Xie Yuzhu Arrives, a Duel

The resonance of two Water Fluctuations had produced the Illusion Ability. What could five Water Fluctuations stacked together produce? Zhong Ming scarcely dared to imagine it.

With that thought, Zhong Ming could no longer restrain himself. The next moment, he sat down cross-legged, intending to ride the lingering afterglow of his enlightenment and stack his five Water Fluctuations together, causing them to undergo a Qualitative Change.

"Hum..."

With his eyes closed, Zhong Ming truly felt countless flashes of inspiration erupt within his heart like trees of fire and silver blossoms, colliding and merging.

Yet after the time it took to drink a cup of tea, Zhong Ming's brows furrowed tightly.

He had sensed some inspiration and comprehended a few Minor Techniques.

But the fusion of the five Water Fluctuations had yet to begin, and he had another realization... he was still missing something.

This made him clench his fists as he cursed under his breath.

"Damn it... five Water Fluctuations still aren't enough to make this ability undergo a Qualitative Change."

"I'm still missing one."

He had thought his accumulation was sufficient, only to find himself one kick short of the threshold. It was an awful feeling.

"Whew..."

Fortunately, Zhong Ming's Willpower was resilient enough.

After taking several deep breaths, he calmed himself down.

"Whew, no rush. I'm only missing one. I'll fill that gap soon enough."

"Besides, this is a good thing... the higher the requirements, the stronger the power of its Qualitative Change will be when I break through."

Thinking this, Zhong Ming opened the Attribute Panel again and looked over his current condition.

Soon after, he found two methods to make up that final Water Fluctuation.

[Zhong Ming]

[Cultivation Realm: early Qi Condensation]

[Dragon Creek Breathing Technique: Stage 2: Proficient (5367/8100), Traits: 1. Water Flow... Dragon Flood Dragon Dao Rhyme (Incomplete) (41)]

"The cultivation methods of the Dragon Stream Peak lineage are of the Same root, same origin. The breakthroughs in my Dragon Creek Swordplay, Spirit Stream Finger · Water Dragon Art, and Leaping Wave Dragon Creek Steps have deepened my comprehension of flowing water, raising my Dragon Creek Breathing Technique to 5367/8100. It's already past the halfway point of Stage 2. If I work a little harder, it can advance to Stage 3."

"As my Fundamental Cultivation Method, it is the most difficult to cultivate, but each advancement brings me greater rewards. The Stage 3 Dragon Creek Breathing Technique touches upon 'life.' Using that advancement as an opportunity, I may be able to make Water Flow undergo a Qualitative Change."

After glancing at the Dragon Creek Breathing Technique, Zhong Ming shifted his gaze to the bottom of the Attribute Panel.

With almost no hesitation, Zhong Ming chose the second method.

"Since it was recorded in the Scripture Pavilion by Dragon Stream Peak, it must be useful, and it should also suit the Dragon Creek Breathing Technique. Since I have to cultivate it sooner or later, better early than late."

However, before Zhong Ming could begin cultivating, the sound of footsteps came from afar.

Turning his head, he saw Youlan leading a little girl who looked only thirteen or fourteen toward him.

An elderly woman dressed like a servant followed behind them.

"Why are you here?"

Youlan's arrival surprised Zhong Ming somewhat. She was a very dutiful maid and had never disturbed him while he cultivated before.

"Did something happen at the Sword Testing Platform?"

Youlan shook her head at that. "Everything is fine at the Sword Testing Platform. I came here this time because this Miss Xie wishes to see you, Young Master."

"The Xie Family... the matter of forging swords..."

Thinking this, Zhong Ming looked at the little girl before him, feeling both speechless and hesitant.

He could not be blamed for it. Though the girl before him was adorable, she was short and young, making it difficult for Zhong Ming to feel at ease.

She's too young, isn't she? A sword is a sword cultivator's second life. Is it really all right to let a child like this forge my Flying Sword?

Senior Disciple Sister wouldn't set me up, would she?

While Zhong Ming hesitated, the little girl noticed his attitude, which irritated her even more.

"You judge people by appearances. You think I'm unreliable."

Zhong Ming said, "Uh..."

Boom!

Before Zhong Ming could respond, a wave of scorching magic power erupted from the little girl before him.

That magic power was several times deeper than Zhong Ming's.

This sight left Zhong Ming stunned.

So strong. Mid Qi Condensation... she has such dense Spiritual Energy at such a young age. How did she manage that?

Zhong Ming did not voice his thoughts, but the astonishment in his eyes revealed them all the same.

This made Xie Yuzhu snort coldly.

"Don't look at me like that. I'm the same age as you. I just ate too much Spirit Medicine, causing my Life Essence to transform. That's why I grew more slowly."

"..."

Xie Yuzhu's words made Zhong Ming understand the extravagance of a Cultivation Family. Without cultivating at all, they could rely purely on heavenly treasures and earthly riches to nurture someone until their Life Essence transformed.

No wonder these people can advance to Mid Qi Condensation in seven days. The foundations of Cultivation Families are beyond imagination.

No, three days ago, on the Young Dragon Ranking that Senior Disciple Sister showed me, there were only three people at Mid Qi Condensation. Xie Yuzhu's name wasn't among them... Did she break through within these three days?

And besides her, have others broken through as well?

Zhong Ming felt some pressure.

He also understood why Senior Disciple Sister Mo Shuying had looked so dejected.

Clearly, given Dragon Stream Peak's current situation, resisting Molten Fire Peak, Green Fragrance Mountain, and Pháp Ấn Peak would indeed be extremely difficult.

I need to work twice as hard.

As he thought, Zhong Ming cupped his hands and apologized to Xie Yuzhu.

"My apologies, Miss Xie. I judged you by appearances."

"Hmph." Perhaps she was used to being treated as a child, or perhaps Zhong Ming's apology was sincere enough. In any case, Xie Yuzhu did not pursue the matter too harshly. Still, she stated plainly, "People choose swords, and swords choose people. Every Flying Sword I forge is a fine piece. I will never let mediocrities wield them. That would be an insult to the Flying Sword, and even more so to me. If you want a good Flying Sword, you must pass my test. Do you accept that condition?"

"Of course. How does Miss Xie intend to test me?"

Bang!

Without answering immediately, Xie Yuzhu stretched out a hand. A Greatsword taller than she was appeared at her side.

Grasping its hilt, Xie Yuzhu looked somewhat proud and eager to try as she said to Zhong Ming, "How else would I test you? Naturally, through battle. I want to know exactly what difference there is between you sword cultivators of Dragon Stream Peak and someone like me who cultivates the sword."

After speaking, as if recalling something, she added, "Don't say I'm bullying you. I'm at Mid Qi Condensation, while you only need to last a hundred... thirty moves against me to qualify. I'll forge you a fine Mid-grade magic artifact."

"If you last a hundred moves, then once my skills improve, I'll upgrade your Flying Sword once for free."

"If you last three hundred moves, I'll even cover all the materials for upgrading your Flying Sword."

Xie Yuzhu's attitude made Zhong Ming understand why Senior Disciple Sister Mo Shuying had asked her to forge his sword.

The wealthy Xie Family could ensure that he would not need to worry about Flying Swords until he forged his Dao Foundation.

Of course, if Zhong Ming wanted those benefits, he had to display his abilities and earn Xie Yuzhu's approval.

But Zhong Ming had long since confirmed that this world only favored geniuses, so he did not care much about that.

What Zhong Ming was more curious about now was something else.

Looking directly at Xie Yuzhu, Zhong Ming calmly said, "If I last three hundred moves, you'll upgrade my Flying Sword for free. Then what if... I win?"