zhu Huoxi was a famous Great Confucian. He was talented in literature and researched science. He was a famous literary giant in the Great Zhao Dynasty.


    In the court of the Great Zhao Dynasty, many Great Confucians and officials were students of the First Headmaster.


    Liu Yue was personally taken in as a student, which was equivalent to having connections in the court. It was definitely not a problem for him to rise in the future.


    Although he had not cultivated, as the top of List B, he could at least be ranked as an eighth-grade civil official!


    This Liu Yue had really soared into the sky!


    However, everyone knew that the real attention was not on List B, but List A. Two days after List B was announced, List A finally appeared and hung on the public announcement board at the entrance of Jing Street.


    At the top of List A, it was a name that had caused waves in Lin¡¯an Prefecture recently.


    An Le.


    The top of the List A Scholar Rankings, An Le!


    List A was a ranking that only cultivators could enter. Furthermore, only the top ten of List A had the chance to enter the Hall Examination and become the top scholar of the Spring Quarter Examination Imperial Examination!


    Not only did he have to have enough talent, but he also needed extraordinary cultivation!


    This Master An, who was known throughout Lin¡¯an for his ink bamboo painting techniques, had reached the top of List A. This name would sweep through the huge prefecture city like a storm again!


    The top of the List A Scholar Rankings and the Hall Examination meant that even if An Le performed abnormally in the Hall Examination, he could at least obtain an official title above the seventh-grade!


    If he could perform well in the top scholar examination, his future would be unimaginable. He might even be another Legendary Top Scholar, Li You¡¯an!


    In the Lin Residence.


    Lin Zhuifeng was extremely excited. When she saw An Le in the Heavenly Wave Water Pavilion, her eyes lit up and she ran over quickly.


    ¡°Mr. An, you¡¯re ranked first on List A! You¡¯re so powerful!¡±


    Lin Zhuifeng had a whole new level of respect for An Le now. On top of admiring An Le¡¯s good looks, her admiration for him had increased!


    He was too powerful. He dared to kill Qin Qianqiu in the Lake Gazing Building and bet with Prime Minister Qin that he could perform well and enter the top three to participate in the Hall Examination.


    Now that List A had been announced, An Le was indeed number one!


    Without any suspense, he entered the Hall Examination.


    Lin Qingyin panted slightly after being pulled by Lin Zhuifeng. She looked at An Le with excitement and admiration in her eyes. ¡°Sir, congratulations.¡±


    An Le smiled and nodded.


    Madam Hua, who was lying on the couch, had already stood up and closed the book in her hand. A smile appeared on her beautiful face.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. However, the true test is to enter the Hall Examination.¡±


    ¡°If you can¡¯t enter the top three in the Hall Examination, the laws of Great Zhao will indeed punish you. However, as long as you enter the top three, or even the top scholar, everything will not be a problem.¡±


    ¡°In addition, you¡¯re currently gathering an invincible aura. If you fail the Hall Examination, it will naturally be a huge blow to you. Therefore, you can¡¯t be complacent and let your guard down just because you¡¯re ranked first on List A. You have to prepare well for the Hall Examination and not underestimate it.¡±


    Madam Hua said seriously.


    A spring breeze blew through the hall, stirring An Le¡¯s wide sleeves.


    An Le stood up and bowed. ¡°Thank you for your warning, Madam Hua. I understand.¡±


    Madam Hua nodded in satisfaction and admired An Le¡¯s confident and humble qualities. ¡°The Hall Examination is divided into two rounds, the written test and the martial test. The test method over the years is unknown, and it¡¯s all decided by His Majesty. As there aren¡¯t many people participating, it¡¯s directly held in the Heavenly Profound Palace. In the end, the combined scores of the written test and the martial test will be ranked to determine the top scorer, second place, and third place. The Hall Examination is actually a ranking of the scholars on List A.¡±


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    ¡°Although you¡¯re ranked first on List A, your ranking on List A isn¡¯t really ranked.¡±


    An Le naturally knew about this. List B was a true ranking, but because List A had an additional Hall Examination, although it was also arranged according to the score, strictly speaking, it was not ranked.


    ¡°How¡¯s the invincible aura gathering on your body?¡±


    Madam Hua stopped talking about the Hall Examination because she believed that An Le would be prepared.


    An Le smiled and said, ¡°That day, after defeating the Demon Subduing Master from Lin¡¯an, the invincible aura condensed and became more and more majestic. Now that my Body Tempering has stepped into the fourth realm and developed Mystic Intent, I naturally have some confidence in winning the Hall Examination..¡±

 Chapter 165 - Chapter 165: Prime Minister Qin ‘s Open Scheme, The Hall

    Chapter 165: Prime Minister Qin ¡®s Open Scheme, The Hall


    Examination Is Pushed Forward, Sister, He Is Really So Fast! (2)


    Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios


    Madam Hua¡¯s eyes lit up, and her red lips parted slightly, indicating that she was not calm.


    Body Tempering¡­ fourth realm?!


    It had not been long since this child condensed the Inner Core in his Oi Blood. right?


    After exclaiming again and again, there was only a little uneasiness left in her heart. She was already a little numb and regained control of her expression. Madam Hua did not say anything.


    Those who condensed invincible aura would have an extraordinary cultivation increase. For example, Li You¡¯an also rapidly increased his cultivation in a short period of time. In the end, he suppressed many geniuses of his generation and became the top scholar.


    However, the risk was extremely high. If he failed once, it would cause all his efforts to be in vain.


    This path was not easy, but once he walked out, he would be a legend.


    Just as the two of them were chatting, Fourth Master Lin slowly stepped into the Heavenly Wave Water Pavilion in plain clothes, holding the Little Sacred Ranking Yellow Book in his hand.


    ¡°Master An, your ranking on the Little Sacred Ranking has risen again.¡± Fourth Master Lin waved the yellow book in his hand and smiled.


    ¡°The current you has risen to ninth place on the Little Sacred Ranking.¡±


    A strange look flashed across Fourth Master Lin¡¯s eyes, and there was also shock in his eyes.


    It was too fast!


    This speed of ascension¡­ was too fast!


    From the moment An Le entered the Little Sacred Ranking, he was ranked 19th. Now, he was ranked ninth¡­ It took him less than half a month.


    His cultivation level had also reached the fourth realm in both Body Tempering and Spirit Refinement.


    He suppressed many single-path fifth realm cultivators and jumped from the fifteenth to the ninth.


    Most importantly, the battle where he killed the disciple of Holy Monk Duhai, Monk Fakong, made An Le¡¯s combat strength display a shocking state. Therefore, he made many changes to the Little Sacred Ranking. In the end, he directly rose to ninth place on the Little Sacred Ranking with a cultivation of the fourth realm in both paths!


    The next person was the eighth on the Little Sacred Ranking, Ye Yinping!


    Fifth realm of Body Tempering, fifth realm of Spirit Refinement!


    It was a genuine double fifth realm. Previously, An Le was still far from Ye


    Yinping on the Little Sacred Ranking, but in the blink of an eye, he had arrived.


    ¡°What are you going to do next? You killed Qin Qianqiu, so Qin Lishi endured it.


    He plans to use the laws of Great Zhao to suppress you when you fail to enter the top three in the Hall Examination. Once you fall into the Dali Temple¡¯s Zhao Prison, with the methods of Great Zhao¡¯s officials, it¡¯s very easy to destroy you.¡±


    ¡°Furthermore, I¡¯ve already received news that Qin Lishi has entered the Heavenly Profound Palace to meet the Emperor. He has gathered all the officials and suggested that the Hall Examination be brought forward. This is not giving you time to continue gathering invincible aura.¡±


    Fourth Master Lin looked at An Le and said seriously.


    Ever since that day when he domineeringly killed a few experts set up by Qin Lishi to monitor the Lin Residence, Fourth Master Lin seemed to have regained his vitality in Lin¡¯an.


    After reestablishing contact with many old friends, this Yuan Meng¡¯s Prince Consort no longer chose to keep a low profile.


    When he completely let go of the shackles in his heart like a wild horse that had escaped its reins, he could actually be free to be impudent in Lin¡¯an.


    In fact, his status as the Yuan Meng¡¯s Prince Consort was enough for him to be impudent.


    This was because, including Qin Lishi and many Great Zhao officials, they did not dare to rashly attack Yuan Meng¡¯s Prince Consort. After all, they were afraid of provoking the Yuan Meng Empire north of the Blue Wave River and breaking the current situation of the north-south confrontation. ¡°Let the Hall Examination be brought forward?¡±


    When Madam Hua heard this, she could not help but frown.


    This news was indeed not very friendly to An Le.


    With the announcement of the List A, there were only ten days left until the Hall Examination. Ten days was already very tight for An Le.


    An Le had to be at least in the double fifth realm before he could guarantee to enter the top three in the Hall Examination.


    This was because his competitors were geniuses at the peak of the double fifth realm like Qin Hua¡¯an, Ye Wenxi, Sima Pudu, and the Wang family¡¯s Qilin Son!


    ¡°Is the news true?¡±


    Madam Hua frowned and a stern look appeared in her eyes.


    Fourth Master Lin nodded. ¡°As Deputy Prime Minister Ouyang said to me, Qin Lishi has already entered the Heavenly Profound Palace and brought his subordinates to meet His Majesty together. He suggested that the Hall Examination be brought forward, and the Eldest Prince personally voiced his support. The Sima family and the Wang family have no objections to this. This matter is 80% likely to pass through.¡±


    Madam Hua stood up and walked to the pool. She clenched her fists under her black gauze dress.


    Would His Majesty agree?


    It was probably because His Majesty would agree on account of An Le¡¯s relationship with the Lin Residence.


    The reason why Storm Calming could become one of the gifts of the Hall Examination was because His Majesty wanted to see the Lin Residence¡¯s attitude. An Le¡¯s appearance had already broken this stalemate.


    His Majesty naturally had to salvage the situation.


    ¡°The Hall Examination is only ten days away from the announcement of List A. Actually, it doesn¡¯t have much of an impact. Most of the scholars on List A can¡¯t make any obvious improvements in ten days. Only An Le is different.¡±


    ¡°Gather invincible aura and walk the legendary path. If An Le can win two more rounds, he can suppress everyone in the Hall Examination with an increasingly majestic invincible force.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s really unfair to An Le.¡±


    This was Qin Lishi¡¯s open scheme.


    The spring breeze blew gently, and the willow branches in the Water Pavilion swayed.


    An Le stood up with a smile.


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    ¡°As expected, since Prime Minister Oin knows that I want to use the top three


    of the Hall Examination to escape punishment, he naturally won¡¯t do nothing.


    He will definitely set up layers of obstacles for me.¡±


    ¡°However, since I¡¯m invincible, any obstacles are nourishment for my invincible aura. As long as I overcome all obstacles along the way, my invincible aura will naturally become stronger and stronger. In the end, the flood dragon python will transform into a heavenly dragon!¡±


    An Le¡¯s words carried the ambition and belief of a young man facing the sun..

 Chapter 166 - Chapter 166: Prime Minister Qjn ‘s Open Scheme, The Hall

    Chapter 166: Prime Minister Qjn ¡®s Open Scheme, The Hall


    Examination Is Pushed Forward, Sister, He Is Really So Fast! (3)


    Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios


    Madam Hua and Fourth Master Lin looked over.


    His eyes were filled with admiration. When the young man learned of the injustice, he did not complain or be angry. Instead, with a calm heart and a blazing sun-like ambition, he wanted to use the sword in his hand to cut open the injustice in front of him.


    An Le¡¯s white clothes fluttered in the spring breeze that shuttled between the halls as he cupped his fists and bowed to Madam Hua and Fourth Master Lin.


    ¡°Time is tight. I won¡¯t paint for the young masters today.¡± An Le said softly.


    Lin Zhuifeng¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Sir, are you going to challenge Ye Yinping, who is ranked eighth on the Little Sacred Ranking?¡±


    Everyone¡¯s gazes landed on An Le¡¯s shoulder.


    An Le smiled and nodded without denying it.


    This time, everyone in the Water Pavilion was interested.


    The Ye Residence and the Lin Residence had a good relationship. An Le wanted to challenge Ye Yinping, but they could not help but feel curious.


    Madam Hua personally asked Xi Xiang to prepare a carriage and send An Le to the Ye Residence.


    Madam Hua and the others also followed in a carriage, planning to watch the battle between An Le and Ye Yinping.


    Although Ye Yinping was not as strong as Ye Wenxi, she was still a double fifth realm cultivator and was definitely not weak.


    An Le challenged a double fifth realm cultivator as a double fourth realm cultivator¡­


    Could he win?


    Everyone really did not know.


    A peach blossom that fell from the peach tree branch of the benefactor¡¯s


    residence beside Jing Street was crushed by the wheels of the carriage. As it


    rolled, it left some traces and peach blossom fragrance on the limestone road.


    In the luxurious carriage, An Le sat alone. In front of him was the information about Ye Yinping that Madam Hua had prepared for An Le.


    Ye Yinping¡¯s cultivation level, the weapons she used, the level of her cultivation technique, and so on¡­


    It was very detailed.


    However, after taking a look, An Le closed the document and placed it aside. He closed his eyes and sat upright in the carriage, quietly listening to the rustling of the wheels over the limestone.


    With a thought, he sank into the bamboo sword Green Mountain at his waist.


    In an instant, he felt that everything in the world had retreated. Only the majestic Green Mountain and the Future Sword Qi that coiled around it were left in front of him.


    He visualized Green Mountain and the Future Sword Qi to nurture his mental power.


    An Le¡¯s heart gradually calmed down.


    When the Ye Residence gradually appeared in front of him, An Le suddenly opened his eyes in the carriage.


    The moment it opened its eyes, a majestic aura burst forth from its body. It was the invincible aura that it had gathered so far. The white python coiled above the carriage, raised its body, looked at the Ye Residence, and opened its mouth to roar.


    Vigorous battle intent slapped towards the Ye Residence like a huge wave.


    At the same time.


    In the Imperial City deep in Jing Street, the city gate opened.


    The noble person sitting in the Heavenly Profound Palace also spoke and gave an oral order.


    In order not to collide with the Winter Food Festival, the Hall Examination would be held in three days. It would be held seven days in advance to prepare for the top ten of the List A Scholar Rankings.


    An armored guard personally rode his horse out of the imperial road of the Heavenly Profound Palace and announced the news, pasting it on the side of the two Spring Quarter Examination rankings on the noticeboard.


    For a moment, the scholars and ink merchants gathered in front of the rankings and fought to watch. An uproar broke out.


    In an instant, the news spread throughout Lin¡¯an like a hurricane.


    Some people did not understand the reason, but some Confucian scholars on the Literary Department¡¯s Literary Music Rankings, Body Tempering martial artists in the Martial Temple, and so on knew what was going on.


    They all thought of An Le. Most cultivators knew that An Le was gathering an invincible aura.


    He was preparing for the Hall Examination.


    But in the end..


    The Hall Examination would start seven days early. This was equivalent to compressing the time for An Le to gather an invincible aura and cutting off the possibility of him walking the legendary path again!


    Yanchun, wine tavern.


    Li You ¡®an and Zhao Huangting were sitting by the window. The two of them were drinking a pot of old yellow wine and a stack of boiled peanuts.


    With a thought, they naturally heard the news of the Hall Examination in advance that had spread throughout Lin¡¯an.


    Li You ¡®an frowned slightly, picked up the cup, and took a sip of yellow wine.


    At the side, Zhao Huangting peeled the boiled peanuts. A disdainful sneer appeared on his wrinkled face. ¡°This group of civil officials¡­ only know how to play these disgusting tricks.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s said that they wanted to avoid clashing with the Winter Food Festival, but its purpose is obvious.¡±


    Zhao Huangting shook his head.


    ¡°It just so happens that the person sitting on the Emperor¡¯s throne likes to see this.¡±


    ¡°The Zhao family has moved south, but this problem hasn¡¯t changed at all.¡±


    Li You ¡®an drank his wine silently. The future he had seen on the precipice appeared in front of him, and his eyes darkened.


    There were some things that would happen in the future for a reason. Just as the Sacred Teacher had said, everything in the world had its cause and effect.


    ¡°They just want to compress the time An Le has to gather an invincible aura so that he can fail to rank in the top three in the Hall Examination. In the end, he falls into the Dali Temple¡¯s Zhao Prison. He will be easy to deal with at that time.¡± Li You¡¯an said calmly.


    ¡°But to An Le, the impact is actually¡­ only so-so.¡±


    ¡°Now, his invincible aura is no longer weak. It¡¯s even harder for him to gather an invincible aura and walk the legendary path than it was for me back then. He¡¯s already prepared.¡±


    ¡°I guess An Le won¡¯t feel sorry for himself. Instead, he will raise Green Mountain and slash it down ruthlessly.¡±


    ¡°Cleaving through the obstacles blocking his way, turning everything into an invincible force on his body, and walking on his own path¡­ a legendary path that¡¯s even more legendary than mine.¡±


    Li You ¡®an questioned softly.


    Zhao Huangting stopped peeling the peanuts and raised his eyes slightly. He glanced at Li You¡¯an and felt that he seemed to have changed.


    He was not like this in the past. Although he also thought highly of An Le, he had never trusted him as much as today. In fact¡­ he was a little obsessed. ¡°Are you and An Le¡­ hiding something from me?¡±


    Zhao Huangting narrowed his eyes and asked sneakily as he threw the peanuts into his mouth.


    However, Li You¡¯an had yet to answer.


    The two of them sensed an aura roaring like a white python in front of the Ye Residence on Jing Street.


    Li You¡¯an smiled.


    The old man was stunned for a moment before he slammed the table and laughed.


    ¡°So be it. I don¡¯t have much time left anyway. It doesn¡¯t matter!¡±


    ¡°Come, let¡¯s drink!¡±


    Jing Street, Ye Residence.


    In the garden of the Water Pavilion.


    The two girls who were visualizing opened their eyes.


    Ye Wenxi turned to look outside the Ye Residence. The majestic aura of the white python invincible aura that was vaguely about to transform into a Heavenly Dragon increased, and a strange glint flashed in her eyes.


    She turned to look at Ye Yinping, who had also opened her eyes.


    The corners of her lips could not help but curl up.


    ¡°Look, wasn¡¯t I right? I told you that he would come and stab you with a sword soon¡­ You didn¡¯t believe me.¡±


    Ye Wenxi spoke virtuously.


    Ye Yinping pursed her lips and slowly stood up. She stared at the white python invincible aura outside the Ye Residence and her body trembled slightly. Her fair skin flushed red.


    ¡°From the 19th place on the Little Sacred Ranking to the 9th place in the blink of an eye!¡±


    ¡°Sister, he¡¯s really fast!¡±


    ¡°But today, I will make him unable to move further!¡±


    Ye Yinping smiled.


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    She raised her hand and pointed it in the direction of the Water Pavilion¡¯s rockery. Suddenly, an eighteen-foot-long spear that was like flames shot over and was held in her hand.


    The Ye family had a daughter who was as powerful as a phoenix!


    A wisp of battle intent burned in Ye Yinping¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Even if Master An is on good terms with the Lin Residence, if he wants to step on me, Ye Yinping, to gather invincible aura.. ¡®


    ¡°He has to have the ability to do so..¡±

 Chapter 170 - Chapter 170: Spirit Refinement Text Examination,

    Chapter 170: Spirit Refinement Text Examination,


    Mountain and River Painting, This Lad¡¯s Primordial Spirit Is Actually So Powerful?! (1)


    Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios


    Great Zhao Calendar Year 512, 6th of March, late spring.


    Today was the Hall Examination of the Imperial Examination for the Spring


    Quarter Examination of Great Zhao. It was the grandest day in the entire Great Zhao. The hard work of countless Provincial Scholars who rushed to Lin¡¯an for the examination would end today.


    The densely packed carriages drove on the long street and stopped when they approached Jing Street.


    The scholars who had ascended List A and B alighted from the carriage and walked all the way to the continuous palace in the depths of Jing Street.


    The palace in Lin¡¯an Prefecture occupied an extremely vast area. It leaned against the majestic Phoenix Mountain and looked towards the north with a special meaning.


    500 years ago, Great Zhao moved south and finally moved the capital to Lin¡¯an. They did not build a magnificent palace in Lin¡¯an. At that time, they only built a


    simple palace to deal with the court affairs.


    The civil and military officials were all from the Great Zhao Imperial Family. They still had the hope that one day, they could cross the river and return to the Central Plains and return to the capital in the north.


    However, as time passed, more and more palaces were built at the foot of Phoenix Mountain. Structures were built, and towering and majestic palaces appeared at the foot of the mountain. They continued to expand and occupy more and more land, representing the dignity of the imperial family.


    The expanding Imperial City was like the haze that swallowed everyone¡¯s ambition to go north and restore the Central Plains.


    Gradually, returning to the Central Plains became a slogan that was shouted from time to time.


    The increasingly extravagant Lin¡¯an gradually eroded the spirits of the ministers and the imperial family.


    The current Lin¡¯an Imperial City occupied an extremely large area. Across Jing


    Street, many scholars did not dare to speak loudly. In Jing Street, there were many residences of high-ranking officials and nobles. Any mansion here might have generals and nobles living there.


    Everyone walked forward and arrived in front of the majestic Imperial City covered in red walls and glazed tiles.


    A towering inner city gate tower lay at the end of Jing Street. Its eaves were tilted, and golden tiles flickered, reflecting the spring sun.


    Below the city were armored guards with sabers at their waists. Their Qi Blood was hazy.


    There were also soldiers standing on the city gate tower with sabers in their hands. Their auras were majestic and their gazes were as sharp as an eagle¡¯s. No one dared to look straight at them, and they were intimidating.


    They blocked the way in front and investigated every List A and B scholar who had entered the Heavenly Profound Gate. This was a routine move.


    At this moment, through the Heavenly Profound Gate, there was a long and narrow imperial road. The imperial road was paved with white jade. Inside was the White Jade Vermilion Steps. At the two sides of the steps were sculptures of auspicious beasts carved by a craftsman with extremely high craftsmanship. It was as if the auspicious beasts were about to come to life and roar.


    Above the White Jade Vermilion Steps was the Heavenly Profound Palace. It had a golden roof and red walls. Glazed golden tiles were laid diagonally on both sides. In front and behind the Heavenly Profound Palace, a royal path that stretched for dozens of kilometers passed through the palace and went straight to the top of Phoenix Mountain. One could look north from here.


    The current Emperor of the Great Zhao Dynasty was sitting on the Emperor¡¯s throne in the Heavenly Profound Palace. He towered over the three dukes and nine ministers, the civil and military officials, and listened to the world.


    At this moment, auspicious clouds bloomed in front of the Heavenly Profound Palace. Figures in court clothes walked up the palace with their heads held high.


    The Heavenly Profound Palace was incomparably magnificent. As the location of the Hall Examination today, many List B scholars who were not fated to participate in the Hall Examination might only have this one chance in their lives to see the magnificent Heavenly Profound Palace.


    The officials had already filed in.


    Prime Minister Qin Lishi, Deputy Prime Minister Ouyang Xiangru, and other important civil officials also included Li You¡¯an, Martial Chief Di Cang, and other generals and officials. There were Dukes, Marquises, and many other nobles with different titles, but they had noble statuses.


    There were also the Eldest Prince, the Second Prince, and other benefactors standing.


    Clearly, they all had different solemn emotions towards the Spring Quarter Examination¡¯s Imperial Hall Examination.


    Suddenly, the purple-robed eunuch who was standing beside the Emperor of Zhao, swept his gaze over and looked outside the Heavenly Profound Palace.


    A trembling figure holding a dragon-headed walking stick slowly ascended the hall. It was none other than the Lin Residence¡¯s Matriarch.


    Beside the Matriarch, Madam Hua was dressed in luxurious clothes as she quietly stepped into the hall.


    In addition, Madam Ye and the other madams of the Ye Residence stepped into the Heavenly Profound Palace.


    The gazes of the civil and military officials changed slightly. When these


    people stepped foot, they all knew that today¡¯s Hall Examination would definitely be very different from previous years.


    Many people¡¯s gazes swept over and landed on Eunuch Tong, who was beside Emperor Zhao. It could be seen that there was a spear, a saber, and a bow beside Eunuch Tong.


    A majestic aura filled the air. The three treasures were all extraordinary items. Clearly, they were the rewards for this Hall Examination.


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    Most people¡¯s gazes landed on the golden saber. The saber landed quietly. No one was controlling it, but they could feel the pressure and terrifying sharpness emanating from it.


    This saber was a second-grade saber, Storm Calming. It was one of the treasures in the royal treasure vault and had once been bestowed to the eldest son of the Lin family. Later on, the Eldest Son of Lin died in battle and this saber fell into the Yuan Meng Army. After a few battles, it went back to Great Zhao and was finally stored in the treasure vault.


    Now, there was naturally a reason why they took it out as a reward.


    Many officials whispered and muttered. They looked at the golden saber with complicated expressions.


    Everyone knew that apart from Prime Minister Qin Lishi trying his best to manipulate this Hall Examination, it was also because of Emperor Zhao¡¯s emotions and his desire to announce the complete decline of the once peak-level Lin Residence today..

