Martial Cultivator

The Great Liang Dynasty had not held many court sessions this year. Although governmental affairs were being handled in an orderly manner, the officials were already dissatisfied. Previously, there had been an uproar at the palace gates, but it quickly died down after the princess passed away. Just when everyone thought that His Majesty would not hold another court session for the rest of the year, the officials received news that there would be a court session on the day of the Cold Dew, the 17th Solar Term. Although this session would not be as grand as a grand court session, according to the decree from the palace, His Majesty would announce a piece of news to the public.

Even though many people were already aware of the news, knowing it still left everyone feeling somewhat complicated.

Therefore, it was hard to predict what the atmosphere would be like in the court on the day of the Cold Dew.

Many were eagerly awaiting the court session on that day.

As for Xie Nandu, who was already at the center of the vortex, she continued to read books and practice her swordsmanship as usual, seemingly unaffected by the world's troubles.

During this period, Chen Chao had not been idle. Besides tempering his body, he was also contemplating the saber technique he had comprehended on Sword Qi Mountain. Additionally, he was studying that piece of paper. Last time, he had discerned the word "I" on it. Recently, he had been painstakingly trying to see a second word. However, for some reason, his progress had been slow, and to this day, he still failed to see what the second word was.

Nevertheless, Chen Chao was not too disappointed. The more mysterious the content on that piece of paper was, the more it suggested that an unknown world was waiting for him to explore not far away. This sense of curiosity provided Chen Chao with additional drive to move forward.

Moreover, the white mist within his body was becoming increasingly robust. Although he still did not know the origin of the white mist, he gradually understood that it was beneficial to him. In his spare time, he had even taken an interest in the cultivation notes of the master of Clearwater Mountain Lord. Although Chen Chao would not be as radical with regards to martial artists using magic spells, he was very intrigued too.

Lastly, Chen Chao spent a significant amount of time on his saber, Cloud Mud. After the broken saber was reforged, as the old man from Sword Qi Mountain had said, all traces of the previous owner had been erased. This saber was now entirely his. However, Chen Chao felt that something was not quite right. Several times, when he held the saber, he felt an inexplicable sensation.

Although Chen Chao was also curious about the previous owner of the saber, despite his deliberate and unintentional probing, he had not found any answers.

He had even linked the previous owner of the saber to the girl in the white mist and that piece of paper. They all seemed to be mysterious figures above that of Nepenthe Realm; all belonging to that of another world.

Shaking his head to clear his mind of these thoughts, with his saber at his side, Chen Chao headed to the academy. Entering the small courtyard, he found Xie Nandu still reading under the eaves. But as soon as Chen Chao stepped into the courtyard, he felt a sharp sword qi aimed straight at his glabella.

Chen Chao tilted his head, trying to dodge the sword qi without drawing his saber. However, several more sword lights suddenly arose.

They come one after another, all exceedingly fierce.

Xie Nandu, who had been sitting under the eaves, stood up and quietly watched the scene in the courtyard.

Chen Chao dodged a few flying swords and then smashed a punch onto one of them, knocking it away. He did the same to the other flying swords, finally managing to fend them off. He then asked curiously, "You broke through again?!"

From the earlier flying sword attacks, Chen Chao could clearly feel that the girl's cultivation realm had significantly improved compared to before.

Sometimes, even he had to admit that the girl before him was indeed born to wield a sword. It seemed like in her eyes, cultivation seemed as simple as eating and drinking.

"Not yet, there's still one more step."

Xie Nandu took back her flying swords and sat back down.

"But it's very close. The Bitter Sea Realm is within reach."

Chen Chao walked under the eaves, looking at Xie Nandu. "It feels like you're catching up faster even though you started later. Soon you'll step into the Bitter Sea Realm, and then Great Beyond. Will you reach the Nepenthe Realm before me?"

Xie Nandu did not answer this question; hypothetical scenarios in cultivation were meaningless.

