Even a Killing Sword Has Its Own Beauty

Qing Xue, the First Elder of Heavenly Snake Manor, said lightly, "I naturally will not remain here forever. I came in such haste because Elder Lu Man of the manor told me that Mister Confucian Sage was here."

"Mister Confucian Sage, surely you do not intend to drive me away?"

"You jest, miss. Those who come from afar are guests. How could I not understand proper etiquette? You may stay for as long as you wish."

Jiang Cheng set down the Wine Gourd in hand, smacked his lips with lingering satisfaction, and answered softly.

"Cai Lin, Yun Yun, if you like, you may continue cultivating here as well. There is no need to stand on ceremony," Jiang Cheng said with a smile.

"Thank you, sir."

Yun Yun cupped her hands in salute, while Cai Lin, though unable to set aside her proud nature, still nodded.

The sun set and the moon rose, stars wheeled across the sky, and more than half a month passed in the blink of an eye.

Jiang Cheng opened his eyes and exhaled a wisp of turbid air. After more than half a month of cultivation, his strength had improved somewhat, though it was not particularly obvious.

Cultivation had never been something accomplished overnight. Even Xiao Yan, the current protagonist, lacked the foundation to break through to the Dou Saint realm within ten years.

As he stepped out of his room, he found Cai Lin sparring with Yun Yun. Their difference in strength was clear. Although Yun Yun had continued cultivating diligently over the years, there was still quite a gap between her and the Half-Step Dou Ancestor Cai Lin.

Yun Yun's fingers danced wildly, and the Long Sword hovering before her dropped at her command. In an instant, Dark Clouds gathered overhead and thunder boomed.

Jiang Cheng took a sip of wine and watched the phenomenon without changing expression. Only after the battle between the two came to a halt did the sky return to normal.

The sky was clear for miles, and the Aura was gentle.

Yun Yun cupped her hands and said, "As expected of Queen Medusa. You are indeed formidable."

"Sect Master Yun's swordsmanship is also exceptional. If we were at the same cultivation level, This King might not be your match."

After so long together, the relationship between the two had eased. They sparred every day, seeking out their own weaknesses.

"Sir, you have emerged from seclusion."

Yun Yun landed gracefully on the ground and cupped her hands in salute.

"Yes. I saw your spar with Cai Lin just now. Your sword has spirit, but lacks force. Now, attack me."

"Ah?"

Yun Yun froze. "Sir, would that not be somewhat..."

"It is fine. Just do as I say. Strike with all your strength."

Seeing that he insisted, Yun Yun could only draw her sword again and charge toward him like an afterimage.

Her Sword Qi blazed like a rainbow, accompanied by a sharp explosive roar that tore through the wind.

Watching the weapon draw near, Jiang Cheng slowly pulled out the Folding Fan tucked at his waist. With a light flick of his hand, he blocked Yun Yun's Long Sword.

Then, with another slight motion of his hand, he sent Yun Yun several steps back. The weapon in her hand fell to the ground with a clang.

Jiang Cheng shook his head. The power contained in that strike was only around that of a Seven-Star Dou Emperor. Compared to someone like Queen Medusa, a Half-Step Dou Ancestor, she naturally could not hope to gain even the slightest advantage.

"Yun Yun, watch carefully."

Jiang Cheng looked toward the lake's mirrorlike surface. He closed the Folding Fan in his hand, spun lightly, and slowly descended onto the water, sending ripples spreading outward.

Qing Xue, the Purple Crystal Winged Lion King, Xiao Yi Xian, and Qing Lin were also drawn over, their eyes fixed on Mister Jiang Cheng standing upon the lake.

With his left hand behind his back, Jiang Cheng waved the Folding Fan in his other hand and said, "The Misty Cloud Sect's Cultivation Method emphasizes speed, precision, and ruthlessness—not hesitation and futile action."

Using the fan as a sword, he swung it in an Understated manner.

A streak of Sword Qi swept across the lake.

Yun Yun stood rooted to the spot in a daze. What he had just used was the Misty Cloud Sect's Cultivation Method, yet it was completely different from her previous movements. His techniques were simpler and smoother.

Before an enemy could even react, he had already unleashed his technique, leaving the opponent no chance to respond.

The Folding Fan returned to his hand.

A crisp breeze drifted past.

A smile curled Qing Xue's lips. "Just like before."

Yun Yun walked forward and asked in confusion, "Sir, why do you know the Misty Cloud Sect's Dou Technique?"

"All sword arts share the same origin. After seeing what you displayed just now, I learned a thing or two. Though it cannot compare to the power produced by an Earth-Tier Dou Technique, it is still quite decent."

"Even a Killing Sword has its own beauty." As Jiang Cheng took a step forward, the Sword Qi from before erupted. In an instant, lake water shot a hundred meters into the air, like a waterfall descending from the heavens, enough to make one tremble in fear.

Yun Yun was shocked. Was this the Confucian Sage's true realm? With only one glance, he had learned the Cultivation Method and Dou Technique that only the Misty Cloud Sect's Sect Master could learn.

"Thank you, sir."

"No matter." Jiang Cheng waved his hand. "I will be leaving next. While I am at it, I will help Cai Lin search for the remaining Herbs needed for the Breakthrough Pill."

"Little Fire."

The Purple Crystal Winged Lion King hurried over and transformed into its fierce and imposing Magical Beast form.

"Xiao Yi Xian, Qing Lin, you must cultivate the Cultivation Method I taught you properly. When I return, I hope you will have made breakthroughs."

"Thank you, sir."

Qing Xue frowned. "You are just leaving me here as well?"

"If you are bored, miss, you may return to Heavenly Snake Manor." Jiang Cheng sat atop the Purple Crystal Winged Lion King, lifted the Wine Gourd at his waist, and took a drink. "If fate allows, we will meet again."

After receiving her Master's command, the Purple Crystal Winged Lion King quickly flew into the distance, leaving Qing Xue pouting and stamping her foot where she stood. That fellow always liked to leave without saying goodbye.

He was truly infuriating.

"Cai Lin, Yun Yun, since sir has already left, I shall return to Heavenly Snake Manor as well." Qing Xue glanced at Qing Lin and placed several Cultivation Methods on the table. "Qing Lin, you are a Girl with the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils. Cultivating the Heavenly Snake Manor's Cultivation Method will also increase your cultivation speed."

"Do not worry. It will not interfere with the Cultivation Method sir gave you."

Qing Xue understood the girl's personality. During their more than half a month together, Qing Lin had always kept a safe distance from her, afraid that Qing Xue would take her back to Heavenly Snake Manor.

"Safe travels, Senior."

The two cupped their hands and bowed.

Qing Xue nodded. Before leaving, she did not forget to pick some Peaches to take back. She considered them Jiang Cheng's compensation to her.

When they met again, she wondered just how far he would have grown.

As the breeze passed, Qing Xue's figure had long since vanished. With her Dou Venerate realm, she would naturally return to Heavenly Snake Manor much faster than the Purple Crystal Winged Lion King.

However, the main reason Jiang Cheng had brought the Purple Crystal Winged Lion King to the Black Corner Region was that it was separated from there by thousands of miles. Traveling back and forth would be far too troublesome, and he would not be able to enjoy the surrounding scenery.

That was not the outcome Jiang Cheng wanted.

Lying atop the soft fur, Jiang Cheng crossed one leg over the other and looked at the book before him.