 Chapter 171 - Chapter 171: Spirit Refinement Text Examination,

    Chapter 171: Spirit Refinement Text Examination,


    Mountain and River Painting, This Lad¡¯s Primordial Spirit Is Actually So Powerful?! (2)


    Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios


    Madam Hua looked at the golden saber beside Eunuch Tong with clear eyes. It was unknown what she was thinking.


    The Matriarch coughed gently. Her face was wrinkled, but she carried an unfathomable aura.


    Li You ¡®an stood quietly in a Confucian shirt. Although he was dressed like a scholar, he stood in the line of generals.


    Martial Chief Di Cang¡¯s eyes were cold, and his hair was disheveled. The tattoos on his face seemed to come alive, and his entire body exuded a forbidding aura.


    As all the officials arrived, the sun hung high in the sky.


    Eunuch Tong finally used his mental power to control his voice to speak, causing his voice to spread majestically throughout the Imperial City.


    ¡°The Hall Examination has begun. Scholars of List A and List B, please enter the hall.¡±


    The words wrapped in mental power rumbled and shook.


    An ancient and melodious bell sounded in the Imperial City at the same time.


    At the Heavenly Profound Gate.


    The guards completely let them pass. The excited List B scholars took a deep breath and looked at the white jade road, but they did not dare to stop for a long time.


    Suddenly, someone walked out. It was Qin Hua¡¯an, wearing a Confucian robe with a long saber at his waist, and also Prime Minister Qin¡¯s only son.


    Qin Hua¡¯an¡¯s expression was solemn. He carried his saber and stepped onto the imperial road. A faint wind blew over as if it wanted to sweep up his clothes.


    He looked at the Heavenly Profound Palace. There was a hint of trembling in the depths of his calm eyes. It was excitement.


    If he could become the top scholar in the Hall Examination, he might have a chance to talk to the Sacred Teacher. From then on, he would soar into the sky. From a servant girl¡¯s child with a miserable childhood, he would truly become a legendary figure among the few who had conversed with the Sacred Teacher in the world.


    After Qin Hua¡¯an stepped onto the imperial road, many List B scholars and cultivators who were allowed to participate in the Hall Examination arrived one after another.


    The majestic figures walked on the imperial road solemnly. Only the sound of footsteps colliding with the white bricks on the ground could be heard.


    When An Le arrived at the Heavenly Profound Palace, the scholars on List B stepped onto the imperial road in an orderly manner and headed towards the Heavenly Profound Palace.


    The guards in front of the Heavenly Profound Sect glanced at An Le. They naturally knew the famous Master An in Lin¡¯an Prefecture.


    There was no so-called making things difficult for him. Prime Minister Qin would never use some unpresentable tricks on such a solemn day.


    An Le stepped into the archway. At the entrance of the imperial road, several figures were waiting for him quietly.


    There was Ye Wenxi, who had Little Heavy Mountain on her waist, Ye Yinping, who carried the Red Sleeves Spear on her back, and Liu Yue, whom he had not seen for many days.


    Apart from these three people, there were three others.


    One of them was dressed in a Confucian robe and had a graceful bearing. There was a long and narrow sword at his waist. His gaze landed on An Le, who was dressed in white. This person was Sima Pudu, who was ranked fifth on the Little Sacred Ranking.


    The other person was dressed in luxurious clothes. His aura was violent and there was a hint of arrogance from head to toe.


    He was ranked sixth on the Little Sacred Ranking, the Wang family¡¯s Qilin Son, Wang Qilin.


    There was another person who was wearing simple clothes, but the muscles on his body were bulging. Every inch of his skin was tempered like refined iron.


    This person was ranked seventh on the Little Sacred Ranking, the Zhong family¡¯s Zhong Taohua. It was a rather poetic name, but it was matched with a violent beast-like physique.


    Among these people, other than Liu Yue who was not the holder of the Little Sacred Ranking, the others were all in the top ten of the Little Sacred Ranking.


    The Ye sisters were naturally waiting for An Le.


    Sima Pudu, Wang Qilin, Zhong Taohua, and the others naturally came to wait for An Le. They wanted to see Master An, who had won consecutively and gathered an invincible aura to walk the legendary path.


    An Le looked at these people and could naturally sense the powerful aura on their bodies. The top ten on the Little Sacred Ranking were not ordinary.


    There was no conversation. They just looked at each other, as if powerful mental power was intertwining and colliding. Then, Wang Qilin turned around and stepped onto the imperial road.


    Sima Pudu chuckled and followed.


    Zhong Taohua nodded at An Le. As a descendant of a plantation family, he did not have much hostility towards An Le, who could activate the Martial Chief Stone.


    After all, the Zhong family had produced a Martial Chief. Although that Martial Chief had already died on the battlefield, the Martial Chief Stone had a special meaning to the Zhong family.


    Zhong Taohua, Ye Wenxi, and Ye Yinping nodded at An Le and stepped onto the imperial road one after another.


    Liu Yue, who was at the side, was drenched in sweat. He, who was not a cultivator, was sandwiched between this group of geniuses on the Little Sacred Ranking. He was naturally under immense pressure. Just the mental collision he released almost made him lose his balance.


    However, Liu Yue still persevered and forced a smile at An Le.


    He stayed mainly to thank An Le. It was precisely because of An Le that he could clear his name and leave Dali Temple¡¯s Zhao Prison again. He even obtained the recognition of the Headmaster.


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    That was because the First Headmaster had clearly told him that the reason why he could be taken in as a student by the First Headmaster and learn from him was not only to make up for the reported sins committed by the Confucian scholars on the Literary Music Ranking in the Literary Department, or was it just because of Liu Yue¡¯s talent. An Le was the main reason.


    An Le patted Liu Yue¡¯s shoulder, indicating that he did not need to thank him. ¡°The innocent are innocent. Even without me, I believe that Brother Liu can walk out of Dali Temple¡¯s Zhao Prison.¡±


    Liu Yue¡¯s eyes were filled with gratitude.


    ¡°Brother An, although I¡¯m not a cultivator, if I were an official, I would definitely be a good official and do my best to change this generation.¡±


    ¡°The questions of the Spring Quarter Examination Imperial Examination made me understand that one can¡¯t go against one¡¯s own wishes. When I was in the Dali Temple¡¯s Zhao Prison, I also thought a lot and even gave up hope. I thought that I was imprisoned because I gave up my ideals and curried favor with the powerful..¡±

 Chapter 172 - Chapter 172: Spirit Refinement Text Examination,

    Chapter 172: Spirit Refinement Text Examination,


    Mountain and River Painting, This Lad¡¯s Primordial Spirit


    Is Actually So Powerful?! (3)


    Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios


    Liu Yue sighed.


    ¡°In an official position, you have to think in the shoes of the court.¡±


    ¡°Although Brother Liu is only ranked first on List B and it¡¯s difficult for you to become a high-ranking official, the position of an official has its meaning.


    Brother Liu, you have to do your best and stay true to your heart,¡± An Le said.


    When Liu Yue heard this, a grateful and solemn expression appeared on his face. ¡°Thank you for your teachings, Young Master An.¡±


    ¡°Hall Examination¡­ Young Master An, you must work hard! I hope to see


    Young Master become the top scholar!¡±


    Facing the bright morning sun, Liu Yue smiled and blessed An Le. An Le smiled. ¡°Thank you for your kind words.¡±


    He waved his hand, his white clothes fluttered, and he stepped onto the imperial road.


    He headed all the way to the Heavenly Profound Palace.


    Outside the Heavenly Profound Palace, on the incomparably empty white jade square, the scholars on the List A and B rankings arrived one after another. They were all stopped by many robed eunuchs.


    The List B Scholars and the List A Scholars who were not in the top ten stopped.


    The cultivators ranked in the top ten of List A and recommended by many nobles continued forward and arrived at the center of the White Jade Square. They were facing the White Jade Vermilion Steps and the Heavenly Profound Palace that was like a Buddha¡¯s hand lotus flower.


    In fact, there were not many people who could really walk here. There were only more than ten people in total.


    Other than Qin Hua¡¯an, Sima Pudu, Wang Qilin, and the other top ten on the Little Sacred Ranking, there was no one else who was recommended.


    If they wanted to be recommended for the Hall Examination, it was difficult to qualify without sufficient talent. They could only obediently participate in the Spring Quarter Examination Imperial Examination.


    ¡°Clang


    Another bell chimed.


    In the vast and magnificent Heavenly Profound Palace, a purple-robed Eunuch Tong slowly walked out.


    On his old but beardless face, his eyes were sharp like a cat¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°The Hall Examination is divided into literary and martial examinations.¡±


    ¡°In 15 minutes, the written test will be held first. The written test will be hosted by the Second Headmaster of the Literary Department. One of the three Dharma treasures of the Literary Department, the Mountain and River Painting, will be used as the venue for the written test. The Spirit Refinement of the Literary Department is naturally related to mental power. Everyone, take


    care. ¡±


    ¡°The Martial Temple¡¯s Martial Chief will set the questions for the Martial


    Examination. The Hall Examination will determine two rounds of rankings. The top two will compete for the last top scholar. The winner will become the top scholar.¡±


    ¡°Everyone, do you understand?¡±


    Eunuch Tong¡¯s voice was rather sharp and ear-piercing. However, with the enhancement of his mental power, it clearly resounded in the ears of every Hall Examination candidate.


    In the Heavenly Profound Palace, many high-ranking officials and dignitaries were shocked. Clearly, they did not know about the assessment segment of this Hall Examination.


    In the past years, His Majesty would set questions for the Hall Examination and ask big questions. Now, he had directly canceled it and used Spirit Refinement and Body Tempering as the assessment standards.


    Moreover, they directly pulled in the Literary Department and the Martial Temple. These two factions were tied to the dynasty, but the number of times they directly became the organizers of the Hall Examination was very few.


    In the middle of the White Jade Square.


    None of the examinees had any objections. They cupped their fists and bowed.


    All of their faces revealed solemn expressions.


    On the other hand, those scholars who had relied on the Spring Quarter Examination to enter List A and enter the Hall Examination all revealed bitter smiles.


    They knew very well that they were undoubtedly here as ornaments according to the rules of the Hall Examination.


    Although their cultivation levels were extraordinary, they naturally did not have any chance to stand out in both Spirit Refinement and Body Tempering.


    How could they compare to the geniuses on the Little Sacred Ranking?


    The dream of becoming the top scholar and first place became unattainable, but they did not give up just like that. After all, the Hall Examination was a ranking. If they performed well and obtained a top ranking, they would have fewer bumpy paths in the court in the future.


    As soon as this was said¡­ a figure walked over from outside the Imperial City.


    His Confucian clothes fluttered, and his white hair fluttered. It was the Second Headmaster of the Literary Department, Pang Ji.


    Pang Ji held a scroll in his hand.


    After landing on the White Jade Vermilion Steps, the Second Headmaster first bowed slightly to Emperor Zhao, who was sitting upright on an Emperor¡¯s throne in the Heavenly Profound Palace.


    Emperor Zhao smiled and nodded.


    ¡°Thank you for your hard work, Second Headmaster.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the Literary Department¡¯s duty to choose talents for the dynasty. Your


    Majesty, you¡¯re being too serious.¡±


    The Second Headmaster chuckled.


    He turned around and looked at the dozen or so people standing in the White Jade Square.


    ¡°I will use the ¡®Mountain and River Painting¡¯ to guide everyone¡¯s mental power into it. In the Mountain and River Painting, everyone will immediately be divided into the ¡®Mountain¡¯ and ¡®River¡¯ regions. Their mental power will clash. Only one person¡¯s mental power can remain in the two regions. The other losers can be graded according to the time they stay.¡±


    Second Headmaster Pang Ji slowly explained the rules.


    The Literary Department¡¯s Mountain and River Painting was an extremely powerful binding Dharma treasure that could forcefully trap the mental power of experts. This Hall Examination actually used such a Dharma treasure as an examination hall.


    An Le¡¯s eyes flickered. He did not expect the rules of the first written test to be like this. It directly lured the candidates into the Mountain and River Painting and fought with their mental power.


    Although it was said to be a Spirit Refinement competition, in fact, the animosity was very strong.


    The longer one stayed in the Mountain and River Painting, the higher the score. However, to those who were truly confident, destroying the minds of others was the key.


    It could be said that this examination was completely prepared for the geniuses on the Little Sacred Ranking. It was to filter out the top scorer and the first place with a high enough value to be worthy of conversing with the Sacred Teacher.


    Therefore, it was naturally not very friendly to those with low Spirit Refinement cultivation.


    In the eyes of many people, An Le¡¯s Spirit Refinement cultivation level was only at the fourth realm and he had just condensed his Primordial Spirit. This literary test was naturally not very friendly to him.


    An Le was deep in thought when he suddenly felt a cold gaze. He turned around and saw Prime Minister Qin¡¯s only son, Qin Hua¡¯an, looking at him coldly.


    ¡°I promised my father that I wouldn¡¯t let you enter the top three¡­ I hope that you and I will be on the same mountain in the painting. That way, I can crush your mind as quickly as possible.¡±


    Qin Hua¡¯an spoke without hiding anything.


    He didn¡¯t say that he wanted to avenge Qin Qianqiu. He said that he was carrying his father¡¯s expectations.


    Qin Hua¡¯an¡¯s words caused quite a commotion among the candidates, but everyone knew the relationship between An Le and Prime Minister Qin. Although they were surprised, they did not find it strange.


    An Le¡¯s white clothes fluttered. He didn¡¯t even look at Qin Hua¡¯an and didn¡¯t respond.


    Qin Hua¡¯an didn¡¯t mind. He looked at the Second Headmaster, who was standing on the White Jade Vermilion Steps.


    The Second Headmaster¡¯s mental power surged, and the painting in his hand suddenly floated up.


    It floated in front of the Heavenly Profound Palace.


    The painting slowly unfolded. The black mountains and rivers were surrounded by clouds. The vast world was revealed between specks of ink. The magnificent mountains and rivers appeared in the painting as if they could accommodate all the good mountains and rivers in the world.


    ¡°The first round of the Hall Examination, the Spirit Refinement literary test.¡±


    ¡°Everyone, enter the painting.¡±


    As soon as this was said¡­


    After a moment of silence, Qin Hua¡¯an sat down cross-legged. His mental power surged and his Primordial Spirit leaped out of his Niwan Palace. He walked towards the Mountain and River Painting step by step. It was dazzling. As he walked, it was as if there was a long ray of light accompanying him. This was the fifth realm of Spirit Refinement, the Oblivion Primordial Spirit!


    Qin Hua¡¯an¡¯s Primordial Spirit walked in front of the Mountain and River Painting with his hands behind his back. Amidst the endless multicolored light, he paused and glanced at An Le, who was dressed in snow-white clothes. He turned around and entered the mountains and rivers, transforming into a black Confucian scholar figure.


    With Qin Hua¡¯an taking the lead, the others no longer hesitated.


    Sima Pudu smiled. In the Niwan Palace between his eyebrows, there was also a myriad of rays of light. The Oblivion Primordial Spirit walked out and filled the Mountain and River Painting.


    The Wang family¡¯s Qilin Son, Ye Yinping, Ye Wenxi, and the others released their Primordial Spirits.


    For a moment, the White Jade Square was illuminated by multicolored light, as if many immortals had descended to the mortal world.


    Of course, there were also many people who had only reached the third realm of Spirit Refinement and had not even condensed their Primordial Spirits. They could only use their mental power to draw.


    An Le admired the ¡°Mountain and River Painting¡± for a while before sitting cross-legged without any hesitation.


    He raised his hand and pressed it between his eyebrows.


    The sword qi in his glabella immediately clanged.


    In the Sword Furnace.


    An Le¡¯s Primordial Spirit suddenly opened its eyes.


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    Sword qi lingered, and the Primordial Spirit which seemed to be a real figure took a step forward. It walked in the void and walked towards the Mountain and River Painting with lotus flowers blooming with every step.


    As soon as An Le¡¯s Primordial Spirit appeared, in the Heavenly Profound Palace, the eyes of many experts suddenly narrowed in disbelief.


    This was a fourth-realm Primordial Spirit?!


    This child¡¯s Primordial Spirit..


    How could it be so powerful?!

 Chapter 177 - Chapter 177: Invincible White Python Transforms Into the

    Chapter 177: Invincible White Python Transforms Into the


    Heavenly Dragon, Young Man Tops the Literary Examination (2)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    It seemed to be a Primordial Spirit visualization object that was even stronger than the Sword Waterfall in the Sword Waterfall Diagram!


    At this moment, An Le seemed to have seen something. He saw ancient and profound scriptures begin to appear on Green Mountain.


    It was as if it was an ancient Spirit Refinement cultivation method!


    However, these scriptures were a little blurry and were enveloped in a layer of fog. If he wanted to break through this fog, he still needed to spend more effort to visualize.


    An Le retracted his gaze and looked at Qin Hua¡¯an, who was fleeing.


    He took a step forward and began to step on the waves of the river. Every step he took on the river surface would cause a lotus-like splash.


    At this moment, a strange scene suddenly appeared in the Mountain and River Painting.


    Qin Hua¡¯an, who was ranked third on the Little Sacred Ranking, had his Primordial Spirit fleeing in a sorry state. An Le, who was ranked eighth on the Little Sacred Ranking¡­


    Pursued him!


    In front of the Heavenly Profound Palace.


    There was silence. Countless cultivators¡¯ gazes landed on the Mountain and


    River Painting. They could clearly see two black figures galloping on the 5,000-kilometer-long Great Dragon River in the Mountain and River Painting.


    One fled, and the other pursued!


    The person who escaped was Qin Hua¡¯an. Furthermore, Qin Hua¡¯an¡¯s


    Primordial Spirit multicolored light had dimmed to less than ten feet.


    This¡­


    ¡®What the hell happened?¡¯


    Because they were separated by the Mountain and River Painting, everyone did not know the exact situation inside. They could only see a mountain appear, and Qin Hua¡¯an¡¯s ink pool of lightning was shattered. Multicolored light swept out, and it also shattered, leaving behind less than ten feet of multicolored light.


    No one knew what Green Mountain was. Even the many experts in the Heavenly Profound Palace were confused.


    Of course, not everyone was puzzled, so Li You¡¯an guessed something.


    That was because he had seen that mountain once.


    In front of the precipice on Fusong Mountain, when the youth grasped the Future Sword Qi, the phenomenon of Green Mountain appeared. That mountain¡­ Even Li You¡¯an felt that it was unattainable.


    ¡°The phenomenon in the Bamboo Sword Green Mountain¡­ An Le visualized the Green Mountain phenomenon, so his Primordial Spirit was strong. Coincidentally, he could visualize it in the Mountain and River Painting, causing the mountains to be like swords.¡±


    Li You¡¯an smiled.


    There was no suspense in this literary examination. An Le, who had visualized Green Mountain Future Sword Qi, was equivalent to holding a sharp sword that could cut through iron, fighting a battle with a group of children. He was naturally invincible.


    Li You¡¯an was not the only one who saw this phenomenon.


    On the high and mighty throne of the Heavenly Profound Palace, Emperor Zhao sat upright. His body leaned forward slightly, and his deep and burning gaze seemed to penetrate the court and land on the Mountain and River Painting in the White Jade Square.


    With the Mountain and River Painting around, no one present dared to use their Primordial Spirits. They were afraid that the surging Primordial Spirit would be taken away by the Mountain and River Painting and affect the literary examination in the end.


    ¡°Uncle¡¯s Green Mountain Sword¡­ It¡¯s a sword filled with secrets. Even the old Sword Sage of the Shu Sword Pool Palace praised it.¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, Old Imperial Uncle gave it out. It doesn¡¯t belong to my Zhao family anymore.¡±


    ¡°However, Old Imperial Uncle¡­ His lifespan is about to end.¡±


    Emperor Zhao leaned back in his chair, his eyes a little ethereal. His white jade-like fingertips gently knocked on the armrest of the Emperor¡¯s throne.


    ¡°And my lifespan is about to reach an end.¡±


    The atmosphere in the Heavenly Profound Palace was a little strange. Many people¡¯s gazes landed on Prime Minister Qin, whose lips were pursed into a line.


    After all, everyone knew why Qin Hua¡¯an went to look for An Le the moment he entered the Mountain and River Painting. However, no one expected such a completely reversed scene to appear in the Mountain and River Painting.


    There was a soft laugh that resounded in the Heavenly Profound Palace without caring about Prime Minister Qin¡¯s face.


    Madam Hua covered her mouth and laughed fearlessly. Her voice was like the cry of an oriole in an empty valley as it turned around in the palace and echoed between the dragon pillars carved with the dragons of the four seas that supported the magnificent palace.


    She naturally had no intention of giving Prime Minister Qin any face.


    In fact, Madam Hua was really surprised. When she was the Mountain and River Painting announced in the literary examination, she realized that An Le might be stopped by Qin Hua¡¯an.


    Unexpectedly, An Le was chasing after Qin Hua¡¯an¡¯s Primordial Spirit in the


    Mountain and River Painting.


    Qin Lishi¡¯s expression became even uglier. Madam Hua¡¯s mocking laughter made his face as cold as ice.


    It was embarrassing, but Qin Lishi had never thought of such a situation.


    In front of the Heavenly Profound Palace, above the White Jade Vermilion Steps.


    The Second Headmaster¡¯s expression was a little solemn and grim.


    His Primordial Spirit surged and controlled the Mountain and River Painting. When the Mountain and River Painting was unfolded, it was more than a hundred meters long. Every mountain and river was not connected.


    When the Primordial Spirit entered the Mountain and River Painting, it was as if it had been integrated into an ink world.


    Therefore, maintaining this first-grade Spirit Refinement ink treasure naturally required a lot of Primordial Spirit power.


    His ninth realm Primordial Spirit was enough for him to easily open the Mountain and River Painting. Moreover, the people who entered the Mountain and River Painting were only a group of little fellows who were not even at the sixth realm.


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    The Second Headmaster was naturally more relaxed.


    However, just now, the Second Headmaster¡¯s expression changed slightly. His Primordial Spirit was guarding the Mountain and River Painting, and he could clearly sense an incomparably sharp sword intent that seemed to want to soar into the sky and cut open the Mountain and River Painting.


    At that instant, his Primordial Spirit¡¯s mental power seemed to have broken through a river and released boundless mental power. Only then did he forcefully stabilize the Mountain and River Painting and prevent that power from breaking out.


    In order to suppress that power, he had expended a lot of mental power. It was almost comparable to suppressing a ninth -realm Spirit Refinement cultivator.


    Zhao Huangting¡¯s Green Mountain sword intent!

 Chapter 178 - Chapter 178: Invincible White Python Transforms Into the

    Chapter 178: Invincible White Python Transforms Into the


    Heavenly Dragon. Young Man TODS the Literary Examination (3)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    ¡°As expected of a legendary sword that is stained with the blood of immortals in the sky.¡±


    ¡°The blurry Green Mountain that he visualized is so arrogant and domineering that it almost broke through the first- grade Spirit Refinement ink treasure!¡±


    Second Headmaster Pang Ji could not help but sigh. His gaze landed on the youth sitting cross-legged on the white jade square with a complicated expression.


    There was no doubt about the outcome of this literary examination.


    The people in the Heavenly Profound Palace were not the only ones who were surprised.


    In the Mountain and River Painting, many examinees were also extremely surprised.


    In particular, the examinees who were also randomly chosen on the river had incomparably strange expressions.


    They knew Qin Hua¡¯an and An Le.


    However, when An Le chased after Qin Hua¡¯an¡­ they felt that it was a fantasy.


    In terms of the strength of his Primordial Spirit, how could Qin Hua¡¯an, who was at the peak of the fifth-realm Oblivion realm, be pursued?


    Due to the situation in this mountain, they had no idea how An Le defeated Qin Hua¡¯an¡¯s Primordial Spirit.


    Qin Hua¡¯an¡¯s Primordial Spirit was much weaker and the multicolored light was only ten feet long. At that moment, he was fleeing rapidly on the river.


    However, An Le did not stop chasing after him.


    The powerful Primordial Spirit power kept gushing out, causing An Le to accelerate and constantly close the distance between him and Qin Hua¡¯an.


    An Le¡¯s majestic and thick Primordial Spirit was not afraid of such a pursuit battle at all.


    Seeing that the distance was closing bit by bit, Qin Hua¡¯an¡¯s Primordial Spirit also felt an endless sense of danger.


    In the Mountain and River Painting, on the 5,000-kilometer-long Great Dragon River, a black storm was swaying.


    Qin Hua¡¯an was still fleeing, but he felt an inexplicable force between the Mountain and River Painting closing the distance between him and An Le.


    As the Primordial Spirits that had met An Le, their auras had already been recorded by the Mountain and River Painting. One of them would definitely be eliminated.


    However, Qin Hua¡¯an only wanted to stall for more time and wait for more people to be eliminated. That way, his literary examination results would be higher and he would have a chance to level the scores again.


