Method to Break the Stalemate! (Part 1)

"Good!"

"Good!"

"Good!"

Three consecutive "good"s echoed through the grotto, resonating deeply within its walls.

"When has my Cheng Ying Sword Sect, with its thousand-year heritage, ever witnessed such a grand occasion? A thousand years ago, no one recognized the wonders of my Cheng Ying Sword Technique, and few entered my sect. Yet, a thousand years later, these discerning young talents have gathered before the gates of my Cheng Ying Sword Sect, wishing to become disciples!"

"The Cheng Ying Sword Sect of my generation has hope for revival! Hahaha..."

On the Sword-Speaking Platform, Cheng Ying Venerable looked at the group of cultivators sitting on the ground and laughed heartily.

Her voice was excited, yet gentle, like a kind and amiable old sect leader looking at the future of the sect with satisfaction.

But none of the people sitting below could laugh as they looked at her.

This was because the renowned Cheng Ying Venerable before them had almost completely lost his human form.

She has a pair of slender, jade-like hands. Looking at her delicate fingers always reminds one of tender bamboo shoots sprouting after a spring rain.

But these two delicate hands were suddenly inserted into a pool of dark brown, soft flesh, like rotten mud.

Beneath the soft flesh, countless tentacles wriggled like earthworms, constantly dripping with foul-smelling blood. The Blood Qi varied in intensity, unlike human blood; it seemed more like the filthy blood left on her body after a massacre outside...

And her face was actually growing from the top of this pile of rotten flesh, her two eyes staring excitedly at the people sitting below, her black and yellow teeth exposed, and she even had an underbite.

The heroic beauty recorded in history now looks like an extremely grotesque, bloody, ugly fish with a pair of jade-like arms.

Why aren't you laughing?!

Cheng Ying Venerable suddenly roared:

"Do you think joining my Cheng Ying Sword Sect is beneath you?!"

She screamed hysterically, as if someone had stepped on her tail.

A terrifying pressure descended, like a sword hanging over everyone's head, ready to take the life of any 'disobedient' at any moment.

You Su sat at the edge of the crowd, took a deep breath, and then burst into laughter:

"Hahaha... To actually have the opportunity to join the Cheng Ying Sword Sect is truly the greatest fortune of my life!"

You Su laughed as he flattered the Cheng Ying Sword Sect.

He Kongyue, who was sitting to his left, burst into laughter upon seeing this, mimicking You Su's praise of the Cheng Ying Sword Sect.

Others followed suit, but most of them laughed so hard they could only force themselves to smile; some laughed so exaggeratedly they even started wiping away tears.

Unfortunately, some people will never be able to laugh.

A young girl was suddenly grabbed by the throat by an invisible force and struggled as she was lifted into the air.

You Su looked to her right; the seat was empty. The person being lifted up was Ye Erong from the Ye Family.

When Cheng Ying Venerable brought the 'prospective disciples' she had searched for from the outside world into the cave, Ye Erong was distraught among the crowd. When she saw You Su and He Kongyue, she rushed over as if she had seen a lifeline.

At this moment, tears streamed down her face, her expression filled with fear and sorrow. This pampered young girl had never seen anything like this before; she was so terrified that she could not muster even a hint of a smile.

Why aren't you smiling?

Cheng Ying Venerable looked at her coldly.

But the girl was being choked and couldn't utter a single word, not even begging for mercy or making an explanation.

From behind, she was still wearing that pink dress, but the front of her dress was stained crimson with blood. She wasn't injured; it was only because a large number of the Ye Family had died in front of her.

Everyone could only watch helplessly as the Evil Demon slowly took the girl's life. At this moment, no one dared to stop it or pity the withering of such a beautiful flower, because everyone was too busy taking care of themselves.

"Didn't your elders teach you?! You must answer properly when your elders ask you questions?!"

Cheng Ying Venerable clenched his fists, seemingly very angry at Ye Erong's rudeness.

"Say!!"

As her voice faded, Ye Erong's face turned even redder, and her kicking movements gradually weakened, leaving her like a withered flower in the wind.

"Cheng Ying Venerable, please wait!"

