Worship

Time flowed by rapidly. Amidst the morning songs of the Baruo Birds each dawn and the long bell tolls from the distant temple in the evenings, Jia Ruo had been training with Yi for twenty-three days.

Why twenty-three days?

Because today, Yi sensed that the vines on the mountain needed to be cleared once more.

"Master, I'll go with you. I haven't seen the mountain yet," Jia Ruo asked Yi.

"Alright."

The two walked side-by-side on the mountain path, heading towards the summit.

The mountain gave off a very strange feeling. On both sides of the path, thick vines could be seen everywhere, sprawling across the ground and twisting wantonly.

Furthermore, within Jia Ruo's perception, the magical elements on the entire mountain were extremely sparse. Even though the magical elements in the surrounding world were constantly replenishing, they seemed to be devoured by something, rendering them useless.

An hour later, Jia Ruo and Yi arrived at the mountain summit.

In the relatively flat open space, Jia Ruo saw ruins scattered everywhere, with particularly thick vines entwined around them.

Jia Ruo followed Yi through the ruins and entered a graveyard. He saw rows of neat tombs, and on each tomb, a sword was planted, like a tombstone.

Starting from the first tomb, Yi began to touch the sword hilts on the tombs.

"May the memories of the departed be eternal in the infinite."

"May your names be remembered by the world."

"Rest in peace."

Jia Ruo didn't ask further. He stood beside Yi, clasped his hands together, and repeated Yi's words.

Yi always appeared carefree, but Jia Ruo knew he harbored deep sorrow, especially in this homeland.

Thus, their figures slowly moved among the tombs.

Until the last three.

On one tomb, a hammer was placed, while on the other two, swords with golden scabbards were planted.

"Master Doran, I have found another person capable of wielding You Meng. It's a pity you can no longer study it."

"Praise your dedication to the art of forging."

"Ima, Ibe..."

"May the wisdom of you both continue to guide me."

Yi prostrated himself on the ground.

Jia Ruo's throat was already hoarse, but he still prostrated himself:

"May the memories of all of you live forever in Wuji."

"May your names be remembered by the world."

"Rest in peace."

The sky had already darkened. Jia Ruo and Yi had not eaten or drunk anything since morning.

Yi opened his pack, took out his helmet and put it on, then handed the pack to Jia Ruo.

"There's some fruit and nuts inside, eat some first."

Jia Ruo did not refuse; he was already famished and thirsty.

Meanwhile, Yi drew his ringed sword, and his figure blurred in place.

Yi flashed through the air, and the surrounding vines instantly shattered. Moreover, the distant vines also slowly withered along with them.

Jia Ruo's eyes merely flickered, and he saw Yi's figure solidify again, maintaining its original posture, his sword already sheathed.

Masterful technique!

Jia Ruo forgot to chew. Was this Alpha Strike?

He estimated in his heart that it would take about ten thousand of him to successfully exhaust the Sword Saint to death or blunt his sword.

Yi took the pack back, put his helmet away, and took out a crumpled scroll. He added a number, 23, to it with a reed pen.

"Let's go." Yi packed up his belongings and turned to descend the mountain.

Jia Ruo hurriedly chased after him:

"Master, Master, when will I be able to come and go like lightning like you!"

"I am not your master yet," Yi's voice was still as calm and indifferent as ever.

"Then when will I start learning sword techniques?"

"Tomorrow then."

"What? Isn't that too hasty? I was just asking casually. Let's stick to your plan."

"Your comprehension is very good. You can start learning the basic sword moves."

"Really? Master, does that mean I'm a martial arts prodigy? Then you must take me in, otherwise, it will be a huge loss for our Wuji Sect."

As Jia Ruo's glib tongue worked, the gloomy atmosphere of the entire day gradually brightened.

Even though his throat was already very hoarse, he couldn't stop talking.

"Master, do you know, in my original world, there's a classic masterpiece called Journey to the West. It features a monk whose eldest disciple is also a monkey, also named Wukong, and as clever as your disciple Wukong."

"But the second disciple isn't as good. He's glib-tongued, lazy, and greedy for wealth and women."

Yi smiled, teasing him uncharacteristically: "Isn't that quite like you?"

"Heh heh, Master, see, you clearly intend to take me as your disciple. No need to hint, just do it soon, today even."

Yi shook his head, not replying.

The sky completely darkened, and Jia Ruo and Yi returned to the foot of the mountain.

Seeing that Jia Ruo was exceptionally happy today, Neeko asked, "What's up? Did Sword Saint Master agree to take you as a disciple?"

"Not yet, but it's only a matter of time. I'll start learning swordsmanship tomorrow."

"Neeko, when I've learned, I'll help you kill all those bastards who destroyed your home." Jia Ruo continued, even though he was still a beginner and had never spilled human blood.

"No, Neeko doesn't like fighting and killing." Neeko shook her head.

"It's just, just why did they destroy the Wu Wei Clan? Neeko doesn't understand. We Wu Wei Clan never provoked anyone..."

Seeing Neeko's voice gradually turn tearful, Jia Ruo hurriedly changed the subject: "Neeko, quickly get me some water. Listen to my throat, I haven't had a drink all day."

Then, he pretended to be mischievous and said, "Why don't we go wash up in the river together!"

"You go by yourself quickly. You stink of sweat, Neeko doesn't want you."

Saying that, she was about to push Jia Ruo out. Jia Ruo countered by tickling Neeko's ribs, and the two immediately started roughhousing.

Yi watched the two play in the simple, makeshift shed, a warm smile appearing on his face. He gradually closed his eyes and began to meditate.