Xu Baiyang sought out a junior brother from Clear Sword Peak to ask what had happened on the peak during his seclusion... but before he could ask, a disciple arrived from the Peak Master of Clear Sword Peak and invited him over.
"How did your recent seclusion go?"
The Peak Master of Clear Sword Peak asked casually as he watered his plants.
Xu Baiyang bowed slightly. "Thank you for your concern, Master. I did gain some insights during this seclusion, and my cultivation advanced by one stage."
The Peak Master of Clear Sword Peak did not seem surprised by Xu Baiyang's progress. "You have a solid foundation. A breakthrough is naturally a good thing. The State Selection begins in twenty days. I look forward to your performance."
"Yes, Master." Xu Baiyang remained neither arrogant nor impatient.
The Peak Master of Clear Sword Peak added casually, "There's a swordsmanship manual on the table. Take it back and have a look."
"Master, this..." Xu Baiyang froze, then walked to the table. Sure enough, there was a Sword Art manual on it.
He heard the Peak Master of Clear Sword Peak explain, "I obtained this Sword Art from the Old Sword Saint in Xuanyuan City years ago. You have good talent, so you can take it back and study it. The Martial Dao involved in this Sword Art is rather profound. It's normal if you can't understand it. Spend some time contemplating it. If you still can't grasp it after seven days, come and ask me..."
"Yes..." Delight appeared on Xu Baiyang's face.
He truly had not expected this Sword Art to come from that senior in Xuanyuan City. Presumably, it would be extremely difficult. He took a deep breath, mentally preparing himself.
Something occurred to him, and he said quietly, "By the