Chen Chao glanced at her, hesitated for a moment, and said, "On the day of Cold Dew, there will be a court session. The Warden faction will also attend."

Xie Nandu nodded, speaking softly, "It's expected."

Chen Chao looked at her, about to say something, but Xie Nandu continued, "No need to persuade me. I will go too."

Chen Chao frowned, "Do you know how dangerous it will be? Your current cultivation realm isn't very suitable."

"You know what my aspirations are. For now, I'll just treat it as going to take a look. We'll deal with whatever comes next later."

Xie Nandu did not seem to care much and just shook her head slightly, "Don't think about stopping me."

Chen Chao's voice held a trace of anger, "You could very well die in that damn place!"

Xie Nandu shook her head and smiled, "I don't think it will be that easy."

Chen Chao said grimly, "I've dealt with demons for a long time. I know these things very well. They eat people and are very formidable."

"I heard that demons who have taken human form aren't as interested in flesh and blood. But even if they do eat people, what about it? I have my flying swords."

Xie Nandu looked at Chen Chao, her eyes filled with determination. She was the type of person who, once she made a decision, could not be dissuaded by anyone, not even by Chen Chao.

Chen Chao's expression darkened, "I will go. You don't need to."

"You're very naggy, and I don't like it." Xie Nandu said softly: "I won't die there right then."

Chen Chao wanted to say more.

But Xie Nandu shook her head, extended her hand, and said gently, "Growing up requires blood. Without seeing blood, only reading books, one won't grow up. It seems you don't quite understand this principle."

Chen Chao said coldly, "Your Father understands perfectly well!"

Xie Nandu glanced at him but said nothing.

Chen Chao quickly felt deflated and sat down heavily, wanting to speak but swallowing the words back.

There were things he wanted to say desperately, but for some reason, he could not get the words out in front of the girl he liked.

Fortunately, it was Xie Nandu sitting opposite, she naturally understood. So she just smiled and said, "Go roast two sweet potatoes."

……

……

Infatuation Daoist Temple, Yun Jianyue was bidding farewell to Zhu Xia at the temple gate.

Zhu Xia glanced at the Scripture Library inside, looking somewhat downcast.

Yun Jianyue noticed her disappointment and smiled, saying, "It's not our Infatuation Daoist Temple that's sending you away, it's your Palace Lord who asked you to return for some business."

Zhu Xia stared at Yun Jianyue and asked, "Do you know what it is?"

Yun Jianyue nodded, but then said, "But I can't tell you. If I did, I'd get a beating."

"You're lying. How old are you that someone would still beat you?"

Zhu Xia looked disdainfully at Yun Jianyue, tilting her head. It was adorable to the max.

Yun Jianyue sighed. It was just a casual remark, obvious to anyone, yet this silly girl took it seriously.

"Well, since you've been here for so long, have you finished reading that scripture?" Yun Jianyue tried to comfort the girl in front of her in another way.

Zhu Xia nodded, but still said regretfully, "But I wanted to hear those stories."

"Stories?"

Yun Jianyue was a bit puzzled.

Zhu Xia hesitated, but finally shook her head and said, "Hmph, I'm not telling you."

Yun Jianyue smiled silently, feeling more helpless than anything.

By now, it seemed he still was not quite sure how to deal with this girl in front of him. She was just too naive.

"Well then, I'm leaving, don't miss me."

Zhu Xia waved her hand, looking pleased with herself.

There are benefits to having such a pure-hearted girl, one being that bad moods come and go quickly.

"Don't worry, I'll miss you a lot."

Yun Jianyue said with a smile. The three young nuns bowed to Yun Jianyue and then turned to leave.

After Zhu Xia left, Yun Jianyue belatedly glanced towards a certain direction, noticing a young daoist who had been watching for a long time.

"Senior Brother Yun, hi! Have you seen how round the moon is tonight?" The young daoist felt goosebumps under Yun Jianyue's scrutiny.

Yun Jianyue remained expressionless. "Just one word - if Senior Sister finds out, I'll bury you alive."