    Qin Hua¡¯an¡¯s heart was filled with unwillingness. He knew that if he was eliminated too early, he would definitely lose the qualifications to become the top scholar.


    However, after fleeing like a stray dog for a while, Qin Hua¡¯an stopped running, even though his Dao heart was not as soft as tofu like Luo Qingchen¡¯s.


    However, if he continued to be hunted down by An Le, his mental energy would be worn down bit by bit, and An Let s invincible aura would only grow stronger!


    BOOM!


    Qin Hua¡¯an¡¯s Primordial Spirit no longer fled. Black lightning arcs surged, and the pool of lightning surged. He waved Oblivion Multicolored Light and swept it towards An Le¡¯s Primordial Spirit, wanting to destroy it!


    An Le looked at Qin Hua¡¯an¡¯s Primordial Spirit that was charging over.


    Without any hesitation, he pushed his palms to the sides. The water in the Great Dragon River exploded, and the water pillars that soared into the sky suddenly gathered together. Gradually, another Green Mountain phantom appeared.


    Qin Hua¡¯an¡¯s Primordial Spirit was too fragile in front of the visualized Green Mountain. It was like a porcelain doll that was filled with cracks. In the end, it was completely shattered by the mental sword qi emitted by An Le¡¯s Primordial Spirit¡¯s finger and knock!


    Qin Hua¡¯an¡¯s Primordial Spirit was destroyed. Filled with unwillingness, he dissipated into the Mountain and River Painting.


    The entire Mountain and River Painting was silent.


    Many Primordial Spirits floated and watched this scene in shock.


    Qin Hua¡¯an, who was clearly the top scholar, was actually killed in less than an hour after the Mountain and River Painting opened.


    This meant that Qin Hua¡¯an¡¯s literary examination results might be at the bottom!


    In the battle for the top scholar, Qin Hua¡¯an had already been eliminated in advance!


    Many examinees who had recovered from their shock turned around and fled without hesitation.


    Taking advantage of the fact that An Le¡¯s Primordial Spirit was standing on the river and seemed to be in deep comprehension, they hurriedly ran.


    No one was willing to meet An Le. Those with powerful Primordial Spirits also began to frantically search for those with weak Primordial Spirits in order to quickly eliminate them. Only then could they obtain more points.


    Even if he encountered An Le in the end, he did not have to worry about being eliminated too early and getting low marks.


    On the White Jade Square.


    Qin Hua¡¯an, who was the first to enter the Mountain and River Painting, opened his eyes and spat out a mouthful of blood. The bright red blood looked so dazzling on the white bricks in the square.


    He stared blankly at the mouthful of blood he spat out and his mind spun. He looked around and saw that the examinees were all sitting cross-legged. Their Primordial Spirits and mental power were still fighting in the Mountain and River Painting.


    And he¡­ had already been eliminated.


    Was he¡­ the first to be eliminated?!


    Even though he had expected this, when this scene appeared, his heart still hurt slightly. As proud as he was, he wanted to show off in front of Prime Minister Qin, but now, his mentality was really unstable.


    Strange gazes swept over. They were the gazes of many List B scholars who had not entered the Hall Examination. Although no one mocked them, their gazes were like needles to Qin Hua¡¯an.


    In addition, the gaze from the Heavenly Profound Palace made Qin Hua¡¯an¡¯s heart tremble and feel ashamed.


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    He had disappointed his father.


    However, the Green Mountain that An Le had visualized really made him too powerless. He had already tried his best to escape, but he still could not escape.


    He could sense that his Primordial Spirit was in an unstable state. The Oblivion Multicolored Light that had been shattered by Green Mountain had yet to recover. If he wanted to completely recover, it would take at least a month.


    He raised his hand to cover his face. His ambition surged in front of the Hall Examination, but as soon as the literary examination ended, his ambition was already devastated.


    He had completely lost the chance to become the top scholar..

 Chapter 180 - Chapter 180: Ancient Demon Five Animals Fusing into

    Chapter 180: Ancient Demon Five Animals Fusing into


    Green Mountain, Becoming Number One at the Martial Chief Stone (1)


    Translator: Atlas Studios       Editor: Atlas Studios


    The Heavenly Profound Palace was silent, be it in the luxurious and magnificent palace or in the wide square with white jade as the foundation.


    The morning sun passed through the yellow glazed tiles on the roof of the palace and reflected a seven-colored rainbow. It spread out and circled above the square, growing sharp horns and breaking out of the invincible dragon aura. It was gorgeous and magical.


    The invincible white python aura evolved into the Heavenly Dragon!


    This was an evolution of boldness, a reflection on the path of legends.


    Invincible aura was a mysterious thing. Very few people dared to say that they could gather invincible aura. Over countless years, there were only a few geniuses who wanted to take this path of cutting off all means of retreat.


    They had gambled everything, including talent, cultivation, faith, and future. Once they failed, they would be defeated like a landslide. The price was so high that most people would shrink back.


    The brilliant light of the morning sun shone on An Le¡¯s white clothes, and the surging spring breeze blew his wide sleeves. There was a gentle smile on his confident and handsome face.


    In the Heavenly Profound Palace, Prime Minister Qin¡¯s expression was incomparably cold. His hands under his luxurious official robe suddenly clenched tightly. He did not know how to face An Le at this moment.


    As the spring breeze blew into the Heavenly Profound Palace, the words exploded in Qin Lishi¡¯s ears like thunder. Many officials heard it clearly.


    These two words were filled with mockery and disdain.


    The Hall Examination was seven days early. The young man was fearless and came as usual.


    In the literary examination, he arranged for Qin Hua¡¯an, who was ranked third on the Little Sacred Ranking, to stop him. Similarly, he was not afraid at all. In the Mountain and River Painting, he forcefully defeated, chased, and completely destroyed the other party¡¯s Primordial Spirit. He broke out of the obstruction as the champion of the literary examination and proudly appeared.


    It was as if he was stepping on a wave that rose out of thin air, displaying an unstoppable aura.


    The officials present knew about the bet An Le and Prime Minister Qin had made.


    An Le had killed Prime Minister Qin¡¯s most precious son, Qin Qianqiu. If he could enter the top three of the Hall Examination this time, he would be pardoned and not punished.


    However, if he failed, Prime Minister Qin could use the laws of Great Zhao and send An Le to the Dali Temple¡¯s Zhao Prison. At that time, no matter how talented he was in the Zhao Prison, he would be tortured until he was unrecognizable. His heart and invincible aura would be worn away, and in the end, he would end up miserably.


    But now, An Le had actually defeated Qin Hua¡¯an, Wang Qilin, and the other geniuses at the top of the Little Sacred Ranking with his fourth-realm Primordial Spirit in the Mountain and River Painting and become the champion of the literary examination.


    One had to know that Qin Hua¡¯an and Wang Qilin were both geniuses at the fifth realm of Spirit Refinement who had stepped into Oblivion!


    The Oblivion Primordial Spirit had multicolored light on its back and a phenomenon. Its Primordial Spirit was extremely powerful.


    No one expected An Le to defeat them in the Spirit Refinement literary examination in the Mountain and River Painting.


    This victory¡­ was a miracle in itself!


    Wang Qilin¡¯s Spirit Refinement cultivation method was Blazing Prairie Fire. It was also a top cultivation method like the Sword Waterfall Diagram. Qin Hua¡¯an¡¯s Fury of Wind and Thunder was also on the same level.


    Under the same Spirit Refinement cultivation method, An Le, who was only at the fourth-realm Primordial Spirit, actually had the last laugh, making many people puzzled.


    Matriarch Yu held a dragon-headed walking stick as a look of surprise appeared in her old and turbid eyes.


    Madam Hua also smiled brightly.


    An Le gave them a huge surprise during the literary examination.


    Perhaps An Le could really rely on his own strength to obtain Storm Calming and suppress a storm that should have swept through Lin¡¯an.


    ¡°Although he¡¯s ranked first in the literary examination, the Hall Examination hasn¡¯t ended yet. There¡¯s still the martial examination that hasn¡¯t been carried out¡­ It¡¯s still unknown if he can enter the top three.¡±


    Qin Lishi¡¯s hands hung down. There was no joy or sorrow on his face, and no emotion could be seen.


    Even in the face of An Le¡¯s slightly mocking words, he was still calm and carried out the essence of the word ¡®endure¡¯ to the end.


    However, his words made many people chuckle.


    If he became the champion of the literary examination, the probability of him reaching the top three of the Hall Examination would increase greatly. Coupled with the fact that Qin Hua¡¯an was at the bottom of the literary examination, he could not fight for the top three.


    In other words, as long as An Le was ranked in the top five in the martial examination, he could enter the top three in the Hall Examination.


    He even had the chance to become the top scholar that countless people dreamed of!


    Qin Lishi clearly knew this as well. The maliciousness and anger in his eyes surged continuously. Qin Hua¡¯an¡¯s defeat had completely disrupted his plans. However, Qin Lishi lowered his face slightly and calmed his emotions. He did not say anything and no one knew what he was planning.


    If he wanted to break all the schemes, he had to be strong enough.


    This was An Le¡¯s strategy to deal with Qin Lishi. No matter what methods Qin Lishi used, as long as he won to the end, all his tricks would be useless.


    On the other hand, An Le had this belief of invincibility and walked the legendary path. He needed to press forward in this Hall Examination.


    In the Mountain and River Painting, the candidates who had been assigned to the mountain were still fighting with their Primordial Spirits.


    However, the Second Headmaster was much more relaxed. Because An Le had left the painting and Green Mountain was not around, there would no longer be such a terrifying suction force that wanted to suck his Primordial Spirit dry.


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    When the Second Headmaster heaved a sigh of relief, An Le felt that it was a pity and even wanted to stay longer.


    He did not want to leave the Mountain and River Painting so quickly. In the Mountain and River Painting, he could sense that visualizing Green Mountain and the Future Sword Qi had become very easy. He could even clearly push aside the fog on Green Mountain and see the ancient Spirit Refinement scripture on it.


    He had visualized more than half of the scripture and was still a little lacking.


    Unfortunately, Wang Qilin had come to challenge him, so he had no choice but to accept.


    Without the enhancement of the Mountain and River Painting, it was clearly more difficult for An Le to visualize it with his Primordial Spirit alone..

 Chapter 182 - Chapter 182: Ancient Demon Five Animals Fusing into

    Chapter 182: Ancient Demon Five Animals Fusing into


    Green Mountain, Becoming Number One at the Martial Chief Stone (3)


    Translator: Atlas Studios       Editor: Atlas Studios


    In just a few breaths, there was another deafening roar. It was the terrifying sound of Qi Blood surging.


    He saw Martial Chief Di Cang return in the air with his hands behind his back. Thick chains were still wrapped around the Martial Chief Stone.


    It was like a meteor falling.


    With a bang, it landed on the White Jade Square, and invisible air waves surged.


    However, despite such a fierce and fast descent, there were no cracks on the white jade bricks on the ground of the square.


    It was enough to show that Martial Chief Di Cang¡¯s control of his strength had reached an incredible level.


    When the Martial Chief Stone appeared in the White Jade Square, there was an uproar.


    This was the first time many of the List B scholars had seen the Martial Temple¡¯s Martial Chief Stone. They felt that it was very novel.


    The huge rock smashed into the White Jade Square. Just by looking at it, they had a strong urge to suck away the blood in their bodies, causing many List B scholars to look away with pale faces.


    Ye Wenxi, Ye Yinping, Wang Qilin, and the other geniuses on the Little Sacred Ranking did not hide anything and stared at the Martial Chief Stone with burning eyes.


    It was as if an ancient voice was attacking their minds from the Martial Chief


    Stone.


    Di Cang placed the Martial Chief Stone on the white jade green brick and pressed down on the thick chain. On the huge rock, Qi Blood fog curled up.


    He clapped his hands, retracted his aura, and scanned the examinees. He raised his hand and pointed at Wang Qilin from afar. ¡°You go first. One by one, fair and square.¡±


    Wang Qilin, who had been called out, was not afraid at all.


    He was dressed in luxurious clothes and had his head held high. Although An Le had crushed his Primordial Spirit in the Mountain and River Painting, it did not affect his confidence at all.


    He was different from Luo Qingchen. He was not someone who would lose his faith after losing a match.


    Moreover, Wang Qilin felt that the reason why An Le could defeat him in terms of Primordial Spirit was because of his strange visualization of Green Mountain.


    Wang Qilin cupped his fists and bowed to Di Cang. Then, he circulated the Qi Blood in his body and Martial Mystic Intent. It was as if a Flame Qilin had appeared, hissing and stomping in all directions. Flames spread vigorously, and sparks were endless.


    He walked towards the Martial Chief Stone step by step. The Qi Blood on the Martial Chief Stone intertwined, as if there was a powerful martial arts concept affecting his mind.


    Wang Qilin¡¯s expression was solemn. As he walked, he locked his Primordial Spirit. He naturally did not dare to reveal any mental power in the face of the Martial Chief Stone.


    Otherwise, not to mention moving the stone, he would probably be severely injured by the backlash of the Martial Chief Stone.


    Wang Qilin¡¯s luxurious clothes were blown close to his body by the powerful aura. His palm landed on the Martial Chief Stone.


    Boom!!


    In an instant, the Qi Blood on the Martial Chief Stone intertwined, and a martial arts phenomenon instantly appeared. There was also a Flame Qilin on the Martial Chief Stone that roared at Wang Qilin and attacked his body.


    The Flame Qilin formed by the Martial Mystic Intent behind Wang Qilin collided with the Flame Qilin on the Martial Chief Stone, wearing each other down like an invisible tug-of-war.


    Only by suppressing the martial arts phenomenon simulated on the Martial Chief Stone would he have a chance to push the Martial Chief Stone.


    This test was not about cultivation, but the possibility of breaking through one¡¯s limit.


    Wang Qilin roared angrily. The sleeves of his luxurious clothes instantly shattered on his arms, revealing his arms that were as muscular as dragons. His arms bulged irregularly, and majestic power surged between his arms like a flood.


    The Fire Qilin on the Martial Chief Stone was instantly dispersed by Qi Blood.


    Rumble!


    The Martial Chief Stone pressed down on the chain and was pushed by his huge strength. Creak, creak¡­ The friction between the huge rock and the chain surprised many people.


    In the Heavenly Profound Palace.


    Pairs of eyes shot down. Emperor Zhao, who was sitting on the throne, also revealed a curious gaze.


    BANG!


    When his arms exploded into a bloody mist, Wang Qilin retreated continuously. He panted slightly and opened his eyes. There was a hint of joy on his face. The feeling of breaking through his limits was very satisfying.


    He turned back to the line.


    ¡°Martial Chief Stone, moved. One foot, three inches.¡± Di Cang said calmly and reported Wang Qilin¡¯s results.


    Then, he pointed out many candidates.


    Most people could not even shake the Martial Chief Stone. The best they could do was move it an inch away.


    It was not easy to move the Martial Chief Stone.


    Sima Pudu also displayed extraordinary Qi Blood. Under everyone¡¯s gaze, he moved the stone by one foot and one inch, slightly inferior to Wang Qilin.


    Ye Yinping moved the stone nine inches away.


    Zhong Taohua moved a stone a foot.


    No one surpassed the Wang family¡¯s Qilin Son. This made Duke Wang, who was in the Heavenly Profound Palace, reveal a satisfied smile.


    However, when Ye Wenxi walked out and moved the Martial Chief Stone two feet and three inches away, it immediately caused an uproar.


    The smile on Duke Wang¡¯s face disappeared. He snorted coldly but did not say anything.


    The Wang family¡¯s Qilin Son had yet to go to the battlefield to sharpen himself. He was slightly inferior to Ye Wenxi, but in his opinion, it was nothing.


    However, one thing was certain. Wang Qilin¡¯s results could at least stabilize him in the top three of the martial examination.


    The only person left who could threaten his results was Qin Hua¡¯an.


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    An Le, the head of the literary examination, was only at the fourth realm of Body Tempering. With his cultivation level, it was difficult for him to move a foot of the Martial Chief Stone. He could not compare to the Wang family¡¯s Qilin Son.


    Next, Di Cang directly called out Qin Hua¡¯an.


    Qin Hua¡¯an, who was unexpectedly cold during the literary examination, walked out of the line step by step.


    The arrogance on his body had already disappeared. An Le had shattered his Primordial Spirit with Green Mountain and was the first to be slashed out of the Mountain and River Painting.


    Qin Hua¡¯an¡¯s mentality fluctuated slightly. He was at the bottom of the literary examination. Even if he obtained first place in the martial examination, it would be difficult for him to enter the top three..

 Chapter 200 - Chapter 200: Karma Is All About Fate, One Punch, One Sword, Youth Travel (1)

    Chapter 200: Karma Is All About Fate, One Punch, One Sword, Youth Travel (1)


    Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios


    800 miles away from Lin¡¯an Prefecture.


    Green Mountain was faintly visible, with layers of mountains, ancient trees, and smoke lingering.


    However, at this moment, there was a huge Buddhist light shining between the mountains. Invisible sword qi swept past, clearing a large area of mountain wood, and a huge gully appeared.


    Endless sword qi rose and transformed into a Bodhisattva statue that was even larger, more majestic, and more Buddhist than the Sword Qi Guanyin attracted by Hua Jiebing¡¯s Heart Sword in the sky above the Imperial City!


    The Bodhisattva had thousands of eyes, causing the world to seem to overturn at this moment.


    Countless trees, soil, and dust that had been cut off by the sword qi seemed to have been frozen in the air by the gaze of the Thousand-Eyed Bodhisattva and could no longer land.


    Such a supreme Bodhisattva statue was so powerful that it did not seem to exist in the mortal world. However, opposite the Thousand-Eyed Bodhisattva, there was a Buddhist monk in a crimson kasaya sitting cross-legged in the void with a string of golden prayer beads in his hand. A golden alms bowl floated in front of him as he quietly looked at the Thousand-Eyed Bodhisattva produced by sword qi.


    Facing the Thousand-Eyed Bodhisattva¡¯s gaze, the space around the monk kept fluctuating, as if an invisible sword qi was colliding with the Buddhist light, causing a faint sound.


    Like boiling water, bubbles popped up one after another.


    ¡°Amitabha, Attained Suzhu¡­ You and I have both entered the Buddhist Sect, but this battle is meaningless. Let¡¯s forget about it.¡±


    The monk opened his eyes slightly. The corners of his eyes were actually golden, like two balls of flames that burned his mental power.


    He placed one palm in front of him and fiddled with the golden prayer beads with the other hand. His gaze passed through the Thousand-Eyed Bodhisattva and saw an extremely slender woman behind the Sword Qi Bodhisattva.


    ¡°When did Holy Monk Duhai of the Lotus Flower Temple become willing to slave for Great Zhao?¡±


    Behind the Thousand-Eyed Sword Qi Bodhisattva, a beautiful voice floated over.


    Then, a woman in white came out with grace from behind the Thousand-Eyed Bodhisattva.


    The woman was holding a lotus seal in her hand. On her snow-white wrist, there were purple sandalwood prayer beads. She had shaved off her hair and her face was like a painting.


    Her bare feet floated in the air, and her jade-like feet were snow-white without any dust.


    Her face was beautiful, and the woman was like a painting.


    As soon as the woman appeared, the sword qi floating around her suddenly boiled. Everything around her became blurry and difficult to observe and capture. Only the bodhisattva-like woman became clearer and clearer as if she was engraved in the world.


    ¡°Amitabha. The three Buddhist Sects want to fight for leadership and compete with each other. The Emperor of Great Zhao wants to borrow the Heart Sword to suppress the immortal abnormality of the immortal blood. My inferior disciple died in Lin¡¯an because of a youth. That youth was enlightened by Benefactor Hua. The karma is very heavy. I¡¯m naturally here to sever the karma.¡±


    The monk was wearing a red kasaya with golden patterns. This kasaya called the Stainless Lotus Flower Robe emitted a powerful spiritual energy fluctuation. Clearly, it was a top-notch Dharma treasure.


    ¡°Duhai, in that case, what else is there to say?¡±


    ¡°Jiebing is my disciple. I have to save her.¡±


    ¡°Since you¡¯re stopping me, let¡¯s fight. Between us, whose attainment is deeper?¡±


    The female Bodhisattva was Attained Suzhu of Sensory Temple. At that moment, although there was no anger in her words, the sword qi floating in the air was boiling.


    ¡°Amitabha, Buddhist attainment is boundless. You and I¡­ Hmm?¡±


    Holy Monk Duhai was about to say something when he looked in Lin¡¯an¡¯s direction with Attained Suzhu.


    Vaguely, the two of them seemed to see a young man¡¯s figure take a step forward and reach the sky in a single step. He waved a Green Mountain and pierced through a huge hand that contained the Emperor¡¯s aura.


    Holy Monk Duhai frowned, his fiery red eyes burning like heavenly fire. Attained Suzhu smiled. ¡°There¡¯s a reason for everything. Karma is born from fate.¡±


    ¡°It seems that my disciple Jiebing is fine.¡±


    On the ground, a tall mountain rose from the ground. The Sword Pavilion was towering and stood majestically on the ground like a huge sword that had stabbed into the mortal world.


    ¡®Green mountains desire to talk to the exalted you. They come nonstop in droves like galloping horses.¡¯


    ¡®Hesitant in the misty rain, they yearn to come but stop.¡¯


    In a pavilion halfway up the mountain.


    Two figures stood there. One of them was dressed in a simple green robe and carried a huge pine sword case on his back. His eyes were indifferent.


    Beside him was a beautiful woman who had taken off her veil. The woman carried a charred zither on her back. Her plain clothes were like flowing silk as she stood respectfully with her head lowered.


    ¡°Emperor Zhao wants to live a second life. He wants to take Hua Jiebing¡¯s Heart Sword and use it to suppress the immortal blood¡¯s immortal abnormality and live for another 500 years¡­¡±


    The Sixth Mountain Lord frowned slightly.


    ¡°Yun Rou, you should stay on the mountain from now on. I need you to guard the mountain.¡±


    Yun Rou couldn¡¯t help but be stunned. ¡°Teacher, are you going to attack?¡±


    ¡°Your Mortal Dust Sword has been nurtured for so many years and it¡¯s not time to fight yet. If you attack now, all your previous efforts will be in vain, right?¡±


    ¡°Therefore, after I attack, I¡¯ll seal the mountain. I need you to guard the mountain.¡±


    ¡°There are always some things in the world that you can¡¯t ignore. When it¡¯s time to attack, do it.¡±


    The Sixth Mountain Lord was expressionless as he said coolly, ¡°Only then can you not leave any regrets in the mortal world.¡±


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    The Sixth Mountain Lord did not speak much and could not be bothered to explain. He took a step forward and immediately, sword qi filled the mountain. Countless sword qi gathered under his feet into a stream of light.


    However, just as he took a step in the air, a hint of surprise suddenly appeared on his cool face as he looked at the heroic qi that soared into the sky from Lin¡¯an Prefecture.


    After being stunned for a moment, his cool face could not help but flush red.


    In the pine sword case on his back, countless sword qi collided with each other, as if they were about to charge out of the sword case.


    ¡°Yun Rou, look at this heroic qi, this fearlessness, this sword qi¡­ To be honest, it¡¯s a huge loss that I didn¡¯t make An Le the second Mountain Guardian..¡±

 Chapter 201 - Chapter 201: Karma Is All About Fate, One Punch, One Sword, Youth Travel (2)

    Chapter 201: Karma Is All About Fate, One Punch, One Sword, Youth Travel (2)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    In front of the Heavenly Profound Palace.


    The young man ascended to the sky step by step. He held a tattered bamboo sword and took half a step to intercept the huge palm formed by the Primordial Spirit condensation in the magnificent palace.


    He also sent out the Bamboo Sword Green Mountain and stabbed the palm.


    Standing in front of the Emperor¡¯s throne, Emperor Zhao, who had victory in his grasp, revealed a stunned expression for the first time.


    The palm condensed by his mental power and Emperor¡¯s Qi, which wanted to capture and strip away the eighth realm Heart Sword refined by Hua Jiebing, was stabbed into pieces!


    A sharp sword qi immediately followed the aura and slashed over from outside the hall.


    Emperor Zhao¡¯s brows instantly piled up like a river, and the aura on his body surged. The sword qi that slashed over was instantly extinguished by his aura.


    However, the violent wind stirred up in the palace made the golden Emperor¡¯s robe on his body flutter and sway!


    Pfft.


    An invisible sound seemed to resound.


    Emperor Zhao pursed his lips, and shock and sternness surged in his eyes.


    He had already placed his hand behind his back and clenched it into a fist. In the palm of his clenched fist, a sword wound suddenly appeared. Blood wanted to spew out, but he suppressed it with his mental power.


    He¡­


    His palm was actually cut open by the youth¡¯s sword qi!


    ¡°Green Mountain! That Green Mountain! ¡±


    ¡°That shouldn¡¯t be the case!¡±


    Emperor Zhao¡¯s heart was in an uproar, as if he was roaring angrily. The Green Mountain Sword that should have belonged to the Zhao family was given to this young man by Zhao Huangting.


