However, the canon clearly recorded that once the upper volume was cultivated to the Great Perfection realm, a cultivator would not need to break through to the Xiantian Realm. Relying solely on their Houtian Realm cultivation, they could condense a wisp of pure, fierce, and hidden sword qi in their mouth.
This sword qi was formless and hid a deadly intent. It could be suddenly spat out when an opponent was caught off guard, instantly killing them.
A bright light flickered in Ye Ling's eyes, her heart overflowing with joy.
With the enhancement of this cultivation method, her combat strength in the Houtian Realm would completely surpass other cultivators of the same realm.
Even if she faced an early-stage Xiantian Realm martial artist, she would possess a lethal trump card even without using her half-step Sword Force.
Although her heart burned with an intense desire to cultivate triggered by the profundity of the 《Qinglan Sword Canon》, making her want to enter closed-door cultivation right then and there, Ye Ling thought of Nalan Yanli, who was still waiting for her outside the Library, and forced down the restlessness in her heart.
Since the sect-guarding cultivation method was safely in her hands, there was no need to rush.
Her immediate priority was to select a few Yellow-grade peak-tier martial arts that suited her to make up for her lack of combat techniques.
With this in mind, Ye Ling put away the upper volume of the 《Qinglan Sword Canon》, turned, and headed downstairs. Passing through the floors, she quickly arrived at the second floor of the Library.
Although the Qinglan Sword Sect was founded on the sword path, as the leader of the four major sects with tens of thousands of disciples, not everyone specialized in swordplay.
The sect also accommodated a large number of martial artists who did not practice the sword, covering various martial paths such as fist techniques, movement techniques, leg techniques, and secret arts. As a result, the Library's collection was extremely comprehensive.
Looking around, the bookshelves on the second floor stretched out endlessly, and the vast collection of books was dizzying to behold.
A majestic martial arts Dao charm lingered throughout the entire floor, enough to overwhelm the eyes of any Houtian Realm martial artist.
Ye Ling's mind was clear, and she quickly cast aside all distracting thoughts.
She knew the shortcomings in her strength and remembered the sect tournament in six months.
With only six months of cultivation time at most, biting off more than she could chew would only result in an unstable foundation. Blindly cultivating too many things was not the way.
She quickly made up her mind to select only three Yellow-grade peak-tier martial arts.
One sharp sword technique to focus on killing enemies.
One swift movement technique for dodging and repositioning.
One agile leg technique to serve as a backup for close-quarters surprise attacks.
These three martial arts would cover offense, evasion, and close-quarters assault, perfectly matching her current cultivation level.
Before long, Ye Ling had selected the three martial arts. She gathered the manuals and walked straight to the reception desk.
Seeing the green-clad girl who had arrived with Senior Sister Nalan earlier, the disciple on duty quickly stepped forward to receive her.
According to the regulations, borrowing martial arts from the second floor required deducting sect contribution points.
However, when Ye Ling took out the Sect Master's Token and it glowed with a faint green spiritual light, the two disciples instantly turned solemn.
They recognized this as the symbol of the sect's highest authority. Anyone holding this token could borrow martial arts from any floor unconditionally, without needing any contribution points.
Without requiring any procedures, the library guards quickly bowed and let her pass.
Ye Ling put away the token and calmly walked out of the Library.
As the clear sunlight fell upon her shoulders, Ye Ling looked up and saw Nalan Yanli waiting outside.
At this moment, Nalan Yanli showed none of her previous gentle and dignified demeanor. She was bored out of her mind, teasing the birds in the forest by herself.
Wisps of soft white spiritual energy flowed from her fingertips, gently wrapping around a flock of small birds and letting them circle around her.
The spiritual wind blew gently, and the birds chirped crisply. She looked completely relaxed and at ease.
Ye Ling did not speak to disturb her, quietly standing at the doorway and watching.