The young daoist chuckled nervously, quickly waving his hands. "Impossible, impossible. I always keep my mouth shut, Senior Brother knows that."

Yun Jianyue gave an "oh" without any emotions.

"Oh right, Senior Brother, the Temple Master is waiting for you. Seems like it's urgent. Hurry up," the young daoist said before turning and running off, quickly disappearing from sight.

Yun Jianyue paid no further attention and promptly went to meet with that Infatuation Daoist Temple Lord.

In front of the flower garden on the back mountain.

Watching the flowers in the garden, the Temple Master was about to pick one when Yun Jianyue hurriedly shouted, "Temple Master, what are you doing?!"

The Temple Master withdrew his hand and turned to look at Yun Jianyue. "What's this? Are you the temple master now? You can boss me around?"

Yun Jianyue had a crying face. "Let's talk properly. The flowers are innocent. Why can't Temple Master pick a flower elsewhere? Why here?"

The Temple Master remained silent.

"Isn't it just going to the North? I'll go, alright? Your elderly self is the Temple Master and a great daoist sage, why do you still enjoy doing such shameless things?"

Yun Jianyue rubbed his head, feeling a headache coming on.

The Temple Master chuckled and looked at Yun Jianyue with a smile. "You could be more straightforward. What do you mean by 'shameless'?"

Yun Jianyue waved his hand. "Temple Master, you misheard me. Who said such a thing?"

The Temple Master did not seem to mind the young man's blatant lies and simply said, "I've already sent word to Zhihua. You two will take the lead this time, so you better not disgrace us."

Yun Jianyue raised an eyebrow. "Senior Sister isn't as strong as me, why are you making Senior Sister go? Won't I alone suffice?"

The Temple Master had a rare moment of seriousness as he sighed, "You think it's that simple? How many years have we not fought with demons? This is a good opportunity, but also very dangerous. Many people will die. If you go alone, I'm really scared that you'll die."

"But if Senior Sister goes, I'm afraid that Senior Sister will die."

Yun Jianyue was not entirely satisfied with the Temple Master's arrangement.

"It's not just you or us. The Sword Sect will also be coming into being this time. Can't you be more serious?"

The Temple Master sounded a bit annoyed, "You always have your relationship in mind all day long. I'm afraid you'll ruin the Infatuation Daoist Temple even if I pass my position to you in the future."

Yun Jianyue said as a matter of course, "But she's Senior Sister."

The Temple Master frowned but did not speak.

Yun Jianyue sighed. He knew some things were beyond his control.

"Protect Zhihua well, and keep an eye on that young martial artist from Great Liang," the Temple Master said expressionlessly. "He went up Sword Qi Mountain and repaired that broken saber. Sword Qi Mountain has also made a deal with Great Liang. Great Liang has been making too many moves, it's very troublesome."

Yun Jianyue murmured in acknowledgment. Then, he became alert. "Temple Master, you don't mean to suggest I should kill Chen Chao, do you?"

The Temple Master shook his head with a smile. "I didn't say that."

Yun Jianyue said softly, "Either way, I won't kill anyone."

……

……

The young daoist ran all the way, breathless, and finally found his fellow disciples. He panted heavily as he said, "Big news! Do you guys know? Senior Brother Yun just said he really admires the Saintess of the Myriad Heaven Palace!"

"What? Senior Brother Yun can't bear to part with the Saintess of the Myriad Heaven Palace Palace?"

"No way, right? Senior Brother Yun actually likes the Myriad Heaven Palace's Saintess?!"

"Then what about Senior Sister Ye?"

"Senior Brother Yun looks like such an honest and upright guy, turns out that he's such a scumbag! How heartbreaking!"

The disciples all chorused, leaving that young daoist dumbstruck with shock.

Was it so exaggerated?

How did Senior Brother Yun's reputation become like this after just a few sentences?

But his expression immediately became ugly: It's over! I'll probably be buried alive by Senior Brother Yun!