You Su and He Kongyue stood up together, almost in unison.

He Kongyue met the scrutinizing gaze of Cheng Ying Venerable, she quickly brushed aside her sleeves, lowered her head, and half-squatted down, leaning forward.

This was an extremely solemn etiquette when meeting elders in ancient times, but due to its cumbersome procedures, it was gradually abandoned over the past thousand years.

However, Cheng Ying Venerable's eyes showed approval upon seeing this, and he loosened his grip. Yi Ye Erong was still being held, but she now had a little more room to breathe.

What do you want to say?

He Kongyue bowed but did not rise, saying:

"Cheng Ying Venerable has misunderstood my younger sister... It's not that my younger sister didn't respond to Cheng Ying Venerable, but that she can't speak."

"Oh?"

Cheng Ying Venerable loosened his grip slightly, allowing the girl to catch her breath.

"Is your sister perhaps mute?"

Even now, this mad venerable one still doesn't realize that it is his own fault that the girl is unable to speak.

"Indeed, my little sister was born mute. She cried because she was overjoyed. After all, among all the sword sects in the world, very few are willing to take in a disabled Sword Cultivator. Please forgive her, Venerable One."

He Kongyue dared not provoke this capricious monster. If it were revealed that the cause was her own, who knew if she would go mad and kill even more people.

"Dumb?"

Cheng Ying Venerable narrowed his eyes and looked at the girl. His gaze was so sinister that it sent chills down one's spine. Ye Erong was so frightened that she could no longer speak.

"To be honest, not only is my younger sister disabled, but my second younger brother is as well. If Cheng Ying Venerable feels that we are not worthy to join the Cheng Ying Sword Sect, we will leave immediately."

"Wait! How could my Cheng Ying Sword Sect be such an intolerant sect?"

Cheng Ying Venerable then looked at You Su, "Your second brother isn't mute, nor is he missing any limbs. What's wrong with him?"

Seeing that Cheng Ying Venerable's attention had been diverted, He Kongyue continued:

My second younger brother is blind; he was born blind.

"Blind?!"

Cheng Ying Venerable was very surprised, and a mouthful of broken, yellow teeth could be seen in his wide-open mouth.

Whether one is mute or not is insignificant when it comes to sword practice, but whether one is blind or not is a big problem. Even this Way of the Sword master, who was famous a thousand years ago, looked at You Su as if he were looking at a rare treasure.

"Indeed, Cheng Ying Venerable, if you do not believe me, you may try."

As soon as he finished speaking, a broadsword flashed past like lightning, hovering an inch in front of You Su's deep eyes.

Everyone in the audience gasped in shock; the power of this sword was enough to terrify many of them.

Yet You Su remained unfazed, his eyes displaying the composure that remained unchanged even if a divine mountain collapsed before him.

"It's actually true..."

Cheng Ying Venerable silently sheathed her broadsword, and Ye Erong was also put down at the same time. You Su caught her and placed her on the ground.

Ye Erong shaken and dared not utter a sound.

Just when she thought she had escaped this calamity, He Kongyue felt a sudden heaviness in her body, almost causing her to kneel down, her expression strained.

"Your younger sister and brother are both disabled, and what about you?!"

Cheng Ying Venerable spoke in a low, somber tone, "Is it possible that you, the eldest brother, are the only able-bodied person in your entire family? If so, you seem rather out of place in this household..."

He Kongyue gritted his teeth, reached out to stop You Su who wanted to help him, and took a few deep breaths, saying in a mournful voice:

"Cheng Ying Venerable, why don't you take a closer look and see if I am a healthy person?"

Cheng Ying Venerable's eyes flashed with suspicion, and he actually stood up, his pupils seemingly trying to see through everything about He Kongyue.

Suddenly, she withdrew her restraint and sat back down on the platform:

"As the eldest brother, you are like a father. Despite your physical disability, you have done everything an elder brother should do, and that deserves recognition. Compared to your two younger siblings, your Way of the Sword is not outstanding, but your Technique Method are exceptional. The Shadow Concealment Technique is yours."