When Nalan Yanli's gaze accidentally swept past the entrance and suddenly caught sight of Ye Ling standing there quietly, her entire body stiffened, a look of slight surprise crossing her face.
In the next second, she immediately withdrew her playful attitude. With a wave of her hand, she dispersed the spiritual energy and straightened her posture, returning to her gentle and proper senior sister persona.
She spoke with a hint of embarrassment, “The weather is quite nice today... You chose so quickly?”
Ye Ling nodded slightly. “Yes, Senior Sister Nalan, I've chosen.”
Regaining her composure, Nalan Yanli smiled calmly and raised her hand to lead the way. “Then I will take you to your exclusive residence now. Follow me.”
As she led the way, she explained in detail, “Your residence is also on the Sect Master Peak, situated halfway up the mountain. It is a distance away from my courtyard, Master's, and those of several senior brothers and sisters. It's a secluded spot with few disturbances, perfect for quiet cultivation.”
Ye Ling nodded upon hearing this.
Nalan Yanli continued to chatter, “I am the youngest personal disciple under Master. I originally had a senior brother and a senior sister above me. However, they have been traveling abroad all year round and haven't returned for many years. Right now, the only permanent residents on the Sect Master Peak are Master, me, and now you. I've been in the sect for three full years. Having nothing better to do, I often wander around the various peaks, so I've made quite a few friends among our fellow disciples.”
Ye Ling suddenly understood why the disciples along the way had all taken the initiative to greet Nalan Yanli.
Recalling how she had been teasing the birds alone just now, she thought to herself that Senior Sister Nalan's cheerful, easygoing nature and warm treatment of others made it perfectly natural for her to be so popular.
About half an hour later, the two arrived halfway up the Sect Master Peak.
Before them, a vast expanse of lush green bamboo forest unfolded, filling their vision with verdant green. A smooth bluestone path wound through the shadows of the bamboo.
Following the path inward, an elegant small courtyard sat quietly deep within the bamboo forest.
Beside the courtyard, a clear mountain stream flowed gently, the water babbling softly, and the surroundings were exceptionally quiet and serene.
Such a quiet and undisturbed environment was exactly what Ye Ling wanted, and a hint of joy could not help but color her cold eyes.
Nalan Yanli pushed open the bamboo gate, and the scenery inside the courtyard was fully revealed to Ye Ling.
The courtyard was not very spacious, but its layout was exquisite.
A ring of green bamboo surrounded the courtyard walls, and a few light-colored orchids grew in the corner, sending over a faint fragrance with the breeze.
The mountain stream flowed right alongside the wall, its babbling water isolating them from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.
The ground in the courtyard was paved with smooth bluestone slabs, and an open space for sword practice was cleared in the center, featuring a simple stone sword post.
The entire courtyard was hidden among thousands of green bamboos, offering an elegant view and complete tranquility.
Seeing the joy on her face, Nalan Yanli smiled. “It's great that you like it. Master specifically ordered that this courtyard be cleaned up for you. It will be your residence from now on. If you feel like you're missing anything, just let me know.”
Ye Ling turned to look at Nalan Yanli and said earnestly, “It is already very good. Thank you for escorting me all the way, Senior Sister.”
Nalan Yanli waved her hand and laughed. “No need to be so polite, we are fellow disciples. Go ahead and settle in first, I won't disturb you. Come find me anytime if you need anything.” With that, she turned and left with light steps.
Ye Ling watched her walk away, then stepped into the courtyard alone.
She walked around the courtyard, inspecting every corner, and then pushed open the door of the wooden cabin.
The interior furnishings were simple: a bed, a table, a chair, and a bronze lamp resting on the table.
A small window was set near the bed, looking directly out onto the bamboo forest.
She took out her belongings from her storage bag and arranged them one by one.
Ye Ling sat down by the bed and closed her eyes to regulate her breathing for a moment.
Outside the window, the sound of the stream babbled, and the bamboo leaves swayed gently in the wind.
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