Breaking through the illusion of the mortal world

Chapter 53 The Gift of a Sword

In a corner of the Taoist Academy, Qingping gazed towards the direction of the Daoist Debate Platform, with Xuanji by her side.

Seeing Lu Ming's performance, Qingping nodded slightly, while Xuanji's eyes were full of admiration: "Lu Ming has truly inherited your teachings. He is still young and has not been on the path of cultivation for long, yet he has already grasped the essence of swordsmanship to this extent. However, his style of doing things is too different from that of his previous life."

Qingping scoffed, "He's only a teenager. What do you expect him to do? You, as his master, always act so profound, yet you never teach your disciple a few supernatural skills or give him a decent magic weapon. Are you really that comfortable letting him go to the Immortal Relic Land?"

Xuanji chuckled awkwardly, "Even if I taught him this supernatural power, he wouldn't be able to learn it now. The Immortal Relic Land is his destiny place; nothing will happen to him."

Qingping said calmly, "In the past, the successors of aristocratic families and sacred lands would never join other sects."

"The Daoist academy has acquired many direct disciples from Nangong, Penglai, Fuyao, and Lingque Cave Heaven in just a few years, which is no small feat. It seems that the sect leader has a deep plan."

"There will only be more in the future." Xuanji's eyes were full of anticipation. "The Dao Academy is helping the Dayan Dynasty recruit more disciples, and elders and elites are also coming down the mountain to help. In less than twenty years, Dayan will surely become an immortal dynasty."

"His ambitions extend far beyond Qingzhou; naturally, he seeks to win over the forces of other states."

...

On the other side, Lu Ming was seriously injured and fell into a coma. He was quickly taken back to Tianyan Peak by Mo Yuan and Zhao Ling to recuperate.

Senior Sister Su Wan had prepared top-grade healing pills, and Hundred Herbs Peak also sent rare spiritual herbs, all of which were used to repair his damaged meridians and internal organs.

This daze lasted for three days.

Qin Feiyu visited every day, but seeing that Lu Ming was still unconscious, he paced anxiously in the courtyard, repeatedly asking Mo Yuan and Zhao Ling, "Why isn't he awake yet? Are there enough pills? I'll go ask Elder Wu for some body-tempering medicine!"

Hu Zhen also came several times, always sitting quietly by the bedside, looking at Lu Ming's pale face with eyes full of worry.

She carefully lit the calming incense, letting its soothing aura permeate the air. Occasionally, she would softly inquire about Su Wan's progress with her injuries, remaining silent yet considerate in every way.

On the evening of the third day, Lu Ming slowly woke up.

Waves of pain coursed through my body, my meridians felt like they were dried up, and my spiritual energy flowed sluggishly, yet a gentle, life-giving medicinal force slowly nourished the wounds.

The foundation of the Nine Revolutions Mystic Art is far more solid than expected, and it is slowly repairing itself.

"You're awake?" Zhao Ling, who was standing guard nearby, was the first to notice. She came over with a look of relief on her face. "You're tough as nails. I thought you'd be lying in bed for ten days or half a month."

Qin Feiyu rushed in upon hearing the noise, and seeing Lu Ming open his eyes, he breathed a heavy sigh of relief, slapping the edge of the bed: "You scared me to death! Don't risk your life like that next time, the sword is broken, what a waste!"

Lu Ming smiled weakly, his gaze sweeping over the concerned crowd around the bed. His eyes lingered briefly on Hu Zhen's face, where he saw the joy in her eyes. A warmth spread through his heart, and he said softly, "I'm sorry to have worried everyone."

Hu Zhen stepped forward and said softly, "How are you feeling? Senior Sister Su said that your injuries are to your meridians and internal organs, so you need to rest and not be impatient."

"It's alright, just take your time to regulate your breathing." Lu Ming's voice was still hoarse.

After chatting for a few more minutes, seeing that he was not in good spirits, Qin Feiyu and Hu Zhen took their leave one after another, and Zhao Ling also went to the outer room to meditate and keep watch.

As night deepened, moonlight streamed through the window, scattering across the ground like frost.

Lu Ming focused his mind inward, guiding the medicinal power to repair his injuries. Suddenly, a thought stirred within him, and he looked up towards the doorway.

A slender figure stood quietly outside the door, the moonlight outlining her graceful form. Dressed in white, she was none other than Xia Yufei.

She neither knocked nor entered; she simply stood quietly behind the door, exuding a faint air of aloofness.

Lu Ming was slightly taken aback, then got up and opened the door: "Senior Sister Xia?"

Xia Yufei's gaze fell on his still pale face. The bright moonlight reflected on her beautiful and otherworldly features, and a slight ripple flashed in her cold eyes.

"Junior Brother Lu." Her voice was clear and cold in the still night, without a trace of pleasantries, "How are your injuries?"

"Thank you for your concern, Senior Sister. Things have stabilized considerably." Lu Ming replied, his suspicions growing, wondering about her purpose in coming alone so late at night.

Xia Yufei remained silent for a moment, her long eyelashes casting a faint shadow under the moonlight, as if she were carefully considering her words.

Suddenly, she looked up and stared directly at Lu Ming, her tone frank and direct, without the slightest hesitation: "On the stage, I lost. Thank you for showing mercy."

Lu Ming hadn't expected her to be so blunt, and shook his head slightly: "Senior Sister, you're too kind. Fellow disciples shouldn't fight to the death in friendly sparring."

Xia Yufei nodded slightly and did not mention the matter again.

With a flick of her wrist, a longsword with a sheath appeared in her palm. The sheath was shaped like flowing clouds, pure white with subtle cloud patterns. It looked simple, yet it exuded an indescribable spiritual charm, as if shrouded in a thin mist under the moonlight.