    In the end, the young man actually raised Green Mountain and cut a wound on his palm.


    It was as if a scheme that should have been in his control had been cut open by sword qi!


    ¡°You¡¯re only at the fourth realm and are holding the Green Mountain Sword. What right do you have to slash my Primordial Spirit Array¡¯s palm that draws the Emperor¡¯s Qi?!¡±


    Emperor Zhao was in disbelief.


    His cultivation level was at the ninth realm. Even though An Le was holding a first-grade sword, the person who used a sword was ultimately a human. His cultivation level was insufficient, so how could he break through the attack of the ninth realm and cause the sword qi to leave a mark on his palm?!


    At this moment, Emperor Zhao was not the only one who was shocked.


    The young man, who had never been paid attention to, actually floated in front of the Heavenly Profound Palace in such a sudden manner, on the White Jade Square.


    It was like a sharp awl that forcefully pierced into this chaotic situation and battlefield.


    In the Heavenly Profound Palace.


    The domineering and terrifying sword qi between Li You¡¯an¡¯s brows slowly flowed out. It was extremely terrifying. Qin Lishi and the many civil officials¡¯ intertwined minds could not help but tremble.


    However, at this moment, Li You¡¯an looked outside the Heavenly Profound Palace at the young man whose heroic qi rose like smoke and rushed into the sky. For a moment, he could not help but be stunned.


    Such heroic qi soared into the clouds as if an old man¡¯s figure had vaguely overlapped.


    Qin Lishi and many civil officials were shocked.


    This was especially so for Qin Lishi. He naturally hated An Le to the core, but he had never expected this young man to be able to show off in this chaotic situation.


    The youth that no one had ever cared about could actually erupt with such a terrifying aura.


    He was only the fourth realm¡­ What right did he have to cut off Emperor Zhao¡¯s palm that was bent on capturing the Heart Sword?


    Just based on his heroic qi?


    It was absolutely unreasonable!


    If heroic qi was useful, how could so many fearless people die?!


    Qin Lishi was puzzled, but he was shocked and afraid.


    At this moment, he had to reevaluate the danger of An Le. He was even a little glad that if he had been unprepared and taken revenge for Qin Qianqiu, he might have been severely injured by the youth¡¯s sword!


    Fortunately, he now knew this trump card.


    At this moment, everyone¡¯s attention was attracted by the young man who erupted from silence.


    Pairs of eyes swept over. They were shocked, amazed, and filled with emotions¡­ All kinds of emotions were contained in these eyes.


    Above the sea of clouds.


    Di Cang and the Second Headmaster looked at each other from afar. They also looked down and exclaimed.


    During the battle with Duke Wang, Matriarch Yu finally smiled.


    Outside Lin¡¯an Prefecture.


    ¡°The heroic qi of a young man! You are truly the famous Master An!¡± Fourth Master Lin exclaimed.


    He laughed loudly, as if triggered by the young man¡¯s heroic qi, the firewood saber in his hand shone in all directions, slashing out a blood-colored saber beam. The astral qi cut off hundreds of willow branches on both sides of the official road, cutting off willow catkins that flew everywhere.


    The Sima family¡¯s literary star¡¯s pupils constricted as he took the saber strike head-on.


    He flew back and smashed into the city tower of Lin¡¯an Prefecture, bleeding and dyeing the front of his shirt red.


    In front of the Imperial City.


    Zhao Huangting raised his bamboo cane and hit the two decaying ancestors who had walked out of the imperial mausoleum. His long eyebrows fluttered, and his hair was white.


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    He narrowed his eyes and looked at the heroic qi of the young man, who seemed to have caused a river to flow down from the sky.


    A trace of shock couldn¡¯t help but flash in his eyes.


    It was as if he could see his past glory from the heroic qi, the young man who had once dared to pick up the bamboo sword and fight the number one Emperor Yuan Meng in the world.


    The heroic qi that had been immersed in his heart for countless years was like an ignited spark that slowly burned and surged up as if it was about to rush out of the top of his head.


    ¡°So what if my lifespan is coming to an end? The closer my lifespan is, the more heroic qi I should have, and the less fearful towards the immortals and gods I should be!¡±

 Chapter 202 - Chapter 202: Karma Is All About Fate, One Punch, One Sword, Youth Travel (3)

    Chapter 202: Karma Is All About Fate, One Punch, One Sword, Youth Travel (3)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    ¡°I, Zhao Huangting, have lived a long life. The older I got, the more my ambition was worn down. I¡¯m cooped up in Lin¡¯an, thinking of my past glory and feeling smug, but I didn¡¯t know that I could no longer feel heroic qi in my heart, nor could I feel pleasure anymore.¡±


    ¡°Green Mountain was covered in dust because of me, but I didn¡¯t know it.¡± An extremely complicated expression flowed in the old man¡¯s eyes.


    He had never thought that there would be a day when Sword Green Mountain would cheer so happily and let out such a high-pitched sword cry.


    500 years ago, in the battle of the south migration, he rose with Green Mountain and fought the Yuan Emperor with three strikes.


    At that time, Green Mountain was so excited that the sword roared like a dragon


    That was the only time he had seen it.


    It was the closest he had been to Green Mountain.


    After that, it never happened again.


    But now, listening to such a high-pitched sword cry and looking at the heroic qi that soared into the sky, his heart, which had been calm for a long time, seemed to have been plucked at this moment.


    Zhao Huangting¡¯s lips curled into a smile.


    ¡°Without heroic qi, if I challenge Emperor Yuan Meng again¡­ I¡¯m afraid I won¡¯t be able to survive a single move. Not only will I not be happy with the results, but I¡¯ll also become a joke.¡± ¡°But how can I, Zhao Huangting, end up as a joke?¡±


    The old man closed his eyes.


    The Green Mountain was still there, and the sun was setting.


    When the old man opened his eyes again, the uncertainty in his eyes had disappeared.


    His eyes were clear as if they had been washed, and a heroic qi that had recovered bloomed in his eyes.


    His hunched back slowly straightened.


    Hua Jiebing, who was enveloped by the Primordial Spirit Array and forced into a desperate situation by the ninth realm Eunuch Tong, was already prepared to perish together.


    However, a heroic qi that soared into the sky immediately interrupted her resolute thoughts.


    Emperor Zhao used the core of the Primordial Spirit Array to guide the Emperor¡¯s Qi. The palm that wanted to capture the Heart Sword was actually shattered by a familiar youth!


    An Le!


    Hua Jiebing looked at An Le in a daze.


    Was this still the shy young man who had just stepped into cultivation and wanted to ask for cultivation techniques?


    However, Hua Jiebing was not surprised for long. She knew that an opportunity was hard to come by.


    Taking advantage of this opportunity, she completely released the sword qi in the Heart Sword. The Sword Furnace between her eyebrows clanged, and dense sword qi flew down like a 3,000-foot waterfall!


    It was like a thousand hands slapping down from the back of the Sword Qi


    Guanyin!


    Boom!!!


    The Primordial Spirit Array that bound the Sword Qi Guanyin trembled violently and was constantly shaken.


    Around the White Jade Square, the faces of the few Spirit Refinement experts who had released their Primordial Spirits instantly turned pale. Their Primordial Spirits almost shattered. They bit the tip of their tongues to stabilize their mental power and widened their eyes in anger.


    Hua Jiebing, who was at the eighth realm, wielded the Heart Sword. Her combat strength was definitely not inferior to any ninth-realm cultivator!


    However, the Primordial Spirit Array was stabilized again. In addition, Eunuch Tong came back to his senses and transformed into countless black shadows that charged at Hua Jiebing.


    Hua Jiebing was filled with regret that she had failed to break the array.


    However, the situation had already changed because the young man¡¯s sword was floating in the air, and the legend that he wanted to create did not end just yet.


    The heroic spirit that rushed into the clouds squeezed out all the power in the [Heroic Qi Attraction]. With such heroic spirit, An Le naturally felt his aura soar to an unimaginable level!


    [Heroic Qi Attraction (Dao Fruit): Attract the heroic qi in the world. A mortal dares to kill ghosts and deities. Consume heroic qi to enhance oneself. You can obtain special combat strength.]


    This was the introduction of Heroic Qi Attraction.


    An Le felt an unprecedented power fill his body.


    His heroic qi pierced into the clouds, but it seemed to produce majestic power in his body.


    His combat strength had obtained an unprecedented special enhancement!


    His heroic qi was like smoke, and his figure was bathed in it.


    At this moment, An Le felt as if he overlapped with the Old Imperial Uncle, who had once pulled out his sword to kill Emperor Yuan Meng. In fact, it was as if that moment had reappeared!


    The Heavenly Dragon formed by the invincible aura let out an ear-splitting dragon roar, winding around the heroic qi smoke. Compared to this heroic qi smoke, this invincible aura was like a small snake.


    An Le laughed.


    His heroic qi rose from the ground and dared to slash the stars in the sky!


    Substantial stairs seemed to have appeared in the void under his feet. An Le stepped on the invisible stairs and went straight up. When he moved, heroic qi smoke moved with him.


    An Le could feel that as time passed, the heroic qi smoke continued to thin.


    Like a beam of light shining from the sky, it was slowly covered.


    Therefore, An Le did not delay or waste any time. When Green Mountain slapped Emperor Zhao, he turned his target to the Primordial Spirit Array.


    An Primordial Spirit Array that could trap Madam Hua¡¯s peak eighth realm Sword Qi Guanyin was definitely terrifyingly powerful.


    However, An Le was confident that he could knock open this array formation!


    Lotus flowers appeared under the heroic qi of the sword qi under his feet, and An Le¡¯s white clothes fluttered as he ascended to the sky.


    ¡°Stop him!¡±


    In the Heavenly Profound Palace.


    Emperor Zhao¡¯s deep and cold voice resounded.


    Waves of aura erupted one after another. Among the guards, there were experts who had broken through to the sixth realm to stop An Le. In addition, the four Spirit Refinement experts who had originally set up a Primordial Spirit net in the Heavenly Profound Palace and enveloped Hua Jiebing also attacked


    An Le.


    The guard commander who approached first had his Qi Blood surging as he waved a powerful halberd.


    An Le glanced at him.


    Green Mountain gently pointed out.


    It was light, but it easily cut through the halberd and pierced through this guard commander whose Qi Blood was like a mountain of flames. Sword qi spewed out, and the heroic qi was like a mountain pressing down.


    The guard commander, who had long broken through to the sixth realm, smashed into the ground as blood flowing like a fountain.


    Facing the four powerful mental power auras, An Le knocked on Green Mountain lightly, and the sword qi lotus flower under his feet bloomed.


    ¡°Sword qi, Youth Travel.¡±


    There was a soft hum.


    The four Spirit Refinement experts were stunned at the same time. They realized that the tip of the bamboo sword had pierced through their bodies and shattered their hearts!


    It was as if the heroic qi smoke from the sky had instantly become much thinner, and An Le¡¯s face suddenly turned pale.


    However, An Le¡¯s pale face did not affect him at all.


    The young man was like a spring breeze. After killing four Spirit Refinement experts who were enough to shook the Imperial Court, he turned around and continued to ascend to the sky.


    The figures of the four Spirit Refinement experts smashed into the White Jade Square. Scarlet blood flowed out from behind them, like a red blood rose blooming in the snow.


    At this moment, the young man brazenly killed five people with his sword.


    It undoubtedly shocked everyone.


    At this moment, the young man seemed to be unbelievably comparable to a peak ninth realm.


    Everyone knew that the young man¡¯s aura was constantly falling.


    But¡­


    Emperor Zhao, who was sitting upright in the Heavenly Profound Palace, seemed¡­ to be unable to find a peak ninth-realm cultivator to suppress this sword-wielding youth.


    It was clearly just a stone thrown into the lake that could not cause waves.


    However, there was a thousand-pound bomb inside. When it landed in the lake, it instantly exploded into huge waves!


    In the Heavenly Profound Palace.


    Emperor Zhao sat upright and stared deeply at the young man who was blooming with lotuses with every step.


    The young man stepped under the Primordial Spirit Array.


    He slashed at the Primordial Spirit Array.


    Click.


    The Primordial Spirit Array that trapped Madam Hua¡¯s Sword Qi Guanyin trembled slightly. Like a translucent glass cover, a crack appeared.


    This sword pierced through the array, but it did not completely pierce through it.


    In the Heavenly Profound Palace.


    Emperor Zhao heaved a sigh of relief. He could feel the youth¡¯s aura declining. He had used the Green Mountain Sword to exchange for temporary strength.


    However, this young man could not last long.


    An Le felt the gradually converging heroic qi smoke and pursed his lips.


    He turned around and looked at Madam Hua, who was looking at him in surprise.


    An Le smiled shyly.


    He turned around and let go.


    Green Mountain stabbed into the Primordial Spirit Array.


    Madam Hua felt a breeze brush past her face, lifting her black hair. In the breeze, she caught An Le¡¯s almost undetectable voice that seemed to be whispering like a mosquito because of shyness. Hey¡­ what was it again?


    Madam Hua had yet to hear clearly.


    An Le had already clenched his fist and punched the hilt of Green Mountain.


    Green Mountain¡¯s sword qi immediately soared, emitting streams of light and surging with heroic qi. It instantly pierced through the Primordial Spirit Array, bringing with it countless fragmented Primordial Spirit lights.


    Accompanied by a series of muffled groans and blood-spurting sounds, dense cracks covered the Primordial Spirit Array like spiderwebs.


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    It was like a soul-stirring scheme, with a demon hiding in the darkness.


    Just like that¡­


    It was broken by the youth¡¯s punch and sword!


    The darkness shattered.


    Light suddenly appeared..

 Chapter 203 - Chapter 203: Sword Gathering Starlight To Leave Lin ‘an,

    Chapter 203: Sword Gathering Starlight To Leave Lin ¡®an,


    The Old Man of the Imperial Ancestral Temple Repels 3,000 Guards in One Step (1)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    In front of the Heavenly Profound Palace, above the White Jade Square that seemed to be covered in snow during the day, the explosive mental power that filled the sky was like broken glass shards that scattered in all directions.


    A wave of air that shattered his mental power swept out majestically.


    The youth punched and slashed, shattering the Primordial Spirit Array that Emperor Zhao had meticulously set up.


    Due to his weakness, this young man, who had never been valued by the person who set up this trap, shattered the powerful Primordial Spirit Array with a legendary charm that was enough to be recorded in history.


    It tore through the darkness and welcomed light.


    The sword killed evil spirits and the fist killed demons, causing clear qi to surge in the human world and overflow into the universe!


    It was a heroic spirit that soared into the sky and wanted to compete with the heavens!


    Under this aura, it was as if everything in the world was in one strike.


    The shattered Primordial Spirit Array floated with misty mental fragments, stirring up waves that swept up the young man bathed in the white heroic qi smoke.


    At this moment, the young man was still clenching his fists. His eyes were bright, like the dazzling starlight in the night, bursting with indescribable excitement and comprehension.


    An Le had used the ten thousand feet of heroic qi in [Heroic Qi Attraction] to provoke the heroic qi smoke, he had obtained a special combat power bonus.


    However, that punch just now shattered the Primordial Spirit Array and Emperor Zhao¡¯s plan. It had an indomitable spirit and an invincible aura!


    Under that punch and sword, even if it was a ninth realm cultivator, a Bodhisattva, or even an immortal in the sky, he was not afraid. He would welcome it with a sword!


    This was a special Sword Dao comprehension.


    At this moment, An Le seemed to have a deeper understanding of the Collapsing Sword Force.


    When the sword struck the Primordial Spirit Array just now, the support provided by the heroic qi smoke to An Le had already begun to weaken. The smoke pillar began to shrink and become thinner, but An Le used the Green


    Mountain Sword to block a point of the array formation and broke through it. In the end, he broke through the Primordial Spirit Array that suppressed the ninth realm.


    In a flash, An Le seemed to have obtained a sublimation and evolution on the level of comprehension in the use and control of the sword.


    Simple, direct, and pure.


    This was the sword.


    It was a sword that he comprehended by controlling strength that far exceeded his own.


    He created an unbelievable legend!


    Inside and outside the Heavenly Profound Palace.


    Everyone was shocked, and their eyes were filled with disbelief. From the young man¡¯s sudden eruption to slashing Emperor Zhao¡¯s palm that was determined to obtain the Heart Sword, to the young man¡¯s heroic qi charging into the sky and killing five experts with a sword, and to him breaking the Primordial Spirit Array with a punch and a sword!


    Everything was beyond the understanding and imagination of the world.


    How could a fourth-realm youth erupt with such power? He could even influence the overall situation that Emperor Zhao had meticulously planned?!


    The sound of blood splattering resounded around the White Jade Square.


    The Spirit Refinement experts who had released their Primordial Spirits and set up the Primordial Spirit Array were all severely injured the moment the array was broken. All of them fell to the ground with blood gushing out. Their faces were sallow and bloodless, and their eyes were filled with confusion. The Primordial Spirit Array they had set up was a Spirit Refinement secret technique inherited by the Zhao family. Not only was it a defensive array, but it was also a sealing array.


    Being capable of sealing peak ninth realm experts, it was almost certain that it could seal Hua Jiebing.


    However, they did not expect such a Primordial Spirit Array to be suddenly broken by an inconspicuous youth!


    It was simply a fantasy.


    However, the truth was right in front of everyone. Their Primordial Spirits had suffered a backlash from the shattering of the array formation, which meant that everything was real.


    In the White Jade Square, everyone who was affected by the Heart Sword also came back to their senses.


    The fiery red spear between Ye Wenxi¡¯s eyebrows let out a violent cry.


    This elegant young girl raised her head at this moment. Her black hair fluttered, and the skirt on her body was violent. She looked at the young man who had pulled up from the ground beside her and cut off the palm step by step, killing people, and breaking the array. There was only shock and disbelief.


    Sima Pudu, Zhong Taohua, Qin Hua¡¯an, and the other geniuses on the Little Sacred Ranking felt as cold as if they had been thrown into an ice lake and fished out again.


    Every inch of coldness was corroding their minds and every corner of their bodies.


    Vaguely, a sense of despair and an invincible illusion spread from their hearts.


    Especially Qin Hua¡¯an. How could they win against An Le?


    This was an existence even more legendary than Legendary Top Scholar Li You¡¯an!


    When the mental power fragments shone under the sunlight and the Primordial Spirit Array shattered, it meant that this young man had officially created a legend!


    Even if he had yet to obtain the qualifications to converse with the Sacred Teacher.


    However, the legend created by the young man at this moment was even greater than Li You¡¯an¡¯s story!


    In the Heavenly Profound Palace.


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    The anger in Emperor Zhao¡¯s heart suddenly deflated. He took a step back and sat on the Emperor¡¯s throne, his face devoid of any emotions.


    Only a pair of cold eyes, covered by the darkness of the Heavenly Profound Palace, shot out from it and stared straight at the youth in white who was bathed in a white pillar of light from the sky.


    Emperor Zhao didn¡¯t know how this young man could erupt with such power.


    This Green Mountain should have been passed down to the descendants of the Zhao family, but that stubborn Old Imperial Uncle insisted on giving it to a nameless youth.


    But now, this unknown youth held this sword and shattered the plan that he had set up for a long time..

 Chapter 204 - Chapter 204: Sword Gathering Starlight To Leave Lin ‘an,

    Chapter 204: Sword Gathering Starlight To Leave Lin ¡®an,


    The Old Man of the Imperial Ancestral Temple Repels 3,000 Guards in One Step (2)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    It was like a chess game that he had meticulously arranged. He waved the sword qi off the chessboard and cut it into two.


    Emperor Zhao knew that it would probably be very difficult to obtain Hua Jiebing¡¯s Heart Sword.


    The Heart Sword was invisible and fused with the world.


    Without the Primordial Spirit Array¡¯s seal, it was as difficult as ascending to the heavens to obtain Hua Jiebing¡¯s Heart Sword.


    After all, it was impossible for Hua Jiebing to wait foolishly for the Heart Sword to be taken away. Resistance was inevitable. Without the Primordial Spirit Array, it was too difficult to keep Hua Jiebing, who was only at the limit of the eighth realm but could cross realms to fight a nine-realm expert.


    In addition, the backup plans he had arranged to stop Hua Jiebing would definitely not work for him completely. When the Primordial Spirit Array shattered, it meant that everything would end.


    If Hua Jiebing could not be kept, he would not be able to obtain the Heart Sword.


    He originally wanted to obtain the Heart Sword in front of the civil and military officials and extend his lifespan by 500 years. However, he did not expect to be torn apart by a young man and slapped in the face.


    Emperor Zhao¡¯s expression was extremely gloomy at this moment.


    When his lifespan was about to end, the 500-year life-prolonging method he had planned was broken by a young man. The anger in his heart surged like huge waves.


    But he had to remain calm.


    Although he had lost the Heart Sword, he still had to show his composure to the civil and military officials.


    He still had the immortal blood and still had a chance to extend his life by 500 years. Even without the Heart Sword that suppressed the immortal abnormality in the immortal blood, the Heart Sword could be replaced by other treasures. Although the effect would be much worse, at least¡­ there was still a chance.


    In addition, he forcefully suppressed the desire to attack personally. With the Primordial Spirit Array shattered, he, who acted as the array core, was no longer restrained. Previously, when he saw An Le attack, he wanted to stop him, but if he moved, the Primordial Spirit Array would naturally collapse.


    Therefore, as the only ninth realm cultivator who could almost stop An Le, he could only watch helplessly as An Le sent out a sword and broke the Primordial Spirit Array, breaking the restraints that covered the entire Imperial City.


    Now that the Primordial Spirit Array was shattered, Emperor Zhao was unwilling and did not dare to attack.


    He did not know if this strange young man still had any trump cards or if that sword, Green Mountain, could still let the young man erupt with the aura of reaching the ninth realm.


    This sword made Emperor Zhao extremely afraid.


    Emperor Zhao sat upright on the throne and did not speak. However, his eyes and his dignity caused the entire Imperial City to emit the sound of an ancient bell exploding.


    In an instant, the entire Heavenly Profound Palace seemed to have revived at this moment. The clang of armor resounded, and majestic Qi Blood surged in his mind.


    Hundreds of Forbidden Guards in silver armor and the Golden Guards in golden armor ran over from the side of the White Jade Square. They held spears, long sabers, and longbows. It was as if thick black clouds covered the sky, and there was the pressure of an army.


    On the White Jade Square.


    Eunuch Tong, who had failed several times and could not quickly capture and suppress Hua Jiebing with the help of the Primordial Spirit Array, revealed a ferocious and angry gaze.


    As a ninth-realm cultivator, he was actually unable to take down an eighth-realm cultivator for a long time. He even let a youth disrupt His Majesty¡¯s plan. The guilt and fear in his heart surged like a torrent.


    ¡°Die!¡±


    Countless black shadows darted out from behind him. They were densely packed like beasts, causing the sunlight in the sky to dim a little.


    Killing intent suddenly rose and filled the Heavenly Profound Palace. This time, the killing intent was not directed at Hua Jiebing, but at the young man in white sleeves!


    As Emperor Zhao¡¯s trusted aide and the closest person to him, Eunuch Tong only needed a look from Emperor Zhao to understand the meaning.


    With the Primordial Spirit Array shattered, it was laughable to say that it was a fool¡¯s dream to capture the Heart Sword Jade Guanyin again.


    If the Jade Guanyin insisted on leaving Lin¡¯an Prefecture, it would be difficult for Eunuch Tong alone to stop her. There was no need to stop her.


    However, the young man had ruined Emperor Zhao¡¯s plan, so he had to stay.


    If Hua Jiebing insisted on protecting this youth¡­ perhaps there was still a chance to take down this peerless Jade Guanyin.


    An Le floated in the air.


    Green Mountain was struck out by his Collapsing Sword Force. At this moment, it flew back and was held in his hand.


    Holding Green Mountain diagonally, his white clothes fluttered in the wind.


    He raised his head and closed his eyes, facing the heroic qi smoke that broke through the clouds from a hundred thousand feet in the sky and scattered on the mortal world.


    This heroic qi smoke had already become thinner and thinner. From the original width of the river, to the tree truck, to the thickness of a woman¡¯s arm, and finally¡­ at this moment, it was as thin as a twig.


    The [Heroic Qi Attraction] would eventually end. It was originally a power that borrowed the heroic qi of the world and did not belong to him.


    It would naturally leave.


    The slender heroic qi turned into a silver thread that seemed to focus on An Le¡¯s glabella.


    It became blurry between heaven and earth..


    It completely disappeared.


    In An Le¡¯s ears, everything seemed to have quietened down.


    The Sword Furnace between his eyebrows was silent. Although he was using the [Heroic Qi Attraction], controlling this power required a huge amount of mental power and physical strength.


    His Inner Core was dim and his Qi Blood was drained without any Mystic Intent showing.


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    His condition seemed to have fallen to the bottom of the valley. It was the most dispirited An Le had ever been in his cultivation.


    However, there was a sense of joy and exuberance in An Le¡¯s heart. A ferocious tiger was roaring wantonly and to his heart¡¯s content.