With a gentle wave of her jade hand, Cheng Ying Venerable Chengying sent a bundle of scrolls flying out from the stone chamber behind her, which slowly came to rest in front of He Kongyue.

The Shadow Concealment Technique is a unique Technique Method that complements the Cheng Ying Sword Technique. When mastered, it allows one to hide their presence, achieving the effect of being invisible and winning by surprise.

Such a reward was undoubtedly generous, drawing envious glances from the crowd who secretly resented not having stood up and made a name for themselves.

Only You Su stood beside He Kongyue, secretly curious:

Brother He also has a physical disability? How come I've never heard him mention it?

I wonder what such an outstanding person might be lacking...

"Don't envy him. Joining my Cheng Ying Sword Sect will bring even more benefits. As long as you love swords and have good character, my Cheng Ying Sword Sect will welcome you."

Although Cheng Ying Venerable's appearance was like rotting flesh, his demeanor resembled that of a true master.

"Alright, now the disciple recruitment assessment of my Cheng Ying Sword Sect shall officially begin!"

After he finished speaking, everyone in the audience held their breath, their hearts pounding with tension.

Everyone could see that whoever became a disciple of the Cheng Ying Sword Sect had a chance to survive.

Conversely, they will suffer the same fate as those outside who were not chosen by Cheng Ying Venerable...

"I will tell you a story, and then tell me your choices. These choices will determine whether you can become the cornerstone of the revival of my Cheng Ying Sword Sect."

Legend has it that there were once two people, one named Black and the other named White.

The two got into a fight because of a personal grudge. Because Black was strong and skilled in swordsmanship, Black killed White.

Bai's son, Dan, wanted to avenge his father, but Dan was a weak scholar who couldn't even lift a weapon. His pride as a scholar also made him determined to kill his enemy with his own hands, unwilling to rely on the help of others.

Unfortunately, Dan's several sneak attacks failed to harm Hei even a hair on his head. Hei looked down on Dan and even threatened to kill Dan's entire family.

Dan was furious about this. Someone told him that he might seek help from Hui, a famous swordsman in the city, because Hui had three extraordinary immortal Immortal Sword and would surely be able to defeat Hei.

Dan approached Hui and mortgaged everything to her, including all his family members.

Hui agreed to lend Dan a sword and let Dan choose one himself.

The first sword is called Han Guang. You can't see it with your eyes, and you can't feel its presence when you use it. Even when you use it to cut someone, the person being cut doesn't even know they've been cut.

The second sword is called Chengying. When the sky is about to brighten or is just beginning to lighten, if you observe it facing north, you can faintly sense its presence. However, you still cannot see its shape clearly. When you use it to cut something, you can clearly hear a sound, but when it passes through your body, you do not feel any pain.

The third sword is called Xiaolian. In bright daylight, its shadow can be clearly seen, while in the pitch-black night, its light can be seen, but its shape cannot be seen. When it touches the body, it can pass through instantly and then close up again. Although you can feel pain, not a single drop of blood will be on the blade.

Cheng Ying Venerable spoke eloquently, seated on the sword-preaching platform, like a gentle female lecturer cloaked in sinister flesh and blood:

"If you were Bai, which sword would you choose for revenge?"

Upon hearing this question, the audience looked at each other, puzzled.

Cheng Ying Venerable scanned the crowd, and all those whose gazes fell upon him were extraordinary individuals, ranging in age from teenagers to over a hundred years old.

Among them were many exceptionally talented individuals, including several cultivators at the Feather Transformation Realm, yet they all avoided eye contact, cowering and hesitant, unwilling to meet Cheng Ying Venerable's gaze.

Cheng Ying Venerable looked disappointed, and casually pointed:

"You, answer my question."

The person she pointed at stared at himself in disbelief, comparing the finger pointing at him back and forth, hoping it would shift even slightly, but Cheng Ying Venerable pointed at him squarely.

He was only at the Water Condensing Lower Realm, and in his fear and anxiety, he hadn't been able to hear the whole story told by Cheng Ying Venerable. Now that he was asked to make a choice, he naturally hesitated again and again.

But Cheng Ying Venerable wouldn't give him any more time to think. The cultivator who was targeted instantly exploded, like a tomato that had been casually crushed. Scattered flesh and blood fell on everyone like fireworks.

