Days in the Grotto-Heaven Blessed Land passed slowly, so slowly that Lin Shisan could no longer tell how many days had passed outside. He only knew that the silvery-white spirit herbs beside the Spiritual Spring had grown another stretch taller, and the pale, glowing stones in the dome shone a little brighter than when he had first arrived.
After mastering the first level of the Lingxi Sword Art, he still practiced swordsmanship with Zhantai Xian every morning.
The blue-white Sword Aura drawn from his fingertips grew from one streak to two, then from two to three, tracing fine arcs through the air.
"Senior Brother Tian, you're almost at the second level." Zhantai Xian crouched beside the Spiritual Spring, resting her chin in her hands as she watched him finish a set of the Opening Stance. "That streak of Sword Aura stirred the wind just now, but its tail was still a little ragged, like a dog had chewed on it."
"Like a dog had chewed on it..." Lin Shisan looked down at the lingering traces of light on his fingertips. "That's quite a distinctive comparison."
"That's what Master said back then. He said practicing swordsmanship was like raising a dog. If you couldn't keep its tail under control, it would fling Sword Qi everywhere."
The corner of Lin Shisan's mouth twitched, and he looked up toward the ice cliff where the Mountain Guardian often stood.
She had not come today either. It had been seven days in a row since the Mountain Guardian had entered the Grotto-Heaven Blessed Land.
"Has something happened to her?"
Zi Yuner emerged from the Stone Chamber, her long, deep-purple hair loose over her shoulders. She had clearly just finished regulating her breathing. "She stands on the ridge every day. She hasn't gone far. I saw