    Regret?


    Naturally, he had no regrets.


    Slashing the Heavenly Emperor¡¯s palm, killing five top experts in front of the Heavenly Profound Palace, and even breaking the Primordial Spirit Array!

 Chapter 205 - Chapter 205: Sword Gathering Starlight To Leave Lin ‘ an,

    Chapter 205: Sword Gathering Starlight To Leave Lin ¡® an,


    The Old Man of the Imperial Ancestral Temple Repels 3,000 Guards in One Step (3)


    Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios


    Why would he regret it when he was so happy to do it?


    It was enough to help Madam Hua.


    Madam Hua gave the Five Animals and the Sword Waterfall to him when he had nothing. The favor of enlightening him on the path of cultivation¡­ should be repaid a thousandfold!


    Furthermore, An Le couldn¡¯t stand Emperor Zhao¡¯s actions.


    The heroic qi sword light charged at the unjust, seeking vengeance!


    How refreshing!


    He slowly opened his eyes.


    An Le¡¯s lips curled up slightly into a smile.


    He had already done what he could. Next¡­ he just had to lie flat.


    The Dao Fruit [Heroic Qi Attraction] was completely squeezed dry. Fortunately, it was not completely crushed by An Le¡¯s unbridled grip. It was slowly gathering the heroic qi that filled An Le¡¯s body and recovering.


    The cooldown time¡­ was a little too long.


    Eunuch Tong¡¯s surging killing intent made one¡¯s hair stand on end, causing An Le¡¯s clothes to flutter.


    However, Hua Jiebing, who was beside An Le, did not leave.


    She naturally could not leave just like that. The Primordial Spirit Array shattered, and the mental power that bound the Sword Qi Guanyin dissipated. The Heart Sword filled the world again.


    Hua Jiebing floated beside An Le and flicked her finger. Sword qi intertwined like a sword qi blooming under An Le, supporting his figure.


    She naturally saw An Le¡¯s pale and bloodless face, as well as the Sword Furnace that was covered in cracks in the Niwan Palace between An Le¡¯s eyebrows. At this moment, she was not filled with joy from breaking out of the array.


    Boom!!!


    Hua Jiebing lifted her finger and pointed. Sword qi instantly appeared, and the huge Guanyin statue smashed down.


    It collided with the countless black shadows of Eunuch Tong that soared into the sky.


    Boundless aura fluctuations surged out. This was a battle and collision between top experts. Countless clanging sounds exploded non-stop, and black shadows and sword qi fought endlessly.


    It was only an instant, but it felt like a long time.


    Eunuch Tong was pressed back to the White Jade Square by the Sword Qi Guanyin. The aura that surged out pushed Ye Wenxi, Sima Pudu, and the other geniuses to the edge of the square.


    However, no one said anything. The geniuses on the Little Sacred Ranking were all staring at the battle with burning eyes.


    Hua Jiebing¡¯s luxurious robe and skirt fluttered in the hurricane, outlining her graceful figure.


    Strands of black hair fluttered wantonly, and her beautiful face slowly tilted to the side in the fluttering black hair.


    She looked at the young man sitting on the sword qi lotus.


    ¡°An Le, thank you.¡±


    Hua Jiebing¡¯s gaze was complicated, but she spoke sincerely.


    On the sword qi lotus, An Le¡¯s handsome and demonic face was as pale as paper and bloodless. However, at this moment, his back was straight and he did not look decadent at all.


    He grinned brightly.


    The spring breeze filled his sleeves and puffed up the young man¡¯s white clothes.


    ¡°Madam, I once said that A drop of water should be repaid with a spring¡­. I¡¯ll naturally remember the favor in my heart. However, I¡¯ve already done my best. Next, please let me watch.. ¡°Immortals fight.¡±


    An Le smiled brightly.


    He added solemnly, ¡°Madam, don¡¯t forget to bring me out of the city.¡±


    Hua Jiebing immediately smiled.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, leave the rest to me.¡±


    As soon as she finished speaking, Madam Hua pinched her fingers again and slashed in front of her. Countless sword lights floated and sank as if sword qi had condensed into the light wheel behind Guanyin.


    It suppressed Eunuch Tong, who was about to charge up again.


    Hua Jiebing knew that Emperor Zhao¡¯s plan to take her Heart Sword had failed.


    That meant that the situation was over.


    She could already sense that outside Lin¡¯an Prefecture, a huge Sword Qi Bodhisattva was smiling. Her master had already rushed over.


    In the Heavenly Profound Palace.


    The atmosphere had already become stagnant.


    Qin Lishi and many civil officials intertwined their minds, wanting to suppress Li You¡¯an.


    Li You ¡®an, on the other hand, came back to his senses from the shocking explosion in the White Jade Square. His Confucian clothes fluttered and he smiled, but his eyes were filled with disappointment and anger.


    A terrifying sword qi suddenly descended from between his brows!


    The sword qi named Present, suppressed the court in anger!


    Qin Lishi¡¯s expression changed in shock. He felt a terrifying sword qi point at his Primordial Spirit unstoppably. He wanted to dodge, but he had nowhere to dodge. It was as if it filled the world.


    He was not the only one. There were many civil officials who used their mental power to suppress Li You¡¯an.


    At that moment, their Primordial Spirits were injured. There were even some whose Primordial Spirits were almost destroyed and were on the verge of death. All of them were covered in blood and their expressions changed in shock. Their vertical fingers trembled as they pointed at Li You¡¯an from afar.


    How could Li You¡¯an be so ruthless?


    The interweaving mental power in the Heavenly Profound Palace dissipated.


    Li You ¡®an was surrounded by starlight. With his hands behind his back, he walked out of the palace step by step without any reluctance.


    When he arrived at the entrance of the palace, he turned around and looked at Emperor Zhao, who was sitting on the Emperor¡¯s throne.


    Emperor Zhao also looked at Li You¡¯an.


    He realized that this familiar Legendary Top Scholar, Li You¡¯an, who was devoted to Great Zhao, seemed to have¡­ changed.


    He became very unfamiliar and even a little cold.


    He knocked lightly on Thousand Degrees. Li You¡¯an¡¯s figure turned into a sword light and appeared in the sky above the White Jade Square, appearing around An Le.


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    His Confucian clothes fluttered, and his sleeves were filled with sword qi.


    He glanced at An Le. This young man who had broken through the situation had completely impressed him.


    Even though the other party had relied on an external force, he could already be considered extraordinary and legendary.


    A hint of warmth bloomed in the depths of Li You¡¯an¡¯s eyes.


    He seemed to see a spark in the young man..

 Chapter 206 - Chapter 206: Sword Gathering Starlight To Leave Lin’ an,

    Chapter 206: Sword Gathering Starlight To Leave Lin¡¯ an,


    The Old Man of the Imperial Ancestral Temple Repels 3,000 Guards in One Step (4)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Below, on the White Jade Square, the aura released by hundreds of Forbidden Guards and Golden Guards pressed towards the sky.


    Li You¡¯an glanced at them and did not scold these Forbidden Guards and Golden Guards. After all, in this huge Lin¡¯an, everyone had their own identities and responsibilities.


    The duty of these Forbidden Guards and Golden Guards was to serve the Zhao family and protect the Imperial City.


    The army¡¯s momentum was as deep as the sea!


    Under the presidency of the two powerful cultivators who had not attacked previously but had stopped him at this moment, this might made the sword qi in the air feel as if they had fallen into a quagmire.


    Facing this aura, An Le, who was sitting upright on the sword qi lotus flower, had a solemn expression and exclaimed.


    He had once watched the Great Zhao¡¯s river crossing battle in the Molten Gold Age.


    In that scene, he saw a mighty army sweeping over. The aura rushed into the night as if the weather had been changed.


    It was a military force condensed from the mental power of thousands of cultivators in the army. If one¡¯s mental power was not strong enough, they would probably be greatly suppressed in the army.


    Li You¡¯an, on the other hand, was rather calm. Hua Jiebing, who was beside him, was holding sword qi with a calm expression.


    There was no need for them to resist this army head-on. If they wanted to leave or fight, it was up to them.


    There wouldn¡¯t be much pressure if he brought An Le along.


    Li You¡¯an was surrounded by dazzling starlight. The sword, Thousand Degrees, floated in front of him as he knocked.


    The terrifying sword qi that surged out from between his eyebrows wrapped around Thousand Degrees like a thin snake and swung down.


    In an instant, the army¡¯s aura which was as deep as the sea was cut open like a waterfall that would not heal for a long time.


    The sky seemed to instantly turn dark.


    Starlight shone down and condensed into an incomparably huge sword phantom.


    This huge sword phantom carried An Le, Hua Jiebing, and Li You¡¯an. The three of them stood on the sword and looked down at the White Jade Square, as if they were observing the grand scene of thousands of soldiers gathering below.


    The sword moved and broke through the abyss-like military momentum. It slowly tore through the air outside the Imperial City, as if it were patrolling the entire Lin¡¯an Prefecture.


    Emperor Zhao sat upright on the Emperor¡¯s throne and still didn¡¯t say anything. However, his eyes became even colder.


    He looked at the sword that gradually flew out of the Imperial City under Phoenix Mountain.


    Just as Hua Jiebing and An Le, who had embarrassed him, were about to leave Lin¡¯an Prefecture safely, Emperor Zhao slapped his hand.


    In an instant.


    The gates of the four city towers of Lin¡¯an Prefecture were closed. The light of Dharma treasures soared into the sky and formed an impenetrable city protection array, sealing the inside and outside.


    The people in the city could not leave, and the people outside the city could not enter.


    This was the Lin¡¯an Prefecture¡¯s largest city protection array. It would only be activated when the safety of the Lin¡¯an Prefecture was in danger.


    At this moment, Emperor Zhao used such an array formation.


    Although he did not say a word, his attitude made it clear that he wanted to make someone stay.


    Eunuch Tong¡¯s eyes were gloomy. He soared into the air and fused with the Forbidden Guards and the Golden Guards who were running out of the White Jade Square in an orderly manner. His aura became more and more majestic.


    And yet.


    On the city walls around Lin¡¯an Prefecture, the city protection array that had just risen and was about to be completely formed was blocked by a pair of hands that suddenly stabbed in.


    Moreover, he pulled it open bit by bit, revealing a huge gap.


    Outside the crack, a white-haired old man in plain clothes was burning with flames that distorted the void. He straightened his back and stood proudly.


    Zhao Huangting!


    In Lin¡¯an Prefecture, the expressions of many experts changed at this moment. They looked at the bold old man who had blocked the city protection array with his bare hands in disbelief.


    The young man¡¯s heroic qi had already disappeared.


    However, this old man¡¯s body gushed out bit by bit. He was even more bold and majestic than the youth from before!


    In the Heavenly Profound Palace.


    Emperor Zhao suddenly stood up and looked at the old man who had blocked Lin¡¯an¡¯s city protection array alone.


    There seemed to be a ball of flames burning on the old man¡¯s body. It was the Nirvana Fire that could only appear when his lifespan was about to reach its limit!


    The Nirvana Fire burned, which meant that the hourglass of the end of his lifespan had already begun to move. Time was counting down!


    He looked at the old man who would rather burn his Nirvana Fire to stop the city protection array.


    Emperor Zhao finally spoke angrily.


    A hoarse voice that was shocked by the change sounded from the Imperial City¡¯s Heavenly Profound Palace. It was filled with unwillingness and resentment!


    ¡°Old Imperial Uncle!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the Imperial Uncle of the Great Zhao Dynasty!¡±


    ¡°Why help outsiders like this?!¡±


    The failure of his plan to seize the Heart Sword this time was all because of the Green Mountain in the young man¡¯s hand.


    Green Mountain should have belonged to the Great Zhao Imperial Family!


    Zhao Huangting¡¯s plain clothes fluttered, his white hair fluttered, and his back was like a bamboo.


    As if hearing Emperor Zhao¡¯s unwilling growl, he glanced at the person sitting on the Emperor¡¯s seat in the Heavenly Profound Palace and curled his lips into a sneer.


    ¡°What a disgraceful sight.¡±


    ¡°The Nirvana Fire has already burned. Don¡¯t use our bloodline relationship to bother me. Under the limit of my lifespan¡­ ¡°I only want to be happy and leave no regrets!¡±


    As soon as this was said¡­


    The old man floated in the air and raised his foot towards Lin¡¯an Prefecture.


    The 3,000 Forbidden Guards and Golden Guards under the command of Eunuch Tong immediately stopped. It was as if an extremely terrifying aura was blocking in front of them like a mountain, preventing them from taking another step forward.


    He took a heavy step.


    Footsteps seemed to echo in the world!


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    The leader, Eunuch Tong, and the generals of the Golden Guards let out muffled groans and retreated in the void. Blood flowed from the corners of their mouths.


    The 3,000 silver-armored Forbidden Guards and the golden-armored Golden Guards took three steps back at the same time. The condensed army aura shattered with a bang and flowed for a thousand miles.


    The old man of the Imperial Ancestral Temple could repel 3,000 guards in a single step!


    An Le, who was sitting on the starlight sword, couldn¡¯t help but clap and click his tongue with a bright gaze.


    This was f*cking awesome!

 Chapter 224 - Chapter 224: Sending Hope to Your Sword Pool Palace (1)

    Chapter 224: Sending Hope to Your Sword Pool Palace (1)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The sword qi soared into the sky and filled the entire city with hanging swords!


    On the River Gathering Building.


    An Le put down the cup and pressed his palm against the Ink Pool Sword at his waist. This sword that he had nurtured to the fifth-grade was now trembling non-stop, as if it wanted to listen to the call of the female Sword God. It tore through the air and joined the sword team that was hovering in Jiangling Prefecture.


    Green Mountain didn¡¯t move. Clearly, Green Mountain wasn¡¯t affected by this female Sword God¡¯s sword intent.


    A breeze blew over slowly, sweeping over the old man of the Imperial Ancestral


    Temple, Zhao Huangting, to smash the wine pot filled with Bamboo Green Leaf¡¯s fragrance. The fragrance floated in all directions and was incomparably intoxicating.


    Facing the powerful cultivators who had suddenly attacked just as Li You¡¯an


    left,


    An Le thought that the old man might be forced to reveal his trump card.


    This was a peachwood sword with purple heavenly lightning. The person who attacked was undoubtedly a ninth-realm cultivator.


    The old man from the Imperial Ancestral Temple had just explained to An Le the cultivation realms after the five realms. It could be said that every progressive realm was very different. Those who could reach the ninth realm were undoubtedly talented.


    However, An Le did not expect the old man to¡­ solve the problem in such a way.


    An Le still remembered that Zhao Huangting had once told him that he had


    many confidants in the martial arts world. Some were human, and some were


    not¡­


    However, he did not expect to encounter the help of the old man¡¯s confidante when he first arrived at the Jiangling Prefecture.


    An Le looked at the fat woman called Mei Niang who had served three pots of Bamboo Green Leaf.


    At this moment, the fat woman had a smile on her face. An Le could also guess that this domineering female Sword God who had brought swords to hang in the sky, should have been informed by this fat woman.


    In fact, this River Gathering Restaurant was the place where the other party transmitted information.


    As soon as the old man entered the Jiangling Prefecture, he went straight to River Gathering Restaurant and brought An Le and the others upstairs. It seemed like he had expected this.


    Li You¡¯an also guessed this and left in relief.


    As expected, these old seniors who roamed the martial world would not easily put themselves in danger. If they did not have any methods, the martial world would not be so easy to go around.


    Around the River Gathering Restaurant, swords were hanging upside down. The tip of each sword was pointed at the ground, and the sharp sword qi was constantly surging. The aura of the world caused the swords to clang.


    The peachwood sword with purple lightning whistled over.


    The female Sword God was full of heroic spirit, like a leader at the front of migrating migratory birds. She blocked in front of River Gathering Restaurant, and the old man leaned against the wall.


    Zhao Huangting¡¯s plain clothes fluttered in the wind, and his temples were white. However, there was a hint of gentleness in his deep eyes. He looked at the heroic woman who was stepping on a sword and came over. There seemed to be scenes of the past in his eyes, and they floated in his heart.


    Gradually, there was a hint of melancholy in his eyes.


    Recalling the past, time was like a song.


    He had once smiled and carried all the flying swords in the city to support the woman on the sword. Now, time had passed and the river of stars had spun. The woman had brought the sword to hang around the city and avenge him.


    Perhaps this was the fate of the sword.


    Under the remnant light of the grass-colored smoke, there was no one who would feel dispirited.


    The wind by the lake and the sword qi between heaven and earth blew up the old man¡¯s frosty hair and long eyebrows.


    Compared to the old man¡¯s melancholy, the woman was furious. She stepped on the sword qi and her aura soared into the sky.


    Just as she shouted, the words that shook the entire Jiangling Prefecture: A nobody dares to point his sword at my husband!


    Was a newly-advanced Venerable from the Celestial Master Residence worthy?!


    The female Sword God bent her finger and knocked. The peachwood sword that swept over with boundless purple lightning was instantly deviated by her knock and rushed into the sky.


    The woman pointed her sword.


    The swords hanging all over the city whistled as they rushed towards the peachwood sword.


    Every sword slammed into the peachwood sword ruthlessly!


    Purple lightning splashed and lightning arcs darted.


    Some swords exploded into pieces, while others cracked open and fell powerlessly.


    However, there were too many densely packed swords. They intertwined in front of him and did not fear collapse at all, like fearless soldiers.


    The lightning on the peachwood sword was completely eliminated by the sword. It even let out a wail as it was continuously attacked by the sword.


    In the end, it fell like a broken peach branch.


    In the sky above Prince¡¯s Mansion of Jiangling.


    The ninth realm Venerable of the Celestial Master Residence in the Daoist robe instantly felt as if he had been struck by lightning. His face turned slightly pale, and the mental sword intent on the peachwood sword was actually cleansed by many reckless swords.


    His sleeves fluttered as he suddenly waved his hand. Immediately, the peachwood sword flew back. It was filled with holes, making the Daoist¡¯s heart ache.


    A hint of anger appeared in his eyes!


    However, looking at the densely packed swords, the anger that rose in his heart gradually subsided.


    At this moment, he finally understood what the Jiangling Prince meant when he said that the Jiangling Prefecture was not far from the Sword Pool Palace. ¡°Shu Sword Pool Palace, Palace Master Su Muzhe.¡±


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    As a ninth realm cultivator of the Celestial Master Residence, the Daoist naturally recognized who this woman in front of him, who rode thousands of swords and domineeringly collided with his thousand-year-old peachwood sword, was.


    However, Li Qingchuan, who had stepped into the ninth realm in high spirits, was naturally rather angry at being called a nobody.


    He, who thought that he had stepped into the ninth realm, was quite famous in this world.


    He had also heard of Old Imperial Uncle Zhao Huangting fighting Emperor Yuan Meng with a bamboo sword.


    However, today, he had flown out with the lightning peachwood sword and asked Old Imperial Uncle to take action. He wanted to fight for fame. Back then, the Old Imperial Uncle had only used three strikes to challenge Emperor Yuan Meng. It was no different from him fighting for fame today..

 Chapter 225 - Chapter 225: Sending Hope to Your Sword Pool Palace (2)

    Chapter 225: Sending Hope to Your Sword Pool Palace (2)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Terrifying killing intent filled the huge Jiangling Prefecture.


    The heroic woman, Sword God Su Muzhe, stood on her sword. Her eyes were like iron, and her killing intent was awe-inspiring.


    She seemed to be unsatisfied with defeating the peachwood sword.


    The old Daoist¡¯s unconvinced and angry gaze made her extremely furious. He pointed his sword at her husband, yet he still dared to be unconvinced?!


    The sleeves of the female Sword God¡¯s clothes fluttered as she suddenly pressed her palms down.


    Countless swords actually formed an incomparably huge sword palm in the sky above Jiangling Prefecture.


    That palm slammed down with a bang, and countless sword qi astral winds whistled down.


    The Celestial Master Residence¡¯s Venerable Daoist Li Qingchuan¡¯s expression changed slightly.


    He formed a seal with his hand and golden light bloomed between his eyebrows. The white horsetail whisk trembled slightly and began to grow. It wrapped around his back like a waterfall. However, in the Jiangling Prince¡¯s Mansion.


    In the Water Pavilion.


    The Jiangling Prince, who was sitting opposite the Second Prince, smiled lightly.


    ¡°Like I said, the Old Imperial Uncle is naturally fine in the Jiangling Prefecture.


    His involvement with the Sword Pool Palace has lasted for five hundred years. How can such a person be isolated and helpless in the Jiangling Prefecture?¡±


    ¡°Since Li You¡¯an can leave in peace, he naturally has his confidence.¡±


    The Jiangling Prince chuckled.


    He picked up the cup and splashed it into the sky.


    The wine that was splashed emitted a brilliant aura. It suddenly turned into a light screen and blocked in front of the sword palm.


    ¡°Palace Master Su, this new Venerable from the Celestial Master Residence has just entered Jiangling and doesn¡¯t know the rules. How about giving me some face?¡±


    The Jiangling Prince¡¯s voice came from the mansion.


    However, the female Sword God, Su Muzhe, who was standing on the sword, had no intention of holding back or giving face at all.


    The sword palm slapped the screen ruthlessly, causing a wave of ripples. It was as if there were dense swords that wanted to penetrate the light screen.


    In the Prince¡¯s Mansion, the Jiangling Prince frowned.


    His face¡­ had no value in front of this woman.


    However, at this moment, on the River Gathering Restaurant, Zhao Huangting waved his hand. ¡°Alright, alright. Just teach him a lesson.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the Palace Master of the Sword Pool Palace now, after all. The Celestial Master Residence has to send at least a Great Celestial Master to be worthy of your full strength.¡±


    Zhao Huangting¡¯s words resounded.


    When the female Sword God, Su Muzhe, who was standing on the sword, heard this, she immediately nodded. ¡°Husband, you¡¯re right.¡¯


    She retracted her palm, and countless swords turned into streams of light. Like ten thousand swords returning to their origin, they all returned to her body and flowed into the space between her eyebrows.


    Vaguely, there seemed to be a sword qi palace between the woman¡¯s eyebrows. Inside the palace, there were dense swords hanging.


    In the sky above Prince¡¯s Mansion of Jiangling, the Daoist of the Celestial Master Mansion, Li Qingchuan, felt that his back was drenched, and his expression was a little ugly.


    The Jiangling Prince narrowed his eyes. He was really a little surprised. He never expected that the Old Imperial Uncle would use the Heart Sword to seal Nirvana. His temper was much better now, and he actually made Su Muzhe stop.


    If it was in the past, Li Qingchuan from the Celestial Master Residence would not have been able to leave unscathed unless he bled a little.


    After some thought, he raised the wine cup in his cup and immediately rose into the sky step by step. His luxurious clothes were long, and he exuded an indescribable nobility and elegance.


    ¡°Old Imperial Uncle, you¡¯ve come to Jiangling Prefecture again, but I don¡¯t have anything to entertain you with, so I¡¯ll toast you.¡±


    The Jiangling Prince smiled and walked towards River Gathering Restaurant step by step.


    However, at the River Gathering Restaurant, Zhao Huangting, who was leaning against the railing, did not even look at him. He spat out a word like a spring thunder.


    ¡°Scram.¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, he turned around and entered the building, ignoring him.


    The Jiangling Prince¡¯s footsteps instantly froze in the air. Although he was embarrassed and angry, he still had a refined smile on his face.


    He drank the wine and gestured to River Gathering Restaurant before returning to the Prince¡¯s Mansion.


    The Daoist of the Celestial Master Residence, Li Qingchuan, also entered the mansion again.


    Second Prince Zhao Pei drank the bright red wine that the Jiangling Prince had personally brewed and frowned.


    Regret flashed across his eyes. With the help of the Palace Master of the Sword Pool Palace, Su Muzhe, it would not be so easy to capture An Le.


    As a top martial arts faction in the world, the Sword Pool Palace was not inferior to the Celestial Master Residence at all.


    The Celestial Master Residence had an old Celestial Master whose Primordial Spirit could enter the immortal realm, but the Sword Pool Palace also had an old Sword Sage who was unfathomable. Even the Old Imperial Uncle had to be obediently beaten up.


    Therefore, since Su Muzhe had made a move, it meant that the entire Sword Pool Palace had moved. The price to pay to capture An Le was too high.


    The Jiangling Prince and Daoist Li Qingchuan returned to the pavilion.


    The atmosphere was a little gloomy and strange.


    The Jiangling Prince¡¯s gaze landed on the Second Prince. ¡°Your Highness, I¡¯m afraid it won¡¯t be so easy for you to capture An Le now.¡±


    ¡°I can roughly guess why An Le wants to enter the Sword Pool Palace. It must be because the Old Imperial Uncle wants to take one last gamble and borrow the power of the Sword Pool Lake to sharpen Green Mountain.¡± Second Prince Zhao Pei said calmly.