Some wept, some begged for mercy, and some screamed in agony.

This promising young cultivator died at the hands of Cheng Ying Venerable.

"The greatest taboo for a swordsman is indecisiveness. Such hesitation in battle will lead to a far worse fate. Next, you answer."

Cheng Ying Venerable pointed to another person, He Kongyue looked closely and realized that he recognized this person.

Sword Son Ding of the Carefree Sword Manor on Mount Henggao is only forty years old and has just broken through to the Water Condensation Realm. He has exceptional talent in Way of the Sword and is a highly regarded figure on the Prodigy Ranking.

Sword Son Ding slowly stood up, exuding confidence. This was consistent with his usual demeanor—young yet composed, and full of integrity—which made everyone curious about what unique insights he might have.

I will choose the Cheng Ying Sword.

Why?

"Because to personally avenge one's enemy, a sword alone is not enough; one also needs a superior Swordsmanship, and the Swordsmanship of the Cheng Ying Sword Sect just meets the requirements."

He Kongyue was taken aback. It turned out that Sword Son Ding, who was known for his noble character, would also grovel and flatter others when faced with a life-or-death crisis...

"Sigh, I thought you had grasped some profound secret, but I never expected you to be just a sycophant. My Cheng Ying Sword Sect does not welcome people like you."

As soon Cheng Ying Venerable speaking, Sword Son Ding's head fell to the ground with a thud, and blood gushed from his smooth neck.

All of this happened so fast that no one even had time to think about saving him before Sword Son Ding was decapitated.

"You come here!"

Cheng Ying Venerable pointed to another person, this time a female cultivator with delicate features.

The female cultivator stood up, trembling.

I will choose to Xiao Lian Sword.

Why?

"Because the first two swords didn't cause any reaction when they hit someone, but the Xiao Lian Sword will at least make someone feel pain when it hits someone. I can't use the first two swords. I want revenge, so I must make my enemy feel pain, even if it's just a little bit."

The female cultivator's voice trembled, but it was very firm, as if she too carried a heavy burden of hatred.

Hearing this, everyone sighed inwardly and moved further away, worried about being splattered with blood. But the female cultivator unexpectedly did not die.

"Excellent. She's neither unrealistic nor arrogant, and her goals are clear. She could join my Cheng Ying Sword Sect as a junior sister."

Cheng Ying Venerable nodded slightly and beckoned her over:

"Let me become your apprentice."

The female cultivator's eyes lit up with admiration. She quickly ran over and knelt on the ground. She was no longer afraid of the inhuman monster in front of her, but instead filled with gratitude.

"Cheng Ying Venerable, my daughter Lu Jianzhi admires you greatly and wishes to become your disciple. I humbly request that you accept my request!"

"Granted."

The female cultivator clenched her fists excitedly and turned to look at the shocked crowd.

She was just an unknown person among this group, yet she was fortunate enough to become Cheng Ying Venerable's first disciple. How could she not be proud?

But the look in everyone's eyes as they looked at her gradually changed from shock to terror...

She sensed something was wrong and looked back; a distorted face was right in front of her!

Those rotten, blackish-yellow teeth bit right into her neck!

Her blood, flesh, and Mystic Qi all connected with the monster through the wound inflicted by Cheng Ying Venerable, and she suddenly felt an extraordinary heaviness in her eyelids...

"Good disciple, I have already imparted to you the sect's core teachings. You must remember them well and study them often to gain new insights."

Cheng Ying Venerable retreated, and the panic in Lu Jianzhi's eyes had disappeared. She calmly bowed in greeting.

"Yes, Master."

The audience watched in astonishment, unsure whether to feel joy or sorrow.

"Then next..."

The Cheng Ying Venerable continued, and everyone was stiff with fear, worried that good fortune would befall them.

"Then you tell us."

He Kongyue felt a chill run down her spine as she stared in astonishment at the finger pointing at her.

I originally planned to finish this little side story today, but I thought of a more interesting development, so I wrote a bit more. I'll definitely finish it tomorrow. Thanks for your support, sob sob.