"This sword is named Snow in the Clouds. Although it is not a world-renowned weapon, it is a spiritual treasure, far superior to ordinary magic weapons." Her voice was exceptionally clear in the night.

With a wave of her hand, Xia Yufei gently suspended Yun Jianxue in front of Lu Ming, her movements slow and solemn.

Lu Ming was startled upon hearing this and quickly waved his hand to decline, saying, "Senior Sister Xia, there's no need for that. The sword shattering was due to my inferior skill. Such a precious treasure is far too valuable for me to accept."

"Do you think I'm some kind of compensation for your sword?" Xia Yufei's tone turned cold, her voice becoming even more icy, yet tinged with resentment.

"This sword is to repay your kindness in stopping me at the last moment. Moreover, I won the championship and also obtained a spiritual treasure. This sword is yours. From now on, we owe each other nothing. Don't expect me to be grateful anymore."

As soon as she finished speaking, she didn't look at Lu Ming again. She turned around and flew away into the night, disappearing without a trace in an instant.

Lu Ming stood there, stunned by her words, feeling frustrated and unsure where he had gone wrong.

Seeing Xia Yufei fly away, Zhao Ling could no longer contain herself and burst out laughing, "Lu Ming, you're truly a case of being all talk and no action! The fairy Xia actually offered her a sword for the first time ever, and you drove her away!"

Lu Ming felt even more frustrated and frowned as he asked, "Senior brother, what did I say wrong? Why did I make her leave?"

Zhao Ling glanced at him, her face full of helplessness: "You said that fellow disciples shouldn't fight to the death in a sparring match, clearly accusing her of being too ruthless."

You claim you're less skilled than her, but you almost beat her even though you're less skilled. Isn't that a dig at her?

"I...I absolutely did not mean that." Upon hearing this, Lu Ming felt a headache coming on and his expression became flustered. He realized that his humble words had been interpreted in a different way by the other party. No wonder Xia Yufei had shown displeasure before leaving.

"I will return the sword tomorrow and apologize as well; this magical treasure is far too valuable," Lu Ming said earnestly.

Zhao Ling slapped her forehead, feeling even more speechless: "You blockhead! Since they left the sword behind, wouldn't it be disrespectful to return it?"

She is the successor of the Fuyao Holy Land, the future Holy Maiden of Fuyao. What is a spiritual treasure to her? Keep it safe. Next time you meet, show her concern first, and then casually offer a few words of praise.

Listening to Zhao Ling's words, Lu Ming felt enlightened, as if struck by a sudden awakening. He felt even more respect for Zhao Ling: "What Senior Brother said is absolutely right. Lu Ming has learned a lot."

He suddenly remembered the competition and asked curiously, "Senior brother, what were the results of the final competition? Did Senior Sister Xia win first place?"

"Of course, in the later battles, she was able to fully unleash the first move of the Nine Tribulations of Soaring Cloud Annihilation, and its power far exceeded that of the battle against you."

"At such a young age, with such cultivation, to be able to unleash such extraordinary skills is truly a genius. How can anyone else possibly stop him?" Zhao Ling patiently explained.

"Xia Yufei's fighting skills are amazing, but Nangong Yu's fighting skills are heartbreaking to watch," Zhao Ling said, shaking her head.

"Why does it hurt to see you like this?" Lu Ming asked, puzzled.

Zhao Ling shook her head repeatedly, her face full of heartache. "He relied entirely on spirit stones and magical treasures to get ahead! He had top-grade spirit stones constantly supplying him with spiritual power, and he was throwing high-grade talismans and array flags at him like they were free. He also had several defensive magical treasures. He could wear someone down just by exhausting them. Watching this battle was heartbreaking; it was such a waste!"

Lu Ming stared in disbelief, and after a long pause, finally uttered, "It's good to be rich!"

"That's natural. In the path of cultivation, wealth, companions, methods, and environment are all important, but wealth comes first." Zhao Ling's expression suddenly turned serious. "But you must remember, even if you get the opportunity in the future, you must never follow his example."

"I know, we need to be careful with our money," Lu Ming replied.

"No," Zhao Ling shook her head. "You lack experience in the martial world. You should know not to flaunt your wealth. Cultivators outside the academy are different. Murder and robbery are commonplace. When you go down the mountain to gain experience in the future, remember to keep your abilities hidden."

"Thank you for the reminder, senior brother."

Lu Ming felt a chill run down his spine as he recalled the trial of the heart during Dao Qi's time. He had personally experienced the cruelty of the cultivation world in his dream, but as time passed, those scenes had faded. Only now, when they were mentioned again, did he recall fragments of the events.

He secretly resolved that in his spare time from meditation, he would recall the trial scenes as a way to accumulate experience in the martial arts world.

Under the moonlight, the spirit sword Cloud Snow floated quietly. Lu Ming could clearly feel the spirituality within the sword, as well as a trace of Xia Yufei's unique sword intent.

He remained silent for a moment, then reached out and gently stroked the cool scabbard. His fingertips touched the delicate cloud patterns, and a strange resonance arose within them.

Zhao Ling patted his shoulder: "Rest well, and cherish this sword." After saying that, she turned and went back to the outer room.

Lu Ming entered the room holding the Cloud Snow sword, his fingertips caressing the cloud patterns on the scabbard. The more he looked at the sword, the more he liked it.

He slowly leaned back against the headboard, sword in hand. The moonlight outside the window was perfect, filling the room with its clear glow, which fell on the sword and rippled with a faint spiritual light.