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    ¡°Whether An Le is captured or not, it¡¯s not a big problem. Old Imperial Uncle won¡¯t be able to use the Heart Sword to suppress the Nirvana Fire for long, so he will definitely head north to challenge Emperor Yuan Meng.¡±


    ¡°That battle was a one-way trip. When Old Imperial Uncle dies, An Le will no longer have any protection. When the time comes, capturing him will be easy.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve begged Old Imperial Uncle many times to give me the Green Mountain Sword, but he hasn¡¯t given it to me.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s understandable that he didn¡¯t give it to Zhao Xianyou. The blood flowing in his body is the bane of Green Mountain. But why can¡¯t I wield the sword?¡± Zhao Pei shook his head and finished the special wine in his cup.


    ¡°Therefore, I also want to take a look at this Sword Pool Palace.. If this child can¡¯t sharpen Green Mountain, perhaps¡­ I can?¡±

 Chapter 226 - Chapter 226: Sending Hope to Your Sword Pool Palace (3)

    Chapter 226: Sending Hope to Your Sword Pool Palace (3)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    ¡°At that time, I can control Green Mountain in front of Old Imperial Uncle and vent my anger.¡±


    Zhao Pei smiled.


    As a genius who had obtained the Celestial Master Residence¡¯s inheritance, he was only ranked behind Zhao Xianyou on the Little Sacred Ranking.


    Needless to say, Zhao Xianyou was a monster. Zhao Pei had no intention of comparing himself to him.


    Other than Zhao Xianyou, he was outstanding on the Little Sacred Ranking. In his eyes, Qin Lishi¡¯s genius son, Qin Hua¡¯an, was only slightly capable.


    However, being unable to wield the Green Mountain Sword had always been a knot in his heart.


    He had once begged Old Imperial Uncle to give Green Mountain three times under the Emperor¡¯s lead, but he had never been able to obtain it. Therefore, he was naturally indignant.


    The Daoist from the Celestial Master Residence, Li Qingchuan, also recovered his expression. He smiled and said, ¡°Your Highness has now inherited the Celestial Master Residence¡¯s Purple Qi Golden Lotus. With the help of the Golden Lotus, you will definitely be able to soar up in the future and reach the ninth realm.¡±


    ¡°So what if you don¡¯t obtain the Green Mountain Sword?¡±


    When the Jiangling Prince heard that, a strange expression appeared on his face. The Purple Qi Golden Lotus of the Celestial Master Residence was extraordinary. He heard that the Purple Qi Golden Lotus only formed once every 200 years and contained extraordinary providence. Those who obtained the Golden Lotus could have great providence and there would not be much obstruction on their cultivation path.


    It was a testament to the close connection between the Celestial Master Residence and the royal family.


    For hundreds of years, the Celestial Master Residence had always wanted to become the state religion of the Great Zhao Dynasty. They wanted to use the country¡¯s power and providence to suppress the True Martial Shrine. Although they did not succeed, the entanglement and the intertwining of providence had made the Celestial Master Residence stronger and stronger.


    Since the Second Prince could obtain the Purple Qi Golden Lotus, he should be able to break through to the sixth realm soon. If Emperor Zhao really did not succeed in extending his life, the Purple Qi Golden Lotus would definitely become a very important bargaining chip in the battle for the throne.


    This might also be a goal of the Celestial Master Residence. If the Second Prince ascended the throne, the Celestial Master Residence, which had placed many chips on the Second Prince, might really become the Orthodoxy of Great Zhao.


    The Second Prince glanced at the Daoist, his eyes filled with deep meaning. Green Mountain not only represented a sword, but also recognition.


    ¡°As the Second Prince of Great Zhao, it shouldn¡¯t be a problem for me to take a look at the Sword Pool Lake.¡± The Second Prince said indifferently.


    Jiangling Prince Zhao Xi couldn¡¯t help but smile when she heard that. ¡°Of course not. The Sword Pool Palace has never stopped anyone from viewing the Sword Pool Lake because that old Land Immortal Sword Sage said that the Sword Pool Lake only depends on fate. If it¡¯s fated, even weak scholars can enter. If they¡¯re not fated, they can¡¯t even take half a step into the place, even if they¡¯re at the ninth realm.¡±


    ¡°Back then, Old Imperial Uncle had a terrible reputation in the Sword Pool Palace, but he still had the chance to view the Sword Pool Lake. It was all because of this fate.¡¯


    ¡°You¡¯ll know if there¡¯s fate with the Sword Bell hanging in front of the Sword Pool Lake. Second Prince, you can try and see if you can ring that Sword Bell.¡±


    The Jiangling Prince¡¯s expression was gentle and elegant.


    ¡°Uncle, are you not going?¡± the Second Prince asked.


    A dark look flashed across the Jiangling Prince¡¯s gentle and elegant face. ¡°I won¡¯t go.¡±


    ¡°I hate that Sword Bell.¡±


    On the River Gathering Building, the female Sword God floated down.


    This was a woman with a heroic spirit. She was wearing a scale armor that tightly tied her waistline. Underneath was a green dress, and her entire person looked like an unsheathed sword.


    The woman was like a sword and her sword qi surged. Although she was not extremely beautiful, the heroic aura she exuded was even more eye-catching than ordinary beauties.


    Zhao Huangting was sitting on a chair, eating side dishes and drinking wine.


    Su Muzhe walked over and sat on a chair, staring straight at Zhao Huangting.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a hundred years. You haven¡¯t come to the Sword Pool Palace to see me for a hundred years.¡±


    Su Muzhe opened her mouth and questioned.


    ¡°You can now. You activated the Nirvana Fire and only came to see me after using the Heart Sword to suppress it¡­ How many days until we meet again?¡± As Su Muzhe spoke, she pursed her lips.


    Zhao Huangting sighed and pointed at An Le beside him. ¡°This is An Le, Young


    Friend An. I gave Green Mountain to him. I brought him to the Sword Pool


    Palace this time to try and see if he can sharpen Green Mountain.¡±


    An Le cupped his fists and bowed. ¡°Greetings, Senior.¡±


    Su Muzhe glanced at An Le. The young man was extraordinarily handsome and had a faint pride like a green bamboo. She vaguely seemed to see the old man in front of her when he was young.


    For a moment, Su Muzhe¡¯s eyes softened. ¡°The Sword Pool Lake has always been there. As long as you can ring the Sword Bell in front of the pool, no one will stop you.¡±


    ¡°I naturally know that. As for whether the Sword Bell can be rung, this kid will definitely be able to.¡±


    Zhao Huangting grinned and picked up a piece of stir-fried pig liver. He held it in one hand and fed it to the woman.


    ¡°Come, calm down. Eat a piece of pork liver. It¡¯s stir-fried pork liver from the


    River Gathering Restaurant. Coupled with Bamboo Green Leaf, it¡¯s delicious.¡± Su Muzhe looked at the pig liver that the old man handed to her mouth and her anger instantly dissipated. She opened her mouth slightly and ate the pig liver.


    An Le: ¡®


    It was as if he had been attacked by a couple.


    However, Old Imperial Uncle was so good at it.


    Lin Qingyin and Lin Zhuifeng covered their mouths and laughed, their eyes shining.


    ¡°How¡¯s the old Sword Sage¡¯s health?¡± Zhao Huangting fed Su Muzhe a mouthful of wine and asked.


    Su Muzhe shook her head. ¡°Not good.¡±


    Hearing that, Zhao Huangting frowned. ¡°If even you are saying that¡­ It seems like it¡¯s really not good.¡±


    ¡°The old Sword Sage¡¯s cultivation level is extraordinary. As one of the current Land Immortals, he has always been the one supporting the Sword Pool Palace.


    If the old Sword Sage is not around, the Sword Pool Palace might be in danger. The uniqueness of the Sword Pool Lake can¡¯t be protected without a supreme expert guarding it.¡±


    ¡°The Jiangling Prince is ambitious, and Dali is eyeing us covetously. The Yuan


    Meng Empire will definitely not give up on this treasure land, the Sword Pool Lake¡­ It will probably be quite difficult for the ninth-realm cultivators of the Sword Pool Palace. The Old Sword Sage has to persist like how he used his strength to beat me up.¡±


    Zhao Huangting smacked his lips.


    However, there was nothing he could do. Even he was about to die, let alone the old Sword Sage who was already famous in the world before he became famous.


    Although tenth-realm Land Immortals could live longer, they still had a lifespan.


    Moreover, when their lifespan came to an end, they would be even more desperate. This was because it was impossible for a tenth realm cultivator to break through to the eleventh realm. They could not even see a clear path.


    Without even a path or hope, how could they not despair?


    ¡°I was a disappointment. If I could break through to the tenth realm, I wouldn¡¯t have these problems.¡±


    Su Muzhe sighed. However, how could it be so easy to break through to the tenth realm? There were so many peerless people in the world who were stuck at the peak of the ninth realm for hundreds of years and could not take a step forward. How could she, Su Muzhe, easily take this step?


    However, no matter how unstable the Sword Pool Palace would be in the future, there would not be any danger now that the old Sword Sage was still around.


    No one dared to underestimate the deterrence of a tenth-realm Land Immortal.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t I bringing hope to your Sword Pool Palace? Little An has a special fate with the sword, as if he was born for the sword. This time, I brought him here to sharpen Green Mountain. When he succeeds in sharpening Green Mountain, I believe that the old Sword Sage will definitely know how to grasp this hope.


    The future of the Sword Pool Palace will also be assured.¡¯


    Zhao Huangting grinned and suddenly pulled An Le over, patting his shoulder.


    Su Muzhe was stunned and looked at An Le again.


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    Although An Le had Green Mountain to conceal his cultivation, with Su Muzhe¡¯s strength, she could naturally tell that An Le¡¯s cultivation level was not high. In fact¡­ he had not broken through to the sixth realm.


    However, she could hear confidence in Zhao Huangting¡¯s words. Zhao Huangting, who had failed four times in a row to sharpen Green Mountain, was actually not worried this time. Instead, he was confident enough to break through the clouds.


    It was an unprecedented confidence that was stronger than his own.


    Su Muzhe knew very well how difficult it was to ring the Sword Bell in front of the Sword Pool Lake and how difficult it was to sharpen Green Mountain.


    Was it this young man¡¯s talent in the Sword Dao¡­ Why did her husband value him so much?!

 Chapter 242 - Chapter 242: The Young Man Observes the Ages and

    Chapter 242: The Young Man Observes the Ages and


    Forges the Sword Automatically, A Hammer Shocks the Immortal Fire Like Fireworks (2)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    In addition, An Le¡¯s 36 chimes today were too unbelievable. Second Prince Zhao Pei was extremely afraid.


    ¡°Spread the news that this child struck the 36th ring of the Sword Bell in front of the Sword Pool Lake. The entire world will know that a reincarnated Sword Immortal with the Enlightened Sword Heart has appeared in the Sword Pool


    Palace. ¡±


    ¡°Such a Sword Immortal Seed with an Enlightened Sword Heart will definitely attract the covetous eyes of all the experts in the world. It will be targeted by the demonized father and son of the Hell Mansion in West Liang. Those people will definitely yearn for the corpse of such a Sword Immortal Seed with an Enlightened Sword Heart.¡±


    ¡°I heard that Holy Monk Duhai of the Lotus Flower Temple has a grudge with this child. If the news spreads, Holy Monk Duhai will definitely not sit back and watch him grow¡­¡±


    ¡°Wait¡­ The majestic invincible aura on his body is actually a huge opportunity. If I can kill him personally, I can inherit at least half of that invincible aura!¡± As if thinking of something, Second Prince Zhao Pei¡¯s eyes lit up!


    His heart was beating uncontrollably, and the blood in his body could not hide the heat.


    ¡°Yes, I have to kill him myself!¡±


    The Jiangling Prince held the umbrella. The rainwater gathered at the edge of the umbrella and formed an intertwined curtain of rain. Under the umbrella, he was elegant and smiled. Looking at the Second Prince, whose heart was gradually burning, his smile became even wider.


    ¡°An Le has always been in the Sword Pool Palace. There¡¯s no way to kill him.¡±


    The Jiangling Prince said.


    Second Prince Zhao Pei¡¯s lips curled into a smile. He was looking forward to inheriting An Le¡¯s invincible aura when he killed him. Then, he would step into the sixth realm with the most perfect state. His cultivation path would definitely be smooth. He would definitely be able to easily break through the barrier of the ninth realm and become someone who stood at the absolute peak of cultivation.


    After stretching and making up his mind to kill An Le, the depression he had encountered in front of the Sword Pool Lake today was instantly swept away.


    ¡°It¡¯s impossible for him to hide in the Sword Pool Palace forever¡­¡± ¡°That Old Imperial Uncle of mine still has to head north.¡±


    ¡°He has to step out of the Sword Pool Palace sooner or later.¡±


    In front of the Sword Pool Lake.


    After Second Prince Zhao Pei and the Jiangling Prince left,


    the old Sword Sage retracted his indifferent gaze. He was not interested in the Second Prince. He hated the Jiangling Prince from the bottom of his heart.


    The Jiangling Prince just stood there elegantly, but he exuded an aura of disgust that made him frown.


    ¡°Muzhe, don¡¯t let the Jiangling Prince step into the Sword Pool Palace in the future.¡± The old Sword Sage said calmly.


    When Su Muzhe heard this, she immediately nodded. She naturally knew that the old Sword Sage looked down on this hereditary Jiangling Prince. Moreover, Su Muzhe also knew that this Jiangling Prince had always been eyeing the Sword Pool Palace covetously.


    In any case, they would fall out sooner or later, so it was fine if he was not allowed to enter the Sword Pool Palace.


    After the old Sword Sage gave An Le two wisps of sword qi, his gaze shifted and landed on Zhao Huangting.


    ¡°This time, you will definitely not be able to return. Do you have no regrets?¡±


    The old Sword Sage looked at Zhao Huangting. This brat who had once been a Casanova had unknowingly faced the end of his life and had even ignited Nirvana.


    ¡°My lifespan is coming to an end. I¡¯ll visit the north and look at the mountains and rivers of my hometown. I¡¯ll admire the mortal world of the past. It¡¯s quite good. I naturally have no regrets.¡±


    ¡°As for the battle with Emperor Yuan Meng, I just want to enjoy myself.¡±


    Zhao Huangting smiled casually. ¡°This should be the last time I¡¯m coming to the Sword Pool Lake. Other than meeting Muzhe, it¡¯s the fifth time I¡¯m here to sharpen Green Mountain.¡±


    ¡°However, I¡¯m not the one who¡¯s sharpening the edge this time, but An Le.¡± When the old Sword Sage heard this, his gaze landed on Green Mountain.


    The Green Mountain Sword automatically floated up and floated in front of the old Sword Sage.


    The old Sword Sage¡¯s wrinkled hand gently tapped on Green Mountain. ¡°Why have you always been stubborn about wanting to sharpen Green Mountain?¡± ¡°Perhaps this bamboo sword doesn¡¯t need sharpening?¡±


    He closed his sword fingers and stroked the Green Mountain Sword¡¯s body. The old Sword Sage¡¯s eyes gradually narrowed, and a glint seemed to flash in them.


    ¡°No, Green Mountain definitely needs to be sharpened. Only after the sharpening can he clear the fog and see the real Green Mountain!¡±


    Zhao Huangting¡¯s eyes revealed a rare fanaticism.


    ¡°The person who once gave me Green Mountain failed to give Green Mountain an edge, so it became my duty. Since I, Zhao Huangting, couldn¡¯t do it, An Le will do it. If An Le fails¡­ He will find someone suitable to hold the Sword Green Mountain in the future and pass it down!¡±


    ¡°The Green Mountain will remain.¡±


    His voice was rather sonorous and lingered in the surroundings.


    Su Muzhe¡¯s gaze was complicated, and admiration and sigh appeared on the old swordsmith¡¯s face.


    The old Sword Sage¡¯s expression gradually returned to normal, and his expression could not be seen.


    Suddenly, he raised his hand and tapped Zhao Huangting¡¯s chest with his mottled hand.


    A wisp of majestic sword qi surged into Zhao Huangting¡¯s body.


    The Nirvana Fire seemed to be instantly suppressed.


    ¡°In that case, this old man will look forward to your refreshing performance.¡± The old Sword Sage said softly.


    Zhao Huangting¡¯s face regained some color, and his essence, qi, and spirit seemed to have returned to him. The Nirvana Fire that was originally suppressed by the Heart Sword was suppressed by another wisp of sword qi.


    It made Zhao Huangting feel much less pain.


    ¡°The Nirvana Fire is one of the three calamities of the tenth realm. The Heart Sword can suppress it for you, but I can only use sword qi to alleviate it further.¡¯


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    ¡°This sword qi can help you enter Yuan Meng Capital. Otherwise, your heroic qi will not even be able to enter the door of the capital. You will become the number one laughingstock in the world.¡±


    ¡°My disciple Su Muzhe¡¯s husband cannot become a laughingstock.¡±


    The old Sword Sage said calmly.


    Zhao Huangting smiled and cupped his fists to thank the old Sword Sage.


    The old Sword Sage returned Green Mountain to An Le and a benevolent smile appeared on his face.. ¡°Little fellow, are you determined to sharpen Green Mountain?¡±

 Chapter 243 - Chapter 243: The Young Man Observes the Ages and

    Chapter 243: The Young Man Observes the Ages and


    Forges the Sword Automatically, A Hammer Shocks the Immortal Fire Like Fireworks (3)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    An Le took Green Mountain and put it on his waist. Without hesitation, he nodded and replied, ¡°Yes, Senior.¡±


    He knew that sharpening Green Mountain was the wish of the old man of the


    Imperial Ancestral Temple. In the few days left after igniting the Nirvana Fire, An Le was willing to work hard for the old man¡¯s wish.


    The old Sword Sage chuckled and tapped the ground with his toes. Countless sword qi began to whistle from behind him.


    His figure floated above the center of the Sword Pool Lake.


    His linen clothes fluttered, and his white hair and beard fluttered.


    ¡°If you want to sharpen Green Mountain, you have to at least forge a sword yourself. ¡±


    ¡°You rang the bell 36 times. According to the rules, the Sword Pool Palace will forge a sword for you. Wang Yansheng, you will assist this little fellow in forging the sword and sharpening it.¡±


    ¡°If Green Mountain can be sharpened, it will be greatly beneficial to you.¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, huge waves surged in the lake water on both sides of the Sword Pool Lake. The old Sword Sage¡¯s figure fell into the lake again, and the lake water returned to calm. There were no waves as if everything was just a flower in the mirror and the moon in the water.


    The old swordsmith with silver hair bowed slightly to the old Sword Sage who had disappeared on the Sword Pool Lake. Then, he looked at An Le and said, ¡°Next, you¡¯ll forge a sword with me.¡±


    ¡°When the sword is completed, you will have the confidence and ability to sharpen Green Mountain.¡±


    When An Le heard this, his expression was solemn and he did not say anything.


    Even if he was in a hurry to sharpen Green Mountain, this kind of thing could not be rushed.


    However, if he could not complete Green Mountain¡¯s sharpening when the old man of the Imperial Ancestral Temple was about to die, it would probably become An Le¡¯s eternal regret.


    ¡°Jieliu, bring An Le to recuperate for three days. Let him stabilize his newly broken through realm and adjust his Qi Blood, mental power, and other conditions. Bring him to my Sword Forging Workshop tomorrow,¡± the old swordsmith said with his hands behind his back. As soon as he finished speaking, he instantly tore through the air and left.


    Wan Jieliu bowed respectfully and watched him leave.


    The news of a white-robed young man striking the Sword Bell 36 times quickly spread. It was not just the Sword Pool Palace. The news even spread from the Sword Pool Palace to Jinguan City, then from Jinguan City to the entire world.


    The name of the Sword Pool Palace naturally resounded throughout the world. Putting aside the name of sword forging, just the old Sword Sage of the Sword Pool Palace who did not appear in the world was enough to make all the factions in the world serious.


    This was a martial arts faction comparable to the True Martial Shrine, the Celestial Master Residence, and the three Buddhist monasteries.


    The name Sword Bell of the Sword Pool Palace was naturally famous. Since ancient times, many wandering martial artists who were fated with the sword had rushed to the Sword Pool Palace to try to ring the Sword Bell.


    If he could knock nine times, he could obtain the Sword Pool Palace to forge a sword for him.


    If he could attain the 18th ring, his name would spread throughout the world!


    Now, there was actually news that a young Sword Immortal had rung the bell 36 times, causing the old Sword Sage of the Sword Pool Palace to appear and congratulate him!


    When the young Sword Immortal¡¯s name spread, it was like water dripping into a pot of oil, boiling.


    This was because the young Sword Immortal¡¯s name was An Le. He was the top scholar of Great Zhao¡¯s Spring Quarter Examination this year, but he broke Emperor Zhao¡¯s plan in front of the Heavenly Profound Palace and was stripped of his position as the top scholar.


    However, his name had already spread throughout the world. In addition, he had rung the bell 36 times in the Sword Pool Palace today.


    An Le¡¯s name was like a thunderclap everywhere. All kinds of deeds were dug out.


    The young man had once summoned generations of Martial Chiefs to deduce the Martial Scripture on the Martial Chief Stone.


    The young man had once been slandered for cheating in the Spring Quarter Examination and was extradited to Prime Minister Qin¡¯s Residence.


    The young man had once won consecutively from the end of the Little Sacred Ranking and gathered an invincible aura, turning a white python into a Heavenly Dragon!


    His achievements piled up one after another, making him a legend in the world.


    Everyone in the world knew him!


    The mountains outside Jinguan City were picturesque, and the spring rain filled the river with red flowers.


    Wan Jieliu brought An Le to a spacious courtyard of Persimmon Alley on the main street of Jinguan City.


    It was always drizzling in Jinguan City in spring, and the entire city was enveloped in the fragrance of flowers.


    Zhao Huangting and Su Muzhe went to the surroundings of Jinguan City to play and enjoy the alone time.


    Compared to the small courtyard in Lin¡¯an Prefecture¡¯s Imperial Ancestral


    Temple Alley, this open courtyard in Jinguan City was much more spacious. Compared to the bustling and dream-like Lin¡¯an, the land in Jinguan City was much cheaper.


    The small courtyard in Persimmon Alley was naturally named after the many persimmon trees.


    There was also a persimmon tree in An Le¡¯s small courtyard. Now that spring was overflowing, it was bathed in the spring rain. When it absorbed nutrients, it naturally did not bear persimmons.


    The room was very simple. After Wan Jieliu brought him here, he made some simple arrangements and bade farewell.


    This persimmon courtyard could be considered An Le¡¯s temporary home in Jinguan City.


    From Lin¡¯an to Jinguan, the mountains and rivers reversed, drifting and changing.


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    However, to An Le, the atmosphere in Jinguan City was much more comfortable than in Lin¡¯an Prefecture. Although Jinguan City was not as prosperous as Lin¡¯an Prefecture, there was no lack of things. In fact, under the control of the Sword Pool Palace, the pace of the entire city was rather slow. Everyone practiced swords and the atmosphere was very comfortable.


    Although the old swordsmith gave him three days to adjust the realm he had just broken through, An Le did not completely immerse himself in cultivation. When he sensed the ancient charm of this docile ancient city, he would adjust his mental state to calm his restless Qi Blood and Primordial Spirit.


    As he had used the Sword Bell bell wave to step into the realm, his Qi Blood and mental power fluctuated.


    The Connate spiritual energy flowing out of the Inner Core also needed to be nurtured, allowing the Connate spiritual energy to grow from one wisp to two wisps before increasing to three wisps and four wisps. When the number increased and gathered into an ocean, it would be the sixth realm of Body Tempering, Qi Sea Observation.


    It was easier said than done. The nurturing of Connate spiritual energy was a very time-consuming and laborious matter..

 Chapter 244 - Chapter 244: The Young Man Observes the Ages and

    Chapter 244: The Young Man Observes the Ages and


    Forges the Sword Automatically, A Hammer Shocks the Immortal Fire Like Fireworks (4)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The faint morning light scattered down, accompanied by the pattering of oil and spring rain.


    An Le woke up from his visualization and started Body Tempering in the courtyard. He practiced the Ancient Demon Five Animals and obtained the demon qi of the Demon Origin Treasure Jade at his waist to temper his body and stabilize his Qi Blood.


    The nurturing and increase of Connate spiritual energy was produced through the gathering of Qi Blood in the Inner Core. Therefore, the refinement of Qi Blood was still indispensable.


    Because he missed the old locust tree in the small courtyard in Imperial


    Ancestral Temple Alley, An Le habitually inserted the Green Mountain and Ink Pool Sword into the trunk of the persimmon tree.


    However, persimmon trees were thinner than old locust trees, so An Le did not dare to poke too deep.


    As for the golden saber Storm Calming, An Le chose to hang it on the persimmon tree branch.


    After the Qi Blood refinement was completed, An Le habitually changed into clean clothes, put on a sword and saber, held up an oil-paper umbrella, and strolled along the long street of Jinguan City.


    After eating the delicacies from the street stalls, An Le went straight to the Sword Pool Palace.


    The current An Le was extremely famous in the Sword Pool Palace. He even had many admirers, such as Lu Shisan.


    As soon as he found out that An Le had entered the Sword Pool Palace, Lu Shisan rushed over to lead the way for An Le.


    An Le was happy to have a guide. The two of them strolled in the Sword Pool Palace. Along the way, An Le asked Lu Shisan for a lot of knowledge about sword forging.


    Every disciple of the Sword Pool Palace would come into contact with sword forging. Lu Shisan did not hold back and told them all his sword forging experience.


    An Le listened seriously and absorbed five wisps of Age Qi from him. He also observed every wisp of Age Qi seriously.


    Sword forging had an extraordinary meaning to every disciple of the Sword Pool Palace.


    Their first sword must have been personally forged by them, so there were quite a few scenes about the time when they forged the sword.


    Among Lu Shisan¡¯s five wisps of Age Qi, three were actually related to sword forging.


    Under Lu Shisan¡¯s lead, An Le personally met the disciples of the Sword Pool Palace who were quite talented in sword forging and took the Age Qi.


    Following An Le¡¯s breakthrough in cultivation, he still absorbed five wisps of Age Qi from each person, but the number of people increased to six.


    In other words, An Le could absorb 30 wisps of Age Qi a day!


    For three consecutive days, An Le absorbed 90 wisps of Age Qi and watched the process and experience of many Sword Pool Palace disciples forging swords through the Age Qi.


    These Age Qi were all added to the [Eternal Prodigy] and [Divine Sword Body].


    [Eternal Prodigy] increased one¡¯s cultivation talent, and sword forging¡­ was also a talent that required comprehension. Therefore, An Le did not completely augment the Divine Sword Body with Age Qi, but balanced them.


    With the enhancement of Age Qi and his daily calm cultivation, on the third day, when the morning light shone on the mortal world.


    Wan Jieliu flew over on his sword and appeared outside An Le¡¯s small courtyard. He knocked on the tightly shut door.


    The door opened.


    In the courtyard, An Le had just completed the refinement of the Ancient Demon Five Animals. His Qi Blood was surging, and heat waves surged.


    ¡°Young Master An, Elder Wang asked me to invite you to the Sword Forging Workshop.¡± Wan Jieliu said respectfully.


    An Le had changed into a clean green robe that was worn by the Sword Pool Lake. His vitality rose from its peak, and he was like a flower blooming against the morning sun. He strolled along the long street with Wan Jieliu and headed straight for the Sword Pool Palace.


    After entering the Sword Pool Palace, An Le walked along the limestone road. Along with the endless sounds of hammering, An Le¡¯s eyes gradually revealed a hint of anticipation and surprise.


    Over the past few days, An Le had observed the Sword Pool¡¯s disciples forging swords. He had already gained a lot of understanding of sword forging.


    However, he had yet to experience it personally.


    ¡°It¡¯s here.¡±


    In the Sword Forging Workshop, Wang Yansheng, an old swordsmith with silver hair, held a pot of hot tea and waited quietly.


    An Le cupped his hands and bowed.


    ¡°Jieliu, there¡¯s an essence spirit iron embryo that has been calcined for three days and three nights in the sword furnace. Teach An Le how to swing the hammer and let him deform the iron embryo first.¡± The old swordsmith sat on the chair and said calmly.


    Wan Jieliu nodded.


    He brought An Le into the scorching Sword Forging Workshop.


    The Earth Immortal Fire in the furnace was roaring. The roaring flames splashed out sparks. The scorching temperature was enough to make people sweat profusely in an instant.


    An Le stared at the red irregular iron embryo in the furnace.


    He grabbed the incomparably heavy thousand-pound hammer handed over by Wan Jieliu.


    His emotions could not help but fluctuate. The Qi Blood in his body began to surge and churn. He closed his eyes slightly and the scenes of the Sword Pool Palace disciples forging swords in the past three days surfaced in his mind.


    Like waves in the long river of time, they suddenly splashed like sparks with the Earth Immortal Fire.


    An Le suddenly opened his eyes.


    The Niwan Palace between his brows suddenly split open and the Sword Furnace clanged. His Primordial Spirit sat upright with multicolored light specks behind him!


    Wan Jieliu was holding a hammer and was about to give An Le guidance and introductions.


    His pupils constricted slightly.


    Suddenly, he realized that An Le¡¯s aura had changed. He was like a disciple of the Sword Pool Palace who had been forging all year round, skillfully swinging a thousand-pound hammer.


    His green robes suddenly straightened as countless Qi Blood surged. Boundless power surged out of his fifth realm body, as if a ferocious bear had smashed a mountain with its hammer. A Primordial Spirit Sword Furnace stretched out!


    With a twist of his waist, his feet were as solid as ancient pine rocks.


    The huge hammer was raised high and arced. Then, it let out a whimper that suppressed the crying air and smashed down fiercely!


    ¡°Clang¡ª¡±


    An explosion that was even sharper and more ear-piercing than the ringing of the Sword Bell spread throughout the Sword Forging Workshop!


    The surging fire suddenly rose!


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    Sparks erupted like fireworks in the night sky!


    The red-hot essence spirit iron embryo in the furnace instantly caved in like a soft cake and changed shape!


    The knocking sound was accompanied by a heat wave, causing a strong wind to suddenly rise in the Sword Forging Workshop.


    Wang Yansheng, an old swordsmith with silver hair, sat on a chair and took a sip of hot tea from a large porcelain jar¡­


    However, he had already forgotten to swallow it..

 Chapter 252 - Chapter 252: Contrast Between the Rising Sun and the

    Chapter 252: Contrast Between the Rising Sun and the


    Setting Sun, First-Grade Supreme Sword ¨C Swallow Returns to the Nest (4)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The old man assisted An Le in hammering, but his face was filled with memories of his boring but hot-blooded sword-forging life.


    When the last wisp of sword qi surged into the sword embryo lying quietly in the cracked sword furnace, there was only one scene left in front of Wang Yansheng.


    Amidst the snow, the five-year-old him picked up the hammer for the first time and hit the sword embryo with the Sword Furnace.


    It was the beginning of fate between a child and a sword forging.


    It was like a swallow returning to its nest.


    It made the old man¡¯s lips curl into a gentle smile.


    When An Le raised the thousand-kilogram hammer, the old man silently lowered his hand that was holding the hammer and took a step back. He was filled with relief and carefreeness as he watched An Le¡¯s huge hammer break through the shocking arc and finally smash fiercely on the sword embryo in the furnace.


    Buzz¡­


    An extremely loud sword cry suddenly resounded from the Sword Furnace!


    Everyone¡¯s swords seemed to be trembling.


    Then, a sword light shot into the sky from the exploding furnace.


    It was like a hidden dragon emerging from the abyss and a fish leaping into the vast sea!


    The great roc soared into the Nine Heavens!


    Everyone looked up and saw the flying sword enter the sea of clouds. In an instant, countless electric currents surged and lightning struck.


    The sunset clouds were scattered, and the clouds and rain stopped.


    In the Sword Pool Palace, everyone looked up. In Jinguan City, everyone looked up.


    It was a peerless divine blade that danced in the sky and stirred the lightning dragon!


    In front of the dilapidated Sword Forging Workshop, lava surged out of the two exploded furnaces, and the Earth Immortal Fire surged.


    However, the old man, Wang Yansheng, raised his head and looked at the unrestrained sword in the sky with a smile.


    Wang Yansheng¡¯s aura rose steadily.


    He carried An Le and ascended to the sky, as if he was standing in the clouds.


    The sword was out of the furnace, and the light was terrifying!


    He looked at the sword that was still misty and steaming.


    The old man chuckled and said, ¡°An Le, this sword was forged by you and me, and it¡¯s also your first sword. You¡¯re the main forger, and I¡¯m the support. Before entering the Sword Pool Lake to quench the sword, the name of the sword should be decided by you.¡±


    ¡°However, I¡¯ve forged this sword for dozens of years. Now that the sword is finally completed, the sword will follow you from now on. I would like to seek a chance to name it.¡±


    In midair, Wang Yansheng¡¯s sword hair fluttered with silver threads, accompanied by the sword that was cold and intertwined with lightning.


    He bowed to An Le.


    Seeing this, An Le hurriedly returned the greeting. ¡°Senior, you¡¯re being too serious. The key to forging this sword is the sword embryo that you had nurtured for decades. I¡¯m just icing on the cake.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s only right for you to name the sword.¡±


    An Le naturally knew when to give in. If he was alone, he wouldn¡¯t even be able to forge a second-grade sword, let alone this sword.


    Wang Yansheng smiled gratefully.


    Then, he looked at the sword and raised his hand to grab the rough hilt that had not been carefully carved.


    In an instant, countless electric currents surged and majestic sword qi swept out. The old man¡¯s clothes fluttered, and his frosty hair and sword hair surged non-stop.


    The old man gently stroked the sword that was still extremely hot. It could be seen that there were patterns intertwined on the sword. There were clouds, ancient pills, swallows, and even a little child who was swinging a hammer with the joy of successfully forging a sword¡­ It was very strange.


    The old man¡¯s eyes became even gentler.


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    An Le looked at the old man and the sword and could not help but ask softly, ¡°Senior, what¡¯s the name of this sword?¡±


    The old man knocked on the sword.


    The sword cry was like a swallow¡¯s cry, mellow and resounding a thousand times. When he dreamed of the past, he did not forget his original intention.


    ¡°This sword is called¡­¡¯


    ¡°Swallow Returns to the Nest..¡±

 Chapter 253 - Chapter 253: Zhao Huangting Observes the Sword and

    Chapter 253: Zhao Huangting Observes the Sword and


    Comprehends the Past, The Peerless Three Swords Invite Green Mountain ¡®s Sharpening (1)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The sword¡¯s name was Swallow Returns to the Nest!


    A soft voice lingered above the Sword Pool Palace and echoed between heaven and earth.


    This was not a domineering name.


    At the very least, it was much gentler than the two first-grade Supreme Swords, the Seven Stars Dragon Abyss and Inherited Shadow, that were still in the hands of the Sword Pool Palace.


    However, listening to the name of this sword gave people an inexplicable feeling, as if they were silent because of the meaning contained in the sword name.


    Swallow Returns to the Nest, meaning that he did not forget his original intention and returned to the place where everything began.


    Hidden in his thoughts was his original heart and pure heart.


    The person holding this sword should uphold a burning heart.


    An Le floated in the air, the tattered green clothes on his upper body flapping. A hint of admiration and love for the name of this sword appeared on his face.


    ¡°Swallow Returns to the Nest. What a good name.¡± An Le said softly.


    The cold plum blossoms fell and returned to the swallow¡¯s nest in spring.


    In the passage of time, he knocked on his past self and original intention and asked them if they had been well.


    At this moment, An Le also had a lot of comprehension. Sword forging was like painting. The sword embryo was paper, and the hammer was like a brush. The sword forging process was like the process of an artist painting his mind. It carried the state of mind and thoughts that the swordsmith and artist wanted to express.


    At this moment, the sword¡¯s name, Swallow Returns to the Nest, lingered in everyone¡¯s ears.


    In the Sword Pool Palace, standing outside the shattered Sword Forging Workshop, the cultivators whose clothes were swept up by the wind formed by the heat wave all knew the name of this newly forged sword.


    Swallow Returns to the Nest.


    He roamed the world for a lifetime, but in the end, it was still the swallow that returned to the nest.


    Zhao Huangting¡¯s plain clothes fluttered in the wind, and his frosty hair danced in the wind. He closed his eyes, and the corners of his lips muttered the name ¡°Swallow Returns to the Nest¡±.


    At this moment, this sword was unprecedentedly compatible with his state.


    He had once traveled the world with his sword.


    He had once slashed the Yuan Emperor with a sword.


    Although the wind and rain had blown away all the romantic feelings,


    when his life came to an end and the Nirvana Fire burned, what he pursued was still like a swallow returning to the nest that had returned to its original state. Zhao Huangting had once wondered what his purpose for going north was.


    Was it really as simple as asking the Yuan Emperor for a quick battle?


    After moving south for 500 years, he had never crossed the Blue Wave River again. Now, he wanted to draw his sword at Emperor Yuan Meng?


    Today, he seemed to understand a little.


    His goal in heading north was to take a look at his old homeland and the old nest that had been trampled by the Yuan Meng Steel Cavalry.


    He was like an old swallow that had crossed the Blue Wave River and moved south for 500 years. He only wanted to return to his old nest at the end of his life.


    Of course he wanted a battle, but most importantly, he wanted to resolve the knot in his heart.


    Zhao Huangting opened his eyes, and an extremely sharp sword intent suddenly burst out from his body. His plain clothes fluttered, as if even the corners of his clothes were stained with sword qi.


    With his body as the center, everything within a hundred feet was cleared.


    There was a sword qi that was in the shape of a cylinder that spread out inch by inch from the ground. It was like a green bamboo that had broken out of the ground and soared into the sky, raising its head to show off!


    The surrounding disciples of the Sword Pool Palace, swordsmiths, and cultivators of Dali were all shocked. They could not help but fly far away from the impact of this abundant sword qi.


    Su Muzhe¡¯s black hair fluttered, and her eyes sparkled as she stared at Zhao Huangting, who seemed to have understood his intent, with a pleasantly surprised expression.


    Lu Ziwei and the other cultivators of Dali actually did not recognize Zhao Huangting. They only felt that this old senior surrounded by death aura was ridiculously powerful at this moment.


    ¡°Who is he?¡± a cultivator from Dali asked in surprise.


    Lu Ziwei¡¯s eyes flickered. Although she was young, she had heard of sword cultivators who had created legends and left their names in the history of cultivation.


    ¡°You actually don¡¯t know this senior?¡±


    A disciple of the Sword Pool Palace asked in surprise.


    ¡°He¡¯s the ¡®Bamboo Guest¡¯ who once traveled the world with his sword. When he saw injustice in West Liang, he drew his sword and killed the ghostly cultivators and evil cultivators of Hell Mansion! ¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a flirtatious swordsman who blocked the Kun Peng Mountain alone and fought the demons. He risked his own life to calm a demon tide!¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s the peerless Sword Immortal who dared to kill Emperor Yuan Meng with a broken bamboo sword in the battle of Great Zhao¡¯s south migration back


    then!¡±


    ¡°His name is Zhao Huangting!¡±


    The young disciple of the Sword Pool Palace, Lu Shisan, said excitedly with a flushed face.


    Lu Shisan had naturally heard of this senior that even the Sword Pool Palace Lord, Su Muzhe, could not forget.


    Perhaps this senior had been silent for 500 years and no longer had the high-spirited reputation of being a playboy back then, but there would still be people in the world who would remember his legend and revere his deeds.


    Lu Ziwei¡¯s beautiful eyes focused. It was actually the Old Imperial Uncle of the Great Zhao Dynasty who had been evaluated by the Imperial Preceptor as having lost his elegance and was like the sunset?!


    But today, this smile had swept up the peerless aura of sword qi soaring into the sky. It was definitely not like the Imperial Preceptor¡¯s evaluation of sunset.


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    At this moment, Zhao Huangting¡¯s gaze became calm, and his emotions gradually calmed down.


    The pain that covered his entire body began to gradually weaken. The Nirvana Fire was even completely compressed in his body. When it erupted, it would burst out with a shocking aura.


    Zhao Huangting was surrounded by sword qi as he sat down.


    Countless sword qi spread throughout his body, nurturing a majestic aura. The aura kept rising, as if it was gradually returning to its former peak, reproducing its former charm and smugness.


    A hint of pride appeared on Su Muzhe¡¯s face, but it was also filled with sadness. She raised her hand and knocked lightly. Countless swords flew out from between her eyebrows..

 Chapter 255 - Chapter 255: Zhao Huangting Observes the Sword and

    Chapter 255: Zhao Huangting Observes the Sword and


    Comprehends the Past, The Peerless Three Swords Invite Green Mountain ¡®s Sharpening (3)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Chi! Chi! Chi! Chi!


    When the sword tip of the Swallow Returns to the Nest sank into the Sword Pool Lake, the cold lake water instantly covered the sword tip. The color of the sword tip of the Swallow Returns to the Nest immediately changed, and a crystal clear red color appeared.


    After leaving the Swallow Returns to the Nest behind the Sword Furnace, the body of the sword was originally black, but at this moment, it was actually scarlet red, as if it was brewed from rubies. It also seemed to be still in the sword furnace, burning by the Earth Immortal Fire.


    Steam instantly billowed over the lake.


    Every wisp of hot air contained a wisp of sharp sword qi! It was filled with a


    sharpness that could cut through everything!


    The water in the entire Sword Pool Lake seemed to boil, heated by the heat of the Swallow Returns to the Nest.


    This sword qi made An Le¡¯s pupils constrict. He seemed to have transformed into a lonely boat under the huge waves in the sea that could be swallowed by the huge waves at any time!


    What kind of sword qi was this!


    This Sword Pool Lake¡­


    It was as if it had transformed into an extremely terrifying sword!


    ¡°The water in the Sword Pool Lake has quenched countless swords. From the ninth-grade to the first-grade extreme, there are all kinds of sword qi. With the Sword Pool Lake¡¯s water quenching the swords, it will naturally trigger the sword qi of every treasure sword that has been tempered in the Sword Pool Lake.¡±


    ¡°For thousands of years, sword quenching has been tempered with the sword qi of the Sword Pool Lake. This is also the reason why every sword produced by the Sword Pool Palace far exceeds the swordsmiths of the other factions in the world.¡±


    ¡°Because the Sword Pool Palace¡¯s swords have been tempered by sword qi of the same level!¡±


    ¡°This is also the reason why the Sword Pool Palace can become the number one sword forging faction in the world!¡± Wang Yansheng said solemnly.


    ¡°Hold your mental power. The process of sword quenching is also the process of testing the swordsmith. Once we collapse first, the sword will naturally collapse.¡±


    ¡°Defend your mental power tightly. I believe that with your fate with the sword, you will definitely be able to hold on and let the Swallow Returns to the Nest sink into the Sword Pool Lake!¡±


    Wang Yansheng had high expectations for An Le.


    Now, he had already taken the last step of forging a first-grade Supreme Sword. There was no turning back.


    An Le took a deep breath and the sword qi in the Sword Furnace clanged. Under his Primordial Spirit, the Heart Sword embryo emitted sword qi to maintain his mental power.


    Boom!!!


    Countless sword qi surged.


    Under the combined efforts of the two of them, the Swallow Returns to the Nest entered the lake another inch!


    Chi chi chi sounds resounded endlessly, and countless swords clanged in the world.


    Water pillars surged up from the Sword Pool Lake, supporting An Le, Wang Yansheng, and the Swallow Returns to the Nest that had pierced into the Sword Pool Lake.


    It was as if a water dragon had been twisted by a sword!


    The water dragon opened its mouth and roared, wanting to devour the burning sword!


    An Le and Wang Yansheng kept handing over their swords. The Qi Blood in their bodies intertwined, and their mental power spread out to maintain this force so that the water dragon would not disperse the two of them.


    However, this was only the beginning. Wang Yansheng still had the strength to take a look at An Le. When he saw that An Le was bearing the impact and was as immovable as a mountain, he immediately revealed an admiring expression.


    He had to admit that An Le was indeed a Sword Dao genius who could ring the


    Sword Bell 36 times. If it were an ordinary fifth-realm cultivator, their Qi Blood would have long frozen in front of this Sword Dao pressure and their Primordial Spirits would have fallen asleep.


    However, An Le was still at ease.


    Wang Yansheng originally wanted to wait until An Le couldn¡¯t take it anymore and help him complete the subsequent tempering.


    From the looks of it, An Le probably wanted to last until he finished tempering the sword.


    That was naturally excellent!


    With this thought in mind, Wang Yansheng did not stop moving his hands. He exerted strength again and pushed the Swallow Returns to the Nest into the water dragon¡¯s mouth by another inch!


    Dong dong dong!


    Thin streams continuously exploded on the surface of the entire Sword Pool Lake, like swords that were about to fly into the sky!


    The world seemed to fall silent at this moment.


    The water on the lake rippled, as if a sword had jumped out.


    It was as if the lightning in the sky was a hammer, and the surface of the lake was a drum. It struck down fiercely, emitting a continuous muffled sound!


    Inch by inch, the sword sank a foot into the lake.


    Countless lake water turned into sword beams that struck the sword body that entered the lake. A clanging sound resounded, causing the toughness of the Swallow Returns to the Nest to gradually become thin and sharp!


    The sword quenching was also the process of sharpening!


    An Le¡¯s pupils constricted. At this moment, he clearly felt the sharpening principle of the Sword Pool Lake against swords!


    He used countless sword qi to polish the sword body.


    The sword qi sharpened the sword, making it the sharpest in the world!


    Wang Yansheng smiled. ¡°The principle is very simple, but this process is not easy. Moreover, if you really want to sharpen Green Mountain, the ordinary sword qi in the pool is definitely not enough. Take a look!¡±


    As soon as Wang Yansheng finished speaking, the Qi Blood in his body surged again!


    The silver hair of the sword surged into the sky. At this moment, his thin body bulged like an ancient demon god!


    The strength of the sword in his hand increased again!


    He handed the sword another foot!


    Boom!!!


    Countless sword lights instantly soared into the sky from the Sword Pool Lake. Countless swords condensed from water pointed up at the Swallow Returns to the Nest.


    At the bottom of the lake, terrifying sword qi grew bit by bit!


    The world seemed to have darkened at this moment.


    In the sky, the sunset clouds covered it.


    It was as if seven stars had lit up at this moment!


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    Buzz¡ª


    An Le¡¯s pupils constricted. At this moment, he felt a dragon-like sword roar explode in his ears!


    He felt the sword body of the Swallow Returns to the Nest tremble slightly. It was trembling with excitement, fear, and excitement! It was like two tigers meeting in the mountains.


    King against king!


    By the lakeside of the Sword Pool, everyone¡¯s swords were trembling. It was a trembling of submission, as if they had encountered the pressure emitted by an extremely high-grade sword..

 Chapter 256 - Chapter 256: Zhao Huangting Observes the Sword and

    Chapter 256: Zhao Huangting Observes the Sword and


    Comprehends the Past, The Peerless Three Swords Invite Green Mountain ¡®s Sharpening (4)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Facing the king of the mountains, all beasts prostrated!


    The lake water parted to the sides, as if it had been slashed by sword qi, flowing into the waterfall.


    It was as if a sword light that had been sealed for countless years had rushed into the clouds.


    Seven stars lit up in the sky.


    There was a Dragon King coming out of the pool!


    The first-grade Supreme Sword that had been sleeping for a long time, the Seven Stars Dragon Abyss!


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    The lake water kept exploding, and the entire lake could no longer calm down. Countless sword qi intertwined, forming a sword qi storm!


    The Swallow Returns to the Nest was trembling, and so was the Ink Pool Sword at An Le¡¯s waist. Even Green Mountain was trembling.


    However, the trembling of the three was different.


    Swallow Returns to the Nest was unconvinced, Ink Pool Sword was respectful, and Green Mountain¡­ was disdainful.


    Wang Yansheng¡¯s beard and hair fluttered as he stared at the Seven Stars Dragon Abyss that slowly floated up from the bottom of the Sword Pool. His face was red and filled with excitement and excitement!


    The ancient first-grade Supreme Sword met the newly forged first-grade Supreme Sword!


    The collision between the old king and the new king!


    If the Swallow Returns to the Nest wanted to advance to the first-grade


    Supreme Sword, it needed to borrow the sword qi of the Seven Stars Dragon Abyss to sharpen it. Only then could the Swallow Returns to the Nest truly be considered a first-grade Supreme Sword!


    If the Swallow Returns to the Nest was shattered by the sword qi, it meant that he had failed to break through to the first-grade Supreme Sword.


    ¡°Continue!!


    Wang Yansheng roared!


    At this moment, purple lightning fell from the cloud dome and exploded in all directions on the lake, causing tempestuous waves to rise on the lake!


    The sizzling lightning arcs darted and lingered around the Seven Stars Dragon Abyss like an immortal sword in the sky!


    Wang Yansheng¡¯s arms bulged, and his veins turned over like an earth dragon. He suddenly slapped his sword down.


    The sword sank one foot and five inches deeper into the lake!


    At this point, the Swallow Returns to the Nest had a total of three feet and five inches submerged in the lake. With only one inch left, it was difficult to enter the lake!


    Countless sword qi collided with the sword body of the Swallow Returns to the Nest with clangs. Wang Yansheng¡¯s forehead was covered in fine sweat.


    An Le also held his sword. He could sense that the remaining inch was like a natural chasm, blocking the fall of the Swallow Returns to the Nest.


    The sword seemed to be about to let out a sorrowful cry!


    There were swallows circling and spreading their wings on the lake, crying!


    An Le panted heavily, and there was only the surging sword qi in his eyes!


    He looked at the inch-long sword body that had been unable to enter.


    The Green Mountain at An Le¡¯s waist suddenly rose into the air and split open the pressure formed by the sword qi. He subconsciously raised his hand and grabbed the Green Mountain.


    It was as if a towering Green Mountain had appeared in front of him!


    Green Mountain rumbled.


    An Le understood tacitly. He grabbed Green Mountain and ruthlessly pulled back the hilt of Green Mountain. The hilt smashed into the hilt!


    Collapsing Sword!


    THUD!


    The inch-long sword body that had been unable to advance for a long time immediately sank into the lake!


    The Sword Bell rang 36 times, and the Swallow Returns to the Nest sank by three feet and six inches!


    The Swallow Returns to the Nest completely left Wang Yansheng and An Let s hands.


    After entering the lake, the sword body shone coldly and sword qi surged!


    The sword qi in the Sword Pool Lake was split into two. Half was the Seven


    Stars Dragon Abyss, and the other half was the Swallow Returns to the Nest!


    At this point, this newly forged first-grade Supreme Sword had truly become a sword!


    In the current world.


    A new first-grade Supreme Sword was born!


    Rumble!


    In the sky, there seemed to be multicolored light surging. A hole was cut open in the dusky black clouds. Boundless light shone on the Swallow Returns to the Nest, as if the heavens were celebrating the birth of a peerless sword!


    In midair, the water dragon that swept up from the Sword Pool Lake disappeared.


    Wang Yansheng was full of satisfaction. He grinned and smiled.


    However, he did not stay long. He took a deep look at An Le and took a step forward. In an instant, he appeared by the lake with sparkling eyes.


    The rest of the time belonged to An Le.


    On the Sword Pool Lake.


    An Le was bare-chested as he held the Bamboo Sword Green Mountain. Strands of sword qi wrapped around his arm as he stared fixedly at the Sword Pool Lake.


    At the bottom of the lake.


    An old figure chuckled and took off the sword at his waist. He flicked his finger and knocked.


    The sword whistled as it flashed.


    In an instant, another portion of the Sword Pool Lake was taken.


    The Inherited Shadow Sword of the Sword Sage rose!


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    The Sword Pool Lake was divided into three parts. The tips of the three swords were pointed upwards, and sword qi soared, shining coldly in the world!


    An Le held Green Mountain, his eyes shining. His hand that was holding Green Mountain seemed to be trembling slightly.


    Inherited Shadow, Dragon Abyss, Swallow Returns to the Nest!


    Three first-grade Supreme Swords!


    They invited Green Mountain¡¯s sharpening!

 Chapter 257 - Chapter 257: May the Young Man Wield the Sword Like a

    Chapter 257: May the Young Man Wield the Sword Like a


    Spark, Zhao Huangting Takes Revenge and Erases the Prince¡¯s Mansion With His Sword (1)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Three peerless first-grade Supreme Swords hung above the Sword Pool Lake. Waves rose on the lake, as if a hurricane was whistling past, causing waves!


    Boundless sword qi, terrifying sword intent, and incomparably powerful Sword Dao pressure spread out from the three swords, forming a huge net.


    Like three dragons with their heads sticking out of the lake, they stared at the broken bamboo sword in An Le¡¯s hand in the middle of the lake.


    This scene was rather strange. At least in the eyes of the people by the lake, it was somewhat incomprehensible.


    After all, most people in the world did not know the name of the Bamboo Sword Green Mountain. Even the disciples of the Sword Pool Palace had never heard of this sword.


    Only some sword forging masters of the older generation would know how strange this tattered bamboo sword was.


    At this moment, when the bamboo sword wanted to be sharpened, it actually attracted three first-grade Supreme Swords in the world to release sword qi and sharpen their blades!


    What kind of weapon in the world could withstand the sword qi of three first-grade Supreme Swords?


    To a sword, the first-grade Supreme was already the limit. They had never heard of any treasure-level sword. Even the Sword Pool Palace, which had been passed down for a long time, had only forged a first-grade Supreme Sword in the past few thousand years.


    A first-grade Supreme Sword was already a rare existence in the entire human world!


    An Le floated above the Sword Pool Lake.


    Three sword qi soared into the sky like three Heavenly Dragons, like three tornadoes that swept up water on the Sword Pool Lake.


    An Le held Green Mountain and felt immense pressure. He did not even have the strength to move.


    Under this pressure, the body of a fifth-stage Body Tempering cultivator was as fragile as a stone condensed from sand. It might shatter and fall to the ground with a touch.


    An Le was incomparably calm at this moment. His thoughts were focused, just like when he first stepped onto the path of cultivation and entered meditation.


    The sword qi in the world, the surging lake water, and the sword cry that froze his blood all clearly sounded in his ears.


    He looked at the broken bamboo sword in his hand. This sword could be considered the first sword he had.


    Green Mountain was raised high like a proud bamboo. Even when facing the three first-grade peerless swords in the world, it was still proud and disdainful.


    Zhao Huangting brought An Le to Jinguan City and the main purpose of coming to the Sword Pool Palace was to sharpen Green Mountain.


    This was one of Zhao Huangting¡¯s wishes.


    This Old Imperial Uncle, who had once been a playboy in the world, had stepped into the Sword Pool Palace four times but could not sharpen the bamboo sword.


    As time passed, he reached the end.


    The old man passed the sword to the youth. The youth finally held the sword and stood in the sky above the Sword Pool Lake, waiting for the sharpening.


    This might be the last time the old man saw Green Mountain¡¯s sharpening.


    If he failed to sharpen again this time, the old man would never have the chance to look at this broken bamboo sword that had accompanied him for his entire life and reveal a sharpness that could shock the world!


    An Le exhaled, and the surroundings were so quiet that only his exhalation could be heard.


    For the sharpening of Green Mountain¡­


    In that case, he would give it a try.


    An Le looked at the three first-grade Supreme Swords, and a hint of determination gradually appeared in his eyes.


    He slowly rotated the Green Mountain and pointed the tip of the sword down. Although every inch of his flesh and blood was under pressure, as the scriptures of the Green Mountain Ancient Scripture crawled all over his body,


    That oppressive feeling gradually disappeared like a breeze.


    Under everyone¡¯s gazes.


    Everyone by the Sword Pool Lake could see the handsome young man with a bare upper body. His hair fluttered and golden scriptures intertwined all over his body. He was like a furious Vajra of the Buddhist Sect. He held a bamboo sword and floated on the lake like a god.


    The water in the lake that was intertwined with sword qi immediately rose, supporting the young man leaning on the sword.


    An Le, who was covered in ancient scriptures, held the bamboo sword and suddenly stomped down.


    It was as if an invisible sword qi had exploded.


    Another stomp!


    He lowered his body and the lake water that supported his body was pressed to the surface of the lake.


    Finally, the third stomp!


    His figure and the bamboo sword shot straight to the bottom of the Sword Pool like a cannonball. With a bang, it caused a circle of white waves to explode in the lake!


    The three floating first-grade Supreme Swords, Inherited Shadow, Dragon Abyss, and Swallow Returns to the Nest, let out brilliant sword cries and all fell into the lake, pulling up three falling white waves, instantly causing a violent explosion!


    By the lake, many people could not help but let out an uproar. They subconsciously took a step forward, wanting to observe the situation in the lake. However, just as they took a step, they felt a sharp sword qi sweep over.


    It made their faces turn red and they could not help but retreat.


    Due to his excitement, Lu Shisan took a few more steps and his face turned red from the impact of the sword qi. He could not help but cough up a mouthful of blood.


    Three first-grade Supreme sword qi was not something Lu Shisan, who did not have the protection of Green Mountain, could withstand.


    After the third bloodbath in front of the Sword Bell, Lu Shisan coughed up blood again. However, he was not worried at all. Instead, he was extremely shocked.


    ¡°This sword qi¡­ Can Brother An really withstand it? Will he be strangled to death?¡± Lu Shisan exclaimed in shock.


    Lu Ziwei, who was ranked first on Dali¡¯s Star Rankings, also took a step forward. She slowly raised her slender and fair palm and extended it towards the aftershock of the sword qi interweaving on the lake.


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    Qi Blood surged and intertwined as her mental power filled the air like starlight!


    However, she was still cut by the sword qi. A sword mark immediately appeared on her snow-white jade-like palm, and blood gushed out.


    She immediately retracted her hand, and shock appeared in her calm eyes like Lu Shisan.


    ¡°For the next period of time, don¡¯t even think about approaching the Sword Pool Lake.¡±


    Wang Yansheng, who had forged the first-grade Supreme Sword, Swallow Returns to the Nest, was now smug. When he saw Lu Ziwei¡¯s actions, he smiled faintly and said..

 Chapter 258 - Chapter 258: May the Young Man Wield the Sword Like a

    Chapter 258: May the Young Man Wield the Sword Like a


    Spark, Zhao Huangting Takes Revenge and Erases the Prince¡¯s Mansion With His Sword (2)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    ¡°You guys don¡¯t have the special fate between An Le and the sword.¡±


    ¡°I wonder how many days Green Mountain¡¯s sharpening will last. Regardless of success or failure, An Le will be safe under the protection of the old Sword Sage at the bottom of the Sword Pool.¡±


    ¡°When the dust settles, he¡¯ll walk out.¡±


    ¡°On the Sword Pool Lake, the sword qi and sword intent left behind by the first-grade Supreme Swords are surging. It¡¯s the best time to comprehend it. Don¡¯t miss this opportunity.¡±


    ¡°If you can comprehend the sword intent from it and use it to nurture your sword artifact, it will be very beneficial to your sword artifacts.¡±


    Wang Yansheng chuckled. The usually hot-tempered number one swordsmith in the world seemed to have become a good-tempered old man.


    When Lu Shisan and the other disciples of the Sword Pool Palace heard this, excitement immediately appeared on their faces. Without any doubt or hesitation, they sat cross-legged around the Sword Pool Lake with their swords on their legs and closed their eyes to cultivate.


    Either their mental power or their Primordial Spirit darted out of their bodies to capture and sense the three sword qi intertwined above the Sword Pool Lake.


    The geniuses on Dali¡¯s Star Rankings looked at each other. Those who could be sent to the Sword Pool Palace to ring the Sword Bell were all Sword Dao cultivators in Dali.


    The sword Qi on the Sword Pool Lake was naturally beneficial to them.


    Even Lu Ziwei was a little hesitant. After all, these three first-grade Supreme sword qi were the benefits of the Sword Pool Palace. They could ring the Sword Bell because the Sword Pool Palace did not restrict the identity of the bell ringer. Even the ghostly cultivators and evil cultivators of the Hell Mansion could ring the bell as long as they had the guts.


    However, the sword qi on the Sword Pool Lake was a special opportunity, so they naturally did not dare to casually comprehend it.


    As the Palace Master of the Sword Pool Palace, Su Muzhe also understood this.


    He looked at Wang Yansheng, who had just forged the Swallow Returns to the Nest. Wang Yansheng¡¯s current status in the Sword Pool Palace was definitely like the sun in the sky.


    After all, as the first legendary swordsmith to forge a first-grade Supreme Sword in thousands of years, he deserved respect and celebration.


    Su Muzhe¡¯s status as the Palace Master was definitely inferior to Wang Yansheng¡¯s.


    ¡°All of you can comprehend it together. The Sword Pool Palace¡¯s forging of the


    Swallow Returns to the Nest is a matter of congratulations. As people who have observed the Swallow Returns to the Nest¡¯s creation, this can be considered your fate.¡±


    Wang Yansheng waved his hand with a smile and didn¡¯t care about this.


    When Lu Ziwei heard that, she was the first to sit cross-legged. Her Primordial Spirit leaped out and starlight filled her body as she began to comprehend the sword qi on the lake.


    The other cultivators of Dali followed, unwilling to give up this rare opportunity.


    As for the youth who fell into the Sword Pool Lake, everyone could only secretly pay attention and wait.


    Of course, they also wanted to see if the young man could really sharpen the bamboo sword that was filled the surging sword qi of the three first-grade Supreme Swords.


    Wang Yansheng smiled and looked expectantly at the Sword Pool Lake that was enveloped by thick sword qi.


    He did not know if An Le could sharpen Green Mountain. Wang Yansheng had also studied Green Mountain, but as the number one swordsmith in the world, he could not understand the mystery of this sword.


    This sword¡­ was too strange and mysterious.


    However, Wang Yansheng knew that if An Le could not sharpen Green Mountain this time¡­


    Even after having the three first-grade Supreme Swords, Inherited Shadow, Dragon Sparrow, and Swallow Returns to the Nest release sword qi to sharpen it, it would probably be difficult to gather such help again.


    The Seven Stars Dragon Abyss appeared because of the birth of the Swallow Returns to the Nest. Unless someone forged a first-grade Supreme Sword next time, it would be difficult for this sword that suppressed the Sword Pool Palace to show its true appearance again.


    As for the Inherited Shadow Sword, it was the old Sword Sage¡¯s sword. It was extremely difficult to obtain the old Sword Sage¡¯s recognition and receive his help.


    Therefore, such a situation could only be chanced upon by luck.


    If this attempt still failed..


    Wang Yansheng had nothing to say.


    Su Muzhe, Wang Yansheng, and the excited Wan Jieliu left the lakeside of the Sword Pool. The other swordsmiths and the juniors of the Sword Pool Palace felt the sword qi on the lake hungrily.


    The newly born first-grade Supreme Sword sword qi of Swallow Returns to the Nest was enough to make these swordsmiths go crazy. If they could comprehend some sword forging insights from it, it would naturally increase the Sword Forging Technique greatly.


    Wang Yansheng and Su Muzhe were overjoyed. If a swordsmith who could forge a first-grade sword was born among these people, the status of the Sword Pool Palace in the martial world would even move forward


    Wang Yansheng and the other two left the lake and returned to the messy Sword Forging Workshop.


    Zhao Huangting sat cross-legged on the ground. The sword qi was still intertwined around him. Because the pain brought by the Nirvana Fire had long disappeared from his face, his pale face had returned to normal.


    Gradually, the sword qi around Zhao Huangting dissipated.


    He slowly opened his eyes. His eyes were clear, and even the sense of old age brought about by his lifespan had disappeared.


    Su Muzhe was in a daze when she suddenly saw the heroic genius who had once stepped into the Sword Pool Palace in high spirits.


    Zhao Huangting opened his eyes and saw Su Muzhe, Wang Yansheng, and Wan Jieliu. He was surprised for a moment before turning to look in the direction of the Sword Pool Lake with a strange glint in his eyes.


    ¡°The sword quenching and sharpening were also successful?¡± Zhao Huangting asked.


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    Wang Yansheng nodded proudly. ¡°Success. There¡¯s another first-grade Supreme Sword in the world, the Swallow Returns to the Nest!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my proudest work!¡±


    Zhao Huangting smiled. ¡°My Young Friend An deserves half of the credit! If not for Young Friend An, how would you have forged the Swallow Returns to the


    Nest?¡±


    Wang Yansheng didn¡¯t look embarrassed at all. Instead, he said seriously, ¡°Indeed, without An Le, I can only hold regret in my life. The Swallow Returns to the Nest¡­ I can¡¯t forge it alone. The fate between him and the sword is really unimaginable..¡±

 Chapter 259 - Chapter 259: May the Young Man Wield the Sword Like a

    Chapter 259: May the Young Man Wield the Sword Like a


    Spark, Zhao Huangting Takes Revenge and Erases the Prince¡¯s Mansion With His Sword (3)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    ¡°I admit that I believe you when you said that this child will become the hope of the Sword Pool Palace.¡±


    Wang Yansheng said solemnly, ¡°I suddenly understand why the old Sword Sage gave An Le such a promise. An Le¡­ he deserves it.¡±


    ¡°Do you know Li You¡¯an¡¯s attitude? He thinks very highly of An Le¡­ sees him as a spark.¡±


    Zhao Huangting said, ¡°Li You¡¯an, Ye Longsheng, and Zhong Shiji want to participate in the North Expedition, but the Emperor of Great Zhao in the Heavenly Profound Palace is unwilling.¡±


    ¡°You also know that the Celestial Master Residence nurtures the Purple Qi Golden Lotus with the country¡¯s fate. Although the dynasty¡¯s fate is illusory, it really exists. If the three of them want to go to the North Expedition without the support of the country¡¯s fate, they will definitely be defeated once they cross the Blue Wave River.¡±


    ¡°However, I also understood today that in a person¡¯s life, it¡¯s just like the swallow returning to the nest. Only when a person returns to his hometown can his wish be completed. After losing the Central Plains dragon vein, although Great Zhao created a dream-like prosperity after the south migration, it will still fall apart in the end.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, I was originally indifferent to Li You¡¯an, but from today onwards, I support him.¡±


    ¡°Although I¡¯m from the Great Zhao royal family, I support Li You¡¯an.¡±


    ¡°This hope is not for Great Zhao, but for the entire world.¡±


    ¡°May the young man hold the sword like a spark. I hope that he can bring about the prairie fire to exchange for clarity and peace in the world.¡±


    ¡°Only wine can extinguish the injustice in my chest, but the injustice in the world can be cut down with a sword.¡± Zhao Huangting said.


    As soon as he finished speaking, it was as if a bolt of lightning had struck.


    Wang Yansheng, Su Muzhe, and Wan Jieliu were all extremely shocked. Their hearts were in turmoil and their emotions fluctuated.


    ¡°Forget it, it¡¯s still too early to say this. I wonder if An Le can sharpen Green Mountain¡­ I have a feeling that if he really sharpens Green Mountain, he will definitely come into contact with the true secrets of Green Mountain.¡±


    A smile returned to Zhao Huangting¡¯s face.


    ¡°I¡¯ve held the Green Mountain Sword for 500 years, but I¡¯ve never been sharpen it. What I¡¯ve come into contact with¡­ is only superficial.¡±


    Zhao Huangting stood up and stretched. An invisible sword qi surged from his body.


    The sword qi waves blew up the dust on the ground.


    The Earth Immortal Fire under the remains of the sword furnace was immediately blown a little stronger. Then, it was sealed back by Wan Jieliu¡¯s sword qi.


    ¡°Husband, what¡¯s your state now?¡±


    Su Muzhe suppressed the shock from Zhao Huangting¡¯s words and asked nervously, concerned about his condition.


    Wang Yansheng and Wan Jieliu stopped thinking about this problem. It was indeed too early to think about this matter.


    ¡°My condition¡­ is very good!¡±


    ¡°MV mind is clear and mv heart is firm. Although it¡¯s still difficult to touch the tenth realm, with the Heart Sword, the Nirvana Fire no longer affects my cultivation level. I can recover and use my original strength.¡±


    Zhao Huangting said with a smile. He twisted his waist and stretched his muscles. He looked at Wang Yansheng and said, ¡°The number one swordsmith in the world, lend me your sword.¡±


    Wang Yansheng narrowed his eyes. ¡°Will you return it?¡±


    Zhao Huangting grinned. ¡°Is the reputation of the Bamboo Guest not enough?¡± Wang Yansheng sneered. ¡°You have the reputation of a nobody.¡±


    He sighed and changed the topic. ¡°What do you want to borrow a sword for? To slash Emperor Yuan Meng? If you borrow that sword, you definitely won¡¯t be able to return. Forget it, forget it. I¡¯ll lend it to you. Use my sword to slash Emperor Yuan Meng. It can also be considered as making a name for me, the number one swordsmith in the world.¡±


    After Wang Yansheng finished speaking, he closed his sword fingers and hooked at the remains of the Sword Forging Workshop.


    In an instant, a sword light swept up from the dust like a dragon and whistled over.


    ¡°This sword is called Shooting Bull. It¡¯s taken from the meaning of the sword light shooting into the sky. It¡¯s a first-grade sword. It¡¯s enough for you to play with. ¡±


    Wang Yansheng said.


    Zhao Huangting¡¯s eyes lit up. He suddenly stretched out his palm under his plain clothes and grabbed the sword.


    The sword was silver-white in color, and the spine of the sword was straight. The frost intent intertwined endlessly, and the sword prominence formed a circle. On one side, the word ¡°Shooting¡± was engraved, and on the other side, the word ¡°Bull¡± was engraved.


    Just by holding the sword, sword light could not help but burst out, as if it wanted to rush into the blue sky!


    ¡°Good sword!¡±


    Zhao Huangting¡¯s eyes lit up as he praised.


    Su Muzhe and Wan Jieliu were extremely surprised. They knew very well how precious and rare Wang Yansheng was to this Shooting Bull.


    But today, it was actually given to Zhao Huangting.


    On one hand, it was because Wang Yansheng had forged the Swallow Returns to the Nest that his morale had changed. On the other hand, he planned to fulfill Zhao Huangting¡¯s wish.


    Wang Yansheng naturally knew that Zhao Huangting wanted to go north to seek benefits under the Nirvana Fire.


    Facing the number one Emperor Yuan Meng in the world, he naturally had to have a good sword to deal with him. If it wasn¡¯t a first-grade sword, it would be an insult to the number one in the world.


    ¡°Thanks, Wang.¡±


    Zhao Huangting couldn¡¯t bear to part with it, and the corners of his lips curled up.


    The next moment, he narrowed his eyes.


    His aura rose steadily, and an extremely sharp sword intent surged from his body. The Shooting Bull in his hand immediately emitted a sword hum that exploded in the surroundings.


    ¡°I still remember that in the Jiangling Residence, the little Daoist from the Celestial Master Residence shot a peachwood sword at me. At that time, I was undergoing Nirvana and could only let him be arrogant!¡± ¡°Now¡­ I have to let him know his place!¡±


    It was never too late for a gentleman to take revenge.


    Zhao Huangting naturally took revenge instantly.


    As soon as this was said..


    The sword light under Zhao Huangting surged and dragged his figure up. He was like a roc with its wings spread. After rising to the highest sky, he swooped down outside the Sword Pool Palace!


    Boundless sword qi and sword intent filled the entire Jinguan City!


    In Jinguan City.


    In the luxurious courtyard and garden of the Jiangling Prince. In the pavilion, it was silent. The plum rain fell on the black tiles.


    ¡°Did it work?¡±


    Second Prince Zhao Pei¡¯s cultivation level was only at the fifth realm, so he couldn¡¯t feel it clearly. He could only look at Jiangling Prince and Celestial Master Residence¡¯s Venerable Li.


    Venerable Li took a deep breath, his eyes filled with incomparable shock.


    ¡°Success¡­ Success! There¡¯s now another first-grade Supreme Sword in the world!¡±


    ¡°This Wang Yansheng from the Sword Pool Palace¡­ will have a higher status! He is the pinnacle of swordsmiths in the world!¡±


    Li Qingchuan exclaimed.


    ¡°He¡¯s too famous¡­ It¡¯s definitely not a good thing for the Sword Pool Palace.¡± The Jiangling Prince said calmly.


    He narrowed his eyes and drank the warm scarlet wine that had been washed away by the plum rain. As his throat rolled, his heart was also shocked and hot.


    ¡°The Sword Pool Palace¡­ As expected of the number one forging place in the world. If I can obtain the Sword Pool Palace, it¡¯s equivalent to having a weapon vault that can provide high-quality weapons!¡±


    The Jiangling Prince licked the wine on his lips and muttered.


    However, with the old Sword Sage presiding over the Sword Pool Palace, the various countries did not dare to move. Even the Yuan Meng Empire only had such thoughts but did not take action.


    Letting out a shaky breath, the Jiangling Prince suppressed the fire in his heart.


    The water of the Sword Pool Lake was indeed a holy land for forging weapons. Taking down the Sword Pool Lake had an extraordinary strategic significance.


    ¡°What a pity. That first-grade Supreme sword is in the Sword Pool Palace¡­ The Sword Pool Palace will definitely not hand it over easily. If such a peerless sword can enter my hands, my might will definitely be even stronger. What can


    Zhao Shenyan use to compete with me?!¡±


    Second Prince Zhao Pei finished the wine in one gulp, his eyes filled with fanaticism.


    Suddenly.


    His fanaticism suddenly froze as he looked in the direction of the Sword Pool


    Palace.


    An extremely dazzling sword light, the sun, floated in the air and was extremely dazzling!


    Deafening laughter suddenly resounded throughout Jinguan City.


    In the scorching sun of the sword light, there was an old man in plain clothes standing with a sword in his hand, looking down at the world.


    ¡°Young Daoist of the Celestial Master Residence, aren¡¯t you very impressive in the Jiangling Prince¡¯s Mansion?¡±


    ¡°Have a taste of this old man¡¯s sword!¡±


    ¡°A dream passes in heaven and earth. Spring comes and autumn goes. What¡¯s there to worry about?!¡±


    ¡°Lyrical Three Swords, first move, Bamboo Branch!¡±


    In the pavilion, the Jiangling Prince¡¯s pupils suddenly constricted.


    Without hesitation, he reached out and grabbed Second Prince Zhao Pei. A wisp of Qi Blood surged out of his body, and the air seemed to distort. He teleported out of the residence and swept 50 kilometers away.


    At the same time.


    In the mansion.


    The Daoist of the Celestial Master Residence, Li Qingchuan, was furious.


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    Between his Daoist robe¡¯s sleeves, yellow talismans flew out one after another!


    Boom!!!


    The bamboo shadows swayed, and sword qi swept out!


    Sword qi grew on the ground, and the entire luxurious mansion that occupied an extremely vast area was instantly covered by a sword qi bamboo forest¡­


    It was actually erased from Jinguan City!